Kalpana Saroj’s life story is a testament to resilience and determination, transforming her from a young girl facing dire hardships to one of India’s most influential business leaders. Her rise from humble beginnings to saving a failing enterprise exemplifies the power of grit and vision in overcoming adversity. As per reports, she is said to be a first female female entrepreneur.
Often celebrated as a trailblazer among Indian female entrepreneurs, Kalpana Saroj redefined success by defying societal norms and economic challenges. Her journey, from enduring poverty and prejudice to revitalizing the struggling Kamani Tubes company, has inspired countless aspiring business leaders.
Born in 1961 in Roperkheda, Akola, Maharashtra, into a Marathi Buddhist family, Saroj was the eldest of five siblings. Her early years were fraught with hardship; married off at the age of 12, she endured abuse and was eventually rescued by her father. Yet, her return to her village brought new challenges, including ostracism and a suicide attempt. At 16, she moved to Mumbai, where she took on factory work to support her family and lay the groundwork for a better future.
Saroj’s business journey began with a small tailoring venture funded by a government loan for scheduled caste individuals. This venture soon expanded into a furniture business, marking her first steps toward building a business empire. Her foray into real estate and subsequent ventures further solidified her reputation as a savvy entrepreneur.
Her defining moment came in 2001 when she assumed control of Kamani Tubes, a nearly defunct company. Under her leadership, the firm was restructured and restored to profitability, cementing her legacy as a visionary leader. Today, Saroj’s personal wealth is estimated at $112 million (917 crore), making her a beacon of entrepreneurial success.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Saroj ventured into filmmaking, founding KS Film Production. Among her notable works is Khairlanji, a film addressing social issues, which was produced in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and English.
A devout follower of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Saroj embraces Buddhism as her guiding philosophy. After remarrying in 1980, she had two children, Amar and Seema Saroj. Following the untimely death of her husband in 1989, she successfully managed his steel cupboard manufacturing business.
Kalpana Saroj’s extraordinary achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2013 for her contributions to trade and industry. She serves on the boards of Bhartiya Mahila Bank and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, inspiring the next generation of leaders with her story of perseverance and triumph.
