Latest news with #BinodChaudhary
India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Meet richest man in Nepal, only billionaire in the country, owns a famous noodle brand, has over 140 hotels worldwide, his name is..., net worth is...
In India, Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani is the richest person with a net worth of USD 107.1 billion, followed by Gautam Adani, who has USD 78 billion. In Nepal, there is only one billionaire and his name is Binod Chaudhary, who has around USD 2 billion (about Rs. 16,700 crore) as per Forbes. Binod Chaudhary is most famous for starting Wai Wai noodles, which became very popular and even challenged big brands like Maggi. His business journey began in Kathmandu, inspired by his family's business background and by icons like JRD Tata and Amitabh Bachchan. During a trip to Thailand, he discovered instant noodles, and that's where the idea for Wai Wai was born. The noodles became a big hit not just in Nepal, but also in India and other countries. But Binod Chaudhary didn't stop there. Over the years, he expanded into many other businesses. He worked with National Panasonic, helped bring Suzuki cars to Nepal, and moved into sectors like banking, hotels, and real estate. His company, the Chaudhary Group, now manages 143 luxury hotel properties around the world. This includes a partnership with India's Taj hotel group. In 2019, his group teamed up with the Tata Group to run the Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers hotel in Dubai, which even won a major award in 2020. Binod Chaudhary was born into a business family in Kathmandu. When his father became seriously ill, he had to take charge of the family business at a young age. He gave up his dream of becoming a chartered accountant and chose the path of entrepreneurship instead. With hard work and vision, he turned the family business into a global company, helping Nepal's economy grow along the way. Today, under his leadership, the Chaudhary Group runs over 80 companies in more than 30 countries. Chaudhary is also known for his kindness and social work. After the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, he donated over Rs. 20 crore to help rebuild homes and schools, and sent essential supplies to those who were affected. Besides business, he is also an author and filmmaker. His autobiography, 'Making It Big,' shares his life story and the lessons he learned while building his empire.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
How Wai Wai noodles went from Nepal's kitchens to global shelves
As Wai Wai launched its new range of instant cup noodles last month, founder Binod Chaudhary took a moment to reflect on how it all began. The Nepal-based brand first hit the shelves in 1984, entering the market quietly, but it did not stay quiet for long. In no time, Wai Wai shook up the instant noodle scene. The brand made its Indian debut in the Northeast, gradually winding its way across the country. So, what prompted Binod to take that first bold leap? He recalls a moment of serendipity: 'That was 35 years ago. Travellers returning from Thailand with bags of instant noodles sparked my curiosity as a bystander,' he says. 'The businessman in me spotted a gap. Even though Maggi ruled the market, I believed Nepal deserved its own brand.' His decision was not met with universal support. 'Many advised me not to bother,' he admits. 'But facing those doubts only pushed me harder. I wanted to create something that would become a staple snack, and I'm proud we did.' Wai Wai now positions itself as the third-largest instant noodle brand in India. It reported revenues of ₹800 crore and is aiming for ₹1,200 crore by 2026. What began as a single product has grown into a portfolio of 200 to 250 SKUs, with a footprint in over 30 countries. Part of what made Wai Wai stand out from the very beginning was its packaging, and how people could eat it. Each pack came with a tastemaker, flavoured oil, and a spiced powder, offering more than just convenience. It offered choice. 'It was the versatility that set Wai Wai apart,' says Binod. 'From day one, you could eat it straight from the packet as chur-mur (a type of snack where the ingredients are crushed and peppered with potatoes and spices), boil it into a hot noodle soup, or mix it into snacks like Wai Wai bhel or alu mimi, a comforting, runny potato curry with crushed noodles that's popular in Darjeeling.' The inspiration came from Thailand, where he had observed people eating noodles in all kinds of creative ways. 'We took that idea and adapted it for Nepal. Especially the chur-mur style, in flavours like Schezwan and tomato — it really clicked with the younger crowd. Over time, it became a snack loved across generations.' Wai Wai's journey began in a modest factory in Saibu, Bhainsepati, in Nepal's Lalitpur district. By 2006, the brand had made its first international leap, setting up a factory in Rangpo, Sikkim. Today, Wai Wai has product lines like Wai Wai Xpress and Wai Wai Quick, catering to a global audience. But the idea was not just about noodles, it was about bold diversification. Binod Chaudhary, then running his family's textile business, Arun Emporium, saw an opportunity in food. 'I believed Nepalese consumers would welcome a different taste and more flexibility,' Binod says. 'We introduced flavours like spicy chicken and veg masala, now pantry staples across Nepal and India. Our initial success at home gave us the confidence to grow into India, where we tailored products for local preferences with flavours like jain masala and tomato chatpata.' To get the flavours just right, the early team travelled to Thailand, studying how noodles were made and consumed. 'We kept the name 'Wai Wai' from the Thai brand — it was catchy and worked well in our markets,' Binod adds. 'Flavours like classic masala and chicken were refined through trials and feedback. Our first taste-testers were our own families and young people in Kathmandu. That local connection mattered.'
India.com
30-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani is the richest man in India, but who's the richest in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka? Here's how they make their fortune
Reliance gets huge business of... starts venture with world's largest asset manager, its name is..., Mukesh Ambani's earnings to go up by... Mukesh Ambani is the richest person in India right now. His net worth is around Rs. 9.20 lakh crore. He is also the wealthiest person in Asia and ranks 17th among the richest people in the world. Ambani is the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, a huge business group that works in many areas like oil and gas, retail, telecom, new energy, textiles, and technology. That's about India's richest man. But have you ever wondered, who are the richest people in India's neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh? Let's take a quick look and find out who holds the top spot in each of these countries. Pakistan – Shahid Khan The richest person from Pakistan is Shahid Khan. He holds dual citizenship in Pakistan and the US and lives in the United States. Shahid Khan owns the automobile parts company Flex-N-Gate and is also the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, an American football team in the NFL. His current net worth is around Rs. 1.18 lakh crore (Indian currency). Shahid Khan moved to the US and bought Flex-N-Gate from his former employer in 1980. Since then, his wealth has grown steadily. Nepal – Binod Chaudhary Nepal has only one billionaire i.e. Binod Chaudhary. He is the owner of CG Corp Global and is best known for the popular instant noodles brand Wai Wai. He also owns a major stake in Nabil Bank, one of Nepal's leading banks. Wai Wai noodles are made in factories in India, Bangladesh, Serbia, and soon Egypt. Binod Chaudhary's total wealth is around Rs. 17,377 crore, and he is ranked 1,880th on the global list of billionaires. Sri Lanka – Ishara Nanayakkara In Sri Lanka, Ishara Nanayakkara is believed to be the richest person. According to older reports, his net worth in 2023 was about USD 1.6 billion, which is approximately ₹13,900 crore today. He is the Deputy Chairman of LOLC Holdings PLC, a major Sri Lankan company listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. The company's market value is around Rs. 7,570 crore in Indian rupees. Bangladesh – Moosa Bin Shamsher Bangladesh's richest person is believed to be Moosa Bin Shamsher. According to media reports, his net worth is close to Rs. 1 lakh crore. He is known as a wealthy businessman and arms dealer. He founded DATCO Group, a firm that mainly works in manpower recruitment. Despite controversy around him, he remains one of Bangladesh's most talked-about billionaires.
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India.com
09-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Meet Richest Man In Nepal: Only Billionaire In Country, Inspired By Ratan Tata, His Business Is….—Find Out His Net Worth
photoDetails english 2929333 Updated:Jul 09, 2025, 06:38 PM IST Meet Nepal's Only Billionaire 1 / 8 Binod Chaudhary is Nepal's richest man and its only billionaire. A businessman, politician, and philanthropist, he is the chairman of the Chaudhary Group (CG), a multi-industry conglomerate. In 2013, he entered Forbes' billionaire list with a net worth of 1 billion dollars. Today, his fortune has grown to 1.8 billion dollars (approx. Rs 15,000 crore). The Noodles That Built a Billionaire 2 / 8 Chaudhary's biggest success story is Wai Wai noodles. Inspired during a trip to Thailand, he noticed the instant noodle trend and brought it to Nepal. Wai Wai became a massive hit for its quick cooking and bold flavors. It later expanded to India and global markets, earning Chaudhary global recognition. From Small Store to Global Empire 3 / 8 Born into a business family in Kathmandu, Chaudhary took over the reins of the family business when his father fell ill. He gave up his dream of becoming a chartered accountant and dove into entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, the Chaudhary Group grew into a powerhouse with over 80 companies in 30+ countries. More Than Just Noodles 4 / 8 While Wai Wai is his flagship, Chaudhary's business empire is diverse. He partnered with Panasonic, brought Suzuki cars to Nepal, and founded the Singapore-based Cinnovation Group in 1990. In 1995, he took control of Nepal's Nabil Bank, further strengthening his financial influence. Business with a Global Vision 5 / 8 Chaudhary Group has interests in finance, telecom, hospitality, infrastructure, and consumer goods. His CG Hotels and Resorts operates luxury properties worldwide. Chaudhary's goal: to put Nepal on the global business map while staying rooted in local values. His Role Models and Influences 6 / 8 Chaudhary credits his father and grandfather for shaping his early values. He draws inspiration from Ratan Tata, JRD Tata, and Nelson Mandela. Among celebrities, he's a fan of Amitabh Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor, admiring their charisma and resilience. Beyond Business 7 / 8 Binod Chaudhary is also an author and filmmaker. His autobiography, Making It Big, shares lessons from his journey. As a philanthropist, he supports disaster relief, education, and health care in Nepal through the Chaudhary Foundation. A Billionaire Who Believes in Purpose 8 / 8 Despite being Nepal's only billionaire, Chaudhary stays humble and focused on impact. He believes business must serve a higher purpose. Inspired by legends, driven by vision, Binod Chaudhary is more than just wealthy—he's a force of change for Nepal. (Images credit: File Photo/Forbes)
India.com
08-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Meet Nepal's only billionaire, owns 136 companies, net worth is Rs 154384785180; no match for Mukesh Ambani, Adani, his business is...
Binod Chaudhary (File) India, the pre-eminent economic and military power in the subcontinent, is known as the hub of billionaires whose numbers keep rising each year. However, India's neighbors are smaller and economically weaker, and consequently have fewer billionaires and high net-worth individuals, with Nepal having a solo billionaire, Binod Chaudhary. Let us find out more about Binod Chaudhary, the only Nepali billionaire in the world. Who is Binod Chaudhary? Born in a Marwari business family in Kathmandu, Binod Chaudhary is a businessman-turned-politician and the only Nepali-origin billionaire in the world. Binod's family has deep roots in India; his grandfather migrated from Rajasthan to Nepal, and later Binod's father established the country's first departmental store. Growing up Binod Chaudhary wanted to pursue higher studies but ultimately joined the family business after his father was diagnosed with a fatal heart ailment. Chaudhary gave up his chartered accountancy course in India and took over the family business, and later expanded it to phenomenal levels under his leadership. What is Binod Chaudhary's business? Binod Chaudhary runs the Chaudhary Group, also known as CG Corp Global, a multinational conglomerate that owns 136 businesses across multiple sectors including banking, consumer apparel, education, hotels, electronics, energy and medicine. Some of the well-known brands and firms owned by the Chaudhary Group include the popular 'Wai Wai' noodles, and Nepal's Nabil Bank. The conglomerate also owns and operates 143 hotels and resorts, including several 5-star hotels in collaboration with India's Taj Hotels chain. In 1973, Binod Chaudhary opened Nepal's iconic disco, and in 1984 introduced the Wai Wai noodles brand in the country. The business tycoon also partnered with top brands like Suzuki and Panasonic, and 1995, acquired a controlling stake in Nabil Bank from the Dubai government. How much is Binod Chaudhary's net worth? Binod Chaudhary, the sole billionaire from Nepal, has a net worth of $2 billion, as of July 8, 2025, according to Forbes Real Time Billionaires List.
