Kalpana Saroj’s journey is a true testament to resilience and determination, evolving from a young girl facing immense hardships to becoming one of India’s most impactful business leaders. Rising from humble beginnings, she turned around a failing enterprise, showcasing the power of grit and vision. Reports highlight her as India’s first female entrepreneur.
Hailed as a pioneer among Indian women entrepreneurs, Saroj shattered societal norms and economic barriers to achieve unparalleled success. From enduring poverty and prejudice to reviving the struggling Kamani Tubes company, her inspiring journey continues to motivate countless aspiring leaders.
Born in 1961 in Roperkheda, Akola, Maharashtra, into a Marathi Buddhist family, Saroj was the eldest of five siblings. Her early life was marked by hardship, including a child marriage at 12 that led to abuse. Rescued by her father, she faced ostracism upon her return to the village, leading to a suicide attempt. Determined to change her fate, she moved to Mumbai at 16, taking up factory work to support her family and secure a brighter future.
Saroj began her entrepreneurial journey with a small tailoring business funded through a government loan for scheduled caste individuals. This venture soon expanded into a furniture business, laying the foundation of her entrepreneurial empire. She later ventured into real estate and other industries, earning a reputation as a strategic business leader. Her pivotal moment came in 2001 when she took over Kamani Tubes, a failing company, and restored it to profitability, cementing her legacy. Today, her net worth is estimated at $112 million (₹917 crore), symbolizing her extraordinary achievements.
In addition to her corporate success, Saroj explored filmmaking by founding KS Film Production. One of her notable works is Khairlanji, a film addressing social issues, produced in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and English. A devoted follower of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Saroj draws inspiration from Buddhism as her guiding philosophy.
After remarrying in 1980, she had two children, Amar and Seema Saroj. Following her husband’s death in 1989, she successfully managed his steel cupboard manufacturing business. Honored with numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2013 for her contributions to trade and industry, Saroj also serves on the boards of Bhartiya Mahila Bank and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. Her story of perseverance and success continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.
