Among the wealthiest people in the country, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani are often mentioned, but there is another prominent businessman in West Bengal. This is Benu Gopal Bangur, who is listed among India's richest individuals with a capital of about 55,000 crore rupees. His company, Shree Cement, is a major player in the cement sector of the stock market, contributing to long-term investor enrichment.
Despite the rise in the number of young billionaires in India, the influence of older magnates remains significant. Benu Gopal Bangur, born in 1931, has reached the age of 95. According to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires Index, his net worth is estimated at $5.8 billion, equivalent to approximately 55,000 crore rupees.
Benu Gopal Bangur is closely associated with the cement business through his company, Shree Cement. He served as the Chairman of Shree Cement from 1992 to 2002 and is currently the Chairman Emeritus. The Bangur Group belongs to one of the oldest business dynasties in the country. The group's founders were his grandfather Mungi Ram Bangur and his brother Ram Kumar Bangur. In 1991, various enterprises of the group were divided into five parts, after which Benu Gopal took charge of the cement division and elevated it from the beginning to a high level.
Benu Gopal Bangur's business acumen was inherited. His grandfather founded Shree Cement in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in 1979. When the family business was divided, he left a large stake in Shree Cements—65 percent—in his will. In 1992, Benu Gopal Bangur assumed this responsibility and became the Chairman of Shree Cement. A graduate of Calcutta University, Benu Gopal took on this role due to his abilities and understanding, further developing the company. Initially, this cement brand was known as Bangur Cement.
Under Benu Gopal Bangur's leadership, Shree Cement achieved an impressive journey over 22 years. As the business grew, so did the company's shares, and consequently, his personal wealth. If the share price of Shree Cement was only 30.30 rupees on July 6, 2001, by the market close on September 3, 2026, the value of this cement asset reached 23,895 rupees. With Benu Gopal Bangur's net worth around 55,000 crore rupees, the market value of Shree Cement reached 86,550 crore rupees.
Shree Cement produces and markets its products under brands such as Roofon, Bangur Power, Shree Jang Rodhak, and Rockstrong. After stepping down as chairman in 2022, the company is now managed by his son Hari Mohan (Chairman) and grandson Prashant (Vice President). Benu Gopal Bangur's company has not only made him a billionaire but has also enriched its investors. Since July 6, 2001, the company has provided investors with a multiple buyer return of 78,760%. This means that an investment of 100,000 rupees could have turned into 78,860,000 rupees.