Vedanta chairman’s son Agnivesh dies at 49 in US:Anil Agarwal writes on X, ‘He was my world’; businessman’s journey from Patna to becoming India’s ‘Metal King’

Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal’s son, Agnivesh Agarwal, passed away at the age of 49 following a sudden cardiac arrest in the United States. Anil Agarwal confirmed the news through a social media post, calling it the ‘saddest day’ of his life. Agnivesh had been undergoing treatment at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York after suffering injuries in a skiing accident. According to the family, his health had been improving, but he suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest. Anil Agarwal shares emotional message In a post on X, Anil Agarwal wrote that Agnivesh was born on June 3, 1976, in Patna. He described his son as an athlete, musician and leader, known for his humility, warmth and kindness. Agarwal wrote, Today is the saddest day of my life. My beloved son Agnivesh bid us farewell too soon. He was healthy, full of life and had many dreams. For me, he was not just my son, but my friend, my pride and my world. He added that he and his wife Kiran Agarwal are devastated by the loss. Family shares photographs Along with the announcement, Anil Agarwal shared family photographs with Agnivesh on social media. The images showed moments from family gatherings, showing their close bond. The news has led to an outpouring of condolences from business leaders, political figures and employees across the Vedanta Group. Agnivesh Agarwal’s education and personal life Agnivesh Agarwal studied at Mayo College, Ajmer, one of India’s premier institutions. He later built a professional career in the metals and mining sector, following the path laid by his father. He was married to Pooja Bangur, daughter of Hari Mohan Bangur, Managing Director of Shree Cement. Their wedding, held at Fort Aguada Resort in Goa, was among the most talked-about high-profile business family weddings of its time, attended by over 600 guests, many of whom arrived via chartered flights. Agnivesh’s professional career Agnivesh held several key positions within the Vedanta Group and its subsidiaries. He served as: Colleagues described him as a low-profile professional who focused on operational roles rather than public appearances. Anil Agarwal’s journey from Patna to global business leader Anil Agarwal was born in 1954 in a Marwari family in Patna, Bihar. His father Dwarka Prasad Agarwal ran a small aluminium conductor business. Anil helped his father from a young age and studied in a government school. Later, he moved to Chomu and Sikar in Rajasthan for part of his education before returning to Patna. Move to Mumbai and early struggles At the age of 19, Anil Agarwal moved to Mumbai in search of better opportunities. He arrived with little more than a tiffin box and bedding. Over the next few years, he attempted multiple small businesses, including scrap trading, but faced repeated failures. Speaking at Cambridge University later in life, Agarwal recalled that his first three decades were marked by struggle and financial stress. He said his wife Kiran played a crucial role in supporting him during those years. Founding of Vedanta In 1976, Anil Agarwal established Vedanta Resources. Unlike his earlier ventures, Vedanta began generating profits, which he reinvested to expand the business. In 1993, Vedanta set up an aluminium sheets and foils manufacturing plant in Aurangabad, marking a key milestone. The group later became India’s first private copper refinery company. Govt disinvestment and rise as ‘Metal King’ A turning point came in 2001, when the Government of India offered stakes in public sector undertakings to private players. Vedanta acquired: Both companies were struggling at the time. Vedanta’s operational expertise transformed them into profitable entities, establishing Anil Agarwal as India’s ‘Metal King’. In 2003, after regulatory challenges involving Sterlite Industries in India, Anil Agarwal shifted base to London and restructured the group under Vedanta Resources. Vedanta became the first Indian company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange, raising approximately ₹7,000 crore. This move paved the way for several Indian firms to access global capital markets. Vedanta Group’s reputation in today’s era Vedanta is now one of the world’s largest producers of zinc, lead, aluminium and silver, with a market capitalisation of around ₹83,000 crore. According to Forbes’ July 2025 list, Anil Agarwal’s personal wealth stands at approximately ₹35,000 crore, making him the richest person from Bihar. He ranks 16th in the Hurun India Rich List 2025 and fourth among NRI Wealth Creators. Vedanta has contributed over ₹3.39 lakh crore in taxes to the Indian exchequer over the past eight years. Anil Agarwal’s family Anil Agarwal and his wife Kiran Agarwal have two children: Agnivesh Agarwal (deceased), Priya Agarwal Hebbar. Priya Agarwal Hebbar married banker Akarsh Hebbar in 2013. The couple has a daughter named Mahi. Priya currently serves as: She holds degrees in Psychology and Business Management from the University of Warwick, UK, and oversees ESG, investor relations, corporate communications, HR and social impact initiatives at Vedanta. Agnivesh Agarwal’s sudden passing has left the Agarwal family and the Vedanta Group in deep mourning. While details of the last rites have not yet been publicly announced, messages of condolence continue to pour in from across India and abroad.