Kalanithi Maran is an exceptionally impressive individual, with a level of influence and success that few can match. If you're familiar with Sun TV, a well-known regional South Indian television channel, you likely recognize this remarkable figure. As the chairman and founder of the Sun Group, a media conglomerate, and the owner of the IPL team SunRisers Hyderabad, Kalanithi Maran is not only highly accomplished but also among the most highly compensated business executives in India. His astounding net worth is sure to leave you astounded.

In 1990, Kalanithi Maran embarked on his journey by establishing a monthly Tamil magazine named Poomaalai. Unfortunately, due to issues with piracy, the magazine ceased publication in 1992. This setback led to the inception of Sun TV, which was launched by Maran in 1993. The company's growth trajectory was remarkable, and in 2006, it successfully raised USD 133 million (INR 1,100 crore approx.) by listing on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), selling 10 percent of its share capital. This significant milestone propelled Kalanithi Maran, the owner of SunRisers Hyderabad, into the ranks of billionaires, consequently amplifying his net worth.

By 2010, Kalanithi Maran had become the 17th wealthiest individual in India, boasting a net worth of USD 4 billion (INR 330.97 crore approx.). Alongside his wife, Kavery Maran, he was recognized as one of the highest-paid business executives in India, as highlighted in the executive pay charts of the same year. Their combined salary package in 2014-2015 amounted to USD 7.8 million (INR 64 crore approx.) each. Since then, the net worth of the owner of SunRisers Hyderabad has experienced substantial growth. Let's delve into Kalanithi Maran's current net worth.

All about SunRisers Hyderabad owner Kalanithi Maran’s net worth

Kalanithi Maran, known as the "Television King of Southern India," has established an impressive media empire. He possesses television channels, newspapers, weeklies, FM radio stations, DTH services, and even a movie production house. Furthermore, he held a significant stake in Spice Jet, an Indian airline, from 2010 to 2015. All of these ventures contribute to Kalanithi Maran's remarkable net worth.

According to Forbes, Kalanithi Maran currently boasts a net worth of USD 2.3 billion (INR 1,903 crore approx.). He occupies the 1337th position in the global business landscape and is the 77th wealthiest individual in India. His exceptional net worth led him to top the Tamil Nadu state list of the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List in 2019, with an estimated net worth of USD 2 billion approx. (INR 1,910 crore).

Kalanithi Maran comes from a notable political family. He is the grandnephew of M. Karunanidhi, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and the son of Murasoli Maran, a former Union Minister of India. His younger brother, Dayanidhi Maran, also served as a former minister. However, Kalanithi chose a different path, distancing himself from politics and founding the Sun Group. He completed his schooling at Don Bosco School in Egmore, Chennai, and went on to graduate in commerce from Loyola College, Chennai. He further pursued an MBA from the University of Scranton. Kalanithi Maran is married to Kaveri, a native of Coorg, and they have a daughter named Kavya Maran, who is a co-owner of SunRisers Hyderabad.

What comes under the Sun Group?

The Sun Group conglomerate encompasses the expansive Sun TV Network, which consists of 33 television channels and reaches approximately 54 million households. Additionally, the company holds ownership of 48 FM radio stations, including Suryan FM and Red FM. They are also involved in the publication of a few print media outlets and operate Sun Direct, a direct-to-home service provider with an estimated subscriber base of 10 million. The conglomerate further expands its reach through Sumangali Cable Vision (SCV), a cable distribution business. Adding to their diverse portfolio, the Sun Group owns the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). In terms of financial performance, the group reported consolidated revenues of around USD 483 million (INR 4,000 crore) for the fiscal year 2015.

The business tycoon’s association with Spice Jet

In 2010, the media tycoon based in Chennai ventured into the aviation industry by acquiring SpiceJet, which was the second-largest low-cost carrier in India at the time. He invested a significant sum of over USD 120 million (INR 1,000 crore) in the acquisition. However, he decided to exit the business in January 2015 due to financial difficulties faced by the airline, as it was on the verge of shutting down its operations. Despite this substantial setback, the financial impact on his overall assets remained minimal.

Growth despite controversies

Despite facing various challenges and controversies, Kalanithi Maran has managed to maintain a relatively stable wealth. In 2011, he became entangled in a money-laundering case brought by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against his younger brother, Dayanidhi Maran. The CBI alleged that Dayanidhi had coerced C. Sivasankaran, the promoter of Aircel, a telecom provider, to sell his company to Malaysia-based Maxis Communications Berhad, which subsequently invested in the Sun Group.

Sun TV also faced allegations of operating an illegal telephone exchange with 323 high-speed lines, purportedly used for data transfer, video streaming, and television broadcasting. In 2015, the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to revoke Sun TV's security clearance. However, despite these challenges, Sun TV Network Ltd reported revenues of approximately USD 271 million (INR 2,244 crore) and a net profit of approximately USD 89 million (INR 737 crore) in the fiscal year 2014-15.

More about SunRisers Hyderabad

Following the bankruptcy of the IPL team Deccan Chargers, SunRisers Hyderabad emerged as their replacement in 2012 and made their debut in 2013. The Sun TV Network successfully secured the rights through a bid of approximately USD 1.02 million (INR 85.05 crore) per year for a five-year contract. From that point onward, the team's journey unfolded, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.