Raj Shamani, born on July 29, 1997, is an Indian entrepreneur, content creator, motivational speaker, and social media influencer who has garnered significant attention for his dynamic approach to business and storytelling. Recently, he has been in the news for conducting a candid, four-hour-long interview with Vijay Mallya, the controversial businessman and former owner of Kingfisher Airlines, marking Mallya's first public appearance in nearly a decade. This interview has gone viral, amassing millions of views and sparking widespread reactions across various social media platforms.
Shamani's journey began in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where he faced early challenges, including difficulties with public speaking and financial constraints within his family. Despite these obstacles, his entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. At 16, he started working alongside his father in their family business, Shamani Industries, an FMCG company. His strategic efforts led to a 20-fold increase in the company's revenue within five years. In 2013, he launched his first product, Jadugar Drop, targeting local shop owners.
Over the years, Raj Shamani has expanded his business ventures and influence. Shamani Industries, boasts a turnover of ₹200 crore and a product portfolio that includes dishwashing liquids, soaps, detergents, and household cleaners. In April 2023, he launched Blanko under House of X in collaboration with King (Arpan Kumar Chandel). Forbes India reported that Blanko achieved sales of Rupees 20 lakhs on its launch day, welcoming 80,000 customers and attaining a monthly revenue run rate of Rs. 1 crore.
Raj Shamani's success extends beyond traditional business. He is the founder of "Figuring Out," a popular podcast where he shares insights on business, entrepreneurship, and life. The podcast features interviews with successful founders and personal stories, offering valuable lessons to listeners. He is also the founder of Figuring Out Academy, an edtech platform where people can learn how to build and scale their startups from scratch.
As of 2024, Raj Shamani's net worth is estimated to be approximately $11 million (around Rs. 91 crore). His income streams include his business ventures (Shamani Industries and House of X), podcast revenue, YouTube ad revenue (over Rs 20 lakh annually), influencer deals, brand collaborations, and investments in real estate, stock markets, and early-stage startups. His monthly income exceeds Rs 1 crore, with an estimated annual income of Rs 15 crore.
Shamani has represented India at the United Nations Youth Representative Program for Young Leaders and has delivered multiple TEDx talks. He has also been featured in Forbes India, Entrepreneur, and Business World. He is also an angel investor in startups like Classplus, Growth School, Zionverse, Wint Wealth, Deciml, Mainstreet, Avalon Scenes, and more.
Shamani's interview with Vijay Mallya has further amplified his profile. In the interview, Mallya, who is facing trial for alleged fraud and money laundering amounting to ₹9,000 crore, discussed his departure from India, the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines, and his ongoing legal battles. He also stated that he would consider returning to India if assured a fair trial and a dignified life. The podcast has garnered significant attention, with millions of views and widespread discussion online.
Raj Shamani's journey from a small-town boy who struggled with public speaking to a millionaire entrepreneur and influential podcaster is a testament to his hard work, determination, and innovative approach. His ability to connect with audiences, coupled with his business acumen, has solidified his position as a leading voice in India's digital and entrepreneurial landscape.