Vedanta Group Chairman and billionaire Anil Agarwal opened up about his journey from being a scrap dealer in Patna to becoming one of the world’s billionaires during an interaction with journalist Rajat Sharma on the popular television show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’.

In a freewheeling interview, telecast on India TV earlier and re-telecast yesterday at 10 pm, Agarwal spoke about his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of presentation and timing, and the risks involved in building a business.

He also discussed India’s natural resources, his decision to step away from semiconductor plans, the acquisition of Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) and his plans for Bihar.

According to a press release from India TV, Agarwal said he dreams of a day when every young person in India has a choice of jobs.

He stressed the need to make better use of the country’s natural resources and appealed to people to start a movement to tap resources such as oil, gas, copper and gold.

“Hindustan abhi khul gaya hai. Hamari Sarkar bahut acchi hai,” Agarwal said, adding that India has the capability to make greater use of its human and natural resources.

He also spoke about the contribution of Indians across the world and said that if an Indian works for a company, “there can be no wrongdoing in that company.”

On his decision to back out of semiconductor plans, Agarwal said he realised that his core strength lies in businesses he already understands. He pointed to Vedanta’s operations in oil and gas, aluminium, zinc and copper as areas that remain his primary focus.

Agarwal also spoke about the personal circumstances surrounding the semiconductor venture.

He recalled how his family was initially upset when his daughter married a man from South India, but said the family later accepted him after learning about his background and achievements.

Agarwal said his son-in-law is from Mangalore, is a top engineer and has an MBA, and has now become like a son to the family.

“Chhoti-si zindagi hum kar rahe hain, wohi theek hai,” Agarwal said, explaining that he wanted to concentrate on the areas of business he knows best.

Agarwal also revealed details of how Sterlite acquired the government-owned Navratna company Bharat Aluminium Company in 2001, during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Recalling the deal, Agarwal said his finance team initially told him that the company had only Rs 5 crore in the bank, while BALCO was being acquired for Rs 550 crore.

He said the company subsequently approached banks with letters stating that it planned to acquire BALCO, following which it received loan offers amounting to around Rs 2,000 crore.

He recalled being taken to then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee by Arun Jaitley. According to Agarwal, Vajpayee told him that while the government was handing over a large company to him, he should not remove any workers.

Agarwal said he responded by promising that instead of reducing the workforce, the company would increase it fivefold. He also credited Jaitley for the way he presented him before the Prime Minister and described the opportunity as “god’s blessing”.

The Patna-born businessman also spoke about his plans for Bihar and promised to seriously consider proposals for setting up factories in the State.

He said he also wants to build a stadium in Bihar and spoke about the emerging sporting talent from the state, mentioning cricketers such as Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Agarwal added that Bihar should have its own team in the Indian Premier League.

Agarwal also recounted his experience of moving to London after acquiring a factory in Mumbai. He said he spent around 15-17 years in London but initially struggled to gain acceptance among wealthy and influential circles.

Recalling the experience, Agarwal said he developed an inferiority complex because people in London did not know his background or family. Although his company had been listed, he felt it lacked the recognition and “shine” he believed was necessary.

He then came up with an unusual idea — printing visiting cards carrying the name ‘Maharaja Anil Kumar’. Agarwal said the title helped him gain greater acceptance in London, where describing oneself as a Maharaja carried a certain social standing.

He recalled telling his wife to move to London with their two children, while she initially thought he had lost his mind and expected the family to return to India within six months. Instead, it took around two years for them to establish themselves.

Agarwal said his company, which was valued at around Rs 300 crore in India, was delisted and subsequently listed in London at a valuation of around Rs 4,000 crore.

Sharing a lesson from his experience, Agarwal said, “Jitni kahaani banaiyega, utna aage badhiyega”, while also cautioning people not to lie.

The special episode of ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ featuring Anil Agarwal was aired yesterday at 10 pm on India TV.