Adar Poonawalla, the man behind the Serum Institute of India (SII) and the recent acquisition of Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, is more than just the force propelling one of the world's largest vaccine manufacturers. He’s also a connoisseur of luxury and lives a life as grand as his achievements. With his wife Natasha Poonawalla, known for her flair in fashion and philanthropy, the Poonawallas embody opulence. Here, we take a closer look at six of the most extravagant assets owned by Adar Poonawalla and his family:
5 Most Expensive Things Owned By Adar Poonawalla:
The Rs 750 Crore Mansion in Mumbai
The Poonawallas' primary residence is in Pune, but they also own one of South Mumbai's most prestigious addresses—Lincoln House. Situated in Breach Candy, this 50,000 square-foot heritage property is a striking symbol of old-world elegance. Purchased in 2015 for an eye-watering Rs 750 crore, Lincoln House is steeped in history, and its grandeur certainly reflects the Poonawallas' taste for the finer things.
The Adar Abad Poonawalla House, Pune
The Poonawallas’ primary residence in Pune, the Adar Abad Poonawalla House, is nothing short of palatial. Described in a 2016 Forbes story, the property features rare paintings, lavish interiors, and European-style architecture that radiates grandeur. It’s a home befitting a man of Poonawalla’s stature, showcasing both luxury and a taste for artful elegance.
The Car Collection
Adar Poonawalla's love for luxury extends to his impressive fleet of cars. Among them, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series 1 stands out—a true icon among automobiles. This stately, vintage vehicle reflects his penchant for timeless craftsmanship. Adding to the collection, he owns a customised Mercedes S350 that is inspired by the Batmobile, designed by Mumbai-based Executive ModCar Trendz (EMT), complete with wings and a reworked hood for a look inspired by the '89 Tim Burton film. His collection—one shared alongside also includes several high-performance sports cars, including Ferraris, Bentleys, and Lamborghinis, making it one of the most diverse and exclusive garages in India.
A $1 Million Airbus A320 Office
Taking luxury to the skies, Adar Poonawalla converted an Airbus A320 into an extravagant flying office, complete with all the trimmings you'd expect in a space built for business and comfort. The transformation alone cost around $1 million. This airborne workspace ensures Poonawalla remains productive while travelling, all in the comfort of a lavishly customised interior.
A Rare Art Collection
The Poonawallas are avid art collectors, and their rare art collection is worth an estimated Rs 100 crore. Among the collection is a landscape by Vincent van Gogh, specifically *Watermill at Opwetten* (November 1884), which Adar Poonawalla purchased in 2013 at Sotheby’s for £1.3 million. This early work from Van Gogh’s Dutch period is a highlight of their collection, and it hangs prominently in the main lounge of their palatial mansion in Pune. Poonawalla has described his collection as the finest European art collection in India, including works by masters such as Renoir, Monet, Chagall, Picasso, and Dalí. These rare pieces add cultural richness to their luxurious abodes and perfectly complement the opulent decor of their homes, showcasing the family's sophisticated taste and appreciation for fine art.
Poonawalla Stud Farms
The Poonawalla family has a long-standing association with thoroughbred horse racing, and their Poonawalla Stud Farms are among the most prestigious in India. Estimated at over Rs 150 crore, the stud farms are known for breeding high-quality racehorses, with numerous champions emerging from their stables. Owning and breeding these prized thoroughbreds not only underscores Poonawalla's wealth but also highlights a family tradition rooted in prestige and a passion for equestrian sports.