Pharma Queen's ₹703 Crore Mumbai Palace: Leena Tewari's Record Deal

In the glittering skyline of Mumbai's Worli, where Arabian Sea waves kiss the shores and luxury towers pierce the clouds, a new chapter in India's real estate history has been written. The protagonist of this extraordinary tale is Leena Gandhi Tewari, a pharmaceutical billionaire whose recent acquisition has redefined the very meaning of luxury living in India.

The Record-Breaking Transaction

On a quiet Wednesday in May 2025, documents were registered that would send shockwaves through India's luxury real estate market. Leena Gandhi Tewari, chairperson of pharmaceutical giant USV Private Limited, had purchased two sea-facing duplex apartments in Mumbai's prestigious Worli area for a staggering ₹639 crore—making it the most expensive residential property sale ever recorded in India.

The transaction didn't stop there. With stamp duty and GST adding another ₹63.9 crore to the deal, the total investment soared to an astronomical ₹703 crore. This wasn't just a property purchase; it was a statement that luxury in India had reached unprecedented heights.

The Crown Jewel: Naman Xana

The object of this historic transaction is nothing short of architectural poetry. Located in Boston University for her Master's in Business Administration. This academic foundation would prove instrumental in her later stewardship of one of India's pharmaceutical powerhouses.

A Pharmaceutical Empire Worth Billions

Under Tewari's leadership as chairperson, USV has evolved from a medicine importer into one of India's top five pharmaceutical companies, specializing in diabetes and cardiovascular medications. The company's portfolio includes household names like Glycomet (India's second-largest selling pharmaceutical product), Ecosprin, and Roseday—medications that have become integral to Indian healthcare.

Forbes' Real-Time Billionaire List, her net worth stands at $3.9 billion as of May 2025, making her the 964th richest person globally. This wealth surpasses that of well-known entrepreneurs like Biocon's Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Nykaa's Falguni Nayar.

Her financial success is complemented by her philanthropic endeavors. In 2019, she ranked third among India's top female philanthropists in the Hurun India Philanthropy List, having donated ₹34 crore to various social causes.

The Family Behind the Success

The USV story is very much a family affair. Tewari's husband, Prashant Tewari, serves as the company's Managing Director. An IIT graduate with mechanical engineering credentials from Cornell University, he brings technical expertise to complement his wife's business acumen.

Their daughter, Aneesha Gandhi Tewari, who holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology from MIT, joined USV's board in 2022, ensuring the family's pharmaceutical legacy continues into the next generation.

Worli: The New Address of India's Elite

Tewari's choice of Worli for her record-breaking purchase reflects the area's emergence as Mumbai's most coveted luxury destination. Located in south-central Mumbai, Worli offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and proximity to key business districts like Bandra and Nariman Point.

The area has witnessed several high-profile transactions recently. Earlier in May 2025, banker Uday Kotak made headlines by purchasing an entire sea-facing building on Worli Sea Face for over ₹400 crore. These transactions underscore Worli's transformation into India's most exclusive residential address.

A Market Setting New Standards

Mumbai's luxury real estate market has been experiencing unprecedented growth, with properties priced at ₹2 crore and above making up 23% of total registrations in December 2024. The city recorded its highest-ever property registrations in April 2024, driven by investor sentiment and growing appetite for signature homes among India's wealthiest individuals.

Industry experts attribute this surge to multiple factors, including limited supply in premium zones, tax planning strategies, and the desire for spacious homes with premium amenities in the post-pandemic era.

Beyond Business: A Life of Purpose

Despite her immense wealth and business success, Tewari maintains a relatively low profile. Known for her reserved and understated style, she is reportedly among the close friends of Nita Ambani. Her interests extend beyond corporate responsibilities to include reading, writing, dance, and nature exploration.

She has authored a biography of her grandfather titled "Beyond Pipes & Dreams – The Life of Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi," showcasing her dedication to preserving family heritage. Her humanitarian contributions include significant support to the Dr. Sushila Gandhi Centre for Underprivileged Women, demonstrating her commitment to empowering young girls.

The Future of Luxury Living

As construction cranes continue to reshape Mumbai's skyline and luxury developments set new benchmarks, Tewari's record-breaking purchase represents more than just a real estate transaction. It symbolizes the evolution of India's luxury market and the growing confidence of the country's ultra-wealthy in premium real estate as an investment vehicle.

The ₹703 crore Worli deal stands as a testament to India's economic growth and the emergence of a new class of super-wealthy individuals who are reshaping the country's luxury landscape. For Leena Gandhi Tewari, this acquisition represents not just a new home but a crown jewel in a life dedicated to pharmaceutical excellence, family legacy, and philanthropic purpose.

As the Arabian Sea continues to lap against Mumbai's shores and the city's luxury towers reach ever higher, Tewari's story reminds us that true success encompasses not just financial accomplishments but also the positive impact one has on society—a legacy as enduring as the sea-facing palace she now calls home.