Imagine quitting school at 16, working late-night shifts at a call center, and then building a billion-dollar empire from scratch. Sounds like a Bollywood blockbuster, doesn’t it? That’s the real-life story of Nikhil Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha and one of India’s youngest billionaires. But Nikhil’s life isn’t just about business success—his personal life, from his marriage and divorce to rumored relationships with Bollywood stars, keeps him in the spotlight.
Add a few controversies to the mix, like his infamous chess match with Viswanathan Anand, and you’ve got a story that’s equal parts inspiring and intriguing. In this article, we’ll explore Nikhil Kamath’s incredible journey, his rise to fame, his love life (yes, including the buzz around “Nikhil Kamath wife”), his podcast debut with PM Modi, his controversies, and his jaw-dropping net worth. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Who Is Nikhil Kamath? A Quick Snapshot
Nikhil Kamath isn’t your average billionaire. Born on September 5, 1986(age 39, as of 2025) in Shimoga, Karnataka, he grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Raghuram Kamath, was a Canara Bank employee, and his mother, Revathi Kamath, played the veena beautifully. Nikhil wasn’t big on school and chose to forge his own path early on. Today, he’s the mastermind behind Zerodha, India’s top stock brokerage platform, and the host of the hit podcast WTF is?. But how did a school dropout become a name every Indian knows? Let’s find out.
Dropping Out Of School: A Bold Move At 16
Nikhil wasn’t the kid dreaming of acing exams. By 10th grade, he’d had enough of classrooms. At 16, he dropped out, shocking his parents but determined to learn from life instead of books. He loved reading, though—finance, business, and trading books became his teachers.
This gutsy move paid off big time. For every Indian teen stressing over marks, Nikhil’s story says loud and clear: education matters, but it’s not the only way to win.
The Call Center Days: Earning ₹8,000 A Month
At 17, Nikhil landed his first job at a Bengaluru call center, making just ₹8,000 a month. Picture him working night shifts from 4 PM to 1 AM, answering calls, and then spending mornings learning stock trading. It wasn’t fancy, but it taught him grit and patience.
He even faked his birth certificate to get the job—proof he’d do whatever it took. Nikhil started trading with his dad’s savings, and his talent for numbers began to shine. Those late-night trades? They were the seeds of something huge.
Building Zerodha: From Zero To Hero
In 2010, Nikhil teamed up with his brother Nithin Kamath to launch Zerodha. Their mission? Make trading affordable for all. Zerodha’s discount brokerage model—zero fees on investments and low charges for trades—shook up the industry.
Starting small, they grew fast. By 2023, Zerodha had over 10 million users and a valuation in billions. Nikhil’s tech skills and Nithin’s business smarts made them a dream team. No fancy degree needed—just pure hustle.
Beyond Zerodha: True Beacon And Gruhas
Nikhil didn’t stop at Zerodha. In 2020, he co-founded True Beacon, a firm managing money for the super-rich. Then, in 2021, he started Gruhas with Abhijeet Pai, focusing on real estate and prop-tech investments. These moves show Nikhil’s knack for spotting trends and taking risks.
For Indian entrepreneurs, he’s a role model—proof you can dream big and diversify smartly.
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Nikhil Kamath Wife : Marriage, Divorce, And Rumors
Now, about “Nikhil Kamath’s Love Life.” His personal life is as headline-worthy as his career. Here’s the rundown:
Marriage To Amanda Puravankara
In April 2019, Nikhil tied the knot with Amanda Puravankara, a director at Provident Housing Limited, in a quiet ceremony in Florence, Italy. It was a fairy-tale start, but it didn’t last. By 2021, after just two years, they divorced. No public drama—just a silent split. Nikhil’s focus on work and his self-described “relationship junkie” vibe (from his podcast) might’ve been factors.
Dating Manushi Chhillar: Bollywood Meets Business
After the divorce, Nikhil was linked to Manushi Chhillar, Miss World 2017 and a Bollywood actress. Spotted together in 2021 at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and in Rishikesh, rumors flew. Some said they’d even moved in together, with Manushi smitten.
But by August 2023, they reportedly called it quits. Instagram unfollows sealed the gossip. Neither confirmed nor denied it, leaving fans curious. A billionaire and a beauty queen—what a combo!
Rhea Chakraborty: The Latest Buzz
Fast forward to 2024, and Nikhil’s name popped up with Rhea Chakraborty. A bike ride in Mumbai, twinning in black at a party, and a rumored Goa café sighting in January 2025 fueled the chatter. Social media went wild—some called Rhea a “gold digger,” others cheered her on.
No official word from Nikhil or Rhea yet. Are they dating or just pals? The jury’s still out.
The WTF Podcast: From Ranbir To PM Modi
Nikhil’s not just a businessman—he’s a conversationalist. In March 2023, he launched WTF is?, a YouTube podcast that’s a hit with Indians. Guests like Ranbir Kapoor, Bill Gates, KL Rahul, and Tanmay Bhatt spill insights in casual chats.
The big moment? January 10, 2025, when Nikhil interviewed PM Narendra Modi. Titled “WTF is Concert Tourism?”, it explored India’s tourism potential. Fans loved seeing a school dropout chat with the PM—proof Nikhil’s reach goes beyond business.
Controversies: Nikhil Kamath In The Hot Seat
Nikhil’s journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Here are the controversies that stirred the pot:
The Chess Cheating Scandal (2021)
In June 2021, Nikhil played a charity chess match against legend Viswanathan Anand to raise COVID-19 relief funds. Shockingly, he won—but not fairly. Nikhil admitted to using chess engines and analysts to guide his moves, a big no-no in the chess world.
Chess.com banned his account, and the All India Chess Federation called it “unfortunate.” Nikhil apologized on X, saying it was “silly” and meant as fun, not realizing the uproar it’d cause. For a billionaire, it was a rare misstep that dented his image briefly.
Renting vs. Buying Debate (2024)
Nikhil’s long preached renting over buying homes, citing flexibility and liquidity. So, when he bought a house in 2024, social media erupted. “Hypocrite!” some cried, accusing him of misleading fans while enjoying billionaire perks.
He explained on WTF is? that renting’s lack of security—like being forced to move—pushed him to buy. Still, the backlash showed how closely India watches his moves.
App Store Ratings Critique (2025)
In February 2025, Nikhil sparked debate by tweeting that many 5-star app reviews on Google Play and Apple App Store seemed fake, possibly AI-generated. He wondered about a “parallel economy” selling ratings, irking some in the tech space. While no formal backlash hit, it highlighted his tendency to stir conversations—sometimes controversially.
Nikhil Kamath Net Worth 2025
Now, the money talk. As of March 2025, Nikhil Kamath net worth in rupees is around ₹21,000 crore (around $2.6 billion), per Forbes. At 39, he became India’s youngest billionaire in 2023 and ranks on Forbes’ India’s 100 Richest list with Nithin.
Zerodha’s success drives his wealth, with True Beacon and Gruhas adding more. From ₹8,000 a month to billions—Nikhil’s story is a masterclass in ambition for every Indian dreamer.
Life Lessons From Nikhil Kamath
Nikhil’s life offers gems for every Indian chasing goals:
- Education Isn’t Everything: No degree? No problem—learn your way.
- Take Risks Early: Zerodha at 24 was a bold bet that won.
- Stay Curious: Trading, podcasts, philanthropy—he’s always exploring.
- Own Your Mistakes: From chess to real estate, he faced flak head-on.
The Future: What’s Next For Nikhil Kamath?
At 39, Nikhil’s just getting started. He’s pledged 50% of his wealth via The Giving Pledge, focusing on climate, education, and health. His podcast’s growing, Zerodha’s expanding, and who knows—maybe a Bollywood cameo next?
Nikhil Kamath is rewriting success for India, one bold move at a time. Love him or debate him, he’s here to stay.
Nikhil Kamath’s tale—from call center nights to billionaire heights—is pure inspiration. His journey proves success comes from grit, not just grades. His marriage to Amanda Puravankara, rumored romances with Manushi and Rhea, and controversies like the chess scandal add layers to his story. Hosting PM Modi on his podcast? That’s the cherry on top.
What’s his secret? Hard work, big risks, and staying real. For every Indian with a dream, Nikhil says: write your own script.
Who is Nikhil Kamath’s ex-wife?
Nikhil Kamath’s ex-wife is Amanda Puravankara, a director at Provident Housing Limited. They married in 2019 in Florence, Italy, and divorced in 2021 after two years.
Is Nikhil Kamath still married?
No, Nikhil Kamath is not still married. He divorced Amanda Puravankara in 2021 after two years of marriage and has remained unmarried since then.
Does Nikhil Kamath have kids?
No, Nikhil Kamath does not have kids. In a 2024 podcast episode, he said he doesn’t want children, calling it “18-20 years of babysitting” and questioning the need for a legacy.
Does Nikhil Kamath own a house?
Yes, Nikhil Kamath owns a house. After promoting renting for years, he bought his first home in 2024, citing renting’s lack of stability, as shared on his podcast WTF is?.