Mehul Choksi Biography, Controversy, Age, and More Wikigraphy

Discover the life and controversies surrounding Mehul Choksi, a prominent figure in the Indian diamond industry. This detailed biography explores his career, family, and involvement in a major financial scandal.

Table of Contents

Biography/Wiki

Born on May 5, 1959, in Mumbai, India, Mehul Choksi is known for leading Gitanjali Gems Limited, a significant player in the Indian and international diamond and jewelry retail market. Gitanjali Gems boasts a diverse portfolio of brands, including Gili, Nakshatra, Asmi, D’damas, Maya, Diya, Sangini, Collection g, and Gold Expressions, exporting globally to countries such as Italy, Antwerp, China, Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

Physical Appearance

Standing approximately 5’5″ tall and weighing around 120 kg, Mehul Choksi has dark brown eyes and black hair.

Family, Caste & Girlfriend

From a Gujarati Jain family, his father, Chinubhai Choksi, was also a diamond trader. Notably, his nephew is the businessman Nirav Modi, founder of Firestar Diamond International. Mehul Choksi is a married man with a son, Rohan, and two daughters, including Priyanka.

Career

After beginning studies at the University of Mumbai, Mehul Choksi joined his father’s Gitanjali Gems Limited in 1975. He eventually took the reins of the family business, becoming a director in 1998. A key milestone was the 2006 acquisition of Samuel Jewelers Inc., adding 111 high-end retail stores to Gitanjali’s portfolio. That same year, Gitanjali Gems also launched its IPO.

Controversies

Allegations arose, with claims from former Gitanjali Gems Limited Managing Director Santosh Srivastava and franchise holders suggesting that many diamonds sold by the company were lab-produced and undervalued compared to their sale price. A major controversy unfolded in February 2018 when the Punjab National Bank (PNB) filed a complaint against Nirav Modi, alleging a fraud of approximately Rs. 11,400 crores. Reports implicated Mehul Choksi, Ami Modi (Nirav Modi’s wife), and Nishal Modi (Nirav Modi’s brother) in this alleged fraudulent issuance of bank guarantees and Letters of Undertaking (LoUs).

Facts

In his youth, Mehul Choksi aspired to become a leading global luxury player in branded jewelry.
His brands have been endorsed by prominent celebrities like Katrina Kaif and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
He received the Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award at the 2011 Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards in New Delhi.