Minal Modi, wife of the renowned Indian businessman and former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, had a life filled with both success and controversy. Her story is one of family, business dealings, and a tragic end.
Biography/Wiki
Born Minal Aswani on September 9, 1954, in Nigeria, Minal’s life was marked by significant transitions. Her early marriage to Jack Sagrani, a professional who later faced legal issues in Saudi Arabia, led to her relocating to London and eventually Delhi. It was in Delhi that she forged a connection with Lalit Modi’s family, leading to a marriage in 1991, despite the age difference and family complexities.
Family & Husband
Minal came from a successful Sindhi-Indian family in Nigeria. Her father, Pesu Aswani, was a prominent businessman, while her mother, Indra Aswani, was a homemaker. She also had a younger sister, Priya Aswani.
Her first marriage to Jack Sagrani resulted in a daughter, Karima. Following her separation from Sagrani, she married Lalit Modi, with whom she had two children: Aliya and Ruchir. Karima is now married to Gaurav Burman of the Dabur group.
| Family Member | Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pesu Aswani | Father | Renowned businessman in Nigeria |
| Indra Aswani | Mother | Homemaker |
| Priya Aswani | Sister | Alumnus of Inchbald School of Design, London |
| Jack Sagrani | First Husband | Imprisoned in Saudi Arabia |
| Karima | Daughter (from Jack Sagrani) | Married to Gaurav Burman |
| Lalit Modi | Second Husband | Former IPL chairman |
| Aliya | Daughter (from Lalit Modi) | |
| Ruchir | Son (from Lalit Modi) |
Death
Minal Modi passed away on December 10, 2018, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Her death was announced by her husband on social media.
Controversy
Minal’s life was intertwined with controversies surrounding her husband’s business dealings and alleged money laundering. One notable incident involved accusations against then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for allegedly assisting Lalit Modi in obtaining a visa, enabling him to be with Minal during her cancer treatment.
These accusations highlighted the complex interplay between her family life and public scrutiny.
The Modi family’s rise in Rajasthan, aided by alleged connections to the then Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, further contributed to the controversies surrounding their lives. Lalit Modi’s career as IPL chairman added to the public attention on the family.
- The controversy highlights the intense public interest surrounding high-profile figures in India.
- It underscores the challenges faced by families dealing with serious illness and public scrutiny simultaneously.
