Meet Natasha Poonawalla, The Style Icon Who's Also An Influential Businesswoman & Philanthropist

She is one face that is a regular at all big events. Often referred to as Mrs Vaccine (Thanks to Diet Sabya!) Natasha Poonawalla is a force to be reckoned with. However, the question remains - Who is she? What’s her story?

She recently made heads turns at the MET Gala 2024. Dressed to the T, she owned this year’s theme.  Her fashion outings have caught the attention of people across the world. There seldom goes a big event without her presence in it. Natasha Poonawalla has put India on the global map with her style and fashion. 

Who is Natasha Poonawalla and what is her profession?

natasha poonawalla/instagram

While many recognize her as Adar Poonawalla's spouse, Natasha Poonawalla's role extends beyond that. She serves as the Executive Director of the Serum Institute of India (SII), which is renowned as the largest vaccine manufacturer globally. As of 2023, reports indicate that the Serum Institute of India’s valuation stands at Rs 1.92 lakh crore, elevating Adar Poonawalla to one of India's wealthiest individuals and a global figure.

In addition to her roles mentioned earlier, Natasha Poonawalla holds the position of Chairperson at Serum Life Sciences. Furthermore, she plays a crucial role in crafting the creative and business strategies for various companies within the Cyrus Poonawalla Group. Beyond her business endeavors, Poonawalla also serves as the Chairperson of the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, a family foundation established in 2012 in honor of her mother-in-law. The foundation's focus areas include education, healthcare, safe water, and environmental sanitation.

natasha poonawalla/instagram

Natasha Poonawalla also holds the position of Director at the Poonawalla Science Park in the Netherlands. She serves as the Chair of the British Asian Children’s Protection Fund for India and is also a member of the India Advisory Council for the British Asian Trust.

What Is Natasha Poonawalla’s Net Worth?

Natasha Poonawalla, the spouse of one of India's wealthiest individuals, possesses a substantial net worth indicative of her diligent efforts. As per a November 2023 report by Financial Express, her wealth and property amount to INR 660 crore. This includes assets from her business ventures, leadership roles in various organizations, and valuable possessions.

Natasha and Adar Poonawalla’s love story

south morning china post

Natasha Poonawalla tied the knot with billionaire Adar Poonawalla in 2006. Their acquaintance began at a New Year’s celebration in Goa, organized by Vijay Mallya. The couple shares two sons named Cyrus and Darius.

Natasha and Adar Poonawalla reside in the Lincoln House, a Grade-III listed mansion valued at Rs 750 crore. Designed by British architect Claude Batley in 1933, the property was originally built for the Maharaja of Wankaner, HH Sir Amarsinhji Banesinhji. In 1957, ownership transferred to the US Government, serving as the Consulate General of the United States in Mumbai. In 2011, the consulate decided to relocate, auctioning the lease rights for the mansion. 

Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman of the Poonawalla Group, successfully bid and acquired the property for US$ 113 million (approximately Rs 934 crores) in September 2015. The mansion now serves as a family residence in Mumbai.

Also Read: At Rs 1446 Crore, Billionaire Adar Poonawalla Buys London’s Most Expensive House Of This Year

Natasha Poonawalla At Cannes Film Festival

natasha poonawalla/instagram

Natasha was spotted socializing with renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese at Cannes Film Festival 2023, engaged in conversation as they sat together. Additionally, she mingled with Russian model and television personality Irina Shayk, even sharing a photo of them together on her Instagram post. Pictures of Natasha alongside actor Leonardo DiCaprio from Cannes 2023 surfaced on a fan page on Twitter, where DiCaprio was dressed in black and wore a face mask, while Natasha donned a sparkling white ensemble.

Will she make an appearance this year as well? Stay tuned.