Pankaj Bansal: The Global Force Reshaping India’s Luxury Real Estate
Pankaj Bansal, the dynamic promoter of M3M and founder of Smartworld, is rapidly emerging as a leading voice in Indian real estate. His recent high-profile meetings in the United States underscore his growing international influence.
Real EstateLuxury DevelopmentM3mPhilanthropyGlobal PartnershipsReal EstateJun 24, 2025
Bansal’s U.S. visit was more than symbolic; it was anchored in the remarkable success of the Trump Residences in Gurgaon, launched under his Smartworld brand. The project sold out in a record-breaking 24 hours, cementing its status as one of the most successful branded luxury real estate launches in Indian history. This marks Bansal’s second Trump development in Gurgaon; the first is now nearing completion. With two such projects in a single city, Gurgaon now stands alongside New York as the only global city to host two Trump-branded towers—a remarkable feat that speaks to Bansal’s execution ability and international credibility.
Founded just 15 years ago by Group Chairman Basant Bansal, M3M has quickly risen to become a leader in Indian real estate. Pankaj Bansal’s meetings with the Trump family not only reaffirm his place on the global business stage, but also reflect his ability to deliver marquee international partnerships with credibility and speed. These meetings are far from ceremonial—they are a testament to real execution, unmatched delivery, and sustained quality.
Pankaj Bansal is not your conventional real estate promoter. As the founder of Smartworld Developers, he has introduced a refreshing, millennial-focused, design-led approach to residential housing, targeting the next generation of Indian homeowners with global sensibilities. Under his leadership, Smartworld has become synonymous with fast-track delivery, premium urban planning, and deep brand integration, and is seen by many as one of the most agile and responsive developers in NCR. Colleagues often describe him as a visionary with a financier’s discipline and a marketer’s instinct, equally fluent in land strategy and customer experience.
The Bansal family’s entrepreneurial journey, though inspiring, has not been without its trials. In 2023, Pankaj Bansal, his father Basant Bansal, and uncle Roop Bansal were arrested in connection with an ED investigation—an episode that dominated national headlines. However, in a powerful affirmation of their legal position, the Supreme Court of India declared the arrests of Pankaj and Basant Bansal as illegal, citing gross procedural violations and infringement of constitutional safeguards. Further, the Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled Roop Bansal’s arrest illegal as well, completing the family’s legal vindication across jurisdictions.
These rulings did more than clear their names—they reestablished the principles of due process and sent a strong message about the importance of judicial oversight. For the Bansals, it marked a turning point: a reaffirmation of integrity, a restoration of dignity, and the beginning of a renewed chapter focused on growth, governance, and impact.
While the M3M family’s meteoric rise in real estate is widely chronicled, less known—but equally significant—are their philanthropic efforts. While Pankaj Bansal reshapes skylines, his sister Payal Kanodia, daughter of Basant Bansal, leads the M3M Foundation, the group’s social impact arm. She has also served as the Chairperson of FICCI YFLO (Young FICCI Ladies Organisation), a premier platform that nurtures leadership and entrepreneurship among young Indian women—a role that further reflects her commitment to empowering others, especially at the grassroots.
Today, the M3M Foundation has emerged as a credible institution driving real change. Under Payal Kanodia’s stewardship, the Foundation has touched over 100,000 lives through initiatives spanning healthcare, education, skill-building, and sustainable development. Her leadership has drawn recognition from both Indian and international bodies, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who acknowledged the Foundation’s unique Himalayan sustainability initiatives in Ladakh.
On May 28, 2025, Payal Kanodia was conferred the ‘Custodian of Humanity Award’, recognizing her pioneering work in delivering equitable access to health and opportunity in underserved regions. M3M Foundation’s flagship mobile health initiative alone has touched 10,000+ underserved individuals across rural India. Beyond healthcare, M3M via its Foundation runs structured programs for education, entrepreneurship, and livelihood generation—aimed at empowering India’s youth and migrant populations.
The M3M family — Pankaj Bansal, Basant Bansal, Roop Bansal, and Payal Kanodia — reflects the evolution of a family enterprise that now plays on a national and global canvas. Their journey, from Gurgaon to Washington, tells a larger story of modern Indian entrepreneurship: resilient, responsive, and rooted in both ambition and accountability. As Pankaj Bansal continues to ink global partnerships and execute at scale, and as Payal Kanodia strengthens the group’s philanthropic mission, the M3M family is creating not just buildings, but a legacy. A legacy defined not only by what they’ve built, but by what they’ve overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pankaj Bansal's role in M3M and Smartworld?
Pankaj Bansal is the promoter of M3M and the founder of Smartworld Developers. He is known for his innovative approach to real estate and his successful luxury developments, including the Trump Residences in Gurgaon.
What significant legal challenges did the Bansal family face?
In 2023, Pankaj Bansal, his father Basant Bansal, and uncle Roop Bansal were arrested in connection with an ED investigation. However, the Supreme Court and the Punjab & Haryana High Court later declared these arrests illegal, vindicating the family.
What is the M3M Foundation, and who leads it?
The M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M group, led by Payal Kanodia. It focuses on initiatives in healthcare, education, skill-building, and sustainable development, impacting over 100,000 lives.
What are some notable achievements of Payal Kanodia?
Payal Kanodia has been recognized for her leadership in the M3M Foundation and her role as Chairperson of FICCI YFLO. She was awarded the ‘Custodian of Humanity Award’ for her work in delivering equitable access to health and opportunity in underserved regions.
What makes M3M and Smartworld stand out in the real estate market?
M3M and Smartworld stand out due to their fast-track delivery, premium urban planning, and deep brand integration. They are known for their millennial-focused, design-led approach, making them one of the most agile and responsive developers in NCR.
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