Pedder Road: Where Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's Wealth Couldn't Buy Entry and Celebrities Are Shunned
Discover the elite world of Pedder Road in Mumbai, where old money and sophisticated manners trump fame and fortune. Even Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's billions couldn't buy entry into certain circles.
Pedder RoadMumbai EliteBollywood ActorsRakesh JhunjhunwalaWillingdon ClubReal Estate MumbaiJul 16, 2025
In Mumbai, a city that thrives on ambition, there is still one address where just being rich is not enough. Pedder Road, home to the country’s top tycoons, quietly reminds the city that old social rules still hold strong. Speaking on Mumbai, Munch and Market with Chintan Vasani on Instagram, journalist Vishal Bhargava gave a rare look at this zone where money alone cannot buy you in.
Pedder Road is dotted with mansions and towers. From one window, you might spot the Tata chairman’s residence. Next door, Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia looms over the skyline. Yet, this is not Bandra. Bhargava explained, “Pedder Road, you have the rich and the super rich. In one building where the TATA chairman stays, next to that is Antilia, where Mukesh Ambani stays. So Bandra has celebrities, here celebrities struggle to buy a home. Many societies don’t want Bollywood actors. They think of them as a nuisance.”
The idea is simple. Fame is noise. Residents here want quiet. If a star wants to buy a flat, they might find hidden barriers at every door.
The club that said no
For some, it goes beyond housing. The Willingdon Club stands as a century-old marker of the city’s hush-hush elite circles. Bhargava revealed, “They do not like Bollywood actors, but do not like anybody who they think is not sophisticated and refined.”
Then he gave an example that says it all. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, India’s Big Bull, turned Rs 5,000 into $5.5 billion. He tried three times to join the Willingdon Club. Every time, the answer was no. Bhargava put it plain, “So, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the billionaire stock investor, tried to get membership into the Willington club three times, all three times they rejected him. So it’s not that you have money, it’s that money is not enough in Peddar Road, you need to have something more than money. The rich and famous can be a disqualification, rich and super rich give you a chance, but rich and sophisticated have better odds than rich and famous good one.”
Money talks, refinement shouts louder
Jhunjhunwala, often called India’s Warren Buffett, knew markets better than most. But in Pedder Road, refinement beats reputation. Bhargava said, “They don’t want the loud, they want the refined.”
The message is clear. In Pedder Road, loud fame is frowned upon. Quiet lineage is welcome.
Pedder Road’s snob value has deep roots. Back in 1879, it was named after W. G. Pedder, Bombay’s municipal commissioner. Today, the official name is Dr Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg, honouring the founder of the Indian Medical Association and the first mayor of Bombay after Independence. Most Mumbaikars still call it Pedder Road. The stretch begins just past Kemps Corner’s flyover and climbs through one of the city’s oldest elite zones before ending near Haji Ali.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pedder Road known for in Mumbai?
Pedder Road in Mumbai is known for its elite residents, including top tycoons and the super rich. It is a place where old social rules and sophistication hold more weight than wealth and fame.
Why are celebrities shunned in Pedder Road?
Celebrities are often shunned in Pedder Road because they are perceived as noisy and disruptive. The residents of Pedder Road prefer a quiet and refined environment.
Who is Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and why was he rejected by the Willingdon Club?
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala is a renowned Indian billionaire investor. Despite his wealth, he was rejected by the Willingdon Club multiple times because the club values sophistication and refinement over mere wealth.
What is the history behind the name Pedder Road?
Pedder Road was named after W. G. Pedder, Bombay’s municipal commissioner in 1879. It is officially known as Dr Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg, honoring the founder of the Indian Medical Association and the first mayor of Bombay after Independence.
What is the significance of the Willingdon Club in Mumbai's social circles?
The Willingdon Club is a century-old marker of Mumbai’s elite social circles. It is known for its strict membership criteria, favoring sophistication and refinement over fame and wealth.
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