India the world’s third-largest alcoholic beverage market consumes approximately 970 crore liters annually a market valued at Rs. 4.5 lakh crore. With demand for Indian-made malt beer whisky brandy gin and wine growing internationally India exported alcoholic products worth Rs. 2386.91 crore in 2020-21 alone. Rise of Radico Khaitan Radico Khaitan formerly known as Rampur Distillery & Chemical Company Limited was established in 1943 in Rampur Uttar Pradesh. Initially a supplier of bulk alcohol the company faced heavy losses over the years. In 1972 G.N. Khaitan Lalit Khaitans father purchased the struggling company for Rs. 16 lakhs despite widespread skepticism. By 1995 Lalit Khaitan had stepped into the family business and rebranded the company as Radico Khaitan Limited steering it toward becoming a household name in the liquor industry. Today Radico Khaitan produces beloved alcohol brands like Magic Moments Vodka 8 PM Whisky Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky Old Admiral Brandy The company now has a market capitalization of Rs. 22395 crore and operates in 85 countries standing tall among India’s leading liquor producers. From Humble Beginnings to Billionaire Status Lalit Khaitans journey from tasting alcohol for the first time at the age of 28 to leading Radico Khaitan’s transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. His education played a pivotal role in his success. He studied at prestigious institutions like Mayo College Ajmer St. Xavier’s College Kolkata BMS College of Engineering Bengaluru (Bachelor’s in Engineering) and from Harvard University (Managerial Finance and Accounting). Under his leadership Radico Khaitan’s valuation soared from Rs. 5 crore to Rs. 5000 crore cementing its position in a competitive market dominated by players like United Spirits and Stilldistilling Spirits India. Radico Khaitan: A Legacy of Success The company’s steady growth reflects Khaitan’s strategic vision and passion for the liquor business. Recently Nikhil Kamath co-founder of Zerodha disclosed owning a 1.6-1.7% stake in Radico Khaitan a testament to the companys strong market position. Over the years Lalit Khaitan has received numerous accolades including Lifetime Achievement Award by the UPDA (2017) Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award at Alcobev 2008 Lalit Khaitan Competition With Vijay Mallya Building Radico Khaitan into a formidable player in Indias liquor market was no easy feat for Lalit Khaitan especially with established competitors like Vijay Mallyas United Spirits Stilldistilling Spirits India Maka Zai and Third Eye Distillery Holdings dominating the industry.  In an interview with Fortune Lalit revealed that his fascination with the liquor business began as early as his school days fueling his ambition to pursue a career in the field. This unwavering passion proved instrumental in transforming Radico Khaitans market capitalisation from a modest Rs. 5 crore to an impressive Rs. 5000 crore.  As Radico Khaitan continues to expand its global footprint Lalit Khaitan’s legacy as a trailblazer remains firmly etched in the annals of business history.