Mohanlal Mittal, the father of global steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, passed away at the age of 99 in London, marking the end of a long life defined by perseverance, values, and quiet influence on one of India’s most prominent industrial families. Surrounded by his family, Mohanlal Mittal breathed his last peacefully on the evening of January 15, just months short of his 100th birthday. News of his passing drew condolences from political leaders, business figures, and admirers who remembered him as a grounded individual whose principles, faith, and dedication shaped both his family and a lasting business legacy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the demise, recalling Mohanlal Mittal’s distinction in the industrial world and his unwavering commitment to Indian culture and social welfare. The loss has been widely felt not only within the Mittal family but also across business and public life, where Mohanlal Mittal was respected as a symbol of humility, hard work, and resilience that transcended generations.
Prime minister and leaders pay tribute to Mohanlal Mittal’s values, philanthropy, and cultural roots
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences through a heartfelt message, praising Mohanlal Mittal’s contribution to society and his lifelong attachment to Indian cultural values. The prime minister said he would cherish the many interactions he had with Mohanlal Mittal, describing him as a person who combined success with social responsibility. Modi acknowledged the elder Mittal’s philanthropic efforts and his belief in using wealth and influence for the progress of society, extending sympathies to the bereaved family during this time of loss.
Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal also expressed sorrow, remembering Mohanlal Mittal as a respected industrialist who laid the foundation for a strong and enduring business legacy. In his message, Goyal said Mittal’s courage, enterprise, and commitment to social service would continue to inspire future generations. He described the late industrialist as someone whose life story embodied determination and ethical conduct, offering prayers for peace and strength for the family.
Political leaders from Rajasthan also paid tribute, highlighting Mohanlal Mittal’s roots in the state. Rajasthan BJP leader Satish Poonia recalled that Mittal was born in Sadulpur town of Churu district and rose from modest beginnings to make a global mark through his family’s achievements. He described the passing as the end of an era in the industrial world and prayed for strength for Lakshmi Mittal and the entire family to bear the loss.
Tributes consistently focused on Mohanlal Mittal’s personal qualities rather than public prominence. Despite being the patriarch of one of the world’s most influential industrial families, he was remembered as someone who remained deeply connected to Indian traditions, family values, and community service. Leaders noted that his life reflected a blend of simplicity and aspiration, showing how strong moral foundations can support extraordinary success across generations.
The outpouring of condolences underscored the respect Mohanlal Mittal commanded across political and social lines. His life story resonated with many as an example of how discipline, faith, and integrity can leave a lasting imprint, even without being constantly in the public eye.
Lakshmi Mittal recalls father’s journey from rural Rajasthan to lasting family legacy
Lakshmi Mittal, executive chairman of ArcelorMittal, described his father as an extraordinary person whose influence shaped his own life and values. Announcing the passing, he said Mohanlal Mittal lived a life marked by hard work, deep religious faith, and unwavering belief in dedication as the key to success. According to Lakshmi Mittal, his father passed away peacefully in London, surrounded by family members, leaving behind memories that would continue to guide and inspire them.
Mohanlal Mittal was born in Rajgarh, a small village in Rajasthan, into a modest family. From an early age, he resolved to rise above his circumstances through determination and effort. Lakshmi Mittal recalled that his father had a keen interest in commerce even during his student years, laying the intellectual foundation for the business mindset that would later influence his children. He believed strongly that success came from discipline, persistence, and integrity rather than privilege or shortcuts.
Despite witnessing and contributing indirectly to immense business success through his family, Mohanlal Mittal remained grounded throughout his life. Lakshmi Mittal emphasised that his father valued relationships above all else and maintained close ties with family and friends. He made it a point to stay connected through regular phone calls and personal interactions, ensuring he was present, even from afar, during important moments such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and graduations.
Family gatherings, according to Lakshmi Mittal, were central to his father’s happiness. Whether celebrating small milestones or major achievements, Mohanlal Mittal believed that togetherness was the true measure of a meaningful life. This emphasis on family cohesion became a defining trait of the Mittal household and remains an enduring part of their legacy.
Mohanlal Mittal is survived by five children, their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Lakshmi Mittal said the family loved him deeply and would miss him greatly, adding that they would honour his long and inspiring life by carrying forward the values he stood for. The scale of his family reflects not only personal bonds but also the continuity of principles passed down through generations.
Lakshmi Mittal himself stands as one of the most influential business leaders in the world. According to global wealth rankings, his net worth is estimated at around ₹1.8 lakh crore, making him one of India’s richest individuals and among the world’s wealthiest. As chairman of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel company, he has played a defining role in shaping the global steel industry.
Mittal moved to London in 1995 and soon became one of the most prominent Indian business leaders in the United Kingdom. Over the years, he has owned several high-profile properties in London’s exclusive Kensington Palace Gardens, often referred to as Billionaires’ Row. One of the most well-known among these is a residence popularly called Taj Mittal. In recent years, reports have suggested that while London remains his main base, he is also shifting parts of his base to Dubai and Switzerland to support the next generation and address inheritance planning.
In 2019, Lakshmi Mittal and Japan’s Nippon Steel jointly acquired Essar Steel for ₹59,000 crore, marking one of the largest corporate deals of that year. In 2021, he handed over the role of chief executive officer to his son Aditya Mittal, while continuing as executive chairman overseeing major strategic decisions. Through all these milestones, Lakshmi Mittal has often acknowledged his father’s influence as central to his journey.
Mohanlal Mittal’s passing closes a chapter that began in rural Rajasthan and extended to the heart of global industry through the achievements of his family. His life remains a testament to how quiet determination, strong values, and commitment to family can create a legacy that endures far beyond material success.
