All That Glitters is Kalyan

An exclusive with the alchemist who is transforming the gold retail market.

- Sangheeta Bhattacharya

Kalyan’s loyalty to their customers is as deep-rooted as our traditional loyalty to gold. The yellow metal has been one the most trusted assets for centuries in the country and Kalyan is a name that has personified this trust with its brand. This trust the brand has acquired has been instrumental in inviting a US based private equity firm, Warburg Pincus to pick up 10-12 percent of Kalyan’s stake.

In India, gold comes alive through its history, trade, economy, mythology, and craftsmanship. The fact that there is no alternative to this coveted metal is the reason for its growing demand. India is the highest consumer of gold in the world. In the last decade, Indians spent INR 18lakh crore on buying gold in spite of the price of this precious metal going up by over 250 % during the same time. 3 % of India’s population resides in Kerala which consumes 20 % of the country’s gold every year.

To be trading in this significant metal and making a mark in the hearts of the millions of choosy customers in a very short span of time is a credit unique to Mr. TS Kalyanaraman who is supported by his two sons, Rajesh and Ramesh, Executive Directors, who takes care of Purchase & Finance and Marketing and HR respectively.FWD Business goes in conversation with the alchemist who is transforming the gold retail market, the man behind Kalyan.

From humble beginnings to a billionaire, tell us about your journey.