From Dh200 side hustle to tycoon, how teacher's son built a pharma empire and an epic mansion in Dubai Hills

Dubai: "You don't have to impress strangers. The people who know you already know who you are."

That simple line, delivered with quiet conviction by Vinod Jadhav, captures the essence of a self-made millionaire who has built an empire without losing his grounding.

He grew up in a modest home in Pune, the son of a government school teacher. His classrooms were humble, the dreams even humbler. Public schools, state-run and often under-resourced, formed the backdrop of Jadhav's early years. There was no silver spoon, no family fortune—just grit, values, and a relentless work ethic.

Today, Vinod is the Chairman of Dubai-based pharma company Sava Group and holds court in a 40,000 sq ft mansion in Dubai Hills Estate—an architectural masterpiece that blends Indian grace with Arabic 'Desert Home' touches.

With its serene courtyards, muted luxury, and jaw-dropping scale, the home is less a house and more an oasis . It’s the kind of place that screams old money—not the usual flashy nouveau riche vibes Dubai is known for in pop culture. It’s the kind of place you’d expect from royalty. And yet, its owner remains disarmingly grounded.

And the numbers quietly back the empire. In 2024, Sava Group reportedly recorded a turnover of Dh700 million and saw impressive year-over-year growth. It’s a long way from a Dh215 pharmacy venture run by him and his wife

Jadhav's rise to prominence is the stuff of legend. After completing a diploma in mechanical engineering, he worked in multiple industries for 13 years.

"When I say 13 years, I count it as 20," he laughs. "I used to work 12 to 15 hours a day."

It was in 2001 that his entrepreneurial journey truly began. Armed with $5,000 (Dh18,500) of his own savings and another $5,000 (Dh18,500) from a partner, Jadhav launched a pharmacy franchise of an American brand in India. His wife ran the shop during the day; he took over in the evenings. It was a family hustle in the truest sense.

Then came a moment of serendipity. In 2003, he decided to take out a classified ad to test the waters for exporting generic drugs.

"The ad cost me Rs2,500 (Dh110). I wasn’t expecting much," he recalls. "But within three weeks, I got my first inquiry from Fiji."

That classified ad was the catalyst for his global expansion. But scaling wasn't straightforward. Indian regulations at the time restricted international pharmaceutical distribution. So, in 2007, Jadhav looked towards Dubai for a solution.

"I didn’t come here to build an empire. I just came to solve a problem."

He started small, operating out of a modest setup in Sharjah. It wasn’t until 2016 that he brought his family over.

"Initially, I didn’t even think we’d settle here. But two years in, my family said, ‘We’re not going back.’"

Dubai offered Jadhav the infrastructure, vision, and efficiency he needed. In 2010, his company acquired a manufacturing facility in Gujarat, India. A year later, he expanded into herbal medicine and veterinary products. One of his ventures, Sava Vet, is now India’s largest prescription drug company for small animals, with nearly 20% market share.

But success hasn’t erased his humility. During his housewarming in Dubai, he flew in teachers from his public school in Pune—including his English teacher from 10th grade.

"They played a huge role in shaping who I am. This was my way of acknowledging them."

He also keeps in touch with his college friends and invited them too. When a delay in furniture deliveries threatened to postpone the celebration, they insisted: "We’re not coming to see the furniture. We’re coming to see you."

That moment encapsulates Jadhav’s ethos: success isn’t about what you flaunt; it’s about who you are.

So what is his relationship with money?

"Before I started the business, I was earning $1,000 (Dh 3,670) a month. I told myself that if I could make $500,000 (Dh 1,835,000) in my lifetime, I’d have achieved financial freedom. That’s $1,000 a month for 40 years."

Today, his net worth has far surpassed that early benchmark, but his mindset remains unchanged.

"Once your basic needs are met, you have to think about what impact you're making. How many lives are you touching?"

His new goal? To create 10,000 jobs.

"We’re at 1,000 now. That’s 9,000 more to go."

Failures have been part of the journey. In 2010, he launched a marketing company that employed 800 people and lost millions of dollars.

"I realised then that unless you offer something unique, there’s no point starting a business."

The failure became the foundation for future success. His next venture focused on unmet needs in the veterinary space.

Behind the scenes is his wife, Suvarna, the quiet force who grounds him. "She plays the role of the reality check. When I get too excited, she brings me back to earth."

He also believes in hiring from his own community and creating opportunities at the grassroots.

"It’s not about giving fish, it’s about teaching people how to fish."

Work-life balance, he admits, is tricky.

"I was travelling four months a year. But I made sure I was always there for birthdays, Parents Days, and anniversaries."

And then there’s Dubai—a city that, in many ways, reflects his own journey. "Dubai started as a strip of sand. No water, no greenery, no resources. Yet look at what it has become. That’s the power of vision."

During the pandemic, Jadhav built his mansion without a single day of disruption. All approvals were digital, all hurdles efficiently handled. "We even had Zoom calls with authorities for permits. That’s the Dubai difference."

He wakes up every morning with a mission.

"Until I reach 10,000 jobs, I have no reason to stop."

Vinod Jadhav’s story isn’t just a tale of wealth and success. It’s a reminder that integrity, humility, and relentless passion still matter. In a world obsessed with shortcuts and shine, his journey is proof that slow, steady, and sincere still wins the race.

And in the city of dreams, this self-made 'Pharma King' is still writing his next chapter