At 78, when business leaders worldwide are long retired, Premchand Godha is a shining example of determination and foresight in India’s pharmaceutical sector. Chairman of Ipca Laboratories, with a market capitalization of ₹38,463 crore, Godha’s trajectory is one of perseverance, vision and an unwavering drive for excellence.
The Humble Beginnings
Hailing from a farming family in Rajasthan, Godha’s rise to success was anything but ordinary. After completing his Chartered Accountancy from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Rajasthan, Godha started his practice in 1971. Little did he know that his expertise in numbers would lay the foundation for one of India’s most respected pharmaceutical companies.
A Strategic Partnership with Bollywood’s First Family
In 1975, the serendipitous association with Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan and his family turned around Godha’s fortunes. Employed initially as Bachchan’s accountant, Godha’s entrepreneurial skills soon found him masterminding the takeover of Ipca Laboratories—a loss-making pharma company started in 1949 by an Englishman.
Even when the Bachchans later divested their interests in 1999 owing to financial woes, Godha’s vision for Ipca did not falter. He steered the company through a turnaround in fortunes with keen emphasis on production of bulk drugs, drug intermediates, and formulations in vital areas like anti-malarial, cardiovascular, diabetes, and pain management.
From ₹54 Lakh to ₹4,422 Crore: The Ipca Story
Under Godha’s mentorship, Ipca’s turnover jumped from a humble ₹54 lakh to a whopping ₹4,422 crore. This was not an accident but a result of Godha’s careful planning, research-and-development investments, and an unrelenting focus on quality. Ipca’s drugs are not only market leaders in India today but also have a strong presence around the world.
This remarkable growth caught the attention of Forbes, which ranked Godha #2208 among the world’s billionaires in 2025. With a real-time net worth of $1.5 billion, he was also featured at #2152 on the 2024 Billionaires list and #97 on India’s Richest list in 2020.
The Science of Leadership: Godha’s Winning Formula
For Godha, success was a matter of quality, consistency, and identifying opportunities. In his leadership, Ipca became one of India’s first pharma companies to institute high international quality standards in adherence to which has been instrumental in winning global regulatory bodies’ trust.
Also, his emphasis on manufacturing effectiveness and backward integration helped Ipca remain competitive in a price-conscious market that was notorious for price sensitivity. Investing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), Godha made Ipca self-reliant when it came to imports, and this proved to be a bountiful return for the company during supply chain disruptions.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Even with the success, Godha’s fleet was not free of challenges. Regulatory hurdles, currency fluctuations, and the changing compliance environment tried the mettle of Ipca. Godha’s caution, however, saw the company ride out these issues not only successfully but also stronger.
Now, Ipca’s portfolio encompasses more than 350 products with a robust pipeline of generic formulations ready to hit the market. With more than 15,000 employees on board and bases in over 120 countries, the future has never looked more promising for the company.
Beyond Business: The Philanthropist in Godha
Success has not dimmed Godha’s commitment to giving back. A patron of several educational and healthcare initiatives, he has been instrumental in running training programs for civil services aspirants, thereby empowering the youth from underprivileged backgrounds to aspire for public service.
Legacy of a Lifetime
As one of India’s eldest leaders of listed companies, Premchand Godha’s legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic foresight, and ethical leadership. While many of his contemporaries have passed on the baton, Godha’s hands remain steady at the helm of Ipca Laboratories, steering it into a promising future.
His journey from a small-town accountant to a billionaire industry leader is not just a business story—it’s an inspiration for every aspiring entrepreneur who dares to dream.