Dattaraj “Raj” Salgaocar is a prominent Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and wildlife enthusiast who often operates away from the limelight despite his high-profile connections. As the Chairman of V.M. Salgaocar Corporation Pvt. Ltd., he controls a business empire spanning hospitality, real estate, and education in Goa.
He is also widely known as the brother-in-law of Mukesh Ambani, having been a childhood friend of the billionaire before marrying his sister, Dipti Ambani.
As of 2025, Dattaraj is making headlines for his renewed passion for Goan football with his new club, Clube de Salgaocar, and his continued influence in Goa’s business landscape.
Dattaraj Salgaocar: Quick Wiki & Bio Stats
| Feature | Detail |
| Full Name | Dattaraj Vassudev Salgaocar |
| Nickname | Raj |
| Date of Birth | Approx. 1956–1957 |
| Age (as of 2025) | Approx. 68–69 Years |
| Birthplace | Goa, India |
| Profession | Industrialist, Photographer, Sports Patron |
| Education | Production Engineering (VJTI), MBA (Wharton) |
| Net Worth (Est. 2025) | ₹2,000 Crore ($240 Million) |
| Spouse | Dipti Salgaocar (née Ambani) |
| Children | Vikram Salgaocar, Isheta Salgaocar |
| Key Ventures | V.M. Salgaocar Corp, Sunaparanta Arts Centre, Clube de Salgaocar |
Dattaraj Salgaocar Net Worth 2025
Dattaraj Salgaocar is consistently ranked among the wealthiest individuals in Goa. As of late 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately ₹2,000 Crore ($240 Million).
Source of Wealth:
V.M. Salgaocar Corporation: He heads this diversified conglomerate, which has interests in real estate (including prime properties in Chicalim and Dona Paula), hospitality (the group owns the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa), and agriculture.
Investment Portfolio: As a savvy investor with a finance degree from Wharton, he manages a significant portfolio of investments.
Real Estate Assets: He owns a massive ancestral mansion in Chicalim and a cliffside home in Dona Paula, which are valued at hundreds of crores.
Biography: The Goan Industrialist
Early Life & Education
Dattaraj is the youngest of seven children born to Vasudev Salgaocar, the founder of the V.M. Salgaocar Group. Growing up in a business family, he was groomed for leadership. He was a brilliant student, earning a degree in Production Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai, followed by an MBA in Finance from the prestigious Wharton Business School, USA.
Connection to the Ambanis
His relationship with the Ambani family is legendary. During his youth in Mumbai, Dattaraj lived in the Usha Kiran building on the 14th floor, while the Ambanis lived on the 22nd floor. He became close friends with Mukesh and Anil Ambani, and their father, Dhirubhai Ambani, treated him like a third son. This close bond eventually led to his marriage to Dhirubhai’s daughter, Dipti Ambani, in 1983.
Business Career
After his father’s passing, the family business was split. Dattaraj took charge of the service and hospitality-oriented verticals under V.M. Salgaocar Corporation Pvt. Ltd., distinguishing himself from the family’s mining roots.
Arts & Culture: In 2009, he founded Sunaparanta – Goa Centre for the Arts, a non-profit initiative to promote visual arts in Goa.
Sports: A lifelong sports lover, he was a co-owner of FC Goa (ISL team) until 2016. In 2024-25, he returned to football by launching a new team, Clube de Salgaocar, which competes in the Goa Professional League.
Dattaraj Salgaocar’s Family
Dattaraj is a dedicated family man who keeps his personal life private.
Wife (Dipti Salgaocar): The youngest daughter of Dhirubhai Ambani. She is the Vice-Chairperson of Sunaparanta and is actively involved in the family’s cultural initiatives.
Son (Vikram Salgaocar): A Wharton graduate like his father, Vikram is involved in business development for the group. He is known for being a nature lover and runner.
Daughter (Isheta Salgaocar): She is an active patron of the arts and literature. She was previously married to Neeshal Modi and is currently married to Atulya Mittal, the nephew of steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal.
Latest Updates (2025)
Return to Football: After an 8-year hiatus following his exit from FC Goa, Dattaraj made a major comeback to Goan football. His new club, Clube de Salgaocar, made its debut in the Goa Professional League in the 2024-25 season, signalling his long-term commitment to reviving local talent.
Wildlife Photography: Dattaraj continues to pursue his passion for wildlife photography. He often travels to national parks globally and holds exhibitions of his work, with proceeds going to conservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How is Dattaraj Salgaocar related to Mukesh Ambani?
A: Dattaraj is Mukesh Ambani’s brother-in-law. He is married to Mukesh’s sister, Dipti Ambani.
Q: What is the new football team of Dattaraj Salgaocar?
A: His new football team is called Clube de Salgaocar, launched in 2024.
Q: Where does Dattaraj Salgaocar live?
A: He resides in his ancestral mansion in Chicalim, Goa, and also owns a residence in Dona Paula.
Q: What is Dattaraj Salgaocar’s age?
A: He is approximately 68–69 years old as of 2025.
