Cyrus S. Poonawalla is the founder and managing director of the Pune-based Serum Institute of India. He has hogged the limelight after an oil painting created by Indian painter, Raja Ravi Varma was sold for Rs. 167.2 crore as per a report by the Hindustan Times. It was at the Saffronart spring auction back on April 1, 2026, that the painting titled Yashoda and Krishna was sold to Cyrus. It was one of the most expensive Indian paintings that was ever sold at an auction.
Cyrus S Poonawalla got the most expensive painting. The founder of the Serum Institute of India, which was established in 1966, has always lived a low-key life. According to a report by the publication, Cyrus has been the 46th-richest person in the world and the richest healthcare billionaire. Well, Cyrus was married to Villoo Poonawalla, whom he had met during the early phase of his career.
Cyrus S Poonawalla and his late wife, Villoo Poonawalla’s love story
According to reports on the social media, Cyrus S Poonawalla met his wife, Villoo Poonawalla during the early stage of his career, long before Cyrus became famous, wealthy and received global recognition. BollywoodShaadis could not confirm or verify the information. However, as per reports, Cyrus met Villoo as he was, brick by brick, creating the Serum Institute of India. She stood by Cyrus at all times when he worked very hard to create a global name with the Serum Institute Of India.
Cyrus S Poonawalla and his late wife, Villoo Poonawalla Poonawalla’s story bloomed in a Parsi setting
As per reports on social media, Cyrus S Poonawalla and his late wife, Villoo Poonawalla, had a relationship that had bloomed within a close-knit, traditional Parsi community. Their families reportedly knew one another, and their love story was not at all dramatic. It was created with mutual respect and compatibility in mind, as both share many values.
Villoo Poonawalla was a big support to Cyrus S Poonawalla during the early phase of his career
Cyrus S Poonawalla’s late wife, Villoo Poonawalla was not just his partner but a silent pillar of support. Villoo stood by Cyrus when his journey with Serum Institute back in 1966 was new, risky and very uncertain. Cyrus created the business from the scratch, which would not have been possible without the support of Villoo. She stood by him quietly, without any showsha, and played an important role in managing the full family responsibilities while he expanded the business. Villoo Poonawalla was always away from the limelight. Cyrus has always been very low-key related to his personal life. Villo’s main focus was on her family and societal causes. Together, they raised their son, Adar Poonawalla, who took the legacy forward for the Poonawallas.
Villoo Poonawalla’s demise had affected Cyrus Poonawalla
It was in 2010 that Cyrus Poonawalla’s wife, Villoo Poonawalla passed away because of a cardiac arrest. Her demise was like a personal loss to the Poonawalla’s especially, Cyrus. Their son, Adar at that time had stepped into a bigger role with the family business. Adar has also been someone who has been very private as an individual, but his mom’s demise had left a profound impact on him. Well, it was in 2011, after the demise of Villoo Poonawalla, that Adar had created the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation in remembrance of his mom. The foundation was made. Speaking more about Cyrus Poonawalla, reportedly, he and his family have a net worth of more than USD 22.1 billion.
Cyrus Poonawalla had studied at the University Of Oxford
Cyrus Poonawalla reportedly has an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the prestigious University of Oxford. It is interesting to note that Serum’s Covishield vaccine, which was created by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, was reportedly used in India when the COVID-19-induced pandemic had taken place. Well, it was in 2022 when Cyrus was conferred with the Padma Bhushan. It is India’s highest civilian honour, and in 2005, he received the Padma Shri. Cyrus Poonawalla received the Padma Shri from the Government Of India due to his immense contributions in the field of medicine. Cyrus and Villoo’s son, Adar is married to Natasha Poonawalla. She is a socialite and also a fashion powerhouse. Adar is the CEO of the Serum Institute of India and reportedly is also the co-owner of Karan Johar’s ace Dharma Productions.
More about Raja Ravi Varma’s expensive painting purchased by Cyrus Poonawalla
Cyrus Poonawalla, according to a report by the publication, had shared a press statement stating to have the privilege to have the opportunity to acquire, preserve, and care for the iconic Raja Ravi Varma painting Yashoda and Krishna. This national treasure deserves to be made available for public viewing periodically, and it will be his endeavour to facilitate the same going ahead.
What are your views about Cyrus S Poonawalla, and his relationship with Villoo Poonawalla?
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