G.R. Gopinath Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Air Deccan, Army Career, Books, Aviation Legacy

G.R. Gopinath is a pioneering Indian entrepreneur, retired Indian Army captain, author, and politician, best known for founding Air Deccan, India’s first low-cost airline.

His innovative approach to aviation made air travel accessible to millions, reshaping the Indian aviation industry and inspiring entrepreneurs nationwide.

Profile

• Full Name: Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar Gopinath
• Stage Name: G.R. Gopinath
• Born: November 13, 1951
• Age: 73 years old
• Birthplace: Gorur, Hassan, Karnataka, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Entrepreneur, Retired Army Captain, Author, Politician
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
• Parents: Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar, Sathyavati Gopinath
• Siblings: Seven
• Spouse: Bhargavi Gopinath
• Children: Pallavi Gopinath, Krithika Gopinath
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million to $6 million USD

Early Life and Education

G.R. Gopinath, a pioneering Indian entrepreneur, was born on November 13, 1951, in Gorur, a small village in Karnataka’s Hassan district. The second of eight children, he was raised in a modest Iyengar family by his father, Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar, a schoolteacher and Sanskrit scholar, and his mother, Sathyavati Gopinath, a homemaker.

His academic journey took a significant turn in 1962 when he joined Sainik School, Bijapur. Gopinath later graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune and the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, earning a commission in the Indian Army in 1971.

Career

G.R. Gopinath began his career as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, serving during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and rising to the rank of Captain. Feeling constrained by military life, he took early retirement at 28.

Post-army, he ventured into diverse businesses, including an ecologically sustainable sericulture farm, which earned him the Rolex Laureate Award in 1996 for innovative methods. He also ran Malnad Mobikes, an Enfield dealership, and opened a hotel in Hassan.

In 1995, inspired by India’s economic reforms, Gopinath co-founded Deccan Aviation, a charter helicopter service, with army friend Captain K.J. Samuel. The company gained prominence, serving politicians and conducting rescue missions in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and South India.

In 2003, inspired by low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines, Gopinath launched Air Deccan, India’s first budget airline, offering tickets as low as one rupee. By 2006, Air Deccan connected 69 cities but faced financial challenges. In 2007, Vijay Mallya’s UB Group acquired a 26% stake, merging Air Deccan with Kingfisher Airlines.

Social Media

• Twitter Handle: @captgrgopinath

Personal Life

G.R. Gopinath, a pioneering Indian entrepreneur, has been married to Bhargavi Gopinath since 1979. Bhargavi, an entrepreneur herself, founded Bun World, a popular bakery in Bangalore’s Malleshwaram, and served as Air Deccan’s chief caterer.

The couple has two daughters, Pallavi Gopinath and Krithika Gopinath. both of whom have worked with Air Deccan. Raised in a close-knit family, Gopinath credits his rural upbringing and parents’ values for his discipline and work ethic.

He and Bhargavi often host classical music concerts at their Bangalore bungalow, reflecting their cultural interests. Despite his public profile, Gopinath maintains a private personal life, focusing on family and his passion for affordable aviation. His resilience was tested by financial and regulatory challenges, but his commitment to innovation remains steadfast.

Net Worth

G.R. Gopinath, a pioneering Indian entrepreneur, has an estimated net worth of $5 million to $6 million USD. His wealth primarily stems from his aviation ventures, particularly the founding and sale of Air Deccan, as well as Deccan Charters and other entrepreneurial pursuits.

Additional income comes from his authorship and speaking engagements at conferences and seminars, where he shares insights on leadership and innovation.