For most people, crossing the Rs 100 crore mark would mean luxury cars, premium hotels and an upgraded lifestyle. But one entrepreneur has gone in the opposite direction.
Despite having a net worth of more than Rs 100 crore, he still prefers auto-rickshaws, shared taxis and modest hotels, especially during trips to Mumbai.
His story has gone viral because, unlike many wealthy individuals, he has chosen not to surround himself with expensive possessions.
Entrepreneur’s Story Goes Viral
The entrepreneur’s lifestyle was revealed by Vinod Chendhil, the founder of Naturally Yours. Chendhil described the man as someone who values independence and peace of mind more than appearances. Rather than buying luxury cars or staying in five-star properties, the founder has kept his life remarkably simple, even as his wealth has grown.
“My founder friend who has 100cr net worth. Travels by auto whenever in Mumbai, takes share auto/taxi wherever possible, stays at simple hotels, has not bought an expensive vehicle. Only thing that has changed is that he has more vacations/free time now,” Chendhil wrote.
My founder friend who has 100cr net worth.
Travels by auto whenever in Mumbai, takes share auto/taxi wherever possible, stays at simple hotels, has not bought an expensive vehicle.
Only thing that has changed is that he has more vacations/free time now. https://t.co/Ieoy5AmPE5
— Vinod Chendhil (@vinodchendhil) April 19, 2026
When Wealth Does Not Change Habits
The conversation began after Ravi Handa spoke about how a person’s lifestyle often changes with increasing wealth. He mentioned that while he currently lives comfortably with a net worth of around Rs 10 crore, reaching Rs 50 crore would likely lead to major lifestyle upgrades.
However, Chendhil’s friend appears to have taken a very different route. Instead of spending more, he seems to have focused on gaining more time, freedom and fewer responsibilities.
Internet Reacts: Admirable or Extreme?
The founder’s frugal lifestyle quickly divided opinion online. Some people admired his discipline and believed it showed that happiness does not always come from material comforts. Others argued that there is little point in earning so much money if you do not use it to make life easier.
One user commented, “Living such a miserable life! I hope his kids live a better and meaningful life for which money is meant.”
However, Chendhil defended his friend and insisted that he is “very, very happy.”
Another person questioned the logic behind such choices, writing, “Why though? What is his reason for this? Isn’t money a tool to make your life as easy and peaceful as possible from a personal finance standpoint? Why suffer in share auto if one doesn’t need to?”
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Chendhil replied, “Don’t know, personal choice maybe wants to keep it simple.”
Another user wrote, “TBH, being ultra-rich yet overly frugal feels like a pretty joyless way to live, quality of life seems to have taken a back seat. No need to be flashy, but at the very least, opting for a taxi or a driver for a car wouldn’t hurt.”
