In 1946, Chaudhary Raghavendra Singh laid the foundation for Delhi Land and Finance (DLF), a company that would fundamentally shape the urban landscape of Delhi. This visionary, a major in the Indian Army and a graduate of St. Stephen’s College, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in pre-independence India. After leaving the military to pursue his business aspirations, Chaudhary Raghavendra Singh embarked on a mission to transform the National Capital Region, redefining its urban fabric. His efforts provided homes for millions of families displaced by the partition and relocated to the capital.
DLF’s legacy took a significant turn in 1985 when the company made the strategic decision to invest in Gurugram, a location then largely unknown. This bold move proved to be a turning point, as DLF transformed Gurugram into a thriving hub, attracting a new generation of Indian professionals and establishing it as a premier residential and commercial center.
Today, DLF stands as India’s largest publicly traded real estate company, with a presence across 24 cities and 15 states. Its portfolio encompasses a diverse range of properties, including retail, commercial, and residential spaces. The company’s remarkable growth can be attributed, in large part, to the vision and leadership of Kushal Pal Singh, Chaudhary Raghavendra Singh’s son-in-law.
Kushal Pal Singh, a distinguished alumnus of the British Officer Service Selection Board and an aeronautical engineer from England, joined DLF in 1961 after retiring from the army. Under his guidance, DLF embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy in Gurgaon, the area now known as Gurugram. His leadership propelled the company to new heights, culminating in his appointment as Managing Director in 1969.
In 2020, Kushal Pal Singh stepped down from his position, paving the way for the next generation of leadership. Rajiv Singh, his son, took the helm of the company, inheriting a legacy built on innovation, growth, and a commitment to transforming urban landscapes. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, Rajiv Singh’s salary amounted to Rs 27.30 crore. With a net worth of Rs 1,24,420 crore, he was recognized as the richest real estate entrepreneur in the Grohe-Hurun India Real Estate List 2023.
DLF’s unwavering commitment to excellence has cemented its position as India’s leading real estate company, boasting a market valuation of Rs 2 lakh crore. Its journey, from humble beginnings to an industry titan, reflects a remarkable story of ambition, vision, and transformative leadership.
