From "Failure" to Rs.10,000 Crore Success: Rakesh Chopdar’s Journey to Leading Azad Engineering
Once called a “failure,” Rakesh Chopdar defied all odds to become the chairman of a ₹10,000 crore engineering company. His story is one of resilience, determination, and innovation in the aerospace industry.
Early Struggles
Rakesh’s journey began with hardships. Failing his 10th-grade exams led to criticism from family and peers, who called him “good for nothing.” To escape this, Rakesh joined his father’s factory, Atlas Fasteners, and worked on the shop floor.
There, he learned about machines and engineering, spending four years teaching himself. His curiosity pushed him to understand how the parts they made were used, which sparked his dream of building something bigger.
The Birth of Azad Engineering
After spending 12 years learning all aspects of his father’s business, Rakesh decided to start his own company. In 2008, he founded Azad Engineering in a small 200-square-meter shed in Hyderabad, with just a second-hand CNC machine.
The company’s first big success came when it received an order to make aerofoils for thermal power turbines for a European company. This marked the beginning of Azad Engineering’s rise. Over time, they expanded to produce parts for nuclear, gas, and hydrogen turbines, gaining a reputation for precision and quality.
Rising to Global Prominence
At first, global companies doubted an Indian company could produce such complex, high-quality components. But Rakesh and his team proved them wrong. By consistently delivering exceptional products at competitive prices, Azad Engineering became the preferred partner for top global companies.
Today, Rakesh proudly says, “We are the only company in India in the fields we work in. Any top global company is our customer.”
Azad Engineering reached a major milestone when it signed a long-term deal with Rolls-Royce to supply defense aero-engine components, securing its place in the global aerospace supply chain.
A Boost from Sachin Tendulkar
Rakesh’s leadership caught the attention of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who invested ₹5 crore in Azad Engineering in March 2023 for a 1% stake. When the company launched its IPO in December 2023, its market value skyrocketed, and Tendulkar sold his investment at a 15x profit.
Azad Engineering Today
As of February 2024, Azad Engineering has a market value of ₹5,499 crore and continues to lead in the aerospace industry. The company challenges global standards by creating high-quality components that impact industries worldwide.
Rakesh remains passionate about his work, saying, “I find joy in creating parts that others think are impossible. It’s about pushing limits and making a difference.”
Rakesh Chopdar’s story is proof that failure is just a part of the journey, not the end. From being labeled a “failure” to leading a ₹10,000 crore company, his life is a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, passion, and resilience.
