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Anirudha Yerunkar
He is working as Chief Sub Editor with India.com and has experience in Digital Media and YouTube. He has covered Budget 2023, 2024, 2025 for reputed channels. Born and brought up in Mumbai, he is an e ... Read More
Rakesh Chopdar, once dismissed as a failure due to poor academic performance, has risen to become a prominent name in the global manufacturing sector. The founder of Azad Engineering, a company now valued at over $1 billion, his journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and resilience.
Rakesh Chopdar faced significant criticism for his low grades during school, particularly in his 10th grade exams. Friends and family questioned his abilities, and he was often labeled a failure. Feeling lost and directionless, Rakesh decided to join his father’s small factory, Atlas Fasteners, which specialized in nuts and bolts.
For the next 12 years, he worked tirelessly in the family business, gaining hands-on experience in engineering and manufacturing. This period became the foundation of his future success.
In 2008, Rakesh took a bold step and started his own company, Azad Engineering, in a small shed with a second-hand CNC machine. His breakthrough came when he secured a significant order to manufacture airfoils for thermal power turbines. This marked the beginning of Azad Engineering’s rise on the global stage.
Today, Azad Engineering is a renowned name in the manufacturing industry, specializing in high-precision rotating parts used in sectors like power generation, aerospace, defense, and oil and gas. The company has formed partnerships with global giants such as Rolls-Royce, Boeing, General Electric (GE), and Pratt & Whitney.
From a revenue of just ₹2 crore in 2008, Azad Engineering achieved an impressive ₹350 crore in revenue for the financial year 2023-24. Following its public listing, the company’s market valuation exceeded $1 billion, making it a significant player in its industry.
Under Rakesh’s leadership, Azad Engineering continues to grow at a rapid pace. The company is currently developing a new 2,00,000-square-meter facility with an investment of over Rs 800 crore, focusing on aerospace, defense, energy, and oil and gas sectors.
Recently, Azad Engineering signed a deal with DRDO to manufacture hybrid turbo-gas generators, with the first batch of engines expected to be delivered by early 2026.
Rakesh’s journey is not just about personal success but also about creating opportunities for others. Azad Engineering now employs hundreds of people, providing livelihoods and contributing to economic growth.
His life serves as an inspiration for young individuals, proving that success is achievable regardless of early setbacks.
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