From School Dropout to Industry Leader: The Inspiring Journey of Rakesh Chopdar

Once labeled 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 groundbreaking innovation in the aerospace industry.

Early Struggles

Rakesh Chopdar’s journey began with adversity. Failing his 10th standard exams earned him taunts and ridicule from family and peers, who labeled him “good for nothing.” To escape the constant criticism, Rakesh joined his father’s factory, Atlas Fasteners, working on the shop floor.

There, he honed his skills, learning the nuances of machines and engineering. “It took me four years to mold myself as a self-educated engineer,” Rakesh recalls. His curiosity and determination pushed him to understand how and where the parts they manufactured were being used, sparking his dream of building something greater.

The Birth of Azad Engineering

After spending 12 years mastering every aspect of his father’s business, Rakesh decided to chart his own path. In 2008, he founded Azad Engineering in a modest 200-square-meter shed in Balanagar, Hyderabad, equipped with just a second-hand CNC machine.

The company’s first breakthrough came when they secured an order worth thousands of dollars to manufacture aerofoils for thermal power turbines for a European company. This was just the beginning. Over the years, Azad Engineering expanded its capabilities to manufacture intricate components for nuclear, gas, and hydrogen turbines, gaining a reputation for precision and quality.

Rising to Global Prominence

Initially, global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) doubted that an Indian company could produce complex, high-quality components. Rakesh and his team proved them wrong. By consistently delivering exceptional products at competitive prices, Azad Engineering became the preferred strategic partner for some of the world’s top OEMs.

Rakesh explains, “Today, we are the only player in India in the categories we operate in. Name any top global OEM, they are our customers.”

Azad Engineering achieved a significant milestone when it signed a long-term agreement with Rolls-Royce to manufacture and supply defense aero-engine components. This partnership cemented its position in the global aerospace supply chain.

A Vote of Confidence from Sachin Tendulkar

Rakesh’s visionary leadership caught the attention of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who invested ₹5 crore in Azad Engineering in March 2023, acquiring a 1% stake. When the company launched its IPO in December 2023, its market valuation soared, and Tendulkar exited his investment at a 15x profit.

Azad Engineering Today

Azad Engineering is now a major player in the aerospace industry, with a market capitalization of ₹5,499 crore as of February 2024. The company continues to innovate, crafting components that challenge global standards and impact industries worldwide.

Rakesh remains deeply passionate about his work, saying, “I find joy in creating components that others think are impossible. It’s about pushing boundaries and making a difference.”

Rakesh Chopdar’s life is a powerful reminder that failure is just a stepping stone, not the final destination. From being labeled a “failure” to running a ₹10,000 crore enterprise, Rakesh’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of hard work, passion, and resilience.