Why Every Indian Investor Needs to Hear Swarup Mohanty’s Story Right Now

In this episode of the Simple Hai! show, Swarup Mohanty, Vice Chairman and CEO of Mirae Asset Investment Managers, shares his life journey, career choices, and valuable money lessons that every Indian, especially young investors, should hear. The Simple Hai! show, hosted by senior finance journalist Vivek Law, is not just a chat about mutual funds. It’s an inspiring walk through the life of Swarup Mohanty, one of the biggest names in India’s INR 2 lakh crore mutual fund industry.

A Small-Town Start With Big Dreams

From his humble upbringing in Odisha to his powerful insights about staying invested, this conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and real-world guidance that can change how you look at money and life. Swarup Mohanty’s story begins in Odisha, where his parents, both professors, laid the foundation of discipline and values. His mother even became the principal of his college, putting him under the academic spotlight from an early age.

When he chose Commerce over Science, it was considered a bold move. But Swarup stayed true to what he believed in. “Better than failing in Science,” he said with honest simplicity. That decision set him on a different but impactful journey in Indian finance.

Why This Podcast Isn’t Just About Money

This episode stands out because it’s about the person behind the numbers. Swarup calls himself the “odd one out” in a family full of PhDs, yet he proudly credits his wife and parents for keeping him grounded. “They still say, ‘Don’t do anything wrong, ‘” he laughs, showing how family values and integrity shape even the most high-profile finance careers. His top academic wife reminds him to stick to the truth. That simple yet powerful advice echoes in his everyday work.

Lessons in Hard Work Over Shortcuts

Swarup Mohanty didn’t build his career on luck or shortcuts. He admits he wasn’t the most polished or well-connected, especially in the early days when five-star hotels made him nervous. But showing up every day, learning constantly, and putting in honest effort took him to the top. “There are people far more skilled than me. But hard work, that is the only thing I can control,” he says. For every youngster feeling overwhelmed by competition, that’s a line worth remembering.

The Truth About Compounding and Staying Invested

One of the most relatable parts of the podcast is when Mohanty shares his regret of not starting an INR500 SIP earlier. “If I had done that, I’d be financially free today,” he admits. His key message is clear: “There’s a risk to investing. But there’s a bigger risk to not investing in India right now.” He passionately explains why even small investments can change lives through the power of compounding. His advice to youngsters? “Ask yourself why you’re investing. The ‘why’ defines the ‘how’.”

Trust the Process and Your Advisor

In an age of DIY investing, Mohanty still sees value in financial advisors. Just like you’d visit a doctor for health, you need the right expert for wealth. “Markets are like good music, sometimes high, sometimes low, but you must listen to the full song,” he says. That analogy alone makes this podcast a goldmine for new investors.

A Leader Who Believes in People, Not Just Numbers

Under Swarup’s leadership, Mirae Asset has grown steadily, with many team members staying since the beginning, a rare feat in the financial world. He believes leadership is about consistency, trust, and purpose. Even in global meetings, India’s story remains close to his heart. “In a room full of 200 Koreans, I heard my name and India mentioned as the future. I still get goosebumps,” he says.

Music, Vinyls, and Healing During COVID

Beyond finance, Mohanty has a musical soul. During the pandemic, he tweeted songs from his vinyl collection every day. One of his favourites? “Chala Jata Hoon Kisi Ki Dhun Pe” is a song that perfectly captures his positive, flowing outlook on life.

If You Miss This Podcast, You Miss a Financial Wake-Up Call

Swarup Mohanty ends the episode with a strong message: India is going to double its economy in 10 years. If you miss this opportunity, the mistake is yours.”This isn’t just a podcast; it’s a wake-up call for every Indian, whether you’re starting your career, planning your future, or looking to grow your wealth. Packed with honesty, hope, and helpful tips, this episode is a rare mix of heart and head and is worth your time. Listen to this episode of Simple Hai! Now, I want to understand markets and what it means to lead with values, invest with purpose, and build a future worth living.

Simple Hai! is part of the One Native Studio, just like The Reelstars.