Godfrey Phillips Family Feud: Know Family Tree, Who’s Who, Companies, Disputes

In a major development at the K K Modi business family, Samir Modi, the executive director of Godfrey Phillips, has alleged that his mother, Bina Modi, is conspiring to harm him, intensifying the family dispute over KK Modi’s Rs 11,000-crore inheritance. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has supported this claim.

The Modi family has a history of internal disagreements and splits. At its root lies the late Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi, founder of Modi Enterprises. Here’s all you need to know about the business family dispute.

The Family Tree: The Patriarch and His Heirs

Gujarmal Modi, a visionary who started with a single flour mill, built a vast empire encompassing textiles, tobacco, and more. His second wife, Dayawati Devi, bore him 11 children — five sons and six daughters. The long-awaited heir, Krishan Kumar Modi (KK Modi), was born in 1940. He had four younger brothers: Vinay Kumar, Satish Kumar, Bhupendra Kumar Modi (Dr. M), and Umesh Kumar.

The Businesses

The first major upheaval came in 1989. The Modi Group divided, with the five sons of Gujarmal Modi and the three sons of his step-brother, Kedar Nath Modi, taking control of different parts of the business. K K Modi, the eldest, went on to lead Godfrey Phillips, the tobacco giant. His brother, V K Modi, took over Modi Rubber, while S K Modi formed Modi Entertainment Network. Dr. M established SpiceJet, the budget airline, and UK Modi ventured into various industries.

The Succession

KK Modi married Bina Modi in 1961. Together, they had three children: Charu Bhartia, Lalit Modi, and Samir Modi. Charu heads the educational arm of the Modi group and is married to businessman Arun Bhartia. Their son, Ashrant Bhartia, is a rising star in the family business. Lalit Modi, the flamboyant cricket administrator, is a more controversial figure. He is credited with creating the Indian Premier League (IPL) but faces legal troubles in India and currently resides in London. Samir Modi manages the retail and cosmetics ventures of the family. He is married to Shivani and has two daughters.

The Family Feud

Whispers of disagreements between the brothers have swirled for years. The 1989 split itself hinted at underlying tensions. Lalit Modi’s exile from India due to legal issues has also reportedly strained relations within the family.

The Legacy Continues

Despite the complexities, the Modi family remains a force in Indian business. The next generation, with figures like Ashrant Bhartia, is poised to take the reins.

The Latest Issue

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi disclosed on Saturday that his mother, Bina Modi, had her security personnel assault her younger son, Samir, over a dispute regarding their multi-million dollar assets.

Lalit Modi supported the claim by sharing images of Samir in a hospital with a plastered hand.

“Heartbroken 2 See my brother in this state. A mother to have a son beaten up by her security in a way that his hand is permanently impaired is shocking. & his only sin was to attend a meeting – all the board members are guilty of this heinous crime. My heart reaches out 2 him,” Lalit Modi posted on social media platform X.

Samir Modi, the executive director of Godfrey Phillips, has reportedly alleged that his mother, Bina Modi, is conspiring to harm him, intensifying the family dispute over KK Modi’s Rs 11,000-crore inheritance.

Samir Modi complained to Delhi police against his mother on May 31.

According to a report by The Economic Times, Samir Modi complained to the Delhi Police, alleging that his mother’s security officer (PSO) and certain directors of Godfrey Phillips inflicted “grievous hurt” on him when he attempted to enter a scheduled board meeting on Thursday.