C Sivasankaran Net Worth: Aircel’s founder Chinnakannan Sivasankaran is a name that once dominated India’s telecom headlines. Rising from humble beginnings in Tamil Nadu, he built Aircel into a telecom giant before selling it for a sum he later called “paltry.”
His journey is marked by dramatic highs—multi-crore deals, global business moves—and lows, including bankruptcy and legal battles. Today, his net worth and legacy remain hot topics for business watchers.
| Full Name | Chinnakannan Sivasankaran |
| Also Known As | C Sivasankaran, Siva |
| Date of Birth | 29 July 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Kovilur, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder of Aircel, Sterling Group, DishnetDSL |
| Major Ventures | Aircel, DishnetDSL, Sterling Computers, Barista |
| Notable Achievements | Built ₹3,400 crore business, telecom pioneer |
| Key Deals | Sold Aircel to Maxis (2005), Barista sale |
| Years Active | 1985–present |
Aircel Founder C Sivasankaran Net Worth
C Sivasankaran’s net worth has seen dramatic swings over the years. After selling Aircel to Malaysia’s Maxis Communications in 2005, he reportedly received ₹3,400 crore from the deal.
He later claimed he could have earned $8 billion (over ₹60,000 crore) if he was allowed to sell to AT&T instead.
At his peak, Sivasankaran’s business empire was valued at $3–4 billion (over ₹20,000 crore). However, in 2014, he was declared bankrupt by the Supreme Court of Seychelles, with creditors pursuing his global assets.
His current net worth is unclear, but it is widely believed to have dwindled significantly since his telecom heyday.
Who is Chinnakannan Sivasankaran?
Chinnakannan Sivasankaran, born 29 July 1956 in Tamil Nadu, is a self-made Indian entrepreneur.
He started as a fabrication contractor and made his first big mark in 1985 by acquiring Sterling Computers. He sold affordable PCs and quickly became a leader in India’s hardware market.
By the 1990s, Sivasankaran had diversified into telecom, winning contracts with MTNL and later acquiring cellular licenses, which he sold for $105 million.
In 1999, he founded Aircel in Tamil Nadu, transforming it from a regional player to a national brand.
Aircel became known for its affordable tariffs and innovative services, setting industry benchmarks.
Sivasankaran’s business interests span real estate, shipping, energy, and even coffee chains like Barista, which he sold for ₹500 crore.
His aggressive deal-making and quick exits earned him the reputation of a maverick. However, his empire faced challenges: Aircel filed for bankruptcy in 2018, and Sivasankaran himself was declared bankrupt in 2014.
Will C Sivasankaran’s story inspire the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs to dream big, or serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of rapid expansion?