
Shikhar Pahariya is widely recognized for his presence in elite circles, polo matches, and his rumored relationship with Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor. The foundation of this legacy is rooted in the quiet yet influential presence of his father, Sanjay Pahariya.
Unlike his sons, who are often the subject of media speculation, or his ex-wife’s family, who hold strong political ties, Sanjay has chosen to remain mostly out of the limelight. Still, his role as a businessman, mentor, and guiding figure has been pivotal in shaping the opportunities that Shikhar and his brother Veer enjoy today.
This article takes a closer look at who Sanjay Pahariya is, his business career, family connections, his parenting style, and how his influence continues to impact the next generation of the Pahariya family.
Who is Sanjay Pahariya?
At his core, Sanjay Pahariya is a businessman and entrepreneur. Unlike the political visibility of his ex-wife’s family or the media buzz that often surrounds his sons, Sanjay has consistently maintained a low-key profile. His business interests span multiple industries, including real estate development, entertainment ventures, and gaming start-ups. Sanjay is not the kind of man who courts publicity. Instead, he focuses on building structures that last, financial systems that work, and businesses that can create long-term stability for his children. This stability gave Shikhar and Veer the confidence to take bold steps, such as launching their gaming venture, Indiawyn Gaming Private Limited, which was one of their earliest entrepreneurial forays. Through his steady support and mentorship, Sanjay played the role of a behind-the-scenes enabler, ensuring that his sons had both the exposure and the resources to pursue ambitious dreams.
Family Background and Marriage
Sanjay Pahariya’s personal life has always been closely tied to a family of immense political stature. He was married to Smruti Shinde, daughter of Sushilkumar Shinde, a veteran politician who has served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the Union Home Minister of India. This marriage connected Sanjay to one of the most influential families in Indian politics. Their children, Shikhar and Veer, were born into a world that naturally blended political connections, business opportunities, and elite social networks.
However, Sanjay and Smruti eventually went their separate ways. Their separation, while personal, did not affect the upbringing of their sons in a negative way. Both Sanjay and Smruti remained actively involved in their children’s lives, each bringing a different type of influence to the table. From their mother’s side, Shikhar and Veer inherited a political legacy and connections to the entertainment industry. From their father’s side, they gained a business-driven, entrepreneurial mindset that encouraged them to think globally.
Sanjay Pahariya’s Role in Business
While Sanjay rarely appears in the media, his role in business and entrepreneurship has been significant. His ventures have often revolved around real estate and development, where the Pahariya family has been associated with urban projects that provided financial stability. In entertainment and gaming, Sanjay encouraged his sons to explore industries aligned with their generation’s interests.
His support was crucial in helping them establish Indiawyn Gaming, a company that reflects the rise of digital entertainment and gaming culture in India. Rather than being a front-facing entrepreneur, Sanjay has functioned as a mentor and strategist, guiding his sons in how to handle business risks, structure companies, and balance professional life with their privileged social circles.
Influence on Shikhar and Veer
It is often said that behind every successful young person is a strong guiding influence at home. For Shikhar and Veer, that influence has undoubtedly been their father, Sanjay. Even after separating from Smruti, Sanjay remained a hands-on parent who believed in instilling values of discipline, ambition, and resilience in his children.
His impact is visible in Shikhar’s choices, whether in pursuing polo, one of the most disciplined and elite sports, or in studying Global Financial Management at Regent’s University, London. Veer Pahariya, on the other hand, leaned more toward the entertainment industry and even dabbled in acting and music. This balance of paths between the two brothers is a reflection of the dual influence of both parents: Sanjay’s business sensibility and Smruti’s entertainment-world exposure.
A Blend of Legacy and Modernity
The uniqueness of the Pahariya family lies in its ability to straddle three powerful domains: politics, through maternal grandfather Sushilkumar Shinde; entertainment, through their mother’s Sobo Films and Bollywood connections; and business, through their father, who gave them exposure to entrepreneurship and financial management.
Sanjay Pahariya’s role is vital here. Without the balance he brings, the political and entertainment sides of the family might have overshadowed the entrepreneurial ambitions of Shikhar and Veer. By focusing on business and long-term ventures, Sanjay provided his sons with a strong platform to build their identities beyond just politics and glamour.
Why Sanjay Stays Out of the Limelight?
One of the most fascinating aspects of Sanjay’s personality is his conscious choice to stay away from media attention. While his sons are frequently clicked at high-profile parties, or his ex-wife is recognized for her production house, Sanjay remains a private individual. He prefers a quiet, private lifestyle that focuses on results rather than appearances, and his strengths lie in back-end business operations, not in public glamour or media-facing roles.
Ironically, this very silence has strengthened his influence. By not competing for attention, Sanjay allowed his children to carve identities of their own without being overshadowed by his presence.
Co-Parenting and Family Values
The separation of Sanjay and Smruti did not fracture the Pahariya family. Instead, it created a modern co-parenting environment, where both parents continued to provide love, support, and guidance in different ways.
Shikhar and Veer often appear with their mother due to her proximity to Bollywood and politics, but insiders know the importance of their father’s influence in shaping their entrepreneurial courage and financial literacy. This cooperative style of parenting is a strong example of how families, especially those under the public eye, can still raise balanced and ambitious children even after separation.
Conclusion
Sanjay Pahariya is the backbone of the Pahariya family, a man who prefers substance over show and who ensures that his children not only carry the family name but also contribute meaningfully to its legacy. Without his guidance, the success stories of Shikhar and Veer would not have been as deeply rooted or globally relevant as they are today.
FAQS
Who is Shikhar Pahariya’s father?
Shikhar Pahariya’s father is Sanjay Pahariya, a businessman.
How tall is Shikhar Pahariya?
Shikhar Pahariya is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
Who is Sanjay Pahariya?
Sanjay Pahariya is a businessman and entrepreneur, best known as the father of Shikhar and Veer Pahariya. He has business interests in real estate, entertainment, and gaming.
What is Sanjay Pahariya’s connection to politics?
Sanjay Pahariya was married to Smruti Shinde, daughter of veteran politician Sushilkumar Shinde, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Union Home Minister of India.
What businesses is Sanjay Pahariya involved in?
Sanjay Pahariya’s ventures span real estate development, entertainment projects, and mentorship in start-ups like Indiawyn Gaming, co-founded by his sons.
What is Shikhar Pahariya’s net worth?
Shikhar Pahariya’s estimated net worth is ₹83-84 crore (approximately USD 10 million).
Why does Sanjay Pahariya stay away from the limelight?
Unlike his ex-wife and sons, who are often in the public eye, Sanjay prefers privacy. He focuses on building businesses and guiding his children from behind the scenes.
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