Meet Juhi Chawla's billionaire husband, Jay Mehta: Lost his first wife in a tragic plane crash, chairman of a Rs 4,171 crore company, co-owns an IPL team with Shah Rukh Khan, and more

Juhi Chawla, the dimpled darling of Bollywood in the 1990s, was known for her charm, grace, and string of box office hits such as 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak,' 'Darr,' 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke,' and 'Ishq.' At a time when her career was soaring, she made a surprising yet secretive choice—marrying a quiet, media-shy businessman named Jay Mehta.
Their love story, hidden from the public eye for years, is as compelling as any of her film plots. From a bond built on tragedy to a marriage that has lasted nearly three decades, here's everything you need to know about Juhi Chawla’s billionaire husband, Jay Mehta—co-owner of an IPL team, global industrialist, and family man.
Juhi and Jay’s paths crossed through a common friend, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, at a dinner party. Their early connection was built on friendship, not flirtation. According to BollywoodShaadis, it was only later that love began to blossom—especially during one of the most difficult periods in Jay's life.
In 1990, Jay lost his wife, Sujata Birla, in a tragic plane crash. Juhi, who was just becoming one of the most sought-after actresses of her time, stood by his side during this emotional crisis. The two grew closer but initially hesitated to define their feelings.
The couple eventually tied the knot in 1995, choosing a private ceremony far away from media glare. In an interview with Rajeev Masand on YouTube, Juhi revealed the reason behind keeping the marriage secret: “I was just about established and just starting to do well. That’s the time Jay was serenading me, and I was afraid of losing my career just when I kind of got there. So, I wanted to carry on, and this seemed to be the midway, that we keep it quiet and it’s okay, you carry on working.”
Adding to the emotional weight of that year, Juhi also lost her mother, which only made the time more difficult. As she shared in the same conversation, “That year my mother passed away as well, so I had another tragedy, and that was a very difficult time for me as well because I felt I was going to lose everything I had, everything I loved, my work, and my mom.”
The couple managed to keep their marriage under wraps for several years. As per reports, it was only in 2001, when Juhi was expecting her first child, that news of their wedding reached the public. Today, Juhi and Jay have been happily married for nearly 30 years. They have two children, Jahnavi and Arjun, and continue to maintain a private yet supportive family life.
While Juhi’s name shone brightly in the world of cinema, Jay Mehta was building an empire of his own. He is the chairman of The Mehta Group, a multinational conglomerate that operates in sectors ranging from cement and sugar to power and textiles. As per the group’s official website, their assets are valued at approximately USD 500 million (around Rs. 4,171 crore), and the company employs more than 15,000 people globally. As per DNA and Lifestyle Asia, Jay Mehta’s net worth is estimated to be between Rs 1,000 and 2,400 crore.
As reported by India.com, Jay holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia University and completed his MBA at the International Institute of Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland. Born on 18 January 1961, Jay is the son of Mahendra and Sunayana Mehta and the grandson of Nanji Kalidas Mehta, who founded the business in the early 20th century.
Luxurious house in Malabar HillJay Mehta may not flaunt his wealth, but his lifestyle is certainly one of luxury. He lives with Juhi and their two children in a stunning apartment complex in Mumbai’s prestigious Malabar Hill area. Though the exact price of the home remains undisclosed, an report states that the couple owns two entire floors in one of the area’s most upscale buildings.
Co-owner of an IPL team with Shah Rukh KhanAdding to his list of accomplishments, Jay is also a co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL team, alongside Juhi and superstar Shah Rukh Khan. KKR is one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League and has won the championship multiple times.