Robert Rajendra Vadra

Robert Vadra, an Indian businessman, gained the media spotlight following his marriage to Priyanka Gandhi, a member of the prominent Nehru-Gandhi family. He was born on May 18, 1969, in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, to Rajendra Vadra, a businessperson who migrated from Sialkot, Pakistan, after India's Partition in 1947, and Maureen Vadra, a Scottish woman.

Growing up in a business-oriented family, Vadra ventured into entrepreneurship himself. In 1997, he founded Artex, initially focusing on handicrafts and later expanding into various industries such as hospitality and real estate. His mother, Maureen Vadra, holds directorial positions in all of his ventures.

Beyond his business endeavours, Vadra shares a longstanding connection with the Gandhi family. He first encountered Priyanka Gandhi in 1985 through his sister Michelle Vadra, offering support during her challenging times following the assassination of her father, Rajiv Gandhi. Vadra's camaraderie extends to Rahul Gandhi as well, fostering a deep friendship.

On February 18, 1997, Vadra tied the knot with Priyanka Gandhi, prompting his conversion to Hinduism from Chritianity. This union, which blessed them with two children, Raihan Vadra and Miraya Vadra, also established him as a Punjabi Khatri, aligning with his father's heritage.

Notably, from November 2007 to June 2008, Vadra embarked on an entrepreneurial spree, establishing several companies, including Sky Light Realty, Sky Light Hospitality, Real Earth Estates, Blue Breeze Trading, and North India IT Parks. These ventures typically commenced with a paid-up capital ranging between ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.

Vadra's business portfolio extends to include ownership of Hilton Hotels, notably Hilton Gardens in New Delhi, along with stakes in renowned real estate giant DLF and the DLF IPL

Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, his company, bought 3.5 acres of farm land in Shikohpur, Haryana, for ₹ 7.5 crore in 2008. Later they sold it to DLF Ltd for around ₹ 58 crore. This caused a lot of public curiosity.

The Shikohpur land deal has been the cause of legal interrogation. Haryana Police filed an FIR in 2012 in which they accused cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) started a case under the Money Laundering Prevention Act. Vadra was called and questioned by the ED in April 2025. A chargesheet was submitted in July 2025, informing Vadra about the money laundering accusation and stating that the land was given as a bribe.

Even if he is not formally a politician, Vadra has declared his willingness to serve the public, maybe through the Rajya Sabha.

In his leisure moments, Vadra indulges in various activities, including dancing, working out, listening to music, travelling, and bike riding.