Nirmal Sethia, The Indian-Origin Tycoon Behind the ₹ 25 Crore Teapot, Has A Bollywood Connection

Adorned with diamonds and rubies, the exquisite teapot is also embellished with intricate ivory accents. Named 'The Egoist,' this award-winning creation is designed to serve just a single cup of tea.

Actor Neelam opened up about her first marriage in her show 'The Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives'. While talking to Ekta Kapoor in the show, Neelam shared how she faced lifestyle changes, such as giving up certain foods, wearing traditional Indian clothing, and even changing her name, after her marriage to UK-based businessman Rishi Sethia. Rishi is the son of prominent industrialist Nirmal Kumar Sethia and the late Chitra Devi Sethia. Born in the UK after his family relocated there in 1969, Rishi belongs to the renowned Sethia family, which owns the luxury tea brand Newby. Newby is celebrated for its exclusive blends, featured in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants globally.

In 2022, the Sethia family made it onto the UK’s Asian Rich List with an estimated net worth of approximately Rs 684.49 crore, according to various reports. They also commissioned a teapot adorned with diamonds and rubies, valued at around $3 million (approximately Rs 25 crore), which even earned a Guinness World Record for being the most expensive teapot ever. Named 'The Egoist,' it was created by the N Sethia Foundation, a UK-based charity founded by Nirmal Sethia.

What Is The World's Most Expensive Teapot Made Of?

Teapots are known to have originated in China around 1500 AD. Early teapots were inspired by handled wine pots and water pitchers, evolving from lids that sat in a recess of the vessel to lids resting securely on top, and eventually to modern designs with deep flanges to keep lids in place.

Yet, one teapot has captivated attention like no other, it’s truly unique and the world’s most valuable. Named 'The Egoist' due to its capacity to serve just one cup, this award-winning teapot holds a unique, somewhat controversial title. Mr. Sethia described it on Newby Teas' official website as "a tribute to tea's heritage, honouring this ancient, culturally rich, and beautiful beverage.”

Crafted from 18-carat yellow gold, this teapot is adorned with 1,658 genuine diamonds and 386 authentic rubies from Thailand and Burma. At its center shines a striking 6.67-carat ruby. The handle, made from rare and extinct mammoth ivory, adds a unique touch to this extraordinary creation.

According to Guinness, crafting this extraordinary piece required approximately 1,730 hours of work. Using materials from the Ice Age adds an extra layer of complexity, demanding even greater precision and care than typical ivory, which is already intricate to handle.

Who Is Nirmal Sethia?

Nirmal Sethia was born in Kolkata in 1941. He is the father of Rishi Sethia, ex-husband of Bollywood actress Neelam Kothari. His passion for tea began early, leading him to establish Sethia Tea Estates at just 16 and later acquire a tea plantation in Assam.

In 1965, he ventured into the jute industry by starting a new company, which, as reported by BBC, expanded over time to include interests in banking and real estate, yet his dedication to tea never waned. According to GQ, he owns a vast collection of over 2,000 tea-related artifacts, some dating as far back as the 10th century BC, spanning dynasties such as Russia's Romanov and China’s Ming. This unique collection is carefully maintained by the N Sethia Foundation.