When they were neither famous nor wealthy: On Nikhil Kamath's birthday, his mother shares a message on happiness

On September 5, as Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath turned 39, his mother, Revathi Kamath, marked the occasion by sharing an old photograph on social media. The picture showed a young Nikhil beside her with a birthday cake. Alongside it, she wrote, “Today my son Nikhil Kamath’s birthday and I never forget to celebrate my sons’ birthdays!!”

Her words may have been brief, but they carried the weight of consistency and love that had defined her parenting through years of struggle.

“Happiness was never about wealth”
In a separate Instagram post, Revathi offered a glimpse into those years when money was scarce, but celebrations were never compromised. “We always made sure to celebrate both of our sons’ birthdays without fail. No matter what our economic condition was at that time, we celebrated with whatever resources were available. Because happiness was never about how much we had, but about how much love we shared,” she wrote.

The sentiment struck a chord with netizens, who responded warmly. One user commented, “It’s never the resources but parents’ emotions that are magical. This bonding is divine.” Another added, “Very well said, it’s all about love shared.”

Early years of struggle
Before Nikhil Kamath’s name appeared on Forbes’ list of India’s richest, he was a teenager working at a call centre and trading equities on the side. In 2010, he and his brother Nithin started Zerodha, now India’s largest retail brokerage.

But Revathi’s recollections often highlight the years before their success. In an earlier Facebook post, she revealed how quickly her life after marriage became centered on raising her sons. “Within 10 months of marriage, my son Nithin was born and my life got completely dedicated to him and the family. Seven years later, Nikhil was born, and both boys were far from conventional. Every day was a challenge,” she wrote.

Beyond success stories
Today, Nikhil Kamath is celebrated not just as the co-founder of Zerodha and True Beacon but also as an investor, philanthropist, and podcaster who has interviewed leaders. Yet, on his birthday, his mother’s message served as a reminder that behind the billion-dollar valuations lies a simple truth—joy is not about wealth, but about shared love and togetherness.