Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani yesterday jumped above Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, and their short-lived successor, Mexican Carlos Slim Helu, at the top of the rich tree as his personal fortune was put at nearly ￡31billion.
In keeping with his new-found status, it emerged that the 49-year-old plans to build possibly the most outrageous home in the world.
His mansion in Bombay will be 60 storeys tall, but will only have 27 floors to allow for super-high ceilings on the floors occupied by himself, wife Nita, and their three children.
There will be accommodation for 600 personal servants and staff.
Mr Ambani runs Reliance Industries, India's second-largest firm. The oil, textiles and chemicals giant was founded by his father, Dhirubhai, who started work as a petrol pump attendant.
His new pad will also include a helipad, health club, hanging gardens and six floors of car parking.
Construction has already started on what will eventually be a 175m tower and planners are aiming to complete it by September next year.
The building, already worth ￡500 million, could start a rush on skyscrapers.
Earlier this year, Mr Ambani was rated as the richest resident Indian with a net worth of US$20.1 billion.
He came 14th in Forbes' 2007 worldwide rankings.
