Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla, born 1941 in Mumbai, is the founder of the Serum Institute of India — the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced. The company was the principal manufacturer of Covishield, the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, during the global pandemic of 2020–2022.
The Family's Roots: The Parsi-Zoroastrian Family of Pune
The Poonawalla family is Parsi-Zoroastrian, settled in Pune for many generations. The family had been involved in horse breeding and racing through the Poonawalla Stud Farms — established in 1946 — before pivoting to vaccines.
His Parents
Father: Soli Poonawalla — horse breeder; founder of Poonawalla Stud Farms (1946).
Mother: Bhanu Poonawalla.
His Brother: Zavaray Poonawalla
Zavaray Poonawalla, born 1947 — Cyrus's younger brother. He runs the Poonawalla Group which includes the horse-racing and financial-services businesses. Married to Behroze Poonawalla.
His Wife: Villoo "Soonu" Poonawalla
Soonu Poonawalla is from a Parsi family. She and Cyrus married in 1966.
His Son: Adar Poonawalla
Adar Cyrus Poonawalla, born 14 January 1981 — Cyrus's only son and the CEO of the Serum Institute of India since 2011. He has the most internationally visible role within the family.
He is married to Natasha Poonawalla (née Jhunjhunwala), the daughter of Marwari billionaire Harsh Jhunjhunwala, and they have two sons: Cyrus Poonawalla (named for the grandfather, b. 2011) and Darius Poonawalla (b. 2013).
The Poonawalla Family Tree at a Glance
Family Origins: Parsi-Zoroastrian; Pune.
Parents: Soli Poonawalla (founder of Poonawalla Stud Farms, 1946); Bhanu Poonawalla.
Brother: Zavaray Poonawalla (b. 1947) — Poonawalla Group chairman.
Wife: Soonu Poonawalla (married 1966).
Son: Adar Poonawalla (b. 14 January 1981) — CEO, Serum Institute of India.
Daughter-in-Law: Natasha Poonawalla née Jhunjhunwala (Marwari businesswoman).
Grandsons: Cyrus Poonawalla (b. 2011); Darius Poonawalla (b. 2013).
Cyrus Poonawalla:
- Born 1941, Mumbai
- Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (B.Com), Pune
- Founded Serum Institute of India in 1966 in Pune to produce tetanus antitoxin
- SII now produces over 1.5 billion vaccine doses annually
- Padma Shri (2005); Padma Bhushan (2022); Dadabhai Naoroji Memorial Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award (BD&L) and many honorary doctorates
What the Poonawalla Family Story Teaches Us
A horse-breeding father whose stud farm gave the family its capital. A son who pivoted that capital into vaccines and built the world's largest dose-producing company. A grandson named after the grandfather. From one Pune Parsi household has come some of the most important vaccines in modern global public health.
For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Poonawalla story carries the same lesson. Family naming traditions persist. The Poonawalla grandson is named Cyrus — for his grandfather. Such naming chains are how families connect generations across decades. Write down who is named after whom. The naming is itself a record.
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