'Dubai Bling' star Rizwan Sajan on growing up in Mumbai slums to living in 40,000 sq ft Dubai mansion: 'Money is just a byproduct'

Businessman Rizwan Sajan has often been associated with luxury and success, especially after appearing with his family on the reality series 'Dubai Bling'. His appearance on the show introduced viewers to a lavish lifestyle that included a massive home in Dubai and glimpses of extraordinary wealth.

However, behind the grand lifestyle and business achievements lies a journey that began under very different circumstances.

Rizwan Sajan's early life was far from luxury

Before becoming one of the well-known names in business, Rizwan spent his childhood in Mumbai under modest circumstances. He grew up in Ghatkopar in a lower-middle-class family where financial challenges shaped everyday life. Even small expenses needed careful planning, as reported by Indian Express.

During those years, his family had to manage household costs carefully, and his pocket money remained limited.Rizwan once shared how a simple school memory eventually changed the direction of his life. Watching friends buy snacks from the school canteen made him realize that he wanted to earn his own money. Recalling the moment, he told Curly Tales, “I used to finish my Rs 15 pocket money in one week. It was embarrassing when my friends would eat and I couldn’t.

At 14, I started my first business just so I could afford samosas in the canteen.

” That small goal later became the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.

Rizwan Sajan's first venture started with Rs 1,000

Rizwan's first business began with a small amount borrowed from his father. He used Rs 1,000 to buy school books from wholesale markets in Mumbai and later sold them during the school season. The idea ended up bringing greater returns than he had expected. Remembering that phase, he said, “I became the rich guy and started feeding samosas to my friends.”

For a teenager hoping to earn a little extra money, the experience became an important lesson.

Years later, Rizwan shifted to Dubai with plans of starting his own business. At that time, he had limited savings and had to divide his money carefully across business expenses and family responsibilities. The early months involved uncertainty and financial pressure. Gradually, the earnings started increasing and gave him confidence that his business was progressing in the right direction.

Those initial steps eventually expanded into a large business empire.

Rizwan Sajan's success never changed his perspective

Despite reaching extraordinary levels of success, Rizwan has repeatedly said that financial gain was never the primary goal behind his work. Speaking about his mindset, he said, “Work motivates me. Money is just a byproduct.” He further added, “I was born in a slum. Then we moved into a chawl. Today, I live in a 40,000-square-foot house. But even if you leave me in the middle of a jungle in Africa with nothing, I know I can build myself again.

”'Dubai Bling' follows the lives of wealthy expatriates living in Dubai and offers a look into their businesses, personal lives, and luxurious lifestyles.