The 54-year-old Branson was just 20 when he founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer, in 1970. In 1972, he built his recording studio in Oxfordshire. The first album of Virgin Records went on to sell more than five million copies.

At 27, Richard signed The Sex Pistols to the Virgin Records label after the group had been rejected by every UK label. Virgin has since then signed up many superstars including Paula Abdul, Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Janet Jackson, and The Rolling Stones.

He launched Virgin Atlantic Airways in 1984. Branson is also a trustee of many charities. He is also a serious adventurer. He lives in London and Oxfordshire, with his wife and two children.

Branson has his stumps shattered at a friendly cricket match held at the Oval Maidan in Mumbai on Friday.

Photograph: Jewella C Miranda