Top Fund Managers in India

Mutual funds have become a preferred investment avenue for individuals looking to grow their wealth. However, the real drivers behind a mutual fund’s performance are fund managers. They are responsible for making strategic investment decisions, selecting the right mix of stocks and bonds, and adjusting the portfolio based on market conditions.

The expertise of a top fund manager plays a crucial role in generating returns and managing risks. In this article, we will explore who fund managers are, why they are important, their key responsibilities, and how they make investment decisions.

Invest in Indian Markets and Unlock Future Potential With 5paisa!

Open Account Now

Performance Table of Best Fund Managers in India  

Note that AUM given above are an approximate basis. Data as of April 2025
 

Overview of Best Mutual Fund Managers in India

1) Shreyash Devalkar: Mr. Devalkar is the Senior Fund Manager at Axis AMC.  He joined the AMC in 2016 and took over management of important funds in 2017 including the Multicap Fund, Midcap Fund, and Bluechip Fund.  Before this, he worked with BNP Paribas AMC for more than five years as a fund manager.
He has served as a research analyst at IDFC Securities (September 2005 to July 2008) and IDFC Asset Management Company (July 2008 to January 2011).

2) Aniruddha Naha: She holds a Master of Finance and Control degree.  Aniruddha Naha is employed with PGIM India Asset Management Pvt. Ltd. as a senior equity fund manager.  He is in charge of the PGIM India Diversified Equity Fund and the PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund. Aniruddha has a master's degree in finance and control and has worked in the debt and equity markets for more than 18 years.

3) R. Srinivasan: Currently the Head of Equity, R Srinivasan began working with SBI Funds Management in May 2009 as a Senior Fund Manager.
 He has worked with firms such as Future Capital Holding, Principal PNB, Oppenheimer & Co (later Blackstone), Indosuez WI Carr, and Motilal Oswal, among others, throughout his more than 25 years in the equities market.

 4) Sankaran Naren: Mr. Naren oversees the investing operations for mutual funds and the global advising firm.  He has been instrumental in the creation and execution of the business's overarching investment plan.
 He is a well-known supporter of the Indian financial markets and has received many accolades for fund management.  His views on markets and macroeconomics are often expressed in national and international media.

5) Jinesh Gopani: Mr. Jinesh Gopani is Axis AMC's Head of Equity.  He started out as an equity fund manager for Axis AMC in 2009 and was elevated to head of equity in 2016.
 Among other funds, he runs and oversees the flagship Axis Long Term Equity Fund.  Jinesh was previously in charge of alternative assets for the growth, value, and dividend baskets while working as a portfolio manager at Birla Sunlife AMC.

 6) Sohini Andani: Mrs. Andani became Head of Research at SBIFM in 2007 and was promoted to Portfolio Manager in 2010.  Prior to joining SBIFM, she was a senior research associate at ING Investment Management.
She has been doing sell-side research for more than 11 years.

7) Manish Gunawan: Mr. Gunwani is a B.Tech and PGDM graduate.  Prior to joining Nippon India Mutual Fund, he worked as a fund manager and analyst for ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund at Vicisoft Technologies, Lehman Brothers, Brics Securities, Lucky Securities, SSKI Securities, and Prime Securities.
 

8) Harsha Upadhyaya: It can be confirmed that Mr. Harsha Upadhyaya has 23 years of expertise in fund management and equities research.  Prior employers include Prabhudas Lilladher Pvt. Ltd., SG Asia Securities, Reliance Group, UTI Asset Management Co. Ltd., and DSP BlackRock Investment Managers. He received a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, and a degree from the National Institute of Technology, Suratkal.

9) Chandraprakash Padiyar: Mr.  Padiyar joined Tata Asset Management in September 2018 as a senior fund manager (equities).  He has over 19 years of experience in both research and investment management.
 He possesses an M.B.A. in Finance from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management and has finished all three levels of the CFA Institute's CFA Program.

10) Ankit Agarwal: Mr. Agarwal holds Postgraduate degrees in Finance, Computer Science and Engineering, and Economics Management.
Prior to joining UTI Mutual Fund, he held positions as Senior Vice President-Fund Manager at Centrum Capital Ltd., Wealth and Investment Management at Barclays as an Assistant Vice President, Senior Analyst at Lehman Brothers, London, BNP Paribas, and D. E. Shaw & Co.

Why Do Fund Managers Play an Important Role?

A Top Fund Manager is instrumental in determining how well a mutual fund performs. Their responsibilities extend beyond simply picking stocks—they actively manage risks, navigate market fluctuations, and make decisions that align with the fund’s objectives.

Here’s why their role is critical:

Strategic Investment Planning: Fund managers conduct in-depth research to select assets that can provide long-term growth.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation: They analyze various risks like market volatility, economic downturns, and industry-specific challenges to safeguard investors’ capital.

Adapting to Market Conditions: The financial landscape is constantly evolving. A skilled fund manager adjusts portfolio holdings based on market trends, ensuring the fund remains competitive.

Active vs. Passive Management:

• Active fund managers aim to outperform the market by selecting high-growth stocks through extensive research.
• Passive fund managers replicate an index’s performance, ensuring steady but predictable returns.

Regulatory Compliance: Fund managers operate under SEBI guidelines, ensuring ethical and legal fund management.

An efficient Top Fund Manager can significantly enhance the performance of a mutual fund, making them one of the most crucial factors when selecting an investment.

Roles & Responsibilities of Fund Managers in the Best Mutual Fund Companies in India

Fund managers play a multi-faceted role, making key decisions that impact investor returns. Their responsibilities include:

1. Portfolio Construction & Asset Allocation
A fund manager builds and manages the fund’s portfolio by selecting a diversified mix of assets. They balance high-risk and low-risk investments to optimize returns while maintaining stability.

2. Risk Management & Market Analysis
Fund managers assess potential risks in the portfolio and take corrective actions to minimize losses. This includes analyzing financial reports, global economic trends, and industry-specific risks.

3. Performance Monitoring & Rebalancing
They constantly evaluate the fund’s performance against benchmarks. If a particular sector is underperforming, they may shift investments to more promising opportunities.

4. Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
Fund managers adhere to SEBI’s regulations, ensuring transparency and ethical investment practices. They also provide periodic reports to investors regarding fund performance.

5. Investor Communication
While fund managers work behind the scenes, they regularly share insights through market updates and reports, helping investors understand the fund’s performance and future strategy.

A well-structured investment approach by a Top Fund Manager can lead to wealth creation and financial security for investors.

Factors to Remember While Choosing a Fund Manager

Selecting the right fund manager is crucial for maximizing your investment potential. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Investment Philosophy & Strategy
Each fund manager has a unique investment style—some prefer aggressive growth stocks, while others focus on stable, long-term investments. Ensure their philosophy aligns with your financial goals.

2. Track Record & Market Performance
Look at the manager’s past performance across different market cycles. While past success does not guarantee future returns, a consistent track record indicates expertise.

3. Experience & Specialization
A fund manager with extensive industry experience and sector expertise is more likely to make informed decisions. Consider how long they have managed funds in a specific category.

4. Risk Management Approach
Different managers have varying risk appetites. Assess their ability to manage downside risks during volatile markets. A balanced approach is essential for long-term success.

5. Fund House Reputation
The credibility of the fund house also matters. Some large fund houses focus more on asset gathering than performance, whereas boutique firms may offer specialized expertise.

6. Management Style & Decision-Making Process

• Does the fund manager make independent decisions, or is there a team-based approach?
• How frequently do they adjust portfolios?
• Are they biased toward specific industries or sectors?

Avoid choosing a fund manager simply because they are well-known. Some of the best-performing managers operate quietly, focusing on disciplined investing rather than media attention.

How Do Mutual Fund Managers Invest?

A top fund manager follows a structured investment process to generate optimal returns. Their investment strategy typically includes:

1. Setting Investment Goals & Risk Profile
Each fund has predefined objectives, such as capital appreciation or income generation. Fund managers align their investment strategy to these goals.

2. Conducting Market Research & Stock Analysis
They evaluate global and domestic economic trends, study company financials, and analyze industry performance to identify investment opportunities.

3. Portfolio Construction & Diversification
Fund managers allocate assets across different sectors to minimize risks and maximize potential returns.

4. Active Monitoring & Rebalancing
They track market movements daily and make necessary adjustments based on economic conditions, interest rates, or policy changes.

5. Risk Management & Performance Assessment
They use techniques like hedging, asset reallocation, and stop-loss strategies to mitigate risks. Regular performance assessments help in fine-tuning investment decisions.

What Are the Qualities of the Best Fund Managers?

Not all fund managers deliver consistent results. The best fund managers share the following qualities:

1. Strong Analytical & Research Skills
They excel at evaluating market trends, identifying profitable opportunities, and making data-driven decisions.

2. Patience & Long-Term Vision
Successful investing requires patience. The best fund managers focus on sustainable growth rather than short-term gains.

3. Risk Management Expertise
Managing risks effectively is as important as identifying opportunities. A skilled fund manager ensures the fund remains stable during market downturns.

4. Adaptability & Market Awareness
Markets are dynamic, and top fund managers stay updated with global trends, policy changes, and economic developments.

5. Transparent Communication & Investor Trust
Clear reporting, transparency, and ethical decision-making build trust among investors.

Conclusion

Fund managers play a vital role in mutual fund investing. Their expertise, decision-making abilities, and risk management strategies determine how well a fund performs. When selecting a mutual fund, it’s essential to e

evaluate the fund manager behind it, as their skills and experience can significantly impact your investment returns.
If you are planning to invest in mutual funds, consider researching the fund manager’s track record and investment approach to align with your financial goals. A well-chosen fund can help you build long-term wealth with minimized risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. Investors should conduct their own research and consult a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.