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If you have ever spent a few minutes on Dalal Street or even just scrolled through financial Twitter, you have probably heard names like Rakesh Jhunjhunwala or Radhakishan Damani. They are basically the rockstars of the Indian stock market. But have you ever wondered what they actually do differently?

I used to think they had some secret software or a crystal ball. It turns out, their success comes down to having a very specific "flavor" of investing. They don't just throw money at whatever is trending on the news. They follow personal rules that they have spent decades refining.

Let's break down the investing style of top Indian stock market investors explained so you can see which one might actually fit your own personality.

The Visionary Bull: Rakesh Jhunjhunwala

The late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, often called the Big Bull, had a style that was a mix of guts and deep research. He wasn't just an investor; he was a trader too. He often said that his trading capital helped fund his long-term investments.

• Conviction is everything: When he liked a company, he went all in. He didn't just buy a few shares; he bought a massive chunk of the company.

• The "Titan" approach: He bought Titan when it was just a small watch company and held it for decades. He didn't care about the daily price swings.

• Focus on earnings: He always looked at whether a company could grow its profits over the next five to ten years. If the earnings grow, the stock price eventually follows.

Do you have the stomach to hold a stock while it drops 30% in a month? If not, this style might be a bit too intense. He had a rare ability to stay calm when everyone else was panicking.

The Silent Giant: Radhakishan Damani

If Jhunjhunwala was the loud, proud bull, Radhakishan Damani is the quiet, disciplined operator. He is the man behind DMart, and his investing style is incredibly simple but hard to master.

• Value is king: He looks for stocks that are "cheap" compared to what the business is actually worth.

• Extreme patience: He is known to wait for years for the right price. He doesn't feel the need to be "active" every day.

• Low profile, high impact: He avoids the limelight. His style is about observing consumer behavior. He understands what Indians buy, which is why he focuses on retail and consumer goods.

He once said that you don't need to be right 100% of the time. You just need to be very right a few times and stay invested.

The Framework Master: Raamdeo Agrawal

Raamdeo Agrawal, the co-founder of Motilal Oswal, is famous for his QGLP framework. If you like logic and checklists, this is the style for you.

• Quality: Is the business good? Is the management honest?

• Growth: Can the company double its sales in a few years?

• Longevity: Will this company still be relevant in 20 years?

• Price: Are you paying a fair price for it?

He often talks about the power of compounding. He believes that the real wealth is made in the "sitting" and not the "buying and selling." It’s about finding a great business and then literally doing nothing for a decade.

The SMILE Strategy: Vijay Kedia

Vijay Kedia has a very relatable way of looking at the market. He uses the SMILE acronym to find multibaggers. I personally find this one the easiest to remember when I’m looking at new companies.

• S - Small in size: He looks for smaller companies that have room to grow.

• M - Medium in experience: The management should know what they are doing but still be hungry.

• I - Large in aspiration: The company must want to become a giant.

• L - Large in market potential: The industry should be huge so the company doesn't hit a ceiling.

• E - Extra-large potential: The stock should have the chance to grow 10x or 20x.

He often says that you should invest in a company like you are a partner in the business, not just a gambler.

The Small-Cap Hunter: Ashish Kacholia

Ashish Kacholia is often called the "Big Whale" of mid and small-caps. He has a knack for finding companies before they become famous.

• Niche leaders: He looks for companies that dominate a very specific, small market.

• Manufacturing focus: He has a huge preference for companies that actually make things, like chemicals, plastics, or machinery.

• Data-driven: He dives deep into the balance sheets to ensure the company isn't drowning in debt.

Which Style Fits You?

You don't have to pick just one. Most successful retail investors I know use a bit of everything. But ask yourself these questions:

• Do you like the excitement of finding "hidden gems" like Ashish Kacholia?

• Are you okay with holding just 5-10 stocks for a decade like Radhakishan Damani?

• Do you prefer a strict mathematical checklist like Raamdeo Agrawal?

Personally, I struggle with the patience part. It is so tempting to sell when you see a 20% profit. But looking at these legends, the one thing they all have in common is that they stayed in the game. They didn't jump in and out every time the market got a little shaky.

Practical steps to start

1. Don't copy portfolios blindly: Just because a big investor bought a stock doesn't mean you should. You don't know their entry price or their exit plan.

2. Focus on what you know: If you work in pharma, look at pharma stocks. You already have an edge.

3. Start small: You don't need lakhs of rupees. Even a few thousand a month in a "quality" stock can grow significantly over time.

Investing isn't just about the money. It is about the discipline. It’s about being a student of the market. These top investors didn't get rich overnight; they got rich by being more patient than everyone else.