Saroo Brierley is a name known worldwide because of his extraordinary life journey. Born in India, separated from his family at the age of five, and adopted by an Australian couple, he managed to find his way back to his roots decades later using Google Earth. His memoir A Long Way Home and the Oscar-nominated film Lion brought his story to global attention. Today, Saroo is a successful author, businessman, and motivational speaker. Let’s explore his biography, family, net worth, and the inspiring lessons from his life.
Quick Bio
| Quick Bio | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sheru Munshi Khan (Saroo Brierley) |
| Date of Birth | 22 May 1981 (approx.) |
| Age (2025) | 44 years old |
| Birthplace | Ganesh Talai, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Current Residence | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Nationality | Indian-born Australian |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Family | Adoptive: John & Sue Brierley, Mantosh; Biological: Fatima, Guddu (deceased), Kallu, Shekila |
| Spouse | Reported: Lisa Williams (unconfirmed) |
| Net Worth | $1.5–2 million |
| Profession | Author, Speaker, Businessman |
Early Life and Childhood
Saroo Brierley was born as Sheru Munshi Khan in Ganesh Talai, a small town in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India, in 1981. His childhood was marked by poverty. His mother, Fatima Munshi, worked as a laborer, while his father was absent for much of his life. Saroo grew up with three siblings: Guddu, Kallu, and Shekila.
At the age of five, Saroo went with his older brother Guddu to a train station. While Guddu left briefly to look for work, Saroo accidentally boarded a train and was carried almost 1,500 kilometers away to Kolkata. Alone and unable to speak the local language, he survived on the streets for weeks before being taken to an orphanage.
Adoption and Life in Australia
In 1987, Saroo was adopted by John and Sue Brierley, a loving couple from Hobart, Tasmania. Along with their other adopted son, Mantosh, they raised Saroo in a nurturing environment. The name “Saroo” came from a mispronunciation of “Sheru,” which means “lion” in Hindi.
In Australia, Saroo received an education and pursued studies in business and hospitality at the Australian International Hotel School in Canberra. Although he adapted well to his new life, memories of his home in India lingered. He carried vivid images of landmarks and streets from his childhood.
The Search for Home
As technology advanced, Saroo began using Google Earth to retrace his steps. He remembered certain visual cues like a water tower and train tracks, and after years of searching, he pinpointed his hometown of Khandwa in 2011.
In 2012, Saroo traveled back to India and successfully reunited with his biological family. The emotional reunion captured worldwide media attention, but it was bittersweet. He discovered that his brother Guddu had died in a train accident on the night Saroo went missing. Despite this, reconnecting with his mother and surviving siblings was a moment of healing.
Career and Achievements
Saroo Brierley’s remarkable story inspired millions around the world. In 2013, he published his memoir, A Long Way Home, co-written with Larry Buttrose. The book quickly became a bestseller and was translated into multiple languages.
In 2016, the book was adapted into the critically acclaimed film Lion, starring Dev Patel as Saroo and Nicole Kidman as Sue Brierley. The movie grossed more than $140 million worldwide and received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. This global recognition cemented Saroo’s place as an inspirational figure.
Since then, Saroo has built a career as a motivational speaker, sharing his story at corporate events, schools, and conferences. His speaking fees are reported to range from $30,000 to $50,000, reflecting the impact and demand for his message of perseverance and hope.
Net Worth
Saroo Brierley’s estimated net worth ranges between $1.5 million and $2 million. His wealth primarily comes from three sources:
- Book royalties from A Long Way Home.
- Film adaptation rights and royalties from Lion.
- Public speaking engagements across the globe.
Additionally, he has been involved in family businesses in Tasmania, which contribute to his financial stability. While his net worth is significant, Saroo often emphasizes that his true wealth lies in family, connection, and gratitude.
Family and Personal Life
Saroo’s life has been shaped by two families. His biological family includes his mother Fatima, his late brother Guddu, his brother Kallu, and his sister Shekila. After his reunion, he has supported them financially and even bought his mother a house in India.
His adoptive family John, Sue, and Mantosh Brierley remain central to his life in Australia. The Brierleys are known for their love and openness, and Saroo often speaks about the importance of adoption and giving children a second chance at life.
As for his personal relationships, some reports mention that Saroo is married to Lisa Williams, although this detail has not been widely confirmed in reputable sources.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Saroo Brierley is 44 years old. He is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs around 75 kg (165 lbs). He has black hair and dark brown eyes. Despite his fame, he maintains a simple and down-to-earth lifestyle.
Lifestyle and Personality
Saroo splits his time between his home in Hobart, Tasmania, and visits to India. He is known to be humble and family-oriented, often avoiding the glitz of celebrity life. He has shared that working in his family’s local business helps him stay grounded.
His personality reflects resilience and empathy. Having lived on the streets as a child, he values compassion and has been involved in charity efforts related to adoption, children’s welfare, and poverty alleviation.
Social Media and Public Presence
Saroo maintains an official website at saroobrierley.com, where he shares updates about his speaking engagements and projects. He also has a public Facebook page, though he does not maintain a strong presence on platforms like Instagram or Twitter.
His story continues to circulate widely online, with clips from interviews, film promotions, and motivational talks reaching global audiences. He prefers using his platform to inspire rather than to chase social media popularity.
Fun Facts
- Saroo’s birth name, Sheru, means “lion” in Hindi, which inspired the title of the movie Lion.
- He spent weeks as a child surviving alone on the streets of Kolkata before being adopted.
- His autobiography was sold to film producers for a substantial sum, leading to the international success of Lion.
- Despite global fame, Saroo continues to help manage his family’s business in Hobart.
- He has expressed plans to write a sequel to his memoir, documenting his ongoing search for his biological father.
Lessons from His Journey
Saroo Brierley’s life teaches us the power of resilience and memory. From a lost child on the streets of Kolkata to a globally recognized author and speaker, his story is proof that determination can overcome seemingly impossible odds. His journey emphasizes the importance of never giving up hope, cherishing family, and remaining grounded despite fame and success.
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Conclusion
Saroo Brierley’s biography is not just about his net worth or professional accomplishments it is about human perseverance, the power of technology to reconnect lost lives, and the enduring strength of family bonds. At 44, he continues to inspire people across the world with his story, proving that even the most difficult beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
FAQs
What is Saroo Brierley’s net worth?
Saroo’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2 million, earned through book sales, film rights, and public speaking.
How old is Saroo Brierley now?
He was born in 1981 and is 44 years old in 2025.
Who are Saroo Brierley’s parents?
His adoptive parents are John and Sue Brierley from Australia. His biological mother is Fatima Munshi in India.
Is Saroo Brierley married?
Some reports suggest he is married to Lisa Williams, though this has not been strongly confirmed in mainstream sources.
What made Saroo Brierley famous?
His memoir A Long Way Home and the film adaptation Lion made his story known worldwide.
