Who is Yusuf Sharif?
Yusuf Sharif, known as KGF Babu, is a Bengaluru-based businessman and politician who rose from a scrap dealer to a real estate billionaire. He made headlines in July 2025 for a ₹38.3 lakh fine over unpaid road taxes on Rolls-Royce cars once owned by Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. A lesser-known fact: Sharif, a Class 5 dropout born in Kolar Gold Fields, owns a watch worth ₹1.1 crore, reflecting his lavish lifestyle and passion for luxury that keeps him in the spotlight.
Key Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yusuf Sharif |
| Nickname | KGF Babu |
| Profession | Businessman, Politician |
| Known For | Real estate empire, 2025 road tax controversy, 2021 Karnataka MLC candidacy |
| Age | 57 Years (as of July 2025) |
| Date of Birth | 1967 |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Years Active | 2000s–2025 (business and politics) |
| Hometown | Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, India |
| Current Residence | Vasanthnagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Educational Qualification | Class 5 (completed in 1980) |
| Hobbies | Collecting luxury cars, wearing luxury watches |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Afreen (primary wife), others undisclosed |
| Children | Two daughters (Ayesha, Aliya) |
| Death Date / Cause | Not applicable |
Early Life & Education
Yusuf Sharif was born on March 1, 1970, in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), a historic mining town in Karnataka that inspired the KGF film series, earning him the nickname KGF Babu. Growing up in a modest Muslim family, he faced financial hardships in the gritty, resource-scarce environment of KGF. His early life revolved around the scrap trade, which he entered as a young boy to support his family. With only a Class 5 education, completed in 1980, Sharif lacked formal schooling but developed a street-smart approach that fueled his ambition. His struggles with poverty and limited education drove him to seize opportunities in real estate, laying the foundation for his billionaire status.
Physical Appearance
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Height: Average (exact height not publicly documented; estimated around 5’6”–5’8”).
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Weight: Moderate build (precise weight not known).
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Eye Color: Dark brown (common among individuals from his region).
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Hair Color: Black (often seen with short black or salt-and-pepper hair).
Yusuf Sharif’s appearance is described as polished yet flamboyant, often seen in tailored suits that complement his collection of luxury watches and cars. His style reflects his billionaire status, though specific physical details remain scarce in public records.
Career Journey
Yusuf Sharif’s career is a remarkable rags-to-riches story. Starting as a scrap dealer in Kolar Gold Fields, he transitioned into real estate, leveraging government-auctioned machinery and properties to build his fortune. His business acumen propelled him to prominence, making him one of Karnataka’s wealthiest figures.
First Break
Sharif’s entry into real estate marked his first major break, though specific projects are not detailed in public records. His ability to acquire and develop properties in and around Bengaluru laid the foundation for his empire.
Career Milestones
- Real Estate Success: Built a vast portfolio, including hundreds of acres of agricultural and non-agricultural land worth ₹1,593.27 crore by 2021, as declared in his election affidavit.
- 2021 Karnataka MLC Candidacy: Contested the Karnataka Legislative Council elections from Bangalore Urban as an Indian National Congress candidate, declaring assets of ₹1,744 crore, making him Karnataka’s richest politician at the time.
- Umrah Developers: Owns Umrah Developers, a real estate firm that acquired high-profile assets, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom from Amitabh Bachchan.
Recent Projects
As of July 2025, Sharif’s primary focus remains his real estate ventures through Umrah Developers. No new business or political projects are explicitly mentioned, as his recent road tax controversy overshadows other activities.
Organizations
- Umrah Developers: Owned by Sharif, this real estate firm is a key driver of his wealth, managing significant land and property assets.
Relationships & Personal Life
Yusuf Sharif is married to Afreen, his primary wife, as declared in his 2023 election affidavit, though earlier reports mentioned another wife, Ishita, linked to a 2024 forced conversion controversy (possibly an alias or separate spouse). He has multiple wives, but only Afreen is named in official documents. He has two daughters, Ayesha and Aliya, as per his affidavit. In 2022, Sharif and one of his wives were questioned in a money-laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate, though no convictions were reported. His lifestyle is marked by extravagance, with a passion for collecting luxury cars (including Rolls-Royces) and wearing high-end watches, such as one valued at ₹1.1 crore. He follows Islam but has not publicly discussed his religious beliefs in detail. No information is available on his diet, fitness routine, or past relationships, and he maintains a low personal profile outside his controversies.
Yusuf Sharif Family
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Late Mohammed Dastagir Shariff (former bakery owner, later auto driver) |
| Mother | Name not publicly disclosed |
| Brother(s) | 13 younger siblings in total (names not publicly disclosed) |
| Sister(s) | Part of above 13 siblings (specific names not known publicly) |
| Spouse | Afreen (primary wife), others undisclosed |
| Children | 6 (4 sons, 2 daughter – Ayesha and Aliya) |
Controversies
Yusuf Sharif has been embroiled in several high-profile controversies:
- 2025 Road Tax Controversy: In July 2025, Sharif was fined ₹38.3 lakh for unpaid road taxes on two Rolls-Royce cars (Phantom and Ghost) purchased from Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. The cars, still registered in Maharashtra under the actors’ names, were used in Bengaluru since 2021 and 2023, respectively, violating Karnataka’s rule requiring local registration after one year. The RTO raid on his Vasanthnagar home, led by Joint Commissioner Shobha, drew significant attention, with Sharif claiming ignorance and paying the fines (₹19.8 lakh for the Phantom, ₹18.5 lakh for the Ghost) by cheque.
- 2023 Income Tax Raids: In April 2023, Income Tax officials raided Sharif’s Bengaluru residence and 50 other locations over suspected tax evasion, highlighting his financial dealings.
- 2022 Money-Laundering Probe: Sharif and one of his wives faced questioning by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering case, though no charges were confirmed.
- 2023 Congress Suspension: Suspended from the Congress party in January 2023 for stating the party would not win more than 80 seats in the Karnataka Assembly elections, despite being a front-runner for the Chickpet seat.
- 2024 Forced Conversion Allegations: A man alleged Sharif’s wife (referred to as Afreen or Ishita in conflicting reports) and others attempted forced conversion, with threats to his daughters, prompting an ATS probe. Sharif denied these allegations.
Net Worth
- Estimated Net Worth: ₹1,744 crore (as declared in 2021 Karnataka MLC elections, likely higher in 2025).
- Main Sources of Income:
- Real estate through Umrah Developers, managing vast land and property assets.
- Profits from acquiring government-auctioned machinery and properties.
- No evidence of income from endorsements or social media.
Lesser Known Facts
- Luxury Watch Collection: Owns a watch worth ₹1.1 crore, showcasing his taste for high-end accessories.
- Car Enthusiast: Passionate about collecting celebrity-owned luxury cars, including Rolls-Royces from Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan.
- Scrap Trade Roots: Began his career selling scrap in Kolar Gold Fields, a humble start before his real estate success.
- KGF Nickname Origin: Earned the moniker KGF Babu from his hometown, Kolar Gold Fields, which inspired the KGF film series.
- Class 5 Dropout: Left school in 1980 after Class 5, relying on self-taught skills to build his business empire.
- Political Ambition: Contested the 2021 Karnataka MLC elections, aiming to leverage his wealth for political influence.
- Gold Ownership: Declared 4.8 kg of gold in his 2021 election affidavit, reflecting his lavish lifestyle.
- Controversial Reputation: Faces allegations of acquiring wealth through questionable means, though he credits hard work and denies wrongdoing.
- No Known Travel Interests: No public records mention travel preferences or dream destinations, focusing instead on Bengaluru-based ventures.
- Admires Business Tycoons: Likely looks up to self-made entrepreneurs, given his own journey, though specific idols are not named.
Latest Updates
As of July 2025, Yusuf Sharif is based in Vasanthnagar, Bengaluru, with his real estate business, Umrah Developers, remaining his primary focus. The road tax controversy, involving a ₹38.3 lakh fine for two Rolls-Royce cars, dominates recent headlines, with Sharif paying the fines on July 23, 2025, after an RTO raid. No new business or political projects are announced, and ongoing scrutiny from his 2023 tax raids and 2022 money-laundering probe continues to shape his public image.
FAQs
- What is Yusuf Sharif’s age?
Yusuf Sharif is 55 years old as of July 2025, born on March 1, 1970. - Is Yusuf Sharif married?
Yes, Yusuf Sharif is married to Afreen, with other wives undisclosed; he has two daughters, Ayesha and Aliya. - Who is Yusuf Sharif dating now in 2025?
No reports indicate Yusuf Sharif is dating anyone in 2025; he is married with no known additional romantic relationships. - What does Yusuf Sharif do for a living?
He is a businessman and politician, primarily running Umrah Developers, a real estate firm, and engaging in Karnataka politics. - What is net worth of Yusuf Sharif?
His net worth is ₹1,744 crore. - What are Yusuf Sharif’s latest projects in 2025?
His primary focus is Umrah Developers, with no new projects announced amid the road tax controversy. - Has Yusuf Sharif been involved in any controversies?
Yes, he faced a ₹38.3 lakh road tax fine in 2025, 2023 tax raids, a 2022 money-laundering probe, and a 2023 Congress suspension.
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