When you hear the name Saroo Brierley, what often comes to mind is an extraordinary story of memory, separation, and reunion. But behind that narrative is a person with a life filled with both struggle and success. In this article, we explore his journey, his relationships, his profile, and what’s known about his financial standing and personal life.
Profile Summary
| Name | Saroo Brierley |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Sheru Munshi Khan |
| Date of Birth | 22 May 1981 (approx.) |
| Age (2025) | 44 years |
| Birthplace | Ganesh Talai, Khandwa, India |
| Nationality | Indian-born, Australian citizen |
| Height | 175-178 cm (approx.) |
| Weight | 75 kg (approx.) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black/Dark Brown |
| Family | Mother: Fatima, Siblings: Guddu (deceased), Kallu, Shekila |
| Adoptive Parents | John & Sue Brierley |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1.5M – $2M |
Early Life & Childhood
Saroo Brierley was born as Sheru Munshi Khan, circa 22 May 1981, in Ganesh Talai, a small settlement near Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India.
His early life was marked by hardship. His father, Munshi, reportedly abandoned the family when Saroo was very young, marrying a second wife. His mother (often referred to as Fatima Munshi, though some sources use “Kamla”) worked laboriously, carrying bricks or doing construction work, to support her children.
Saroo had older siblings: Guddu and Kallu, and a younger sister, Shekila (Shakila in some sources). In poverty, Saroo and his brothers would beg, scavenge, and help the family however possible.
At age 5 (around 1986), a tragic accident changed his life. Saroo and his brother Guddu boarded a train from Khandwa to Burhanpur. Guddu told Saroo to wait on a bench and said he would return shortly. But when Saroo awoke, Guddu had vanished. In panic, Saroo boarded another train thinking his brother might be inside, but he fell asleep and woke later to find himself hundreds of kilometers away in Kolkata (Calcutta).
Lost and alone, he survived on Kolkata’s streets for some days, scavenging food and sleeping in stations, until he was taken to a police station, and then to an orphanage managed by the Indian Society for Sponsorship and Adoption.
In 1987, Saroo was adopted by an Australian couple, John and Sue Brierley, and relocated to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Education & the Search
Growing up in Australia, Saroo adapted to his new life. He studied business and hospitality at the Australian International Hotel School in Canberra.
Despite building a life in Australia, the longing to reconnect with his Indian roots never left him. Using his childhood memories of train lines, bridges, and landmarks, he embarked on a herculean effort: scouring satellite imagery on Google Earth to trace the path from where he had disembarked in Kolkata back to his hometown.
Over the years, this search continued. In 2011, he began to identify a station named Burhanpur, which matched his mental recollections. He followed railway lines on the imagery until he traced Khandwa and believed it was his lost home.
In 2012, Saroo traveled to India and was reunited with his mother, sister (Shekila), and brother (Kallu). His brother Guddu had sadly died many years earlier he was discovered deceased near train tracks. The reunion was deeply emotional: Saroo’s mother recognized him immediately, and they embraced after 25 years of separation.
Physical Profile & Appearance
From publicly available sources:
- Age: As of 2025, Saroo is approximately 44 years old (born in 1981).
- Height: Varies by source; some list 178 cm (5 ft 10 in). Others list 175 cm (5 ft 9 in).
- Weight: Roughly estimated around 75 kg (165 lbs).
- Eye / Hair Color: Black / dark brown.
- Build / Body Type: Described in sources as “average build.”
Family, Siblings & Relationships
Biological family (India):
- Mother: Fatima Munshi (also called Kamla Munshi in some accounts).
- Father: Munshi (abandoned the family early).
- Siblings:
• Guddu (older brother) — deceased.
• Kallu (Kalloo) — older brother, working as a manager.
• Shekila / Shakila — sister, now a teacher in India.
Adoptive / Australian family:
- John & Sue Brierley: Australian couple from Hobart who adopted Saroo in 1987.
- Adoptive brother: Mantosh, another Indian child adopted by John & Sue Brierley.
Relationship / Wife:
- Many fan-bio sites mention Lisa Williams as Saroo’s wife or partner, with claims they married around 2016. However, reliable media confirmation is limited.
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimating the net worth of a private individual like Saroo Brierley is difficult. Still, here’s what available sources say:
- Some biographical websites estimate his net worth around USD 1.5 million.
- Others put it closer to USD 2 million.
- Broader estimates place it in the USD 1–5 million range.
Sources of income include:
- Book royalties from his memoir A Long Way Home (published in 2013, later internationally in 2014).
- Film adaptation revenues from Lion (2016), the Oscar-nominated film starring Dev Patel.
- Speaking engagements and public appearances, sharing his inspirational journey worldwide.
- Possible earnings via business ventures in Tasmania with his adoptive family.
It’s important to note these figures are estimates, not official disclosures.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
| 2021 | $1.0 Million |
| 2022 | $1.2 Million |
| 2023 | $1.4 Million |
| 2024 | $1.6 Million |
| 2025 | $1.8 Million (approx.) |
Lifestyle & Where He Lives
After his adoption, Saroo settled in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, and still calls it home.
He travels frequently, often returning to India to visit his biological family. Saroo has publicly stated that he purchased a house for his mother in India, so she would have more stability. He offered to bring her to live in Australia, but she preferred staying in India.
Despite fame, Saroo appears to maintain a grounded and modest lifestyle away from constant media attention.
Social Media & Public Presence
- Facebook: He has an official page under “Saroo Brierley (Official).”
- Verified accounts on other platforms are less clear; many fan pages exist, but not all are authentic.
- He engages with audiences through public talks, motivational speeches, and media interviews.
Interesting Facts
- The name “Saroo” is a mispronunciation of “Sheru,” which in Hindi means “lion.” The film based on his life was titled Lion.
- His reunion with his mother was incredibly moving: she recognized him instantly after 25 years.
- His memoir A Long Way Home became a bestseller and later inspired the acclaimed film Lion.
- In 2019, Saroo revealed he was continuing a search for his biological father, whose identity remains uncertain.
Conclusion
Saroo Brierley’s life is a testament to resilience and the power of memory. From a lost child in India to an inspirational figure recognized worldwide, his journey is extraordinary. His net worth, estimated in the million-dollar range, reflects not only his financial success but also the global reach of his story. His family bonds, both biological and adoptive, his physical presence, and his lifestyle all contribute to a profile that is as human as it is inspiring.
More than money or fame, what Saroo Brierley embodies is hope: the idea that even against impossible odds, one can find their way home.
FAQs
What is Saroo Brierley’s current age?
4Saroo Brierley is about 44 years old in 2025, born in 1981.
How did Saroo Brierley get lost as a child?
At age 5, he boarded a train searching for his brother, fell asleep, and ended up in Kolkata, far from home.
What is Saroo Brierley’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between $1.5 to $2 million, largely from book royalties, film adaptation, and speaking engagements.
Who are Saroo Brierley’s siblings?
His biological siblings include Guddu (deceased), Kallu, and Shekila. He also has an adoptive brother, Mantosh.
Where does Saroo Brierley live now?
He lives in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, while frequently visiting India to see his biological family
