C Manikandan acquires the cherished property, inspired by the humility of Pichai’s parents
Chennai, May 20, 2023 – The childhood home of Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, located in Chennai’s Ashok Nagar, has found a new owner in Tamil cinema actor and producer C Manikandan. The highly-anticipated sale marks the end of an era as the property changes hands, carrying with it the memories of Pichai’s formative years.
The acquisition process, which took approximately four months, reached its culmination as Manikandan discovered the historical significance of the property. Upon realizing that it once belonged to Sundar Pichai, he wasted no time in making the decision to acquire it, driven by both the prestige and the deep admiration he felt for the Google CEO and his family.
As a renowned real estate developer, Manikandan has established an impressive track record, having successfully built and delivered around 300 homes under his esteemed brand, Chellappas Builders. However, it was not solely the property’s association with Sundar Pichai that captivated him; rather, it was the genuine humility exhibited by Pichai’s parents during the handover that deeply touched and inspired Manikandan.
Sources reveal that Manikandan patiently waited for four months, as Pichai’s father, RS Pichai, was residing in the United States at the time. Throughout this period, Manikandan’s enthusiasm and determination remained unwavering.
In an interview with The Hindu, Manikandan expressed his awe at the Pichai family’s humility. He recounted how Sundar’s mother personally prepared filter coffee for him, while his father offered the property documents during their first meeting. Manikandan was spellbound by their genuine nature and humble approach.
Furthermore, he noted that RS Pichai was determined not to exploit his son’s fame to expedite the registration or transfer process. Instead, Pichai’s father patiently waited for hours at the registration office, ensuring all necessary taxes were paid before handing over the documents to Manikandan.
Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, spent his early years in Chennai before leaving the city in 1989 to pursue Metallurgical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. According to a neighbor, Pichai resided in the Ashok Nagar house until the age of 20. During a visit to Chennai in December, Pichai generously distributed money and household items from the home to the security guards, fostering a sense of gratitude and nostalgia.
Manikandan revealed that the entire property was demolished by Pichai’s father, who personally bore the expenses, and subsequently handed over the plot for development. This marked an emotional moment for RS Pichai, as it was his first property.
Looking ahead, Manikandan plans to construct a villa on the vacant space, with an expected completion time of one and a half years. The new development will pay homage to the cherished memories associated with the house, while also representing a fresh chapter in the property’s history.
As the Chennai home where Sundar Pichai grew up is passed on to a new owner, it symbolizes the journey of a man who has risen to great heights in the technology industry. The emotional handover between the Pichai family and C Manikandan serves as a reminder of the significance of one’s roots and the values that shape one’s character, even in the face of immense success.
