Irfan Razack: The Visionary Behind Prestige Group
When you think of luxury real estate in South India, one name stands tall: Irfan Razack. As the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Group, Razack has been instrumental in transforming Bengaluru’s skyline and setting new benchmarks in India’s real estate sector. Under his visionary leadership, Prestige evolved from a modest family venture into a pan-India real estate powerhouse.
This blog delves into the inspiring journey of Irfan Razack, his significant contributions to the Indian real estate sector, and the values that have earned him a legendary status in the industry.
Early Life and the Birth of Prestige Group
Born on October 30, 1953, into a business-oriented family in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Irfan Razack inherited an entrepreneurial spirit and began his career in his family’s retail business. In 1986, following in the footsteps of his visionary father, Razack Sattar, who laid the foundation of Prestige Group, Irfan joined the company.
Working closely with his brothers, Rezwan and Noaman and under their father’s mentorship and guidance, he immersed himself in the complexities of real estate, learning the ropes with dedication and foresight. What started as a modest venture soon evolved, under Irfan’s leadership, into one of India’s most admired and successful real estate empires.
Starting with a modest residential project, Razack envisioned creating world-class living and commercial spaces. His foresight, combined with a deep understanding of market needs, allowed Prestige to set new standards in design, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Prestige Group: From Bengaluru Roots to National Presence
Under Irfan Razack’s leadership, Prestige Group quickly made a mark with landmark developments like:
- Prestige Acropolis: One of the earliest luxury residential projects in Bengaluru
- Prestige Shantiniketan: A massive integrated township that set a new benchmark in Whitefield
- UB City: A luxury commercial and retail development co-developed with Vijay Mallya, which redefined luxury shopping in India
Today, the Prestige Group has a presence in major Indian cities, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, Mangalore, Goa and now in Delhi NCR. With over 250 completed projects spanning more than 140 million square feet, the group caters to the residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail sectors.
Leadership Philosophy: Vision Rooted in Values
What makes Irfan Razack a true real estate legend isn’t just his success—it’s the principles that guide him. He believes in:
- Integrity in delivery: Always on time, always to spec
- Customer-centricity: Designing spaces that truly enhance lives
- Sustainable development: Eco-conscious buildings with long-term community impact
These principles have made Prestige one of the few developers to gain both critical and consumer trust a rare feat in India’s real estate sector. This value-driven approach earned Prestige Group the distinction of being the first real estate developer in South India to receive the CRISIL DA1 rating.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Irfan Razack’s achievements have been recognised by several prestigious institutions:
- Entrepreneur Extraordinaire by Builders Association of India
- Best CEO in Real Estate by Business Today
- Featured in Forbes India Rich List, consistently ranked among India’s most influential real estate leaders
Beyond his business accolades, Razack is also known for his contributions to education, philanthropy, and community development, which further cements his status as a visionary leader.
Contribution to Urban Development and Modernization
Irfan Razack’s developments have played a crucial role in shaping modern Bengaluru. By introducing integrated townships, smart communities, and mixed-use developments, he transformed the way people perceive urban living in India. Prestige projects often bring together homes, offices, malls, schools, and leisure spaces, creating self-sufficient communities that reduce traffic pressure and improve quality of life.
In cities like Hyderabad and Chennai, Prestige’s commercial and retail spaces have attracted global corporations and premium brands, thereby boosting local economies and creating employment opportunities.
A People-Centric Approach
What sets Razack apart from many others in the industry is his emphasis on people, customers, employees, and communities. His leadership style is often described as collaborative, and he’s known for empowering a strong management team while staying deeply involved in critical decisions. The Prestige Group’s employee-centric culture has led to low attrition rates and a reputation as one of the most desirable real estate companies to work for in India.
Personal Life and Family Values
Irfan Razack, the eldest of three brothers, Rezwan and Noaman Razack hails from a values-driven close-knit family in Bengaluru. Together, they have built Prestige Group into a nationally respected real estate brand. The Razack family shares a strong bond, with each member contributing uniquely to the business across leadership, design, and operations.
Irfan is married to Zarina Razack, a key figure in the family who actively supports his philanthropic initiatives while maintaining a low public profile. The couple has two children, including Uzma Razack who serves as Director of Corporate Communications at Prestige and leads Sublime, a brand focused on art, tea, and wellness. The next generation, including Uzma, Faiz Rezwan, and Zayd Noaman, are actively involved in the business.
Beyond Real Estate: Philanthropy and Education
Irfan Razack is deeply involved in social causes, particularly those related to education and community upliftment. He is the President of the Indian Muslim Educational Institutions Federation and supports numerous educational initiatives across Karnataka.
One of his notable efforts includes supporting schools and colleges that provide quality education to underprivileged children, especially in urban slum areas. He believes that “Education is the strongest foundation for a stronger nation.”
“For Irfan Razack, education isn’t charity—it’s infrastructure for a better India.”
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
The Indian real estate sector has seen its share of ups and downs, including the impact of RERA, demonetization, GST implementation, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, under Razack’s resilient leadership, Prestige Group not only survived these challenges but emerged stronger, a testament to his unwavering commitment and strategic acumen.
During the pandemic, Prestige launched digital booking solutions, virtual property tours, and contactless documentation, ensuring that customer experience remained seamless. It’s a testament to Razack’s agility and tech-savvy approach to business in changing times.
Future Outlook: Prestige 2.0
Even after decades of leadership, Irfan Razack remains focused on the future. Prestige is currently expanding aggressively into Mumbai and NCR, with ultra-luxury residential towers and marquee commercial spaces, a promising sign of its continued growth and innovation.
Prestige Estates Projects Ltd. is also exploring REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and strategic partnerships to unlock more value for investors and stakeholders. The group’s goal is clear: to become the most admired and trusted real estate brand in India. And with Razack at the helm, that goal seems well within reach.
Conclusion: A True Real Estate Legend
Irfan Razack’s story is more than just the tale of a successful businessman; it’s the journey of a man who redefined an industry, set global benchmarks, and positively impacted thousands of lives through his vision and values. His legacy is not only in the buildings that Prestige has constructed but in the trust the brand has earned, a testament to his enduring influence in the real estate sector.
In an era where real estate is often seen through a transactional lens, Irfan Razack’s legacy reminds us that leadership rooted in vision, values, and humanity can transform not just cities but lives.
This Irfan Razack biography highlights his visionary leadership in building one of India’s most trusted real estate brands—Prestige Group
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Read: Niranjan Hiranandani: India’s Real Estate Visionary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Irfan Razack and Prestige Group
Who is Irfan Razack, and what is his role in the Prestige Group?
Irfan Razack is the Chairman and Managing Director of the Prestige Group, one of India’s leading real estate developers. He co-founded the company in 1986 and has since led its transformation into a nationally recognized brand, with projects spanning residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail segments. Under his leadership, Prestige has completed over 250 projects and earned a reputation for quality and innovation.
What are some of the landmark projects developed under Irfan Razack’s leadership?
Some of the most iconic projects by Prestige Group include:
- Prestige Acropolis – One of the first luxury residential projects in Bengaluru
- Prestige Shantiniketan – A pioneering integrated township in Whitefield, Bengaluru
- UB City – India’s first luxury commercial development in collaboration with Vijay Mallya
- Prestige Golfshire – A premium golf resort-style living project near Nandi Hills
These projects reflect Irfan Razack’s commitment to combining functionality, aesthetics, and lifestyle.
How has Irfan Razack contributed to the Indian real estate industry?
Irfan Razack has played a transformative role in Indian real estate by:
- Setting high standards for timely delivery and construction quality
- Promoting integrated, sustainable urban developments
- Championing customer trust through transparency and after-sales service
- Leading innovations, such as the early adoption of digital tools in sales and marketing
He has also actively participated in industry bodies and has been a vocal advocate for ethical and transparent real estate practices.
What is the future vision of Prestige Group under Irfan Razack’s leadership?
The Prestige Group, under Irfan Razack, is focusing on expanding into new markets, such as Mumbai and NCR, with ultra-luxury and commercial developments. The company is also exploring REITs, digital transformation, and sustainable architecture as part of its next phase of growth. The long-term vision is to be India’s most admired real estate brand with a pan-India and global footprint.