‘Bollywood star’ power of Rupinder Brar

Wealth, celebrity, access; Melbourne businessman Rupinder Brar is a globetrotting success story. So it’s not surprising he was particularly pleased to post photos of himself sitting next to Anthony Albanese at a private dinner in Toorak.

Rupinder Brar enjoys lifestyle of the rich and famous.

Rupinder Brar’s Bollywood dream has come true.

The Indian-born businessman has built a successful empire across Melbourne’s booming international student sector and as a commercial and residential property developer. He’s also had the time, money and passion to fund a start-up basketball league back in India.

It’s fair to say that in the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, Rupinder Brar has emerged as a self-made multi-millionaire, and one who enjoys the trappings of his wealth and celebrity.

Describing the 46-year-old’s lifestyle as flashy doesn’t quite do it justice; it’s more akin to globe­trotting extravagance as this self-described “entrepreneur” jets around the world rubbing shoulders with former US presidents, political leaders and the rich, powerful and famous.

Not many Melbourne businessmen have their company name on a Formula One racing car, but there Rupinder Brar stands at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2022 proudly smiling with a racing car plastered with Punvec, his Melbourne-based construction company.

“Punvec is deeply humbled, very indebted to Almighty and we take pride in announcing our 5th anniversary which we celebrated at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix … it has been an incredible journey so far and it would not have been possible without all of your love and support. We endeavour to live up to your expectations and never let you down. A special thank you to government of Abu Dhabi for their incredible love and support,” he wrote on Instagram.

Punvec is also on the registration plate of a Rolls-Royce Brar is photographed standing by along with this post: “Keep your face always towards the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”

Melbourne based Australian-Indian businessman and entrepreneur Rupinder Brar.

Rupinder Brar with Ice Cube.

And in another Rolls-Royce posting, Brar states “success is not final; failure is not fatal, it’s the courage to continue that counts!! Waheguru blessing.”

There are also photos of him meeting former US president Barack Obama in 2023 which he described on social media saying he will “always cherish and imbibe the learnings from President Obama’s interaction and strive to continuously improve myself and my organisation”.

And to celebrate his 45th birthday, Brar and a bunch of friends partied like there was no tomorrow in London with an evening at the famous Raffles hotel among the highlights as singer Ronan Keating sang happy birthday.

In a post tagging the Irish superstar, Brar wrote: “I extend my sincere gratitude for gracing my 45th birthday celebration with the beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday. Your heartfelt performance added a touch of magic to the evening … the audience was captivated and left in awe by the ­mesmerising performances. Your contributions made my birthday truly exceptional.”

Brar, who describes himself on social media as an “entrepreneur”, likes to flaunt his success and wealth, documenting his Bollywood-style life on Instagram with scores of photos from his adventures to his 27,000 followers.

So it’s not surprising he was particularly pleased to post in 2023 a photo of himself greeting the prime ministers of his mother country India and his adopted home of Australia: “With Prime Ministers of India and Australia!!”

And after sitting next to Anthony Albanese on November 12 last year, he was quick to post happy snaps of the pair together: “Great Meeting with Honourable Prime Minister of Australia! @albomp.” Brar has also got to know former Labor premier Daniel Andrews, who also happened to be at the Albanese lunch.

Brar’s business success has afforded him access to the rich and powerful, and at the centre of his empire is his construction company, Punvec.

Under the slogan of “creating beautiful communities”, with a culture built upon “integrity and leadership”, Punvec has built hundreds of homes in growth corridors including Rockbank, Tarneit and Shepparton and business parks in outer suburban hubs.

“We build relationships before buildings and collaborate with talented partners,” the company’s website states.

“Punvec are Melbourne-based developers with strong vision and expertise … they have a reputation for delivering practical and people-focused residential environments … and constantly strive to create the best communities throughout Melbourne and its surrounds.”

While Brar’s construction arm appears to be growing from strength to strength, the same can’t be said for the international student side of his business.

Brar’s Barkly International College hit a major rock in May last year, when the federal watchdog, Australian Skills Quality Authority, moved to deregister the company, citing a series of breaches around training and assessment, enrolment and marketing and governance systems.

While Barkly has appealed the decision, the Melbourne-based college remains unable to fully function servicing its cohort of mainly Indian students.

Barkly has been a major player in the lucrative business of bringing Indian students to Australia, and boasts on its website that it “strives to offer affordable and high-quality education in a friendly environment”.

Among the courses it offers Indian students are English language skills, graduate diplomas to “advance your qualifications with specialised programs that open up higher career opportunities”.

Brar and wife Samreena Grewal.

Automotive industry courses, business management and leadership and marketing are among the other courses offered by Barkly.

In a welcome to new students on the Barkly website, CEO Evelin Crus says attending the college “is a wonderful opportunity and experience for international students to come to Melbourne to study in what is known as the world’s most liveable city from 2016”.

“Barkly International College is dedicated to its pursuit of excellence in the education provided to our students,” she states.

“The training and assessment models in place allow for the diversity of cultures and educational experiences of the students walking through our door.

“Our training programs from commencement through to completion are designed to teach, guide and equip you with all the skills and knowledge required to give you the competitive edge needed when entering the workforce. If you chose to study at Barkly International College you won’t be disappointed, it will be an experience of a lifetime!

“Look forward to meeting you and supporting you through your educational journey.”