From Humble Beginnings to Real Estate Royalty: The CJ Roy Story
BENGALURU: The extraordinary journey of CJ Roy from meticulously maintaining accounts for his mother's modest real estate transactions to ascending as an honorary consul and one of Bengaluru's most affluent developers stands as a masterclass in strategic foresight and impeccable timing. His life narrative weaves together entrepreneurial brilliance, visionary urban development, and passionate philanthropy across South India.
Who Was CJ Roy?
Roy Chiriankandath Joseph, widely recognized as CJ Roy, was a 57-year-old visionary whose impact transcended mere business success. Born in Kerala and raised in Bengaluru, Roy developed an early fascination with real estate through his mother's neighborhood brokerage activities. She would quietly acquire 30–40 plots simultaneously, construct homes, and sell them—a process young Roy documented while absorbing intricate knowledge about land transactions and cash flow management.
This foundational understanding later empowered him to make calculated decisions that would physically transform landscapes in both Bengaluru and Kerala. Despite his family establishing roots in Dubai, Roy deliberately channeled his career focus and investments toward India, significantly influencing real estate and entertainment sectors across these regions.
Digital Presence and Public Persona
CJ Roy maintained a substantial Instagram following of 1.3 million admirers, though he strategically disabled the comment section on his posts. His final social media update featured a Republic Day greeting captioned "A Very Happy Republic Day," showcasing him smiling in a sophisticated blue blazer—this single post garnered nearly five lakh views. Through his platform, Roy regularly shared glimpses into his luxurious lifestyle, including his impressive automobile collection, helicopter travels, family moments, and updates on ambitious real estate ventures.
Career Foundations and Real Estate Vision
Roy's professional journey commenced in 1990 with conventional nine-to-five positions at prominent corporations like BPL, TVS, and HP. However, his true calling emerged when he transitioned into the realty business. The pivotal moment arrived in 2001 when most Bengaluru developers concentrated on central districts, while Roy identified untapped potential in Sarjapur—then characterized by open fields and lengthy roads where acres sold for approximately Rs 6 lakh.
In 2005, he boldly launched Confident Group, declaring, "I had enough capital to buy 150–200 acres in Sarjapur and decided to go ahead with it instead of sinking money into the CBD." Despite facing resistance from family members and company directors, Roy found unwavering support only from his wife. His commitment to developing peripheral areas proved a visionary gamble that yielded spectacular returns.
Expansion into Kerala's Market
Roy's initial foray into Kerala involved purchasing two plots in Kakkanad. Despite designing 100 flats and investing significantly in roadshows, initial sales remained at zero. A serendipitous encounter in Mumbai with a television executive inspired an innovative solution: offering his flat as a prize for a reality show. Roy became the program's brand ambassador, and the resulting popularity rapidly translated into successful flat sales, establishing his foothold in Kerala's competitive market.
Automobile Passion and Personal Milestones
Roy's fascination with automobiles began humbly in 1994 with his first vehicle—a Maruti car. After being dismissed by a salesman, he vowed to eventually possess the world's most iconic cars. Over decades, he assembled an extraordinary collection including:
- 12 Rolls-Royce automobiles
- A Bugatti Veyron supercar
- A Koenigsegg Agera hypercar
- Multiple Lamborghinis
- A McLaren 720S sports car
- A Mercedes-Maybach luxury sedan
In a poignant full-circle moment, Roy even repurchased his original Maruti car, offering Rs 10 lakh to trace its whereabouts—symbolizing his journey from modest beginnings to unparalleled success.
Philosophy Driving Real Estate Excellence
CJ Roy once profoundly stated, "Building a home is every man's dream. So our business is in selling dreams." This philosophy propelled Confident Group to flourish across Kerala, delivering luxury and middle-income housing solutions in major cities including Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kottayam.
Ventures into Entertainment Industry
Roy became a household name in Kerala through strategic entries into entertainment. As early as 2007, he sponsored an apartment worth Rs 1 crore for the winner of a reality music show on Asianet. Since then, Confident Group consistently sponsored winners of various reality programs, including a Rs 10 lakh reward for this year's Bigg Boss Malayalam series champion.
His cinematic contributions included funding over 10 Malayalam and Kannada films such as:
- Casanovva
- Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham
- Mei Hoom Moosa
- Rangappa Hogbitna
- Krazy Loka
- Radhana Ganda
Sports Sponsorships and Global Events
The Confident Group extended its influence into international sports, sponsoring the West Indies cricket team from 2013–14 and the Sri Lankan cricket team during the 2016 ICC World Cup. In 2022, Roy's organization further solidified its entertainment sector presence by organizing global movie awards ceremonies in Dubai, Singapore, and India.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Beyond business achievements, CJ Roy actively supported charitable initiatives and cultural events across communities. He played a significant role in rebuilding homes devastated by the 2018 Kerala floods, demonstrating his commitment to social responsibility. Through social media, he balanced showcasing his luxurious lifestyle with highlighting his philanthropic endeavors, creating a multifaceted public legacy that combined opulence with genuine compassion.
