Ambitious Ananya

I Believe I am a ‘SAVVY’ woman because… I believe that if you have a dream, own it, work hard and go for it. Age is never a barrier and gender shouldn’t be.

- Ananya Birla

Following one’s dream has always been part of my family’s lineage, so I would be taking it forward not only with my music but my businesses as well. I hope I can make my parents, Neerja and Kumar Mangalam Birla, and eventually the entire country, proud of me.

ACTION-PACKED CHILDHOOD

My childhood has always been busy thanks to my mom. From young, mum sent me swimming at 5 a.m every day which led to me becoming a state level swimmer.

After swimming, I’d go to school - Bombay International School, would be home by 3.30-4 p.m, followed by an hour-and-a-half of homework. I had a set, disciplined routine. I also went for a lot of specialized classes like calligraphy, drama, dance, mathematics and santoor after school.

Of course, there was play time too – I used to live in a building called Palazzo near the Malabar Hill Club - and after playing in the compound with my friends, I would come home and hit the bed. I also loved playing chess and participating in athletics, especially the 800 meters run. Table tennis and football were my other hobbies as a child.

YOUNG & PLAYFUL

I was a very curious kid. I remember there was a puja going on once and all of us were sitting on the floor on gaddhas. One of the pandits’ backs was slightly facing me, and he had a tiny plait. I remember getting up from my mom’s lap, going up to him and pulling his plait, and after I did that, the bhajans and everything just stopped.