She is the daughter of leading Indian industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and philanthropist Neerja Birla, and scion of the illustrious Birla clan. Twenty-two-year-old ANANYA BIRLA, however, is unwavering in her resolve to build her own legacy. With two start-ups, a mental health awareness initiative and a music single to her name, the youngster is on a mission to announce to the world that she is a lot more than just a billion-dollar girl.
She refuses to let her famous surname overshadow her individuality. “I have found my space in the world. I have found what I want to do and what I want to achieve. And now I am going all guns,” she says. We are meeting up with the 22-year-old Ananyashree Birla on a breezy February afternoon at the desolate Mukesh Mills in Colaba, Mumbai. Her composed and self-assured demeanour belies her age. But then, she is the daughter of Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and philanthropist Neerja Birla, and a scion of one of India’s most illustrious business families. Business acumen and the drive to pursue her dreams are in her DNA.
But Ananya, as she is called, chooses to take the family legacy forward on her own terms. In 2013, at the age of 17, she initiated a micro finance venture named Svatantra to empower women in rural India. Three year later, her second venture—a luxury e-commerce portal called CuroCarte—was launched. Then in November 2016, she stunned all and sundry by emerging as the newest musician on the block with her debut international single, Livin’ The Life. The youngster also collaborates with her mother Neerja to run the initiative Mpower, which aims to break the stigma associated with mental illness.
As she gets comfortable in her vanity van, the serial entrepreneur, musician and active mental health campaigner opens up about her childhood, branching out of the family business, breaking stereotypes and more.
Growing up
Denne historien er fra March-April 2017-utgaven av MARWAR India.
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Denne historien er fra March-April 2017-utgaven av MARWAR India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A WARRIOR on Many Fronts
From becoming the first woman from the Marwari community to join the Indian Army to emerging as the pioneer woman paratrooper from the the Indian Army Dental Corps, Dr. Captain Reeta Rajkishor Biyani also known as Ritu Biyani, has had a journey of courage and resilience.
IN THE EYE OF THE TIGER
Seasoned adventurers embark on a safari through Ranthambore National Park, a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, ancient 400-year-old banyan trees and the grand Ranthambore Fort serve as a picturesque backdrop for encounters with the park's iconic inhabitant: The Majestic Tiger.
Where Royalty Resis
Gatore Ki Chhatriyaan-the ornate, domeshaped cenotaphs in Jaipur-never stop fascinating the discerning traveller.
Where Love Begins
Mothers are a beacon of love, strength and wisdom. They are our biggest role models. And special occasions are a chance to reflect on the unending love and sacrifices made by our mothers. As an ode to Mother's Day that falls in May, we get a cross-section of celebrities from the design industry to share their thoughts on their mothers.
Postcards from Rajasthan
With fashion labels capturing the captivating beauty of traditional weaves, we explore the portrayal of the exquisite Rajasthani Banjaran rhapsody.
The Lawver Who Loves Cooking
In her book Bapu’s Curries: Culinary Journey of a Father, Shreeparna Khaitan takes us through the culinary journey of her father Umesh Khaitan and his passion for cooking. Flip through the pages for an excerpt from the book and authentic recipes straight from a Marwari household.
Hold, Sip & Enjoy Your Cuppa
A tete-a-tete with Mishthi Aggarwal, Founder-CEO, 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, the fourth generation of the Bikanervala legacy, and the only woman specialty coffee roaster in India.
50 YEARS OF SPREADING Happiness
With the business conglomerate Emami marking its golden jubilee in 2024, MARWAR India explores its successful journey that started back in 1974 in the humble lanes of Burra Bazaar in Kolkata. The only business group in India run by two partner families unrelated by blood, the brand is rooted yet global in its appeal. Over to Aditya Agarwal and Manish Goenka, Promoter-Directors, Emami Group, on celebrating five decades in the industry.
A Powerhouse from The East
Cosmic Birla Group is a tale of vision, entrepreneurship, and commitment to excellence.
The Rolex Renaissance
To mark the International Women's Day, a shout out to women watch aficionados to embark on a journey of alluring Rolex wristwatches and consider adding some of them, at least, to your existing collection.
