Some Lesser Known Facts About Radhika Merchant

• Radhika Merchant, the daughter of Indian entrepreneur Viren Merchant, holds a significant connection to the business world as her father serves as the CEO of Encore Healthcare. Her mother, Shaila Merchant, completes her immediate family. Radhika is currently engaged to Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh and Nita Ambani.

• Radhika joined the Board of Directors for Encore Healthcare in the year 2016.

• During the same year, she undertook an internship at Cedar Consultants in Mumbai. In this role, she focused on creating presentations regarding Middle East Market research for emerging businesses in well-established markets like the Taxi service industry. Additionally, she compiled comprehensive reports on the Banking sector in India and globally, while simultaneously working on a market analysis for a non-existent industry. This analysis involved estimating data from both a bottom-up and top-down approach.

• Additionally, she has gained practical experience through internships at Desai & Diwanji, Law Point, and Priyadarshani Academy.

• She became a sales executive for Isprava, a private luxury villas chain, in 2017. Isprava Group, a luxury home developer, has the support of Nadir Godrej, Anand Piramal, and the Burman family from Dabur.

• In 2018, Radhika Merchant received widespread media attention following Isha Ambani’s engagement when a picture of her with Anant Ambani surfaced online. She was also present at the wedding celebrations of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal, as well as Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta. During Isha Ambani’s engagement ceremony, Radhika mesmerized everyone with her performance on the song ‘Ghoomar’ from the movie Padmaavat (2018), alongside Shloka Mehta and Isha Ambani. Rumors started circulating about the engagement and impending marriage of Radhika and Anant, but a spokesperson from Reliance dismissed these claims as unfounded and baseless.

• In addition, she has gained recognition for her passion for animals and her active involvement in animal advocacy.

• Under the guidance of Guru Bhavana Thakar at Shree Nibha Arts, Radhika Merchant received extensive training in the Indian classical dance style Bharatnatyam. Known for her skill in this dance form, Radhika’s Arangetram, symbolizing the completion of her formal classical dance education, was commemorated by the Ambanis with a lavish event in June 2022. The magnificent ceremony unfolded at Mumbai’s Jio World Centre.

• Radhika Merchant can be seen on occasional occasions enjoying alcoholic beverages in the company of her friends and family. Recently, she was spotted relishing a glass of champagne at a joyous gathering.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Ratan Tata

• Is Ratan Tata a smoker? No. [7] The Guardian.

• Ratan Tata does not consume alcohol, as reported by The Guardian.

• Ratan Tata is a prominent figure in the history of Tata Group’s business. Despite being one of India’s most influential businessmen, he is renowned for his humble lifestyle and preference for solitude. The words frequently associated with Ratan Tata are ‘reserved’ and ‘introverted.’

• Over the course of his 21-year tenure as the Chairman of Tata Group (1991-2012), revenues experienced a remarkable growth of more than 40-fold, while profit multiplied by over 50 times.

• Ratan Tata can be seen as a serendipitous millionaire, as he has stumbled upon great wealth by chance. Despite being a remarkable intruder in the business world and leading one of India’s largest conglomerates, he chooses to live an unremarkable life, avoiding the glare of the media. This unassuming Indian business magnate prefers to personally drive a Tata sedan to his workplace.

• Ratan Tata comes from a family that possessed all except for offspring. The Tata Family, traditionally comprised of Parsee priests, gained prominence when Jamsetji Tata launched a textile mill in 1868. Notably, this mill provided employees with pensions and compensation for accidents, features that were unheard of in the Indian business realm at that time. In the late 1800s, Jamsetji Tata established a Textile Mill.

• Despite the fact that the Tatas had established a powerful business by 1971, the family was facing a shortage of successors.

• Naval H Tatas, Ratan’s father, was born into a regular family in Surat. Unfortunately, his parents passed away when he was very young, leaving him to be raised in an orphanage. However, Naval’s life took a fortunate turn when he was adopted at the age of 13 by Lady Navajbai Tata, a strong-willed matriarch who was childless and widowed at 40. Naval went on to achieve great success and became the deputy chairman of the Tata Group. In the picture, Ratan Tata can be seen standing on the right side, accompanied by his father Naval on the left side, and his half brother Noel in the center.

• Ratan’s lineage can be traced back to the Tata family through both his maternal grandparents. His biological maternal grandmother, who was the sister of Hirabai Tata (wife of the group’s founder Jamsetji Tata), confirms his connection to the Tatas. Additionally, his biological grandfather, Hormusji Tata, also belonged to the larger Tata Family.

• Ratan Tata’s childhood was a far cry from his current ordinary lifestyle. Growing up in Tata Palace, a magnificent white Baroque revival-style structure located in the heart of Mumbai, he enjoyed a life of luxury. With a crew of 50 servants at his disposal, Ratan’s upbringing was anything but ordinary. It is said that he even commuted to school in a Rolls-Royce.

• played a pivotal role in Ratan’s upbringing, serving as a guiding force in shaping his morals and principles. He expressed his gratitude towards her in an interview, acknowledging the significant impact she had on his life. Ratan expressed his indebtedness to his grandmother for instilling in him and his brother the virtues she believed to be essential. Her profound influence extended beyond molding his values; it also influenced his perspective and approach towards various aspects of life.

• Ratan Tata’s strong interest in America prompted him to pursue a degree in architecture at Cornell University. During his time in the US, he extensively explored the country and worked as a dishwasher to support himself financially. An infrequently seen photograph from his younger days captures Ratan Tata during his voyage to the United States.

• During an interview, Ratan openly confessed to having developed feelings for a young American woman. Although he acknowledged having fallen in love multiple times, he considered his connection with this particular woman to be the closest. He shared that one of the most impactful experiences in his life took place while he was working in the United States. Unfortunately, he and his partner were unable to marry because he had to return to India while she planned to follow him. Regrettably, during that period, an Indo-Chinese conflict arose, which the United States perceived as a significant war between India and China in the snowy and uninhabited region of the Himalayas. Consequently, Ratan’s partner decided against joining him in India, and they eventually tied the knot in the United States.

• In 1961, Ratan Tata became a part of Tata Group and began his journey at Tata Steel. His initial role involved shoveling limestone and managing blast furnace operations. On the shop floor of TELCO, now recognized as TATA Motors, one could witness Ratan Tata and JRD Tata working side by side.

• Due to his pragmatic business acumen, Ratan was appointed Chairman of Tata Group in March 1991 after JRD Tata chose him as his successor upon stepping down as chairman of Tata Sons.

• Tata Group, under his leadership, transformed into a global conglomerate, successfully overseeing the acquisitions of Tetley by Tata Tea, Jaguar Land Rover by Tata Motors, and Corus by Tata Steel.

• Ratan Tata had already gifted India its first indigenous car, the Tata Indica, in 1998, before the introduction of the Nano Car in 2008. In an Instagram post, he shared the story of how India’s first homegrown car was born. Despite being told that it was impossible to create without a joint venture or partnership with an international company, and facing the inevitability of failure, we decided to proceed anyway. Along the way, we faced numerous technical obstacles and gained valuable insights. Breaking new ground proved to be an extraordinary journey, filled with moments where we could have given up. However, we persisted, tackling each issue that arose, and ultimately unveiled the Tata Indica with Ratan Tata present to grace the event.

• During Ratan Tata’s tenure at Tata Group, he introduced a retirement policy that established specific retirement ages for executive and nonexecutive directors. In an interview, he acknowledged that some individuals may consider 65, 70, or even 75 to be too young to retire. However, he firmly believed that it was unnecessary for others to dictate when someone should leave their job. Despite this belief, he implemented a retirement age policy at Tata, which previously did not have a mandated retirement age. This meant that individuals, including himself, had the freedom to continue working for as long as they desired.

• Ratan Tata’s native language is Gujarati.

• Ratan Tata displays a deep fondness for dogs and is the proud owner of two adorable pets, Maximus and Tito. Carrying on the tradition initiated by JRD Tata, the Bombay House, where Tata Sons’ Headquarters resides, continues to embrace stray dogs during rainy days. In fact, the Bombay House even provides a shelter for these stray canines. Ratan Tata devotes his precious time to nurturing a strong bond with his cherished furry companions.

• The world’s cheapest car, priced at Rs 1 lakh, was launched on 23 March 2009. This dream car, known as the Tata Nano, became a reality.

• On 8 February 2007, he made history as the inaugural Indian pilot to successfully fly the F-16, showcasing his exceptional training in aviation.

• Despite being a professional architect, he has only designed two houses – one for his mother and another for his own beach-house along the Arabian Sea.

• In terms of his closest friends, he specifically mentions two individuals – Amar Bose, who amassed a fortune through audio equipment, and Zubin Mehta, a fellow Mumbai Parsee residing in the United States.

• Ratan Tata’s exceptional quality lies in his strong social conscience, prioritizing fairness over monetary gains, and his ownership stake in the Tata group being less than 1%.

• The Indian Express reported that in September 2022, Ratan Tata, along with KT Thomas, former Supreme Court judge, and Kariya Munda, former Deputy Speaker, were appointed as trustees of the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES).

Some Lesser Known Facts About Shloka Mehta

• Is Shloka Mehta a smoker?

• Shloka was fortunate to be born into a wealthy family as her father, Russell Mehta, is a prominent Gujarati diamantaire.

• She has a deep passion for animals.

• In 2014, Shloka Mehta became a director at her father’s company, ‘Rosy Blue Diamonds.’ Shloka Mehta is also the daughter-in-law of Rosy Blue Diamonds.

• Shloka Mehta has been deeply passionate about social work from an early age. In 2015, she took her dedication to a new level by co-founding ‘ConnectFor’, an organization that promotes both financial contributions and volunteer support for numerous NGOs.

• Shloka’s mother Mona Mehta is related to Nirav Modi, the billionaire jeweller who is considered the primary perpetrator of the 2018 PNB fraud, as per the sources.

• Akash Ambani, the older son of Shloka and Mukesh Ambani, shared a close bond with Shloka since their childhood days, having studied together at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School.

• After completing their school, Akash proposed to her. Following a lengthy relationship of approximately 9 years, they are expected to tie the knot in December 2018.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Sobha Viswanath

• Sobha Viswanath, an Indian social entrepreneur, artist, designer, and activist, is the visionary behind Weavers Village, a renowned clothing store situated in Kerala, India. Through her unwavering passion for preserving traditional Indian textiles and empowering local artisans, Sobha has established a thriving enterprise that showcases the cultural abundance of India. Her dedicated endeavors have not only enabled weavers and artisans to showcase their talents but also enabled them to achieve sustainable livelihoods.

• Sobha Viswanath, hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has a childhood photograph alongside her mother.

• Sobha Viswanath embarked on her handloom industry venture in 2012 with the establishment of ‘Weavers Village,’ a clothing store located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The primary aim of this enterprise was to empower the local weaving community and safeguard India’s valuable handloom legacy.

• She was one of the co-founders of ‘Save A Rupee, Spread A Smile’ (SARSAS), a charitable organization based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, established in 2012.

• After agreeing to an arranged marriage, her hopes were shattered when her husband’s abusive conduct tainted their relationship, ultimately resulting in their eventual separation.

• Sobha launched the ‘Bhoomika’ fundraising initiative on 7 April 2019 to support those affected by the 2019 Kerala flood. As part of the project, she collaborated with women from NGOs like Mahila Mandiram, including those with physical and mental challenges, to create dolls seated in a boat using handloom and textile waste. During an interview, Sobha explained that she intentionally didn’t design mouths for the Bhoomika dolls because she was unsure of the appropriate expression. These dolls received widespread recognition and caught the attention of notable figures such as Katrina Kaif, Sonu Nigam, and Nithya Menen. In another interview, Sobha discussed the mascot for Bhoomika, which was created by Deepak Shivraj of Pava Creative Studio. The mascot is a doll made from handloom and textile waste, featuring a bindi symbolizing hope and a boat representing sustainability. Interestingly, the doll doesn’t have a mouth because its creator wanted to reflect the seriousness of the situation witnessed during the flood relief efforts, where clean water was scarce, women lacked proper sanitary products, and hunger was prevalent. One of the Bhoomika dolls is currently on display.
• were a prominent feature of the Bhoomika initiative, created using the remaining fabric scraps from the destructive 2004 Kerala tsunami. These dolls served as powerful symbols of human strength and resilience in the midst of challenges. Despite their imperfections, including scars and stains, each Chekutty doll represented a survivor of the flood, making them an extraordinary and meaningful aspect of the initiative.

• Sobha Viswanath is extremely passionate about wearing sarees. She often displays her own unique creations on social media and during different events.

• Sobha Viswanath, the inaugural ambassador of Pinkathon from Kerala, has made a significant contribution in bringing the event to the state. She has actively participated in the marathon across various cities multiple times. What distinguishes her is her unique approach of advocating for handloom by running barefoot in a saree. Through her active promotion of Pinkathon, Sobha Viswanath is effectively raising awareness and inspiring participation.

• Sobha Viswanath got an incredible chance in 2022 to create and design clothing for Sophia, the world’s first AI human. Filled with excitement, she took to Instagram to express her enthusiasm for being involved in crafting innovative garments for this groundbreaking AI humanoid.

• Sobha has established strong connections with numerous non-profit organizations. On September 27, 2019, she became a member of the advisory board for the Jyothirgamaya Foundation, which was founded in 2015 by Tiffany Brar, an Indian community service worker.

• Sobha took on the role of executive founding board member at Ashtamudi, a non-profit organization located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on 1 September 2020. In addition, she serves as a trustee on the board of El Shaddai Charitable Trust, a non-profit organization in Goa. El Shaddai focuses on empowering women, youth, and children residing in slums by providing skill-building, education, and livelihood programs.

• On 19th January 2022, Sobha commenced her role as a director at Balaramapuram Handlooms Producers Company.

• Sobha Viswanath is set to join the cast of the reality show ‘Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 5’ in 2023, which will be broadcasted on Asianet.

• Sobha Viswanath’s love for animals knows no bounds, as she deeply cherishes her furry friends. Among her pets are a dog named Pumpkin and four cats named Chilly, Cherry, Pepper, and Kiwi. Recently, Sobha Viswanath delighted her Instagram followers by sharing heartwarming photographs of her beloved feline companions alongside Pumpkin.

• Sobha has a deep affection for exploring unique destinations, with a special preference for beaches due to their tranquil atmosphere. During an interview, she eloquently conveyed her love for beach getaways and emphasized the significant role they play in her life, stating, “The beach has an undeniable allure for me, as it has silently witnessed all my stories.” [8]

Some Lesser Known Facts About Gautam Adani

• Gautam’s birth took place within a Gujarati Bania family, where his father was involved in the textile industry, establishing a strong business background.

• From an early age, he showed no interest in academics, ultimately becoming both a high school and college dropout.

• He embarked on his journey to Mumbai at 18 years old, where he dedicated two years of his life as a diamond sorter at Mahindra Brothers.

• After acquiring some experience, he went on to establish his own diamond brokerage business in Mumbai, India’s Zaveri Bazaar.

• After receiving a request from his elder brother, Mahasukh Adani, to assist in setting up his recently acquired plastic factory, he promptly returned to Ahmedabad.

• Within a brief period, he swiftly initiated the importation of PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC), the primary material employed in plastic manufacturing. Harnessing his expertise, he embarked on a trip to South Korea with the intention of securing a lucrative PVC import deal.

• In 1988, he founded Adani Export Ltd. (now Adani Enterprises Limited) after acquiring a firm understanding of essential trading elements. The company initially focused on agricultural and power sectors.

• The liberalization and economic reforms of 1991 proved to be highly advantageous for Gautam, as they resulted in a significant increase in his company’s revenue and business. This, in turn, enabled him to successfully expand his company.

• The Adani Group was invited to undertake the Mundra port project at a Government of Gujarat event in 1993, and two years later, they were awarded the contract. Adani successfully transformed Mundra Port into India’s largest Private Sector port, achieving remarkable heights.

• In addition, he created Adani Power Ltd (APL) and constructed a thermal power plant with a remarkable capacity of 4620 MW. This power plant stands as the largest private thermal power producer in the nation.

• He founded and chairs the Adani Group, an Indian multinational corporation with diverse holdings in sectors such as logistics, power, energy, agriculture, and more. Additionally, the group was recognized as India’s most trusted infrastructure brand in “The Brand Trust Report 2015”.

• The Adani Foundation was established by him in 1996, and it currently operates in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Orissa, and Madhya Pradesh.

• The main areas of focus for this foundation include education, enhancing rural infrastructure, and offering diverse livelihood opportunities to those living in poverty. Additionally, a special program is in place to support around 500 fishermen by providing financial assistance for the purchase of fishing equipment. Moreover, education is also extended to the children of these fishermen.

• Gautam tied the knot with Priti Adani, who is not only a dentist but also serves as the managing trustee of the Adani Foundation.

• His wife manages the Adani Vidya Mandir, a school situated in Ahmedabad, that exclusively accepts children with parents earning an annual income of less than ₹1 lakh.

• He was honored with the 3rd Annual Greentech CSR Award in 2014 for his established foundation.

• In an interview, he revealed his key to success, emphasizing that he has consistently prioritized the process of trying rather than fixating on the outcome throughout his entire life.

• Watch this short video from Dainik Bhaskar that provides an overview of Adani’s life.

• According to The Hindu, in August 2022, Gautam Adani achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world’s third-richest individual on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with a staggering net worth of $137.4 billion. This marked the first instance of an Asian individual breaking into the top three positions. [4]

Some Lesser Known Facts About Ashneer Grover

• Ashneer Grover, an Indian businessman, has gained recognition as the Co-Founder and Managing Director of BharatPe.

• During his studies at IIT, he was chosen as one of the six students for an exchange program in France.

• Ashneer Grover began his professional journey in 2006 as a Vice President at Kotak Investment Banking, where he dedicated over seven years of his career. In 2013, he transitioned to American Express, assuming the role of Director in Corporate Development. Two years later, in 2015, he took on the position of Chief Financial Officer at Grofers. Simultaneously, in April of that same year, Grover commenced his role as the chief financial officer at “blinkit,” an internet company based in Gurgaon, Haryana. In 2017, he became the Head of New Business at PC Jeweller Ltd.

• In 2018, Ashneer co-founded BharatPe, a payment company, along with Shashvat Nakrani and Bhavik Koladiya. The company aimed to enable small merchants and Kirana store owners in India to accept offline payments through UPI without any charges. The company’s headquarters were located in New Delhi, where Ashneer currently resides and works from his office at BharatPe.

• During an interview, Madhuri, his wife, discussed how her husband embarked on his career with the intention of surpassing the limitations of a corporate job. We all understood that this journey would inevitably pose challenges and risks. Nevertheless, his resolute determination left no room for doubt regarding our unwavering support for him.

• When he established his company, his wife Madhuri took on the role of HR and oversaw finance and other internal operations at BharatPe. During an interview, she mentioned that she recognized the need for assistance from Ashneer and BharatPe. Since my own business operated in a walk-in studio format, which didn’t demand my constant attention, I volunteered to lend a hand. After joining the company, it became apparent that there was a need for a senior individual to oversee various internal operations.

• BharatPe appointed several cricketers as their brand ambassadors in 2021. The list includes Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shubman Gill.

• Unity Small Finance Bank was launched in 2021 as a collaborative effort between BharatPe, his company, and Centrum, a marketing company.

• Ashneer, a participant in the Indian version of the television show ‘Shark Tank,’ was selected as the inaugural judge for the show ‘Shark Tank India’ on Sony TV in 2021. The show provides a platform for entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to potential investors and persuade them to invest. ‘Shark Tank India’ is an adaptation of the popular American show ‘Shark Tank.’

• During an interview, his spouse mentioned that their kids assisted them in putting up posters when they first launched the app. She further explained that their older child, in particular, has a deep understanding of the app. They have had occasions where both she and her children have placed BharatPe stickers at different merchant stores. Recently, while dining at a restaurant where her son had previously placed a sticker, he noticed its absence. Not only did he observe it, but he also encouraged her to investigate why it was missing. He had numerous inquiries about who might have taken it down and the underlying reasons. I believe that in their own unique ways, they also feel a strong connection and take pride in being associated with BharatPe.

• His wife and children accompany him as he indulges in the joy of discovering new places.

• Ashneer took to Instagram to reveal that he identified as a teetotaler, shining a light on his drinking habits.

• He announced on Twitter in November 2022 that he had written a book called “Doglapan,” which he referred to as his extraordinary life story.

After reading the book, either you will quit your job completely or you will continue doing the job for the rest of your life. At least you won’t be stuck in between.

Experience absolute clarity in life by indulging in the incredible narrative of my personal journey! Secure your own copy of ‘Doglapan’ today, available for purchase on Amazon. https://t.co/snrfbhGRE5 pic.twitter.com/rNhTld8mWr

On November 10, 2022, a tweet was posted by Ashneer Grover (@Ashneer_Grover).

• He became a cast member of Pitchers 2, an Indian Hindi-language web series, in December 2022.

• During the interview, he disclosed that his name was formed by merging his parents’ names. The element ‘Ash’ originated from his father’s name, Ashok, while ‘Neer’ derived from his mother’s name, Neeru. [13]YouTube

• Ashneer Grover was featured in a promo video released by the creators of the reality TV show ‘Roadies 19: Karm ya Kaand’ in May 2023.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Aparna Krishnan

• Rohan Murty, son of N. R. Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy, is married to Aparna Krishnan.

• Aparna’s older sister is Prasanna Krishnan, who is married to Kartik Hosanagar, a professor of technology at the Wharton School in the US.

• Aparna finished her education in Bangalore, which is now known as Bengaluru.

• While studying at Pearson College UWC in Canada, she received a scholarship.

• She gained experience as a summer analyst at Goldman Sachs and Roc Capital Management.

• She became a business analyst at McKinsey & Company in Bangalore after graduating in 2012.

• She spent nearly one year working as an investment analyst at Sequoia Capital in 2014.

• She became an assistant vice-president at Craftsvilla in Mumbai in late 2015.

• Having spent nearly 18 months at Craftsvilla, she made the transition to Soroco India Private Limited in Bengaluru, where she became an engagement manager. Established by N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, Soroco India Private Limited was founded in 2004.

• Aparna Krishnan and her family were introduced to Rohan Murty by a mutual friend. They entered into a romantic relationship that lasted nearly three years. Eventually, the couple decided to tie the knot in a traditional South-Indian wedding ceremony held at ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru on 2 December 2019. It should be noted that this was Rohan’s second marriage, as he was previously wedded to Lakshmi Venu, the daughter of the Chairman of TVS Motors.

• The wedding witnessed the presence of Nandan Nilekani, Kris Gopalakrishnan, SD Shibulal, and K Dinesh, the co-founders of Infosys. Alongside them, distinguished personalities such as Vallabh Bhanshali, Ashank Desai, Manjul Bhargava, and Prakash Padukone graced the occasion. Adding to the enchantment of the wedding was the unforgettable performance by the celebrated Carnatic vocalist, Bombay Jayashree.

• Aparna consistently engages in Yoga to uphold her fitness.

• Aparna Krishnan, an avid animal enthusiast, is the proud owner of a dog. She is often seen accompanied by her faithful canine companion.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Namita Thapar

• As of 2022, Namita Thapar serves as the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, holding the position of an Indian entrepreneur.

• She was raised in a well-to-do family in Pune, Maharashtra.

• Thapar completed her primary education at a school located in Pune.

• During her school years, Namita dedicated herself solely to her studies, setting aside her extracurricular activities. As a result, she consistently ranked as the top student in her class.

• Namita was presented with the opportunity to become the business finance lead in the financial planning department of Guidant Corporation, a medical device company in the USA, shortly after completing her MBA. She dedicated approximately 6 years to the company, serving in different roles before ultimately deciding to resign.

• Afterwards, she became the Chief Financial Officer of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, her father’s company.

• After a short period, Namita Thapar was given the role of Executive Director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals. She was honored with the Emcure Sales Awards in Malaysia.

• In 2017, Namita Thapar established Incredible Ventures Ltd., an education company dedicated to fostering youth entrepreneurship. Their primary goal is to impart entrepreneurial skills to children aged 11 to 18. Incredible Ventures Ltd. operates in multiple cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. During one of the company’s sessions, Namita Thapar herself was in attendance.

• Namita serves as a member on the Regional Advisory Board of Fuqua School of Business.

• In addition to that, Namita is affiliated with the Young Presidents Organization.

• Thapar serves as a trustee on the Board of Trustees for TiE Mumbai.

• Namita Thapar took part in the Indian edition of Shark Tank as a judge, which is a localized version of the renowned American business reality show. In this Indian adaptation, the judges, known as “sharks,” assess a range of business proposals and potentially invest in them.

• She enjoys reading and traveling in her free time.

• During an interview, Namita enthusiastically expressed her immense love for Bollywood films. She reminisced about how, before her marriage, she would eagerly attend the first-day first show of almost every Bollywood film. Namita even disclosed that she had named her children Vir and Jai, inspired by the iconic characters from the 1975 Bollywood film Sholay.

• and Indra Nooyi, looks up to them as her inspirations.

• In the interview, Thapar revealed that she relies on three activities, namely massage, movies, and meditation, to maintain her mental and physical equilibrium. She emphasized that these three avenues of relaxation, namely receiving massages, watching movies, and practicing meditation, help her avoid reaching her breaking point. Thapar ensures that she carves out regular time slots in her schedule to dedicate to these activities.

• Namita Thapar is actively involved in various initiatives led by Prime Minister Modi, such as the Women Entrepreneurship Platform and the ‘Champions of Change’ program. She is a key participant in the Niti Aayog initiative undertaken by the government.

• Namita Thapar, a renowned public speaker, has delivered captivating speeches at prestigious events including Harvard Business School, Indian Institute of Management (IIM- Ahmedabad), ET women’s conference, and FICCI. Currently, she is engaged in addressing a women’s health conference in Hyderabad.

• Namita Thapar established the YouTube channel Uncondition Yourself with Namita Thapar in 2020. On this platform, she shares a talk show series centered around women’s health, featuring insightful discussions with doctors, patients, and health experts.

• During an interview, Namita was asked about her stance on using gadgets at work. She stated that she heavily relies on her phone for work-related tasks such as email, Whatsapp, and also enjoys using social media platforms like Twitter and listening to podcasts. However, she makes sure not to bring her phone to meetings as she considers it disrespectful to constantly check messages while someone is presenting. Namita emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic that aligns with basic manners and professionalism. Reflecting on her son’s observation about her excessive phone use, she has consciously made an effort to limit checking messages to once every hour when at home. Currently, she is working towards further extending this interval to once every two hours.

• During her appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show in February 2022, Namita expressed her deep admiration for Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. She revealed that she was an ardent fan of his and no other actor had managed to capture her interest since then. Namita described her devotion to Bachchan as a significant turning point in her life, claiming that her love for him had shattered her entire world. Alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Namita Thapar shared her thoughts on the show. [5] (Source: Hindustan Times)

Some Lesser Known Facts About Harsh Jain

• As of 2021, Harsh Jain, an Indian businessman, is recognized as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dream11, an Indian fantasy sports platform.

• Harsh was raised in a prosperous family in Mumbai.

• In 2007, Anand Jain, his father, secured the 19th position in the Forbes list of India’s 40 wealthiest individuals. Frequently recognized as the third offspring of Dhirubhai Ambani, his father is often referred to by this title.

• Since childhood, Harsh has had a natural inclination towards sports and was a member of his school’s football team.

• Harsh spent three months as a summer intern at Microsoft during his last year of graduation. During his time there, he was responsible for assessing the feasibility and commercial advantages of Microsoft’s entry into the Push-To-Talk (PTT) marketplace.

• He became a Marketing Manager at Jai Corp. Limited, Mumbai, his father’s firm, in 2007.

• Harsh Jain, along with Bhavit Sheth, founded the Indian fantasy sports platform Dream11 in 2008, combining his love for gaming, sports, and technology. Currently, Harsh Jain is present at the Dream11 office along with Bhavit Sheth.

• In 2010, he founded Red Digital, a social media agency, which quickly attracted major Indian and international companies such as Dell, Adidas, PVR, Berger Paints, EduComp, and Reliance Foundation as clients within a span of two years.

• Red Digital was acquired by Gozoop, a marketing agency based in Mumbai, in 2013.

• In 2017, Harsh assumed the position of President at the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports.

• Jain’s Dream11 currently boasts approximately 70 million registered users and 10 million paid users as of 2021.

• Dream11 is the flagship brand of Dream Sports, which is a leading company in the sports industry. Other notable brands under the Dream Sports umbrella include FanCode, a popular digital multi-sports platform in India. Additionally, Dream Capital serves as the corporate venture capital and M&A arm of Dream Sports. KheloMore is a convenient one-stop destination for sports enthusiasts looking for various venues such as cricket grounds, football turfs, and badminton and tennis courts. DreamSetGo is India’s pioneering platform for premium customized sports travel and experiences. DreamX operates as a sports accelerator, offering support and resources to budding sports entrepreneurs. Lastly, the Dream Sports Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Dream Sports, dedicated to assisting deserving individuals and organizations in need.

• During his free time, Jain finds pleasure in exploring new places and engaging in football matches. Additionally, he derives satisfaction from bonding with his pet dogs at his residence in Lonavala.

• During the period of anti-China sentiment in India caused by COVID-19, Harsh made an announcement stating that Dream11 would refrain from seeking financial backing from Chinese investors in the future. It was revealed that in March 2021, Tencent Holdings Ltd., a Chinese multinational, held a 10% stake in Jain’s Dream11. [5] This information was reported by The Economic Times.

• During an interview, Harsh discussed the inception of the fantasy sports website. He explained that his passion for fantasy football (EPL) since 2001 led him to search for a platform to play fantasy cricket online when the IPL started in 2008. Surprisingly, there was no such platform in India, despite the country’s cricket-crazed population of 800 million followers. This realization motivated Harsh and his co-founder, Bhavit, to create a solution. After years of experimentation, they successfully developed a product called Dream11 in 2012, which offered single-match freemium fantasy cricket. Over time, Dream11 expanded to cater to a wide range of sports fans in India. The platform experienced remarkable growth, with user numbers increasing from 300,000 in 2015 to an astounding 38 million in 2018.

• According to reports, Jain’s Dream11 has emerged as the inaugural Indian gaming company to achieve unicorn status, denoting its valuation exceeding $1 billion as a privately held startup.

• The Times of India reported that in August 2020, Dream11 acquired the title sponsorship rights of the Indian Premier League for Rs. 2.2 billion, taking over after Vivo’s departure. [6]

• From a young age, Harsh harbored a deep affection for dogs. As a child, he frequently took it upon himself to provide nourishment to the stray animals residing near his residence. During his teenage years, he made an attempt to welcome a stray cat into his home with the intention of offering her a forever home. Regrettably, his endeavor did not yield the desired outcome.

• The initial pet he received from his parents was a beagle named Simba. Unfortunately, Simba’s life was cut short at the age of 5 due to severe health complications. Fast forward to 2021, he is now the proud owner of four dogs: two beagles and two alsatians.

• Raksha Foundation, an NGO based in Mumbai, was established by Harsh and his wife Rachana in 2020. Their primary objectives include offering free education to disadvantaged children and advocating for animal welfare.

• The Economic Times reported that in November 2021, Rachana, the wife of Harsh, made a purchase of a luxury duplex located at 33 South, Peddar Road, South Mumbai for a staggering amount of Rs. 72 crores.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Sunjay Kapur

• Sunjay Kapur does consume alcohol.

• Sunjay Kapur, a native of Delhi, is an Indian entrepreneur.

• He became the CEO of his father’s automotive company, Sona Somic Lemforder Components Ltd., Gurgaon, after graduating in 2003.

• In January 2006, he assumed the role of chairman at Sixt, India – Sona Mobility Services Ltd.

• In June 2007, he assumed the position of global chairman at ‘The Entrepreneurs’ organization. Subsequently, in October 2008, he became the chairman of ‘Sona Koyo Steering Systems Ltd,’ a Gurgaon-based automotive company.

• Afterwards, he assumed the roles of Managing Director at Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd., CEO at Sona Group, and Chairman at Sona Comstar.

• Following the arrival of their son Kiaan, Karisma Kapoor, his wife, decided to relocate to her mother’s residence along with their children. From that point onwards, she never reconciled with Sunjay, leading to their divorce on June 13, 2016. As part of the alimony settlement, Sunjay granted Karisma his father’s property in Khar and bonds amounting to Rs. 14 crores for the welfare of their children. [7]Newsable Asianet News.

• During an interview, Karisma made allegations against him, claiming that he had engaged in an extramarital affair with Priya Sachdeva. Furthermore, she stated that Sunjay had maintained a physical relationship with his first wife even after their marriage. According to a reputable newspaper, Karisma expressed these claims.

Karisma has reported to the authorities that Sunjay, Priya, and Priya’s daughter Safira regularly visit exotic locations for vacations and openly share pictures of their trips on Instagram. This behavior is considered disrespectful and audacious, which Karisma finds intolerable. She believes this is a matter of personal dignity, and she possesses it.

• According to an Indian newspaper, Sunjay made allegations against Karisma on the other side.

She married him solely for financial gain, approaching the situation in a cold and calculated manner. After her breakup with Abhishek Bachchan, she quickly rebounded by marrying him. Unfortunately, she failed not only as a wife and daughter-in-law, but also as a mother. She used their children as tools to manipulate and gain more money, preventing them from meeting the Kapur family. This cruelly deprived his ailing father of the opportunity to meet his own grandchildren, and he passed away longing for them six months ago. Additionally, she used her PR team to portray Sunjay as an unfaithful husband and his family in a negative light. Despite his pleas for her to return, she prioritized her career over her family and refused to live in Delhi with him.

• Sunjay Kapur, an individual who has a strong passion for polo, actively engaged in numerous sports activities during his time in school and college.

• During his free time, Kapur enjoys indulging in reading, exploring new places, and cherishing moments with his loved ones, including close friends and family members.

• In December 2020, he assumed the position of Board of Governor at IPSS The Doon School, located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

• Sunjay Kapur has graced the cover of prestigious business magazines like Manufacturing Today and Machinist, showcasing his notable presence in the industry.

• It has been reported that Nandita Mahtani, former wife of Ranbir Kapoor, was romantically involved with the renowned Indian actor.

• Karisma Kapoor and Nandita Mahtani, his ex-wives, share a strong bond of friendship.

• In 2013, he reached out to the CNBC Awaaz news channel with the idea of creating a show called ‘Masterpreneur’, which aimed to search for business magnates.