Nikhil Nanda Says Navya Naveli’s Last Name Doesn’t Guarantee Role In Family Business

Businessman Nikhil Nanda has said that his daughter Navya Naveli Nanda must earn her position within the family business, emphasising that her surname alone does not entitle her to a role in the organisation. In a recent podcast conversation with Shrishti Sahu, Nanda spoke about Navya’s growing interest in joining the operations of Escorts Kubota Limited, the listed engineering and agricultural machinery company where he serves as Chairman and Managing Director.

The company has a market capitalisation of around ₹31,000 crore and is one of the key players in India’s farm equipment sector. Navya Naveli Nanda, granddaughter of veteran actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, has largely stayed away from the film industry and is pursuing a career in business. She is currently associated with the family-run enterprise while also having completed her education at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, one of the country’s premier business schools.

Speaking on her role, Nikhil Nanda said that while Navya is increasingly showing interest in contributing to the company, her position within the organisation will depend on merit rather than lineage. “Just because her last name is Nanda does not give her the right to get a position. She has to earn her position, which I think she will do it on her own,” he said.

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He further explained that Navya’s future involvement in the company’s day-to-day operations would depend on her performance, understanding of the business, and ability to create impact. According to him, her path within Escorts Kubota Limited is not predetermined and will be shaped by her individual contributions.

Navya has previously been in the public eye due to her family background, which spans both the film industry and business circles. However, she has increasingly focused on building a professional identity outside of Bollywood, with a growing emphasis on entrepreneurship and corporate work.

Nanda’s remarks have drawn attention for reinforcing the idea of merit-based progression within legacy business families, particularly at a time when many Indian conglomerates are navigating leadership transitions to the next generation. While Navya’s exact role in the company has not been formally defined, her gradual involvement suggests she may take on a more active position in the future. However, as Nikhil Nanda clarified, any such progression will depend on her own performance and readiness rather than family ties alone.

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