Navya Naveli Nanda, granddaughter of Bollywood legends Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, has opened up about the powerful guidance her grandmother imparted, shaping her approach to life and career. In a recent interview, the 27-year-old highlighted Jaya Bachchan’s advice to avoid being “bound by what others expect” and instead focus on authentic personal goals.
Born into two influential families spanning Bollywood and business, Navya could have easily pursued a career in acting. However, she deliberately chose entrepreneurship and social impact initiatives over the silver screen, while her younger brother, Agastya Nanda, entered films.
Navya is the co-founder of Aara Health, a health-tech platform addressing women’s well-being, and leads Project Naveli, a nonprofit tackling gender inequality in India. Her work reflects both her personal ambitions and the leadership lessons learned from strong women in her family.
A student at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Navya balances academic excellence with business and advocacy commitments. She credits her grandmother’s liberal and open-minded perspective for encouraging her to challenge societal norms and pursue meaningful endeavors beyond traditional expectations for women.
Navya’s journey demonstrates how she has embraced her heritage while forging a modern, impactful path, guided by family wisdom and her own vision for empowerment. Her story serves as inspiration for young women aiming to lead with confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
