Nikhil Nanda, a well-known Indian businessman, is the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Escorts Kubota Limited, a leading multinational engineering company specializing in agricultural, construction, and railway equipment. Beyond his corporate accomplishments, he is widely recognized as the husband of Shweta Bachchan and the son-in-law of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan.
Who Is Nikhil Nanda?
Born on March 18, 1974, in New Delhi, Nikhil Nanda hails from an influential business family. His grandfather, Har Prasad Nanda, founded Escorts Limited in 1944, laying the foundation for the company’s legacy in India’s engineering sector. His father, Rajan Nanda, further expanded the enterprise and served as its CMD until his passing in August 2018. Nikhil stepped into his father’s shoes, taking the company to greater heights with strategic innovations and collaborations.
Nikhil Nanda received his early education at Hillgrange Preparatory School in Dehradun and later attended The Doon School, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. To further hone his business skills, he pursued a degree in finance and marketing at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA. His global education played a crucial role in shaping his leadership style and approach to business expansion.
More Details
While his business credentials are impressive, Nikhil Nanda is also known for his strong ties to the Bollywood industry. His mother, Ritu Nanda, was the daughter of legendary actor-director Raj Kapoor, making him a part of the illustrious Kapoor family. His maternal uncles include actors Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, and Rajiv Kapoor, while his first cousins include Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Ranbir Kapoor. His marriage to Shweta Bachchan, the daughter of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, further solidified his connections with India’s first family of cinema.
Nikhil Nanda joined Escorts Limited in 1997, gradually working his way up the corporate ladder. Initially serving as Director and Chief Operating Officer, he was promoted to Joint Managing Director in 2007 and later became Managing Director in 2013. Under his leadership, the company introduced groundbreaking innovations, including India’s first electric concept tractor in 2017 and an automated concept tractor in 2018.
Following the passing of his father in 2018, Nanda took over as CMD of the group, steering it through major global partnerships. A significant milestone came in 2021 when Escorts Limited partnered with Japan’s Kubota Corporation, eventually leading to the company being renamed Escorts Kubota Limited in 2022. In recognition of his expertise, Nanda was also appointed as Senior Managing Executive Officer of Kubota Corporation, further strengthening the Indo-Japanese business collaboration.
Nikhil Nanda’s Personal Life
Despite his high-profile connections, Nikhil Nanda maintains a relatively private life. He and Shweta Bachchan have two children, Navya Naveli Nanda and Agastya Nanda, both of whom have garnered public attention. While his daughter Navya is involved in social entrepreneurship, Agastya Nanda recently made his Bollywood debut in the movie The Archies.