Ananya Birla: Bridging Music, Business, and Advocacy

Apr, 12 2025

Ananya Birla, who experienced an intriguing life journey, was born into privilege but carved out her unique path in both the music and business worlds. Born in Mumbai on July 17, 1994, she's the eldest child in the renowned Birla family. Her father, Kumar Mangalam Birla, helms the massive Aditya Birla Group, yet Ananya has never just rested on family laurels. Instead, she turned her focus to music, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

From Santoor to Platinum Charts

Music has been in Ananya's veins from a young age. She started learning the Santoor at just nine, a classical Indian instrument, which laid the groundwork for her musical journey. She later learned to play the guitar and explored Western pop. Before establishing her name in the music industry, she studied at the American School of Bombay. However, her academic pursuits took her across the globe to the University of Oxford, where she initially studied economics and management. Even Oxford, with its storied halls, didn't captivate her as much as music.

In 2016, she debuted with the single Livin’ The Life, produced by the famous DJ Afrojack. This was no typical entry; it marked the beginning of a series of achievements, including the release of platinum hits. Her collaboration with international names like Sean Kingston and Lil Nas propelled her music onto global platforms, bagging her over 500 million streams worldwide and a Billboard debut, showcasing that her talent was more than a passing interest.

Entrepreneurship and Advocacy

Beyond the stage, Ananya Birla is a force in business and advocacy. At just 17, she established Svatantra Microfin, aiming to empower women in rural India through financial independence. Her business acumen didn't stop there; she founded Curocarte, an e-commerce platform, and Ikai Asai, a luxury brand that captures a global aesthetic in handcrafted artistry. Her commitment to entrepreneurship earned her a place in Fortune India’s 40 Under 40 in 2024—a testament to her significant impact at a young age.

Mental health is another key cause for Ananya. Along with her mother, Neerja Birla, she co-founded Mpower, a mental health initiative aimed at breaking taboos and supporting those in need. Her dedication to philanthropy is not limited to one avenue; through the Ananya Birla Foundation, she supports numerous causes, continuously striving to make a positive difference in society.

Despite her successes, life hasn't always been smooth sailing. She encountered racism during a 2020 incident at a restaurant in the U.S., a reminder of the biases that prevail despite wealth and recognition. But Ananya remained undeterred in her mission.

Significant too are her siblings, Aryaman and Advaitesha, who pursue noteworthy careers in cricket and menstrual health advocacy, respectively. Although stepping back from music in 2024 to focus more on her business ventures, Ananya's journey is far from over. Her story reflects a blend of creativity, courage, and compassion—a testament to what one can achieve with passion and purpose.