Falguni Nayar is a name that is now house hold to entrepreneurial excellence and self-made fortune in India. She has transformed the face of beauty and lifestyle retailing as the founder and CEO of Nykaa, leaving millions in awe with her late-blooming but meteoric ascension to becoming a billionaire. Her tale is that of proof to the power of vision, determination, and the guts to start again, regardless of your age.
| Tribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Falguni Sanjay Nayar |
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1963 |
| Age (as of June 2025) | 62 years |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Education | B.Com (Sydenham College), MBA (IIM Ahmedabad) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Businesswoman, Investor |
| Known For | Founder & CEO of Nykaa |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$3.6 billion USD (approx. ₹30,000 crore) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Sanjay Nayar (CEO, KKR India) |
| Children | 2 (Twins: Adwaita Nayar & Anchit Nayar) |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Weight | ~60 kg |
| Major Awards | Forbes India Rich List, ET Businesswoman of the Year |
| Social Media | LinkedIn, Instagram @Falguni Nayar |
| Hobbies | Reading, Traveling, Mentoring, Family Time |
Early Life & Background
Falguni Sanjay Nayar was born on 19th February, 1963, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to a Gujarati business community. Her father had a small bearings business, and her mother too participated actively in the business. Raised amidst this business atmosphere, Falguni was highly fascinated by business and enterprise right from her younger days.
She has done her Bachelor’s in Commerce from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, and subsequently done her MBA from the renowned Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) in 1985. The educational experience and exposure at IIM-A instilled in her business knowledge and leadership skills.
Career Journey
Early Professional Life
Falguni began her career as a management consultant at A.F. Ferguson & Co., where she honed her analytical and strategic skills. In 1993, she joined Kotak Mahindra Group, quickly rising through the ranks. She led the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) team and was instrumental in opening Kotak’s institutional equities offices in London and New York.
By 2005, she was appointed Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Capital and also served as Director of Kotak Securities. Her 18-year stint at Kotak Mahindra cemented her reputation as a formidable force in investment banking.
Founding Nykaa
In 2012, at the age of 50, Falguni made a bold move—she left her high-profile banking career to start Nykaa, investing $2 million of her own savings. She saw a gap in the Indian beauty market for authentic, curated products and set out to fill it. Starting with just three employees in a small office, she faced initial challenges but persevered.
Nykaa’s growth was phenomenal. The platform became India’s leading beauty and lifestyle retailer, expanding into fashion and opening over 100 physical stores. In November 2021, Nykaa went public with a staggering $13 billion valuation, making Falguni the wealthiest self-made Indian woman and earning her a spot among India’s richest.
Achievements & Recognition
- Forbes India Rich List debut at rank 44 (2022)
- Businesswoman of the Year, Economic Times Awards (2019)
- Featured in Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen (2019)
- Business Person of the Year, Vogue India (2019)
She also serves on the boards of major companies like Tata Motors, Aviva Life Insurance, and Dabur India.
Personal Life
Falguni is married to Sanjay Nayar, CEO of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) India. The couple has twin children, Adwaita and Anchit Nayar. Both children play key roles at Nykaa—Adwaita is CEO of Nykaa Fashion, while Anchit manages the retail and e-commerce divisions.
Despite her immense success, Falguni is known for her grounded lifestyle and strong family values. She often credits her family for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
Physical Appearance
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm)
- Weight: Around 60 kg
- Unique Traits: Falguni is often recognized for her warm smile, dignified presence, and signature sarees, reflecting her Indian roots and professional elegance.
Net Worth & Income
As of October 2024, Falguni Nayar and her family have a net worth of $3.64 billion, ranking 89th on Forbes India’s list of richest tycoons. By 2025, her net worth is estimated at around $320 crores USD (approximately $3.6 billion). Her wealth primarily comes from her stake in Nykaa, along with board memberships and investments.
Social Media Presence
Falguni Nayar maintains a professional yet approachable presence on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram @Falguni Nayar . She uses these platforms to share business insights, celebrate Nykaa’s milestones, and occasionally offer glimpses into her personal life. Her engagement style is inspirational, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.
Hobbies & Interests
Beyond her business pursuits, Falguni is passionate about:
- Reading business and self-improvement books
- Traveling and exploring new cultures
- Mentoring young entrepreneurs
- Enjoying quality time with her family
Her love for beauty and wellness products is not just professional—it’s personal, fueling her drive to innovate in the industry.
Falguni Nayar’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Her story continues to inspire countless individuals to break barriers, embrace change, and become the protagonists of their own lives.
Kmow About: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Falguni Nayar?
Falguni Nayar is the founder and CEO of Nykaa, one of India’s largest beauty and lifestyle retail companies, and one of the country’s few self-made female billionaires.
When and where was Falguni Nayar born?
She was born on February 19, 1963, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
What did Falguni Nayar do before starting Nykaa?
She had a successful career in investment banking, serving as Managing Director at Kotak Mahindra Capital.
How did Nykaa become successful?
Nykaa filled a gap in the Indian beauty market by offering authentic, curated products online and offline, rapidly expanding and going public with a $13 billion valuation in 2021.
Is Falguni Nayar married?
Yes, she is married to Sanjay Nayar, CEO of KKR India.
Does Falguni Nayar have children?
She has twin children, Adwaita and Anchit Nayar, both of whom are actively involved in Nykaa’s operations.
What is Falguni Nayar’s net worth?
As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at around $3.6 billion.
What are Falguni Nayar’s hobbies?
She enjoys reading, traveling, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and spending time with her family.