Bollywood Royalty to IIM-A: How Navya Naveli Nanda Cracked the 99.99% Cutoff in CAT!

The IIMs are the most reputed and prestigious MBA schools in India. Every year, thousands of students work relentlessly to get into an IIM. But what happens when someone already famous, someone from a Bollywood family, secures a spot? Meet Navya Naveli Nanda, the granddaughter of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who recently made headlines for scoring an incredible 99.99 cutoff in CAT  and secured a place at IIM Ahmedabad, the top business school in India.

Navya Naveli Nanda: A Bollywood Heiress Creating Her Legacy

Navya Naveli Nanda belongs to Bollywood’s most talked-about family: the Bachchans. She was born on December 6, 1997, to Shweta Bachchan Nanda, a prominent figure in the fashion world, and Nikhil Nanda, the chairman and MD of Escorts Kubota Ltd. Navya Naveli Nanda was widely known as the granddaughter of the iconic film star Amitabh Bachchan until now!

After completing her schooling, Navya earned a bachelor’s degree in Digital Technology and UX design from Fordham University in the US. She is now pursuing a Blended Postgraduate Programme (BPGP) MBA at the most prestigious MBA School in India, IIM Ahmedabad.

Navya’s journey has been very distinct from her family’s; instead of continuing the path of acting and films, she created her own headline as a successful entrepreneur, founder of Aara Health, and co-founder of Nimaya Foundation. Navya has also founded a non-profit project, Naveli, and simultaneously plays an active role in her family-run business, Escorts Kubota. 

Despite all that work, she hasn’t entirely stepped out of the media spotlight. She currently runs a podcast on a YouTube channel titled ‘What the Hell, Naviya,‘ alongside her mother, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, and grandmother, Jaya Bachchan. In this show, they discuss various societal issues faced by women today.

Beyond the Glitz and Glamour

Navya’s incredible CAT score sparked an immediate reaction of curiosity and skepticism. How did someone from a Bollywood background manage to ace one of the toughest entrance exams in the country? The answer undoubtedly is her hard work, determination, and passion for education, which might surprise many.

Navya Naveli Nanda was always serious about her education. She knew that her academic journey was not just a means to an end but a pursuit driven by genuine interests. Navya kept her focus on academics and gradually proved that her ambitions extended far beyond the family’s Bollywood legacy.

Net Worth of Navya Naveli Nanda

Navya Naveli Nanda’s entrepreneurial journey, along with her role in the family business, has significantly boosted her net worth, which is estimated to be around Rs 60 crore. This amount includes her investments in Aara Health, Escorts Kubota, and various other ventures. Despite her young age, Navya Naveli Nanda has made impressive progress in the business world, earning recognition not just as the granddaughter of a film icon but as a successful entrepreneur and advocate in her own right.

Overcoming Controversy and Excelling Against the Odds

Despite her hard work, her success came with a lot of controversies; many questioned the legitimacy of the BPGA MBA program, many claiming it is not an actual MBA, while others said she gained her place through quota, given her robust background. The rumor was silenced by an associate professor, Promila Agarwal, commenting on Navya’s twit where she said, “She got a solid CV, by the way; you do not necessarily need CAT. Irrespective, hats off to everyone for being courageous enough to sign up for a rigorous program. PS: Just like other students, looking forward to her posts cribbing abt hard life at IIM-A,” Agarwal said.

Navya’s preparation was no different from that of any other aspirant. Despite her packed schedule, she managed to prepare for the CAT. Her dedication to cracking the CAT and her hard work eventually paid off, with a score that placed her among the top 0.01% of candidates in the country.

Wrapping up with Navya’s Journey from Legacy to Legacy-Maker

Navya Naveli Nanda’s story is not just a personal milestone; it inspires young people who might feel that they don’t stand a chance in the highly competitive world of IIMs. It proves that with enough dedication, even the most daunting goals can be achieved, regardless of where you come from or who your family is. Her achievement is undoubtedly more than just a personal milestone; it shatters stereotypes and inspires the youth to work harder.