CREDITS-
Photographer: Shakeel Bin Afzal
Stylist: Karl Willett
Hair & Make-up: Heidi North
Location Courtesy: Arlington House
Wardrobe: Falguni Shane Peacock
Ananya Birla is a multifaceted powerhouse who has married her entrepreneurial spirit and her artistic passion—creating an identity that stands distinct from the legacy of her renowned industrialist family. Born into the illustrious Birla family, Ananya had the opportunity to follow the predetermined path of corporate leadership. However, she chose to carve her own trail, guided by her first love—music. As a successful singer-songwriter, Ananya has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim, proving that her talents extend far beyond the boardroom.
In addition to her musical career, Ananya is a trailblazing entrepreneur. She founded Svatantra Microfin, a microfinance company that empowers women in rural India by providing them with financial independence and opportunities for sustainable growth. Her vision for social change is also reflected in her establishment of Ikai Asai, a home accent company that showcases her impeccable taste in home decor and design, providing consumers with a glimpse of her aesthetic sensibilities.
Ananya’s commitment to mental health and well-being led her to establish the Ananya Birla Foundation—an organisation dedicated to ending the stigma associated with mental health issues and providing comprehensive care and support. The Foundation supports initiatives in mental health, equality, education, financial inclusion, climate change, and humanitarian relief efforts, reflecting her commitment to making a meaningful impact on society. Her entrepreneurial prowess and dedication to social causes have not gone unnoticed. She has been honoured with numerous awards, including the ET Panache Trendsetters of 2016 Award for Young Business Person and being listed as one of GQ’s Most Influential Indians of 2018.
Ananya Birla’s journey shows her intent to not walk the pre-laid path of her family’s legacy. Instead, she has carved her own unique path. Hers is a story of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to effect positive change in the world.
Ananya’s fearless spirit and willingness to explore untrodden paths have taken her to incredible heights, both figuratively and literally. From family vacations to solo adventures, she has grown immensely. The Travel Peacock Magazine sat down with this dynamic and promising talent to discuss her journey from the boardroom to the boarding gates of the many destinations she has visited.
Read on for insights from our conversation.
Q) You were born and raised in Mumbai. What aspects of the city resonate the most with you? Tell us about some of your fond Mumbai memories.
Ananya Birla (AB): I call Mumbai, Bombay and Bombay is what I call home, mainly because my closest friends and family live here. Being born and raised in Bombay, I have a lot of memories of my school days and playing football, of the monsoons in Bombay when it rains it pours, playing football in the muck or waking up early to hear school is shut because of rains. I am a homebody and I love drinking a hot cup of chai when it’s raining. Bombay monsoon is something I have a love-love relationship with. I also love driving in Bombay which surprises people since it’s so chaotic but it’s an organised mess and I resonate with that—don’t we all carry a certain level of chaos within us? Driving on the sea link is one of my favourite things to do with really good music playing (in the background).
Q) What were some of your fondest trips from your childhood?
AB: My parents took three of us to Nice, in southern France. I remember going to Monaco and seeing the Grand Prix at that time and the cute little town, called Eze on the French Riviera. It was a beautiful trip with my entire family which is a very vivid memory of my childhood. Other than that, as a family, we would go to my home in Lonavala quite a lot. We spent many Diwalis in our farmhouse in Bangalore. It’s in Bannerghatta on the outskirts and is very serene and green. So I have some very fond memories of all of us laughing a lot and playing board games. As you can see from the pictures, London is like a second home. In London, my mother used to take me to see the change of guard at 11 every day. At that time, we were allowed to feed the pelicans at St. James Park. There was the London Trocadero then, the entertainment complex where we used to play games. Other beautiful memories include having Haagen Dazs ice cream at Leicester Square.
Q) What were some of your favourite spots in England during your graduation days?
AB: I studied Economics and Management at Oxford, so some of my favourite spots are quite close to the university. I loved spending time on Cornmarket Street, which is always bustling with activity and has a great mix of shops and cafes. Another favourite spot was the St. Catherine’s football ground, where I spent countless hours. And for a delicious meal, I often frequented a Lebanese restaurant called Al-Shami. These places hold some of my best memories from my time at Oxford.
Q) Can you share a memorable encounter with a local person or community during your travels that left a lasting impact on you?
AB: During my visit to Dimapur, Nagaland, I had the privilege of spending time at a children’s home run by the International Neighbourhood Service Society, where I connected with kids who had endured the pain of neglect and abandonment. Despite their harrowing pasts, their unwavering resilience and genuine warmth left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the profound strength found in the human spirit even in the face of adversity. This rekindled a long-held dream of mine: to open a home for children without families—Neemar.
Q) Which city did you visit recently? What did you love the most about it?
AB: I just returned from London, a city that feels like a second home yet never ceases to capture my heart anew with each visit. Around this time, St James Church is even more beautiful, offering a deeper sense of solace. Hatchards bookstore, with its cosy and homely atmosphere, always wraps me in a warm embrace of nostalgia. And Shoreditch, with its vibrant energy, floods me with an adrenaline rush of inspiration for the brands I am building. At Selfridges London, I may buy nothing but I’m so inspired by the brands and the clothing. Every corner of London continues to inspire and enchant me.
Q) How does travelling, in general, inspire you?
AB: Travelling is a huge privilege. So I’m grateful that I can travel. It opens up your mind, you get insights into new cultures and new lifestyles. While travel is amazing, it can also be stressful at the same time.
Q) Your happiest and most memorable trip to date?
AB: Highlighting a single one is difficult.
Q) Do you remember your first solo trip? Any tips for solo travellers?
AB: I think it was a football trip to Sri Lanka or a chess tournament.
I’d tell other solo travellers to take the time to walk around and absorb the city on their own. Exploring on foot allows you to immerse yourself fully and to appreciate the nuances of the city. It’s a great way to experience a place at your own pace.
Q) What are your top 5 must-packs when travelling?
AB: There is one bag I carry with me wherever I go, and it holds my journal, the book I’m currently reading, my wallet, charger, and other essentials. I can’t do without it. As a chai lover, I also carry my own Indian pre-mix tea. Additionally, I bring along speakers, a trusty hot water bag, and my awesome crew.
Q) How do you stay fit during travel? Are you mindful about what you eat or do you indulge in the cuisines available?
AB: When I’m in my routine, I make it a priority to hit the gym 4-5 times a week. However, while travelling, maintaining this schedule becomes challenging. That’s when I rely on walking, which is so underrated. I aim for 10,000 steps a day. As for food, I’m not a big foodie. I have a simple palate, enjoying staples like hummus which makes it easier for me to stay mindful about eating while travelling. It’s also important to occasionally treat yourself to a good meal.
Q) What do you like to read or watch when on a long flight?
AB: Just today, I finished reading Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, a short yet profoundly impactful read. Recently, I’ve also enjoyed The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom and revisited The Alchemist. Additionally, I often download documentaries or indulge in a quintessential Bollywood film.
Q) How does the culture of the places you’ve visited influence you? What are the three things that define the essence of a city?
AB: Meeting new people and hearing their stories is always inspiring and thought-provoking. The things that define the essence of a city for me are the people, landscape, history, and weather. I especially love cold weather and the opportunity to layer up.
Q) What destinations are on your travel bucket list?
AB: Japan is on my list for many reasons—the cherry blossom, the futuristic technology as well as the indigenous wisdom and philosophies like Ikigai of the Japanese. My mother and sister went there recently. It’s a world in itself, they said. I’m also reading a book by a Japanese author Michiko Aoyama right now: What you’re looking for is in the library.
Add to favorites