The youngest of three sisters, Nadia Chauhan, grew up seeing her father build one of India’s leading beverage companies, Parle Agro, home to household brands including Frooti, Appy, and Appy Fizz. While growing up with sisters Schauna and Alisha, Chauhan briefly toyed with the idea of becoming a veterinarian or studying equestrian science, but what truly excited her was turning small ideas into something tangible. With a front-row seat to the world of entrepreneurship, every new skill was a business opportunity for her; entrepreneurship was not a conscious plan, as much as it was instinct. Currently serving as the joint managing director and chief marketing officer at Parle Agro, she has transformed a largely single-brand enterprise into a portfolio spanning multiple categories. Excerpts from the interview:
Robb Report India (RR): What would your younger self be most proud of if she met you today?
Nadia Chauhan (NC): She’d be happy to remain the curious person I am; someone who still wakes up excited at the prospect of new ideas and challenges. She’d also be proud of how I’ve been able to contribute to the family business while staying true to who I am, because it requires you to honour a legacy while finding your own voice.
RR: When you’re not building brands, where do you find joy?
NC: In the little things that make life meaningful. It could be a game of padel, a long conversation with my mother, or planning our next adventure with the kids. It could also be a good massage, a quiet afternoon with a book, or simply having the time to think and reflect.
RR: A personal habit that helps you stay grounded amid growth and ambition.
NC: Perspective. I’ve come to understand that neither success nor failure is here to stay. The wins and the setbacks pass, and there’s always another challenge around the corner. This thought process helps me stay grounded, enjoy success, and face adversity.
RR: You’re a self-confessed bookworm. Is there a book you’ve returned to and why?
NC: I’ve returned to The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand) more than once. It resonates with me because of its messages about conviction and having the courage to build something that reflects your own vision.
RR: You also have a deep love for animals and nature. What have they taught you that you could never learn in business?
NC: One of the most profound moments of my life was watching my horse collapse in front of me. The impact of that experience has stayed with me ever since. It was a stark reminder of how fragile life can be, regardless of strength, beauty, or power. Horses are incredibly intuitive and deeply perceptive to energy. They have an innate quality to sense feelings such as fear, confidence, anxiety, or calm, even before anything is spoken. Therefore, being around them brings me great joy because they can keep you honest, present and conscious of what’s going on beneath the surface.
RR: What is the one luxury you’re happy to spend on, and one that you feel is completely overrated?
NC: For me, the greatest luxury has never been a possession—it’s time. Time with the people I love. The ability to travel together, discover the world, and collect experiences that become family folklore. I value the moments that leave us in awe, make us laugh until we’re gasping for breath, or that give us stories we’ll still be telling decades hence—these are the things that appreciate in value. I enjoy beautiful things and will happily invest in something I genuinely love, but I don’t define my life by what I own. The same philosophy shapes how I think about my children’s education. I’m always happy to invest in it—not just in the classroom, but through travel, exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. My hope is to give them a grounded view of the world, one that builds empathy, curiosity, and character. The greatest gift I’ve given myself is investing in my physical and mental health. It’s the one luxury that makes every experience richer.
RR: What does ‘me time’ look like for you? Also, what is your idea of the perfect weekend?
NC: My life is constantly evolving, so what ‘me time’ looks like today may look very different a few years from now. Given that my work is time-consuming, I have started valuing the simple things more than ever. For instance, a meaningful part of my day is spent catching up over FaceTime with my children, who are studying abroad. A good workout and time spent at the gym are also important. And, whenever possible, I return to one of my lifelong passions: horse riding. I also love travelling and driving, even if it’s to someplace spontaneous. A perfect weekend could look like heading out of the city to discover a new place, indulging in a long lunch with no agenda and just enjoying the journey.