Hunger strike to attend college

Chandrika went on a hunger strike to convince her mother to let her attend Madras Christian College in Chennai, which was considered a boys' college at the time. This was the start of her journey of breaking barriers.

Family legacy at Madras Christian College

Chandrika’s father and grandfather both graduated from Madras Christian College, a well-known institution in Chennai. Her grandfather was a judge, and she grew up hearing stories about the school's famous principal, Alexander Boyd.

Early music passion

Music was a big part of Chandrika’s life. At college, she was involved in singing and performing, and her professors saw her as a standout talent.

Her unexpected corporate leap

Although Chandrika initially wanted to become a lawyer (since her grandfather and uncle were both lawyers), a mentor encouraged her to apply to IIM Ahmedabad. This turned her toward the corporate world instead.

The french song that landed her IIM Ahmedabad

During her interview at IIM Ahmedabad, Chandrika impressed the panel by singing the French song "Les Feuilles d'Or" (Autumn Leaves) in perfect French, which helped her secure a place at the prestigious institution.

Citibank's role in her journey

Despite promising herself she’d never work in banking, Chandrika took an unexpected interview with Citibank, which later brought her to New York, where she worked alongside top executives.

Her sister, Indra Nooyi

Chandrika is the sister of Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, making them one of the most influential sister duos in the business world.

Being part of male-dominated spaces

Throughout her career, from Citibank to McKinsey, Chandrika often found herself in environments dominated by men. But she proved her skills and earned respect for her leadership and expertise.

Philanthropic focus

Along with her corporate work, Chandrika has been passionate about giving back. She has supported education and the arts and played a key role in developing the Boyd Tandon School of Business at Madras Christian College.

2025 Grammy nomination for Triveni

Chandrika received a Grammy Award for her album Triveni, which blends classical Indian music with contemporary styles. The album was widely praised for its innovative fusion of different musical genres, and its powerful message of cultural unity. Additionally, in 2025, she was nominated for another Grammy for her continued contributions to the music world, cementing her place as a trailblazer in the industry.