Jaunty walks, Jonty's talk: An electrifying event full of pride for GenNext and wit from Jonty Rhodes

The Economic Times 40 Under Forty is not just an awards show. It is a celebration of the young (often accompanied by a restless hustle), brilliance, innovation and accomplishment. Every year, an esteemed jury selects 40 bright minds across industries who are triggering change and setting new benchmarks.

This year was no different. The 10th edition of ET 40 under Forty was an electrifying evening of the brightest minds and boldest spirits, their pulse on the present, and eye on the future.



All of India’s leading business conglomerates were represented at the star-studded ceremony — across jury members, audience and honourees. Jury chair Nita Ambani was there, and as a bonus, accepted an award on behalf of her son-in-law Anand Piramal, executive director of Piramal Group.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, his wife Neerja, mother Rajashree and daughter Advaitesha showed up to cheer on scion Ananya Birla, who was part of the awardee list. The Goenka and Bajaj clans were represented by jury members Anant Goenka of the RPG Group and Niraj Bajaj of Bajaj Auto, while Kirloskar scion Manasi Tata was an honouree this year. Jeet Adani, Varun Jaipuria and Abhyuday Jindal also represented leading business families.


The gong sounded, the energy was high, and the award ceremony started with a greeting from Sivakumar Sundaram, CEO (Publishing), Bennett, Coleman & Company. “I am confident that we are at the beginning of a golden age for the Indian economy,” he said. “From entrepreneurs to senior leaders across corporate India, this A-list of achievers represents the energy, innovation, and dynamism we at the Times of India Group cherish and foster.”

After a keynote address by Nita Ambani, the stage was set for celebration. The recipients walked to receive their awards among applause and loud cheers from pockets of friends and family. As the winners took the stage, the highlight (and happy distraction) for many was the large AI-generated image of themselves — creatively rendered images of the young leaders, stance in place, against a futuristic backdrop.

The panel discussion, moderated by Amit Jain, managing director and India Head, The Carlyle Group, and a past winner, was interspersed with humour, thought and intellect as he led a discussion with Vinati Saraf Mutreja, CEO of Vinati Organics; Aadit Palicha, cofounder, Zepto (who was gently teased for being the youngest on stage, and perhaps in the room); Harsh Jain, CEO, Dream11 and Shruti Rajan, partner, Trilegal.

The fireside chat between Anant Goenka, vice chairman of RPG Group, and South African cricketing legend Jonty Rhodes, hit a six and enthralled the audience with Rhodes’ witty stories, anecdotes and words of wisdom. “At 55, I like to learn something that helps me improve just one per cent at a time,” Rhodes said.