
Raj Kapoor's daughter was once mocked because she worked as…, later her name was included in Guinness World Record for…, Amitabh Bachchan is her…
Before her insurance success, Ritu dabbled in the kitchen appliances business with her company, Nikitasha, which unfortunately failed. Rather than stepping away, she turned lessons from that setback into the foundation for her next venture, an insurance career that would soon put her name in the Guinness Book of World Records. Breaking records and making history
With her firm Escolife, Ritu stunned the industry when she sold an incredible 17,000 insurance policies in a single day. This achievement not only broke records but also earned her a place in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) — a global network of top insurance professionals. She made history again as the first Indian woman invited to address the MDRT's elite gathering. A life celebrated in words
Her inspiring journey is chronicled in the biography Being Ritu: The Unforgettable Story of Ritu Nanda, written by Sathya Saran and published by HarperCollins. Released on October 30, her birth anniversary, the book features heartfelt tributes from Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, and members of the Kapoor family. Bachchan called her 'ever giving' and 'gracious.' Family ties and legacy
Ritu was the mother-in-law of Shweta Bachchan, married to her son Nikhil Nanda. The couple also had a daughter, Natasha Nanda. Through Shweta and Nikhil, Ritu was grandmother to Navya Naveli Nanda and Agastya Nanda, continuing the family's legacy into the next generation.
After a prolonged battle with cancer, Ritu Nanda passed away on January 14, 2020, at the age of 71, in New Delhi. She left behind not just memories in the Kapoor-Bachchan family tree but an enduring example of determination, resilience, and independence.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Economic Times
12 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Waterfield Advisors announces appointment of two key senior professionals to their leadership team
Waterfield Advisors, a globally recognised multi-family office and wealth advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Riddhiman Jain as Managing Director and Head of Investment Strategy & Solutions and Abhishek Damani as Managing Director, Alternative Investments. ADVERTISEMENT Riddhiman brings over 15 years of global experience in wealth management, having held senior investment leadership roles across Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. Most recently, he served as Executive Director and Head of Investments and Products for UBS Wealth Management India, where he led discretionary and advisory mandates, mutual funds, alternative investments, and listed securities across asset classes. Also Read | Nifty slips into consolidation: What is the right strategy for mutual fund investors now? A strategic thinker and advocate for AI-driven client servicing and technology, Riddhiman has been instrumental in launching and managing differentiated offerings in alternatives, hedge funds, and digital wealth tools. His experience spans developing and delivering investment propositions and leading cross-border teams to deliver scalable, client-centric solutions. On the human front, he believes in breaking silos to foster collaboration and innovation, according to a press release.'I'm excited to join Waterfield's exceptional team to scale our Advisory impact. Combining market knowledge and technology to deliver exceptional client outcomes, I look forward to breaking silos, building innovative client propositions, providing quality advice, maximizing client returns, and making a meaningful difference,' said Riddhiman on his Waterfield, Abhishek will be driving the expansion of the firm's private market capabilities through the development of new investment avenues including GP and LP-led solutions, and portfolio construction related to separately managed accounts, tailored to the evolving needs of domestic and global investors. Abhishek will also continue to play a key role in advancing Waterfield's private market Fund of Funds offering, with oversight across portfolio construction, due diligence, and stakeholder engagement with both GPs and investors. ADVERTISEMENT Abhishek brings over a decade of experience in private markets, most recently serving as Managing Director and Head of India & Southeast Asia at Quilvest Capital Partners, where he led private equity and venture capital fund investments, co-investments, and secondaries in the region. Based in both Hong Kong and Mumbai during his time at Quilvest, Abhishek was instrumental in driving investment strategy, business development, and global partnerships at his former firm. 'Waterfield Advisors has set the benchmark for excellence in the Indian wealth management industry through its unwavering client alignment, institutional-grade governance, and a deeply embedded culture of integrity. Increasing maturity within private markets in India are beginning to offer differentiated, long-term opportunities that can meaningfully enhance portfolio returns,' On his joining, Abhishek commented. ADVERTISEMENT 'Waterfield is uniquely positioned given its access to top-quartile PE/VC managers as well as high-quality deal flow, making it an ideal platform for client's to build their private markets portfolios. I am excited to join Waterfield to expand our private market capabilities by crafting bespoke solutions tailored to the sophisticated and evolving needs of both Indian and global investors. The opportunity to contribute to Waterfield's vision in this dynamic segment is incredibly energizing, and I'm excited for what lies ahead,' he further said. Also Read | Axis Mutual Fund message to investors after Viresh Joshi's arrest ADVERTISEMENT 'With Riddhiman joining, we wish to further elevate the quality of advice we offer to our discerning clients, who are amongst the country's wealthiest families and individuals. As we scale to new heights, we want a leader who understands our evolving needs and aligns with our client centric ethos,' said Soumya Rajan, Founder and CEO, Waterfield will form an important part of Waterfield Advisors' Senior Leadership Team. He will be instrumental in advising UHNIs and HNIs on portfolio construction across multi-asset classes and solving market the joining of Abhishek Damani, CEO said, 'We are excited to bring on board Abhishek to join our family at such a dynamic time in the firm's growth. Our clients are increasingly looking for sophisticated, non-traditional strategies to enhance their portfolio returns and manage risk and Abhishek's addition will help us deliver on this demand with high-quality private markets solutions." ADVERTISEMENT (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times) (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)


Hans India
12 minutes ago
- Hans India
‘Jatadhara' First poster promises a haunting clash of divine & dark forces
The makers of Jatadhara have unveiled the film's main poster, offering a riveting glimpse into a high-concept mythic universe. Produced by Zee Studios and Prerna Arora under Ess Kay Gee Entertainment, the film stars Telugu actor Sudheer Babu and Bollywood's Sonakshi Sinha in powerful, never-seen-before avatars. A mythic supernatural epic rooted in Indian lore, Jatadhara promises a blend of mythology and cutting-edge cinematic storytelling. The poster sets the tone with a blazing trident piercing stormy skies, as Sudheer Babu's warrior stands ready for battle, under the shadow of Lord Shiva's mighty silhouette. Below, an eerie, upside-down realm reveals the Dhanapisachini — a demonic guardian of cursed treasure — promising a haunting clash of divine and dark forces. Directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, the film is expected to be a visual spectacle powered by world-class VFX, AI-enhanced narratives, and a gripping screenplay. The teaser is set to drop on August 8, 2025. Produced by Zee Studios, Umesh Kumar Bansal, Prerna Arora, and others, Jatadhara marks Prerna's second collaboration with Zee after Rustom. With her track record of backing impactful films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Padman, the film adds to her legacy of commercial yet meaningful cinema. Jatadhara is more than a movie—it's the beginning of a cinematic universe.
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
12 minutes ago
- First Post
India needs strategic patience to sail through Trump's tariff storm
On July 30, 2025, US President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports, effective August 7, alongside threats of penalties for India's continued purchase of Russian oil and military hardware. Justified by Trump as retaliation for India's 'far too high' tariffs and 'strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers', this move severely disrupts an expanding trade partnership. More troubling is the proposed 100 per cent secondary tariff on nations dealing in Russian oil—especially damaging for India, which sources around 35 per cent of its crude from Russia. These measures risk entangling trade, energy security, and defence in a complex geopolitical crossfire. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India–US Trade Snapshot India is the US' ninth-largest trading partner, and the US is India's largest export destination. In 2024, bilateral trade (per Indian sources) stood at $136.7 billion—with India exporting $91.2 billion and importing $45.5 billion, yielding a $45.7 billion surplus for India. U.S. data shows bilateral goods trade at $129.2 billion, with exports to India at $41.8 billion and imports from India at $87.4 billion. This trade imbalance remains a sore point for Washington. While Trump has dubbed India the 'tariff king', the actual weighted average tariff on US imports is under 5 per cent, well within WTO limits. However, India does levy higher duties on specific items like whisky, wines, and automobiles—similar to protectionist policies adopted by many other nations, including the US. India's major exports to the US in 2024 included electrical and electronic equipment ($14.4 billion), pharmaceuticals ($12.73 billion), and precious metals and stones ($11.88 billion). Conversely, US exports to India comprised mineral fuels ($12.6 billion), precious stones ($5.31 billion), and machinery ($3.29 billion), along with soybeans ($2.2 billion). Tariff Dynamics Before the Trump Shock Before Trump's announcement, US tariffs on Indian goods averaged 2.5 per cent, while Indian duties ranged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent depending on the sector—with high rates on agricultural products like apples and rice. Non-tariff barriers, especially in agriculture and pharmaceuticals, have long frustrated US businesses. Trump has used tariffs as a pressure tool to counter the trade deficit under the guise of protecting US industries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From India's perspective, the US administration has ignored the significant American advantage in India's services and education sectors. Furthermore, India's obligations to safeguard farmers' livelihoods, sensitivities regarding dairy products, ensure energy security, and maintain affordability restrict its capacity to yield to US expectations. Fallout The new 25 per cent tariff raises average duties on Indian goods to 27 per cent, affecting key sectors such as auto parts, electronics, steel, and aluminium. Even iPhones assembled in India may see price hikes. Projections suggest a 10 per cent to 50 per cent drop in Indian exports in these sectors—amounting to annual losses of up to $3 billion. India, with 1.4 billion people and the world's fourth-largest economy, aims to double trade with the US to $500 billion by 2030. However, Trump's tariffs threaten this goal, potentially trimming 0.3–0.5 per cent off India's projected 6.5 per cent GDP growth for 2025 (as per HSBC). For US consumers, these tariffs will likely spark inflation, especially in healthcare affordability. Tariff revenues—estimated to constitute 5 per cent of federal income in 2025—are intended to offset Trump's tax cuts and support domestic manufacturing. Yet economists, including JP Morgan, predict a US GDP slowdown to 1.6 per cent and supply chain disruptions, given India's crucial role in supplying generics, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Strategically, these tariffs risk alienating a key Indo-Pacific partner, undermining US efforts to counter China. The punitive measures could push India closer to the Russia-China-India (RIC) alignment. India imported $40 billion of Russian oil in 2024 (forming 35 per cent of India's energy imports). A 100 per cent secondary tariff on this trade would spike India's import bill, increase inflation, strain fuel subsidies, and derail fiscal targets—especially problematic in an election year. In defence, India's 36 per cent dependency on Russian arms (down from 55 per cent in 2019) makes it vulnerable to US sanctions, particularly regarding high-value systems like the S-400. While compliance compromises strategic autonomy, non-compliance risks further penalties. Given the perceived unreliability of US foreign policy, India may be inclined to take calculated risks. A Web of Sticking Points Agriculture is India's red line. The US demands greater access to India's protected agricultural market, particularly in dairy and grains. But with 45 per cent of the population reliant on farming, India faces high political costs in liberalising this sector. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India is unlikely to emulate US allies like Japan or the EU in offering zero-tariff concessions, owing to security dependencies. Indian exports of auto parts, steel, aluminium, and electronics face the steepest tariffs. Less-affected sectors like textiles and gems may still lose market share to Vietnam and Bangladesh. In retaliation, India could target US exports such as soybeans and aircraft—although this could impact its aviation sector if the UK cannot meet shortfalls. Domestic Compulsions India's trade policy is constrained by domestic politics. Any concessions on agriculture risk electoral backlash. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which drive Indian exports, would be severely impacted by higher US tariffs. Energy security remains paramount, and Russian oil provides affordable options not easily replaceable. Strategic autonomy underpins India's foreign policy. Aligning too closely with either Washington or Moscow would compromise this balance. Given Trump's recent policy unpredictability, abandoning a reliable partner like Russia seems unjustified. Balancing Act Trump's tariff blitz leaves India with limited but critical choices. These include: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Negotiate a Selective Trade Deal: India may pursue a limited deal, lowering tariffs on non-sensitive imports like machinery, liquor, hydrocarbons, motorbikes, and soybeans—while resisting US demands on agriculture and dairy. It must stand firm on energy affordability for its vast poor population. From August 1, 2025, India should absorb the tariffs temporarily without rushing into a disadvantageous deal. It should protect MSMEs, prioritise growth, and wait out the 10-day deadline on secondary tariffs, monitoring US–China negotiations. This appears to be the most prudent approach. Diversify Markets: India should expand exports to Asean, the EU, and Africa. Deepening ties with Brics nations can also cushion the impact. Though these markets lack the scale of the US, diversification reduces dependency and future coercion risks. Aggressive pursuit of FTAs and strategic partnerships is essential. Strategic Reduction in Russian Trade: India can gradually diversify oil imports to the Middle East or the US and broaden arms sourcing to France, Israel, and others. However, higher costs and strong Russia ties complicate this transition. India can redirect exports to Asean, the EU, and Africa, though with smaller profit margins. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Self-Reliance: Strengthening the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign for defence and tech manufacturing is vital. Past disruptions, like Covid, have shown India's capacity to localise supply chains—a trend that must accelerate. Controlled Retaliation: If unavoidable, India must retaliate proportionately with tariffs on high-profile US goods like aircraft, oil, whisky, and motorcycles. Such a move risks escalation but may be necessary to defend sovereignty and prevent future coercion. Brics Brics nations face similar US tariffs—34 per cent on China, 50 per cent on Brazil. The concept of a coordinated Brics response is attractive but lacks momentum. India-China rivalry and Russia's economic constraints limit cohesion. While alternate payment systems (eg, rupee-ruble trade) are being explored, intra-Brics trade ($700 billion) pales in comparison to their $5 trillion trade with the US. However, if Trump follows through with 100% tariffs on BRICS and 500% on countries trading with Russia, he may inadvertently force BRICS closer. This could catalyze a realignment toward the RIC format. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Realistic Road Ahead India's optimal response blends diplomacy, economic recalibration, and strategic signalling. A selective trade deal protecting sensitive sectors while retaining competitiveness is key. Simultaneously, India must diversify exports, reduce reliance on Russian oil and arms incrementally, and boost domestic manufacturing. Subsidies for impacted exporters and tax relief for MSMEs can cushion the blow. By reinforcing its role as a democratic counterweight to China, India can retain geopolitical leverage while defending long-term interests. Trump's tariff offensive poses serious challenges—but India possesses considerable leverage. Through smart negotiation, diversification, and strategic patience, India can weather the storm and emerge stronger, with a more resilient and self-reliant economic framework. Diplomacy, reform, and national resolve will be India's guiding tools in navigating this turbulent phase. The author is a strategic and security analyst. He can be reached at Facebook and LinkedIn as Shashi Asthana, @asthana_shashi on Twitter, and personal site. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.