Meet Jayanti Chauhan, a billionaire leading a Rs 7,000 crore empire and giving tough competition to Ambani & Tata

Time of India

20-06-2025

Jayanti Chauhan: In the world of business, men have traditionally dominated boardrooms for decades. But today, powerful women like Jayanti Chauhan are taking charge and transforming industries. She is not just any businesswoman—she's the one who stood firm against giants like Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi. She turned down a whopping Rs 7,000 crore deal and chose to lead her father's legacy, Bisleri, into a new era.
Who is Jayanti Chauhan?
Jayanti Chauhan is the daughter of Ramesh Chauhan, the founder of Bisleri, India's most recognised packaged drinking water brand. Today, she runs a business empire worth Rs 7,000 crore, making her one of the most powerful businesswomen in India. Her journey in the industry has been nothing short of inspirational.
Taking Over Bisleri and Cancelling Tata's Mega Deal
In 2022, Ramesh Chauhan was close to selling Bisleri to the Tata Group for Rs 7,000 crore. Due to his age and the absence of a successor, he planned to hand over the company. At first, Jayanti wasn't interested in joining the business. But when she realised that Bisleri might go into someone else's hands, she stepped in with full force.
Her decision brought the Tata deal to a halt, and she took over the reins of Bisleri International, marking the beginning of a bold and visionary leadership era.
A New Chapter Begins: Challenges and Achievements
Jayanti Chauhan began her career at Bisleri at just 24. With guidance from her father, she focused on revamping underperforming factories and pushing forward automation processes to modernise operations. She worked from the ground up and gained in-depth knowledge about Bisleri's various departments, from production to distribution.
Her hands-on approach helped her lead the company's new product development drive, especially in the carbonated soft drink (CSD) segment, marking Bisleri's entry into fizzy beverages.
Competing With Giants: Mukesh Ambani's Campa Cola and Global Brands
In 2022, Mukesh Ambani relaunched Campa Cola under Reliance Consumer Products, reviving nostalgia and directly challenging global soft drink leaders like Pepsi and Coca-Cola. With Reliance's reach and strategic strength, Campa Cola quickly gained market share.
However, Bisleri, now led by Jayanti Chauhan, has entered this competitive market with confidence. The company is exploring opportunities in the fizzy drink segment, and its innovative approach makes it a serious competitor against brands backed by Mukesh Ambani and Ratan Tata.
Jayanti Chauhan's Education and International Exposure
When it comes to education, Jayanti Chauhan brings an impressive and diverse background. She studied Product Development at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. She later pursued Fashion Styling at Istituto Marangoni, Milan, and went on to study at SOAS, University of London.
Adding to her rich educational profile, she also studied Photography and Fashion Styling at the London College of Fashion. Her global exposure and creative training have helped shape her unique leadership style.
Building Bisleri's Future With Innovation and Sustainability
Under Jayanti's leadership, Bisleri continues to focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. She has also shown a deep commitment to animal welfare, aligning the brand with responsible and ethical values.
From launching Vedica Himalayan Spring Water to pushing sustainable packaging and new product lines, she's making sure Bisleri remains relevant in today's fast-changing market.
Style and Substance: A Leader with Beauty and Brains
Described by many as 'as glamorous as a Bollywood star,' Jayanti Chauhan is more than just a pretty face. With her sharp mind, strong leadership, and clear vision, she continues to grow Bisleri's legacy. Her ability to navigate the business world with confidence and class has turned her into a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women.
Jayanti Chauhan vs Mukesh Ambani and Ratan Tata: The Battle of Brands
While Mukesh Ambani's Campa Cola is making waves, and Ratan Tata is always in the spotlight for strategic investments, Jayanti Chauhan is quietly but powerfully building a stronghold in the beverage industry. Her decision to keep Bisleri independent has set her apart and turned her into a fierce competitor to some of India's biggest business names.
With a business empire worth Rs 7,000 crore, Jayanti Chauhan has proved that determination, innovation, and vision can break all barriers. Turning down a deal from the Tata Group, going head-to-head with Mukesh Ambani, and leading Bisleri with a fresh perspective, she is redefining leadership in the Indian business world.
Bisleri International Shareholding and Profits
As of 31 March 2024, Ramesh J Chauhan owned 54% of Bisleri International, while his daughter, Jayanti R Chauhan, held 33% of the company's shares. The remaining 13% is owned by his wife, Zainab R Chauhan, as per data from Tofler.
Bisleri is the leading brand in India's packaged water market and competes with big names like Coca-Cola's Kinley and PepsiCo's Aquafina.
In the financial year 2023–24, Bisleri International's net profit increased by 82.8% to Rs 316.95 crore, while its revenue from operations grew by 14.8%, reaching Rs 2,689.69 crore, according to a company filing with the Registrar of Companies (RoC).
The company's total consolidated revenue rose by 18.32% to Rs 2,814.04 crore by the end of March 31, 2024, supported by other sources of income. This marks Bisleri's highest revenue in the past five years.
Bisleri International remains a strong family-owned business under the leadership of Ramesh J Chauhan, also known as RJC, and his family.
Whether it's her international education, bold business moves, or sustainable approach, Jayanti Chauhan is undoubtedly a rising force and a name that will continue to shine in India's corporate future.
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