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Ananya Birla

{{Short description|Indian singer-songwriter and entrepreneur (born 1994)}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}

{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Ananya Birla

| image = Ananya Birla (19th July 2024)6352.jpg

| caption = Birla in 2024

| birth_name = Ananyashree Birla

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|07|17|df=y}}

| birth_place = Mumbai, Maharashtra India

| occupation = {{flatlist|

}}

| genre = {{flatlist|

}}

| instrument = {{flatlist|

}}

| years_active = 2016–present

| label = Universal Music India

| website = {{Official website|Ananyabirla.com}}

}}

Ananya Birla{{Cite web |last=Thacker |first=Shruti |date=2016-12-19 |title=Why Ananya Birla—business tycoon and musician—isn’t your average 22-year-old |url=https://www.vogue.in/magazine-story/why-ananya-birla-business-tycoon-and-musician-isnt-your-average-22-year-old/ |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=Vogue India |language=en-IN}} ({{IPAc-en|ə|ˈ|n|ə|n|j|ɑː|_|ˈ|b|ɪ|r|ɑː}} born 17 July 1994) is an Indian billionaire businesswoman and artist.{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=5 April 2019 |title=Ananya Birla Talks the Rise of Pop Music In India, Her New Song 'Unstoppable' & Female Empowerment |magazine=Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8505554/ananya-birla-talks-pop-music-india-new-song-unstoppable |url-status=live |access-date=15 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715195252/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8505554/ananya-birla-talks-pop-music-india-new-song-unstoppable |archive-date=15 July 2019}}

Early life

Ananya Birla{{Cite web |last=Thacker |first=Shruti |date=19 December 2016 |title=Why Ananya Birla—business tycoon and musician—isn't your average 22-year-old |url=https://www.vogue.in/magazine-story/why-ananya-birla-business-tycoon-and-musician-isnt-your-average-22-year-old/ |access-date=5 December 2021 |website=Vogue India |archive-date=5 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205115714/https://www.vogue.in/magazine-story/why-ananya-birla-business-tycoon-and-musician-isnt-your-average-22-year-old/ |url-status=live }} is the eldest daughter of Kumar Mangalam Birla and Neerja Birla. She is a sixth-generation scion of the Birla family, whose place of origin is Pilani. She developed an interest in music at an early age, learning to play the santoor at the age of eleven.{{Cite news |date=25 October 2016 |title=Birla heiress hits the high note with musical debut |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/birla-heiress-hits-the-high-note-with-musical-debut/article9268001.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803001821/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/birla-heiress-hits-the-high-note-with-musical-debut/article9268001.ece |archive-date=3 August 2019 |access-date=23 January 2017 |work=Business Line}} She attended American School of Bombay, and later studied economics and management at the University of Oxford for her bachelor's degree, which she was awarded in 2011.{{Cite news |title=Meet India's Young & Successful Heiresses |publisher=Pursuitist |url=http://www.pursuitist.in/meet-indias-young-successful-heiresses/ |url-status=dead |access-date=23 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202013421/http://www.pursuitist.in/meet-indias-young-successful-heiresses/ |archive-date=2 February 2017}}

Career

= Business career =

Ananya Birla’s big move in 2025 is foraying into the Indian Beauty & Cosmetics industry. Her venture is poised to transform multiple categories with unique and innovative brands, set to launch nationally throughout the year. This latest initiative underscores Ananya’s remarkable journey as an entrepreneur.{{Cite web |last=Chuganee |first=Bhakti |date=2025-02-08 |title=Ananya Birla Launches Innovative Beauty Venture in India |url=https://thefeaturist.net/2025/02/08/ananya-birla-launches-innovative-beauty-venture-in-india/ |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=The Featurist |language=en-US}}

Birla founded Svatantra Microfin Private Limited at the age of 17. The organisation makes small loans to women entrepreneurs based in rural India. Under her leadership, Svatantra won the Gold Award for Best Start-Up (Skoch Financial Inclusion and Deepening Awards, 2014), Spirituality @ Work: Sach Bharat Samman (Sach Bharat Confluence 2015) and has maintained a quality loan portfolio, offering one of the lowest interest rates in the country.{{Cite news |date=27 September 2016 |title=Ananya Birla paves her own path |publisher=IndianCEO |url=https://indianceo.in/general/ananya-birla-fortune-talks-success/ |url-status=dead |access-date=23 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223024339/https://indianceo.in/general/ananya-birla-fortune-talks-success/ |archive-date=23 February 2019}}

In 2016, Birla became the founder and CEO of Ikai Asai,{{Cite web |last=Pereira |first=Beverly |date=27 February 2020 |title=Indian home décor brands of the moment that are here to stay |url=https://www.designpataki.com/indian-home-decor-brands-moment-stay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228160248/https://www.designpataki.com/indian-home-decor-brands-moment-stay/ |archive-date=28 February 2021 |access-date=23 February 2021 |website=Design Pataki |language=en-US}} an inventory-based global luxury e-Commerce platform.{{Cite news |date=8 September 2016 |title=Ananya Birla ventures into luxury ecommerce business with CuroCarte |work=Forbes India |url=http://www.forbesindia.com/article/special/ananya-birla-ventures-into-luxury-ecommerce-business-with-curocarte/44257/1 |access-date=23 January 2017 |archive-date=16 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316122011/http://www.forbesindia.com/article/special/ananya-birla-ventures-into-luxury-ecommerce-business-with-curocarte/44257/1 |url-status=live }} The same year, Forbes named her one of Asia's Women to Watch.{{Cite news |title=Asia's Women to Watch 2016 |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/gigk45efh/ananya-birla-21-india/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611052715/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/gigk45efh/ananya-birla-21-india/|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2016}}

In 2024, Ananya Birla's microfinance company Svatantra entered into a definitive agreement for an investment of ₹1,930 crore with private equity investors Advent International and Multiples.{{Cite news |date=4 March 2024 |title=Advent, Multiples to invest ₹1,930 crore in Ananya Birla's Svatantra Microfin |url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/advent-multiples-to-invest-1-930-crore-in-ananya-birla-s-svatantra-microfin-11709562063349.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304144239/https://www.livemint.com/industry/advent-multiples-to-invest-1-930-crore-in-ananya-birla-s-svatantra-microfin-11709562063349.html |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=Mint |pages=1 }} The investment follows Svatantra’s recent acquisition of Chaitanya India Fin Credit Limited for ₹1,479 crore in November 2023{{Cite web |last=India |first=chaitanya |date=2023-12-11 |title=Chaitanya India Fin Credit Pvt. Ltd has joined forces with Svatantra Microfin |url=https://www.chaitanyaindia.in/chaitanya-india-fin-credit-pvt-ltd-has-joined-forces-with-svatantra-microfin/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Chaitanya |language=en}}

After the acquisition, Svatantra Microfin became the second-largest and fastest-growing NBFC-MFI in India. It expanded its operations to 20 states with over 1,500 branches, serving millions of customers. The company continues to grow, strengthening its presence across rural India.{{Cite web |last=Raghunathan |first=Anu |title=Microfinance Company Of Billionaire Kumar Birla’s Daughter Is Now India’s Second Largest After Acquisition |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuraghunathan/2023/11/29/microfinance-company-of-billionaire-kumar-birlas-daughter-is-now-indias-second-largest-after-acquisition/ |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=Forbes |language=en}}

Birla holds directorial positions in several Aditya Birla Group companies, including Grasim Industries, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited (ABFRL), and Hindalco Industries.

In April 2024, Ananya Birla was honored to be in the list of [https://www.fortuneindia.com/40under40/ananya-birla?year=2024 40 Under 40] by Fortune India for her exceptional achievements in micro finance sector.

In late 2024, Birla unveiled Sophius, a homegrown artificial intelligence platform, at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Initially launched in private beta for IIT Bombay students, there are plans for a broader, global rollout.{{Cite web |title=A private beta version of Sophius is now open to all Indian Institute of… {{!}} Ananya Birla {{!}} 205 comments |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ananyabirla_a-private-beta-version-of-sophius-is-now-activity-7277324493729988608-fdfl/?com |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}

In 2025, Birla ventured into the beauty industry by launching Birla Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd. (BCPL). Under BCPL, she introduced two brands:

  • {{Cite web |title=The Week |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2025/04/15/dcm144-biz-ananya-birla-lovetc}}LOVETC: A premium colour cosmetics brand aimed at addressing the market gap for high-performance, homegrown beauty products in India.
  • Contraband: Launched earlier in the same year, a luxury fragrance brand.

= Music career =

While at university, Birla started singing and playing the guitar at pubs and clubs. She also began writing her own music.{{Cite news |date=11 November 2016 |title=Ananya Birla is India's newest musician on the block |url=http://www.vogue.in/content/ananya-birla-indias-newest-musician-block/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226222831/https://www.vogue.in/content/ananya-birla-indias-newest-musician-block/ |archive-date=26 February 2019 |access-date=23 January 2017 |work=Vogue India |quote=Sponsored}} Her debut single, "Livin’ the Life", was co-written, and produced, by JimBeanz (who previously collaborated with Nelly Furtado, Cheryl Tweedy and Demi Lovato) and was recorded and produced at a studio in Philadelphia.{{Cite news |date=14 November 2016 |title=Ananya Birla launched a single in collaboration with Afrojack and Jim Beanz |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/music/ananya-birla-launched-a-single-in-collaboration-with-afrojack-and-jim-beanz/story-D2Ow6kVAzWgQCqLl1wevZI.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328203346/https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/ananya-birla-launched-a-single-in-collaboration-with-afrojack-and-jim-beanz/story-D2Ow6kVAzWgQCqLl1wevZI.html |archive-date=28 March 2019 |access-date=23 January 2017 |work=Hindustan Times}} A remix by Dutch DJ Afrojack of "Livin’ the Life" makes Birla the first Indian artist to get a worldwide release through PM:AM Recordings and hit over 14 million views on YouTube as of June 2017.{{Cite news |last=George |first=Nina C |date=13 March 2017 |title=I love making history |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/601020/i-love-making-history.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328215057/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/601020/i-love-making-history.html |archive-date=28 March 2019 |access-date=30 March 2017 |work=Deccan Herald}}{{Cite news |title=Livin' the Life by Ananya Birla (Afrojack remix) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQDXkdH9sbE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517151159/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQDXkdH9sbE |archive-date=17 May 2018 |access-date=30 June 2017 |via=YouTube}} Her songs have been topping the music charts in 2019.

She released her next single "Meant to be" in July 2017 which was subsequently certified Platinum as per the Indian Music Industry (IMI) recognised criteria for certifications. This makes Birla the first Indian artist with an English single to go platinum.{{Cite news |date=28 November 2017 |title=Ananya Birla's 'Meant to be' certified platinum |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/ananya-birla-s-meant-to-be-certified-platinum-117112800524_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503153713/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/ananya-birla-s-meant-to-be-certified-platinum-117112800524_1.html |archive-date=3 May 2019 |access-date=15 July 2019 |work=Business Standard |agency=IANS}} In January 2017, she supported Coldplay at the Global Citizen Festival.{{Cite news |date=29 January 2017 |title=Coldplay Concert Live Updates: Global Citizen Festival has an all star lineup |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Coldplay-Concert-Live-Updates-Global-Citizen-Festival-has-an-all-star-lineup/articleshow/55511650.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731220521/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Coldplay-Concert-Live-Updates-Global-Citizen-Festival-has-an-all-star-lineup/articleshow/55511650.cms |archive-date=31 July 2018 |access-date=2 May 2018 |work=The Times of India}}

She released her single "Hold On" on 1 March 2018.{{Cite news |date=24 March 2018 |title=English music is my calling: Ananya Birla |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/exclusive-interviews/english-music-is-my-calling-ananya-birla-1502626761.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612145008/https://www.thestatesman.com/exclusive-interviews/english-music-is-my-calling-ananya-birla-1502626761.html |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=24 April 2018 |work=The Statesman}} On 7 June 2018, she released her fourth single "Circles".{{Cite news |date=11 June 2018 |title=Singer-entrepreneur Ananya Birla releases her fourth single 'Circles' |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/singer-entrepreneur-ananya-birla-releases-her-fourth-single-circles/articleshow/64542508.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101341/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/singer-entrepreneur-ananya-birla-releases-her-fourth-single-circles/articleshow/64542508.cms |archive-date=20 June 2018 |access-date=20 June 2018 |work=The Economic Times}} On 17 January 2019, she released her 5th single and 1st song of 2019 "Better", which was viewed 4 million times on YouTube within 2 days of its release.{{Cite web |title=Ananya Birla Biography, Education, Music, Videos – The Official Website |url=https://www.ananyabirla.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123173940/https://www.ananyabirla.com/ |archive-date=23 January 2019 |access-date=19 January 2019}}

She released her debut EP Fingerprint in May 2019, via UMG and Island Records UK. It included "Blackout" featuring Vector and Wurld, which was one of the first collaborations between major artists from India and Nigeria.{{Cite web |title=Ananya Birla |url=https://www.music-news.com/review/UK/13754/Interview/Ananya-Birla |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125181952/https://www.music-news.com/review/UK/13754/Interview/Ananya-Birla |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=23 February 2021 |website=Music-News.com |language=en-US}}

In September 2019, Birla released ‘Day Goes By’ with Sean Kingston, who she met when they toured in India together.{{Cite magazine |last=Graff |first=Gary |date=18 September 2019 |title=Ananya Birla Shares 'Day Goes By' Video ft. Sean Kingston: Premiere |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8530418/ananya-birla-day-goes-by-sean-kingston-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926040202/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8530418/ananya-birla-day-goes-by-sean-kingston-video |archive-date=26 September 2021 |access-date=23 February 2021 |magazine=Billboard |language=en}}

In 2020 she signed with Maverick Management in Los Angeles.{{Cite web |title=Ananya Birla: It feels amazing to now officially be a part of the Maverick Family |url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/news/200519-ananya-birla-it-feels-amazing-now-officially |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119121135/http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/news/200519-ananya-birla-it-feels-amazing-now-officially |archive-date=19 January 2021 |access-date=23 February 2021 |website=radioandmusic.com |language=en}} Later that year, she released “Let There Be Love”{{Cite web |date=25 July 2020 |title=Ananya Birla announces a new upcoming song, Let There Be Love |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/culture/music/2020/jul/25/ananya-birla-announces-a-new-upcoming-song-let-there-be-love-26791.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125081302/https://www.indulgexpress.com/culture/music/2020/jul/25/ananya-birla-announces-a-new-upcoming-song-let-there-be-love-26791.html |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=23 February 2021 |website=indulgexpress.com |language=en}} and “Everybody's Lost”{{Cite web |last=Brow |first=Jason |date=6 November 2020 |title=Ananya Finds The 'Strength' To Pursue Her Dreams In Empowering New Song 'Everybody's Lost' |url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/11/06/ananya-interview-everybody-lost-song-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127140208/https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/11/06/ananya-interview-everybody-lost-song-video/ |archive-date=27 November 2020 |access-date=23 February 2021 |website=Hollywood Life |language=en-US}} becoming the first Indian artist to be featured on an American national top 40 pop radio show, Sirius XM Hits.

She has performed at some of the biggest music events in Asia including Global Citizen, Oktoberfest, and Sunburn,{{Cite web |title=Ananya Birla / Overcoming Stereotypes, Stigma & New Single "Let There Be Love" |url=https://flaunt.com/content/ananya-overcoming-stereotypes-stigma-amp-new-single-let-there-be-love |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216063344/https://flaunt.com/content/ananya-overcoming-stereotypes-stigma-amp-new-single-let-there-be-love |archive-date=16 December 2020 |access-date=23 February 2021 |website=Flaunt |language=en-US}} Asia's biggest electronic music festival, and has toured with Wiz Khalifa.

Birla's "Hindustani Way" is the official CHEER SONG for the Indian Olympic at the 2021 Olympics, composed by A. R. Rahman.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-14 |title=AR Rahman and Ananya Birla launch Tokyo Olympics cheer song 'Hindustani Way' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/ar-rahman-ananya-birla-tokyo-olympics-cheer-song-hindustani-way-7404581/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114060503/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/ar-rahman-ananya-birla-tokyo-olympics-cheer-song-hindustani-way-7404581/ |archive-date=14 November 2022 |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

= Acting career =

In 2022, Birla made her acting debut after being featured in the song "Inaam" from Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, a streaming television series.{{cite news |title=Ananya Birla croons for Ajay Devgn's OTT debut "Rudra", adds a haunting & dark quality to the track 'Inaam. |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/ananya-birla-croons-for-ajay-devgns-ott-debut-rudra-adds-a-haunting-dark-quality-to-the-track-inaam/articleshow/89970064.cms |website=Economic Times |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124103325/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/ananya-birla-croons-for-ajay-devgns-ott-debut-rudra-adds-a-haunting-dark-quality-to-the-track-inaam/articleshow/89970064.cms |url-status=live }} She made her full-fledged acting debut in 2023, with a spy thriller titled Shlok: The Desi Sherloc, directed by Kunal Kohli.{{cite news |title=Bobby Deol and Ananya Birla start shooting for Kunal Kohli's next "Shlok - The Desi Sherlock." |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bobby-deol-and-ananya-birla-start-shooting-for-kunal-kohlis-next/articleshow/94071455.cms |website=Times of India |access-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124103327/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/bobby-deol-and-ananya-birla-start-shooting-for-kunal-kohlis-next/articleshow/94071455.cms |url-status=live }}

Artistry

= Musical style =

Ananya is widely recognized as a pop artist. Her work is often characterized as dance-pop and EDM. However, she has experimented with different music genres

Music is where she surrenders: “Music is not a career for me. It’s who I am. It’s the most honest part of me.” Birla’s music is emotional and slick, full of pop production and soul-searching lyrics.{{Cite web |last=Inamdar |first=Anamm |date=2025-04-08 |title=ELLE Impact Cover Star: Business, Music And Meaning—Ananya Birla Is What The New Age of Leadership Looks Like |url=https://elle.in/cover/elle-impact-cover-star-business-music-and-meaningananya-birla-is-what-the-new-age-of-leadership-looks-like-8938034 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Elle India |language=en}}

= Influences =

Early in her career, she cited the works of Eminem and Kurt Cobain as influences—for both their work and the way they performed, as well as the impact they had on an audience. "Cobain and Eminem are worlds apart, but they share the ability to be brutally honest in their music." She said.{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Deepali |title=Rhythm divine! Ananya Birla on her musical influences |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-rhythm-divine-ananya-birla-on-her-musical-influences-2631071 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=DNA India |language=en}}

= Songwriting =

Birla’s musical journey began as a child with the santoor. At 13, she had switched to singing, belting out ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ by Bette Midler. It was around the same time she started writing poetry, which led to songwriting. She found it cathartic. During her college days at Oxford, she taught herself the guitar. “It was a great companion during a tough time,” She said, who was enrolled in an economics and management programme during the day and performed at London open mics at night. “I realised this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Seeing people react to my singing was so satisfying and addictive."{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Rishna |date=2021-04-09 |title=Ananya Birla on carving her own career, entrepreneurship, and mental health: “Music made me feel like I fit in somewhere" |url=https://www.vogue.in/culture-and-living/content/ananya-birla-on-mental-health-music-cover-story-vogue-india-april-2021 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Vogue India |language=en-IN}}

Campaign work

While in England, Birla became aware of a student helpline that helped young people suffering from anxiety and depression.{{Cite news |date=13 May 2016 |title=What's in a name: I want to build my own legacy says Ananya Birla |work=India Today |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ananya-birla-kumar-mangalam-birla-svatantra-microfinance-build-my-own-legacy/1/667226.html |access-date=23 January 2017 |archive-date=14 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114155231/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ananya-birla-kumar-mangalam-birla-svatantra-microfinance-build-my-own-legacy/1/667226.html |url-status=live }} After university, she returned to India and, along with her mother, set up a mental health initiative called MPower aiming to stamp out the stigma towards people with mental illness across India. MPower is also responsible for opening a treatment centre for children suffering from mental health conditions.{{Cite web |title=Mpower homepage |url=https://www.mpowerminds.com/ |accessdate=23 January 2017 |archive-date=2 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202115437/https://www.mpowerminds.com/ |url-status=live }}

In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mpower tied up with the Government of Maharashtra and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to launch a 24x7 free helpline.{{Cite news |last=Mishra |first=Lalatendu |date=3 April 2020 |title=Coronavirus {{!}} Maharashtra, BMC, Mpower tie up to launch mental health helpline |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-maharashtra-bmc-mpower-tie-up-to-launch-mental-health-helpline/article31248628.ece |access-date=23 February 2021 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227064649/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coronavirus-maharashtra-bmc-mpower-tie-up-to-launch-mental-health-helpline/article31248628.ece |url-status=live }} 45 thousand people had called within 2 months of the launch.{{Cite news |last=Anand |first=Aditya |date=4 June 2020 |title=45,000 dial mental health helpline in 2 months |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/45000-dial-mental-health-helpline-in-2-months/article31743515.ece |access-date=23 February 2021 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506115256/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/45000-dial-mental-health-helpline-in-2-months/article31743515.ece |url-status=live }}

She is an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, The United States’ largest grassroots mental health organisation dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Mike |title=Free education program is for those dealing with adults with mental illness |url=https://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/stories/free-education-program-is-for-those-dealing-with-adults-with-mental-illness,5670 |access-date=23 February 2021 |website=Las Cruces Bulletin |date=28 January 2021 |language=en |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224130945/https://www.lascrucesbulletin.com/stories/free-education-program-is-for-those-dealing-with-adults-with-mental-illness,5670 |url-status=live }}

She launched the Ananya Birla Foundation in 2020{{Cite news |title=Ananya Birla: My foundation has donated to save the children with masks; I'm trying my best to do my bit |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/ananya-birla-my-foundation-has-donated-to-save-the-children-with-masks-im-trying-my-best-to-do-my-bit/articleshow/76518649.cms |access-date=23 February 2021 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=10 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810142518/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/ananya-birla-my-foundation-has-donated-to-save-the-children-with-masks-im-trying-my-best-to-do-my-bit/articleshow/76518649.cms |url-status=live |last1=Purkayastha |first1=Pallabi Dey }} with a COVID-19 relief project that involved providing menstruation kits, PPE kits, and protective equipment to women and hospitals across Maharashtra. The Foundation also worked to provide essentials to migrant workers during the pandemic.{{Cite web |title=ImagineAR Announces Agreement with Indian Superstar Singer Ananya Birla – Company Announcement – FT.com |url=https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=600-202012100630CANADANWCANADAPR_C9608-1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926025527/https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/full?dockey=600-202012100630CANADANWCANADAPR_C9608-1 |archive-date=26 September 2021 |access-date=23 February 2021 |website=Financial Times}}

In July 2024, Ananya Birla collaborated with the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) to enhance mental health and career support for students in Delhi. This initiative trained psychologists in therapeutic techniques, including art-based therapy, enabling children to express themselves through creative outlets. The program aimed to reach over 30,000 students by March 2025{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=Business |title=Ananya Birla & IHBAS are on the Frontline Bringing Mental Health Awareness Directly to Our School Campuses |url=https://www.business-standard.com/content/press-releases-ani/ananya-birla-ihbas-are-on-the-frontline-bringing-mental-health-awareness-directly-to-our-school-campuses-124100800877_1.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241009020602/https://www.business-standard.com/content/press-releases-ani/ananya-birla-ihbas-are-on-the-frontline-bringing-mental-health-awareness-directly-to-our-school-campuses-124100800877_1.html |archive-date=2024-10-09 |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en-US}}

In April 2025, the Ananya Birla Foundation organized the 'Mpowering Minds Summit 2025' to drive urgent reforms in youth mental health. The summit aimed to strengthen mental health infrastructure, eliminate stigma, and integrate mental health education into school curricula.{{Cite web |title=Mpowering Minds Summit 2025 To Drive Urgent Reforms In Youth Mental Health - BW Healthcare World |url=https://www.bwhealthcareworld.com/article/mpowering-minds-summit-2025-to-drive-urgent-reforms-in-youth-mental-health-548048 |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=BW Health |language=en}}

Honours And Awards

IN BUSINESS

class="wikitable"

|Year

|Name

|Awarding Organisation

|Reference

align="right" |2017

|Entrepreneur India’s 35 Under 35

|Entrepreneur India

|{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2017-01-31 |title=35 Under 35 Special - The Game Changers of 2017 |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/technology/35-under-35-special-the-game-changers-of-2017/288525 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Entrepreneur |language=en}}

align="right" |2018

|Forbes Tycoons of Tomorrow

|Forbes

|{{Cite web |title=Ananya Birla: More The Merrier |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/tycoons-of-tomorrow/ananya-birla-more-the-merrier/51357/1 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Forbes India |language=en}}

align="right" |2018

|BusinessWorld 40 Under 40

|BusinessWorld

|{{Cite web |title=Meet 40 Young Business Leaders Selected by BW Businessworld for Its 2nd Edition of 40 Under 40 Awards and Summit |url=https://www.businessworld.in/article/meet-40-young-business-leaders-selected-by-bw-businessworld-for-its-2nd-edition-of-40-under-40-awards-and-summit-161058 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=BW Businessworld |language=en}}

align="right" |2018

|GQ’s 50 Most Influential Young Indians

|GQ India

|{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=G. Q. |date=2018-12-05 |title=GQ’s 50 Most Influential Young Indians of 2018 |url=https://www.gqindia.com/magazine-story/gq-most-influential-young-indians-2018/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=GQ India |language=en-IN}}

align="right" |2020

|Forbes Ultimate 120 Power List

|Forbes

|{{Cite web |date=2020-08-26 |title=Ms. ANANYA BIRLA – delivers a vibrant live webinar session on “LET THERE BE LOVE” at Asian School of Business! |url=https://asb.edu.in/blog/youth-icon-social-entrepreneur-acclaimed-musician-mental-health-advocate-a-forbes-woman-to-watch-ms-ananya-birla-delivers-a-vibrant-live/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |language=en-US}}

2024

|Fortune India’s 40 Under 40

|Fortune India

|{{Cite web |title=Fortune India 40 Under 40 2024: India's Rising Business Leaders |url=https://www.fortuneindia.com/events/40-under-40 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=www.fortuneindia.com}}

align="right" |2024

|Economic Times 40 Under 40

|Economic Times

|{{Cite web |title=ET 40 Under Forty: From Jeet Adani to Ananya Birla, here's the full list of awardees - ET 40 Under Forty awardees |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/et-40-under-forty-from-jeet-adani-to-ananya-birla-heres-the-full-list-of-awardees/nit_2082/slideshow/112005974.cms |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}

align="right" |2024

|Business Today’s Most Powerful Women in Business

|Business Today

|{{Cite web |title=Most Powerful Women 2024 in Business, Women Business Leaders - Business Today |url=https://btmostpowerfulwomen.com/2024/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=MPW |language=en}}

align="right" |2024

|Financial Express Newsmaker of the year

|Financial Express

|{{Cite web |date=2024-03-22 |title=Express Award For Women Entrepreneurs 2024: Celebrating pathbreaking achievements |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry/express-award-for-women-entrepreneurs-2024-celebrating-pathbreaking-achievements/3433296/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}

align="right" |2024

|Forbes India Cover Feature

|Forbes India

|{{Cite web |title=Ananya Birla: From A Singer, An Entrepreneur To A Business Leader |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/leadership/ananya-birla-from-a-singer-an-entrepreneur-to-a-business-leader/93998/1 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Forbes India |language=en}}

align="right" |2025

|India–UK Achievers Award in Business and Entrepreneurship

|British Council & NISAU UK

|{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/ananyabirla/p/DGIR842MI_k/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=www.instagram.com}}

align="right" |2025

|Rotary Club of Bombay’s Young Women Achiever Award (Uma Jain Award)

|Rotary Club of Bombay

|{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/sanjivsaranmehra/p/DHY8syzIitX/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=www.instagram.com}}

align="right" |2025

|IOD Global Driving Excellence Award for Leadership (IDEAL Award)

|Institute of Directors (IOD)

|{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DIn1naqS3eQ/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=www.instagram.com}}

align="right" |2025

|Fortune India's Most Powerful Women in Business list

|Fortune India

|{{Cite web |title=Most Powerful Women 2025: This Year's Top Women in Business |url=https://www.fortuneindia.com/rankings/most-powerful-women/2025 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Fortune India |language=en}}

align="right" |2025

|ELLE India Cover Feature

|ELLE India

|{{Cite web |last=Inamdar |first=Anamm |date=2025-04-08 |title=ELLE Impact Cover Star: Business, Music And Meaning—Ananya Birla Is What The New Age of Leadership Looks Like |url=https://elle.in/cover/elle-impact-cover-star-business-music-and-meaningananya-birla-is-what-the-new-age-of-leadership-looks-like-8938034 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Elle India |language=en}}

IN MUSIC & CULTURE

class="wikitable"

|Year

|Name

|Awarding Organisation

|Reference

align="right" |2016

|Corporate Debutant of the Year

|Hello! Hall of Fame Awards

|{{Cite web |title=Corporate Debutant of The Year |url=https://x.com/ananya_birla/status/719830273081413632}}

align="right" |2016

|Future Super Icon

|Society Magazine

|{{Cite web |title=Future Super Icon |url=https://x.com/ananya_birla/status/782659025431367680}}

align="right" |2016

|Trendsetter Young Business Person

|ET Panache Trendsetter Awards

|{{Cite web |last= |date=2016-10-25 |title=ET Panache Trendsetter Awards 2016: Ananya Birla wins the Trendsetting Young Business Person Award |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-panache-trendsetter-awards-2016-ananya-birla-wins-the-trendsetting-young-business-person-award/videoshow/55048385.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}

align="right" |2016

|Young Business Woman of the Year

|CNBC TV

|{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7FBYC0REoQ |title=CNBC-TV18 Young Business Women 2016 |date=2016-05-31 |last=CNBC-TV18 |access-date=2025-05-12 |via=YouTube}}

align="right" |2016

|Global Visionary Award

|Vision World Academy

|{{Cite web |title=Global Visionary Awards |url=https://globalvisionaryaward.com/visionary_pic.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=globalvisionaryaward.com}}

align="right" |2017

|Most Stylish Entrepreneur

|Hindustan Times

|{{Cite web |title=Most Stylish Entrepreneur |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/fashion-and-trends/ht-most-stylish-awards-2017-when-alia-taapsee-walked-away-with-the-top-honours/photo-KBOUAjx0qaRPZ9zgZRiVLP-4.html}}

align="right" |2017

|Youth Icon Award

|Asia Spa Magazine

|{{Cite web |title=Youth Icon Award |url=https://x.com/ananya_birla/status/847524374559277058}}

align="right" |2017

|Youth Leadership Award

|AIESEC

|{{Cite web |title=Youth Leadership Award |url=https://x.com/ananya_birla/status/868152786587922433}}

align="right" |

|Young Entrepreneurial Leadership Award

|Navbharat Times ("Pillars of New India")

|

align="right" |2017

|Young Entrepreneurs Award

|Dice Ecosystem

|

align="right" |2017

|Top 50 Indian Luxury's Most Powerful Women

|BlackBook

|{{Cite web |last=Indulge |first=Team |date=2018-03-12 |title=Top 50 most powerful women in Indian luxury honoured at Imperial Towers, Mumbai |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/life-style/society/2018/Mar/12/top-50-most-powerful-women-in-indian-luxury-honoured-at-imperial-towers-mumbai-6418.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Indulgexpress |language=en}}

align="right" |2017

|Youth Icon Award

|Lokmat Maharashtra’s Most Stylish Awards

|{{Cite web |last=MediaInfoline |date=2017-11-15 |title=Lokmat Maharashtra's Most Stylish Awards 2017 |url=https://www.mediainfoline.com/awards/lokmat-maharashtras-stylish-awards-2017 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Media Infoline |language=en-US}}

2018

|Youth Icon of the Year

|Sanmarg & Dhoot Group

|

align="right" |2019

|Young Changemaker Award

|Ketto India

|{{Cite web |title=Young Change Maker Award |url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2382671141785977&id=212515512134895&_rdr}}

align="right" |

|Power to Empower: Young Entrepreneur Award

|FICCI FLO

|

align="right" |2022

|Women’s Day Honour for Music

|IPRS, Dolby, and Hungama Artist Aloud

|{{Cite web |title=IPRS, Dolby, and Hungama Artist Aloud |url=https://www.facebook.com/iprsorg/posts/hermusic-with-ananya-birlabeing-part-of-the-social-media-generation-she-has-crea/5023328097734234/}}

align="right" |2022

|Memento of Honour

|The Week

|{{Cite web |title=THE WEEK honours 40 ‘sheroes’ on International Women’s Day |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2022/03/09/the-week-honours-40-sheroes-international-womens-day.html? |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Week |language=en}}

align="right" |2022

|Best Original Soundtrack

|Clef Music Awards

|{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/ananyabirla/p/Ci5cmLbvIxG/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=www.instagram.com}}

align="right" |2022

|Kamala Rising Star Award

|Ankibai Ghamandiram Gowani Trust

|{{Cite web |title=03.05.2022 : Maharashtra Governor presents Kamala Rising Stars Awards to 35 Young Achievers {{!}} Raj Bhavan Maharashtra {{!}} India |url=https://rajbhavan-maharashtra.gov.in/en/03-05-2022-maharashtra-governor-presents-kamala-rising-stars-awards-to-35-young-achievers/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |language=en}}

align="right" |2024

|Woman Achiever of the Year

|National Excellence Awards, CMO Asia

|

align="right" |2024

|Fashionable Business Personality of the Year

|FEF India Fashion Awards

|{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C4Sy-FiMbZa/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=www.instagram.com}}

align="right" |2024

|GQ Best Dressed List

|GQ India

|{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=G. Q. |date=2024-09-27 |title=GQ Best Dressed 2024 |url=https://www.gqindia.com/content/gq-best-dressed-2024 |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=GQ India |language=en-IN}}

To Svatantra Microfin

class="wikitable"

|Year

|Name

|Awarding Organisation

|Reference

align="right" |2020

|Company's indigenous App “SAATHI” Recognized for being one of the most innovative initiatives in the microfinance segment.

|Economic Times BFSI Innovation Tribe Summit & Awards

|{{Cite web |title=Awards {{!}} Microfinance Institution (MFI) |url=https://investors.svatantramicrofin.com/awards.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=investors.svatantramicrofin.com}}

align="right" |2020

|India's Best Workplaces in BFSI 2020

|Great Place to Work

|{{Cite web |title=Great Place to Work in BFSI category {{!}} Microfinance Institution (MFI) |url=https://investors.svatantramicrofin.com/press-release/indias-best-workplaces-in-BFSI-category#:~:text=Mumbai,%20Maharashtra,%20April%2023,,Place%20to%20Work%C2%AE%20Institution. |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=investors.svatantramicrofin.com}}

align="right" |2021

|Microfinance Organization of the Year 2021

|Inclusive Finance India Awards

|{{Cite web |title=IFI Awards – GLOBAL INCLUSIVE FINANCE |url=https://globalinclusivefinance.org/ifi-awards/#1664372407889-1f977f37-1baa |access-date=2025-05-23 |language=en-US}}

align="right" |2022

|India’s Best Workplaces™ in BFSI 2022.

|Great Place to Work

|{{Cite web |title=Top 30 Indias Best Workplaces in BFSI 2022 {{!}} Kranti Khanolkar Sety {{!}} 33 comments |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/krantikhanolkarsety_top-30-indias-best-workplaces-in-bfsi-2022-activity-6920213029557075969-1yFP |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}

align="right" |2024

|India’s Great Mid-size Workplaces

|Great Place to Work

|{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/svatantramicrohousing/p/C8cNcV7yVye/?__d=11 |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=www.instagram.com}}

align="right" |2024

|India's Best Workplaces in BFSI

|Great Place to Work

|{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C5uyg6ZyHX6/?locale=Hasilkan+uang+secara+online+menggunakan+komputer%E3%80%90777ONE.IN%E3%80%91.myhn&hl=en |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=www.instagram.com}}

align="right" |2024

|India's Best Workplaces for Women 2024

|Great Place to Work

|{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/india_greatplacetowork/reel/DAi3CxCut__/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=www.instagram.com}}

align="right" |2024

|India’s Best Workplaces™ for Millennials 2024

|Great Place to Work

|{{Cite web |title=India’s Best WorkplacesTM for Millennials - Mid -Size {{!}} Svatantra Micro Housing Finance Corporation |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/svatantra-micro-housing-finance-corporation_indias-best-workplacestm-for-millennials-activity-7234883401789431809-pIFx |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}

align="right" |2024

|Most Influential Microfinance Company of the Year 2024

|Bharat NBFC Fintech Summit

|{{Cite web |date=2024-05-31 |title=Bharat NBFC & Fintech Summit 2024 - The Brainalytics |url=https://www.thebrainalytics.com/event/bharat-nbfc-fintech-summit-2024/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |language=en-US}}

align="right" |2024

|Microfinance Company of the Year 2024

|National Awards For Excellence in BFSI

|

Discography

= Extended plays =

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"

|+List of extended plays

! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:9.5em;" |Title

! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:21.5em;" |Details

! colspan="5" scope="col" |Tracklisting

scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |No.

! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |Title

! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |Writer(s)

! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |Producer(s)

! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |Length

rowspan="5" |Fingerprint

| rowspan="5" |

|1.

|“Blackout” (featuring Vector and WurlD)

|

|

|2:21

2.

|"All Night Long"

|

|

|3:44

3.

|"Love Suicide"

|

|

|3:25

4.

|"Disappear"

|

|

|3:13

colspan="4" |Total length:

|12:44

= Singles =

Studio albums

  • Livin The Life (2016)
  • Livin The Life (Afrojack Remix) (2017)
  • Meant To Be (2017)
  • Hold On (2018)
  • Circles (2018)
  • Better (2019)
  • Unstoppable (2019)
  • Blackout (2019)
  • Day Goes By (feat. Sean Kingston) (2019)
  • Let There Be Love (2020) (2023(
  • Everybody's Lost (2020)
  • Hindustani Way (with A.R. Rahman) (2021)
  • When I'm Alone (2021)
  • Give Me Up (2021)
  • Deny Me (2021)
  • Do It Anyway (2021)
  • Inaam (feat. Audio Salvage Collective) (2022)
  • Beymaaniyan (feat. Ikka) (2022)
  • Teri Meri Kahani (2022)
  • Kya Karein (feat. Ankur Tewari) (2022)
  • Yaari (2023)
  • Dil Karda (feat. Kumaar & Rahul Sathu) (2023)
  • Caught Up (2023)
  • Caught Up (feat. L.A.X) (2023)
  • Sheeshe Ka Dil (feat. OAFF & Savera) (2023)
  • Brave Together (2023)
  • Cuffed (Jo Tha Mila) (feat. Offset) (2023)
  • Jazbaati Hai Dil (with Armaan Malik) (2024)
  • 24 (2025)

=Film=

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

  • [http://www.ananyabirla.com/ Ananya Birla's official website]

{{authority control}}{{Birla family}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Birla, Ananya}}

Category:1994 births

Category:21st-century Indian singers

Category:21st-century Indian women singers

Category:American School of Bombay alumni

Category:Birla family

Category:Businesspeople from Mumbai

Category:Businesswomen from Maharashtra

Category:Indian microfinance people

Category:Indian singer-songwriters

Category:Indian women company founders

Category:Indian women pop singers

Category:Indian women singer-songwriters

Category:Living people

Category:Place of birth missing (living people)

Category:Singers from Mumbai

Category:Women musicians from Maharashtra