Amid major changes in ownership at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, one name that has quickly grabbed attention ahead of IPL 2026 is Ananya Birla. The entrepreneur and singer is the sister of newly appointed RCB chairman Aryaman Vikram Birla and has become a talking point among fans following the franchise’s high-profile takeover.
With the Aditya Birla Group-led consortium acquiring RCB in a massive $1.78 billion (around ₹16,700 crore) deal, the Birla family’s entry into IPL ownership has brought fresh spotlight not just on Aryaman, but also on Ananya and her growing presence around the team.
A new era begins at RCB with Birla family involvement
The acquisition of RCB marks a significant shift in the franchise’s journey, with ownership moving into the hands of one of India’s biggest business houses led by Kumar Mangalam Birla. The deal includes both the men’s IPL team and the Women’s Premier League side, highlighting the expanding business scope of franchise cricket.
As Aryaman steps in as chairman, the involvement of the Birla family has added a new layer of interest around RCB, with fans closely watching the off-field developments as much as the on-field action.
Who is Ananya Birla?
Ananya Birla, born in 1994 in Mumbai, is a well-known entrepreneur, singer, and philanthropist. She completed her schooling at the American School of Bombay before pursuing economics and management at the University of Oxford.
Despite coming from one of India’s most influential business families, Ananya carved her own path early on, building a strong identity as an independent businesswoman and creative professional.
Entrepreneurial journey and business ventures
Ananya’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 17 when she founded Svatantra Microfin, a company focused on providing financial support to rural women. The initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities.
Over the years, she has expanded her business footprint with ventures like Ikai Asai, a luxury e-commerce platform. In addition, she holds positions on the boards of major companies such as Grasim Industries and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, showcasing her strong presence in the corporate world.
Her estimated net worth, ranging between ₹1,000 crore and ₹1,770 crore, reflects her success across multiple industries.
A global music career and mental health advocacy
Apart from business, Ananya has made a name for herself in the global music industry. She became the first Indian artist to achieve platinum status for an English-language single, with her songs garnering millions of streams worldwide.
She is also actively involved in mental health awareness through the Mpower initiative, advocating for open conversations and support systems around mental well-being. This aspect of her work has added depth to her public image beyond business and entertainment.
Growing presence around RCB sparks fan interest
Although Ananya is not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, she has been named a principal partner of the franchise. Her association, combined with her brother’s leadership role, has brought her into the IPL spotlight.
Recently, she was seen at an IPL 2026 promotional event where Shubman Gill gifted her a signed jersey, a moment that quickly went viral on social media and sparked widespread discussion among fans.
Many have even compared her potential visibility with other prominent faces associated with IPL teams, raising curiosity about whether she will become a regular presence supporting RCB in the stands.
