Being born into one of India’s most iconic film families often comes with its own set of expectations, but Navya Naveli Nanda believes true empowerment lies in choosing one’s own path rather than living according to public perception. The young entrepreneur and podcast host recently spoke about the pressures young women face in modern society, sharing her thoughts during an interview with Variety India.
While many people associate the Bachchan name with fame and influence, Navya explained that empowerment is not about legacy or privilege but about the freedom to make independent choices. According to her, many young women today experience constant pressure related to how they look, how they behave, and the roles they are expected to play both at home and in professional life.
She noted that society often creates rigid expectations that can shape how women see themselves and the decisions they make. Navya believes that these pressures can make it difficult for individuals to focus on what they truly want in life. Instead of chasing perfection or approval, she encourages young women to listen to their own aspirations and build their identity based on personal values rather than external judgment. For her, empowerment means having the confidence to define success on one’s own terms, even when those choices differ from what society expects.
Navya also revealed that much of her perspective on empowerment has been influenced by advice she received from her grandmother, veteran actress and parliamentarian Jaya Bachchan. Reflecting on that guidance, she explained that constantly focusing on what others expect can make people forget what they truly want from themselves. According to Navya, empowerment begins when individuals stop measuring their lives against societal expectations and instead focus on their own goals and values.
This outlook has shaped the way she approaches her personal and professional life. She emphasised that it is impossible to satisfy every expectation placed upon a person, especially in a world where different roles often compete for attention and energy. Instead of trying to live up to every demand at once, Navya believes people should learn to prioritise what matters most to them at a given moment. Her approach reflects a practical understanding of modern life, where balancing family, career and personal growth can often feel overwhelming.
Another issue Navya highlighted during the conversation was the impact of social media on the mental well-being and self-image of young people. Platforms like Instagram, she explained, often present highly curated versions of reality that can make users feel pressured to imitate lifestyles that may not be genuine. According to Navya, this environment can blur the line between authenticity and performance, making it harder for individuals to recognise what is real and what is simply an online persona. She pointed out that many young people feel compelled to shape themselves according to what they see on social media, which can lead to a loss of personal identity. In her view, the healthiest response to this culture is to focus on authenticity rather than comparison. By embracing one’s true self instead of trying to fit into predefined molds, individuals can develop stronger self-confidence and a clearer sense of purpose.
Navya also spoke candidly about her own experiences with balancing multiple responsibilities. She admitted that she once felt pressure to excel in every role simultaneously, whether as a professional, a family member or a public figure. Over time, however, she realised that expecting perfection in every area of life is unrealistic. Instead, she now begins each day by deciding which role requires her attention the most and focuses on giving that responsibility her full effort.
This approach, she explained, helps her remain productive without feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations. Beyond her public conversations about empowerment, Navya continues to pursue her own professional and academic journey. She is currently enrolled in the Blended Post Graduate Programme (BPGP) in Management at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, a two-year hybrid programme that combines on-campus learning with online modules. The course allows her to deepen her understanding of business while continuing her entrepreneurial and professional commitments.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Navya has also created a unique platform for intergenerational conversations through her podcast What The Hell Navya. The show features discussions between Navya, her mother Shweta Bachchan Nanda, and her grandmother Jaya Bachchan, offering candid perspectives on modern relationships, societal expectations and women’s issues.
Through these conversations, Navya has gradually built an identity that stands apart from the legacy of her famous family. Rather than relying solely on inherited recognition, she is carving her own path as an entrepreneur, student and public voice advocating for authenticity and empowerment.