In an inspiring conversation with Barun Das, TV9 Network’s MD & CEO, Lavanya Nalli unfolds her journey from a curious 21-year-old to the Vice-Chairperson of India’s iconic Nalli brand — redefining legacy, leadership, and the spirit of modern Indian women entrepreneurs.
A tapestry of silk, strength, and self-belief — that’s what the latest episode of Duologue NXT delivers. In this new edition of Duologue with Barun Das, the spotlight shines on Lavanya Nalli, Vice-Chairperson of the Nalli Group, as she joins Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network, for a conversation that feels both deeply personal and profoundly transformative.
At its heart, Duologue NXT celebrates women who are reshaping India’s entrepreneurial narrative — women who blend intuition with intellect, tradition with technology, and passion with purpose. Lavanya’s story embodies all of this and more.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Nalli brand — synonymous with India’s luxurious silk heritage — has adorned generations of Indian households. Yet, Lavanya’s journey within this iconic legacy began not with privilege, but with curiosity and quiet defiance.
“When I joined Nalli at 21, I had no background in economics or retail. I was politely tolerated,” she laughs, recalling the early years when expectations for a “good South Indian girl” were limited. “That tolerance became my training ground. I was allowed to make mistakes — and that freedom became my biggest teacher.”
Her reflection echoes the spirit of Duologue NXT: stories of resilience where leadership is forged not in inheritance, but in initiative.
Barun Das captures this perfectly when he remarks, “Lavanya represents the new generation of legacy leaders who are rewriting the rules of inheritance. What stands out is not just her business acumen but her ability to bring structure to tradition without losing its soul.”
Blending Heritage with Innovation
In an age when many traditional businesses feared e-commerce, Lavanya chose to see opportunity. “Back in 2013, most retailers thought online selling meant discounts. But I saw consumer behavior changing. Whether you buy online or in-store, trust and quality matter most. Convenience only works when the brand earns that trust,” she explained, reflecting her vision of data-driven modernization built on timeless craftsmanship.
Her leadership reflects a careful balance — where Nalli’s century-old heritage meets the boldness of a new generation that understands global markets and digital-first consumers.
The Power of Platform and Purpose
Speaking about her Duologue experience, Lavanya shared, “This conversation made me feel grateful for the platform I have with Nalli. It reignited my motivation and pride — there’s a renewed hunger to go back and build something even more meaningful. I truly thank Barun for unlocking those emotions.”
That gratitude and reflection capture what Duologue NXT stands for — a space where dialogue meets discovery, where curiosity and critique blend seamlessly, and where passion becomes the pulpit for change.
A Quiet Revolution in Leadership
Perhaps the most powerful moment in the conversation was Lavanya’s understated yet bold admission:
“I didn’t realise I was fighting a battle. I just did what I wanted — and if someone had a problem, it was theirs, not mine.”
It’s that quiet confidence that defines a new generation of Indian women entrepreneurs — those who lead not by breaking rules, but by rewriting them with purpose and authenticity.
As the episode unfolds, viewers witness a conversation that is as rich in thought as it is in texture — a blend of intellect, empathy, and insight into the evolving fabric of Indian enterprise.
Where to Watch
Watch the full episode of Duologue NXT featuring Lavanya Nalli on News9 at 10:30 PM on October 6, 2025, and stream it anytime on the Duologue YouTube Channel (@DuologuewithBarunDas) and News9 Plus App.