Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has made waves with his latest advice for young entrepreneurs, asking them to “get married and have kids in their 20s.” His stance, reaction and stark contrast to entrepreneur Upasana Konidela’s advice sparked heated debate online.
Upasana, heir a ₹77,000-crore business empire, addressed the students of IIT Hyderabad and suggested that financial growth trumps family planning. In the controversial shot, she said that egg freezing is the greatest insurance policy for young women.
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In a viral clip she shared on her official X handle, Upasana said, “The biggest insurance policy for women is to save your eggs because then you can choose when to get married and when you want to have children on your own terms…when you’re financially independent.”
“Today I am standing on my own two feet, earning a living. I am proudly financially independent. This certainty has made me strong and confident to make bold decisions in my life. Do the things that work best for you,” she added.
Upasana, wife of Telugu star Rama Charan, said, “Before you reach your 30s, have your goals ready, set your career path and know how much you will earn at each different stage of your life.”
“Earn wealth through wisdom, health and relationship. If you are clear about your vision, purpose and role in life, you will become unstoppable,” she added.
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She posted the video alongside the caption: “When I asked how many of you want to get married? – more men raised their hands than women! Women seemed far more career oriented!!!! This is the new – progressive India.”
“Set a vision. Define your goals. Own your role. And watch yourself become unstoppable,” she added.
Who is Upasana Konidela?
Heiress to a massive business empire valued ₹77,000 crore, Upasana Kamineni is the granddaughter of Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman of Apollo Hospitals, the Chennai-based healthcare giant.
She serves as the Vice President of CSR at Apollo Hospitals and is the CEO of Family Health Plan Insurance (FHPL). She also founded UR.Life, a holistic wellness platform.
Her father’s influence as the founder of KEI Group further enriches her entrepreneurial spirit.
Upasana Kamineni along with her actor husband Ram Charan jointly command a staggering net worth of over ₹2,500 million crowns.
While Ram Charan’s contributions to cinema reach higher ₹1,370 crore, Upasana wealth stands around ₹1,130 crore, making them among the richest couples in the country.
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Sridhar Vembu’s reaction
In a post on X on Wednesday, Sridhar Vembu wrote: “I advise the young entrepreneurs I meet, both men and women, to get married and have children in their 20s and not delay.”
“I tell them they have to fulfill their demographic duty to society and their own ancestors. I know these ideas may sound quaint or old-fashioned, but I am sure these ideas will resonate again,” said Vembu.
