Why Navya Nanda’s MBA is Legit: Fans Respond to Criticisms

Navya Nanda, granddaughter of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, has recently embarked on a new academic journey at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA). She will be pursuing the Blended Post Graduate Programme (BPGP) over the next two years. The 26-year-old entrepreneur expressed her excitement, calling it a “dream come true.”

Not a Real MBA

Despite her enthusiasm, some Reddit users have questioned the legitimacy of her course. One commenter argued that the BPGP isn’t a “real MBA,” pointing out that it combines only a few weeks of on-campus instruction with extensive online learning. This user suggested that Navya’s admission might be more about prestige than the value of the program itself, criticizing it as a less rigorous alternative compared to traditional MBA programs.

Another Redditor expressed frustration, questioning whether Navya had to take the Common Admission Test (CAT) or any significant exams, implying that her admission was an unfair advantage over students who endure intense competition for MBA seats.

She’s Not Trying to Deceive Anyone

On the other hand, many Redditors and Instagram users defended Navya. Some argued that being from a famous family doesn’t preclude one from academic excellence and that it’s unfair to assume she didn’t work hard for her place. One defender remarked that it’s inappropriate to criticize her admission without knowing the full details and noted that celebrity status shouldn’t diminish her academic achievements.

Another commenter pointed out that Navya clearly stated she was joining a non-flagship program, which shouldn’t mislead anyone. They also observed that students in short-term, on-campus programs often showcase their experience with campus photos and merchandise, which is common and should not be held against her.

One user speculated that the BPGP’s admissions committee might have been motivated by increasing the program’s visibility by admitting a high-profile individual, similar to legacy admissions at prestigious universities in the U.S. However, they also acknowledged that gaining admission to any program at IIMA, including BPGP, requires a high GMAT or CAT score and passing a rigorous interview process.

Background

Navya Nanda is the granddaughter of iconic actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, and the daughter of Shweta Bachchan. In 2021, she founded Project Naveli to combat gender inequality in India and also hosts the podcast “What The Hell Navya,” featuring discussions with her mother and grandmother.