Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025: Honoring Excellence and Innovation
The Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025 concluded in a spectacular ceremony at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, celebrating the visionaries and change-makers of India’s corporate and entrepreneurial landscape. This prestigious event recognized outstanding contributions in business, innovation, and leadership that have shaped the country’s economic and social fabric.
Hosted by Forbes India, the ceremony brought together some of the most influential names in business, technology, and philanthropy, paying tribute to their transformative impact. The evening was a mix of insightful discussions, prestigious awards, and a toast to leadership excellence.
The ceremony commenced with awards recognizing groundbreaking innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. Some of the most dynamic and disruptive companies were honored for their pioneering contributions.
BugWorks Research was recognized for its exceptional innovation in biotechnology. The company’s leadership team, Dr. Anand Anandkumar, Dr. V. Balasubramanium, and Dr. Santanu Datta, emphasized that true innovation is not just about discovery but about creating tangible impact.
One of the fastest-growing tech startups, BrowserStack, was honored for revolutionizing software testing solutions. Founders Ritesh Arora and Nakul Aggarwal highlighted the company’s reach, stating, “We power half the world’s airlines, banks, and tech firms.”
A special highlight of the evening was a fireside chat between Katrina Kaif and Naini Thaker of Forbes India, where Kaif spoke about her transition from Bollywood to the boardroom. She underscored the importance of brand inclusivity, self-expression, and the growing intersection between entertainment and entrepreneurship.
| Award Category | Winner | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging Innovator Award | BugWorks Research | Innovation in biotechnology |
| Outstanding Startup Award | BrowserStack | Revolutionizing software testing solutions |
| Icons of Excellence | Ajay Singh (SpiceJet) | Leadership in aviation sector |
| Katrina Kaif (Kay Beauty) | Entrepreneurship in beauty industry | |
| Icons of Excellence | Jay Shah (ICC) | Contributions to global cricket governance |
| Shyam Srinivasan (Federal Bank) | Leadership in financial sector | |
| Mohit Joshi (Tech Mahindra) | Driving technological transformation | |
| Promising Startup | Minimalist | Transparent and effective skincare solutions |
| Regional Goliath | MTR Foods | Authentic Indian cuisine and quality commitment |
| Grassroots Philanthropists | Rizwan & Rekha Koita (Koita Foundation) | Social impact in healthcare and education |
| Climate Warrior | Indra Water | Sustainable water treatment solutions |
| Turnaround Star | Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. (IHCL) | Revitalization of hospitality and service excellence |
| Next-Gen Entrepreneur | Varun Jaipuria (Varun Beverages) | Expansion in the beverage sector |
| Institution Builder | Ashish Dhawan (Central Square Foundation) | Contributions to education reform and policy-making |
| Entrepreneur of the Year | Supam Maheshwari (FirstCry) | Leadership in baby and kids’ retail market |
| CEO of the Year | Rajesh Jejurikar (Mahindra & Mahindra) | Innovation in automobile sector and business expansion |
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