Forbes India: 16th Anniversary Special

captured moments when individuals or ideas broke from the norm to reshape their sectors. As relevant as when they were first published, these stories weren’t just about success; they were about rewriting
the rules. Whether it was betting early on cloud computing, reimagining cinema, or turning India into a global manufacturing hub, these covers reflect bold departures from convention. With sharp insights on manufacturing, technology, healthcare, energy, trade, and sport, these covers are a rich tapestry of ideas and
forward-thinking perspectives. These 16 covers are not simply markers of achievement; they are signposts of transformation. Together, they reflect the spirit of a nation constantly reinventing itself through enterprise, resilience, and bold departures from convention. We invite you to join us in celebrating 16 Years of
Forbes India and revisiting the stories that defined more than a decade and a half of change.

captured moments when individuals or ideas broke from the norm to reshape their sectors. As relevant as when they were first published, these stories weren’t just about success; they were about rewriting
the rules. Whether it was betting early on cloud computing, reimagining cinema, or turning India into a global manufacturing hub, these covers reflect bold departures from convention. With sharp insights on manufacturing, technology, healthcare, energy, trade, and sport, these covers are a rich tapestry of ideas and
forward-thinking perspectives. These 16 covers are not simply markers of achievement; they are signposts of transformation. Together, they reflect the spirit of a nation constantly reinventing itself through enterprise, resilience, and bold departures from convention. We invite you to join us in celebrating 16 Years of
Forbes India and revisiting the stories that defined more than a decade and a half of change.
11

For Forbes India’s 16th Anniversary Special Issue, we turn the spotlight on “Disruption”, not just as a buzzword, but as a lens to understand India’s evolving ambition across business, policy, and public life. Over the years, our covers have documented a country in flux, driven by innovation, resilience, and enterprise.
From Shiv Nadar’s pivot from IT to education to Virat Kohli’s redefinition of sporting excellence, each cover has 

Re-Covering Forbes India

Shiv Nadar

In Forbes India’s November 2009 cover feature on Shiv Nadar, the spotlight was on the pivotal moment when
Nadar handed over the reins of HCL Technologies to Vineet Nayar, ushering in a transformative phase for the
company. While Nadar’s legacy in India’s IT revolution is well-documented, this article highlighted his ability to
evolve as a leader. His decision to focus on philanthropy through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, with initiatives
like SSN College of Engineering, demonstrated a shift in how disruption could extend beyond business into
societal impact. Nadar redefined leadership with a participative approach, empowering employees and
championing long-term change. As HCL navigated the complex global tech landscape, His influence remained
profound, a true disruptor in both the tech and education sectors. Nadar’s vision transcended industry norms,
leaving a lasting imprint on India’s future.

6 November 2009 

How did Shiv Nadar swap code for classrooms and reshape India’s
future? 

Cloud Computing

In its December 2010 issue, Forbes India looked skyward and into the cloud. Forecast: A Clear, Cloudy Day in
Cyber Space was more than just a clever headline; it marked a shift in how businesses would operate in the
digital age. As enterprises grappled with bulky infrastructure and rigid IT models, the cloud offered agility,
scalability, and cost-efficiency. It disrupted all major sectors and revolutionised organisations in several ways.
The article foresaw that cloud computing would unshackle businesses from hardware-heavy legacies and spark a
wave of innovation. Today, cloud is not just mainstream, it is foundational, powering everything from startups
to global tech giants. Forbes India spotted this early disruption before it became doctrine. In tracing the rise of
cloud, the feature did not just document a tech trend; it outlined the new operating system for the modern enterprise.

17 December 2010

What made cloud computing the quiet storm that changed everything?

Introduction of Tablets

The article was an early look at this device finding its place between laptops and smartphones. The article
explored both the hype and hesitation: Was the tablet a passing trend or a transformative tool? As adoption
grew, it became clear that this was no mere gadget. Tablets began reshaping publishing, education, media, and
work itself. Over time, they embedded themselves in hybrid work, creative industries, and mobile productivity.
Forbes India’s May 2011 feature captured disruption as it unfolded, not in hindsight. Additionally, it was not
just about the hardware, it was about human behaviour shifting alongside innovation. Though nearly 15 years
ago, the article chronicled a disruption that is relevant and constantly reinventing even today. 

6 May 2011 I

Were tablets just a passing fad, or the start of a digital revolution?

Francisco DSouza

In its May 2012 issue, the Forbes India cover highlighted Francisco D’Souza, then the youngest CEO in
Cognizant’s history, as he quietly redefined the rules of IT services. In an industry dominated by traditional
delivery models, D’Souza caused disruptions by championing consulting-led growth, client-centric innovation,
and a nimble, global mindset. He steered Cognizant through a high-growth phase and reimagined the very DNA
of the IT giant, expanding its relevance beyond cost arbitrage to business transformation. The article proved to
be a study in foresight, as at a time when peers were catching up to the digital shift, D’Souza had already hit the
ground running. His story was the perfect fit for a Forbes cover, being one of not just those who rise with the
wave, but those who create it.

11 May 2012

How did Francisco D’Souza transform IT before ‘digital’ became a
buzzword? 

Anand Mahindra

Anand Mahindra, a visionary leader unafraid to rewrite the rules of Indian industry, was profiled for the Forbes
India November 2013 cover. When he took charge of Mahindra & Mahindra, the company was known for
rugged jeeps while today, it is a diversified global group spanning IT, aerospace, agribusiness, and electric
mobility. Mahindra’s disruptive strength lies not just in expansion, but in how he leads with empathy, clarity,
and accessibility. From championing startups to nurturing Blue Lab, his quiet commitment to innovation is
matched only by his bold embrace of sustainability and social responsibility. Initiatives like Nanhi Kali reflect a
leadership that values purpose as much as profit. As one of India’s most accessible and responsive business
leaders, his Twitter feed has become a window into a more human style of corporate engagement. Mahindra
does not just run a company, he redefines what it means to lead one

1 November 2013

What makes Anand Mahindra Indian industry’s most human
disruptor?

Ajay Bijli

The showman behind PVR Cinemas, Ajay Bijli, is instrumental in transforming moviegoing in India from a
single-screen ritual to a premium multiplex experience. The landmark acquisition of Cinemax in 2012 helped
him fast-track PVR’s rise to becoming the country’s largest multiplex chain. Bijli didn’t just build screens; he
built experiences, introducing luxury formats, gourmet concessions, and digital-first bookings that set new
standards in entertainment. His bold vision to add 100 screens a year until 2018 exemplified a disruptive growth
mindset in a space many believed was saturated. Faced with the challenge of sustaining excellence amid rising
competition and shifting viewer habits, he redefined not just cinema infrastructure but audience expectations
with his sharp business acumen. Featured on the cover of Forbes India’s October 2014 issue, Ajay Bijli’s journey
echoes the essence of a true disruptor, someone who reimagines tradition, scales ambition, and leaves a legacy
screen by screen.

31 October 2014

How did Ajay Bijli reinvent the way India goes to the movies?

Uday Kotak

In the October 2015 issue, Forbes India covered Uday Kotak, a towering figure in Indian finance,for quietly
reshaping the industry’s foundation. Kotak began by building a homegrown financial institution from scratch,
something few dared in a space dominated by foreign players and public sector giants. He inspires as his
disruption came not with noise, rather with discipline. From pioneering retail lending in India to setting
benchmarks in risk management, Kotak Mahindra Bank became synonymous with trust and resilience. His
decision to dilute promoter stake ahead of regulatory mandates revealed foresight over force. The article
captured a leader who disrupted using prudence with boldness in a sector known for extremes. With an eye on
governance, transparency, and sustainable growth, Kotak’s legacy continues to inspire the next wave of Indian
bankers.

16 October 2015

Can quiet conviction build a financial empire? Uday Kotak proved it
could.

Sundar Pichai

Forbes India’s July 2016 cover recognized Sundar Pichai and his contribution in redefining global tech
leadership with a style rooted in quiet confidence and inclusive innovation. As CEO of Google and later
Alphabet, he transformed the company’s culture and steered it through some of its most critical evolutions,
shifting focus toward AI, sustainability, and ethical tech development. A true disruptor in the field, Pichai
introduced products like Google Assistant, Google Meet, Google Cloud and Google Toolbar, reshaping digital
life for billions. However, what made him a true disruptor was not just the scale of innovation, but the humility
and clarity with which he led. Visionary, grounded, and quietly transformative, in the larger story of disruptors
that grace the Forbes cover, Sundar Pichai represents the power of consistent, human-first disruption that stands
the test of time

22 July 2016

How did Sundar Pichai lead Google with calm in a chaotic world? h

Vishal Sikka

A technologist with an innovator’s mind, Vishal Sikka disrupted India’s IT services landscape by placing
innovation and AI at its very core. As the first non-founder CEO of Infosys, he championed automation, digital
transformation, and design thinking in an industry long driven by legacy systems. Sikka's vision extends beyond
scaling services to reimagining them. His belief in AI acceptance as opposed to viewing it as a job threat
positioned Infosys as a future-ready enterprise before most organisations even recognised the shift. Despite a
brief tenure, his impact continues to echo in the way Indian IT companies now approach emerging tech. The
Forbes India cover for September 2017 featured Sikka, spotlighting a leader who dared to challenge the status
quo. His story embodies the disruptor’s mindset, bold, unconventional, and years ahead of the curve.

15 September 2017

What happened when AI met Indian IT, and legacy met design
thinking?

Robotics and AI at work

Before it became a boardroom buzzword, Forbes India spotlighted the rise of Robotics and AI at the workplace
in its August 2018 issue, capturing the technological wave just as it began to reshape industries. The cover article
explored how artificial intelligence and automation were moving from labs to workplaces, transforming sectors
like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and customer service. The coverage stood out for its foresight,
identifying not just the innovation but the disruption it would spark across business models and human roles.
Today, Robotics and AI continue to be at the forefront of global conversations, proving just how relevant that
early coverage remains. Forbes India has a legacy of recognising paradigm shifts while they’re still nascent, and its
stories often become blueprints for understanding change. The 2018 feature wasn’t just reporting a trend; it was
chronicling a revolution in real time.

17 August 2018

Was this the moment AI and robotics began to reshape our world?

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is a disruptor redefining the contours of Indian sport. On the field, he leads with unmatched
intensity, ushering in a new era of athleticism, fitness, and relentless pursuit of excellence for cricketers,
sportspersons and fans across the world. He rebuilt a legacy, turning Team India into a pace-heavy, worldbeating unit. Kohli’s disruption extended well beyond the pitch. He crafted a brand persona that married sport,
style, and social media savvy and set benchmarks for athlete entrepreneurship in India. His ventures into food,
fitness and fashion marked a shift in how Indian cricketers engage with business and influence. The Forbes India
September 2019 cover captured a leader shaping the future of Indian sport by example. One of the most
enduring disruptors, he broke records while rewriting the rules of the game on every front.

27 September 2019 

How did Virat Kohli become a sporting icon and a cultural disruptor?

Ronnie Screwvala

Founder of UTV and RSVP Movies, Ronnie Screwvala is a catalyst for change who revolutionised India’s media
and entertainment industry. Breaking away from conventional storytelling, he introduced high-quality, globally
relevant content that redefined Indian cinema. With a sharp eye for innovation and a deep understanding of the
entertainment business, he professionalised film production and distribution, setting industry standards that
were previously unheard of. He inspires innovation, encourages risk-taking, and champions original thinking
across sectors. His influence extends far beyond films. Through ventures like upGrad, he is transforming the
edtech space, making quality education accessible to millions. Whether in media, technology, or
entrepreneurship, his ability to spot opportunities and scale them with impact has made him a multi-industry
game-changer. Forbes India’s October 2020 issue featured Screwvala, a true architect of disruption who
continues to shape the future with bold ideas and unwavering conviction.

9 October 2020

What drives a man to disrupt both entertainment and education? 

Rajesh Gopinathan

A strategist with a sharp eye for transformation, Rajesh Gopinathan’s tenure as CEO of Tata Consultancy
Services (TCS) marked a phase of bold innovation and ambitious change. He led TCS through a period of
accelerated digital transformation, reshaping the company’s approach to technology, operations, and customer
engagement. Under his leadership, TCS navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis with agility, adopting
new operating models and delivering tech-driven solutions for global healthcare needs. His leadership and
restructuring efforts reflected a long-term vision to scale TCS and significantly grew the company’s revenue and
market value. Gopinathan’s strategic mindset also brought a culture of reinvention and transformation to IIT
Bombay during his tenure at the institute.. Our September 2021 feature spotlighted him as a disruptor who
dared to reimagine legacy with foresight and innovation.

24 September 2021 

How did Rajesh Gopinathan future-proof India’s biggest tech
company?

WPower

The December 2022 Forbes India cover celebrated the bold spirit of disruption with its W-Power list,
recognising over 20 self-made Indian women who have redefined success across sectors. These women have
made a mark in business, law, sports, social impact, entertainment, and academia, breaking stereotypes and
carving new paths. The list aims to inspire the next generation of women and showcases real success stories,
emphasising diversity and self-made success. Featured on the cover are Katrina Kaif, Anju Srivastava, Nikhat
Zareen, Ritu Arora, and Sakshi Chopra, all trailblazers in their respective fields. Actor-entrepreneur Katrina Kaif
disrupted the beauty industry with her inclusive brand Kay Beauty; Anju Srivastava reimagined organic farming
and sustainable business with Wingreens Farms; world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen challenged norms in
Indian sports with her fearless grit; Ritu Arora drove change in finance by advocating gender-balanced
leadership; and Sakshi Chopra pushed creative boundaries as a Gen-Z voice in digital entertainment. Together,
these women symbolise the power of purpose, resilience, and reinvention. Forbes’ W-Power list and this special
cover were more than just a celebration; it was a call to the next generation of women, inspiring them with real
success stories, emphasising diversity and self-made success

16 December 2022 

Who are the women who smashed ceilings across India’s power
corridors in 2022?

Tim Cook

In Forbes India’s May 2023 cover article that explored modern tech leadership, Tim Cook emerged not as a
radical firebrand but as a quiet disruptor. He has shaped Apple with methodical precision. Cook’s leadership has
been defined by stability, collaboration, and a sharp focus on long-term value. Yet disruption lies at the heart of
his strategy. He has increased focus on privacy, made ethical sourcing a pillar, and most crucially, turned India
into a rising production hub for Apple. Through this localisation of manufacturing, Cook not only reduced
global supply chain risks but also opened the gates to deeper penetration in one of the world’s most dynamic
markets. His democratic, consensus-driven model has redefined leadership at scale, proving that disruption does
not have to be loud; it can be sustainable. In the tradition of Forbes India’s most prescient cover stories, Cook’s
evolution of Apple exemplifies disruption that endures and inspires, even in its quietest form.

19 May 2023

What made Tim Cook bet big on India, and change Apple’s global
game?

Ratan Tata

A visionary in the truest sense, Ratan Tata’s extraordinary career exemplifies a deep commitment to innovation,
strategic growth, and social responsibility. He was instrumental in transforming the Tata Group into a global
powerhouse by entering new segments and bringing global brands like Jaguar Land Rover to India. Tata
championed innovation in sectors like automobiles and technology, supported startups and modernised
traditional business practices. His decision to launch the Tata Nano demonstrated his resolve to make car
ownership accessible to millions. Beyond business, he is remembered for driving disruption while staying true to
core values, his commitment to social responsibility and his contributions to philanthropy. He consistently set
new benchmarks in leadership, ethical corporate decision making, and crisis management. Our November 2024
cover was a tribute to India’s most loved and respected industrialist and his legacy of ethical leadership and
innovation. Ratan Tata, a traditionalist at heart and a disruptor in his vision. 

Re-Covering Forbes India

How did Shiv Nadar swap code for classrooms and reshape India’s future?

What made cloud computing the quiet storm that changed everything?

Were tablets just a passing fad, or the start of a digital revolution?

How did Francisco D’Souza transform IT before ‘digital’ became a buzzword?

What makes Anand Mahindra Indian industry’s most human disruptor?

How did Ajay Bijli reinvent the way India goes to the movies?

Can quiet conviction build a financial empire? Uday Kotak proved it could.

How did Sundar Pichai lead Google with calm in a chaotic world? h

What happened when AI met Indian IT, and legacy met design thinking?

Was this the moment AI and robotics began to reshape our world?

How did Virat Kohli become a sporting icon and a cultural disruptor?

What drives a man to disrupt both entertainment and education?

How did Rajesh Gopinathan future-proof India’s biggest tech company?

Who are the women who smashed ceilings across India’s power corridors in 2022?

What made Tim Cook bet big on India, and change Apple’s global game?

How did Ratan Tata build a legacy of ethical disruption that still inspires?

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