The IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was an event that drew attention from cricket fans, business tycoons, and celebrity families alike. Among the prominent figures at the event was Jahnavi Mehta, the daughter of Bollywood actress-entrepreneur Juhi Chawla and renowned businessman Jay Mehta. Jahnavi, who represented her mother at the bidding table, attracted considerable attention as she joined her father and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Managing Director Venky Mysore in the high-stakes auction.
While Shah Rukh Khan’s children, Suhana Khan and Aryan Khan, were notably absent from the event, Jahnavi Mehta’s presence at the KKR table stood out, reinforcing her growing role in the family’s business ventures. As the heiress to a business empire worth over Rs 4,171 crore, Jahnavi’s future looks set to blend the worlds of entertainment, sports, and high-value entrepreneurship. Here’s a closer look at the young woman making waves in the business world, the IPL, and beyond.
Jahnavi Mehta: A Rising Star in Business and Sports
At just 23 years old, Jahnavi Mehta has already become a familiar face at major events, including the IPL auctions. The young entrepreneur has been increasingly involved in her family’s business operations, specifically with Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL franchise co-owned by her mother, Juhi Chawla, and her father, Jay Mehta. Jahnavi attended the 2025 auction alongside her father, further solidifying her connection to the team and her growing role in managing KKR’s operations.
Her previous appearance at the 2022 IPL auction alongside Suhana and Aryan Khan sparked media interest, and it was clear that she was not just a passive participant but someone who had a keen interest in the sport and the business side of IPL.
Juhi Chawla’s Legacy: A Net Worth of Rs 4,600 Crore
Jahnavi’s mother, Juhi Chawla, has built a multi-faceted empire spanning film, business, and cricket. With an estimated net worth of Rs 4,600 crore according to the Hurun Rich List 2024, the 57-year-old actress is a powerhouse in both entertainment and entrepreneurship. Along with her husband Jay Mehta, she co-owns KKR, one of the most successful and popular IPL franchises.
In addition to her involvement with KKR, Juhi has expanded her portfolio through investments in various sectors, from real estate to agriculture. Her investments in eco-friendly and health-conscious ventures, alongside her successful acting career, make her one of the most influential women in Indian business.
Jay Mehta: The Business Tycoon Behind the Mehta Group
Jahnavi’s father, Jay Mehta, is the Chairman of the Mehta Group, a multinational conglomerate founded by his father-in-law Nanji Kalidas Mehta. The group operates in diverse sectors such as packaging, horticulture, cement, building materials, and more. The Mehta Group’s global presence spans across countries like Canada, Uganda, Kenya, and the United States. The conglomerate’s impressive portfolio has seen significant growth over the years, with assets currently valued at over $500 million, approximately Rs 4,215 crore.
Jay Mehta’s business acumen has been instrumental in expanding the group’s reach across industries and continents. His strategic leadership, combined with his family’s involvement in cricket and entertainment, has placed Jahnavi at the forefront of an evolving family legacy.
Jahnavi Mehta: A Glimpse Into Her Role and Future
Though relatively private, Jahnavi Mehta’s growing influence in the family’s business dealings has been evident. As a graduate of Columbia University in New York, Jahnavi has been exposed to a global education that enhances her understanding of both the international business landscape and the sports industry. In 2023, she completed her studies at Columbia, and since then, her active role in the family business has expanded.
In a candid 2021 interview with The Indian Express, Juhi Chawla expressed her pride in seeing her children, including Jahnavi, take a keen interest in KKR and its operations. “I was so glad the children are taking a keen interest in the team. They are not being pushed to do this; they are doing it because they truly wish to,” said Juhi, noting how Jahnavi and Aryan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan’s son) have both been following the sport passionately.
The IPL Connection: A Legacy of Business and Sport
Kolkata Knight Riders, co-owned by Juhi Chawla and Shah Rukh Khan, has become one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. Jahnavi Mehta’s presence at the IPL 2025 auction signifies a new era for KKR, with the younger generation stepping up to continue the legacy. As she works closely with her father and the team’s management, Jahnavi is expected to play an important role in shaping KKR’s future strategy, both on and off the field. With her strong educational background, growing business acumen, and passion for cricket, Jahnavi Mehta is poised to be a major player in both the business and sports world, ensuring that the Mehta-Chawla legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.
