Leena Gandhi Tewari: Profile, Bio, Husband and Children

Leena Gandhi Tewari is a name synonymous with quiet strength, business acumen, and a deep commitment to social good. As the chairperson of USV Private Limited, a leading multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company based in Mumbai, India, Tewari has carved a niche for herself in the competitive world of pharmaceuticals. With a net worth of approximately $3.9 billion as of May 2025, she ranks among India’s wealthiest women and is a prominent figure on Forbes’ billionaire list. Beyond her business achievements, Tewari is an author, philanthropist, and nature enthusiast whose life reflects a perfect blend of professional excellence and personal passion.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Born on March 9, 1957, in suburban Mumbai, Leena Gandhi Tewari grew up in a family deeply rooted in business and social reform. Her grandfather, Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi, was a visionary entrepreneur, social reformer, and politician who founded USV Private Limited in 1961. The company initially focused on importing medicines but later transitioned into manufacturing through a joint venture with Revlon, an American company. This legacy of innovation and social responsibility profoundly influenced Tewari’s worldview and career path.

Tewari’s grandmother, Susheela Korgaonkar, a gynecologist in the 1920s, was another source of inspiration. Known for her strong-willed nature, Susheela’s dedication to healthcare and women’s empowerment left a lasting impact on Tewari. Growing up in such an environment, Tewari developed a keen interest in business and entrepreneurship from an early age. Her childhood was also marked by a fascination with nature, particularly reptiles, which later evolved into a passion for wildlife exploration and forest travel.

Tewari’s family life remains a cornerstone of her identity. She is married to Prashant Tewari, an Indian Institute of Technology graduate and mechanical engineer from Cornell University, who serves as the Managing Director of USV. Together, they have built a strong partnership, both personally and professionally, steering USV to new heights. The couple has two children: daughter Aneesha Gandhi Tewari, a Ph.D. in molecular biology from MIT and a USV board member, and son Vilas, who founded a gaming outfit in Los Angeles and also holds a board seat at USV. Tewari’s close-knit family and their shared values of education, innovation, and social good are integral to her story.

Education and Early Career

Leena Tewari’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for her leadership at USV. She earned a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree from the University of Mumbai, equipping her with a solid understanding of business fundamentals. To further hone her skills, she pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Boston University, a decision that broadened her global perspective and sharpened her strategic thinking.

After completing her education, Tewari joined USV, the family business founded by her grandfather. Unlike many heirs who inherit leadership roles, Tewari’s ascent was marked by dedication and a hands-on approach. She immersed herself in the company’s operations, learning the intricacies of the pharmaceutical industry. Her strategic vision and commitment to innovation helped transform USV from a modest firm into a global powerhouse specializing in diabetic and cardiovascular drugs, biosimilars, injectables, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Leadership at USV Private Limited

Under Leena Tewari’s stewardship, USV has emerged as a leader in India’s pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the oral anti-diabetic (OAD) and cardiovascular (CVS) segments. The company ranks among the top five in these therapeutic areas, with approximately 80% of its domestic revenue and 70% of its total revenue derived from OAD and CVS products. USV’s flagship anti-diabetic drug, Glycomet, is among the top three in India’s domestic market, while other products like Ecosprin and Roseday have earned widespread trust.

USV’s financial success is notable, with revenues of approximately $511 million, as reported by Forbes. The company’s domestic business accounts for 82% of its revenue, while exports of APIs and fixed-dosage formulations to over 65 countries contribute the rest. Tewari’s strategic vision has driven USV’s international expansion, most notably through the acquisition of German generics firm Juta Pharma in 2018, a move that bolstered the company’s global footprint.

Tewari’s leadership style is characterized by a focus on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. She has championed research and development to keep USV at the forefront of pharmaceutical advancements, ensuring the company develops affordable medications for critical health conditions. Additionally, USV is investing in a ₹450-crore formulations plant in Vadodara, Gujarat, expected to enhance its manufacturing capabilities.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Leena Tewari’s commitment to social causes is as remarkable as her business achievements. In 2005, she founded the Dr. Sushila Gandhi Centre for Underprivileged Women, named after her grandmother, to empower young girls through education, dance, and computer training. The center has made a tangible impact, with Tewari noting improved confidence, academic performance, and behavior among its students. Her philanthropic efforts earned her the #3 spot on the Hurun Report India Philanthropy List for Women Philanthropists in 2019, with a donation of ₹34 crore (approximately $4 million).

Tewari’s humanitarian work extends beyond the center, as she supports various initiatives focused on education and healthcare for underprivileged communities. Her dedication to empowering women and improving access to essential services reflects her belief in using success to create a positive societal impact.

Literary Contributions

In 2013, Tewari showcased her passion for writing by authoring Beyond Pipes and Dreams: The Life of Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi, a biography celebrating her grandfather’s legacy as a businessman, social reformer, and politician. The book, launched with the presence of notable personalities, highlights Tewari’s commitment to preserving her family’s heritage and values. Her love for reading and writing complements her multifaceted persona, which also includes interests in dance and homemaking.

Personal Interests and Lifestyle

Despite her high-profile status, Leena Tewari maintains a reclusive social life, shying away from Mumbai’s party circuit. She is known for her close friendship with Nita Ambani and her understated, reserved demeanor. Tewari’s love for nature and wildlife is a significant aspect of her personal life. She frequently travels to forests across India to study reptiles and other wildlife, a passion that dates back to her childhood fascination with snakes and lizards.

Tewari’s recent purchase of two sea-facing duplex apartments in Mumbai’s Worli for ₹639 crore (approximately $76 million), with an additional ₹63.9 crore in stamp duty and taxes, made headlines as India’s most expensive residential property deal. Spanning 22,572 square feet across the 32nd to 35th floors of the Naman Xana tower, the apartments offer stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Mumbai’s “Golden Gate” Bridge. This transaction, valued at over ₹2.83 lakh per square foot, underscores Tewari’s financial prowess and aligns with her preference for privacy and exclusivity.

Recent Milestones and Recognition

Leena Tewari’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades. She consistently appears on Forbes’ list of India’s richest individuals, ranking 45th in 2023 and 964th globally in 2025. Her net worth, estimated at $3.9 billion as of May 2025, surpasses that of other prominent women entrepreneurs like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Falguni Nayar. In 2019, she was ranked #23 on the Hurun India Philanthropy List for her substantial contributions to social causes.

Tewari’s leadership has also been recognized by Fortune India, which named her among the Most Powerful Women in 2022. Her ability to balance business success with philanthropy and personal passions makes her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, demonstrating that dedication and purpose can drive both professional and societal impact.

Conclusion

Leena Gandhi Tewari’s journey is a testament to the power of legacy, innovation, and social responsibility. From leading USV Private Limited to global prominence to empowering underprivileged women through philanthropy, she embodies a holistic approach to success. Her story inspires not only business leaders but anyone striving to make a meaningful difference. With her family by her side, a passion for nature, and a commitment to excellence, Tewari continues to shape India’s pharmaceutical landscape and beyond.

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FAQs About Leena Gandhi Tewari

1. Who is Leena Gandhi Tewari?
Leena Gandhi Tewari is the chairperson of USV Private Limited, a Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company specializing in diabetic and cardiovascular drugs. She is an Indian billionaire, author, and philanthropist with a net worth of approximately $3.9 billion.

2. What is Leena Tewari’s net worth?
As of May 2025, Forbes estimates Leena Tewari’s net worth at $3.9 billion, making her one of India’s richest women and ranking her 964th globally among billionaires.

3. What is USV Private Limited?
USV Private Limited is a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company founded in 1961 by Leena Tewari’s grandfather, Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi. It specializes in diabetic and cardiovascular drugs, biosimilars, injectables, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, with revenues of approximately $511 million.

4. What are Leena Tewari’s philanthropic efforts?
Tewari founded the Dr. Sushila Gandhi Centre for Underprivileged Women in 2005, focusing on education, dance, and computer training for young girls. She ranked #3 on the Hurun Report India Philanthropy List for Women Philanthropists in 2019, donating ₹34 crore.

5. What book did Leena Tewari write?
In 2013, Tewari authored Beyond Pipes and Dreams: The Life of Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi, a biography celebrating her grandfather’s legacy as a businessman, social reformer, and politician.

6. What is the significance of Leena Tewari’s recent property purchase?
In May 2025, Tewari purchased two sea-facing duplex apartments in Mumbai’s Worli for ₹639 crore, making it India’s most expensive residential property deal. The total cost, including stamp duty and taxes, was approximately ₹703 crore.

7. Who is Leena Tewari’s family?
Leena Tewari is married to Prashant Tewari, the Managing Director of USV. They have two children: daughter Aneesha Gandhi Tewari, a Ph.D. in molecular biology and USV board member, and son Vilas, who founded a gaming company and also serves on USV’s board.

8. What are Leena Tewari’s personal interests?
Tewari is an avid reader, writer, and nature lover, with a particular fascination for reptiles and wildlife. She frequently travels to forests across India and enjoys dance and homemaking.

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