Discover the life and career of Malavika Krishna, a prominent Indian businesswoman and wife of the late VG Siddhartha. This detailed biography explores her family background, career achievements, and her role in the Coffee Day enterprise.

Wiki/Biography

Malavika Krishna was born in 1969 (age 55 years; as of 2024) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. She completed her schooling at a local Bengaluru school and went on to earn an engineering degree from Bangalore University. Her academic background laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 5′ 4″
• Weight (approx.): 55 kg
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Black

Family, Husband, and Caste

Malavika belongs to the Vokkaliga community. Her father, S.M. Krishna, was a highly respected Indian politician who held significant positions, including Minister of External Affairs and Chief Minister of Karnataka. He sadly passed away on December 10, 2024, due to pneumonia and pulmonary congestion. Her mother, Prema Krishna, is a dedicated social activist. She also has a younger sister, Shambhavi Krishna, who is also involved in business.

In 1991, Malavika married VG Siddhartha, the founder of the renowned Cafe Coffee Day chain. Together, they had two sons, Eshaan and Amartya.

Career

Malavika’s involvement in the coffee industry began with her marriage to VG Siddhartha. While she served on the CCD board as a non-executive member, her contributions extended far beyond a formal title. Interestingly, when Siddhartha initially pitched the Cafe Coffee Day concept – a 25 INR cup of coffee – Malavika initially expressed reservations, considering the locally available 5 INR option. However, once Siddhartha refined his vision to include internet access alongside coffee, she became a key partner in the venture’s development and planning.

She was present when the first CCD outlet opened in Bangalore’s Brigade Road in 1996. During the construction phase, she and Siddhartha shared a playful pastime, guessing who would visit their café. While VG Siddhartha actively participated as a board member, Malavika played a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of CCD from 2008 onwards.

Husband’s Death

The tragic disappearance and subsequent death of VG Siddhartha on July 29, 2019, deeply impacted Malavika and her family. The circumstances surrounding his death involved a distressing search and eventual recovery of his body from the Netravati River. Malavika played a key role in identifying his body and making arrangements for his funeral at his father’s coffee estate in Belur Taluk – a location significant to Siddhartha’s entrepreneurial journey.

Facts

• Malavika served on the CCD board as a non-executive member, without receiving a salary.
• She held a 4% equity share in CCD.
• A passionate environmentalist, Malavika, along with her husband, planted over 3000 trees.
• Following her husband’s death, there was considerable speculation about her assuming the role of CCD Chairman.

Financial Overview of CCD (Illustrative)

Note: This table is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent actual financial data.