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| Made in India: A Titan Story Leaves Viewers Asking One Question — What Happened to Xerxes Desai’s Family? |
The release of Made in India: A Titan Story has sparked fresh interest in the remarkable life of Xerxes Desai, the businessman widely credited with transforming India’s watch industry. While the drama focuses on his bold vision and determination to build Titan into a household name, many viewers have come away asking a more personal question: what happened to the family behind the man who helped redefine modern Indian business?
Long before Titan became one of India's most recognisable brands, Xerxes Desai was already building an impressive career within the Tata Group. Educated at Elphinstone College and later Oxford University, he was known for combining creativity with business strategy, a rare mix that often leaves accountants slightly nervous and innovators deeply inspired.
His idea to bring world-class watchmaking to India was initially seen as ambitious, but history eventually proved that ambition was exactly what was needed.
Away from boardrooms and business plans, Desai shared his life with his wife, Rajni Desai. Together, they raised two children, Shyarsh Desai and Anahita Desai.
Despite his growing reputation as one of India's most influential business leaders, family remained a central part of his life. Friends and colleagues often described him as someone who valued intellectual curiosity, culture and personal relationships just as much as corporate success.
As Titan expanded throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the family eventually settled in Bengaluru, where Desai spent much of his later life.
The city became both his professional base and family home. Even after launching Tanishq in 1994 and helping create another iconic Indian brand, he remained closely connected to his family life rather than embracing the larger-than-life image often associated with business legends.
Following his retirement in 2002, Desai reportedly devoted more time to family, reading, reflection and enjoying quieter moments with loved ones.
Those who knew him said he appreciated life's simpler pleasures, proving that after spending decades building major companies, sometimes the ultimate luxury is simply spending time at home.
Sadly, Xerxes Desai passed away on 27 June 2016 at the age of 79 after facing a period of declining health. Yet his family continued to carry forward the personal legacy he left behind.
He was survived by Rajni Desai, his son Shyarsh, daughter Anahita, their spouses Sonali and Sander, grandchildren Kira, Maxime, and Darius, as well as his sister Armaity.
Unlike many business dynasties that regularly attract headlines, the Desai family has largely maintained a private life. Public information about their current activities remains limited, reflecting a preference for staying away from constant media attention.
In an age where every breakfast can somehow become social media content, many observers have praised the family for preserving a sense of privacy while continuing to honour Desai's achievements.
The renewed attention generated by Made in India: A Titan Story has also introduced a younger generation to Desai's contributions.
Viewers have been surprised to learn that the man behind Titan was also instrumental in creating Tanishq, another brand that became deeply woven into India's commercial landscape.
For many, the drama serves as a reminder that some of the biggest business success stories began with ideas that initially sounded impossible. Online reactions have been varied. Some viewers have focused on Desai's entrepreneurial brilliance, calling him one of the most underrated figures in Indian corporate history.
Others have been drawn to the family side of the story, appreciating how the series portrays him not only as a visionary executive but also as a devoted husband and father.
A number of netizens have even joked that the drama makes corporate meetings look far more exciting than most people's real-life office experiences.
What continues to resonate most is the balance Desai appeared to maintain between professional ambition and personal life.
His achievements built companies that changed industries, yet the story being discussed most today is often the one involving his family, his values and the people closest to him.
More than a decade after his retirement and years after his passing, Xerxes Desai's influence remains visible not only through the brands he created but through the family legacy that survives him.
After watching Made in India: A Titan Story, do you see Desai primarily as a business pioneer, a family man, or a rare combination of both? The conversation is only just getting started.