Sunanda Pushkar, Indian-Canadian businesswoman (b. 1962)

Sunanda Pushkar: A Profile of an Indian Businesswoman and Public Figure

Sunanda Pushkar, born on June 27, 1962, and who tragically passed away on January 17, 2014, was a dynamic Indian businesswoman and public figure whose professional trajectory spanned international business and India's burgeoning sports industry. She garnered significant national attention through her prominent business ventures and her high-profile marriage to the renowned Indian diplomat and politician, Shashi Tharoor.

Early Career and International Business Endeavours

Prior to her more widely publicized ventures in India, Ms. Pushkar established a notable career in the Middle East. She held a key executive position as a sales director at TECOM Investments, a major conglomerate based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. TECOM Investments operates as a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company. In her strategic role, Ms. Pushkar was instrumental in driving sales, fostering client relationships, and contributing to business development within TECOM's extensive portfolio, which encompasses various business parks, free zones, and technology clusters vital to Dubai's economic growth and innovation landscape.

Involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Rendezvous Sports World

Perhaps the most prominent aspect of Sunanda Pushkar's business portfolio was her significant foray into India's rapidly expanding sports sector, particularly cricket. She was a co-owner of the India-based Rendezvous Sports World (RSW), a consortium that successfully bid for and subsequently acquired a franchise in the highly lucrative and popular Indian Premier League (IPL). This new team was officially named Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Her stake in RSW became a subject of widespread media and public discussion, notably due to its structure as 'sweat equity' – a form of non-cash contribution, typically expertise or services, valued at approximately ₹700 million at the time (equivalent to about US$15 million). This involvement not only underscored her entrepreneurial spirit but also shed light on the evolving financial models and ownership complexities emerging within India's professional sports leagues.

Public Profile and Marriage to Shashi Tharoor

Sunanda Pushkar's public profile was further amplified following her marriage to Shashi Tharoor in August 2010. Mr. Tharoor, a distinguished former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and a prominent Member of Parliament representing Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, brought significant public and media attention to their shared life. Their union often placed Ms. Pushkar squarely in the national spotlight, contributing to her recognition as a notable personality beyond her business achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunanda Pushkar

Who was Sunanda Pushkar?
Sunanda Pushkar was an Indian businesswoman and public figure, known for her executive role at TECOM Investments in Dubai and her co-ownership of the IPL cricket franchise, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, through Rendezvous Sports World. She was also widely known as the wife of former UN diplomat and Indian politician Shashi Tharoor.
What were Sunanda Pushkar's key business ventures?
Her notable business roles included serving as a sales director at Dubai-based TECOM Investments. Crucially, she was also a co-owner of Rendezvous Sports World (RSW), which established the Kochi Tuskers Kerala cricket team in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
What was Sunanda Pushkar's connection to the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
Sunanda Pushkar was a co-owner of Rendezvous Sports World (RSW), the consortium that owned the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, an IPL cricket franchise. Her ownership stake was controversially structured as 'sweat equity', valued at approximately ₹700 million.
Who is Shashi Tharoor in relation to Sunanda Pushkar?
Shashi Tharoor was Sunanda Pushkar's husband. He is a prominent Indian politician, currently a Member of Parliament, and previously served as an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, a distinguished international diplomat.