Who Is Shaila Merchant? Pharma Company MD & Radhika Merchant's Mom

Congratulations are in order for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The childhood buddies solemnised their love in a grand wedding ceremony held on July 12 in Mumbai. Anant is the youngest son of billionaire businessman, Reliance Industries chairperson Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani. Radhika is the daughter of businessman Viren Merchant and his wife Shaila.

Shaila Merchant is more than just a name in the business world; she's a dynamic force as one of the managing directors at Encore Healthcare, a major pharmaceutical company in India. Shaila co-founded Encore Healthcare alongside her husband, establishing herself as a powerful figure in the business world. Together, the Merchant duo embodies the essence of collaboration and shared vision.

However, Shaila's influence extends far beyond the boardroom. She also plays the pivotal role of a mother, particularly for Radhika Merchant. As Radhika prepares to enter the Ambani family, she carries with her the grace and elegance instilled by her mother.

Shaila Merchant - The Woman Behind The Name

Shaila, also known as Shaila Bhatia or Shaila Viren Merchant, comes from Gujarat, specifically from the culturally rich district of Kutch. She finished her schooling at Activity High School in Mumbai. She got married to businessman Viren Merchant some three decades ago. Viren and Shaila have two daughters, Radhika and Anjali, who are part of the company’s board of directors.

Her professional background

As a managing director at Encore Healthcare, Merchant is a guiding force in the pharmaceutical arena. Her leadership reflects resilience and innovation, steering initiatives to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability in India and beyond. Her impact reaches far beyond the business, contributing significantly to the healthcare industry. Beyond Encore Healthcare, Shaila holds directorial positions in a constellation of companies, including Atharva Impex Private Limited, Haveli Traders Private Limited, and Swastik Exim Private Limited.

Anant Ambani - Radhika Merchant wedding

For one of her ceremonies, Radhika had recreated her mother’s bridal look. In a collage shared by celebrity makeup artist, Loveleen Ramchandani, we get a glimpse of Shaila Merchant’s wedding look. The photos show Shaila in a traditional Gujarati-style peer bindi, brahmi nath, and a simple maang teeka, which was recreated by Radhika for her griha shanti puja. 

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A post shared by Loveleen Ramchandani (@loveleen_makeupandhair)

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A post shared by Isha Ambani Piramal (@_mayfairmasala)

Outside her professional sphere, Shaila is a loving mother to Radhika Merchant. Radhika, who is all set to join the Ambani family through her engagement to Anant Ambani,  inherits grace and elegance from her mother.  Despite the demands of corporate and family life, she radiates vitality, inspiring others with her timeless elegance. Her dedication to personal wellness becomes a source of inspiration, proving that age is just a number.

Apart from her professional achievements, Shaila Merchant is also celebrated for her discerning style and fashion choices. Whether navigating the corporate world or attending social events, she effortlessly blends tradition with modernity, leaving a lasting impression with her sophistication and allure. Her distinctive flair was notably on display at the engagement ceremony of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani, where she adorned an exquisite creation by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla.