In the whirlwind of building one of India’s most iconic technology empires, Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty made profound personal sacrifices. Among the most poignant stories to emerge from those early years is the heartfelt recollection shared by their daughter, Akshata Murty. In a recent episode of The Rosebud Podcast with Gyles Brandreth, Akshata opened up about her earliest memories of her father—not as a constant daily presence, but as a kind, sophisticated visitor who lit up her world during brief but magical encounters. This emotional narrative offers a rare glimpse into the human side of the Murthy family, revealing resilience, love, and the quiet costs of ambition.
Akshata, now a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former First Lady of the United Kingdom through her marriage to Rishi Sunak, was just two or three years old when these memories took shape. At the time, she and her younger brother Rohan lived with their maternal grandparents in Hubli, Karnataka. Their parents were deeply immersed in the demanding task of founding and nurturing Infosys, the company that would go on to revolutionize India’s IT sector and create thousands of jobs globally.
A Special Visitor Who Spoke a Different Language
“My very first memory is of this man. He used to visit me quite regularly. I was probably between 2 and 3 years old,” Akshata recalled warmly on the podcast. “And I remember him being really kind, really generous. He seemed quite sophisticated.” These visits stood out vividly against the backdrop of her everyday life with her grandparents. While the household primarily spoke Kannada, Narayana Murthy consistently addressed his daughter in English, introducing her to a broader linguistic world even in those tender years.
What made these encounters truly special was the undivided attention she received. “He enforced no rules. He made me the centre of his world. I felt like a princess, and I was always heartbroken when he left. And that man was my dad,” she shared, her words carrying a mix of nostalgia and deep affection. Akshata noted that she knew intellectually he was her father—she called him “Appa,” the traditional Kannada term—but emotionally, he felt like an extraordinary figure who brought joy and sophistication into her routine.
This dynamic stemmed from a deliberate family choice. Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy prioritized the fledgling startup, believing in its potential to contribute meaningfully to a newly independent India. Akshata’s grandparents stepped in to provide stability and love, creating what she describes as an “absolutely joyful” childhood. Her grandfather, a respected obstetrician-gynaecologist, and her grandmother, a dedicated homemaker, ensured the children never lacked warmth or care.
The Sacrifices Behind a Tech Giant
The Murthy family’s story is one of vision and perseverance. Narayana Murthy, inspired by his own father’s emphasis on contributing to the nation, co-founded Infosys in 1981 with a small group of engineers. The early years were fraught with challenges—limited resources, long hours, and the uncertainty of building a global brand from scratch in a country still finding its economic footing post-independence.
Akshata’s reflections highlight the personal trade-offs involved. “Because I, until I was about age 5, grew up with my grandparents and not with my parents,” she explained when asked about the visits. Yet, there is no bitterness in her tone. Instead, she speaks with gratitude for the foundation her parents laid, not just for their family but for countless others through Infosys’s success. The company pioneered the offshore outsourcing model, empowering a generation of Indian professionals and putting India on the global technology map.
Sudha Murty, a prolific author and philanthropist in her own right, has also spoken about these early sacrifices. The couple’s decision to have their children raised partly by grandparents allowed them to focus intensely on work. Narayana Murthy has echoed this, noting that while quantity of time with family was limited, he strived for quality moments. Akshata’s memories validate this approach—the visits, though infrequent, left an indelible positive mark.
Beyond the podcast, Akshata has recalled simpler joys, such as lying beside her father during his afternoon naps. “I still remember the crook of his arm, what he wore,” she said, becoming emotional as she described the scene. These sensory details underscore how childhood imprints endure, transcending the busyness of adult life. Now approaching 46, she affirms, “I’m 46 almost. He’s one of the most special people in my life.”
Values Instilled Across Generations
Akshata’s conversation also touched on the deeper values shaping her father. Her paternal grandfather encouraged his children to ponder their role in building a stronger India. “I think that really planted a seed inside my dad on how whatever he did later on in life had to benefit the nation in some way,” she observed. This ethos is evident in Infosys’s legacy of ethical business practices, employee welfare, and societal contributions.
Growing up between worlds—Karnataka roots and exposure to English and global ideas through her father—helped shape Akshata’s own identity. She has described herself as “a Bangalore girl with a British accent,” emphasizing that her sense of self comes from meaningful contributions rather than inherited fame. Her work in entrepreneurship and philanthropy reflects the same commitment to impact that defined her parents’ journey.
The Murthy family’s approach offers lessons for modern parents balancing career ambitions with family life. In an era of hustle culture, Akshata’s story reminds us that quality interactions and a supportive extended family can mitigate absences. Grandparents often become pillars, providing continuity and cultural grounding. For working professionals, especially in high-stakes fields like technology and startups, such arrangements can foster resilience in children while allowing big dreams to flourish.
A Lasting Bond and Enduring Legacy
Despite the physical separations of those early years, the bond between Akshata and Narayana Murthy remains profoundly strong. Family gatherings, shared values, and mutual respect have bridged any early gaps. Narayana Murthy continues to be a guiding figure, admired not only for his business acumen but for his humility and commitment to simplicity.
Akshata’s willingness to share these intimate memories humanizes one of India’s most revered business families. It portrays Narayana Murthy not just as a visionary leader but as a devoted father who, even in limited time, made his daughter feel utterly cherished. In doing so, it celebrates the unsung role of grandparents, the power of quality over quantity in parenting, and the quiet strength required to build something enduring.
Today, as Infosys stands as a testament to Indian innovation, and Akshata carves her own path in the public eye, the family’s story continues to inspire. It underscores that behind every great enterprise are personal stories of love, sacrifice, and reconnection. Akshata’s first memory—of a kind visitor who spoke English, bent no rules, and crowned her a princess—encapsulates the beauty in those imperfect yet meaningful moments.
In reflecting on her father’s influence, Akshata provides a powerful reminder: the impressions we leave on our children, no matter the circumstances, often stem from presence in the moments that matter most. For the Murthys, those visits forged a foundation of love that has withstood time, distance, and success. As India and the world look to families like theirs for models of achievement and integrity, Akshata’s words add a deeply human chapter to their celebrated legacy.
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