Leela Krishnan Nair, wife of late Capt. C P Krishnan Nair, the founder of The Leela Group, passed away on 16th May 2021..
Leela Krishnan Nair was the woman behind the success of hospitality tycoon Captain C P Krishnan Nair. As a life partner, she had always motivated Krishnan Nair and supported him as a pillar in all his business and during various crises along their journey. Krishnan Nair had said that Leela’s advices have helped him a great deal in overcoming his struggles. Krishnan Nair started his ventures in her name as a tribute to his beloved wife.
Krishnan Nair built his first hotel in Sahar, Bombay, at the age of 65 when the average Indian aspires to retire. The proximity of the airport and Leela’s firm support prompted Krishnan Nair to take up the challenges of hotel management. Leela used to accompany Krishnan Nair on foreign trips related to the marketing of Leela Lace. It was those trips that prompted Krishnan Nair to enter the hotel industry. Leela and Krishnan Nair kept high standards for their vision of hospitality, aspiring to be with the likes of the Kempinski brand of hotels from Switzerland and Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, New York.
It was almost coincidental that in 1961 Krishnan Nair bought 11 acres of land in Sahar Mumbai from the Belgian Consulate. The place was first set by Larsen & Toubro for their research lab and Toubro’s house. L&T later withdrew after the research laboratory was not approved.
Krishnan Nair’s house was built behind the hotel and Leela was credited for the style of the gardens in Leela Hotels. It was Leela’s love of gardening that planted all the flax, flour, and grain from the country.
Krishnan Nair entered the business world from his service in the military at the insistence of Leela. When Captain CP Krishnan Nair developed ‘Leela’ into an industrial empire, it became one of the most iconic names in the business world.
After her husband passed on May 16, 2014, she survived with their sons Mr. Vivek Nair, Chairman & Managing Director, Leela Group and Mr. Dinesh Nair, Deputy Managing Director, Leela Group, and their families and now with just one day to go before the seventh death anniversary of Krishnan Nair, his beloved wife Leela began the eternal life with him.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts has a range of properties that celebrates the country’s diverse geography and rich architectural history. The Leela, to this day, offers a treasure of experiences for every traveller.
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