Lessons from the Kalyani Feud: Business, Bonding, and Beyond

This article was first published in the Financial Express on January 14, 2025; 

https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-lessons-from-the-kalyani-feud-business-bonding-and-beyond-3715186/

Behind the dazzling success of family businesses lies an often-untold story—the story of tangled emotions, power struggles, and fractured relationships. While these enterprises drive economies and legacies, they can also unravel spectacularly when trust erodes and clarity falters. The recent Kalyani family feud reminds us that even the most illustrious dynasties are vulnerable to internal discord. It’s a cinematic tale of ambition and inheritance, but unlike Bollywood, there’s no guaranteed happy ending. Here’s what today’s family businesses must learn if they wish to avoid their own Shakespearean tragedy.

Simplify Ownership: Don’t Let Shares Become Shackles

If assets and shares are the kingdom, let there be no pretenders to the throne. Clearly defined ownership structures and a single, ironclad will are non-negotiable. The will’s existence, location, and witnesses must be transparent, even if its contents remain confidential. Think of it as writing the script to avoid future drama—the kind where the climax unfolds in courtrooms rather than boardrooms.

Professionalize the Company: Let Business, Not Battles, Define You

A family business must be a fortress, impervious to emotional storms. By bringing in non-family executives, independent directors, implementing strong governance, and creating a culture of accountability, the business can weather any familial discord. Think of this as hiring the best defense—not just for the company, but for the family’s dignity. After all, the world respects businesses that rise above personal feuds.

Don’t Pass Down the Baggage: Leave a Legacy, Not a Mess

The scars of one generation’s disputes can become the chains that bind the next. Messy inheritances and unresolved tensions drive away the very heirs who could lead the company into its future. Don’t make your children the custodians of your unfinished battles. If clarity eludes you, seek counsel from those who can guide you—before it’s too late.

Build Bonds Before Businesses: Family First, Always

What is a business empire worth if its architects are estranged? Strong family values and deep emotional bonds are the real bedrock of a legacy. Invest in open communication, shared values, and meaningful traditions. As one Hindi movie taught us, “Bade bade shehron mein chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hain.” But let’s ensure those “chhoti chhoti baatein” (or even bigger ones) don’t snowball into public scandals.

Create a Playbook for Peace: Disputes Need Rules Too

Even the closest families clash. The key is to argue constructively. Pre-agreed mechanisms like family councils, mediators, or arbitration can transform battles into dialogues. Think of it as putting a referee on the field—someone who ensures the game doesn’t turn into a brawl. This simple step can prevent internal strife from spilling onto the streets (or the headlines).

Conclusion

Family businesses are a delicate dance between legacy and liability, love and loss. The Kalyani saga is a sobering reminder that the current generation of family business owners must put their house and business in order. As you reflect on the lessons above, remember: “You’ve got to hold on to what you’ve got, it doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not…” Those Bon Jovi lyrics remind us that what truly matters is holding on—to the business, yes, but more importantly, to each other.