Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, the celebrated author and philanthropist Sudha Murthy, recently graced The Kapil Sharma Show to share their heartwarming and humorous journey together. The audience was treated to light-hearted anecdotes from their lives, including an amusing story about Narayana’s first meeting with Sudha’s father. This story, shared by Sudha, offers a glimpse into the couple’s strong bond and shared values.
A Humorous First Meeting with High Aspirations
Recalling the day Narayana first met her father, Sudha shared how he arrived two hours late. His taxi had broken down, but rather than letting the delay dampen his spirits, Narayana saw this as an opportunity to make a lasting impression. Upon arrival, he confidently informed Sudha’s father of his grand aspirations, mentioning his interest in entering politics and establishing an orphanage.
While her father was initially puzzled by Narayana’s unusual introduction, Sudha’s father had a high regard for her, seeing her as a prize due to her engineering background—a field with few women at the time. “My father was very punctual,” Sudha noted, adding humorously that Narayana likely assumed his ambitious plans would impress her father, even if he arrived late.
The Mutual Respect Behind Their Success
The Murthys’ story goes beyond this first meeting; it’s about mutual respect, shared values, and their desire to make a positive impact. Narayana Murthy co-founded Infosys in 1981, which would grow into one of India’s largest IT services companies, revolutionizing the industry. Sudha, with her background in literature and philanthropy, has since become a notable author and the driving force behind the Infosys Foundation. Her work has significantly impacted education, healthcare, and rural development in India, reflecting her commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities.
The Making of Infosys: A Testament to Trust and Partnership
A standout moment of their life together was when Sudha supported Narayana’s dream of starting Infosys. When Narayana shared his vision of transforming India’s software industry, Sudha believed in him. To contribute to his ambitious goal, she gave him ₹10,000 from her savings—money she had carefully set aside without his knowledge. Sudha’s willingness to take a financial risk for Narayana’s dream highlights the strength of their partnership.
A Life of Simple Values Despite Success
Despite their success, both Narayana and Sudha have maintained a grounded approach to life. Sudha recounted humorous instances when her simplicity led to unexpected situations, such as airport security questioning her business class ticket because she was wearing traditional Indian attire. Sudha’s unassuming lifestyle and commitment to helping the less fortunate resonate deeply with her fans, who see her as a role model for blending success with humility.
An Endearing Love Story with a Purpose
Their love story, filled with humor, ambition, and shared purpose, continues to inspire people. Narayana once expressed that meeting Sudha felt like “a breath of fresh air.” Her positivity, kindness, and talkative nature complemented his quiet, thoughtful demeanor. Together, they have forged a life not only rich in accomplishments but also dedicated to giving back to society.
This tale of Sudha and Narayana Murthy—two individuals who came together with shared values, determination, and respect—serves as a heartening reminder of the power of love, partnership, and a life driven by purpose. Their journey proves that even the most celebrated figures remain true to their roots, showing that kindness, simplicity, and mutual respect are timeless pillars of a successful life