C. P. Krishnan Nair, Hotelier, Industrialist
Hotelier, Industrialist

C. P. Krishnan Nair

Born 9 February 1922 · Kerala — Died 17 May 2014

Founded The Leela Group, a luxury hotel chain pioneering Indian hospitality internationally.

Captain Chittarath Poovakkatt Krishnan Nair was an Indian businessman who founded The Leela Group. He was a 2010 recipient of the Padma Bhushan, given by Government of India. He was sometimes popularly known as Captain Nair due to his service in the Indian Army.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair named The Leela hotel chain after his wife, who inspired him to enter the luxury hospitality business at age 65.

The Story

1
In 1942, a 20-year-old Krishnan Nair joined the Indian Army as a wireless officer, posted in Abbottabad, where he later became aide to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, linking him directly to India’s independence movement.
2
🌍 In 1957, during a delegation visit to West Germany and a stay at Budapest’s Kempinski Hotel, Nair envisioned a luxury hotel chain in India that could rival international standards, sparking the idea for The Leela.
3💼 By 1958, Nair was already pioneering Indian textile exports with the Bleeding Madras fabric, partnering with Brooks Brothers and serving clients like Tommy Hilfiger and Macy’s, marking India’s entry into global fashion markets.
4In 1983, leveraging a 4-acre plot and 6.5 leased acres in Sahar, Mumbai, Nair founded Hotel Leelaventure Ltd., beginning construction of what would become The Leela Mumbai, opening in 1987 near the new international airport.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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At age 13, Krishnan Nair was jailed by the British for his involvement in the Indian independence movement, showing his early commitment to the cause.

🖼️

Through the Years

1 photograph from the archives
C. P. Krishnan Nair with the US president during an official meeting (2020)
C. P. Krishnan Nair with the US president during an official meeting (2020)
2020

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Kannur, Kerala
Krishnan Nair was born in a modest family in Alavil Kunnavil village, Kannur district.
1922
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Career
Joined Indian Army as Wireless Officer
At age 20, Nair joined the Indian Army, posted in Abbottabad, later becoming aide to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
1942
⚡
Career
Delegation to West Germany
Visited Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich, and Hamburg; stayed at Kempinski Hotel in Budapest, inspiring luxury hotel vision.
1957
⚡
Career
Started Bleeding Madras Fabric Export
Partnered with Brooks Brothers; exported to Tommy Hilfiger, Wal-Mart, Macy's, marking Indian textile’s global reach.
1958
⚡
Career
Founded Hotel Leelaventure Ltd.
Began construction of luxury hotel near Mumbai airport on owned and leased land in Sahar.
1983
⚡
Career
Opened The Leela Mumbai
First hotel of The Leela chain opened near Sahar International Airport, setting new luxury standards.
1987
🏅
Award
Received Padma Bhushan
Awarded Padma Bhushan by Government of India for contributions to hospitality industry.
2010
🕊️
Death
Passed Away at Age 92
Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair died, leaving behind a legacy of The Leela luxury hotels.
2014
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Nair’s father earned just ₹9 per month as a government bill collector in the 1920s, a humble start for someone who would build a multi-thousand crore empire.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

The Leela Mumbai hotel, Nair’s first luxury hotel, opened in 1987 on a 10.5-acre land plot near Sahar International Airport, a location chosen due to a lack of quality hotels nearby.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

In 1958, Nair’s Bleeding Madras fabric became a global phenomenon, supplying major international brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Wal-Mart decades before Indian textiles saw global acclaim.

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“I didn’t necessarily enter this business only for profit. I wanted to put India on the world map in the hotel business. That has happened, I think.”

— C. P. Krishnan Nair

🌱 What changed because of them

Krishnan Nair’s founding of The Leela Group introduced internationally competitive luxury hotels in India, challenging established giants like Taj and Oberoi and elevating India's hospitality standards. His efforts expanded Indian textile exports through innovations like Bleeding Madras fabric, linking Indian craftsmanship to global markets. The Leela hotels remain emblematic of Indian luxury, employing thousands and attracting global tourists.

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