Gautam Kitchlu: The Visionary Entrepreneur and Husband of Kajal Aggarwal
In the dynamic world of business and entrepreneurship, some individuals stand out not only for their achievements but also for their ability to blend tradition with innovation. One such figure is Gautam Kitchlu, a successful entrepreneur, design enthusiast, and the husband of acclaimed actress Kajal Aggarwal. From his early days in Mumbai to building leading ventures in textiles, e-commerce, and lifestyle products, Gautam has established himself as a versatile businessman. This article explores his life, career, businesses, education, net worth, and personal journey in detail.
Early Life and Background
Gautam Kitchlu was born on August 16, 1982, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He grew up in a well-established business family that specialized in textiles and home décor. His upbringing exposed him to entrepreneurship from a young age, giving him a practical understanding of manufacturing, retail, and supply chains. This background later played a crucial role in shaping his professional interests in home and lifestyle products.
Education and Academic Excellence
Education has been one of the pillars of Gautam Kitchlu’s success. He attended Cathedral & John Connon School in Mumbai before moving abroad for higher studies.
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He earned his BA in Economics and International Relations from Tufts University in the USA, where he was also part of the student senate.
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To strengthen his textile and fashion knowledge, he completed an Associate’s degree in Textile Development and Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York.
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His biggest academic milestone came when he pursued an MBA from INSEAD in 2011, specializing in finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship.
This blend of economics, textiles, and business strategy gave him a unique perspective on combining creativity with business acumen.
Professional Journey
Director at Tracon ESPL
Since 2003, Gautam has been a Director at Tracon ESPL, a design-focused manufacturer and exporter of custom home textiles. The company is recognized as one of India’s leading producers of high-quality textiles for global markets. His role has been instrumental in business development, marketing, and operations, maintaining the company’s position in the competitive textile industry for over two decades.
Founder of Discern Living
In 2015, Gautam founded Discern Living, an innovative interior design and e-commerce venture. The platform combined content, community, and commerce, offering customers curated design solutions and home décor products. For nearly nine years, until August 2023, he worked to build a discovery platform that transformed how people approached decorating their homes. Discern Living became known for bringing together design experts, technology, and consumers in a single ecosystem.
Co-Founder & CEO of The Elephant Company
Before Discern Living, Gautam co-founded The Elephant Company in 2013. This lifestyle brand specialized in colorful, designer home and living products that fused Indian heritage with a modern, global aesthetic. The company’s mission was to make everyday life interesting by offering functional yet stylish accessories. Under his leadership, The Elephant Company attracted a growing urban audience seeking chic lifestyle solutions.
Vice President at FabFurnish.com
Gautam also worked as Vice President at FabFurnish.com, an e-commerce retailer of furniture and home décor backed by Rocket Internet. During his tenure from 2012 to 2013, he gained hands-on experience in large-scale online retail, consumer behavior, and supply chain management. This role prepared him for his future ventures in omni-channel retail.
Other Corporate Experience
His career also includes valuable experience in finance and advisory:
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LinkedIn (2011): MBA summer intern during his INSEAD program.
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KPMG (2009–2010): Worked in strategic and commercial intelligence, focusing on private equity and pre-deal advisory across sectors like real estate, agriculture, retail, and education.
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Merrill Lynch (2001): Summer analyst role, where he first gained exposure to global finance and investment banking.
These roles helped him develop strong expertise in finance, strategy, and emerging markets.
Specialties and Interests
Gautam Kitchlu’s professional expertise covers a wide range of specialties including e-commerce, retail, finance, strategy, entrepreneurship, branding, operations, and product development. He has a strong interest in consumer internet, luxury products, digital marketing, and lifestyle design. His ability to adapt across industries reflects his entrepreneurial spirit.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2025, Gautam Kitchlu’s estimated net worth is around ₹187 crore (approximately USD 21.7 million). His income sources include profits from his family business Tracon ESPL, previous ventures like The Elephant Company and Discern Living, and multiple corporate affiliations. His financial growth mirrors his ability to scale businesses in competitive markets like textiles, lifestyle, and online retail.
Height, Age, and Personal Details
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Date of Birth: August 16, 1982
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Age: 43 years old (as of 2025)
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Height: Approximately 5 ft 7 in (170–173 cm)
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Nationality: Indian
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Profession: Entrepreneur, Businessman
Personal Life and Marriage to Kajal Aggarwal
One of the most widely known aspects of Gautam Kitchlu’s personal life is his marriage to popular Indian actress Kajal Aggarwal. The couple tied the knot on October 30, 2020, in an intimate ceremony in Mumbai.
Their relationship began as friendship, grew into love, and culminated in marriage after years of knowing each other. The couple welcomed their son Neil in 2022. Gautam and Kajal often share glimpses of their family life, presenting a perfect balance between stardom and simplicity.
Kajal’s Husband: A Perfect Blend of Glamour and Business
Gautam is frequently introduced as “Kajal Aggarwal’s husband,” but his identity is much more than that. While Kajal is admired for her film career, Gautam complements her life with his grounded business background. Together, they represent a balance of Bollywood glamour and entrepreneurial excellence.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
With over 22 years of experience across industries, Gautam Kitchlu continues to build his legacy as an entrepreneur. His ventures reflect a commitment to design, innovation, and sustainability. In the future, he is expected to focus on expanding into digital platforms, consumer luxury products, and emerging markets while continuing his contributions to home and lifestyle sectors.
Conclusion
Gautam Kitchlu is not just a successful businessman but also a visionary who bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. His career spans diverse experiences in textiles, retail, e-commerce, and finance. From being a director at Tracon ESPL to founding innovative ventures like Discern Living and The Elephant Company, Gautam has consistently demonstrated leadership, creativity, and strategic thinking. His personal journey, highlighted by his marriage to actress Kajal Aggarwal, adds a touch of warmth and recognition to his already impressive profile. At 43, with a strong portfolio of achievements and a growing net worth, Gautam Kitchlu continues to be a name synonymous with entrepreneurship, design, and inspiration.
