Deep Kalra Biography: Pioneering India’s Travel Revolution
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- July 19, 2025
Deep Kalra, born May 18, 1969, in Hyderabad, India, is the founder and chairman of MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel platform. Known for his innovative vision, Deep Kalra transformed travel booking, making it accessible and convenient. This biography explores his early life, career highlights, struggles, controversies, personal life, social media presence, philanthropy, and lesser-known facts, highlighting his influence in 2025.
About Deep Kalra
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deep Kalra |
| Born | May 18, 1969, Hyderabad, India |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip |
| Notable Work | MakeMyTrip, Ashoka University, I am Gurgaon |
| Marital Status | Married to Amrita Kalra |
| Children | One son, one daughter |
| Net Worth | ~$150 million (2024, est.) |
| Awards | Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2011), KPMG Digital Influencer (2012) |
Deep Kalra’s Early Life
Hyderabad and Delhi Roots
Born in Hyderabad, Deep Kalra grew up in Delhi and Ahmedabad. His parents, rooted in a Hindu family, valued education, shaping his ambitious mindset. He attended St. Columba’s School in Delhi, where Shah Rukh Khan, two years his senior, studied under the same mentor, Brother Eric Dsouza.
Academic Excellence
Deep earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, in 1990. He then pursued an MBA at IIM Ahmedabad, graduating in 1992. His time at IIM-A exposed him to brilliant minds, humbling him and fueling his entrepreneurial drive.
Struggles and Down Phases
Early Career Setbacks
After IIM, Deep joined ABN AMRO Bank but left after three years, finding banking unfulfilling. His first entrepreneurial venture, AMF Bowling, aimed to bring bowling alleys to India but failed to compete with brands like McDonald’s, closing after four years.
Dotcom Bust Challenges
Launching MakeMyTrip in 2000, Deep faced the dotcom crash, losing all venture capital funding. The 9/11 attacks and SARS outbreak further crippled travel demand. Consequently, 18 of his 42 employees left, and Deep went without a salary for 18 months.
Career Highlights
Founding MakeMyTrip
Inspired by selling his wife’s car online, Deep Kalra founded MakeMyTrip in 2000 to simplify travel booking. Initially targeting U.S.-India travelers, he pivoted to India’s domestic market by 2005. The 2010 NASDAQ listing raised $70 million, valuing the company at $800 million.
Strategic Acquisitions
In 2016, Deep led MakeMyTrip’s $1.8 billion acquisition of Goibibo and RedBus, strengthening its hotel and bus booking segments. By 2025, MakeMyTrip’s revenue exceeds $500 million, with innovations like AI-driven travel planning solidifying its market leadership.
Personal Life
Deep is married to Amrita Kalra, and they have a son and a daughter. Living in Gurgaon, he values family time, often traveling or enjoying nature walks. A literature enthusiast, Deep finds balance through reading and maintains a low-key lifestyle despite his success.
Controversies
Limited Public Disputes
Deep Kalra maintains a clean public image with few controversies. However, the 2016 Goibibo acquisition faced scrutiny for integration challenges, with some employees citing cultural clashes. Deep addressed these by fostering transparent leadership, resolving issues swiftly.
Industry Criticism
In 2024, competitors criticized MakeMyTrip’s dominance, alleging it pressured hotels for exclusive deals. Deep refuted these claims, emphasizing fair partnerships. Posts on X also questioned MakeMyTrip’s pricing transparency, but Deep’s team clarified policies, maintaining trust.
Social Media Presence
With a private X account (@deepkalra) and 10,000 followers, Deep keeps a low profile. His LinkedIn (20,000 followers) shares MakeMyTrip updates and leadership insights. A 2025 X post praising his empathetic leadership at Isha Yoga Center gained 1,500 likes, reflecting his influence.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Shah Rukh Khan Connection: Studied at St. Columba’s with SRK under Brother Eric Dsouza.
- Bowling Venture: Launched 200 bowling lanes in India before closing AMF Bowling.
- No Salary Sacrifice: Went unpaid for 18 months during MakeMyTrip’s early struggles.
- Liberal Arts Advocate: Co-founded Ashoka University, wishing he’d studied liberal arts.
- Nature Lover: Enjoys leisurely walks and supports Gurgaon’s environmental initiatives.
- IIM Humbling: Found IIM-A peers “super-smart,” shaping his hiring philosophy.
- Mentor-Driven: Credits Naukri.com’s Sanjeev Bikhchandani as a key mentor.
- Angel Investor: Invested in 20 startups, including Lyskraft and Scripbox in 2024.
Philanthropy
Through the MakeMyTrip Foundation, Deep champions environmental sustainability and education. He co-founded “I am Gurgaon,” improving the city’s quality of life through tree planting and waste management. As a founding member of Ashoka University, he supports liberal arts education. Additionally, his work with Udayan Care aids orphaned children, reflecting his commitment to social impact.
Current Status and Influence
In 2025, Deep Kalra serves as MakeMyTrip’s Group Chairman, focusing on AI innovations and global expansion. With a $150 million net worth, he remains a mentor at Ashoka University and TiE Delhi. His leadership shapes India’s digital travel landscape, inspiring entrepreneurs nationwide.
Conclusion
This Deep Kalra biography traces a journey of resilience and innovation. From surviving the dotcom crash to building MakeMyTrip into a $500 million giant, Deep Kalra revolutionized travel. His philanthropy, like supporting Ashoka University and I am Gurgaon, reflects his commitment to society. In 2025, his empathetic leadership and AI focus continue to drive India’s startup ecosystem.
