Meet Syesha Kapoor, the elusive daughter of Padma Bhushan recipient Alka Yagnik

Legendary playback singer Alka Yagnik, best known for her chartbusters ‘Ek Do Teen’, ‘Tip Tip Barsa Pani’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ and so on was recently conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours, on June 23, 2026.The singer, who was diagnosed with a rare hearing disorder in 2024, made a public appearance for the first time since her diagnosis. “This moment feels especially meaningful because it marks not just a recognition of my work, but a reminder of the strength that comes from love, hope, and resilience. I am slowly finding my way back, and I wanted to be here today - not only for myself, but for each and every one of you who have been a part of this journey,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.Alka Yagnik’s Padma Bhushan honour has also brought fresh attention to her family, especially her only daughter, Syesha Kapoor, who has largely stayed away from the spotlight.

Who is Syesha Kapoor?

While most star kids follow in their parents’ footsteps, Syesha Kapoor chose to lead a life away from the limelight. She did not gravitate towards films or glamour; rather, she took a different path. Over the years, she has earned recognition and respect as a professional in the hospitality and food industry.

Syesha Kapoor is the only daughter of veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik and businessman Neeraj Kapoor. Over the years, Syesha Kapoor’s striking physical resemblance to her mother has caught public attention, and yet she has maintained a notably low profile.

A career in hospitality and food

Rather than chasing the spotlight or leveraging her mother’s legendary status, she chose to build a career away from the limelight, earning recognition and respect through professional accomplishments in her chosen field.

She pursued hospitality and marketing. She attended the London School of Marketing and the prestigious Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Marbella, Spain, according to ETNow.

After completing an MBA in Marketing for Hospitality, she worked her way up to leadership roles. She has worked for more than a decade across hospitality, restaurant management, and brand strategy. At present, she is the National Head of Key Accounts and On-Trade Sales at Raincheck Earth, the company behind Cherrapunji Craft Gin.

Prior to joining the company, she worked at Aspect Hospitality, eventually becoming its Deputy Vice President. She played a crucial role in business growth and operations during her stint there. In the early days of her career, she also worked with Zomato.Syesha Kapoor is also an entrepreneur and owns Boveda Bistro, a popular cosmopolitan hangout in Andheri West, Mumbai. “Since my first event stint with Indigo Cafe (where I interned as the assistant to the dessert chef), I have dreamt of having my own restaurant,” she told Posit.

The all-day breakfast menu is one of the key attractions of the place. She believes strongly in word of mouth and therefore ensures customers are always impressed.

“Keeping up the standard of food and service is easier said than done. It’s not an easy task to maintain the ‘same’ quality and be consistent. If one can achieve that, there is no reason to fear. People will hear about you from friends and family and keep coming back!” she said.

Syesha Kapoor’s family

Syesha Kapoor is married to businessman Amit Desai. The pair tied the knot in 2018. The couple hosted a grand reception in Mumbai, which was attended by Govinda, Kumar Sanu, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and many other celebrities.As Alka Yagnik continues her remarkable journey of healing and resilience, her daughter Syesha Kapoor remains her biggest cheerleader and support on this journey.