Aditi Arya: Miss India 2015, Yale MBA & Jay Kotak Wife (Update 2026)

Aditi Arya is an Indian actress, model, beauty pageant titleholder, and Yale MBA graduate who rose to national fame after being crowned Femina Miss India World 2015. Born on September 18, 1993, in Chandigarh, this former research analyst at Ernst & Young has successfully transitioned from corporate life to entertainment, working in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi films.

In November 2023, she married Jay Kotak, son of billionaire banker Uday Kotak, becoming one of India’s most talked-about power couples. Her journey from a middle-class family in Chandigarh to the glamorous worlds of beauty pageants, Bollywood, and high society represents a modern Indian success story.

Quick Bio About Aditi Arya

Who is Aditi Arya?

Aditi Arya is a multi-talented Indian personality who has made her mark in beauty pageants, acting, modeling, and business. She gained widespread recognition when she won the prestigious Femina Miss India World title on March 28, 2015, at Yash Raj Films Studio in Mumbai. Following her pageant success, she represented India at Miss World 2015 held in China, where she was crowned Miss Beautiful Hair and won the Miss Sudoku title.

Unlike many beauty queens who come from film backgrounds, Aditi’s path was unique. She worked as a research analyst at Ernst & Young, one of the world’s big four accounting firms, before entering the pageant world. Her nickname “Adi” is what family and close friends call her, and she’s known for her down-to-earth personality despite her glamorous achievements.

Today, Aditi Arya is recognized not just as a former Miss India but also as an accomplished actress who has appeared in multiple South Indian films and web series, a Yale School of Management MBA graduate, and the wife of Jay Kotak, making her the daughter-in-law of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s founder Uday Kotak.

Early Life and Family Background

Childhood in Chandigarh

Aditi Arya was born on Saturday, September 18, 1993, in Chandigarh, India, making her a Virgo by zodiac sign. She grew up in a middle-class family with strong values and education-focused parents. Her father, Devinder Kumar Arya, and mother, Poonam Arya, always encouraged their daughters to pursue both academics and co-curricular activities.

Growing up in Chandigarh, Aditi had a normal childhood filled with school activities, friends, and family time. She has one younger sister named Diya Arya, with whom she shares a close bond. The Arya family maintained a balanced approach to raising their daughters, emphasizing both traditional values and modern education.

Parents and Siblings

Aditi’s parents, Devinder Kumar Arya and Poonam Arya, played a crucial role in shaping her personality and ambitions. They supported her decision to participate in beauty pageants even while she was working a corporate job, understanding that she wanted to represent India on international platforms.

Her sister Diya Arya has always been supportive of Aditi’s career choices. The sisters often appear together on Aditi’s social media, showcasing their strong family bond. The Arya family celebrates festivals together and maintains their roots despite Aditi’s growing fame and marriage into one of India’s wealthiest families.

Education Journey

Schooling Years

Aditi Arya began her education at Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School in Chandigarh, where she was an active student participating in various co-curricular activities. She wasn’t just focused on academics; Aditi took part in debates, cultural programs, and sports during her school years.

Later, her family moved to Gurgaon, where she enrolled at Amity International School. During her time at Amity, Aditi continued to excel both in studies and extracurricular activities. She was particularly interested in theater and performing arts, which would later influence her career choices.

College and University Education

After completing her schooling, Aditi enrolled at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, part of Delhi University, to pursue a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS). During her college days, she actively participated in street theatre, showcasing her passion for performing arts. This experience in theatre helped her develop confidence and stage presence that would prove invaluable during her beauty pageant days.

Yale School of Management MBA

One of Aditi Arya’s most impressive achievements is completing her MBA from Yale School of Management in New Haven, Connecticut. She enrolled in this prestigious program through Ernst & Young’s Young Leaders Programme, which sponsored talented employees for advanced education at top business schools.

Aditi attended Yale from 2021 to 2023, balancing her studies with her acting commitments. In May 2023, she graduated with her MBA, with fiancé Jay Kotak posting a congratulatory message on social media that also revealed their engagement. The Yale MBA not only enhanced her business acumen but also expanded her network in the global business community.

Her time at Yale represents the “beauty with brains” narrative that she embodies – successfully combining glamour with serious academic and professional credentials.

Career Journey

Corporate Career at Ernst & Young

Before entering the glamorous world of beauty pageants, Aditi Arya had a solid corporate career. After completing her graduation, she started working as an advisory member at Empezar in Delhi in 2014. However, her major corporate stint was at Ernst & Young, one of the big four accounting firms globally.

At EY, Aditi worked as a research analyst, dealing with financial research, data analysis, and advisory services. She was part of EY’s Young Leaders Programme, which identified high-potential employees and provided them with opportunities for advanced education and career growth. Through this program, she got the chance to enroll at the Indian School of Business and later at Yale School of Management.

Working at Ernst & Young gave Aditi valuable experience in the corporate world, teaching her professionalism, analytical thinking, and business strategy – skills that would benefit her throughout her diverse career.

Beauty Pageant Success

Femina Miss India Delhi 2015

While working at Ernst & Young, Aditi decided to participate in Femina Miss India Delhi 2015. Despite being new to the pageant circuit, she impressed judges and emerged as the runner-up. This success motivated her to aim higher and participate in the national-level competition.

Femina Miss India World 2015 Victory

On March 28, 2015, Aditi Arya’s life changed forever when she was crowned Femina Miss India World 2015 at the 52nd edition of the beauty pageant held at Yash Raj Films Studio in Mumbai. The reigning queen, Koyal Rana, placed the crown on her head in front of a star-studded audience.

Winning Miss India World was no small feat. Aditi competed against hundreds of talented young women from across India. Her combination of intelligence (she was working at EY), grace, and articulate responses to judges’ questions set her apart from other contestants.

During an interview after her win, Aditi shared her thoughts: “I had always thought of representing India at an international level, if not through a beauty pageant then through other platforms such as business conferences, conclaves, events. I idolize people like Raghuram Rajan and I wanted to have opinions on growth and economy in big business papers.”

Miss World 2015 Experience

As Femina Miss India World 2015, Aditi represented India at Miss World 2015, held in China. While she didn’t win the overall title, she made India proud by winning two subsidiary titles:

• Miss Beautiful Hair – recognizing her gorgeous, thick black hair
• Miss Sudoku – showcasing her intelligence and problem-solving abilities

The Miss World experience exposed Aditi to global cultures, international media, and networking opportunities that would benefit her future endeavors. She competed alongside beauty queens from over 100 countries, learning grace under pressure and developing diplomatic skills.

Videocon Youth Icon

After winning Femina Miss India World 2015, Indian multinational conglomerate Videocon appointed Aditi as the youth icon for its annual national-level talent hunt called “Young Manch.” As a jury member and brand ambassador, she helped identify and mentor young talent across India, giving back to the community that had supported her journey.

Modeling Career

Following her pageant success, Aditi Arya became a sought-after model for various brands and publications.

Print Campaigns and Brand Endorsements

Aditi featured in print shoots for several popular brands:

• Miss Diva Fragrance – As a former Miss India, she was the perfect face for this beauty brand
• Flying Machine – The youth-focused denim brand leveraged her appeal to young consumers
• Hazoorilal Jewellers – Her elegance made her ideal for traditional jewelry campaigns

Television Commercials

Aditi appeared in high-profile TV commercials alongside Bollywood superstars:

• #NayiSoch Campaign with Aamir Khan – This thought-provoking advertising campaign promoted progressive thinking
• Head & Shoulders with Ranveer Singh – The popular hair care brand commercial showcased her beautiful hair, which had won her the Miss Beautiful Hair title at Miss World

Music Videos

In 2017, Aditi was featured in the music video “Tum Hardafa Ho” by singer and composer Ankit Tiwari. The romantic song showcased her screen presence and acting potential, paving the way for her acting career.

Magazine Covers

Aditi has graced the covers of prestigious magazines including:

• Femina India – Multiple times as a brand ambassador
• Grazia – Fashion and lifestyle coverage

These magazine features established her as a fashion icon and style influencer, increasing her visibility in the entertainment industry.

Acting Career

Telugu Film Debut: Ism (2016)

Aditi Arya made her acting debut with the Telugu film “Ism” (2016), directed by Puri Jagannadh. She played the role of Alia Khan opposite Nandamuri Kalyan Ram.

The director was searching for a fresh face when he discovered Aditi through a Mumbai-based talent management agency. She attended several acting workshops before starting the shoot, determined to give her best performance despite being new to cinema.

While “Ism” received mixed reviews, Aditi’s screen presence was appreciated, and it opened doors for more South Indian film opportunities.

Web Series: Digital Platform Success

Aditi found significant success on digital platforms:

Tantra (2017) – She made her digital debut with this Voot Original Hindi web series, playing the role of Sunaina. The thriller series, directed by Vikram Bhatt, dealt with supernatural elements and gave Aditi a chance to showcase her acting range.

Spotlight 2 (2018) – In this Viu web series, she played Jyotika, further establishing her presence in the digital entertainment space.

Sumer Singh Case Files: Girlfriends (2021) – Returning to Voot, Aditi played Ananya in this crime thriller series, demonstrating her versatility in different genres.

The web series format allowed Aditi to take on more complex, nuanced characters than traditional cinema might have offered a newcomer.

Telugu and Tamil Film: Seven (2019)

In 2019, Aditi appeared in the Telugu film “Seven,” which was also released in Tamil. This bilingual film expanded her reach across South Indian markets and established her as a credible actress in regional cinema.

Kannada Film Debut: Kurukshetra (2019)

Aditi made her Kannada film debut with “Kurukshetra” (2019), where she played the character Uttara. This mythological film based on the Mahabharata featured an ensemble cast and was a significant production in Kannada cinema.

Her willingness to work in multiple South Indian film industries showed her dedication to building a diverse acting portfolio rather than limiting herself to one language or region.

Hindi Web Film: Unlock (2020)

During the pandemic, Aditi starred in “Unlock” (2020), a Hindi film released on ZEE5. She played the role of Riddhi in this thriller that dealt with themes relevant to the COVID-19 lockdown period.

Bollywood Debut: 83 (2021)

Aditi’s most prestigious acting role came in 2021 when she was cast in Kabir Khan’s biographical sports film “83.” She played Inderjit Amarnath, the wife of former Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath (one of the heroes of India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup victory).

The film starred Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev and featured a ensemble cast recreating India’s historic World Cup win. Being part of such a significant Bollywood production marked Aditi’s successful entry into Hindi cinema.

During a press conference for “83,” when asked about her interest in cricket, Aditi said: “You cannot escape the game if you are Indian! But I’ve never had brothers or friends who would drag me to watch cricket. My interest in it developed after I became part of 83. I now keep track of IPL scores and have become a fan of Mumbai Indians.”

Philanthropy and Social Work

Beyond glamour and entertainment, Aditi Arya is deeply committed to social causes and giving back to society.

Work with Underprivileged Children

Aditi actively works to provide basic amenities and education to underprivileged children across India. During an interview, she shared: “I did teach a child with cognitive disabilities and I do keep guiding people about career, be it my driver’s son or others.”

This hands-on approach to philanthropy shows her genuine commitment rather than just symbolic association with causes.

Association with NGOs

Aditi has worked with several non-profit organizations:

• Amitasha – An organization working for various social causes
• Protsahan – Focused on empowering marginalized communities
• Supported Decision Making – Helping individuals with disabilities make informed life choices

Her involvement with these organizations includes volunteering time, raising awareness on social media, and participating in fundraising events.

Focus on Education and Career Guidance

Given her own educational journey from a regular college to Yale School of Management, Aditi is passionate about guiding young people in their career choices. She regularly interacts with students, shares her experiences, and mentors those who seek her guidance.

Personal Life and Marriage

Relationship with Jay Kotak

Aditi Arya’s personal life took center stage when she got engaged to Jay Kotak, the son of billionaire banker Uday Kotak, founder and former CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank.

While the couple kept their relationship private for years, Jay Kotak publicly confirmed their engagement in May 2023 through a social media post congratulating Aditi on her Yale MBA graduation. According to some sources, they had been engaged since 2022 but chose to keep it private until Aditi completed her studies.

Jay Kotak is a banker and entrepreneur who serves as co-head of Kotak 811, the bank’s digital platform. Like Aditi, he is well-educated and comes from a business-oriented family. The couple reportedly shares common interests in business, education, and social causes.

Wedding Details (November 2023)

Aditi Arya and Jay Kotak tied the knot on November 7, 2023, in a grand destination wedding that was one of the most talked-about events in India’s business and entertainment circles.

Wedding Festivities

The wedding celebrations took place across multiple locations:

Udaipur, Rajasthan – The main wedding ceremony was held at the luxurious Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur, known for hosting high-profile celebrity weddings. The picturesque lakeside palace provided a fairy-tale backdrop for the couple’s special day.

Mumbai Reception – A grand reception was held at Jio World Centre in Mumbai, where the who’s who of India’s business elite attended. Mukesh and Nita Ambani personally blessed the couple, highlighting the social connections between India’s most powerful business families.

The wedding was a perfect blend of traditional Indian ceremonies and modern elegance, with both families ensuring every detail was meticulously planned.

Life as Mrs. Kotak

After marriage, Aditi became part of one of India’s wealthiest and most influential families. Uday Kotak, her father-in-law, has a net worth estimated at over Rs 3,66,000 crore, making him one of India’s richest individuals.

Despite marrying into extreme wealth, Aditi has maintained her independent identity, continuing to pursue her acting career and social work. She often shares glimpses of her life on Instagram while maintaining privacy about family matters.

The couple currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts, where they balance their professional commitments while making regular trips to India.

Physical Appearance

Aditi Arya possesses the classic beauty that made her a successful pageant contestant and model.

Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) – Her tall stature was perfect for pageants and modeling
Weight: Approximately 55 kg (121 lbs)
Figure Measurements: 32-24-34 – A well-proportioned physique maintained through fitness
Hair Color: Black – Her thick, lustrous black hair won her the Miss Beautiful Hair title
Eye Color: Dark Brown – Expressive eyes that enhance her screen presence
Skin Tone: Fair to medium
Distinctive Features: High cheekbones, bright smile, graceful posture

Aditi maintains her fitness through regular yoga, gym workouts, and a balanced diet. She believes in natural beauty and healthy living rather than extreme measures, which resonates with her followers on social media.

Social Media Presence

Aditi Arya has a strong social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she connects with fans and shares her life journey.

Instagram (@aryaaditi)

With over 342,000 followers on Instagram, Aditi regularly posts about:

• Behind-the-scenes from film shoots
• Fashion and style inspiration
• Travel experiences
• Philanthropic work
• Glimpses of married life with Jay Kotak
• Throwback photos from her Miss India days
• Fitness and wellness tips
• Professional photoshoots

Her Instagram aesthetic balances glamour with authenticity, showing both red carpet appearances and casual moments, making her relatable to followers.

Twitter/X

Aditi has approximately 20,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), where she shares professional updates, social causes she supports, and occasional personal thoughts. Her Twitter presence is more formal compared to her visual-heavy Instagram.

Engagement with Fans

Unlike some celebrities who maintain distance, Aditi often responds to fan comments, shares fan art, and acknowledges the support she receives. This approach has helped her build a loyal following that has stayed with her through her various career transitions.

Net Worth and Financial Status

Estimated Net Worth

While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Aditi Arya’s net worth is estimated to be between $2-3 million USD (approximately Rs 16-25 crore). This estimation is based on:

• Earnings from films and web series
• Modeling contracts and brand endorsements
• Pageant prize money and associated opportunities
• Investments and savings from her corporate career

It’s important to note that after her marriage to Jay Kotak, she has access to significantly more wealth through her husband’s family. However, Aditi maintains her financial independence through her own earnings.

Sources of Income

Acting Projects: Films and web series in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi
Brand Endorsements: Commercial deals with Flying Machine, Hazoorilal Jewellers, Miss Diva, and others
Modeling Assignments: Print campaigns and runway shows
Social Media Collaborations: Sponsored posts and brand partnerships on Instagram
Public Appearances: Events, award shows, and guest appearances
Investment Income: Returns from investments made during her corporate career and afterward

Lifestyle

Despite marrying into one of India’s wealthiest families, Aditi maintains a relatively grounded lifestyle. She focuses on meaningful work, education, and social causes rather than excessive displays of wealth. Her social media shows a balanced life of work, travel, family time, and self-care.

Favorites and Preferences

Understanding Aditi’s personal preferences gives insight into her personality:

Favorite Beverage: Coffee – She’s often seen with a coffee cup in her Instagram stories
Favorite Actors: Farhan Akhtar, Vicky Kaushal – She admires their versatility and method acting
Favorite Actress: Taapsee Pannu – Appreciates strong female characters and intelligent role choices
Favorite Film Directors: Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali – Directors known for meaningful cinema
Favorite Color: Orange – A vibrant, energetic color that matches her personality
Hobbies: Music, theatre, painting, reading books
Interests: Business discussions, economic policy, social entrepreneurship

These preferences reveal Aditi as someone who values substance over superficiality, choosing to admire artists and directors known for meaningful work rather than just commercial success.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

1. Nickname: Family and close friends call her “Adi”
2. Multi-talented: Besides acting and modeling, Aditi is passionate about painting and creates artwork in her leisure time
3. Theatre Background: She actively participated in street theatre during her college days, which helped develop her acting skills
4. Corporate-Pageant Balance: Aditi worked full-time at Ernst & Young while preparing for Miss India, showing exceptional time management
5. International Education: She’s one of the few Indian beauty queens to pursue an MBA at an Ivy League-level institution like Yale
6. Multilingual Films: Aditi has worked in four different Indian film industries – Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi
7. Cricket Fan: Despite never being interested in cricket before, she became a Mumbai Indians fan after working on the film “83”
8. Role Model: She idolizes economist Raghuram Rajan and aspires to be a voice in business and economic discussions
9. Down-to-Earth: Despite her achievements and wealth, she personally teaches underprivileged children and her driver’s son
10. Privacy: She maintained her relationship with Jay Kotak private for years before going public, showing maturity in handling personal matters
11. Business Interests: Beyond entertainment, Aditi is interested in entrepreneurship and may venture into business projects
12. Fitness Enthusiast: She maintains her physique through yoga, regular gym sessions, and balanced nutrition
13. Social Causes: Actively works with children with cognitive disabilities, showing commitment beyond symbolic association
14. Yale Achievement: Balanced her MBA studies with acting commitments, demonstrating exceptional dedication
15. Power Couple: Along with Jay Kotak, represents the new generation of India’s business and entertainment elite

Complete Filmography

Films

2016

• Ism (Telugu) – as Alia Khan

2019

• Seven (Telugu/Tamil) – Supporting role
• Kurukshetra (Kannada) – as Uttara

2021

• 83 (Hindi) – as Inderjit Amarnath

Web Series

2017

• Tantra (Voot) – as Sunaina

2018

• Spotlight 2 (Viu) – as Jyotika

2020

• Unlock (ZEE5) – as Riddhi

2021

• Sumer Singh Case Files: Girlfriends (Voot) – as Ananya

Upcoming Projects

As of 2026, Aditi continues to receive offers for films and web series. She’s selective about her roles, choosing projects that offer meaningful characters rather than accepting everything that comes her way.

Awards and Achievements

• Femina Miss India World 2015 (March 28, 2015)
• Miss Beautiful Hair at Miss World 2015
• Miss Sudoku at Miss World 2015
• Videocon Young Manch Youth Icon (2015)
• Yale School of Management MBA Graduate (2023)
• Featured on covers of Femina India and Grazia magazines multiple times

FAQs About Aditi Arya

How old is Aditi Arya?

Aditi Arya is 32 years old as of 2026. She was born on September 18, 1993.

Who is Aditi Arya’s husband?

Aditi Arya is married to Jay Kotak, son of billionaire banker Uday Kotak. They got married on November 7, 2023.

What is Aditi Arya net worth?

Aditi Arya’s estimated net worth is between $2-3 million USD (approximately Rs 16-25 crore) from her acting, modeling, and endorsement work.

What is Aditi Arya height?

Aditi Arya stands 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.

When did Aditi Arya win Miss India?

Aditi Arya won Femina Miss India World title on March 28, 2015.

What is Aditi Arya’s educational qualification?

Aditi has a Bachelor of Business Studies from Delhi University and an MBA from Yale School of Management.

In which films has Aditi Arya acted?

Aditi has acted in Ism (Telugu), Seven (Telugu/Tamil), Kurukshetra (Kannada), 83 (Hindi), and multiple web series including Tantra, Spotlight 2, Unlock, and Sumer Singh Case Files: Girlfriends.

Where was Aditi Arya born?

Aditi Arya was born in Chandigarh, India.

What did Aditi Arya do before becoming Miss India?

Before winning Miss India, Aditi worked as a research analyst at Ernst & Young, one of the big four accounting firms.

Does Aditi Arya have children?

As of 2026, there is no public information about Aditi Arya and Jay Kotak having children.

What is Aditi Arya Instagram handle?

Aditi’s official Instagram handle is @aryaaditi with over 342,000 followers.

Who are Aditi Arya parents?

Aditi’s parents are Devinder Kumar Arya (father) and Poonam Arya (mother). She also has a younger sister named Diya Arya.

What titles did Aditi win at Miss World 2015?

At Miss World 2015, Aditi won Miss Beautiful Hair and Miss Sudoku titles.

Where did Aditi Arya and Jay Kotak get married?

The wedding ceremony took place at Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur, with a grand reception at Jio World Centre in Mumbai.

Is Aditi Arya still acting?

Yes, Aditi continues to act selectively in films and web series while balancing her personal life and social work.

Conclusion

Aditi Arya’s journey from a middle-class girl in Chandigarh to becoming Miss India, a Yale MBA graduate, a multilingual actress, and the daughter-in-law of one of India’s richest families is truly inspirational. What sets her apart is not just her beauty or her marriage into wealth, but her consistent focus on education, meaningful work, and social causes.

She represents the modern Indian woman who refuses to be defined by a single identity – she’s simultaneously a beauty queen, an educated professional, an actress, a philanthropist, and a businesswoman. Her story shows that with determination, education, and the right values, one can navigate different worlds successfully.

Whether she’s walking the Miss World stage, acting in a critically acclaimed film like “83,” pursuing an MBA at Yale, or teaching underprivileged children, Aditi brings the same dedication and grace. As she continues her journey, balancing her career with married life in the Kotak family, Aditi Arya remains an inspiration to young women who aspire to achieve success on their own terms.

Her life proves that you don’t have to choose between beauty and brains, between tradition and modernity, or between personal success and social responsibility. You can be all of it – and Aditi Arya is living proof.