Nirupa Shankar: When One of Real Estate’s Top Leaders Took A Pause For Motherhood

In a recent episode of The Shaili Chopra Show, Nirupa Shankar—Joint Managing Director of Brigade Group and a triathlete—shared how she navigated her way from early career to leadership roles, motherhood, fitness, and beyond. Speaking to Shaili Chopra, founder of SheThePeople and Gytree, Nirupa opened up about the challenges, choices, and trade-offs that shaped her path as a woman in the male-dominated real estate industry.

Growing up & early influences

Her early career days provided exposure to various industries and top leaders. Eventually, Nirupa found her niche in the hotel space, considering it the most complex asset form in real estate.

While Nirupa acknowledges her family’s business background, she firmly rejects the notion that a career is shaped solely by chance or privilege. Instead, she highlights a more persistent challenge: the loneliness of being taken seriously in male-dominated spaces.

From being one of the first leaders to introduce proptech in India to establishing and scaling several hospitality ventures, Nirupa's professional journey has been a study in perseverance and resolve.

Parenthood, fitness, and reinvention

Nirupa revealed that she was clear about prioritising marriage and motherhood only in the later part of her life. "In my 20s, I was discovering myself and the career path to walk on."

After the birth of her children at 33 and 37, she stepped away from work for some months. However, while this was a break on paper, Nirupa used that time to 'reinvent' herself professionally and personally. 

Nirupa revealed that after her first child, she had gained over 25 kilos, pushing her to transform her lifestyle. She started strength training and running, which soon became a defining moment in her fitness journey.

I ran my first 10k when I was 35 years old. -Nirupa Shankar

Eventually, this led her to triathlons. "When I first heard of the Ironman triathlon, I thought, 'This is too difficult for me. It seems impossible!' But I just set myself a goal of doing it when I am 40."

This promise became a gift to herself. She began training - started with shorter distances, had a second baby along the way, navigated career changes, rebuilt momentum each time life intervened, and finally, ran her first Ironman at 40.

While Nirupa’s determination is inspiring, her self-awareness is equally striking. In her early 40s, she took a break from endurance sport. “It was difficult. My body was just rebelling,” she revealed, emphasising the importance of rest and recovery.

During this period, she channelled her energy into her professional life. "I keep setting new goals for myself. I'm very dogged about doing something, and I'm not afraid of the hard work or how long a goal might take me."

What is Nirupa like as a parent?

Nirupa characterises herself as an easy-going and very conversational mother. She spends most weekends with her children, focusing on creating "core memories" through experiencing tiny moments with her kids.

She also revealed, "I have faced some judgment for my busy schedule. People said, 'Why does she have to do a triathlon? Does she even have time for kids?' However, I largely disregarded these."

Nirupa added, "Most of the comments I receive are positive because people see my efforts to be present for birthday parties, PTMs, and school events."

Why Nirupa's story resonates with women

Nirupa's story is not defined by singular milestones but by her ability to evolve across life’s phases with intention, a goal, and a steady commitment to moving forward. 

Whether navigating leadership in a male-dominated industry, redefining fitness after motherhood, or stepping back when her body demanded rest, she has consistently chosen growth over comfort. 

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