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Rajesh Nair

Rajesh Nair is an and steel leader who has served as the (CEO) of since May 2023. With more than 36 years of experience across the Tata Steel Group, Nair has held key operational and commercial leadership roles in global markets, including chief of marketing and sales for automotive and special products from 2018 to 2021. He played a central role in the 2007 integration of the Corus Group into and has overseen several major business transformation programs. In August 2025, Nair was appointed chair of Steel, the trade association representing the 's steel industry. Prior to his CEO role, he joined as in October 2021, where he has been instrumental in reshaping the company's operations amid industry challenges. He also serves as a board member of and chairs Surahammars Bruks AB, a subsidiary in . Nair holds a in from the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) . He is a Fulbright Scholar and has completed advanced management programs at Carnegie Mellon University's and CEDEP at . Recognized as a technical innovator, he holds multiple patents related to galvanized processes.

Early life

Family background

Little is known about Rajesh Nair's family background.

Education

Nair holds a in from the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) . He is a Fulbright Scholar and has completed advanced management programs at Carnegie Mellon University's and CEDEP at .

Career

Business career

Rajesh Nair has over 36 years of experience within the Group, spanning maintenance, projects, operations in long and flat products, and global leadership roles. He began his career at in , , where he led the development and operations of the Cold Rolling Mill complex. Nair also spearheaded automotive galvanized process and product development, introducing indigenous 'galvannealed' products in , and co-holds two patents in galvanized products. His early contributions earned him the 'Steel Eighties Award' from the Indian Institute of Metals for contributions to . Nair played a central role in the 2007 acquisition and integration of the Corus Group into , as well as in technical due diligence for and leading the Group Technology programme. From 2018 to 2021, he served as Chief of Marketing and Sales for Automotive and Special Products. He later became Chief of Manufacturing for Flat Products in , overseeing 6.4 million tonnes per annum of flat production. In October 2021, Nair joined as , where he was instrumental in programs amid industry challenges. He was appointed in May 2023, continuing to reshape operations, including initiatives and strategic partnerships. Nair serves on the board of and Cogent Power Limited UK, and chairs Surahammars Bruks AB, a Tata Steel subsidiary in . He is a member of the ’s Product Sustainability Committee and WorldAutoSteel.

Entry into filmmaking

No information available; this subsection is not applicable to the subject.

Films

Directorial debut and early works

Rajesh Nair made his directorial debut with Annum Innum Ennum (2013), a drama that he also wrote and produced, delving into the complexities of relationships within modern nuclear families through interconnected stories of characters facing personal crises such as , marital discord, and separation. The film features Jishnu Raghavan as a struggling , Nishan as a corporate executive, and Siddique in a supporting role, portraying life's evolving phases with a satirical edge reminiscent of urban ensemble narratives. Critics noted its fresh character explorations and contemporary relevance but critiqued the ambiguous second-half scripting, rating it as a one-time watch for its thoughtful take on human pretensions. In the same year, Nair followed with Escape from Uganda (2013), a survival thriller that he directed, wrote, and co-produced, inspired by real-life incidents involving a Malayali couple trapped in after eloping. Starring as Shikha Samuel, who is wrongly imprisoned for murders, and Vijay Babu as her husband Jayakrishnan mounting a daring escape with help from a local fixer (), the film highlights themes of injustice, resilience, and expatriate vulnerability in a foreign land. While praised for its authentic depiction of Ugandan locales and tense action sequences, it received mixed reception for predictable plotting and logical inconsistencies, ultimately seen as an average with potential for greater impact. Nair's third directorial effort, (2015), shifted to a comedy-drama exploring NRI family dynamics and the pressures of modern , focusing on a middle-class couple's frantic efforts to secure a prestigious school admission for their young son. Featuring as the hapless father Aravindan, as his ambitious wife Priya, and as a key family figure, the narrative critiques societal obsessions with English-medium schooling and loss of childhood innocence through humorous, relatable vignettes. Reviewers appreciated its entertaining family-oriented tone and Menon's comedic timing but faulted the uneven script for preachiness, awarding it a 2.5/5 for delivering light-hearted insights into parenting challenges. Across these early works from 2013 to 2015, Nair established a style rooted in realistic narratives drawn from expatriate experiences, blending satire, thriller elements, and familial humor to address themes of displacement, relationships, and cultural adaptation among Malayalis abroad. His straightforward approach prioritized relatable character-driven stories over melodrama, reflecting personal insights into NRI life while earning acclaim for authenticity despite occasional narrative flaws.

Later directorial projects

Following his earlier forays into romantic and dramatic storytelling, Rajesh Nair's directorial efforts from 2018 onward demonstrated a marked evolution toward diverse genres, including , thrillers, and cross-regional narratives, while maintaining his focus on character-driven tensions and cultural contexts. This period saw Nair not only directing but often producing his projects, allowing for greater creative control and thematic experimentation. His films increasingly explored interpersonal dynamics amid high-stakes scenarios, shifting from lighter tones to more intense, suspenseful explorations of survival and morality. Nair's 2018 film Kalyanam marked a return to , which he directed and produced under his banner. The story centers on a young man's pursuit of love amidst expectations, featuring a light-hearted examination of modern relationships and societal pressures. Starring Shravan Mukesh in the lead and introducing to , the film blends humor with relatable emotional beats, earning praise for its breezy narrative and debut performances despite some clichéd elements. Released theatrically, it highlighted Nair's ability to infuse warmth into ensemble casts, with supporting roles by and Mukesh adding comedic depth. In 2019, Nair co-directed the action-drama , a festival-themed narrative set against the vibrant backdrop of Thrissur's annual celebrations. The film follows Pullu Giri (), a reformed drawn back into local gang rivalries, weaving high-octane sequences with themes of redemption and community loyalty. Produced independently, it featured Swathi Reddy and Vijay Babu, and was noted for its engaging action choreography and mass-appeal dialogues, though critiqued for predictable plotting. The movie's release capitalized on Thrissur's cultural significance, delivering an entertainer that resonated with audiences through its rhythmic pacing and regional flavor. Nair's pivot to thrillers became evident in Eighteen Hours (2021), which he directed and produced as a survival story released digitally on Manorama Max amid the . The narrative tracks a group of schoolgirls entangled in a plot, emphasizing their and instincts over 18 tense hours, with a timid woman becoming their hope for escape. Starring Indu Thampy, Vijay Babu, and newcomers like Advaith Ajay, the film was lauded for its taut suspense-building and experimental shooting under strict protocols, though some noted pacing issues in quieter moments. This project underscored Nair's interest in female-led empowerment narratives within confined, high-pressure settings. Continuing his thriller phase, In (2022), directed and produced by Nair, delves into a journalist's introspective journey as she uncovers clues tied to a , blending revenge motifs with psychological depth. Premiering as a Manorama Max original, the film stars as the determined protagonist alongside , exploring themes of truth-seeking and personal reckoning through a psycho-thriller lens. Critics appreciated its atmospheric tension and Sati's nuanced portrayal, highlighting Nair's skill in crafting intimate, mind-bending plots that probe moral ambiguities. The digital format allowed for a focused, character-centric approach, distinguishing it from broader action fare. Nair's expansion into Bhojpuri cinema culminated in Mahadev Ka Gorakhpur (2024), a pan-India action he directed, marking a significant cross-regional collaboration. Produced by Productions and Vaya Films, the story revolves around and justice in , starring as the vengeful protagonist alongside Pramod Pathak and Indu Thampy. Shot in multiple languages including and , the film draws on mythological elements for its epic scope, with Nair adapting his suspense techniques to a larger canvas. This venture reflected his broadening linguistic reach, aiming to bridge South storytelling with North markets through high-production values and cultural fusion.

Production roles

Rajesh Nair has served as a on several independent films, frequently collaborating with his wife, Usha Rajesh Nair, who is credited as a co-producer on multiple projects including Annum Innum Ennum (2013) and Escape from Uganda (2013). These early productions were handled under banners such as Vaya Films and River Nile Motion Pictures, marking the couple's entry into film financing for story-driven narratives. Nair expanded his production involvement with Kalyanam (2018), where he is listed as a key producer alongside K.K. Radha Mohan and T.K. Udaya Bhanu. He later produced Eighteen Hours (2021) in partnership with Salil Sankaran, followed by In (2022), also co-produced with Sankaran. By 2022, Nair had contributed to the production of more than five films, prioritizing low-budget, character-focused independent ventures that explore interpersonal relationships and thrillers. Drawing briefly on his prior business experience in as CEO of Tembo Steels Limited, Nair has utilized local networks to fund these projects, facilitating cost-effective shoots in and supporting non-mainstream storytelling.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Rajesh Nair married Usha Rajesh Nair. Usha, a by profession, has also worked as a , fashion choreographer, and pageant groomer. The couple has two daughters, Medha Rajesh Nair and Daksha Rajesh Nair. Usha has been involved in Nair's filmmaking endeavors, serving as a on projects such as Escape from Uganda (2013). The family currently resides in as of 2025, where Nair has been based since 2000.

Interests and residence

Rajesh Nair has been based in since 2000, maintaining close ties to his hometown of in , . He relocated there initially for business opportunities, establishing a long-term life in the country. Nair is a dedicated pet owner, with a beloved named . Nair navigates his expatriate existence seamlessly, blending professional pursuits in with personal leisure in .

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