Pepsi's then CEO Wayne Calloway told Business Week that he wooed Nooyi, who also had an offer from GE, by saying, 'Jack Welch is the best CEO I know, and GE is probably the finest company. But I have a need for someone like you, and I would make PepsiCo a special place for you.' In 2001, Nooyi became Pepsi's chief financial officer. And soon after, the buzz began again -- that she was being groomed for the top spot.

Even as she has lived up to the buzz about her, Nooyi has remained symbolic of all that is exemplary about the Indian-American community. She cites her family as her biggest source of strength. She has remained rooted to her tradition even as her career takes flight. Reportedly, her Connecticut home resonates with Carnatic music 18 hours a day. 'Always pick the right husband,' she quipped to an interviewer about her husband Raj, a businessman, 'I have a fantastically supportive husband.' Nooyi is a loving mother to her daughters Tara and Preetha.

Nooyi is a straight-talking woman, like when she says, 'The fact is if you are a woman, and especially a person of colour, there are two strikes against you. Immigrant, person of colour, and woman -- three strikes against you.'

With everything she has done throughout her life, Indra Nooyi has spoken out and held on to what she believes in. As the Indian government's statement on awarding her the Padma Bhushan this Republic Day put it aptly, 'Indra Nooyi is a perfect example of an overseas Indian who has achieved tremendous success in industry and can be a role-model for Indian women.'

Photograph: Paresh Gandhi

Also see: Nooyi chosen as Pepsi chairman

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