Shantanu Mehra is a prominent Indian fashion designer and co-founder of the couture label Shantnu & Nikhil, which he started with his brother, Nikhil Mehra. Born and raised in New Delhi, Shantanu spent a significant part of his formative years in the United States. He pursued higher education in the US, earning an MBA in Finance from the Ohio State University. Following his studies, he entered the corporate world, working in the finance division at General Motors. While in the US, Shantanu recognized the significant, untapped potential of the Indian fashion industry. In 1999, he returned to India and, in the year 2000, co-founded the House of Shantnu & Nikhil with his brother Nikhil, who had a background in fashion design. Shantanu's business acumen complemented Nikhil's creative skills, forming a partnership built on the synergy of "art and commerce." The brand has since become known for its unique design philosophy, which blends Indian heritage with a modern, western sensibility.