Who Is Sashidhar Jagdishan? The Man Steering HDFC Bank Through Storms

The Quiet Powerhouse Behind HDFC Bank

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t really keep tabs on who’s running our banks. But when it comes to HDFC Bank, especially after its merger with HDFC Ltd, one name keeps popping up: Sashidhar Jagdishan.

So, who is he really? And why is he suddenly in the headlines?

From Backroom Numbers to Boardroom Strategy

Back in 1996, Sashidhar joined HDFC Bank as a finance manager. He wasn’t the guy giving big speeches at investor meets or appearing in flashy business ads. He was the one doing the hard work behind the scenes.

Fast-forward a few years, and he became the Chief Financial Officer. But the real shift came in 2020, when he took over as MD & CEO, replacing banking legend Aditya Puri. Big shoes to fill? Massive.

Still, Sashidhar did what he does best—kept his head down and focused. Under his leadership, HDFC pulled off the massive merger with HDFC Ltd in 2023, a deal that reshaped India’s financial landscape.

The Controversy No One Saw Coming

Just when things seemed stable, June 2025 brought a twist. The Lilavati Trust filed an FIR against him, accusing him of accepting ₹2.05 crore to target a trustee’s father. Sounds like a plot from a financial thriller, right?

But here’s the thing—HDFC Bank isn’t backing down. They’ve publicly called the claims “malicious and baseless”, pointing to a long-standing ₹65 crore loan default by the same family’s business.

The timing? Suspicious. The motives? Questionable.

So, What’s Next?

This controversy might make headlines, but inside the banking world, Sashidhar’s reputation as a calm, strategic leader holds strong. If anything, this might just be another test in a long line of challenges he’s quietly overcome.