 Kanakvardhan's father and grandfather had both been active and successful politicians.His grandfather, Maharaja Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, who had enjoyed absolute ruling power within his state during the period 1933–47, had adjusted very well to democracy after independence, and excelled in politics to the extent of serving as Chief Minister of Orissa during the period 1967-71 as a member of the Swatantra party.Kanakvardhan's father has also been a member of parliament twice.