The Job
At the core of the work that I do is a deep commitment to storytelling — through food, space, and hospitality. Every brand I build reflects a part of my journey, rooted in memory, culture, and a relentless pursuit of quality. Whether it’s reviving lost Punjabi recipes at Ikk Panjab or designing customer-first cafés like Espressos Anyday, I try to build places that feel personal yet universal. I believe in empowering teams, working closely with chefs, baristas, designers, and marketeers — with the single aim of crafting experiences that leave a mark. It’s a 24/7 life, but when your work aligns with your passion, it feels like play.
The Weekdays
Weekdays are full throttle. I start early — usually with coffee (often my own café’s single-origin roast) and a quick catch-up with my dogs, Nana, Kobe, and Bagheera. Then it’s straight into back-to-back meetings, tastings, design reviews, or location walkthroughs. No two days look the same — which I love. Lunch is usually quick or working, but dinners are sacred: either testing out something new in the kitchen or eating with my wife and business partner, Deepika. I end my day reading or listening to music, sometimes scrolling bike trails or planning a ride. That rhythm — structure with enough space for spontaneity — keeps me sharp.
The Weekend
Weekends are my chance to reset and reconnect. Sometimes that means hitting the road on one of my bikes, sometimes escaping into the mountains, and sometimes just being fully present with my family. I love spontaneous road trips, unhurried meals, and being in nature. I also use weekends to visit local markets or street food hubs — looking for that one dish, spice, or story that could spark the next big idea. Sunday evenings are slower, usually spent with music, food, and a bit of quiet reflection. It’s my way of grounding before another packed week.
The Toys
My bikes are more than machines — they’re my soul companions. I ride a Harley Davidson Street Glide when I want to cruise, a BMW GSA 1250 for long-haul adventures, and a KTM 450 when I’m craving off-road action. These bikes have taken me across India and even down the Charles Stuart Highway in Australia. Riding strips away all distractions — it’s just me, the road, and a horizon waiting to be discovered. Beyond bikes, I’m drawn to objects with craft and intent — a sharp chef’s knife, a good sneaker, or a vinyl record that sounds like home.
The Logos
The Ikk Panjab logo is perhaps the most personal of all. It’s inspired by phulkari — the traditional embroidery of Punjab — and it tells a story of resilience, identity, and cultural pride. My grandmother and mother, both amazing cooks and fierce women, were my earliest introduction to heritage and hospitality. This logo is a tribute to that lineage. Across all my brands, I strive for logos that aren’t just pretty symbols — they should hold meaning, echo emotion, and stand the test of time. The right logo becomes a flag you carry with pride, and Ikk Panjab’s does just that.