Chai pe Charcha with BrandWagon

1. What is the one thing you like to do when not working?

Whenever I get some time off from work, I enjoy researching architectural and design concepts that inspire me. Pinterest is one of my go-to sources – I have numerous boards where I save ideas without any particular project in mind. These visual references often spark creativity when I’m collaborating with architects on new designs. Traveling, and reading architecture and design magazines are also great ways for me to get inspired. Beyond design, swimming is my true passion outside of work. Getting in the water brings me complete silence and serenity. I always keep a swimming kit on hand so I can get in some laps when time allows. Those moments completely detach me from gadgets and calls – it’s incredibly relaxing.

2. How do you spend your weekends?

My wife and I, as busy professionals, truly cherish the weekend time we get together. Our weekend often starts Saturday evening with some shared preparation for an elaborate Sunday meal I plan to cook. Cooking together on Sundays has become a special ritual – we take on recipes that require more time and teamwork. Before cooking, Sunday mornings are reserved for visiting a favorite local South Indian café in Jayanagar that serves outstanding traditional dishes. Their idli, vada, and khara Bath set the mood for our day. Beyond cooking, we also enjoy reading together on the weekends. I tend to have multiple books going at once – mainly biographies lately after completing most fiction in my earlier years. Reading about accomplished people inspires me. I’m currently making my way through an Elon Musk biography.

3. What are your favorite gadgets?

As someone passionate about design, I rely heavily on Apple products to power my productivity and creativity. The ability to hand sketch ideas on my iPad Pro using the Apple Pencil brings my concepts to life anywhere, anytime. I also wear a Garmin watch to analyze important personal data – fitness levels, sleep patterns, and more. Understanding the numbers helps me self-improve. Beyond work, one of my favorite recent gifts from my wife is a telescope. We thoroughly enjoy stargazing together and exploring the night sky whenever we have the chance.

4. Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?

Looking back on my varied career – engineering, analysis, consulting, health and wellness startup – I don’t think I would trade what I currently do for anything else. After trying different professional paths, I’ve finally found my true passion with my luxury design business. The experience across industries actually gave me the perspective and well-rounded foundation to thrive doing what I love.

5. Which is your favorite vacation spot?

My deep interest in architecture and design has led me to some incredible destinations that integrate nature and structural beauty. I admire the preservation of history in European cities like Madrid and Rome contrasted with the modern architectural feats in Dubai. Bali stands out for its seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces created by exceptional landscaping. These global destinations allow me to explore some of my favorite creative spaces that span traditional and contemporary visual styles.

6. A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching.

My demanding schedule doesn’t allow for much TV series viewership, so unfortunately I don’t have strong recommendations in that area. For standout movies, I’m drawn to directors like Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan for their multilayered storytelling and character development. Though most advertising goes overlooked, I always appreciate the daily Amul topical creative – it brings a smile amid my busy routine.

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