Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs some breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Vinayak Shrivastav, co founder and CEO, VideoVerse, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
If it is just one thing I’d like to do, it would be indulging in Formula 1 and some football. The mix of savvy tech stuff, talented drivers, and intense competition excites me and keeps me on the edge. More than just a racing series, Formula 1 serves as an arena where technologies are showcased. Recently, I read that in the upcoming rules cycle starting in 2026 – F1 has committed to embrace turbo hybrid power units running on fully sustainable fuel. It is avant-garde because it reflects the sport’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and environmental consciousness. F1 is getting more into batteries and electric cars, to keep up with the changing car tech landscape.
I’m a true fanboy when it comes to elite motorsport and all the race strategies and team dynamics. Whether talking about team rivalries, driver performances, or the latest technological advancements, every bit of info adds to the world of Formula 1 dynamics.
The championship quest and friendships like Norris and Verstappen add excitement to the sport. Recently, I read about AFA retiring the number 10 jersey for life in Messi’s honour and made me watch highlights of some of his best goals tough choice given he has 803 career goals. If given a chance, I think some sports screen time and a great cup of coffee would be an ideal way to spend time.
How do you spend your weekends?
I always wanted every single member of my family to know that they are the reason I do what I do, Becoming a father is an indescribable feeling, and watching the young one is a driving force for bringing a balance between work and home. A holiday is great, but being a part of each other’s life every single day is so important. I had once been told that value every single moment because we honestly don’t know what becomes a fond memory.
Our weekends often feature a movie marathon, a delightful activity that coincides with my newfound passion for cooking, discovered during the pandemic. Cooking has become such an important part of my life, my wife is more than happy to see me in the kitchen.
Besides hanging out with family, I make sure to keep in touch with friends, some of whom I’ve known forever. It brings me so much joy to reconnect with someone who has seen me grow. They have been a part of my childhood. These occasional meetings with friends from different phases of life contribute to the rich tapestry of my experiences, making life more vibrant and meaningful.
What are your favourite gadgets?
Ah, my favourite gadgets are like my eclectic squad, each with its unique superpower. The phones are the social butterflies, connecting me to the world in a jiffy. The Xbox Series, my trusty sidekick, ensures epic gaming escapades that rival superhero battles. Now, the good oven is my culinary wizard, helping in delightful baking experiments. Remember Kevin McCallister from Home Alone? He inspired me to respect the home alarm system. And let’s not forget the baby monitor, my silent guardian, ensuring peace of mind while the little one snoozes.
These gadgets aren’t just tools; they’re the Avengers of my daily life, each with a role to play in this tech-infused saga of convenience and enjoyment.
Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
If I had the chance to hop onto a career carousel, twirl around, and pick a new gig, I’d likely gravitate towards being a food critic or a travel blogger – or perhaps a fusion of both! Picture this: I’d be the culinary explorer with a pen in one hand and a fork in the other, embarking on gastronomic adventures that would make Indiana Jones jealous.
As a food critic, I’d love to be a Michelin inspector, from haute cuisine to street food. No plate would escape my discerning palate.
Now, if I took the route of a travel blogger, I’d be the J.K. Rowling of the travel world, crafting tales of wanderlust and whimsy. Passport in hand, I’d traverse the globe, turning every city into a chapter, every landscape into a verse. I would make a list of the best Chilli Chicken and Butter Chicken available globally. Who wouldn’t want a slice of that adventure?
Which is your favourite vacation spot?
If you ask me what is my favourite moment being an adrenaline junkie, I won’t have an answer. From Navigating emerald green streams, white water rafting to long hikes while soaking in nature are all perfect outdoor pursuits for me. The sound of rushing rapids, the abrupt splashes as the raft maneuvers through drops – it’s an exhilarating experience that beckons me every single time.
Flowing through the Tehri Garhwal region in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, the Ganges River is a picturesque scene with its white sand riverbed. This river is not just beautiful and fierce; it’s also a cold and spiritual force that adds to the unique charm of the region.
Remember the song by Frank Sinatra “Start spreading the news, you’re leaving today, tell me, Frank I want to be a part of it, New York, New York” That city had always held the top spot on my bucket list. Experiencing the city that never sleeps, with its bustling charm, diverse food and cultural choices got me hooked and I keep returning to the city.
A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching?
The Beckham series stands out, mainly because of its focus on David Beckham’s multifaceted life. Beyond football, the show delves into his pioneering role as the first footballer to fully embrace brand partnerships and ascend to the status of a global celebrity. The narrative skilfully captures Beckham’s journey through the 1990s, a decade characterised by its wildness, and reassesses the media treatment of his high-profile relationship with a Spice Girl.
One compelling aspect is the show’s unreserved approach. It doesn’t shy away from pivotal moments, portraying Beckham as a man who, despite his candour, enjoys being in control of every aspect of his life. The documentary fearlessly addresses the infamous 1998 red card against Argentina and its intense public backlash. I loved David’s conviction, resilience and pursuit towards himself. It is such an important learning for all of us. David played “Islands in the Stream” while he and Victoria reflected on their lives is such an endearing ending to a fab show.
Captains of the World is the next docuseries I’ll be watching on Netflix, it brings behind-the-scenes footage to life as all 32 teams battle for football glory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, from the locker room to the pit.