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First job: Worked with an equity firm, the Chatterjee Group Real Estate, for an year until I set out to have my own manufacturing unit in 2005
Enduring memory from early career days: An assignment from a USA buyer of delivering 24,000 pieces of men’s shirts that made me lose a lot of money. But the best part is, I never went out of work!
If not a retailer, what would you be: Being a creative person, I would be making movies.
Favorite business icon: Amancio Ortega, founder of Zara
Favorite business philosophy: Never say die. Nothing is impossible. Never lose hope
The company you admire the most: Zara and Reliance
Your most significant career achievement so far: Launching and positioning the brand Vinegar
Key learning in your career: Control your expenses. Money is very important
If you were granted one wish for your industry, what would it be: I think FDI in retail should open up in India as this would create more space for some healthy competition. It will lessen the pressure on brands present today. Everyone will work harder and it will also cleanse the retail industry
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Zodiac sign: Leo
What do you like to do the most in your spare time: I love working out
Favourite book: I am not an avid reader. I am more into reading case studies and market research
Favourite fashion brand: Ralph Lauren
Favourite political icon: Indira Gandhi
Favourite food: Italian
Favourite season: Summers
What do you like most in people: Honesty and frankness
What do you dislike most in people: People who are jealous of others and talk behind a person
Top thing you want to do at some point in life: Produce a movie, open a fashion school, and start a restaurant chain
Your vision for the nation: There is a need for more accountability and creation of employment for the poor. More provisions should be provided to the poor. Education should be made compulsory. Begging should be declared as an offence
Your idea of a life well lived: A journey that is adventurous, risky
yet pleasant
The thing you value most in life: Relationships
What makes you feel great about yourself: I feel great about the fact that I am on the verge of achieving something I always dreamt of. I feel good that I have created livelihood for around 400 people at my manufacturing units
What inspires you the most: Every single day inspires me
If you had to teach something, what would you teach: Health and fitness
