You began your journey at Mahindra Happinest, the affordable housing division. We saw some interesting propositions from the company at the time. What were some of your thoughts behind it?
I must begin by stating that, in many ways, I am an accidental real estate professional. I joined the company seven years back after a long stint in management consulting, where a bulk of my work was around technology. Moving into real estate was strange but it naturally had an impact on how I view the sector and what I wanted to do with Mahindra Lifespaces. Many times I would end up asking questions that may appear even silly but eventually, it helped uncover many things.
You are right, I came in to lead the affordable housing business, which was a bridge to another leg of my previous work. This was about customers who had the means but did not have access to various product categories. This segment made business sense but individual companies found them unviable. We saw innovation in that space come from cross-sectoral collaborations and industry intersections. There was demand but supply did not meet it. I came to Mahindra with the single-minded goal to crack this consumer group. We were looking to create a category for the country as a whole with Mahindra leading the charge.
What were some of the early experiences in that objective?
This story is from the August 30, 2021 edition of Businessworld.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 30, 2021 edition of Businessworld.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Astrology Cryptocurrency Of In New Financial Year
Whether you're a seasoned investment enthusiast or just starting out on your financial journey, Vedic astrology can be beneficial, especially in markets as volatile as the crypto sphere
KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
The reader can almost feel that the mortal journey of Krishna has ended, yet Krishna Consciousness has manifested again as Keshav. Krishna-the Seventh Sense reveals the continuity of existence, notwithstanding the limitation of the one who exists. This book is a treasure
Recreating The Maruti Moment In EVs
SAJJAN JINDAL on the joint venture with MG Motor, electric mobility, charging infrastructure and more
Sustainable Models of Support for Women Entrepreneurs in India
Personal one-on-one mentorship is a key intervention that is most required amongst MSMEs and young startup founders today
ELEVATED ROAD TO SUCCESS
Honda Cars India is exporting 'Made in India' cars back to Japan showcasing India as a strong manufacturing hub for Honda sedans and SUVs. What is its game plan?
HOW HINDUJA GROUP'S BID TO ACQUIRE RELIANCE CAPITAL VIOLATES INDIA'S FDI, INSURANCE NORMS
The bid structure has come into question with the insurance regulator pointing out that it not just allows Hinduja Group-backed foreign entities to own 100 per cent in Reliance Capital’s insurance business but also lets them bid on borrowed money in total disregard of Indian laws and norms
Taking Astrology To The Masses
Driven by profound fascination and belief in the cosmic intricacies, Rajeev Bhandari, Founder, AstroSagga is on a mission to offer affordable courses to fuel employment in astrology sector
"My Mission Is To Make Temples Across India Better"
Sharad Kamath, Founder and CEO, 3ioNetra identified the need fora comprehensive software solution to address the complex billing and accounting needs of temples based on his experiences as avolunteer and organiser at religious functions
A Conduit Between Spiritual and Tech Realms
In November 2023, Vama secured a Seed Plus round led by Wavemaker Partners, bringing its total funding to USS 2.8 million
"AI Will Catalyse Hockey Stick Growth Of Astro Sector In India"
The current faithtech landscape in India leans heavily towards entertainment, says Punit Pandey, Founder, AstroSage and believes the key lies in shifting the revenue model from entertainment to trust