After having spent nearly four decades in the hospitality industry, those I have closely worked with best describe me as the one-stop solution to any problem, a stickler for perfection and a believer of getting work done, no matter how.

After two Diploma degrees from illustrious institutes, in Hotel Management and Management, I started at the kitchen in Centaur Hotel, New Delhi. I, then, switched to teaching Food Production at IHM- Ahmedabad for 12 years, a move considered a boon in the food industry as my students continue to occupy top positions in the field even today.

Next, I headed Havmor, an Ahmedabad-based ice-cream and food company, as the General Manager- Operations, for four years.

For the upcoming 19 years, until 2019, I worked as COO at Khana Khazana India Pvt. Ltd. and CEO, SK Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. with Masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor, a Padma Shri awardee and together we witnessed a phenomenal growth of this company and him as a celebrity chef. I was behind the super successful longest running cookery show Khana Khazana on Zee TV for more than a decade till we started our own 24X7 television channel called ‘Food Food,’ a production house for content for television and digital platforms, and the publishing division that has not only churned out more than 250 titles in cooking and baking in multiple languages for print, but also in the digital space that has a huge and successful presence on YouTube and other social media platforms.

In addition, I have been at the helm for content for all Sanjeev Kapoor verticals besides handling needs for all the appearances for endorsements, live, reality and talk shows worldwide.

As CEO for SK Restaurants, I managed seven brands, 100 plus restaurants, with presence in 10 countries and 45 cities. While maintaining a low profile, SK restaurants is now a worldwide presence with the most prominent brands being ‘Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor’ and ‘The Yellow Chilli.’

On the side, I have also been part of the guest faculty and a permanent member of the Programme Review Committee that decides the syllabus of the courses at Symbiosis School of Cultunary Arts and Hospitality Management in Pune.
I started Chholay in 2019 as a hybrid model for cloud kitchen concept as its first brand. It has 3 outlets now (one each in Oshiwara, Malad West and Borivali West); well supported by a Central Kitchen located in Oshiwara, Mumbai.

At 58, I run marathons and have won a gold medal for 10 km in my age category at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2019.

In post-pandemic world, let’s work together to make good changes to lifestyle in relation to why, how and what we eat and do.