Author: Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
With decades of experience in the hospitality industry and a strong commitment to improving the housekeeping profession, Jayashree Nagaraj is a key figure in changing behind-the-scenes service into a respected part of hospitality. As the Founder-President of the Professional Housekeepers’ Association (PHA), she has not only supported professional development and recognition for housekeepers but has also helped create a lively platform across India and Asia that empowers thousands in the industry. In a conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Nagaraj reflects on her personal journey, the significance of PHA’s 10th anniversary, the challenges housekeeping faces today, and her bold vision for the…
With a career spanning over 37 years, Vaneeta Arora, Corporate Director, Housekeeping, The Park Hotels has witnessed housekeeping’s transformation from a purely operational, behind-the-scenes function into a strategic pillar of guest satisfaction, brand identity, and sustainability. At The Park, she leads with a philosophy that blends meticulous attention to detail, empathy, and smart technology — ensuring her teams deliver not just efficiency, but memorable guest experiences. In a conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, she reflects on key shifts in the profession, the role of empathy in process-driven environments, and how innovations like digital housekeeping systems, ergonomic tools, and sustainable practices are reshaping staff well-being…
Café Delhi Heights, known for its quirky and relaxed vibe, is preparing for a major expansion. The brand plans to increase its outlets from 46 to 120 by 2028. This ambitious goal is a key part of its long-term strategy and aims to boost the brand’s revenue to an impressive INR 500 crore, according to co-founder Vikrant Batra. He also informed that , This next phase of growth will see the brand deepen its presence in tier-I cities like Mumbai, while also entering emerging tier-II markets such as Meerut and Mohali. Batra attributes the brand’s confidence to “the love, trust,…
The roots of Priya Living are very personal. Its Founder, Arun Paul, grew up witnessing the emotional impact of migration. His parents left part of themselves in India so their child could have better opportunities abroad. That sacrifice set the stage for a lifelong mission, to create meaningful, connected communities for older adults. Founded to rethink aging, Priya Living offers more than just housing. It creates vibrant, purpose-driven communities where residents can thrive, lead, and feel they belong. Now, as Priya Living opens its first community in Hyderabad, the mission comes full circle. In an exclusive interview with Asmita Mukherjee,…
After honing his skills in top kitchens and Michelin starred restaurants across India and London, Chef Balaji Balachander returned home with a mission to build something of his own. A Taj Coromandel alumnus, he Co-Founded Salt, Indian Restaurant & Grill with longtime colleague Chef Goutham Balasubramanian. While Chef Bala’s global experiences shaped his culinary vision, adjusting to India’s changing work culture posed challenges. Chef Bala quickly realised that finding talent with the right mindset was harder than he thought. However, with patience and determination, he focused on creating a strong cultural foundation. Today, Salt’s team reflects those values, with many…
Hyderabad’s mindful dining bar to invest INR 85 Cr, eyes 15 outlets In a city where oversized platters and Instagrammable portions often take centre stage, PAWWA is flipping the narrative with its ‘Quarter Culture’- a unique concept that promotes mindful consumption, culinary freedom, and everyday accessibility. “We wanted to revive the soul of quarter bars and toddy shops,” says Sanjay Kumar Reddy Mula, Founder of PAWWA. “But we’ve upgraded the idea—now, you can get quarter, half, or full portions not just for drinks but for food too.” At PAWWA, portion flexibility isn’t just a gimmick, it’s the core philosophy. “A vegetarian, a seafood lover, and…
In a fast-evolving dining landscape where concepts fade as quickly as they rise, Hitesh Keswani is playing a different game – one built on longevity, originality, and cultural resonance. Being the Managing Director of Aspect Hospitality, Keswani is orchestrating a calculated expansion that’s both ambitious in scale and rooted in storytelling. From fine-dining destinations like Akina, Radio Bar and Estella to the agile, delivery-first Nom Nom Express, Aspect is rapidly widening its footprint across India — with plans to take its brands global next. In conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Keswani unpacks the strategy, challenges, and storytelling at the heart of building lasting brands in India’s…
Asmita Mukherjee| Hyderabad Toscano, the celebrated Italian restaurant with a decade-long legacy, has significantly amplified Hyderabad’s culinary landscape with its outpost in Hitech City. This established name in authentic Italian fare aims to deliver a high-quality dining experience that brings a slice of the Tuscan countryside to the bustling urban environment, all under the Tuscan charm of culinary excellence. Chef Rohit Tokhi, Vice President – Chief Operating Officer, Toscano India emphasised the restaurant’s core philosophy. “Our ethos is to bring a piece of Italy on a plate, ensuring every guest has a memorable experience,” Tokhi stated. He highlighted Toscano’s commitment…
Achieving an impressive 85% occupancy rate in Hyderabad’s competitive hospitality market requires a well-rounded approach. Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad has mastered this with its strategic focus on long-stay guests, innovative service offerings, and unique property design. By blending tailored services with innovative amenities, the hotel ensures a holistic guest experience. In an insightful conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Ashwin Vaidya, General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, sheds light on the property’s winning formula and commitment to excellence. How do you ensure that Marriott Executive Apartments, Hyderabad remains a top choice for long-stay guests in this competitive market? Our approach is three-fold, beginning…
Spalba has been reshaping venue marketing and event planning through cutting-edge technology, including virtual tours, AI-powered solutions, and zero-commission models. Asmita Mukherjee delves into the transformative journey of Spalba with Vishal Puri, Co-Founder of the tech-forward platform. How has Spalba’s virtual tour technology changed the way venues are marketed and booked, particularly in the hospitality industry? At Spalba, we’ve completely transformed how venues are marketed and discovered, especially within the hospitality sector. In the past, hotels relied on brochures, static images, and in-person site visits to showcase their spaces. That process was time-consuming, inefficient, and didn’t always give the full…
