- You have had a beautiful hospitality journey of 31 years, What is the one major difference that you have noticed from the hospitality experiences abroad to here?
Let me say very empathetically that Indian hospitality is absolutely unparallel. Its in our blood and one doesn’t have to be a hotelier to extend hospitality. “Atithi devo bhava” has been our age-old tradition and even today we live by it and if one is into the profession of hospitality then same principle pours out from the heart and translates into actions. Hospitality is not about talking any language but its about making guests comfortable and happy.
I truly believe that the world has lot to learn from India as far as real hospitality is concerned.
- Your forte lies in F&B and its operations, what special care have you taken at Hotel Sahara Star to showcase the best of what you bring in as a GM?
I joined back in 2007 when the property was in preopening stage and had my role primarily being focused on F&B. I was fortunate to be a part of the team conceptualizing the entire F&B setup – kitchens as well as restaurant operations. Today, the entire F&B operation has been like one’s own baby which one nurtures and am happy to see it up and running one of the city’s largest banquets. At Sahara Star, we offer a wide range of cuisines at our outlets and also operate a busy banqueting with popular cuisines for social events and corporate events. The new year will see this operation being taken to a different level with addition of another cuisine and outlet
- Can you give us two hospitality trends that (according to you) will last for a longer run?
The world has realized the importance of digitalization during covid outbreak. The hospitality industry has taken this up in totality. Guests have also opened up to the idea of a tech savvy world and have adopted the same be it booking, check in, transaction, or even in room ordering. The trend is here to stay and broaden its boundaries.
Sustainability is another trend which is here to stay. Guests have realized that they need to have an outlook which is long term, beneficial to all and is sustainable in the long run. The term “ecofriendly” is no more a fashionable word but is the need of the hour.
- What are the current F&B trends that you swear by?
The plant-based protein is something which every chef has been experimenting with. It is not only about veganism but chefs treat it as a new ingredient which could be used in many ways and even find a unique way of using it
The internet has connected the globe and consumers are exposed to many more cultures and are keen on trying different cuisines belonging to different cultures across the world. South America continues to be an intriguing and not culinarily exposed to the world.
- Can you give us two main USPs of the hotel?
Hotel Sahara Star has The world’s first ‘hemisphere’ three compound-curved custom designed all glass panoramic elevators rising in the exotic 55,000 sq. ft tropical lagoon that can be found nowhere else which is our main USP.
And Mumbai’s largest pillar-less multi-purpose event hall allows every host to announce their event to the world.
- Since you have been with the hotel since 2007 (the pre-opening period), how would you describe your relationship with the hotel?
Since its inception, the hotel has consistently delivered service that has made its guests feel comfortable in its larger than life ambience. Sahara Star today is a promise that stands for enduring value, integrity and a form of creative expression. I am emotionally connected with Hotel Sahara Star as I have seen it growing since last more than 15 years and every new achievement and addition to it is overwhelming .
- How does 2023 seem promising for the hotel? What are the new implementations that the hotel wishes to take in?
The Sun is setting on an exceptional 2022 and we expect 2023 to bring in bright sunshine. This has been the best year since Covid waned out. With international conferences back on track, India’s G20 Presidency year and newer conferencing facilities opening up in the city, we are expecting a very busy 2023.
