The remarks, made on the Season 3 premiere of Getting Drunk with Madira Vogue hosted by Priyanka Arora, tie venue closures across India's metro cities to consumer psychology rather than economics alone. Shrikanth founded Scandalous Foods, a company that supplies Indian sweets to restaurants and cafés.

'Newness' Versus Familiarity

Shrikanth said hospitality concepts often misread their customers. "Indians talk about newness, but consume familiarity," he said, explaining that diners may praise experimental menus online while ordering classics such as whiskey sours and old fashioneds in practice.

He said many venues invest heavily in aesthetics and marketing while underestimating repeat-consumption patterns. "Bars are becoming studios for Instagram," he said, adding that businesses sometimes confuse virality with loyalty.

A Generational Shift

On younger consumers, Shrikanth drew a contrast with the previous generation. He said millennials associated bars with socializing, while Gen Z increasingly approaches nightlife through digital identity. "People are going out for Instagram, not for conversations anymore," he said.

He attributed the change partly to social-media exposure and wellness trends, though he did not cite supporting data. Independent research has documented declining alcohol consumption among younger adults in several markets, but the interview did not reference specific studies, and the claims reflect his observations rather than verified statistics.

A Critique of Startup Culture

The conversation also addressed India's startup ecosystem, which Shrikanth said overstates the importance of fundraising. "Fundraising is a means to an end, not the end," he said, characterizing the typical founder's year as "364 days [of] grind" and "one day [of] fundraising."

He said some entrepreneurs pursue visibility and investor attention rather than solving consumer problems, and that the discipline required after raising capital is frequently underestimated.

The Company's Pitch

Shrikanth described Scandalous Foods as a "mithai operating partner" rather than another sweet shop, positioning it to address distribution, shelf-life, and packaging challenges for Indian desserts in the restaurant trade. The company offers traditional milk-based sweets in single-serve formats with longer shelf life, according to the interview.
The podcast said Scandalous Foods has raised over half a million dollars, a figure that could not be independently verified at the time of publication and is attributed to the broadcast.

Context

Bar and restaurant openings and closures have been frequent in Indian metros, though the interview did not present closure statistics. Madira Vogue, founded by Arora, describes itself as a digital lifestyle platform covering hospitality, food, and entrepreneurship.

The full episode is available on the platform's YouTube channel. Anthropic note: the views expressed are the speaker's own. This article is based on a single podcast interview; this publication has not independently corroborated the claims and will update the story if further reporting or comment becomes available.

1. Business Tycoon Dr. Ram Savani, Managing Director of Savani Heritage Conservation, is a visionary leader dedicated to preserving India’s rich heritage. With over 400 restored monuments and multiple global recognitions including UNESCO awards, his work reflects excellence and cultural pride. His mission goes beyond restoration—safeguarding history, identity, and timeless wisdom for future generations.

2. Dr. Tantracharya Subramaniian Kriishnaswamy, Founder of Padmawatee International, emerges as a powerful symbol of resilience, transforming personal adversity into a purpose-driven entrepreneurial journey. Rising above corporate setbacks, he has built a meaningful NGO platform focused on spiritual awakening and social impact. Today, he stands recognized among top entrepreneurs redefining success through purpose, transformation, and service.

3. Shri .Dr. T. Krishna Goud, Founder & CEO of Eaglespeed Overseas Logistics, is a visionary leader transforming the logistics and travel industry with innovation and reliability. With over a decade of experience, he has built a trusted global brand offering seamless cargo and premium travel solutions. His commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes him a true entrepreneurial icon.

4. Tech Entrepreneur- Perfect Encode, founded by Akash Bhonsle, is emerging as a leading software training institute in India, offering industry-focused courses in ML, Data Science, and full-stack development. With hands-on learning and real-world projects, it equips students with job-ready skills. The institute is contributing to India’s digital growth by shaping future-ready IT professionals.

5 Healthpreneur : Mrs. Dr. Aarathy Kannan is a renowned Consultant Physician and Diabetologist with exceptional expertise and dedication to patient care. As Director of leading healthcare institutions in Tuticorin, she has made significant contributions to diabetes awareness, research, and community service. Her commitment to excellence, leadership, and impactful healthcare initiatives make her a true inspiration in the medical field.

6. Youths & Rising Icons of India- Grandmaster Jugeshwor Singh Kshetrimayum is a renowned Kung Fu trainer with over 25 years of experience, empowering youth through martial arts and discipline. Founder of NKTS and IALMAM, he has trained national athletes and uplifted underprivileged communities. Honoured as Asia’s Outstanding Kung Fu Trainer 2025, he stands as a true inspiration and rising icon of India.

7. Health Entrepreneur - Dr. S. Sri Vidhya Lakshmi is a dedicated dental surgeon and social activist, combining clinical excellence with impactful community service. With years of experience and multiple recognitions, she actively promotes oral health awareness through free camps and NGO initiatives. Her work reflects compassion, leadership, and a strong commitment to making healthcare accessible to all.

8. Edupreneur : Khushboo Priya is a dedicated education professional and Principal with over 15 years of experience in teaching and training. With strong expertise in curriculum planning, teacher mentoring, and modern pedagogy, she continues to shape young minds and empower educators. Her passion, leadership, and commitment to quality education make her a true inspiration in the field.

9. Woman Entrepreneur: Vandana Shukla is an inspiring entrepreneur and social worker empowering rural women through beauty and traditional crafts. Through Belle Beauty Salon and her initiative Kasba Line, she promotes skill development, financial independence, and cultural preservation. Her work has impacted thousands of women, making her a true changemaker in India.

10.  Rising Art Entrepreneur : Ankit Dhingra is a passionate Bollywood artist known for his expressive performances and strong screen presence. Specializing in short-form narrative content, he brings creativity, discipline, and dedication to every role. His continuous growth and commitment make him a promising rising talent in the industry.

VerSe Innovation, India's leading AI-powered local language technology platform and parent entity of Dailyhunt, Josh, Magzter and NexVerse.ai today announced the appointment of Mr. P. R. Ramesh as an Independent Director on its Board. He will also serve as Chair of the Audit Committee, reinforcing the company's governance architecture as it advances toward its next phase of institutional and strategic growth.

Mr. Ramesh is a Chartered Accountant with over 40 years of experience in financial oversight, corporate governance, regulatory advisory, and board leadership. He is the former Chairman of Deloitte India and a former Member of the Deloitte Global Board. Over the course of his career, he has advised leading Indian and multinational corporations on governance, risk management, financial reporting standards, and regulatory compliance.

He currently serves or has served on the boards of several prominent listed and unlisted companies, including Air India, Cipla, Nestlé India, Larsen & Toubro, Crompton Greaves, ITC Hotels, Cyient, Tejas Networks and Housing Development Finance Corporation. He was awarded "Best Independent Director" by the Asian Centre for Corporate Governance & Sustainability for 2022-23.

In addition to his leadership in professional services, Mr. Ramesh has played an active role in shaping regulatory and policy dialogue in India. He has served on key committees and advisory bodies associated with SEBI, RBI and IRDA, contributing to the evolution of governance and financial standards across sectors.

Umang Bedi, Co-Founder, VerSe Innovation, said: "Strong governance and financial discipline are fundamental to building a company that stands the test of time. P.R. Ramesh brings unmatched experience in board stewardship, regulatory frameworks, and global audit leadership. As VerSe continues to mature and sharpen its focus on sustainable growth, his perspective will be instrumental in strengthening our governance standards and reinforcing stakeholder confidence".

Mr. P. R. Ramesh added: "VerSe has built a business of considerable scale in India's digital landscape. With that scale comes the responsibility to ensure that governance systems, financial controls and risk oversight keep pace with the growth. Strong institutions are built not only on innovation, but on discipline and accountability. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to further embed these principles and help shape a governance framework that supports sustained, responsible growth".

At VerSe Innovation, Mr. Ramesh will Chair the Audit Committee and oversee financial reporting integrity, internal controls, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance and audit processes. His appointment adds significant depth to the Board's oversight capabilities as the company continues to strengthen operational discipline, governance systems and long-term value creation frameworks.

About VerSe Innovation Private Limited:
 At the core of VerSe Innovation, is the idea that technology can help bridge the digital divide. Since its inception, VerSe has risen to the challenge of serving the unmet content needs of millions of consumers using technology. Its unique artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning technologies enables personalized content to be delivered to millions of users based on their consumption preferences. Today VerSe Innovation's proprietary technology platform powers Hundreds of millions of users across Bharat enjoy content in their local language on Dailyhunt. Its technology also powers India's #1 and most engaging creators app, Josh. In addition, VerSe has an integrated portfolio of AI-first products and platforms, including NexVerse.ai, Dailyhunt Premium, Josh's Audio Calling & Audio Stories and VerSe Collab, which together are reshaping how consumers, content, and brands interact in India's digital economy.

VerSe Innovation, with its family of apps focused on Bharat, became the first unicorn in tech for local languages and counts CPP Investments, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP), Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Siguler Guff, Carlyle Group, Baillie Gifford, Goldman Sachs, Gladebrooks, Falcon Edge Capital, AlphaWave, Sequoia Capital India, Matrix Partners India, Google, Microsoft, Lupa Systems, Luxor Group, Sofina, B Capital Group, IIFL, Kotak, Catamaran, Bay Capital, Edelweiss and Omidyar Network, among others as existing investors.

Choudhary's journey stands as a testament to determination and grit. Born into a modest farming family in Dehlod village, Tonk District, Rajasthan, he grew up amid limited resources yet boundless ambition. His early career included humble roles such as warehouse keeper and delivery boy—positions that taught him the true value of hard work and resilience. Rather than letting challenges define him, Choudhary used them as motivation to advance steadily, building a career rooted in persistence.

Today, he leads Shivaza Group, a diversified enterprise with Mapisa369 at its core. The brand has earned a strong reputation in India's competitive tile adhesive market by prioritising performance, durability, and structural integrity over superficial appeal. Mapisa369 positions itself as a manufacturer of high-polymer-modified, international-standard adhesives engineered for long-term bonding strength in demanding construction environments.

The Chief Minister's recognition specifically acknowledged Mapisa369's contributions across key product categories, including tile adhesives suitable for floor tiles, granite, vitrified tiles, large wall tiles, and large floor tiles. The brand also features prominently among granite adhesives manufacturers, epoxy grout manufacturers in India, and top players in epoxy and grout solutions. This accolade underscores the company's focus on quality that supports safe, reliable construction practices nationwide.

Mapisa369's diverse portfolio encompasses tile and stone adhesives, epoxy grouts, PU adhesives, waterproofing systems, readymix plaster, block joint mortar, and wall putty. Operating across multiple states—including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh—the brand emphasises that construction chemicals serve as essential bonding agents rather than decorative elements. This philosophy prioritises real-world performance and safety, ensuring structures withstand time and stress.

The Shivaza Group's legacy spans 25 years, during which Mapisa369 has established itself as a trusted name by consistently delivering quality-backed guarantees. Beyond manufacturing, Choudhary's contributions extend into other domains. He has authored books, including the well-known "Divine Child," and ventured into film production with titles such as "Turtle" and "Waah Zindagi," released globally on platforms like ZEE5, Amazon, and Zee Cinema, reaching audiences in over 190 countries.

Choudhary's spiritual side draws inspiration from The Art of Living Foundation and the guidance of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He firmly believes that ethics, humanity, and discipline form the bedrock of lasting success. His personal mantra—“Grow together, contribute together, and celebrate together”—guides the group's approach to employee empowerment, community support, and collective progress.

Through dedicated CSR initiatives and applicator training programs, Shivaza Group promotes safe construction methods while generating employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to societal well-being alongside business growth.

From humble beginnings sweeping floors to steering a multi-sector enterprise, Ashok H Choudhary's path illustrates how focused ambition, industry expertise, and community-minded leadership can drive meaningful impact. The recent felicitation by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel not only spotlights Mapisa369's rising stature in construction chemicals but also honours a leader whose work blends innovation, quality standards, and genuine social responsibility—values increasingly vital in India's evolving infrastructure landscape. As the sector continues to expand, stories like Choudhary's remind stakeholders that true excellence arises from integrity, perseverance, and a shared vision for progress.

With over a decade of experience in building and scaling large operational businesses, Mit has established himself as a forward-thinking entrepreneur known for creating high-performance organisations. His leadership style is rooted in structure, process discipline and intelligent use of technology to drive measurable business outcomes.

An Aeronautical Engineering graduate, Mit brings a strong analytical and technical orientation into business strategy and execution. He is widely recognised for his ability to scale operations efficiently while maintaining high service consistency and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, enterprises have achieved over 50% revenue growth, 30% improvement in operational efficiency and 25% cost optimisation through systematic planning and execution.

Mit is also known for building strong organisational cultures centred on accountability, innovation and employee development. His people-first philosophy and focus on continuous capability building have helped create resilient teams that adapt quickly to changing market demands.

His entrepreneurial journey has earned him industry recognition, including honours such as ‘Security Professional of the Year’ and invitations to speak at leading business and leadership platforms. Today, Mit Chheda is regarded as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to build scalable, future-ready enterprises.

Looking ahead, Mit is focused on expanding into new markets and emerging business verticals, with a vision to build diversified, technology-led ventures across India and the Asia-Pacific region.

With a strong foundation in engineering, operations and leadership, Mit Chheda represents the new face of Indian entrepreneurship - driven by innovation, execution excellence and sustainable growth.

Junjaram Thory, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sangri Today and CEO of Sangri Internet Pvt. Ltd., is widely known for his initiatives in digital journalism, PR, and media solutions. Speaking about workaholism, he said:

 “When we keep working non-stop, we miss out on life’s true joys – family, health, hobbies. We must know when to pause.”

Junjaram started his journey in digital media as a teenager. He has worked extensively in journalism, fact-checking, and social awareness campaigns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched the Sangri Fact-Check Portal to fight misinformation, an effort that earned him the Real Super Heroes 2020 Award for his contributions to society.

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Sharing his perspective further, Thory added:

 “Being a workaholic is not always negative – it shows passion and dedication. But when it starts exhausting us or affecting our relationships, it’s time to stop and rethink.”

He believes that maintaining a work-life balance not only improves productivity but also keeps one mentally strong and happy. His suggestions include:

Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.

Take breaks and holidays regularly to refresh your body and mind.

Develop hobbies like art, sports, or travel to keep life enriched beyond work.

On National Workaholics Day, Junjaram appealed to the youth, professionals, and entrepreneurs to ask themselves at least once a day – “Am I living my life or just working through it?”

His message today resonates with the theme of the day – reminding everyone that white work is important, life is meant to be truly lived beyond office screens and deadlines.

What started with just a handful of followers has now grown into a vibrant digital community of over 33 million. The secret? A heartfelt, people-first approach that redefined tech content for Indian audiences.

Unlike conventional tech creators who rely on flashy setups, jargon-heavy reviews, and high-end production, Manish opted for something radically different — real connection. No fancy lights, no overproduced transitions — just raw, street-level engagement. From gifting phones through spontaneous contests to interacting with fans live on the streets, his content doesn’t just inform — it electrifies.

“I never aimed to collect followers. I aimed to connect with people,” says Manish. “Inspiring them while engaging with them — that’s what makes it memorable.”

His videos feel less like content and more like a celebration — where gadgets meet generosity, and knowledge meets community. But JJ Communication goes beyond giveaways. Viewers have seen Manish share moments from his personal life — visiting temples, attending Maha Kumbh Mela, traveling with his wife — making him more than just a tech personality. He’s relatable, real, and rooted.

While many creators chase visuals, Manish has built emotions. Where others seek perfection, he has embraced connection.

The rise of JJ Communication is not just a success story — it's a blueprint for creators who dare to be human in a digital world. Manish Jain didn’t just build a brand. He built a bond. And today, that bond is shared by millions across the country — and counting.