Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.

In this week’s session, we have Saundh founder & CEO Sarabjeet Saluja.

Saluja is a Business Management graduate from Monash University, Australia. Having kickstarted his professional career in 2010, he has been certified across various designing and technology courses over the years to stay fresh, relevant, and up-to-date.

He learned the basics of the textile industry from his family’s fully grown textile house - Sahiba.

During this time, Saluja had the good fortune of a 360-degree exposure to all the facets of manufacturing textiles and garments. Within a time span of just a year, he began heading the marketing for one of Sahiba’s existing product lines. Feeling more inclined towards creative designing, he started his own brand within the same category alongside a few then niche distributors. Following this, he ventured into the masses with 6 additional brands, each with a strong signature language of their own. Years later, in 2019, Saundh was born as the first retail brand of the company, with its first store at Peddar Road, Mumbai.

The three skills that, Saluja believes, have led him to success are networking, experimentation and most importantly, discipline. As a CEO, he is a staunch believer in taking measurable risks for the greater good. He also has a sharp eye for detail and is quick to catch any shifts or changes. Last but not least, he considers his team one of his greatest strengths. He trusts in his team to see his aspirations and visions through to the finish line.

Saluja declares that most of his professional and personal values have been passed on from his late father, Kuldeep Singh Saluja and considers him his first real-life superhero. Saluja has also always been inspired by Phil Knights. He is constantly amused by Phil Knights’ visions, principles and journey.

So, without further ado, here it goes…

·         Your Mantra for Life

My mantra for life is to "live and let live" always. This powerful principle guides my actions and interactions with others, allowing me to embrace the diversity and uniqueness of individuals around me.

·         A Book you are currently reading?

Will By Mr. Will Smith.

·         Your Fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic?

My fitness mantra during the pandemic is to wake up at 5.30 am, meditate, hit the gym, and do some yoga. I make sure to shower and get ready by 8 am to start my day.

·         Your comfort food?

Rajma chawal is my ultimate comfort food.

·         When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going?

I believe it keeps moving forward. Just to learn from what is happening, just keep your head straight, go to basics, and improvise. Take baby steps as you slowly make your way up again.

·         Your guilty pleasure?

Tiramisu and waffles are my guilty pleasures when it comes to satisfying my sweet tooth.

·         When was the last time you tried something new?

I recently had an exciting experience trying something new just 15 days ago. I decided to engage in the thrilling activity of pedal sports. It was an invigorating adventure that allowed me to explore new horizons and challenge myself in a different way. By trying something new, I was able to break free from my routine and discover a new passion. This experience reminded me of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing fresh opportunities for personal growth and discovery.

·         A Life lesson you learned the hard way?

Building and nurturing relationships is a challenging life lesson I learned the hard way. Trusting people and investing time and effort into developing meaningful connections can be incredibly difficult, but it's also incredibly important.

·         What gets you excited about life?

I find excitement in waking up each day with gratitude, eager to explore new ideas, perspectives, and challenges. Setting and accomplishing short-term goals gives me a thrill and adds to my excitement for life.

·         What's on top of your bucket list?

At the top of my bucket list is mastering swimming and scuba diving.

·         If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

My advice to my younger self would be to be more focused and proactive. During that time of life, you have abundant energy and opportunities. So, make the most of it by staying focused on your goals and taking proactive steps toward achieving them.

·         One thing you would most like to change about the world?

I would change the prevalent arrogance in the world and promote greater humility and empathy among people.

·         An activity that keeps you motivated/charged during tough times?

Exercising and listening to motivational content such as podcasts and channels focused on manifestation, affirmations, and gratitude are activities that keep me motivated and charged during tough times.

·         What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?

When life gets you down, there's nothing quite like the uplifting support of a loved one. For me, that pillar of strength and solace is my wife—my partner in life. In a society where traditional gender roles often prevail, it can be challenging to recognize the value of learning from one's partner. However, I have come to appreciate that my wife possesses a wealth of wisdom and insight that I can draw from during difficult times. Engaging in heartfelt and honest conversations with her has proven to be a transformative experience, allowing me to find clarity, maintain a positive outlook, and rediscover the light in my life.

·         Your go-to stress buster?

My go-to stress buster is spending quality time with my two beloved daughters. Being around them brings immense joy and happiness into my life, and their presence has a remarkable calming effect on me. Their innocence, laughter, and unconditional love provide the perfect escape from the pressures of life, allowing me to recharge and find solace in their company.