Tanya Gupta Viccajee, Aarti Kumar and Sindhu Rao
The trio behind The Pink Circus, an event management company, have known each other from a long time and one day thought about starting a business together. Tanya says, “We’ve been great friends for many years now. I guess it’s always better working with friends, because there are no surprises. One already knows each others’ good, bad and annoying qualities.
“And, the trust factor is really high. You trust your friend with your life, and at work that obviously follows. We look out for each other and once we walk out of our office space, we do not discuss work.”
Vani Subhas and Usha Reddy
They started their company Hansa Holidays, 11 years ago, followed by another business, Good Earth. Vani says, “I share a very comfortable relationship with Usha — we’ve know each for 22 years. Our mutual friends warned us in the beginning to not start a business together, and today we’ve proved them all wrong. We always ask each other before taking any major decisions, and that is the key.”
“We have never had any serious problems. Having a friend at work is a tension-free experience,” adds Vani.
Bobby Khandari and Archie Paranji
Fashion is their passion. They run a company called Absalut Style, through which they hold high-end events and exhibitions in the city. Bobby says, “I’ve known Archie for 20 years. We first met at a party and clicked instantly. We both are outgoing, have similar interests and opinions… so we thought why not start a business together? We work hard, and it’s nice to have a little fun at the same time. There are times when we are at office, and someone says something stupid… we immediately look at each other and burst into laughter. We have that connection, sometimes, we don’t even need to talk.”
So have they never faced any problems? Bobby says, “Of course, we’ve had our share of differences. But it’s about giving each other space, and leaving their areas of expertise to them. Financial issues can ruin friendships. So, when it comes to money… we make sure that we sort it out in the beginning itself.”
Archie adds, “At the end of the day, it’s about what you value the most. And, for me it’s definitely friendship. It’s very important to respect each other’s opinions and convince them if you think they’re wrong.”
Shweta Keerthi and Nitya Jalan
They started their business, Purple Martini Events, three years ago and Shweta and Nitya are still going strong. Shweta says, “We’ve known each other for almost 12 years now. We both had quit our jobs at the same time and that’s when we thought of working together. There is so much pressure at work, so it’s nice to have a friend who you can hang out with after work. And while we are doing that, we don’t discuss work. I think that’s important,” says Shweta.
Nitya adds, “Also, openness is the key. One must keep their egos aside and sort out the differences, if any. Shweta and I share a great rapport, and it’s fun to work with her.”
Aparna Reddy and Padma Reddy
The duo run one of the most successful businesses in the city. Aparna and Padma Reddy of Petals Lifestyle and exhibitions tell us about their friendship that began 18 years ago. “We knew each other from a long time. We were walking in the KBR Park one day, when the idea to start a business just clicked!” Aparna exclaims, adding, “Our friendship actually strengthened after we got into business.” They, too, have their share of differences, but the business partners have set their priorities.
“While Padma is practical, I look at it from another point of view… and I think it just works perfectly,” adds Aparna. Padma says that trust is the key. “We keep business and friendship apart. And, we always trust each other. When you’re into business, you must learn to compromise now and then,” she says.
