TALKing People
Camellia Panjabi, along with her sister Namita, runs the Veeraswamy, Chutney Mary and Amaya restaurants in London. They also operate the Masala Zone group of Indian brasserie restaurants spread throughout London in 8 locations, namely, Covent Garden, Soho, Bayswater, Earl's Court, Islington, Camden, Fulham and at Selfridges (Garden Cafe) on Oxford Street. An economics student from Sydenham College, Mumbai, and Cambridge University, Camellia says economics was something her father wanted her to pursue. Talking about her love for food, she says, "I mostly eat on the road, or at any new place that I've heard serves good food." Asked to name her favourite restaurants, Camellia mentions two names in Mumbai- Gajalee that serves coastal food and Soam that serves Gujarati food.
Vikram Malhi, Country Head, India, Expedia.co.in is experiencing second winters in Delhi since he joined the Expedia office in Gurgaon. “Before this, for six years, I was in Chicago and then in Dallas. I am loving the chill in the air but it is just too cold. People have been asking me doesn't this feel like home? Doesn't it feel like Chicago? To that I say, it feels like I am homeless in Chicago," he chuckles. "I am from Punjab but spent my childhood in Nagpur. Hence, I am not used to the extreme cold winters here. Guess I will have to wait for the spring now," he adds.
Jagdeep Bhagat, President, IAAI NI Chapter, is a qualified civil engineer from a Delhi-based University; he got lured to tourism due to his love for travelling, inspired by the growth of service industry. He loves spending time with his family, which includes 14-year- old son and his wife, who teaches in Delhi University College. He would love to opt for leisure time than fitness exercises, but makes a point to go for regular brisk walks. Kerala is his favourite Indian destination, while he always makes a point to choose a family destination; be it in India, or overseas.
Kunal Kothari, Executive Director, Rail Europe India, is a perfect definition of family person. Kothari is working with Rail Europe India for over two years with 11 years experience of selling Rail Europe products in Dubai through a GSA company. He feels excited about the Indian market as the industry has lot of ‘action’ and it keeps him on his toes. When asked about his dream destination, he says, “My son wants to visit Paris Disneyland and my better half is keen to explore Switzerland soon.” Thus, he is a perfect example of ‘Family Man’ as he puts his wishes on the backseat. However, when insisted, he says, “Kashmir is one place I would love to visit again and again as it’s the most beautiful destination on this planet. I would also like to visit Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat with my family.”