KESAVAN PURUSOTMAN
WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, Kesavan Purusotman (KC) is a man of many hats. With over a decade of experience in both the F&B industry as well as the ente ainment industry, KC established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Equipped with tremendous knowledge in creating the ultimate lifestyle experience, the Managing Director of Privilege Axel Hospitality And Management handles a number of renowned brands that are bound to ring a bell with our readers. The brands include Cili Kampung, Kyo KL, Circa Bar, Alibi KL, Baijiu, as well as SIX by Saro.
In addition, KC’s passion for the ente ainment industry is on full display through his commitment to Lion Music Group. As the co-founder of the company, KC plays a huge role in managing the a ist management company that is home to a ists such as BATE, DJ AkuAsh, and DOLLA. In this interview, KC talks about his passion for the two industries, how it all sta ed, as well as what it takes for him to take on a brand.
IS THERE ANY COMMON GROUND BETWEEN THE TWO INDUSTRIES?
I think it all comes down to lifestyle. My business in food and beverages is very lifestyle oriented, and the ente ainment industry itself is heavily associated with lifestyle. Somehow, food and ente ainment have a way of blending when it comes to the culture of going out and having a good time. So, I think that’s the common line between the two.
WHAT LED YOU TO VENTURE INTO THE TWO INDUSTRIES?
It sta ed early on for me. When I was at the age of 15, I was already doing events and I’d constantly have the urge to throw pa ies. Whenever I hosted a pa y I’d bring in a couple of DJ decks and a few speakers just to breathe more life into it. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of bringing people together and giving them a good time, and that idea is why I’m doing what I’m doing with the brands and a ists that I’m managing today. I think in the service line, there’s something incredibly rewarding whenever you get to make someone happy.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO CONVINCE YOU TO TAKE ON A BRAND?
It all depends on the product, right? For food, most of the brands we have, we created them from scratch. We see the location, the market, the clientele, as well as the database around the community. Then, we’d come up with a concept and plan to build the brand.
With Cili Kampung, I came across this restaurant in Langkawi and I thought it was the greatest Malay food I’ve ever had in my life. I said to myself that I have to bring it in. Ever since we brought Cili Kampung in, it has been our biggest success story yet. It’s incredible.