I seriously envy the Ghar-Jamais. They aren’t born with a silver spoon but definitely married with a platinum one. The typical Ghar-Jamai is a son-in-law who moves in with his wife to the father-in-law’s house (or in a house bought by the father-in-law) and eventually joins the pop-in-law’s business empire. Nothing wrong about it. I am simply jealous!
Now who are the Top Ghar-Jamais of Delhi? Well the first name that comes to my mind is that of Timmy Sarna who married the heiress of the DLF Group, Pia Singh. Before marriage Timmy worked in his family venture – Sarna Exports. In the year 2000, Timmy Sarna launched Comma Home - a lifestyle store offering a wide choice of furnishing solutions. Timmy, MD of Comma Home had then planned 10 more stores across the country by 2002 but Comma Home has disappeared now. Timmy Sarna has joined his pop-in-law’s empire and is the MD of DLF Brands. Earlier Timmy lived in Green Park but post his marriage, he and Pia lives in a sprawling house in Aurangzeb Road.
Another lucky dude is Shikhar Malhotra who married Roshni Nadar, the daughter of Tech Billionaire Shiv Nadar of the $5-billion HCL Group. Before marrying Roshni in November 2009, Shikhar Malhotra had the modest business of Distrubutorship of Honda cars. Post his marriage with Roshni Nadar, Shikhar Malhotra is the CEO of the Shiv Nadar Schools, a pet-project of Shiv Nadar. According to reliable sources, Roshni and Shikhar last year moved in to a plush house in posh Delhi that Shiv Nadar bought for Rs. 100 Crores.
The latest one to join the gang of Ghar-Jamai’s is Arjun Prasad. A banker of sorts from UK, Arjun Prasad got married to Pernia Qureshi, daughter of Moin Qureshi, one of India’s largest meat exporter. The couple recently moved in to the Service Apartments at Aman, which obviously is paid for by pop-in-law, Moin Qureshi. Workwise…nobody knows what Arjun does. Most assume he tags along with his wife who at times plan to make movies but currently occupied in launching her own label of designer wear.
No I haven’t forgotten the most famous Ghar-Jamai. I am sure you know who I am talking about. But the guy took too many liberties of being the Jamai of India’s most powerful family and resultant messed up his cozy life. Last heard he is no more staying at the wifey’s house so guess he is no more a Ghar Jamai.
Before Armani entered India there was a huge expectation from the brand and brand gurus predicted that if one brand that will literally rock in India amongst fashion & luxury labels, it’s Armani. Armani tied-up with one of the most powerful conglomerate of India – the DLF group. Yet two years down the line, Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani are showing the most pathetic results. What could be the reason or rather reasons?
Atul Midha, the man who runs the show in India is definitely lagging behind when it comes to promoting his brand. Heard he loves to spend more time in Milan than Apna Desh! In fact more esoteric brands in Menswear like Ermenegildo Zegna, Canali, Brioni, Paul Smith, Corneliani and Burberry are faring much better than Armani. Giorgio Armani’s past few collections were strongly influenced by India yet the Guru Jacket from Zegna or the Nawab (Bandhgala) Jacket from Canali created more flutter and sold much better.
Even the lunching-ladies are skipping Armani and rather going for Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Pucci, Dior, Miu Miu, DVF, Ferragamo, Tod’s and Herve Leger.Recently a Armani travel bag was on a discounted offer (Midha once tom-tommed, “Armani doesn’t do ‘SALES’.”) - the Rs. 80k bag was offered for approx. Rs. 50k by a site called fashion fad and yet there weren’t many takers.
Many fashion conscious gents have told me that the merchandise at Armani stores in India is sad. Pia Singh should take stock of things and see that her smartly attired GM who speaks with a borrowed accent is not just big-talk but some hard work too. And yes, their PR is absolutely pathetic. What else could be the reason for Armani being so lackluster here even when it’s got the best location at DLF Emporio???