In our sizzling new issue, Grazia’s International Beauty Editor Kaniz Ali had the pleasure of creatively styling and catching up with entrepreneur Roop Pratap Choudhary. Roop is a trailblazer in the world of hospitality and a prominent figure in the world of glitz and glam. In this issue, he speaks exclusively to Kaniz about work-life balance.
Kaniz: Talk to us about your background
RC: My journey into hospitality and entrepreneurship is deeply intertwined with the legacy crafted by my parents, Colonel Manbeer Choudhary and Binny Choudhary. Growing up surrounded by their passion for art, travel, heritage, India, and hospitality, I developed a profound appreciation for creating exceptional experiences and preserving our family heritage. My training at some of India’s finest hotels, alongside pursuing higher education in the West, added valuable perspectives to my understanding of the industry. However, the rigorous training sessions with my parents at their hotels truly shaped me into who I am today. Learning from their wealth of experience and sharing their vision of preserving heritage while nurturing human talent has been instrumental in my journey. My vision was always centered on creating spaces that blend tradition with modernity, offering guests a glimpse into India’s rich cultural tapestry while providing world-class hospitality. The Companies commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and dedication to service have been guiding principles that I carry forward in my endeavors.
Kaniz: What inspired you to head into the family business?
RC: The inspiration to join the family business was inherent, the values instilled by my parents nurtured me. One was expected to learn the tricks of the trade from a young age and in general my dedication to hospitality, creativity, and cultural preservation ignited my passion for the hospitality industry and entrepreneurial ventures.
Kaniz: What was it like growing up with a father who has achieved so much?
RC: Growing up with Colonel Manbeer Choudhary, whose decorated service in the Indian Army is matched by his entrepreneurial success, was both inspiring and grounding. His commitment to excellence, man management, discipline, and service to the nation instilled valuable lessons that guide me to this day.
Kaniz: How did Noormahal Palace start?
RC: The journey began with our first hotel, Jewels Hotel which was started in 1994 and proudly completes 30 years this June. Through Jewels Hotel, we realized the immense potential of hotels, especially for weddings and events. This realization coupled with our passion for creating memorable experiences led to the conceptualization and launch of Noormahal Palace 15 years ago. Today, Noormahal Palace stands proudly among the top 5 hotels for destination weddings while also being one of India’s largest convention facilities, boasting more than 21 facilities tailored for events, making it a premier choice for unforgettable celebrations.
Kaniz: Talk to us about Colonel Saab; what inspired you to open up restaurants in London?
RC: Colonel Saab is a culinary expression of my journey with my parents while growing up and a tribute to our cultural heritage I got to witness as a child. It’s a love letter to those wonderful journeys and cities that were a part of my upbringing. It’s an ode to aunts and homes that were so welcoming and nurturing. The inspiration to venture into London’s culinary scene came from a desire to share the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine with global food enthusiasts and create a mark on the global canvas of gastronomy.
Kaniz: Talk to us about your weekly schedule.
RC: My weekly schedule is a dynamic blend of strategic meetings and extensive traveling between Delhi and London alongside closely monitoring operational planning aimed at enhancing our group’s presence. These meetings focus on identifying growth opportunities, forging partnerships, and ensuring alignment with our vision for excellence and innovation. Next, I dedicate time to streamlining operations for our newly opened venture, Colonel Saab in Trafalgar Square. This involves closely monitoring guest feedback, optimizing service, and refining our culinary offerings to exceed guest expectations. Simultaneously, I collaborate with teams in India to chart out growth plans for Noormahal Palace and Jewels. These discussions revolve around enhancing guest experiences, introducing innovative services, keeping up with the trends, and leveraging our heritage to attract discerning travelers seeking luxury experiences. Additionally, I focus on better positioning our group in the hospitality industry by staying abreast of industry trends, analyzing market dynamics, and devising strategies to stay ahead of the competition. This involves continuous evaluation of our brand positioning, marketing strategies and guest engagement initiatives to ensure that we remain a preferred choice among travelers.
Kaniz: How do you balance work and personal life?
RC: Now that being the toughest question of them all. Balancing work and personal life is about prioritization and mindfulness. I dedicate time to family, work, arts, and supporting social causes like orphanages and projects to empower women to stay updated with industry trends and innovations in equal moderation. It’s a conscious decision to divide time equally. Any free time and I crave to be alongside my parents in India, for me, that’s highly recharging.
Kaniz: What is the best advice you would give to anyone who would like to become an entrepreneur/businessman?
RC: Stay true to your vision, never compromise on integrity, surround and create yourself with a supportive network, embrace challenges as opportunities, and never stop learning and evolving in your entrepreneurial journey. Any journey being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, it’s not a 9-5 job and it’s going to drain you both mentally and physically so you need a supportive team alongside which makes the journey worthwhile.
Kaniz: What are some of the mistakes you wish you could have avoided?
RC: Reflecting on my journey, I value the lessons learned from every mistake. Strategic planning, adaptability, and fostering strong relationships have been key learning that has shaped my Approach to business.
Kaniz: If Roop was not an entrepreneur, what would he be?
RC: If not an entrepreneur, I would likely immerse myself in art curation and advocacy, combining my love for creativity, heritage, and social causes into a meaningful pursuit. I would love to be a part of journalism too, perhaps one day who knows what destiny has in store?
Kaniz: What have been your favorite highlights and achievements in the last 5 years?
RC: One of the significant highlights of the past 5 years has been the remarkable growth and recognition achieved by Noormahal Palace and Colonel Saab, earning accolades and setting benchmarks in hospitality and culinary excellence.
Under our guidance, Noormahal Palace has evolved into one of the country’s most majestic palace hotels, earning numerous accolades and appreciation from guests and industry experts alike. Its recognition as one of India’s top 5 destination wedding venues underscores years of focused effort in providing unparalleled luxury experiences with a special focus on hosting exquisite weddings. Additionally, the success story of Colonel Saab in the heart of London’s culinary scene has been source of immense pride. It has not only garnered acclaim as one of the top Indian restaurants by Forbes International but also secured its place in the top 10 Indian restaurants in London. The restaurant’s popularity among food connoisseurs and celebrities reflects our commitment to show casing the depths of Indian cuisine on a global platform. Moreover, receiving prestigious awards from various publications, to being invited at 10 Downing Street by the Prime minister who thanked young entrepreneurs like me for their dedication towards our chosen fields was exhilarating. These achievements validate our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry.
Kaniz: What makes Noormahal Palace different from other luxury hotels in India?
RC: Noormahal Palace stands out among luxury hotels in India for its unique fusion of heritage charm, modern amenities, and personalized service, creating unforgettable experiences for guests. The palace exudes an enchanting aura of heritage with its majestic architecture and intricate detailing, offering a glimpse into India’s rich cultural legacy. Despite its historical charm, Noormahal is equipped with state- of-the-art amenities, ensuring a luxurious stay for guests. What truly sets it apart is the personalized service, where every guest is treated with utmost care and attention to detail, creating tailored experiences that leave a lasting impact. Moreover, Noormahal Palace is not just a place to stay; it’s a treasure trove of art and history, the famed publication architectural digest mentioned “This palace hotel in Karnal that possibly has more antiques and artworks than any other museum in the world “due to its extensive collection of artifacts and historical elements. The palace offers a range of venues for weddings, events, and conferences, each with its own unique charm and historical backdrop, adding a touch of grandeur to any occasion. Guests are also treated to immersive experiences, from curated tours of the palace’s art to cultural performances and culinary delights that celebrate India’s cultural richness.
Kaniz: What do you look for in a life partner?
RC: I value qualities like mutual respect, shared values, a passion for creativity, cultural appreciation, and a commitment to supporting each other’s personal and professional growth. Decency and a good human above all.
Kaniz: How do you spend your time outside of work?
RC: Though I don’t get much of it,I prefer to spend time with myself or family as it’s the only way I feel rejuvenated. There’s routine of running and tennis luckily , I indulge in art exploration, reading, being around mountains , traveling, and staying updated with emerging trends in the hospitality and art industries.
Kaniz: Who are your favorite people in the world and why?
RC: My favorite people are those who inspire me with their passion, warmth, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact in any sphere. They include my parents, mentors, my teachers and individuals who have love, knowledge and respect to offer.
Kaniz: What’s your favorite food and dessert? Why is it your favorite?
RC: My favorite food is definitely indian and italian, evoking nostalgia and cultural connections. As for desserts, gulab jamun and tiramisu hold a special place for its indulgent sweetness and festive significance.
Kaniz: What sets you apart from other entrepreneurs?
RC: I feel everyone’s journey has a tale to tell , with me there is a very ethical and humane approach that I put towards work . No matter what I achieve I am always aware that there’s an entire line up of people who have pushed and compelled me into that position so it’s always a group effort . What I sow will be always what I reap so I’m very conscious of the energy and the karma I put out. We all might be great entrepreneurs and hoteliers but at the end of the day we all expect love, warmth and nurturing, we need to genuinely made efforts in giving our teams and guests true warmth and affection.
CEO: ZAHRA SAIFULLAH
Managing Editor: NASHMIA AMIR BUTT
Creatively Directed by KANIZ ALI
Photography by DANNY SINGH
Creative Styling by KANIZ ALI
Assistant: IMAN CHANA
Location: COLONEL SAAB, TRAFALGAR SQUARE, UK
Words by SIBGHA BATOOL
