Homegrown has its sibling rivalry/camaraderie down. Not everyone knows it, but two-thirds of our core team just happen to share the same parents, upbringing, and well, a bordering-on-psychotic hyperactivity trait. This means that serious brainstorming sessions often devolve into what a bar fight would look like if punches were substituted with jabs about childhood embarrassments and other such intimate insults. They’re probably going to throw us into that mix for writing this though, so we will be quick to admit that they also make an incredible team that's difficult to parallel without the blood relation. The force is strong with a brother-sister combination that’s come together to accomplish any kind of goal and since we already had a firsthand glimpse of it, we decided to look a little further.
We caught up with a series of sibling duos across the country who have created something special together and asked them to rat each other out [Those who missed the previous edition of this series, do read Vol I.]. Here’s what we found out.
I. Amit and Bhavna Dhanani
“Bhavna is the black and white and Amit is the grey that completes her”
29-year-old Amit Dhanani and 26-year-old Bhavna Dhanani are the co-founders of BAD. “ BAD originates from the traveller within us and it marries everything from Amit’s soul for food and coffee, to my love for yoga, culture, music and art, while accumulating tales from the ‘other side’ in a library. It's also a capsule store for budding artists that is trying to make a difference to lives by binding people’s mind-body-soul together,” says Bhavna.
Three things about their sibling that inspires them:
“We, as #TheBADSiblings inspire each other from soul to body to mind. We are in sync, we balance each other in our ups and downs, literally fill each other's gaps because we are two opposites, yet magnetically complete each other,” they share.
“If we change ourselves we would lose the BAD in us, and BAD is the new GOOD. However, let’s get the dirty laundry out now: Bhavna is the yogini, who has no patience at all, whereas Amit is the guy whose chakras might actually be aligned. Bhavna thinks like a guy and gets ready in time, while Amit takes a lifetime to blow dry his hair. If this would only change, we can assure you this world would be a better place,” they admit only half jokingly.
You can follow Amit on his Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also follow Bhavna on Facebook and Instagram.
II. Kartik & Akshay Ranjan
“Growing up after running away from a nutcase dad means you're going to be flat broke a lot, but if you've got a brother, you can deal with anything and even start a company together.”
26-year-old Kartik Ranjan and 25-year-old Akshay Ranjan are two of the four co-founders of Rolling’stache Studios, a video solutions firm that is based out of Pune.
“The core team previously functioned under the name of Total Jugaad Studios while we were in college, and once the work started getting regular, we decided to make things official under the new name of Rolling'stache. To us, a rolled moustache symbolises coming of age—and fine taste. There's also a totally serendipitous pun in there,” they share.
Karthik: Firstly, Akshay is a powerhouse of talent. He can shoot, edit, play music, and even do some 2D animation. Theoretically, he's a fully-functioning studio all on his own. Secondly, he's capable of doing anything he puts his mind to. He learned animation and a lot of shooting techniques on the job, with no one to guide him. Lastly, he has his own distinct language of expression. It's not easy being unique, but anyone who knows Axe will tell you he's special, no question.
Karthik: Akshay hates bullshit and politics, which makes him uninterested in getting his hands dirty. Sadly, managing a business involves every kind of bullshit there is, as well as the need to be good at politics. Secondly, it's really tough to keep his attention because his mind works so fast. It makes discussions and decision making with him difficult at times. Often, I just find myself making decisions and telling him later—and he doesn't mind, as long as it's good for the company.
Akshay: I'd like Karthik to take more risks in life. He really underestimates how much he is truly capable of and it holds him back in life. Secondly, he needs to walk more and get some exercise. Seriously.
III. Mrinalini & Siddhartha Babbar
"With focus and motivation, all hurdles can be overcome. It's just a matter of perspective."
Mrinalini: His focus, determination, and how humble he is.
Siddhartha: Her creativity, wit, and how strong a person she is.
IV. Paran and Palak Sheth
“Exactly the same, but totally different!”
Follow Paran on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can follow Palak on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as well. Follow their work with PostScript on Facebook.
V. Pragati Kumari and Shivdutt Singh
“Collaborative association and coordinated efforts to bring out the best in each other that translate in a flourishing environment and business simultaneously.”
Pragati: The fact that he is always working round the clock, and the fact that his life is basically all about dismantling cars, assembling cars, rave, repeat.
Follow Pragati and Shivdutt’s work with Ravla Bhenswara on their website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
VI. Ronil and Rayan Dalal
“We tend to be very different in nature and approach however it is the combination of our diverse personal attributes and traits of integrity, self awareness and creativity that adds substantial value to our work.”
24-year-old Ronil and 20-year-old Rayan Dalal are the co-founders of Ray & Dale, a luxury e-boutique that was set up with the hope to deliver high quality goods to their fashion savvy customers.
Three things about their sibling that inspires them:
Ronil: Rayan inspires me with his artistic skills and design conceptualisation, his ability to remain calm under pressure, and the way he is so good with customers.
Follow the duo’s work with Ray & Dale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google+.
VII. Ryan and Keenan Tham
“Fearless, Faithful and United.”
33-year-old Ryan Tham and 31-year-old Keenan Tham are the partners at Tham Hospitality, the umbrella under which The Good Wife and Trilogy operates.
What started out with the ‘Putamayo Music Nights at Henry Tham’ translated to a lot of other venues venturing into different music genres. After ‘Henry Tham’ they consciously moved to the suburbs with Trilogy in Juhu and then The Good Wife in BKC.
Ryan: Foresight— Keenan is extremely sharp when it comes to spotting trends. He naturally thinks like a leader and an entrepreneur out to make it big. His enthusiasm cannot be countered. He is fearless when it comes to incorporating ‘the new and trending’. He doesn’t fear failure and is always up for challenges.
VIII. Sahil and Sahiba Marwaha
“Learning how to live and let live at work (and at home).”
28-year-old Sahil Marwaha founded Beam & Words, a communication consultancy that specialises in new-age public relations, digital media and design, along with two of his friends. 26-year-old Sahiba Marwaha has been working with the company since its inception. She works as a PR and brand consultant while her brother heads the PR vertical of the agency.
“While Abhinav, Arjun and I run the agency, Sahiba has been with us almost since the beginning. She assists Arjun and I as a PR consultant on most of the interesting projects that come our way. She ensures the clients she represents make the right choice all the time," Sahil explains.
Three things about their sibling that inspires them:
Sahil: She is hardworking and driven. She is persistent and sincere with her work. She is highly trustworthy at work, but that is also because she is my sister.
Sahiba: He is not just a perfect brother, he's a great mentor too. The things I learnt from him have helped me evolve, and I don't think I could have received those lessons elsewhere. He is extremely hardworking, creative and enthusiastic. The ideas he comes up with can really inspire someone. He's also extremely lively and manages to balance his personal and professional life remarkably well.
Two things they would change about each other:
Sahil: Not change, really, but I think she should be a little more outgoing. It is something that she is already working on. Also, while being sensitive is a good trait, I think sometimes it is okay to not take everything to heart.
Sahiba: He gets really impatient at times. Also, he has a habit of reminding people of things again and again.
Follow Sahil on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow Sahiba on Facebook and Instagram.
IX. Samson and Sharon Tharakan
“We are the Jesus-loving, wanderlusting twins who will never turn down an adventure.”
Mammen Sam Tharakan, who is lovingly known as Samson, and Sharon Tharakan are 25-year-old twins who chose to live a nomadic life.
Samson: Sometimes she reacts in a very raw and immediate manner that might be hurtful to some, but I have noticed her change over the past three years that we have been living in community together. And there is the fact that she needs to start making decisions faster.
Follow Samson on his Facebook and Instagram pages. You can follow Sharon on Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram.
X. Vishal and Varun Bahl
”Perfect fit to a jigsaw puzzle.”
46-year-old Vishal Bahl and 39-year-old Varun Bahl began their journey with their clothing label, Varun Bahl, in 2001, and ever since they have relied on each other’s expertise to run the brand smoothly.
“I believe that my sense of management and Varun's creativity is a perfect match to run the brand successfully. We give each other the space to work in our respective areas while working towards creating a successful business,” adds Vishal.
Vishal: Varun is a dreamer. He is extremely creative and vigilant, something that reflects in our label—and it’s one of the reasons we are doing well.
Vishal: Varun is too kindhearted and he trusts people too easily.
Varun: Vishal works round the clock. He should take vacations more often. I would love it if he became more tech savvy.
Follow Vishal and Varun on their journey with their fashion label on their website. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Compiled by Krupa Joseph and Sanyukta Shetty