How do you go from sleeping in second-class train containers to raising a $3.1 billion fund? In this power-packed episode, host Anant Kumar and his brother Udit Kumar—co-founders of Brij Hotels—sit down with Deep Kalra, the legendary founder of MakeMyTrip, to unpack his gritty entrepreneurial story, hard-won fundraising lessons, and the leadership mindset behind building a global travel giant.

• Early struggles, bold bets & the vision that launched MakeMyTrip.
• How MMT scaled into a global travel leader—wins, pivots, and near-misses.
• Fundraising principles every founder should know.
• Actionable insights on hospitality, travel, culture, and leadership.

If you’re an aspiring hotelier, a startup founder, or just love stories of grit and execution—this episode is a goldmine.

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 02:45 | The Founding Story of MakeMyTrip
• 09:55 | Rajesh Magow’s IPO Roadshow Experience
• 17:45 | Deep Kalra’s Biggest Regret
• 18:42 | Offsites in Second-Class Trains: Humble Beginnings
• 20:52 | Building Ebookers: The Full Journey
• 24:55 | Why Deep Quit Banking (and Family Support)
• 31:33 | Is Deep Protective About the MMT Brand?
• 33:36 | MakeMyTrip Almost Sold for $10M?
• 37:18 | Deep’s Toughest Decision
• 41:14 | Risk vs Opportunity in AI: MMT’s Move
• 44:28 | Building MMT’s Work Culture
• 48:57 | Staying Composed in Adversity
• 52:39 | Does Deep Face Imposter Syndrome?
• 56:16 | A Day Off in Deep’s Life
• 58:43 | Why MakeMyTrip & Goibibo Merged
• 01:04:27 | What Led to the Ctrip Buyout?
• 01:05:02 | Transitioning from CEO to Chairman
• 01:07:03 | MakeMyTrip’s Next 25 Years
• 01:08:17 | The Story Behind Ashoka University
• 01:11:50 | Deep vs. Rajesh: Who’s Better at What?
• 01:12:34 | 25 Years of Trust: What Customers Say
• 01:15:36 | Gut Instinct: When It Works (& When It Doesn’t)
• 01:17:16 | Slippery Slope: Fast-Paced Q&A

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At just 23, Priya Paul stepped into the family business at Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels and began a journey that would redefine Indian hospitality. From introducing boutique hotels to India to transforming them into vibrant cultural hubs, she has shaped The Park Hotels into an experience where art, design, and community meet.

In this conversation, she reflects on her path, the challenges of leading change, and the creativity that continues to inspire her work today. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn hotels into cultural landmarks, this is a story worth hearing.

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell icon to catch the full episode.

• 00:00 | Introduction to Priya Paul & The Park Hotels
• 02:09 | Starting in Hospitality at 23: Priya Paul’s Early Journey
• 05:04 | Lessons from Leading The Park Hotels: The First Lady of Indian Hospitality
• 06:48 | Redefining Hotel Design: Priya Paul’s Vision for Indian Hospitality
• 10:26 | Iconic Architecture of The Park Hotels: A Design-Driven Approach
• 15:13 | Growth Strategy Behind The Park Hotels’ Success
• 17:29 | How The Park Hotels Achieves the Highest Occupancy in India
• 18:58 | Challenges as a Woman in Indian Hospitality: Priya Paul’s Perspective
• 20:35 | Joining the Family Business: Priya Paul’s Career Story
• 26:14 | Running a Family Business vs. a Listed Company in Hospitality
• 30:49 | The Park Hotels’ Succession Planning Explained
• 32:55 | Receiving the Padma Shri: Priya Paul’s Proud Moment
• 33:57 | The Park Hotels’ Tie-ups with International Brands & Loyalty Programs
• 35:10 | Toughest Times in Hospitality: Priya Paul’s Leadership Lessons
• 39:38 | Expanding The Park Hotels Across India: State-by-State Challenges
• 40:25 | Slippery Slope

If you have any guest suggestions for our podcast, mail us at: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

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Step into the future of hospitality in this powerful conversation with Dilip Puri, founder of the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH). In this episode of Innside Scoop, hosted by Anant Kumar (Co-founder of Brij Hotels) and Aryavir Kumar (Managing Director at The Clarks Hotels & Resorts), we explore how AI is transforming the hospitality sector, redefining customer experience, and reshaping how we educate future leaders.

Discover how data, sustainability, and automation intersect with human-centric service, and gain insights into:

• How AI will impact hotel management, training, and decision-making
• How hospitality education must evolve
• How future-ready hoteliers can thrive in this digital age

🔔 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights and expert advice in the world of hospitality.

Email us at: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

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Anant Kumar (Founder, Brij Hotels) dives deep with Amit Damani, Co-founder of StayVista, to uncover:

• The 3 biggest pivots in StayVista’s journey (from near-death moments to ₹200Cr revenue!)
• Luxury segmentation: Vieda (₹10K+/night) vs. Vista vs. VEO – what’s the difference?
• Weirdest guest request they’ve handled (Spoiler: A shower crisis went viral!)
• AI in hospitality: How StayVista uses AI to transform operations
• Why they’re NOT expanding internationally yet ("India has unlimited potential!")

We hope you enjoy this episode — let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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• 00:00:00 - Introduction
• 00:02:17 - StayVista’s pivots: From budget hotels to luxury villas
• 00:08:14 - The founders of StayVista
• 00:09:37 - Vacation rental market overview
• 00:15:26 - Unit Economics: How Homeowners Earn ₹1L/Month
• 00:21:57 - Marketing Magic: How StayVista Spends Only 3% on Ads
• 00:28:57 - Unit economics of StayVista
• 00:38:51 - StayVista Segmentation: Vieda vs. Vista vs. VEO Explained
• 00:43:28 - AI in Hospitality: StayVista’s Tech Edge
• 00:51:46 - Weirdest Guest Request: The Shower Crisis Story
• 00:52:45 - Slippery Slope: Amit’s Favorite Travel Spot, Book, and Motto

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Innside Scoop is the ULTIMATE podcast for hospitality enthusiasts, aspiring hoteliers, and industry professionals. Hosted by Anant Kumar, co-founder of Brij Hotels, this podcast provides deep insights and expert advice for those entering or already thriving in the hospitality industry.

• Expert Host: Anant Kumar brings years of experience and knowledge to the table.
• Industry Secrets: Discover untold stories, insider tips, and strategies for success.
• Diverse Perspectives: Insights from industry leaders mentored by top professionals.
• Target Audience: Perfect for travel lovers, aspiring hoteliers, vacation rental owners, and hospitality entrepreneurs.

Sidharth Gupta, Founder of Treebo Hotels — the man behind India’s largest budget hotel chain with 800+ properties!

In this explosive episode, Sidharth reveals how he built Treebo from scratch, survived a $50M funding crash, battled the pandemic, and continues to compete not with big brands — but with what he calls "local heroes."

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• Scaling to 800 Hotels: How Treebo dominates the ₹2,000/night market with 16,500+ keys
• Near-Death Moments: The $50M investor fallout & pandemic survival tactics
• Real Competition? “Local independent heroes” – not hotel giants
• Leadership Secrets: Why nurturing talent is Sidharth’s #1 focus
• Mid-Market Play: Treebo’s ₹3,000-6,000 brands (Medallion & Radisson collab)

📌 Timestamps:
00:00 - From McKinsey to Treebo’s audacious ₹2,000 vision
05:32 - “Local heroes are our REAL competitors”
12:45 - $50M funding crash & profitability hacks
18:20 - Why Treebo’s tech is a “secret weapon”
25:10 - Leadership philosophy: “Make yourself redundant”
32:00 - IPO or acquisition? Sidharth’s exit plan

💬 Question: Would you stay at a ₹2,000/night hotel? Why or why not?

🔔 Subscribe for more raw founder stories: @innsidescoop_podcast

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Website: https://www.treebo.com/

About Innside Scoop:
Innside Scoop is the ultimate podcast for hospitality professionals, aspiring hoteliers, and travel entrepreneurs. Hosted by Anant Kumar (Co-founder, Brij Hotels), the show uncovers real stories, failures, and strategies from industry leaders. Tune in to level up your hospitality journey!

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Mansur Mehta, Director of Suba Hotels and Mehta Roadlines. From starting as a truck driver at 16 to leading one of India’s fastest-growing hotel chains, Mansur’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, leadership, and strategic growth.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

• How Mansur started working at 16 and built his career from the ground up
• His 18-hour workdays in logistics before transitioning to hospitality
• The guiding principle from his father: “Work above the ground, rest below it”
• How Suba Hotels grew from 1 to 125+ properties
• Becoming the master franchisor of Choice Hotels in India
• Acquiring 1589 Hotels as a major expansion milestone
• His 3-question formula for every business decision
• Why he built a nearly debt-free business model

We hope you enjoy this episode — let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Video Chapters:
00:00 | Introduction
03:14 | Mansur Mehta's career journey
04:15 | Taking over the family business
06:08 | How the Suba Group of Hotels started?
10:30 | Business lessons from Mansur’s father
14:55 | Overcoming struggles (ages 18–30)
18:19 | Business values from his upbringing
20:27 | Why ‘Suba’ and the move to Click Hotels
22:01 | Acquiring Choice Hotels
22:55 | Choice vs Click Hotels
24:08 | His hospitality vision
26:18 | Advice for asset owners
27:49 | Will Suba go public?
30:20 | Coldrush Logistics
33:40 | Time management secrets
36:14 | Mubeen Mehta’s role
37:17 | His philosophy on debt
39:04 | Competitors of Suba Group
42:24 | COVID and the toughest times

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About Innside Scoop:
Innside Scoop is the ultimate podcast for hospitality enthusiasts, aspiring hoteliers, and industry professionals. Hosted by Anant Kumar (Co-founder of Brij Hotels), it brings insider knowledge, entrepreneurial wisdom, and inspiring stories from leaders across the hospitality industry.

Get ready for the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025! In this exclusive episode of Innside Scoop, we host the visionary founder of @TeamworksProductions, Sanjoy Roy. As the mastermind behind the world’s largest literature festival @JprLitFest, Sanjoy shares his inspiring journey — from its humble beginnings to global acclaim.

🎙️ What’s Inside:

• The story behind Teamwork Arts and its rise to international acclaim
• The evolution of the Jaipur Literature Festival and its impact on Jaipur’s economy and tourism
• Sanjoy’s passion for theatre, acting, and directing
• The Kahani Festival at Dantewada — its vision and importance
• Exclusive insights into JLF 2025 featuring Justice Albie Sachs, Tina Brown, Anthony Sattin, Sudha Murty & more!

Stay till the end for a rapid-fire Q&A and Sanjoy’s top book recommendations! 📚

💬 Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Video Chapters:
00:00 | Introduction
02:19 | How Teamwork Arts started and reached the world?
09:10 | How Jaipur Literature Festival started?
12:17 | First passion: Actor, Director, Producer or Founder?
13:29 | Is Sanjoy Roy planning to act again?
15:15 | The Journey of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF)
22:20 | The Economic Impact of JLF on Jaipur
24:59 | The Expansion of the Jaipur Literature Festival
28:58 | What will be Teamwork Arts' lasting legacy?
36:56 | Kahani Festival at Dantewada
39:05 | How Teamwork Arts' team is so strong?
43:58 | Sanjoy Roy on Teamwork Arts' JLF International Necessity
46:06 | Sanjoy Roy on Jaigarh Heritage Festival
48:51 | Sanjoy Roy on JLF 2025: Key Attractions
51:00 | Sanjoy Roy's Favorite Reads
53:37 | Slippery Slope: Rapid Fire with Sanjoy Roy
59:13 | Sanjoy Roy on relationship with Sanjay Aggarwal

Guest Suggestions? Email us at: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

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Website: https://teamworkarts.com/

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Website: https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/

Vikramjit Singh, founder of Alivaa, shares his inspiring journey and valuable insights into the hospitality industry. From his 18-year tenure at Lemon Tree Hotels to launching Alivaa, Vikramjit unveils the secrets to his success and how he’s challenging conventional hospitality norms.

In this episode, Vikramjit discusses:

• The importance of location in the hospitality business
• How Alivaa is serving the underserved hotel market
• The role of technology in enhancing the hotel check-in process
• His approach to loyalty programs and breaking industry norms

Tune in to gain first-hand insights from Vikramjit’s journey and discover how Alivaa is disrupting the traditional hospitality model.

We hope you enjoy this episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:58 Vikramjit Singh's Journey
• 07:18 Lemon Tree Career
• 10:46 Sales Strategy at Lemon Tree Hotels
• 15:01 Incentives Programs
• 17:10 Room-to-Manpower Ratios
• 19:26 What Salespeople Should Do to Grow
• 23:48 Key Learnings from Lemon Tree Stint
• 28:36 AMP Program at Harvard Business School
• 29:52 Why Vikramjit Quit Lemon Tree
• 31:07 Hotel Market Niche
• 31:59 Alivaa – Why You Should Choose It
• 36:05 Alivaa’s Business Model
• 40:17 Alivaa's Co-founder
• 42:00 Investors & Angles Behind Alivaa
• 44:03 Hoften Hotels
• 47:10 Loyalty Program Philosophy
• 52:18 Role of Technology in Alivaa
• 53:26 What’s Alivaa’s End Goal?
• 54:50 Slippery Slope: Rapid Fire with Vikramjit

Guest Suggestions or Queries: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

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