Innside Scoop with Anant Kumar

Patu Keswani on The Lemon Tree Hotels Story | Anant Kumar | EP 14 | Innside Scoop

In this episode of Innside Scoop, we sit down with Patu Keswani, the visionary founder of Lemon Tree Hotels, to explore how he built one of India’s most respected hospitality brands. This is not just an inspiring story – it is also the most information-packed episode yet. From the economics of hotel growth to the realities of entry-level work, Patu shares candid insights into the hospitality industry in India, leadership, and building a purpose-driven company. What you’ll learn in this episode: * How the Indian hospitality industry has evolved and where it’s heading * The realities of working in hotels at the ground level * Why Lemon Tree Hotels made inclusion and dignity of work its foundation * Leadership lessons on humility, growth, and purpose * Practical takeaways for entrepreneurs building in India Timestamps: 00:00 | Introduction 03:13 | Early life and family values shaping leadership 05:45 | Lessons from Tata and Taj 06:17 | Entry-level hotel work 11:23 | Building company culture 13:52 | Mentors and leadership lessons 19:26 | Pet-friendly hotels & inclusion 24:56 | Passion for pets 27:56 | Funding Lemon Tree 31:47 | Taking Lemon Tree public 42:03 | Future plans & expansion 51:00 | Family influences & legacy 54:23 | Industry myths & lessons 57:43 | Creating leaders 01:01:28 | Books & business challenges 01:04:54 | Reflections 01:07:18 | Advice for youngsters 01:09:56 | Favourite hotel stays & closing thoughts Follow Innside Scoop: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast] Guest Suggestions: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com [innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com] Follow Lemon Tree Hotels: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UCPaVbJCnIOyf4f-IgG1GrQw] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lemontreehotels/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lemontreehotelsltd/] | Website [https://www.lemontreehotels.com/] Host - Anant Apurv Kumar: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] Tune in and get the insights you need to excel in the world of hospitality.

From $10 Million Exit Talks to Raising $3 Billion: The Deep Kalra Story | MakeMyTrip | Anant Kumar | Udit Kumar | EP 13

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. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN * 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. CHAPTERS * 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 WATCH & FOLLOW * YouTube (Innside Scoop): youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] * Instagram (Innside Scoop): @innsidescoop_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast] GUEST: DEEP KALRA * Instagram: @deepkalra__ [https://www.instagram.com/deepkalra__/] * X: @deepkalrammt [https://x.com/deepkalrammt] * LinkedIn: Deep Kalra [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deep-kalra-2954862] MAKEMYTRIP * YouTube: @MakeMyTripOfficial [https://www.youtube.com/@MakeMyTripOfficial] * Instagram: @makemytrip [https://www.instagram.com/makemytrip] * Website: makemytrip.com [https://www.makemytrip.com/] HOSTS: ANANT & UDIT KUMAR * LinkedIn (Anant): @anant-apurv-kumar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] * Instagram (Udit): @tidukumar [https://www.instagram.com/tidukumar]

Meet the Woman Who Brought Boutique Hotels to India ft. Priya Paul | THE Park Hotels | EP 12 | Innside Scoop

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. VIDEO CHAPTERS * 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 CONTACT & GUEST SUGGESTIONS If you have any guest suggestions for our podcast, mail us at: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com [innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com] FOLLOW INNSIDE SCOOP * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast] * Email: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com [innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com] FOLLOW PRIYA PAUL * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/priyapaul/] FOLLOW THE PARK HOTELS * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UC8nA8IBLVql7n5yftfUlBWQ] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theparkhotels/] * Website [https://www.theparkhotels.com/] FOLLOW APEEJAY GROUP * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apeejaygroup/] * Website [https://www.apeejaygroup.com/] FOLLOW FLURYS * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/flurysindia/] * Website [https://www.flurys.com/] FOLLOW BRIJ HOTELS * LinkedIn: @anant-apurv-kumar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] * YouTube: @brijhotels672 [https://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672] * Instagram: @brijhotels [https://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/] * Website: Brij Hotels [https://www.brijhotels.com/] #innsidescooppodcast #innsidescoop #brijhotels #anantkumar #clarks #hospitalitypodcast #hotel #PriyaPaul #TheParkHotels #InnsideScoop #IndianHospitality #WomenInHospitality #LeadershipJourney #YoungLeaders #PodcastClip #AnantKumar #BrijHotels #WomenEntrepreneurs #HotelIndustry

How AI is Revolutionizing Hospitality? ft. Dilip Puri, Founder of ISH | EP 11 | Innside Scoop with Anant Kumar and Aryavir Kumar

STEP INTO THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY WITH DILIP PURI | INNSIDE SCOOP PODCAST 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. 📩 GUEST SUGGESTIONS? Email us at: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com [innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com] 🔗 FOLLOW INNSIDE SCOOP: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast] 🔗 FOLLOW DILIP PURI: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dilip__puri/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilip-puri/] 🔗 FOLLOW INDIAN SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY (ISH): * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UC3i19W8zm5sPm37SOG1Xw9Q] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IndianSchoolofHospitality/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/indianschoolofhospitality/] * Website [https://www.ish.edu.in/] 🔗 FOLLOW ANANT KUMAR: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/anantapurvkumar/] 🔗 FOLLOW BRIJ HOTELS: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/] * Website [https://www.brijhotels.com/] 🔗 FOLLOW ARYAVIR KUMAR: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryavir-kumar-0341a89b] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aryavirk/] 🔗 FOLLOW THE CLARKS HOTELS AND RESORTS: * Website [https://www.theclarkshotels.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theclarkshotelsandresorts/] ---------------------------------------- 🎯 HASHTAGS: #hospitalityindustry #AIinhospitality #ISH #DilipPuri #hoteltech #futureofhospitality #innsidescooppodcast #innsidescoop #brijhotels #anantkumar #clarks #hospitalitypodcast #hotel

StayVista’s 3% Marketing Secret: Scaling to 90,000 Room-Nights ft. Founder of StayVista - Amit Damani | Innside Scoop EP 10

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! 🔔 Subscribe for more hospitality gold: YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] 📌 FOLLOW AMIT DAMANI * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/damani_amit] * X (Twitter) [https://x.com/am_damani] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitdamani] 📌 FOLLOW STAYVISTA * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stayvista_official] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/stayvista/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stay-vista/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UCY2Xlcp54bXUCj3wEkRquaw] * Website [https://www.stayvista.com/] 🎬 VIDEO CHAPTERS * 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 📌 FOLLOW ANANT KUMAR & BRIJ HOTELS * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/] * Website [https://www.brijhotels.com/] 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, this podcast provides deep insights and expert advice for those entering or already thriving in the hospitality industry. WHY LISTEN TO INNSIDE SCOOP PODCAST? * 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.