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

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Tune in and get the insights you need to excel in the world of hospitality.

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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• Instagram: @makemytrip
• Website: makemytrip.com

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• Instagram (Udit): @tidukumar

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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• Website: Brij Hotels

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