Born to Achieve - Rohit Reddy

Banjara Hills recently met its match. The iconic address that is comparable to high-end locales in cities throughout the world has recently opened its doors to one of the most charming addresses – Signature One. We all know that behind any magnificent venture is someone’s passion, someone’s relentless dedication, and above all a remarkable vision. In this case, our very own Rohit Reddy is behind this stellar development.

For those of you who don’t already know, Rohit Reddy, or RR as he is fondly known, is an enigma – a conundrum of personalities. A teetotaller and non-smoker for whom even carbonated drinks are a taboo, he advocates clean living and is an inspiration to many who have followed his footsteps into fitness. Everything about him is extraordinary and larger than life – be it his dreams, his passion for fitness, his flair for fashion and fine living, and his quest to build the biggest and most luxurious iconic structures. He strives to be a name that everybody knows – not just in Hyderabad, but the world over. Rohit is passionately driven –working tirelessly and completely hands-on with his real-estate projects. He is an extrovert, yet with a quiet side; a man whose dreams are his own.

This quote defines RR’s foray into the real estate business. Taken from Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead, he too, like the book’s hero, is one who dreams of building the biggest and best buildings, and actually makes it happen.

There was a time when RR was just a happy-go-lucky rich and goal-less youngster, enjoying life to the fullest. But all that changed with the demise of his father – the person he looked up to the most. He realised that he needed to prove himself and be a self-made man – one who is respected and looked up to. His journey from boyhood to manhood was swift and turbulent, but he stuck to his convictions even when people tried to dissuade him.

He looked to his other mentor for inspiration – Donald Trump. When Trump announced he was building one of the tallest residential towers, Trump Tower, people were sceptical. But he did it. For Rohit, that was perhaps the genesis of launching the Signature brand and announcing the most luxurious apartment complexes in Banjara Hills – one of the most expensive zip codes in India.

But it was not easy. There was a fair share of sceptics who were not in favour of a luxury project when the real estate sector was on the downturn. But RR proved them wrong. He was hands-on from day one – right from the blueprint, to working with top architects, flying to Rajasthan for the best building materials and to Thailand for special landscaping. His quest for perfection extends to his work so much that it is said that each paving stone that was laid on the driveway was personally supervised by him. Today, Signature One is easily one of the most luxurious apartment complexes in Hyderabad; one that has the crème-de-la-crème of the city vying for an address in it.

Being his own competition, RR has swiftly moved on to new ventures. Soon to be announced will be Signature Horizon, a designer group housing development with iconic views of Golconda Fort on one side and Hi-Tech City on the other. He is also tirelessly working on an exclusive villa community, plans for which are currently under wraps.

This week, we caught up with the highly stylish and capable Hyderabadi for a tête-à-tête, atop one of the most spectacular terraces of the city – you guessed it… Signature One on Road No. 4, Banjara Hills.

How would you describe yourself?

Rohit Reddy is a child at heart who believes in working hard and making a name for himself, and making the people who believe in him proud. I believe I am born to be extraordinary and an achiever. My journey thus far has been unique, to say the least, and impactful. I want to do good and be unapologetic about living well.

How would you like the world to know you 10 years from now?

Not a decade from now, but within the next three to four years I want to be known as someone who followed his dreams and made a difference in everything he ventured into. In the process I will have created opportunities for others and made a difference in their lives. Perhaps the headlines a decade later will read: “RR--- his entrepreneurial achievements are unparalleled.”

I want to be known for the unseen quality, and bring defining lifestyles under the Signature brand umbrella. Signature One is just the beginning, and going by the reviews from the discerning families, it’s been a beginning with a bang.

How do you view success?

To be known and recognised for my work everywhere.

What is your idea of style?

Style is personal. Comfort is primary. I am not brand conscious at all. If you are stylish and have a personality, you can carry off anything with a smile.

What does fitness mean to you?

Fitness is my addiction. It has helped me achieve my goals in the real world by increasing my willpower and determination. I love working out with my teacher, friend, and mentor Faiyaz. He expects me to be able to do weights, Pilates, cardio or run a marathon at any given point. And I am able to do that because of his fantastic routine. I have never questioned him because his results speak for themselves. I feel very privileged to have so many followers on social media, who consider me a fitness and fashion icon.

Who do you look up to?

I look up to my mom; she is my idol. I love the way she has always loved me and inspired and encouraged me in adversity. She believed in me when nobody else did. It’s not easy to reach where I have without her support and blessing. I miss my dad. I am sure he would be so proud of us. Nitya, my sister, has always been a great support to me. She is my greatest strength and weakness at the same time, and I always look up to her.

What is the first thought that comes to mind when you get up in the morning, and the last thing you think about when you go to bed?

The first thought is to go and do everything that is planned for the day with utmost dedication and passion. The last thought is to sleep well and to look forward to the next morning, so I can get closer to achieving my goals and dreams.

Is there anything about you or your life that you want to change?

I wish I can help more people around me and be able to travel and see more of the world, and experience different cultures while at it. I am working towards these.

Rappid with Rohit

Your hobbies:

I love running, swimming, and cycling. Lately I have started learning golf. I am looking forward to running a few marathons abroad this year.

Your favourite place in Hyderabad:

Home is my favourite place. My bachelor pad at Signature One is my solace, because I made it with so much love.

Your favourite holiday destinations:

Undoubtedly, Zurich, London, and the Maldives!

Your favourite people:

My favourite people are my nieces – Trisha and Anoushka. They give me such unconditional love and teach me so much. Presently, they are my tech gurus. I totally love their company.

Your favourite food:

It has to be Chinese and home-cooked food.

Your favourite movie:

The Wolf of Wall Street

What People have to say about Rohit

Rohit’s nieces, Trisha and Anoushka:

“Ever since we were little kids, we always looked at our mama’s closet with admiration. In our eyes, he always was, is and will be the ultimate style icon. Be it following trends even before they’ve made a debut or creating his own, mama has always been fond of photo shoots and taking pictures. With time came the realisation that however forward and easy he is with fashion, he’s that backward with technology. Last summer he stumbled upon Instagram on my phone, and he was fascinated by how we kids could stay connected as well as post fun pictures on social media. And from that moment onwards, we decided to take up the tedious task of helping him create a cool and fun social media account that portrayed both his style and personality. And wow, is he a keen learner or what? Now, with all his cool mirror selfies and Insta-stories he sure seems to be using it to its fullest potential. So proud of you mama!! Every day he makes us happier to be his nieces.”

Actor Ram Pothineni (also a resident of Signature One):

“Well, all I can say, is from being a person who never believed in owning a house, to not being able to wait to move into my new home, Rohit played a huge part. He’s one of the most passionate people I’ve met, and I’m pretty confident that we will see many more of his iconic projects all over the city in the future.”

Nitya Reddy, Rohit’s sister:

“My brother has always been a friend, guide and mentor to me. He is a go-getter. He may look flaky now and then because of his inherent desire to look his best at all times, but what others don’t know is his desire to be number one in everything he does – his work, fitness, cars or clothes. This requires dedication and sacrifice. My children are his best friends. He relates to them and loves them to bits.”

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra:

“I was first introduced to Rohit and Pratimaji (Rohit’s mother) two decades ago, by Sridevi. Since then I have become an integral part of their family. I have seen Rohit grow from a young boy to this business magnate that he has become. I was there at the launch of Signature One and even presented a fashion show on the occasion. I’m so proud of him. Looking forward to collaborating more with him in the future. He has always had a great sense of style and fashion. He loves to reinvent himself every few years, which is so amazing. His fitness and discipline are exemplary. I believe he will make a name for himself in the country one day.”

Nikhil, from the designer duo of Shantanu & Nikhil, who have been styling Rohit for over 15 years:

“Rohit is a very humble person. He knows his style and he knows he is comfortable in his existence. He goes after anything he does with full focus and with his soul in it. Be it his cars, his fitness or his work, he is consistent and his work is everlasting; and something that only he can do. His Signature, rightly so.”

A colleague and friend of RR from his alma mater, Purdue University:

“The first thing that comes to my mind when anyone asks me about Rohit is that he is truly one-of-a-kind. I have never met anyone like him. His energy is highly infectious and there is simply never a dull moment when he is around. His dedication and discipline towards fitness, his unshakable confidence and charm, his clarity in vision for where he wants to take his brand, Signature, and just the passion he displays towards anything he takes up inspires me every single day! He is an absolutely great human being and a friend I can always count on. He is the life of every party he attends, and always has the most positive outlook towards life and its challenges.”

Rohit on Fitness

According to RR, ‘The body is a work of art’; it needs to be chiselled and perfected. The mind and body are his temples and his approach to keeping them in perfection is his daily puja.

If Michelangelo’s ‘David’ sculpture is said to be the epitome of perfection, RR could come a close second. RR spends hours at his private gym with his dedicated trainer Faiyaz Khan to hone and tone his perfect body. It’s a ritual that does not stop even for a day, be it for travel, a celebratory event or any adversity. Rohit and Faiyaz’s journey into fitness started in the late 90s, at a time when no one had heard of personal fitness training. Today, almost 20 years later, Faiyaz is naturally not just his trainer, but practically family; one who knows RR well.

Faiyaz says, “I have trained many sportspersons and celebrities – both from Bollywood and Tollywood. When it comes to dedication, consistency and perseverance, none come close to RR. We have no training routine; each day is a new workout – weights, TRX, kettle bells, functional training, yogalatese (a combination of yoga and Pilates), and distance running, cycling. I don’t believe in fads and trends – one needs to eat clean and well, train smart, and give the body time to recuperate. Diets don’t work. Portion control is key.” His message, and not just to RR but to everyone is, “It’s about mind over body; the will has to be stronger than skill.”

Rohit on Fashion

Fashion and fine living are RR’s mantras – an innate part of who he is. He is completely unapologetic when it comes to flaunting his custom-made attires and his lavish lifestyle. A self-made man and one who is extremely proud of it, Rohit sees no reason to be modest. He believes that cultivating a persona is important; hence, he is his own brand. He takes inspiration from the likes of Richard Branson and Donald Trump, who live the big life and are the faces of their businesses.

“Style is personal,” says RR. It’s not about brands. It’s about how you carry it. If you have the chutzpah, you can carry off just about anything…with a smile.

This, of course, doesn’t mean that he doesn’t appreciate his designer wear. RR’s specially built 5,000-square-foot wardrobe houses merchandise by the who’s-who of the designer world, including Manish Malhotra, Shantanu & Nikhil, Tom Ford, Gucci, and Armani to name a few.

Rohit’s tryst with fashion extends to business, too. A trailblazer in all that he does, he opened one of the first exclusive designer wear stores, called ‘Strip’, in early 2000, introducing high-end fashion to Hyderabad. He was the first to bring fashion shows to the city in partnership with Blender’s Pride; he even walked the ramp for it.

Rohit on Fine Living

RR has always lived in style. Born into a family that ran one of the leading business houses of Hyderabad, his childhood home was probably one of the first homes in the city to have been designed by a top architect, and used an interior designer from Mumbai to style it.

RR takes it up a notch further in his personal life. Luxury, but with elegance, defines his lifestyle – be it his homes, his custom-designed Aston Martin or his private Cessna plane. His new home has been designed by a global architectural firm and probably merits its own dedicated coverage. Rohit’s bachelor pad in his own Signature One is an epitome of what style and class should be.

Being the face of Hyderabad’s high-end society is something RR takes seriously; in fact, he revels in it. Long known as the most eligible bachelor in Hyderabad, he continues honing this label with some of the most talked-about parties in town.