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Weekend Unwind with: DiamondXE’s Deepali Vijay Jain
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have DiamondXE’s founder chairwomen Deepali Vijay Jain.
With DiamondXE, she has given India its first online diamond exchange that revolutionises the way diamonds are bought and supplied. She is based out of Dubai where she has established Meraki, an upscale jewellery boutique catering to discerning clients in the high-end market. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends to the culinary realm, where she owns and manages an Indian-Mughlai restaurant chain renowned for its authentic cuisine. Hailing from a family of diamantaires who have been in the business for generations, Jain has inherited the passion, expertise and network integral for success in the trade.
Embracing the cosmopolitan lifestyle in Dubai, she finds joy in travel, shopping, and socializing. Living life on her own terms, she relentlessly pursues her dreams and ambitions, leaving an indelible mark on both the diamond industry and the realms she ventures into.
Without further ado, here it goes…
Your mantra for life
A. Live, learn, love, and leave a legacy. I believe this summarizes the four dimensions of a fulfilling life- physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It’s a reminder to make the most of our time and talents, while striving to make a positive impact on the world.
A book you are currently reading/plan to read
A. I’m currently reading “The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Managing Your Business and Your Life.” It’s a fascinating and inspiring book that applies the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism to the modern world of business and success.
Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
A. Stay active, stay healthy, stay happy. I made sure to exercise regularly, eat healthy, sleep well, and I also indulged in some self-care and pampering such as spa days at home, and digital detox.
Your comfort food
A. Hands down, it has to be Dal Makhni and rice. It’s my ultimate comfort food and evokes a deep connection to my roots and culture.
When the chips are down a quote/philosophy that keeps you going
A. “Diamonds are made under pressure.” This quote always motivates me to face the challenges and overcome the obstacles, and to emerge stronger and brighter.
Your guilty pleasure
A. My ultimate indulgence is collecting the rarest fancy color diamonds. The charm of expanding my treasure trove is simply irresistible. In my view, one can never have too many of these amazing jewels!
When was the last time you tried something new?
A. I tried making sushi all by myself a few days ago, and it was a fun and satisfying experience. I enjoy experimenting with different cuisines and recipes, and making sushi was a skill I had always wanted to acquire. It was not as hard as I thought, and I enjoyed the process and the result.
A life lesson you learned the hard way
A. Trust your instincts, and don’t let anyone take you for granted. I learned this the hard way when I faced a major setback because of someone I trusted. It was a difficult and eye-opening experience, but it also taught me to be more careful and discerning.
What gets you excited about life?
A. The endless possibilities and opportunities that life offers. I get excited about learning new things, meeting new people, exploring new places, and creating new experiences.
What’s on top of your bucket list?
A. To learn and understand different cultures. I think it is a fascinating and enriching way to expand my knowledge and worldview. I have this curiosity and passion to explore the diversity and beauty of human expressions, values and traditions. I hope to travel to less-visited countries, interact with the local people, and immerse myself in their culture.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
A. Believe in yourself, and don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. You have the potential and the power to achieve anything you set your mind to, and you don’t need anyone’s approval or validation.
One thing you would most like to change about the world
A. I would most like to increase education and literacy levels worldwide. Education is the key to empowerment, enabling people to develop skills, knowledge, and confidence. It cultivates critical thinking, creativity and innovation, contributing to global socio-economic development, peace and prosperity.
An activity that keeps you motivated/charged during tough times
A. Cooking is my solace and inspiration during challenging moments. It’s not just a hobby, it is my creative outlet and a genuine source of joy. Experimenting with new dishes and flavours, and sharing them with loved ones brings fulfilment and energy, making even the toughest times more manageable.
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
A. My family and friends. They are my support system and my cheerleaders, and they always provide comfort and encouragement when life gets tough. They are always there for me; to listen, to advise, and to uplift me.
Your go-to stress buster
A. None other than spending quality time with my two dogs! They are my perfect antidote to stress, lifting my spirits with their playful and affectionate nature. Their amusing antics bring joy and laughter, while moments of relaxation come easy with cuddles on the couch or leisurely walks in the park. They are not just my pets but cherished stress relievers, always ready to brighten my day.
MAM
Sameer Nair steps down as CEO of Applause Entertainment
Veteran media executive exits after a decade at the Aditya Birla Group-backed studio.
MUMBAI: After a decade of calling the shots, Sameer Nair is taking a bow from Applause Entertainment. The veteran industry leader and CEO of the prominent content studio is stepping down from his role, according to sources familiar with the development. This marks a significant leadership transition at one of India’s key players in the television and digital content space.
Applause Entertainment, part of the Aditya Birla Group, has built a strong reputation under Nair’s leadership for its high-quality adaptations of international formats and a slate of original series across OTT platforms. Nair, who joined the company a decade ago, was instrumental in shaping its growth and positioning it as a notable force in India’s evolving streaming landscape.
Prior to Applause, he held senior roles at major media organisations, including Star India, where he played a pivotal part in the launch of the iconic show Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2000. He also worked with Balaji Telefilms and NDTV Imagine.
It remains unclear who will succeed Nair or what his next professional move will be. Queries sent to Nair did not receive a response, and Applause Entertainment declined to comment on the matter.
His exit comes at a time when the Indian content ecosystem is undergoing rapid changes, with streaming platforms recalibrating investments, focusing on profitability, and adjusting content strategies amid shifting viewer preferences and increasing competition.
Industry insiders suggest the transition could signal a strategic reset for Applause as it navigates the next phase of growth.
In the fast-paced world of Indian entertainment, where hits can fade as quickly as they rise, Sameer Nair has enjoyed a remarkably steady and influential run. As he steps off the stage at Applause, the spotlight now turns to what comes next for both the executive and the studio he helped build.
