Rapid fire with Bala Sarda, CEO and Founder of VAHDAM India

‘There is no problem on earth that can’t be ameliorated by a hot bath and a cup of tea.” 

We may not be sure about the hot bath, but novelist Jasper Fforde’s take on tea definitely fits well with the sentiments of the chai-loving Indian.

Whether it’s a sultry summer afternoon or a romantic rainy evening, whatever the mood—good or bad, Indians cannot do without their cup of tea–spiced and with milk or steeped to perfection. And talking of tea, one cannot help but think about VAHDAM India, started in 2015 by fourth-generation entrepreneur Bala Sarda. 

Sarda has not only drawn patrons in India with VAHDAM but has also taken the brand to the world. In fact, VAHDAM India was listed by Oprah Winfrey as one of her favourite things in 2018. Furthermore, in 2020, Jeff Bezos named the company the Global SMB of the Year. 

Today, VAHDAM India ships its products across 100 countries, and 50% of its revenue comes from the US alone. The brand has also expanded its portfolio beyond tea—it recently collaborated with chef Vikas Khanna to launch VAHADAM Spices, introducing the country’s finest spices to the world. 

YS Life recently caught up with the man who’s driving Indian teas and spices around the world. 

In a fun and candid conversation for Rapid Fire with YS Life, Sarda gave us a peek into his life beyond his business. 

YS Life (YSL): Three words that best describe you?

Bala Sarda (SB): Optimist, persistent and passionate.

YSL: A quote that you live by?

SB: Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

YSL: The last book/movie/show that made you cry?

SB: I was deeply moved by the docuseries The Last Dance, which chronicles the legendary career of basketball superstar Michael Jordan.

YSL: A sport that you enjoy playing the most?

SB: I love playing golf, a sport that I picked up during the lockdown. The sport’s unique combination of challenging the body and mind allows me to reflect inwardly while working towards honing my skills. Additionally, I have also taken up tennis recently, and it has proven to be a fantastic way to maintain my overall health, strength, fitness, and agility.

YSL: What is your favourite tea? How do you drink it?

SB: While I love all VAHDAM India’s teas, I’m a big fan of the pure Darjeeling Muscatel second flush tea. I usually prefer my cup of tea hot and strong unless it’s iced tea.

YSL: How many cups of tea do you drink in a day?

SB: As a passionate tea enthusiast, I find immense joy in the art of tea. On an average day, I delight in sipping three to four cups of tea at least, immersing myself in the flavours and aromas that each cup offers. It’s a truly enriching experience.

However, given my high involvement in new product development and tea tasting, there are days when I find myself consuming multiple cups of tea.  These moments allow me to dive deeper into the world of tea, refining our offerings, and ensuring the highest quality for our customers. It’s a delightful journey that keeps my passion for tea alive and thriving.

YSL: What is your guilty pleasure? 

SB: I do love short weekend getaways.

YSL: Two startup founders that you would want to go on a vacation with?

SB: I would love to actually take two separate trips! One with Elon Musk, most definitely! He is a brilliant creator of extraordinary vision and capability.

And another with Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. His presence would undoubtedly make for an inspiring and thought-provoking vacation experience.

YSL: If not VAHDAM, what would you have named your brand?  

SB: I was very clear about the name, VAHDAM, since day one. VAHDAM holds a special significance as it is the reverse anagram of my father’s first name, Madhav, who is my greatest inspiration. This unique connection and tribute to my father make the name VAHDAM truly meaningful and valuable to me.

YSL: First thing that you do in the morning? 

SB: I kickstart my day early with a cup of black coffee and set an hour or two in the morning to work out. I’m a fitness enthusiast and love weight training. It’s the perfect way to energise my body and cultivate a sense of mindfulness before tackling the day ahead. 

YSL: The last thing that you do before hitting the bed? 

SB: I usually end the day watching a couple of episodes of a TV series or a documentary on OTT platforms. I also love reading autobiographies of business leaders. 

YSL: Fame or money? 

SB: Happiness and contentment matter more than fame or money. If I had to choose, I would prefer a balance of both.

YSL: The one thing that you hate about your job? 

SB: There is absolutely nothing I hate. I love the journey of VAHDAM India, each day, every day. 

YSL: An overrated thing? 

SB: I have come to realise that most things in life are overrated. I believe that true fulfilment lies in embracing our authentic selves and finding joy in the present moment. It is important to focus on personal growth, inner contentment, and creating meaningful connections. 

YSL: The last app that you have downloaded? 

SB: I recently downloaded an app called CityMapper—for my upcoming trip to the UK.