Rahul Puranik -
Presient, Puraniques
Para Share met Rahul to gain some inspiration and what came out from the conversation is much larger than that. So, we thought we should share the learning with the larger community. Below is the Q&A version of the dialogue between Harshad Parashare of PSE and Rahul Puranik. More to the Tuesday tacos!
Q1: You have dabbled in very varied professions through the years. What inspired you to take such leaps?
Honestly, I think life is too short to stick to just one script. I’ve always believed in embracing change, sometimes by choice, sometimes by chance! I started out as an Electrical Engineer, then ended up flying corporate jets, which put me in close company with top management early on. It was like an MBA at 30,000 feet, just without the degree!
Being around those kinds of professionals taught me how successful minds work, and I picked up early on that diversification isn’t just smart, sometimes it’s necessary. My core has always been in construction, especially retail spaces like beverage malls, which I later expanded into hotels. Aviation has always been my passion (once a pilot, always a pilot!), and healthcare came into the picture during the pandemic—it wasn’t planned, but it was the need of the hour, and I jumped in.
So really, it’s been a mix of passion, purpose, and sometimes just being at the right (or wild) place at the right time.
Q2: Puranique is a very unique brand and quite innovative too. What made you start this venture?
The idea for Puranique was actually born out of one of the toughest chapters in my life. Back in 2010, I had just lost my passenger airline business following the global financial crisis of 2008– 2009. I did everything I could to keep it alive—even ventured into gold and diamond mining in Africa (yes, really!) hoping to generate cash flow to save the airline. But unfortunately, none of it worked, and it all came crashing down.
At that point, I had to hit reset. I went back to the drawing board and asked myself: What do I actually know well? The answer was clear—beverage retail. I had over 12 years of experience in the space and had always felt there was room for a niche, premium product.
That’s when the idea of creating a world-class mango liqueur hit me. We wanted to be the best in the category, so we went all in—sourcing pure river water from France to make our vodka, and using Alphonso mangoes from India for that authentic, natural flavor. And that’s how our first product, Jus d’Manguier, was born. A little bit of heartbreak, a lot of passion, and a whole lot of mango magic!
Q3: What message would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Follow your dreams, but also make sure you’re ready to work hard for them. Do what you truly enjoy because when you love what you do, even the tough days become part of the excitement. The entrepreneurial journey is thrilling, but only once you understand the rules of the game.
There will be highs and lows, smooth highways and unexpected roadblocks—sometimes even full-on road closures! In those moments, stay strong. Don’t give up. Be grounded during your successes, and resilient during your setbacks.
One thing I can’t stress enough: understand the financials of your core business. Passion is great, but you need numbers to back it. Take calculated risks, not emotional ones. Every decision you make doesn’t just impact you—it affects your team, your family, and sometimes entire communities. So be thoughtful.
Finally, remember it’s a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the ride.
Q4: If your life was a movie, what would be its title?
“Chasing the Sunrise”
Q5: What are some qualities you developed early on that helped you reach where you are?
First and foremost, hard work. I’ve never shied away from rolling up my sleeves, whether it was learning something new, solving a tough problem, or building something from scratch. I’ve always believed that consistent effort, even in small steps, adds up to big results over time.
Positivity has been my anchor. No matter how difficult the situation, I’ve always tried to see the opportunity in it. That mindset has helped me move forward when things didn’t go as planned, and trust me, there have been plenty of those moments!
I also developed a strong conviction in what I do. Once I commit to something, I give it everything I have. Believing in your vision, especially when others don’t see it yet, is what keeps you going during the tough stretches.
Along the way, I’ve always tried to stay humble and grounded. Success is never a solo effort, it’s about the people who support you, work with you, and believe in you. Being caring and empathetic towards others, especially your team, has helped me build long-lasting relationships both personally and professionally.
These values didn’t come from any textbook, they came from experience, from failing, trying again, and growing every step of the way.
Q6: Can you share some details on the recent award you have been conferred?
I was recently honored with the Indo-UK Excellency Award, which recognizes excellence in a particular field along with diverse business ventures. It’s a proud moment for me and the entire Puranique team, as it acknowledges not just our entrepreneurial efforts but also our dedication to building something meaningful and lasting.
We take great pride in being among the best in the distilling business. Our Puranique brand offers a range of fine, world-class products—including our signature mango liqueurs, an ultra- premium French vodka distilled nine times, and one of the finest Cognacs crafted with care and tradition. This award reflects the hard work behind bringing such unique and high-quality spirits to the global stage.
Equally important to me is giving back. Over the past 11 years, I’ve been actively involved in career counseling for over 250 students, helping guide young minds in their professional journeys. That commitment to community and a philanthropic approach has always been close to my heart and played a key role in this recognition.
This award is a celebration of both business excellence and meaningful impact—and I’m truly grateful for it.