Interview with Ms. Navya Pahuja, MD & Partner of Shakti Constructions

An exclusive interview with Ms. Navya Pahuja, a young and dynamic entrepreneur, MD & Partner of Shakti Constructions

Welcome to this exclusive interview with Ms. Navya Pahuja, a trailblazing entrepreneur and the Managing Director & Partner of Shakti Constructions. With a passion for innovation and a dynamic approach to business, Ms. Pahuja has emerged as a prominent figure in the construction industry.

At an age when most people were still exploring their career options, Navya took a bold step into the world of real estate, eventually founding her construction company, Shakti Constructions. Her journey speaks volumes about her passion, determination, and the enduring legacy of her family.

Navya’s journey into real estate began at the age of 17 when she joined a startup as a business development manager. From there, she explored the realm of entertainment PR and marketing. It was at the age of 19 that she had her “eureka” moment, deciding to develop her family-owned land in Saki Naka. Her father, with his past experience in real estate, became her guide in this venture.

Her journey is a testament to the power of determination and vision in achieving remarkable success at a young age. In this interview, we delve into her experiences, challenges, and the unique strategies that have contributed to the growth of Shakti Constructions under her leadership.

Can you share with us the journey of Shakti Constructions and how the company has evolved as a legacy of quality and innovation in the real estate industry?

Navya Pahuja: My great-grandfather, Shree Dinanath Pahuja, migrated to Mumbai from Baluchistan during Independence, displaying remarkable resilience. His foresight and philanthropy, donating land for public welfare, shaped Shakti Constructions’ ethos.

The company originated from his stone crusher business, evolving through generations. Taking over five years ago, despite feeling unsuited for engineering like my father, I discovered my calling at 19 – developing our land. Surprisingly, my father supported this unconventional idea, guiding me. It’s a privilege to continue Shree Dinanath Pahuja’s legacy and contribute to Shakti Constructions’ success.

Quality and innovation are often key differentiators in the real estate sector. How does Shakti Constructions prioritize and integrate these aspects into its projects, and what sets your developments apart from others?

Navya Pahuja: At Shakti Constructions, we’ve observed a disheartening trend in real estate—a sacrifice of architectural beauty for cost efficiency. This realization ignited our pursuit of innovative design, leading to our ongoing project, Pahuja Business Avenue.

Our bond with the land that birthed Shakti Constructions spans generations, holding deep sentimental value since India’s Independence. Our intent wasn’t mere construction; it was a tribute to our family legacy.

Recognizing industry gaps from our property acquisitions, we aimed to rectify commercial design flaws. Instead of opting for economically appealing glass buildings, we prioritized sustainability and aesthetics. By avoiding environmentally harmful practices like thin glass and minimal bricks intensifying heat reflection, we chose custom color holographic glass mosaic tiles.

The Holographic Brown/Beige tiles, chosen for their old-world charm and cost-efficient maintenance, grace every aspect of the building. They not only reduce long-term costs for customers but also eliminate expenses tied to glass facade maintenance and paint jobs.

A symbol of strength adorns the 9th floor—a 9 ft tall, 25 ft wide winged lion, symbolizing Pahuja Group’s courage. Pahuja Business Avenue isn’t just a commercial structure; it’s our dedication to quality real estate and a homage to our family legacy.

Transforming our ancestral land into this unique building was my father’s dream. Together, we embraced the challenge. The Avenue boasts Mumbai’s most distinctive elevation façade, wrapped in unique holographic tiles inspired by Eastern European architecture.

Though our journey faced hurdles, public acceptance was our biggest concern. Fortunately, our design has been not just accepted but embraced. We take immense pride in a project that upholds excellence, honoring the Pahuja family legacy and its ancestral land.

Real estate is known for its dynamic nature. How does Shakti Constructions adapt to changing market trends and ensure its projects remain relevant and appealing to customers?

Navya Pahuja: At Shakti Constructions, recognizing a gap in the market led to our focus on smaller investors’ needs, prompting the creation of Pahuja Business Avenue in Sakinaka, Mumbai. Our meticulously crafted floor plans cater to varied office sizes, from 215 RERA sqft to 995.5 RERA sqft, each equipped with washrooms and pantry facilities. Our emphasis on superior quality, strategic connectivity, European design, and mosaic tiles on the 360-degree elevation radiates luxury.

What sets us apart is our belief in democratizing luxury and respect, attracting not just larger companies but smaller businesses seeking spaces aligned with their ideologies. This shift is fueled by the financial advantages of owning commercial real estate, like tax incentives and augmented return on investment. Business owners now strategically weigh ownership benefits against renting, reshaping India’s real estate landscape.

As the market evolves, we’re dedicated to exceeding diverse investors’ and businesses’ expectations by staying abreast of changing trends. Our commitment remains ensuring our projects not only meet but surpass the needs of this dynamic market.

Sustainability has become a crucial factor in the construction industry. Can you share Shakti Constructions’ initiatives or practices towards creating environmentally friendly and sustainable real estate developments?

Navya Pahuja: At Shakti Constructions, addressing a market gap spurred Pahuja Business Avenue’s creation in Sakinaka, Mumbai. Our floor plans range from 215 to 995.5 RERA sqft, emphasizing quality, connectivity, European design, and mosaic tiles for a luxurious touch. We democratize luxury, attracting both larger and smaller businesses seeking tailored spaces.

The trend of owning commercial real estate, driven by tax incentives and better returns, reshapes India’s real estate landscape. Evolving with the market, we surpass expectations by adapting to changing trends, ensuring our projects excel in meeting the diverse needs of investors and businesses.

Given the current economic and global challenges, how has Shakti Constructions navigated these uncertainties, and what strategies are in place to ensure the continued success and growth of the company?

Navya Pahuja: India’s commercial real estate sector is a cornerstone in the nation’s economic landscape, offering diverse properties for business activities. It encompasses bustling offices, vibrant retail spaces, industrial complexes, and logistics hubs, vital for economic growth, job creation, and urban development.

The market’s trajectory has seen erratic shifts, surging in 2018 but enduring a downturn during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, its rapid recovery, driven by an economic upturn and the emergence of startup-driven opportunities, underscores its resilience.

This sector mirrors India’s economic expansion, urbanization, and foreign interest, witnessing a surge in demand for well-designed offices, contemporary retail centers, and cutting-edge industrial facilities. Embracing innovation, the market adapts to changing trends, with younger innovators revolutionizing real estate.

At Shakti Constructions, we’ve keenly observed the market’s evolution, tailoring our ongoing project as an accessible IT/ITES commercial venture, aligned with regional growth and market trends. Our commitment remains to lead, adapt, and contribute to India’s dynamic commercial real estate landscape.

What are your success tips for women entrepreneurs

Navya Pahuja: As a woman in real estate, I understand both the opportunities and challenges this field presents. To aspiring young women, I urge you: voice your opinions confidently. Trust your unique perspective; your insights matter.

Embrace your individuality and bring your vision to the table. I believe in breaking barriers; there are no limits to what a woman can achieve. Daunting paths often lead to extraordinary outcomes. Despite fear and sacrifices, the rewards outweigh the challenges.

Overcoming obstacles brings immeasurable satisfaction. Believe in yourself, pursue your dreams with determination, and pave the way for success.

Being a woman in the real estate industry has equipped Navya with a unique perspective. Her approach combines analytics, creativity, and a strong moral compass. She understands the concerns and aspirations of women in real estate transactions, emphasizing the need for transparency, reliability, and emotional connection with customers.

Navya’s vision for Shakti Constructions extends beyond the ordinary. She strives to create environmentally sustainable projects that reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Navya Pahuja’s journey in real estate is an inspiring proof of the power of passion and commitment. She is a pioneering force, hoping to leave an indelible mark on the real estate industry by redefining what it means to be a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated field.

In conclusion, our conversation with Ms. Navya Pahuja has provided valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and the construction industry. As the Managing Director & Partner of Shakti Constructions, her story exemplifies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.

Ms. Pahuja’s ability to navigate challenges and foster innovation underscores her role as a dynamic force in the business world. We extend our gratitude to Ms. Pahuja for sharing her time and wisdom, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals alike.

As she continues to lead Shakti Constructions into new heights, her story serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to make a mark in their respective fields.

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