Kashmiri Roots, Vizag Dreams: The Story of Entrepreneur Wasim Bhat

Born in the valleys of Kashmir and now settled along the serene coast of Vizag, Wasim Bhat’s story is one of heritage and reinvention. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the hospitality and handicrafts industry, he grew up surrounded by the artistry of Kashmiri culture.

Waism Bhat

After years in Mumbai shaping his career, Wasim decided to bring his family’s legacy to Visakhapatnam. Here, he found not just business potential but also a community that quickly became home. In conversation with Wasim, we give you a chance to peep into his journey from Kashmir to Vizag, the inspiration behind his ventures, and how he continues to balance tradition with modern entrepreneurship.

Could you briefly tell us about your life in Kashmir before moving to Vizag?

Wasim: I can’t say much about Kashmir since I was only born there. Most of my schooling happened in Delhi because ours is a third-generation business family, which meant we’ve always had business outside Kashmir, so we travelled quite a lot. Half of my schooling was in Kashmir and the other half in Delhi.

When did you first come to Vizag, and what brought you here?

Wasim: My brother came to Vizag in 2015 and suggested that I check out the city since it held great potential. At that time, I was living in Mumbai, but on his advice, I decided to visit Visakhapatnam to explore opportunities for expanding our stores. I came here in March 2017, and that’s when we started our business. We’ve been here ever since.

What business have you established in Vizag?

Wasim: We deal in art and handicrafts; basically, everything handmade. That includes Pashmina, papier-mâché, walnut wood furniture, hand-knotted silk carpets, marble and brass artefacts, Mysore rosewood furniture, fine silver and gold jewellery, and so much more. We also work with artisans from Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa, bringing together India’s diverse crafts under one roof. Therefore, we have multiple retail stores spread across the city for the same.

How many stores do you currently run?

Wasim: We have stores in Radisson, Fairfield Marriott, Novotel Visakhapatnam and Novotel Vijayawada.

Apart from your stores, what other ventures are you involved in?

Wasim: I supply Kashmiri saffron. We are one of the biggest producers and exporters under the brand Bharat Kesar. I also deal in dry fruits and run a bespoke interior design service for clients across Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad. Apart from that, I also run Kashmir Talkies Entertainment, a production company.

Why did you choose Vizag in particular?

Wasim: Initially, I thought I’d just set up the store and go back to Mumbai. But Vizag’s people were so warm and welcoming that it soon felt like home. I’ve built a strong community here, and I like to call it my first home now.

Was it difficult starting a new business in a new city?

Wasim: Not really. We’ve been in the hospitality and retail industry for generations, so we’re very familiar with how these businesses operate. For me, I could say it runs in my genes.

What challenges did you face while doing business here?

Wasim: Our family has always been in the hospitality business, so I grew up watching how businesses operate. We own and run houseboats, hotels, and retail stores dealing in Kashmiri arts across India. As a child, I often accompanied my family to our retail stores.

When it came to setting up operations here, things went quite smoothly because business was already second nature to me. The only real challenge was the language, as I didn’t know how to speak Telugu at first. But over time, I’ve now learnt enough to manage day-to-day operations comfortably.

How is Vizag’s business culture different from the other cities you’ve worked in?

Wasim: In Kashmir, most customers are tourists from all over the world. In Vizag, it’s more corporate clients, NRIs, and locals from nearby cities like Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata. People here are very loving and down-to-earth.

Why do you think Vizag is a good place to set up a business today?

Wasim: Compared to other cities, Vizag offers a better standard of living. It’s peaceful, comforting, and full of warmth. The people make the city what it is.

What are your future plans?

Wasim: We’re planning to open two more stores in Vizag in the upcoming year.

How big is the Kashmiri community here?

Wasim: It’s quite small; just a handful of families. We meet on occasions like Diwali and Holi, and it feels like a close-knit extended family. We also very much look forward to celebrating Pongal!

What do you enjoy most about living in Vizag?

Wasim: The peace and the beach!

What’s your favourite local food here?

Wasim: Dosa, especially the ghee karam dosa!

What’s the one outdoor activity you really enjoyed in Kashmir that you’ve found an alternative to here in Vizag?

In Kashmir, I used to spend my time trekking and hiking. In Vizag, I’ve found new adventures in open-water diving, scuba, and surfing. They give me the same sense of freedom and thrill that I loved back home.

When visiting Kashmir, what are some items you usually take along for your friends and family from Vizag?

Wasim: Ladoo Gopal ki Kaju Katli!

You seem to balance quite a lot — business, interiors, and even entertainment. How do you manage it all?

Wasim: (Laughs) Yes, I like staying creative and busy. I’ve done a course in Fashion Marketing from NIFT, but instead of taking a corporate job, I wanted to channel my creativity into our family business, and that is just enough fuel to go on.

Any message you’d like to share with entrepreneurs considering Vizag?

Wasim: Vizag is growing fast and is full of opportunities. Around half of its residents are from outside, which makes it a diverse and dynamic city. If you want to build something meaningful, Vizag is the place.

Finally, do you see yourself moving out of Vizag?

Wasim: Not anytime soon! Maybe when I’m older, that is, if Vizag leaves me, I’ll return to Kashmir. But for now, this is my City of Destiny!

Wasim’s journey reflects a life shaped by movement and creativity. Having lived in cities as diverse as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kashmir, he’s become fluent not just in different languages but in different ways of life. A true believer of “living through adventures”, for Wasim, every city and every venture is an opportunity to grow, create, and leave a mark. Making his story as inspiring as the crafts and businesses he nurtures.