How has TIS 2017 shaped up? Are you happy with the way it has turned out? 

It has aged like a charming cru. We felt that the 2016 edition was too tightly packed, so we have edited some of the copious parts. We have also given verticals to the finest in the business. For instance, Vijay Nair of OML is spearheading the entertainment. Sanjay Garg, the fashion and Anahita Kayan, the next gen talent. So the expertise has been outsourced and the best in business look after it. 

You have been closely involved with TIS since the inception. Do you think the event has succeeded in achieving what it set out to?  

Every great brand, be it Uber or Facebook, has been built on the back of aggregation and access. That is also the kernel of brand TIS. It aggregates the tremendous talent of the country and provides access to it in one place. 

What according to you is the key to the success of TIS, its key differentiating factor from other fashion and lifestyle exhibitions? 

Firstly, it is holistic, and secondly, it is run by Madhu Neotia and Abhilasha Sethia, both ladies who firmly believe that “you can accomplish anything in life so long as you don’t worry about who gets the credit”. This is a democracy of decisions and deeds. 

Any area that you think TIS has not tapped into yet and you would want it included in the coming editions? 

We may look at theatre. We may look at science.

The India Story 2017, in association with t2, will be held at Swabhumi from December 21 to 24, 7.30pm-midnight on December 21; 11am-9pm for retail and till midnight for F&B and performances on all other days