“The post-pandemic era has sparked a golden age of fine watchmaking in India—today’s consumers are informed, curious, and confident in their luxury choices.”
Q. What inspired you to start Anita Khatri Luxury Consulting, and how has your journey influenced the vision behind your brand?
Back in 2013, there was no Boutique firm that truly understood both media and luxury—two worlds that I had been deeply immersed in. I saw a unique opportunity to merge these disciplines, and that's how Anita Khatri Luxury Consulting (AKLC) was born. Since then, it’s been a win-win.
Having created the luxury division for India’s largest media conglomerate—The Times of India—and having launched the country’s first luxury watch magazine for consumers, content creation in this space comes naturally to me. It’s my second nature. Over time, I’ve learnt to strike the right balance between industry insight and consumer interest.
Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose
Back in 2013, there was no Boutique firm that truly understood both media and luxury—two worlds that I had been deeply immersed in. I saw a unique opportunity to merge these disciplines, and that's how Anita Khatri Luxury Consulting (AKLC) was born. Since then, it’s been a win-win.
AKLC has grown into a boutique communication and PR firm, widely regarded as the go-to for luxury content in India. Our journey has always been guided by passion, precision, and purpose. Our values are client comes first and transparency.
Q. You've played a significant role in strengthening the presence of luxury brands like Audemars Piguet and Ulysse Nardin in India. What were some of the unique challenges you faced in helping these brands grow in an evolving Indian luxury landscape?
One of the key challenges was the retail environment—and more specifically, the vision of retailers towards luxury brands. At that time, many still viewed luxury with hesitation or lacked the infrastructure to support it. Media, too, was still finding its feet when it came to portraying luxury authentically.
Q. You've played a significant role in strengthening the presence of luxury brands like Audemars Piguet and Ulysse Nardin in India. What were some of the unique challenges you faced in helping these brands grow in an evolving Indian luxury landscape?
One of the key challenges was the retail environment—and more specifically, the vision of retailers towards luxury brands. At that time, many still viewed luxury with hesitation or lacked the infrastructure to support it. Media, too, was still finding its feet when it came to portraying luxury authentically.
Additionally, luxury brands themselves were cautious about the Indian market, making it difficult to secure investments for development. It was about building trust—both in the ecosystem and among global stakeholders.
Q. As the India Consultant for the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, Geneva, how do you see the role of fine watchmaking evolving in the Indian context?
The post-pandemic period has ushered in a golden era for fine watchmaking in India. Between 2005 and 2016, there was limited awareness among Indian consumers about haute horlogerie. Today, however, we’re witnessing a promising shift—young enthusiasts and collectors are eager to learn and invest in fine watchmaking.
Q. As the India Consultant for the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, Geneva, how do you see the role of fine watchmaking evolving in the Indian context?
The post-pandemic period has ushered in a golden era for fine watchmaking in India. Between 2005 and 2016, there was limited awareness among Indian consumers about haute horlogerie. Today, however, we’re witnessing a promising shift—young enthusiasts and collectors are eager to learn and invest in fine watchmaking.
This opens up a world of opportunity for global prestige brands to establish a strong presence in India, where the new generation is both curious and confident in their luxury choices.
Q. Your podcast, Luxe Insider, offers insights into various facets of luxury. How do you curate topics and guests to ensure the content resonates with both industry professionals and luxury enthusiasts?
Having created the luxury division for India’s largest media conglomerate—The Times of India—and having launched the country’s first luxury watch magazine for consumers, content creation in this space comes naturally to me. It’s my second nature. Over time, I’ve learnt to strike the right balance between industry insight and consumer interest.
Staying closely connected with professionals and consumers alike helps me stay on top of emerging trends. Through horology masterclasses and luxury experiences that I curate, I connect directly with the new wave of luxury consumers. These moments not only foster community but also help shape the content and conversations we bring to Luxe Insider.
Q. In your experience, how has the perception of luxury evolved among Indian consumers over the past decade?
It’s been a remarkable evolution. Between 2000 and 2010, India didn’t even have dedicated luxury retail spaces. Things began to change post-2010, as high-end retail environments took shape and consumer awareness began to grow. Until the pandemic, many consumers were still hesitant to shop luxury products within India due to concerns about pricing, limited choice, and authenticity.
Q. In your experience, how has the perception of luxury evolved among Indian consumers over the past decade?
It’s been a remarkable evolution. Between 2000 and 2010, India didn’t even have dedicated luxury retail spaces. Things began to change post-2010, as high-end retail environments took shape and consumer awareness began to grow. Until the pandemic, many consumers were still hesitant to shop luxury products within India due to concerns about pricing, limited choice, and authenticity.
However, sustained efforts from brands, media, and professionals to educate and build trust began to change that.
The pandemic, in fact, became a turning point. Digital platforms allowed consumers to research and explore luxury like never before, boosting their confidence in the Indian luxury market. Today’s Indian consumer is informed, assured, and empowered—no longer restricted to metros, but also extending to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well.
Q. Looking ahead, what trends or innovations in the luxury sector are you most excited about?
I’m especially intrigued by the evolving role of AI in the luxury sector—from personalization to predictive insights, the potential is immense. In terms of trends, I’m eagerly watching the emergence of high-street luxury retail in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. It’s only a matter of time before we see our own version of Bond Street or Avenue Montaigne—and that will be a true milestone for India’s luxury landscape.
Bio
The pandemic, in fact, became a turning point. Digital platforms allowed consumers to research and explore luxury like never before, boosting their confidence in the Indian luxury market. Today’s Indian consumer is informed, assured, and empowered—no longer restricted to metros, but also extending to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well.
Q. Looking ahead, what trends or innovations in the luxury sector are you most excited about?
I’m especially intrigued by the evolving role of AI in the luxury sector—from personalization to predictive insights, the potential is immense. In terms of trends, I’m eagerly watching the emergence of high-street luxury retail in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. It’s only a matter of time before we see our own version of Bond Street or Avenue Montaigne—and that will be a true milestone for India’s luxury landscape.
Bio
Anita Khatri is a renowned luxury expert, entrepreneur, and consultant based in India, with over two decades of experience in the media and luxury sectors. She is the Founder and CEO of Anita Khatri Luxury Consulting (AKLC), a pioneering firm offering 360-degree solutions in media planning, brand strategy, public relations, and luxury marketing.
Anita has worked with global luxury names like Audemars Piguet, Montegrappa, Burberry Fragrances, and Zoya. Prior to AKLC, she served as Vice President at the Times of India Group, where she launched India’s first luxury watch and jewellery magazine, Time ‘n’ Style. She also represents India at the prestigious Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), Geneva, Switzerland.
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