BrandWagon Chai pe Charcha with MG Select’s Milind Shah

Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs some breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Milind Shah, Head, MG SELECT, talks to BrandWagon Online about his weekends, favourite vacation destination and more. 

What is the one thing you like to do when not working?

When I'm not at work, my greatest passion is motorcycling with my friends. It’s more than just a ride; it’s an escape. The freedom you feel on an open road is unparalleled. My friends and I all work in different industries—we have an architect, a lawyer, and a financial adviser. The best part of these rides isn't just the destination but the conversations we have along the way. We stop for a break and end up discussing everything from the state of our respective industries to the broader business landscape and current events in our country. It gives me a unique perspective on the world outside my professional bubble and enriches our friendships beyond just shared interests.

How do you spend your weekends?

 

My weekends are a welcome change of pace from the work week. Saturdays are all about winding down and reconnecting. My wife and I love to binge-watch a good series together. It’s our little ritual, a way to relax and get lost in a new story. Sunday’s are often for the ride, The rest of the weekend is dedicated to simply relaxing and talking to my family. Whether it's a long phone call with my parents or just spending quality time with my wife, these moments are what ground me.

What are your favourite gadgets?

 

My favourite gadgets are always changing because I'm more interested in tools than in tech for tech's sake. The gadgets I love most are the ones that allow me to create, fix, and understand things. My top favourites are my tools for working on motorcycles. There's a deep satisfaction in disassembling a motorcycle, understanding its components, and putting it back together. Each tool has a specific purpose, and the process is a perfect blend of precision and patience. I also have a great appreciation for watches. I love their intricate mechanical movements. It's a perfect blend of art and engineering, and I find it fascinating how such a small device can be so complex and precise.

Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?

 

Given the choice, I think I would have pursued a career as a motorcycle customiser. My love for tools and working on bikes goes far beyond a hobby; it's a passion for creation. I'm fascinated by the blend of art and engineering required to take a stock motorcycle and transform it into a unique, one-of-a-kind machine. There's a deep satisfaction in stripping a bike down to its frame and then building it back up, not just with new parts, but with a new soul and a different aesthetic. It's a career that would allow me to combine my technical skills with my creative vision, working with my hands to bring a rider's dream to life. It would be incredibly rewarding to build something that isn't just beautiful, but also a true extension of the person who rides it.

Which is your favorite vacation spot?

 

My favourite vacation spot is hands down Scotland. It’s the perfect blend of easy travel, breathtaking nature, and a deep sense of history. You can spend a day hiking through the dramatic Highlands and then visit a centuries-old castle in the afternoon. The historical sites, from ancient ruins to grand old buildings, tell a story of a resilient and rich culture. It’s a place that allows me to disconnect completely, to breathe in the fresh air, and to get lost in a landscape that feels both timeless and wild.

A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend watching

TV Show: I highly recommend Peaky Blinders. It’s a brilliant show that combines history, business strategy, and a powerful narrative. It’s not just a gangster series; it's a deep dive into the business of building an empire from the ground up, all set against the backdrop of post-WWI England. The show's style and writing are top-notch.

Movie: A movie that resonates with me is The Motorcycle Diaries. It's more than a travel movie; it's a coming-of-age story that shows how a journey can completely change a person's perspective. The film beautifully captures the spirit of adventure and the power of the open road, which is something I can certainly relate to.

Ad Campaign: The one ad campaign I would highly recommend is "Why should boys have all the fun?". It was a game-changer. It challenged a stereotype in a clever and memorable way, promoting a sense of equality and fun. It showed that a product, in this case, a bike, is for everyone, regardless of gender. It’s a powerful message delivered with a simple, impactful punchline.