Privately Unlimited

^We sat down with Suhail in his lush, verdant orchard, surrounded by mango and coconut trees and the peaceful sound of rustling leaves. The sun cast a warm glow over our conversation as we delved into their inspiring journey toward sustainability, wellness, and balance amidst a chaotic lifestyle in the media and entertainment industry.

So, Suhail, before we dive into your wellness experiences, can you tell us a little about your background and your journey so far?

Of course! I’ve been a part of the media and entertainment business for over 20 years and built several pioneering and award-winning content and marketing initiatives across verticals for brands like MTV, UTV Indiagames, Zapak, Zee Entertainment, Trigger Happy, Beforest, and an entrepreneurial initiative – Zikr360 – one of the first digital agencies catering to regional languages.

During this period, I have worked on several exciting initiatives ranging from some of MTV’s most iconic properties like the MTV Youth Marketing Forum, MTV Roadies, MTV Citibank Credit Card, consumer insights projects for over 40 leading global brands with Quantum Market Research, launching some of India’s biggest mobile and online gaming services, co-writing a best-selling book – How Sachin Destroyed my Life, launching India’s first theatre vertical with Zee Theatre and several award-winning film marketing campaigns for films like URI: The Surgical Strike to name a few.           

Over the last few years, my interest in wanting to find an economically and ecologically viable option for Industrial farming led me to study Permaculture and develop an interest in sustainable living. Since then, I have worked on several sustainable farming initiatives, both with an organization and at an individual level.    

Your career in Bombay must have been demanding. How did you discover gardening and spending time in your mango orchard, and how have these activities impacted your life, mindset, and approach to well-being?

The long hours accompanied by lengthy commutes left little time for personal well-being. No matter how well I planned my meals, the unpredictable hours meant that I often ended up eating out and didn’t have enough time for exercise. When I realized my lifestyle was taking a toll, I began exploring activities that could bring some balance, managing to eke out some time for some running and tennis. Around 2018, I took some time off from work to study Permaculture - a system based on creating sustainable and productive ways of natural farming. Based on the ethics of ‘People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share’, its principles are relevant to management and our daily lives.

During the lockdown, I started exploring window gardening and composting at my apartment. As the lockdown started easing up, I spent more time at my orchards, which truly transformed my life. I am now in the process of converting our predominantly Alphonso mango orchard into a mix-crop food forest. We now grow 4 different varieties of mangoes, coconuts, pineapples, passion fruit, turmeric, ber’s, and cashews, and I am constantly testing out other fruit varieties. The orchard has also been increasingly attracting a lot of wildlife, adding to the diversity.       

These activities helped me relax, de-stress and provided a connection to the environment. They taught me the importance of long-term planning, patience, and sustainability, which also extended to other areas of my life. I began to see how addressing the root causes of issues, rather than seeking instant gratification, could lead to more sustainable and holistic solutions.

‍Have you made any changes to your diet lately? How important do you think it is to consume quality food and address nutritional deficiencies, and have you noticed any positive effects on your health and well-being as a result?

Absolutely. When I started focusing on my health, I realized that food quality is crucial. Nourishing meals can help address nutrient deficiencies, which, in turn, can prevent cravings, spiking insulin, and improve emotional well-being. I began incorporating nutrient-dense, sustainably sourced foods into my diet, and the impact on my overall health has been incredible.

I also learned the importance of understanding how my body reacts to different foods, and based on this, I stopped consuming certain foods like milk, pulses, and certain grains that didn’t agree with my system. I discovered that I had high cholesterol due to stress, and by adopting a more protein-rich diet, I was able to lower it dramatically without resorting to medication.

Another significant change was giving up caffeine. It took me a few days to adjust, but the quality of my sleep improved drastically, and I felt more energized and focused throughout the day. These choices have improved my physical health and made me more  patient, mindful, and better equipped to make well-informed decisions.

What advice do you have for achieving balance and well-being? Any surprising discoveries or tips to share from your own journey?

First, make time for yourself. Prioritize sleep, self-care, and personal interests that bring joy and relaxation. Adopt a long-term mindset and focus on sustainable solutions, whether it's about your career, diet, or personal goals. Seek out activities that connect you with nature and promote a sense of peace and balance. The key is to find practices that resonate with you and can be easily integrated into your daily routine.

Spend more time in nature or practicing some outdoor activities over the weekend. Fad diets and shortcuts often don't work in the long run because they just aren’t sustainable; instead, they focus on nourishing your body and addressing the root causes of issues.

Lastly, get to know yourself better and understand your unique needs and preferences. This self-awareness can help you make more informed choices and develop personalized strategies for achieving balance and well-being.

Your commitment to sustainability, self-care, and balance has undoubtedly had a profound impact on your life. We hope our readers can learn from your experience and apply some of your wisdom to their own wellness journeys.

It was my pleasure to share my story. I hope that my experiences can inspire others to prioritize their well-being and embrace a sustainable and balanced lifestyle. Remember, making positive changes and working towards a healthier, happier life is never too late.

Our conversation with Suhail was both enlightening and inspiring. His journey of self-discovery and commitment to sustainable practices has transformed their life and provided valuable insights for others seeking balance and well-being. By embracing nature, prioritizing self-care, and adopting a long-term mindset, we can all strive to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.