This interview has been published by Anshi Mudgal and The SuperLawyer Team
You started your educational journey at the University of Mumbai, where you achieved rank holder status. Reflecting on that time, was law a predetermined career path for you? What motivated you to eventually pursue an MBA?
Law wasn’t always a clear-cut path for me. I kind of stumbled into it, like someone taking the scenic route and unexpectedly discovering a hidden gem. Becoming a rank holder at the University of Mumbai made me realize that I had a real talent for it, and it opened doors to a fulfilling career. Pursuing an MBA was a natural next step—it felt like adding a new dimension to my skill set. I wanted to combine my legal expertise with a business mindset, giving me an extra edge. After all, understanding the rules is important, but mastering the strategy is what truly makes a difference.
After completing your bachelor’s degree in law, you pursued a Master’s degree specialising in Business and Corporate Law. What sparked your interest in this specialisation, and how has it influenced your career?
Specializing in Business and Corporate Law was like deciding to take on the whole challenge, not just a part of it. I’ve always been fascinated by how businesses operate—from their internal structures to the deals that shape their growth. Getting into this field gave me the opportunity to hone my technical skills in areas like contract negotiation, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Managing mergers, acquisitions, and high-value contracts has become second nature, and I’ve gained the ability to analyse the finer details that make or break a deal. It’s not just about understanding the law but about applying it strategically to achieve the best outcomes. This specialization has equipped me with the expertise to craft legally sound documents while ensuring that the business objectives are met, making me confident in driving complex negotiations from start to finish.
At the beginning of your career, you worked for 4 years as a legal associate before finally switching to corporate as an in-house counsel. What inspired your transition and could you share your experience working in both cultures?
Transitioning from a legal associate to an in-house counsel felt like going from being a spectator in the stands to actively playing on the field. As an associate, the focus is more on legal technicalities, but in-house, you’re embedded in the business, facing challenges side by side with your team. One key aspect I’ve realized is that having a solid understanding of litigation is essential for any in-house counsel. It helps in recognizing potential legal risks, understanding the procedures, and confidently handling disputes when they arise. In fact, as in-house counsel, we often handle certain litigation matters ourselves, which has allowed me to become more comfortable with the unknown. This experience equips me with the knowledge to not only address issues as they surface but to anticipate them and strategically guide the business through them.
Having collaborated with many prominent names, you are now the Head Legal Counsel for Knowledge Works Global Ltd. (KGL), a CJK Group Company. What has been one of the most interesting cases you’ve worked on, and what was your approach to handling it?
Oh, where to start! One of the most exciting parts of my work is handling tech deals. I love collaborating with the tech teams—there’s always something new to learn. Sometimes I wonder if I’m asking too many simple questions, but honestly, it’s an amazing journey, and those questions help me dive deeper.
That said, if I had to choose one standout contract, it would be the one I handled for Virat Kohli’s brand promotion with HSBC. The negotiations were intense, and it took me more than six months to finalize. By the end, I could feel the exhaustion setting in, but I knew I had to keep a cool head when the stakes were high. The approach? It was all about meticulous preparation, staying patient, and playing the long game. At the end of the day, it came down to finding that sweet spot where everyone walked away happy—or at least convinced they had come out ahead. After all, it’s not just about how you play the hand, but how you sell it to the table.
In your impressive career spanning over 10 years, you’ve likely worked with numerous national and international clients. How has being a Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) enhanced your understanding of the complexities surrounding privacy issues in different international jurisdictions?
Being CIPP/E-certified has been crucial in enhancing my understanding of the complex landscape of privacy laws across various jurisdictions. While it’s fundamental to recognize the existence of privacy laws, comprehending the specific nuances and differences between countries is where the real expertise lies. For instance, Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes strict requirements on data handling and protection, while other regions may have more relaxed policies that vary significantly.
This certification has equipped me with the knowledge necessary to provide effective advice to clients regarding cross-border data flows. It allows me to help businesses understand their obligations under different legal frameworks and the implications of non-compliance. Moreover, in a constantly evolving legal environment, staying updated on these regulations is essential for ensuring that my clients not only meet legal requirements but also adopt best practices for data protection.
Ultimately, my CIPP/E certification enables me to offer strategic insights that empower my clients to navigate the complexities of international privacy laws confidently. It’s about providing them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a global market while safeguarding their data and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations.
During your time at Book My Show, you managed contracts for major live events featuring international artists. In your opinion, what are the key aspects that a legal practitioner, particularly one specialising in contract management, should consider when drafting contracts with international legal implications?
When drafting international contracts, it’s essential to approach the process with the mindset of a strategist, anticipating potential developments well into the future. This involves several key considerations, such as thoroughly understanding the regulatory landscape in each jurisdiction involved. Selecting the appropriate governing law is crucial, as it sets the framework for how the contract will be interpreted and enforced.
Additionally, addressing data privacy concerns at the outset is vital, given the varying regulations across countries. This ensures that all parties are aware of their responsibilities regarding data protection from the beginning. Furthermore, incorporating flexibility in critical terms, such as force majeure, is important, particularly when contracts involve live events that may be susceptible to unforeseen circumstances, ranging from a global pandemic to natural disasters.
The goal is to effectively address potential “what ifs” without unnecessarily complicating the agreement. This balance allows for a comprehensive contract that protects the interests of all parties while maintaining clarity and simplicity in the terms. By doing so, we can create agreements that are not only legally sound but also adaptable to the unpredictable nature of international business.
As a strategic legal counsel supporting the company’s legal operations across global jurisdictions, how do you believe the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 is reshaping the digital landscape in India? What practices would you implement to navigate the changes introduced by this act?
The DPDP Act 2023 is fundamentally transforming the landscape of data privacy, compelling companies to rethink how they collect, process, and safeguard data. This legislation encourages organizations to enhance their data-handling practices and embrace a privacy-first mindset.
To effectively respond to these changes, I recommend that businesses prioritize updating their data management policies and conducting regular audits. It’s also crucial to ensure that the entire team is thoroughly familiar with the new compliance requirements. Think of this process as analogous to upgrading your operating system—it’s essential to ensure that everything operates seamlessly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of unexpected challenges. By proactively adapting to these new standards, organizations can not only achieve compliance but also build trust with their customers.
With over a decade of experience, what advice would you offer to our young readers who aspire to become successful corporate and commercial lawyers in the future?
Always bring your best to the negotiation table—being the most knowledgeable person in the room means understanding not only when to speak but also when to listen.
First and foremost, it is essential to adopt a mindset of continuous learning, as the legal landscape is ever-evolving. Staying current is vital for success in this field. It is important not to confine oneself to theoretical knowledge; gaining practical experience through real-world cases can greatly enhance one’s understanding. Additionally, developing both legal expertise and business acumen is crucial. By combining these skills, as a legal professional one can solve complex situations more effectively and make informed decisions that benefit all parties involved.
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