Passion to Profession: The Journey of a World Record Holder Mr. Ankit Khandelwal

A well-known and internationally recognized anchor, influencer, youth icon, and motivational speaker, Ankit Khandelwal has made a lasting mark in the world of live events. Known for hosting everything from high-end destination weddings to major corporate gatherings, he brings charisma and professionalism to every stage he steps on.

A two-time world record holder and recipient of the prestigious Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Global Peace Award, Khandelwal continues to inspire through both his work and his words.

In a candid conversation with Business Remedies, he shared insights into his journey, the challenges he has overcome, and what continues to drive his passion. Here’s an excerpt from that exclusive interview.

Question: Every successful person has a strong educational and social background. Please tell us what did you study and where did you work before entering into the field of anchoring and event management?

Answer: Well, I graduated with the degree of B.Pharma and after that joined MBA course in Symbiosis, Pune. My father is a respected businessman who owns a well-established sweet shop in the bustling old city market of Jaipur. Before entering in this field, I worked in the corporate sector for around 15 years in pharmaceutical companies like Lupin Pharma, Glenmark. However, one day, I got the chance to host a show for one of the companies’ events and thereafter, there was no stopping.

Question: In the world, which is mostly conventional in its thinking, living amidst that structure, how did you find the strength to move out of the box and did your parents support you for this?

Answer: See, there are some rules and regulations according to which the society functions. But the important thing to note here is that if you pursue your passion to the level of making it your profession, you will have no pressure. You will be doing what you love and that is enough to make you successful. Society only requires your success, no matter the field. If you are excellent in your work, that is ultimate. If you earn right recognition, every question dissolves. Initially, my parents were reluctant about the fact that I am leaving my corporate job but as I continued following my passion, everything settled.

Question: It seems that you have a spiritual bent of mind towards life and its realities. Would you please elaborate on the general philosophy you follow in life?

Answer: The most appropriate sentence to describe my philosophy of life would be ‘be humble and down to earth.’ It is very significant to develop acceptance towards whatever is happening. The truths of life have to be embraced. The moment you accept realties; life becomes easy to live. Once, I had the privilege of having a conversation with Sir Ratan Tata. I was simply awed at the humbleness of this great personality. I would say he expressed himself as one of the most ‘simple, saral and sehej’ person. Also, I would like to mention that after joining Lion’s Club, Hawamahal, my philosophical direction of life changed. I started believing in ‘giving more’ than ‘taking.’

Question: Definitely, simplicity is the essence of true living and what an amazing thought on how to live life. You entered the field of corporate anchoring in the year 2002. How has the journey been so far?

Answer: The journey has been amazing. I have so far done more than 3000 professional shows and been to many countries. I have been a host to events of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, wedding of Speaker of the LS, OM Birla’s daughter, Anjali Birla, events of the CM of Rajasthan, Bhajanlal Sharma, Mayor of the city, Kusum Yadav, and many such dignitaries. Besides, I am also a World Record Holder. I have a couple of mentions in the Guinness Book of World Records, including being a record holder for longest duration of anchoring, that is 72 hours.

Question: We have learnt that apart from a massive recognition in the field of anchoring and stage management, you also hold several important positions in different clubs and organizations of high repute. Can you mention some of them?

Answer: Apart from corporate anchoring, I am a President to Lion’s Club, Event Chairman (Youth Wing), FORTI, Chairman to Talent Club and Event Chairman to Rotary Club. Also, I have been called as a guest motivational speaker to many universities and have been working towards directing the youth in recognizing their potentials and skills.

Question: As an Event Chairman (Youth Wing) to FORTI, what have been your duties?

Answer: I am generally associated with the policy making for the events that FORTI organizes, which involves formulating strategies for organization of the performances. I have a whole team working at different aspects like travel management and production of events. As an Event Chairman, I oversee proper organization of the event.

Question: As you mentioned in your earlier statements that you have been associated with youth, so, my question to you is what challenges do you find in the mindset of the young generation, today?

Answer: I believe passion, consistency and struggle are crucial to achieve your dreams. Today’s youth have all of them but their problem is this ‘gadget’ we are holding in our hands, that is mobile. It distracts them. For them, virtual world is everything. They don’t recognize the importance of real relationships. For them to attain their goals, it is essential that they realize the importance of struggle and be clear and consistent towards their aims.

Question: You have been in this field for years. Can you tell some of the instances where you felt that you performed your best?

Answer: I am lucky enough that I can quote many instances. The first one that comes into my mind is of an event I hosted at Umaid Bhawan where 45 guests arrived from 40 different countries. It was a multicultural event. I was highly satisfied with the outcome where each of the member from all the countries congratulated me for doing a great job. That gave me a recognition beyond a nation’s boundary. I also remember one experience, which remains close to my heart, wherein I arrived in Jaipur and some random number called me up to say that the anchor they hired has ditched them and they have learnt a lot about me. The wedding was in the evening. At two points, I said a ‘no’ as the wedding was in Sikar and performing at such a short notice was nearly impossible but since they needed someone urgently, I drove to Sikar and performed.

Question: You are a master of what you do, you do it so perfectly. Can you give us an insight of how you approach your work or a peek into how to prepare for your shows?

Answer: See, I do all kinds of events. Some of them are corporate, some are destination weddings, sometimes, it is a luxurious party, a few times, a very formal ceremony. The foremost point of my consideration is understanding the format and type of event. For that, I research a lot, on internet. In our field, words matter a lot. And I believe that if you speak a word with heart, it reaches people directly. My bottom line of performing is, and even of life is, to be natural in all circumstances. Besides, I follow 3 Es while crafting my content and performing, which is Entertainment, Engagement and Energetic performance.

Question: Words are definitely important. Can you cite any experience from your life where you felt that your words impacted someone hugely?

Answer: Well, as I said, if you speak your heart and with kindness, it reaches people. My words always matter to my audiences. But one experience, I would definitely like to share is that of a Youth Conclave in Brahma Kumaris where I was called as a Guest Speaker. The question my panelist asked me was what is the power of silence. The question took me aback as I belong to a profession where words are important. My answer was where words fail, silence speaks.

Question: You have worked for so many events of big personalities and politicians. Can you please share with us what strengths did you find in their working styles?

Answer: Yes, it has been an honour to work for big names like Bollywood stars, Govinda, Akshay Kumar, political figures like Narendra Modi, Diya Kumari Ji and so many more. I see PM Modi’s branding, marketing strategy as strong points and Diya Kumari’s management, potential and skills absolutely amazing.

Interviewed By:
Charu Bhatia