How did your time at BITS Pilani shape your entrepreneurial journey, particularly with ventures like KnotsbyAMP?

My journey at BITS Pilani is one I hold very close to my heart. The first year was a bit of a challenge as I worked to find my footing and make friends. But from the second year onward, my experience was fantastic. As a duality pursuing an MSc in Chemistry and a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics, I was able to explore a lot beyond academics. I started playing tennis regularly, and this eventually led me to join and later captain the athletics team as a long-distance runner. My photography journey also began at BITS - I joined the photography club, where I learned the technical aspects of using an SLR. I started a blog with friends called Photomaniac, and we took on projects through NSS. This hands-on experience built my skills and fostered my love for capturing moments, which ultimately influenced my creative pursuits in KnotsbyAMP. My time at BITS was a mix of growth, exploration, and building meaningful friendships, all of which deeply impacted my entrepreneurial path.

What about Samaro.AI? What was the thought process behind starting that?

Having spent 10 years in wedding photography and as an engineer, I saw firsthand the challenges in event management and media sharing. COVID gave me time to work on new ideas, and Samaro originated from gaps I noticed in the event industry. Samaro provides a streamlined way for photographers and event planners to enhance the experience at any gathering, from weddings to corporate events. It acts as a platform for users to organize life events and share memories, allowing privacy controls missing from platforms like Google Photos. Our AI-powered photo-sharing feature uses facial recognition, so users can quickly find photos they’re in without sifting through large galleries. Samaro also fosters networking, enabling attendees to connect before events and build meaningful connections. Recently, it was used at the Wedding Sutra Awards, handling everything from guest registration to media sharing. Ultimately, Samaro serves as a "memory wall," consolidating photos from events into one secure, accessible place - perfect for both personal and professional events.

Did you work in a tech company or anything related to your engineering degree before getting into photography, or did you start your career with photography?

I began my career in engineering, working in the circuit design team at AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), where I was involved in hardcore electronics, designing processors and graphic cards. I worked there for a year and nine months after college. Staying in India was important to me, but the career path in my field typically involved moving abroad for better opportunities and pay. While it was a prestigious role for an EEE graduate, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted long-term. I was drawn to entrepreneurship, and photography seemed the most viable path, especially since I’d been doing it as a hobby for seven years. Seeing the quality of work from other photographers on Facebook made me feel confident that I could do better, which led me to leave my job and pursue photography full-time.

What role has the BITSian network played in supporting or expanding your business ventures, especially in the early stages?

The BITSian network has been instrumental in Samaro's growth, especially during its early stages. One of our pilot events was the Apogee Fest at the Pilani campus, which gave us significant exposure. We later supported multiple BITS convocations, BITSian Day celebrations, and networking events in California through the Silicon Valley chapter. These events provided valuable feedback, like the need for a public gallery feature where attendees could access photos without logging in, which we later implemented. Additionally, around 10-15% of our clientele each year consists of BITSian couples, which has positively impacted our growth. Being a BITSian also offered a unique advantage in the photography industry; as an engineer, I could enhance processes and quickly grasp technical aspects, setting us apart. The experiences and interactions within the BITSian community prepared me well for the challenges of entrepreneurship and helped shape my professional journey.

Did you have any hiccups you'd like to share, and how did you overcome them?

The very first wedding I shot was for a BITSian friend’s sister, and the client wasn’t satisfied. I spent a week with them in Bhopal and Mumbai, and although the photos turned out well, their expectations were more traditional, whereas my style focused on capturing moments. This was an early learning experience that shaped my approach. Each project has brought its own set of challenges, teaching me to adapt and improve. One of the biggest shifts I made was experimenting with artificial light, which was rare in Indian weddings then. While others shot in natural light, I started using artificial light to create a unique look - almost like fashion or commercial photography. This style set us apart, as clients appreciated the vivid, high-quality images it produced. My street photography background, capturing stories on the streets of Bombay and rural settings, also helped me develop a storytelling approach. Now, with a dedicated 14-person team at KnotsbyAMP, we focus on blending storytelling with fine art elements. We’ve even won two awards at the WeddingSutra Photography Awards recently, which validates our creative efforts.

What do you think is unique about BITSians that makes them successful across diverse fields, from technology to entrepreneurship?

I believe the self-belief that many BITSians possess is a defining trait. It’s the confidence that “I can do this,” which often isn’t present in others. Many people hesitate to pursue a startup, fearing failure or job security, but a substantial number of BITSians are undeterred. This confidence drives BITSians to explore diverse fields - not just technology, but also arts, traditional businesses, and entrepreneurship. The rigorous journey at BITS and the exposure to intelligent peers instill a sense that success is achievable. Beyond that, the BITSian network itself is incredibly supportive. For instance, my co-founder at Samaro is a BITSian from a different campus and batch, yet that shared bond made us instant collaborators. During a 2019 visit to Paris on BITSian Day, I met another BITSian who showed me around for two days - it became a highlight of my trip. The connection among BITSians is unique; we’re always ready to support each other, whether it’s career advice, mentorship, or just opening our doors to fellow alumni.

Looking back, what moments from BITS, particularly the Pilani campus, still resonate with you today, and how do they influence your career path and life decisions?

I’d say the discipline I cultivated at BITS has had a lasting impact on me. My routine back then was consistent—I hardly ever missed breakfast, and I made it a point to hit the gym grounds for a run, even during exams. This rhythm of being disciplined, yet adaptable, has stuck with me. At BITS, you could be intensely focused for months and then take breaks when campus fests or photography projects came up. That flexibility, combined with the personal discipline I built, helped me form meaningful friendships and networks. These connections have been invaluable over the years. Moreover, the confidence that comes from being a BITSian - surrounded by bright, driven peers - has shaped my decisions. It’s a unique environment that instills both competence and self-assurance, setting BITSians apart.

As both a photographer and entrepreneur, what advice would you give to aspiring BITSian entrepreneurs, especially those hesitant to pursue unconventional paths like moving from engineering to photography?

My advice is to take the plunge - commit a year or two to entrepreneurship and give it a real shot. If it doesn’t work, you can always return to a traditional path. Be pragmatic and willing to pivot if something isn’t working; don’t get overly invested in one idea. Explore, learn from setbacks, and switch gears when needed. Today, resources like YouTube, ChatGPT, and other generative AI make learning accessible, so picking up new skills is easier than ever. Hard work, self-belief, and networking are essential, along with strong communication and promotion skills - traits that are vital in entrepreneurship but less emphasized in traditional engineering roles. Interestingly, many successful entrepreneurs weren’t top students but were active in extracurricular and skilled at connecting with people. For those hesitant to take an unconventional path, remember that it’s about desire; if you’re truly passionate, any field can feel natural over time. BITSians are instilled with a sense of leadership and adaptability, which prepares them well for challenges. Trust in your training, explore fields that excite you, and know that the BITSian foundation equips you to excel anywhere.