Favourite Colour : A toss-up between blue and yellow depending on my mood

 

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Why did you start the business and what motivated you? 

I really wanted to have a change from what I was doing at the time. I used to do research and policy and wanted out. I also realised I badly wanted to live in Sri Lanka and with my skill set I felt that I would be unable to secure a corporate job. So decided to start something by myself. With this in mind I spoke to my co-founders, Dilendra and Murtaza and we went ahead and started ‘Takas’.

 

Why the name ‘Takas’? 

Well we wanted a name that was catchy. The name ‘Takas’ came through a lot of deliberation; but essentially was helped a great deal by Rajiv who runs the media company Heensare.

 

How did you make your first sale? 

With a lot of luck. We were online, I can still remember it. Dilendra who is now the Chairman of the company came to me and shook my hand. It was a gentleman who brought a grooming product. 

 

What/ who motivated you to start the business? 

Motivation comes with oneself. I wanted to do something new and was lucky enough to be surrounded by guys like Dilendra and Murtaza who took a chance with me and started ‘Takas’. 

 

What was your biggest mistake? 

Can’t put a finger on it, there have been plenty. 

 

How did you deal with failure? 

As long as failure does not kill you, they are simply temporary setbacks. So as long as you learn from them, they help you grow your business. The key is treating them as learning opportunities. 

 

What’s 2015 looking like for ‘Takas’? 

Really great so far, we are growing at a rapid rate. Which means that a lot is happening at any given time. We are excited to introduce a huge range of products to what is already in the store, and we are using a lot of technology to make life a lot easier for our end consumer. 

 

How do you like to spend your Sunday evenings? 

Overlooking the ocean.

 

Where's the best place you ever went with your parents, and what did you do there? 

McDonald’s for the first time in the Singapore Airport! I loved it there. 

 

Tell me about your best friend. 

I have lots of best friends, been super lucky to have them in my life. 

 

What's the worst job you've ever had? 

I used to work as a Clinical Assistant at a Behavioral Ward for children with severe behavioral problems. That was a tough job, but I learned a lot about life and myself on it. This job was tougher than the rest, but I am thankful for the experiences from it. 

 

What's the most embarrassing moment of your life? 

I have many. But perhaps the worst one was when I was a kid, I stole some fruits from a farm I was visiting. I was pretty proud of myself, and showed it to my aunt and uncle. The look of disappointment on their faces made me pretty ashamed and embarrassed about what I had done.

 

 

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If 

If I asked you to cook me dinner, what would you make me? 

Tuna Steak. 

 

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would you want to meet? 

A really tough one since I have such a long list. I would probably love to have a meal with the Boss, Bruce. 

 

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would be the first thing you would do with the money? 

Invest it and carry on living my life as it is now.

If you could be anyone else for a day, who would you choose? 

The American President, and solve the Middle East Problem. I kid - if it’s just for a day, I would like to become a woman and see the world through her eyes. 

 

If you’re lost, do you ask for directions? 

I am always lost, and constantly ask for directions. 

 

 

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In the Spot
 

Colombo Society? 

Colombo who?

Ministry of Crab or Fat Crab? 

Neither. I go to 168. 

 

Hi!! Magazine? 

I cannot wait to have my face in the front of that Magazine, the culmination of my being. Then I know I would have made it on the Colombo who.

 

Kumar or Mahela? Why? 

Mahela, because he comes off as someone who is really nice. Kumar is nice too, Mahala is nicer ;)

 

If you had no Takas.lk – mydeal.lk or wow.lk? 

mydeal.lk since it’s run by an entrepreneur just like myself.

 

 

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For Fun

 

What is your favourite board game? 

Snakes and Ladders. Too easy!

 

What is your favourite item of clothing? 

Birthday Suit. I kid. Shorts and t-shirts, I rock up to work regularly in them.

 

Are you superstitious? 

Absolutely, but like to think not. I get this from my father. 

 

When you’re sick, do you like to have someone taking care of you, or do you prefer to be left alone until you’re better? 

I love the attention I get from people, so I like a person taking care of me.
 

 

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Would you rather.. ?

 

Have the best house in a horrible neighbourhood or the worst house in a fancy neighbourhood? 

Worst house in the best neighbourhood. Location, Location, Location!

Die saving 10,000 strangers from death knowing no one would ever know it was you or live knowing everyone would know you decided not to save 10,000 people’s lives?  

Much rather save the lives of 10,000 lives. This said, I hope I will have the courage to do it when it matters. Easier said than done. 

 

Have no fingers or no eyes? 

No fingers.

 

Be married to Paris Hilton or Charlie Sheen? 

My wife of course, but if you asked me this question before I met her, Charlie Sheen all the way, never a dull moment. Either I would have to have been a lady or both of us playing for the same team, if you know what I mean. 

 

Would you rather have unlimited love or unlimited money? 

Tricky tricky. Unlimited love, with that we can do anything.