My Mentor Vikram Achanta

In the early days of my journey into the captivating world of beverages, I found myself drawn to the unspoken mentor in Vikram Achanta through his captivating words. His columns in magazines and newspapers were my nightly reading, a ritual that fueled my passion for mixology. Little did I know that these words were the prelude to a journey that would change the course of my career in ways I could have never anticipated.

Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Vikram, an alumnus of the 1992 batch from IIM-C, embarked on his professional journey as a management consultant. His initial stint was with one of the world's major IT players, Tata Consultancy Services. Following three years in this role, he transitioned to IBM, where he dedicated over five years to his career. However, within the depths of his creative mind, a persistent desire to initiate something novel and distinct always lingered.

Back when people were worried about computers acting up at the start of the 2000s, Vikram Achanta had a different idea. Instead of getting anxious about tech issues, Vikram was busy making a wishlist for the year 2000. In the warm August of 2000, the scene was set in New Delhi. Vikram, accompanied by two other musketeers, P. Venkatesh and Krishna Nagaraj, found themselves immersed in the joyous ambiance of happy hours. As the evening unfolded, the trio embraced the spirit of celebration a bit too generously, making it a night to remember. The morning after wasn't marked by the typical hangover; instead, it served as an awakening for the entrepreneur within Vikram. In the subsequent weeks, amidst contemplation and collaborative brainstorming, a decision took shape. Vikram bid farewell to the corridors of IBM in September 2000, and embarked on a new journey, officially turning his wishlist into a reality. In October 2000, Tulleeho was born, not just as a venture but as a manifestation of Vikram's entrepreneurial spirit and the shared laughter of that unforgettable evening.

Whenever he visits the City of Joy, we embark on delightful cocktails, toasting to the happiness that his mentorship brought into my life. I would like to express appreciation for Vikram's foresight and inclusivity in my career.

Fast forward to January 2019, a year etched in memory. The journey commenced with a fresh brand identity for Cocktails India, unveiling a revamped logo with a clearer purpose. The celebration was two-fold—marking the achievement of 1 Lakh Subscribers on Cocktails India's YouTube channel, a significant milestone on the path to a long-term vision. As the channel gained momentum, drawing attention and praise from both brands and the F&B industry, a wave of recognition swept through my daily life. It was a humbling experience to be acknowledged and esteemed by people wherever I went. While I was deeply immersed in the exciting world of YouTube, on the flip side, Vikram was crafting the narrative of my success. One day, an email from Vikram arrived, presenting an unexpected opportunity. He invited me to join the Jury for 30 Best Bars India. The excitement that bubbled up within me was like that of a child stumbling upon a treasure. Without hesitation, I responded with an enthusiastic "Yes."

In the bustling world of food and beverages, where success stories often sparkle with personal achievements and accolades, Vikram decided to script a narrative unlike any other. Rather than basking solely in the glow of his own accomplishments, he embarked on a mission to honor the unsung heroes of India's bar scene. Always pushing boundaries, along with N Radhakrishnan the Publisher & Editor of MW (www.mansworldindia.com) also known as Man’s World, which is India’s pioneering men’s luxury lifestyle magazine since 2000, Vikram co-founded "30 Best Bars India" in September 2018. This initiative aimed to recognize and celebrate the best bars and bartenders in the country. It wasn't just an event; it was a way to lift the standards of the industry. I was fortunate to be part of the first season of 30 Best Bars in 2019 and still continue to do so, thanks to Vikram's vision, which not only acknowledged excellence but also pushed the industry forward. Amidst this celestial affair, I found myself swept into the cosmic dance, landing a coveted role as a jury member in this prestigious nationwide event. This marked not only a professional connection but also the beginning of shared joy in exploring the world of cocktails.

Vikram also has a love for hosting pub quizzes through his venture, Quizaroo. Usually teaming up with Dr. Sanjay Chugh, he brings his quizmaster skills to the lively atmosphere of pubs. So, the next time you find yourself in a bustling pub in Delhi, NCR, Gurugram, or even Bengaluru, don't be shocked if Vikram is the one on the mic, ready to challenge your knowledge and bring a bit of fun to your night out.

Today, I am proudly contributing to Tulleeho by conducting training sessions for Alcohol Brands and serving as a valued member of the 30 Best Bars India Jury. Apart from being a leader in the drink world, Vikram Achanta is also someone who cares a lot. He runs "Studwala," where he collects used and new football stuff—like shoes, shirts, shorts, socks, guards, and gloves. This stuff goes to boys and girls aged 4 to 18. But it's not just about collecting things; Vikram gives them to groups that help kids in need by teaching them football. This isn't just about sports; it's about giving these kids a chance to have a better life. Through Studwala, Vikram is showing how kindness can go a long way, even outside the world of drinks.

Every mentor indeed plays a distinct role in shaping one's journey, and Vikram Achanta's impact on my life has been truly transformative.

During the quiet days of lockdown, I stumbled upon a wonderful find – the "Tulleeho Book of Cocktails," a book co-authored by Vikram Achanta. Even though it first hit the shelves in the summer of 2011, I got to know about it during the pandemic. Let me tell you, it's like finding a hidden treasure. This book is not just about making drinks; it's like a storybook filled with exciting tales and great recipes. As I flipped through the pages, it felt like taking a journey into the world of mixing drinks with Vikram and his co-authors. Each page brought something new, making me feel like I was discovering secret recipes. Vikram's touch on this book is more than just writing down how to make drinks; it's like an invitation to a world where every cocktail has its own story.

While I was already engaged in bartending training sessions at hotels, adhering to my mantra of "80% Mindset and 20% Skills," my true breakthrough arrived when Vikram provided me with an opportunity in the realm of brand training post-COVID. Since then, I've conducted numerous training sessions, each adding to the count. Vikram afforded me not only a free hand but also the creative freedom to conduct training sessions, and through this, I've carved a niche for myself in the world of Brand Advocacy, owing to my distinctive style. This wasn't merely a shift in career; it was a pivotal moment that reshaped my identity in the world of brand advocacy. With Vikram's trust and the liberty to unleash my creativity, I embarked on a transformative journey that would determine my destiny. I extend my gratitude to Vikram for his mentorship, a guiding force that made me realize that training is not just a profession; it's my future. Without his support, I might never have recognized my true worth. Today, I comprehend the profound significance of training for every alcohol brand, and it's a revelation that stems from Vikram's invaluable mentorship.

In its early days, Tulleeho was primarily known for providing reviews to restaurants and cafes, even before the era of Zomato. Fast forward to December 2023, and Tulleeho has evolved into a frontrunner, offering comprehensive beverage education, training, and consulting services in India. Their reach extends to the hospitality industry in South and Southeast Asia, catering to both end consumers and hospitality students. With an impressive clientele that includes multinational and Indian beverage companies, hotel and restaurant chains, as well as standalone bars and restaurants, Tulleeho has established itself as a trusted name. Their commitment goes beyond conventional services, encompassing specialized education programs like the WSET wines and spirits programs and the EWA (Edinburgh Whisky Academy) programs, all executed with remarkable excellence. As October 2025 approaches, Tulleeho gears up to commemorate its 25th anniversary, proudly standing as a pioneer in beverage training and wine education in India. Their journey includes advising some of the world's top beverage companies, showcasing a legacy of dedication and expertise that has truly withstood the test of time.

Recognizing my potential as the next brand training expert, he not only noticed but also provided the crucial opportunity that became the cornerstone of my career. Thanks to his insightful guidance and unwavering belief, I've been able to carve a niche in the dynamic world of brand advocacy. Vikram's keen eye for potential and his willingness to open doors for growth have been instrumental, and I am sincerely grateful for the impactful role he continues to play in my professional development.

narrated by Sanjay Ghosh (Dada Bartender)

penned by Jitendra Khater