Member Spotlight // Abhinav Rajput
- Ministry of New
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Co-Founder / COO, Nao Spirits & Beverages // Membership: Resident // LinkedIn: Abhinav Rajput
Abhinav never planned to be an entrepreneur. But in 2012, he left his advertising job to co-found a brand strategy firm with friends, planning to return to agency work if it didn’t succeed—little did he know, it was the start of his entrepreneurial journey.
Abhinav:"Our agency Beam & Words focused mainly on the F&B and lifestyle industries and while working on a spirits project, I crossed paths with my current business partners, Anand and Aparajita. With our combined experience in the beverage market, we identified a gap for a quality Indian craft gin so we began exploring the idea of creating our own. Anand started developing the gins, Aparajita handled the brand identity and design, while I supported them behind the scenes. In 2019, I fully joined the team, dedicating myself full-time to turning our shared passion into something bigger."
Launched in Goa in 2017,Greater Than became India’s first homegrown craft gin, followed by Hapusa, the world’s first gin made with Himalayan juniper. Abhinav’s story is proof that the best ideas often arise from spotting opportunities in unexpected places.
As it’s always a pleasure to laugh, chat, or pick his brain, we sat down with Abhinav for a quick Q&A—of course, paired with a nice gin cocktail or two.
How did you find us?
"I heard about the Ministry through a friend at Little Black Book and had seen mentions of it before. After living in Goa and traveling, I returned to Mumbai and needed more than just a home office. I sought a dynamic, inspiring space—not a typical corporate setup. As a creative at heart, I instantly connected with the space, sparking new ideas—something I believe was Marlies’s vision."
What made you decide to join us as a member?
"While many admire the interiors, what struck me most was the unique energy—a balance of calm and creative freedom. Used to rigid corporate offices, I found the Ministry to be an ideal mix of structure and flexibility."
"I initially expected to find filmmakers, photographers, and designers, but was surprised by the number of professionals from finance and wealth management. Running my own business, I understand that the right environment fosters innovation. Whether I’m actively creating or not, the Ministry keeps me in the right headspace. I happily make the drive from Bandra to Fort multiple times a week, confident that no other space matches what it offers. Embracing the diverse community, I find inspiration in unexpected conversations, realizing that creativity and innovation can thrive in any field."
Members can come to you for…
"I think I’m still a work in progress like everyone else, but if there’s one area where I could offer insights, it would be on building small teams, structuring businesses, and fostering the right mindset. Through my journey of creating and growing two businesses, I’ve learned a lot about problem-solving and refining processes. If my experience can help bulletproof someone else’s venture, I’m happy to share my two cents."
What drives you?
"People. The energy of people coming together, creating something, and adding value drives me. That synergy—where you may not know exactly what you're building, but you know it's worthwhile—is what excites me. Some of the best ideas and connections happen in passing conversations, and that spontaneity is gold."
One thing you'd like to do more?
"Spending more time with my camera. I always have a camera in my bag, capturing moments everywhere I go. But I’d love to dedicate more time to it. Creativity is important, and everyone has it in some form. The challenge is making space for it in our busy lives."
Something you’ve learned recently that you wish you knew earlier?
"I started playing golf two years ago, and it has been a revelation. It’s like learning an instrument—there’s no end to it, and you keep pushing yourself to improve. It has taught me patience, focus, and the joy of continuous learning."
Quick Bites
Switch jobs for a day: I’d choose to be a bartender, an art gallery curator, or someone running a creative café.
My favorite food: Curry and rice, in any form, whether it’s Indian or Asian.
My favorite place: Argentina, which I visited earlier this year and found absolutely outstanding.
My favorite spot at the Ministry: The long dining table in the Library, where I can soak in the natural light and dive into one of the always engaging conversations we have here.
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