There are entrepreneurs who succeed in one profession, and then there are individuals who redefine themselves every few years by embracing new opportunities. Sarvesh Jaidka, fondly known as SJ, belongs to the latter league. An economist by education, an entrepreneur by instinct, and a dreamer by temperament, he has left his mark across the events industry, real estate, political analysis, and now the world of cinema.
What makes his story compelling is not merely the diversity of his achievements but the common thread that connects them all, an unwavering belief that opportunities favour those willing to act. Whether pioneering exhibition concepts in India during the 1990s, analysing political trends long before they became mainstream discussions, or stepping into film production, Sarvesh has consistently followed instinct over convention.
In this candid conversation, he speaks about destiny, entrepreneurship, family, politics, music, travel, and the philosophy that continues to guide his life.
Q. You have recently entered the ever-growing world of cinema as a producer. How did this journey begin?
Sarvesh: “People often think this was a sudden decision, but in reality films have always been a part of my life. Cinema runs in my blood.
My father was an actor and a producer-director, and our production house was associated with some of the biggest names in the film industry from the early 1980s through the mid-1980s. Growing up in that environment, cinema was naturally an integral part of our family life.
Today, the legacy continues through my son, Jayesh Jaidka, who holds a Master’s degree in Filmmaking and has won numerous international awards as a director. He conceptualised our latest project, and I naturally stepped into the role of producer.
Our forthcoming feature film, PREET, is a Hollywood-Bollywood crossover with a young, energetic team. There are several exciting names associated with the project, which we will announce at the right time. Looking back, I genuinely feel destiny brought me into filmmaking, and I am enjoying every moment of this journey.”
Q. Before films, you made a name for yourself in the events industry. Was that a planned career?
Sarvesh: “Not at all. If I look back honestly, destiny has played a major role throughout my life.
Academically, I completed my Master’s in Economics, graduated in Commerce and studied Business Management with specialization in International Marketing. Like many young graduates, I wasn’t certain which career to pursue.
Then, in 1994, my wife and I visited a trade exhibition. She looked around and simply said, ‘Why don’t you organise exhibitions? You can do this.’
That single suggestion changed my life.
Within a few weeks, I organised my very first exhibition in Ludhiana with more than a hundred stalls and participation from several multinational companies. For someone completely new to the industry, it was both challenging and exciting.
That experience taught me an important lesson, sometimes success begins when someone believes in you before you fully believe in yourself.”
Q. Looking back, are you proud of what you achieved as an event entrepreneur?
Sarvesh: “Absolutely.
The initial years were difficult, but I was fortunate to work alongside some of the most respected names in the industry, which gave credibility to my work from the very beginning.
One of my biggest satisfactions was introducing investment and real estate exhibitions in the late 1990s, at a time when very few people had even heard of such concepts.
Over the years, my team organised nearly 200 national and international exhibitions across sectors including automobiles, consumer products, jewellery, education, careers, tourism and real estate. Those years gave me recognition not only as an organiser but also as a contributor to several business and trade publications.
Eventually, the industry evolved. Economic liberalisation, the rise of shopping malls, digital marketing and institutional organisers changed the business model.
I had already diversified into real estate during the mid-1990s. When exhibitions began slowing down, moving into real estate full-time became a natural progression rather than a difficult decision.”
Q. Many people also know you as a political strategist and analyst whose predictions have often proved accurate. How do you view this reputation?
Sarvesh: “Politics has always fascinated me, but I have never analysed it through astrology or horoscopes. My understanding comes from studying situations, governance, public sentiment and economic realities.
Over the years, several observations that I made regarding national politics eventually came true, including major political shifts and leadership changes.
People sometimes call them predictions, but for me they are simply conclusions drawn after careful observation.
My analysis has never been about supporting one political party over another. My only interest is understanding where the country is heading and how policy decisions affect our people and our economy.
Someone once told me that I could become a kingmaker but never a king. I smiled because I have never aspired to either role. If my thoughts can contribute positively to society or help someone understand the political landscape better, that itself is satisfying.”
Q. Beyond business and public life, what keeps you inspired?
Sarvesh: “Life itself inspires me.
Travelling is one of my greatest passions, and I must give full credit to my wife. She plans every journey while I happily become her travelling companion. Together we have explored many countries, experienced different cultures and observed how societies and economies function across the world. Every destination teaches us something new.
Music is another passion very close to my heart. I love singing, especially timeless classics, and I regularly share them through my YouTube channel. In the near future, I hope to release my own original compositions, either independently or as part of my film projects.
I also enjoy sports, although finding the time, and suitable company, to play regularly has become increasingly difficult.”
Q. Finally, what is the philosophy that guides your life?
Sarvesh: “The first principle is simple, always remain positive.
Even if there is only a one percent chance of success, give it your hundred percent. Many times that one percent succeeds because most people never even attempt it.
Secondly, remain humble. No matter how successful you become, humility earns more respect than achievement alone.
Thirdly, be kind and respectful towards everyone.
And finally, I strongly believe in being loyal to your country. Nationalism, for me, is not merely an emotion; it reflects one’s character. Whatever we do professionally, we should strive to contribute positively to our nation and its people.”
The Man Behind the Journey
As our conversation drew to a close, one impression stood out above everything else. Sarvesh Jaidka’s story is not merely about changing careers, it is about continually embracing new beginnings.
From pioneering India’s exhibition industry during its formative years to establishing himself in real estate, from becoming a respected political observer to entering film production with PREET, every chapter reflects adaptability, curiosity and the courage to move beyond comfort zones.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of his journey is that he never claims to have planned it all. Again and again, he credits destiny, family, hard work and an optimistic outlook for opening doors at the right time. Yet, destiny alone does not create success; it rewards those prepared to recognise opportunity when it arrives.
As Sarvesh Jaidka (SJ) and his team prepare for the release of PREET, one thing is certain, whether in business, public life or cinema, he continues to reinvent himself while remaining grounded in the values he cherishes most.
We wish him and his team every success and look forward to meeting him again after the release of PREET to discuss the next chapter in a journey that continues to inspire.
