Imtiyaz Abdul Razak Kalsekar, 51, is a second-generation entrepreneur and the CEO and Owner of I’mRasasi Perfumes, one of the Middle East’s most established and respected fragrance houses founded in 1979 by his father, Mr. Abdul Razak Kalsekar. His leadership is rooted in the values he inherited from his father – honesty, consistency, and a deep respect for the craft of perfumery.
Tell us about Rasasi Perfumes.
Rasasi is a story of family, legacy, and unwavering commitment to quality. My father built this brand from a small shop in Murshid Bazar into a globally recognised name by believing in hard work, honesty, and never compromising on the product. Today, Rasasi perfumes are worn across more than 60 countries, and even in places where people may not know our story, they know our scents. That is the true power of the brand.
What has been your biggest success?
For me, success is not one moment -but if I had to choose, it was the day I saw people in Europe and America wearing Rasasi without knowing anything about its origin. That moment told me my father’s work had reached the world. It felt like a victory dedicated to him.
As a company, what are your core values?
Our values come from my father:
- Honesty in business
- Consistency in quality
- Respect for the customer
- No shortcuts in craftsmanship
These principles are still the foundation of Rasasi today, and they guide every step we take.
How have you grown the company since stepping into your role as CEO?
My role has been to bring structure, modern systems, and future-ready thinking –while protecting the soul of the brand. I expanded the business into new markets, strengthened global distribution, and created new product verticals, including I’mRasasi, which brings a fresh, contemporary voice to our heritage. Growth came by balancing tradition with innovation.
And what has been your biggest challenge since stepping into your role as CEO?
The biggest challenge was balancing modern business expectations with traditional systems. Bringing in structure without losing the essence my father built was a delicate task. Change is important, but identity must always remain intact.
Right now, my focus is on building I’mRasasi into a global brand. The world is ready for a fragrance house that carries Middle Eastern soul with global sophistication and that is what we are creating. We are also exploring strong international partnerships to take the brand worldwide.
What is your leadership philosophy?
My philosophy is simple: Respect the roots, empower the new generation, and never compromise on honesty.
I believe leadership is not about control, it is about giving people the freedom to create while staying rooted in strong values.
What is your vision for the next decade?
In the next 10 years, I want to see Rasasi and I’mRasasi firmly established as global fragrance leaders. My vision is to build a brand that represents the strength, creativity, and sophistication of the Middle East on an international stage. We are working toward a future where our fragrances become part of everyday life around the world.
As a second-generation entrepreneur, what legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope to leave a legacy of continuity and evolution staying true to my father’s values while giving the next generation the courage to innovate boldly. I want people to say that I honored our heritage, expanded the brand globally, and built something meaningful for the future.
Where can readers connect with you?
Readers can connect with me through the official Rasasi and I’mRasasi digital platforms, and through our upcoming international collaborations and events.
