Sohail Rekhi: The Creative Entrepreneur Redefining Sustainability and Storytelling

Sohail Rekhi was born in 1976 in Bangalore, India. He grew up in a household where art and cinema weren’t just part of life—they were the air he breathed. With his mother being the iconic Waheeda Rehman and his father, actor Shashi Rekhi, it would have been natural for Sohail to dive into Bollywood. But that’s not what he did.

Instead of taking the predictable road, he stepped away from the arc lights and turned toward building something on his own terms. From a young age, he showed a mix of creative thinking and quiet independence. While many children of famous actors follow in their parents’ footsteps, Sohail quietly carved a different identity.

Schools That Shaped Him

He attended Kodaikanal International School and Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, both well-known for shaping curious minds. These institutions played a big part in his development—not just academically but also creatively.

His next chapter took him overseas, to the University of Toronto’s Innis College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree there. More than the degree, it was the exposure to diverse thoughts and experiences that left a mark. That mix of education and global culture helped form the foundation for his later ventures.

Building Sadaya Guild

In 2015, Sohail launched Sadaya Guild, a premium furniture company with an eco-conscious soul. The business isn’t about mass production or factory assembly lines. Sadaya Guild crafts furniture using reclaimed wood, especially Indian Teak and Rosewood. The focus is quality, sustainability, and character.

Each piece has a story—wood that once lived another life now finds a new purpose in someone’s home. It’s a far cry from the fast furniture world that treats materials like they’re disposable. Sadaya Guild’s philosophy is different. The team takes their time, respects the wood, and delivers furniture that feels alive.

What sets this venture apart is the balance Sohail strikes between beauty and responsibility. He’s not selling a look. He’s offering a deeper lifestyle choice—luxury that doesn’t cost the planet.

Creative Expression Through Writing

Sohail didn’t stop with design. His love for storytelling found another outlet—writing. His first book, Angria, made it to the Jaipur Literature Festival, which is no small feat. That recognition confirmed that his writing had weight, and his voice had a place in today’s literary world.

The way he writes mirrors how he builds. Thoughtful, layered, and authentic. He’s not chasing trends. He’s creating stories that connect. He doesn’t just write because he can—he writes because he wants to say something worth hearing.

Life Rooted in Family

Sohail’s personal life carries the same depth as his work. In 2016, he married Dechhen Pelden, a Bhutanese entrepreneur. Their wedding took place in the quiet, beautiful town of Paro, Bhutan. It wasn’t a flashy affair, but it was full of meaning.

Their marriage brings together two strong cultural identities—Indian and Bhutanese—and their shared values make it work. Together, they’re raising a daughter, Rinchen Rekhi, in a space filled with heritage, thoughtfulness, and love.

His family ties remain strong. His sister, Kashvi Rekhi, works behind the scenes in cinema as a script supervisor. The Rekhi-Rehman legacy is still alive in film, but each member is making their own unique contribution.

Honoring Tradition Without Repeating It

What makes Sohail’s path interesting is how he respects where he came from without copying it. His parents had successful acting careers, but he didn’t feel the need to chase stardom. He looked at the bigger picture and asked different questions—about purpose, impact, and creativity in a changing world.

His furniture company isn’t just about business; it’s a statement. His book isn’t just fiction; it’s part of who he is. And through both, you see a man rooted in values, yet unafraid to evolve.

A Blend That Works

People often talk about choosing between art and business. Sohail doesn’t see the need to pick one. He blends both. With Sadaya Guild, he builds beauty with intention. With his writing, he speaks from experience. And in both, you can feel the care he puts in—not rushed, not reactive, just steady and honest.

His story isn’t built around fame. It’s built on real choices, meaningful work, and deep conviction. In a time where attention is fleeting, Sohail Rekhi focuses on what lasts.

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