When TheGlitz sat down with Uzma Irfan, Director of Corporate Communications at Prestige Group, what became quickly clear was that you’re not just talking to the daughter of real estate magnate Irfan Razack, the conglomerate’s Chairman & Managing Director. You’re in conversation with a force in her own right, someone whose journey through a sprawling family business offers layers of insight. There’s a quiet confidence, an elegance, but beneath it, a palpable sense of having genuinely built her place.
The Go Figure Challenge
Joining the family business wasn’t initially obvious. Uzma saw Prestige’s growth firsthand, a result of immense hard work and determination, fostering trust. Her childhood was full of it – she remembers spending weekends with her dad, seeing how passionate he was, checking properties late at night, and attending inaugurations. Work was simply life, infused with his energy.
But then, things changed. After studying in London, with marriage planned, she thought she’d go a different way. As her last year in London finished, her dad asked a big question, “So when are you coming back?” Her simple reply was, “I’m not.” His reply was huge: “I’m not going to expand if you’re not coming.” This challenge meant a lot to her as his daughter; it showed his trust and what he saw she could do.
Returning after her husband’s MBA, she asked her dad what job he wanted her to do. Instead of a specific role, he gave her a defining instruction: “Go figure.” He gave her Falcon News, a small four-page newsletter handled by HR, and told her to fix it. She reflects that this seemingly undirected challenge was, in fact, the ultimate catalyst for her immersion and growth.
Building In-House Brilliance
That “go figure” moment sparked six intense months of hands-on learning for Uzma. She immersed herself in every department, getting a ground-level understanding of the company’s inner workings—a company that had grown and transformed significantly while she was away in London. This deep-dive approach echoed a principle her father always emphasised: to lead effectively, you must start from the ground up.
During this journey—even visiting the Prestige Man store, a nod to the group’s textile origins—she spotted a major gap: the outside world still didn’t take Prestige Group seriously as a real estate brand. Many still associated it with pressure cookers rather than premium properties. That insight became the foundation for what is now the Corporate Communications division at Prestige.
What began as a one-woman team has grown under her leadership into a 42-member department. Bringing the function in-house proved a game-changer; external agencies lacked the urgency and precision that the company’s operations demanded. Building a strong, creatively driven internal team was not just necessary—it was a strategic leap.
Dad’s Daring Vision
And speaking of discipline and vision, the conversation naturally drifts back to her father’s monumental influence. She describes him as a true visionary whose projects initially seemed unbelievable. Take Prestige Golfshire – she visited the site when it was just barren rock in a faraway location, listening as he described a future landscape of golf courses, villas, and hotels.
Similarly, the Forum mall concept was revolutionary. The idea of a large, structured mall simply didn’t exist in India. Seeing large malls on his travels abroad sparked the idea. He took an entire team to Australia to experience the concept firsthand. Forum Koramangala was the pioneering result, transforming the retail landscape in Bangalore. This audacious vision, combined with a strong determination, is, for Uzma, the engine behind everything Prestige has achieved.
Mom’s Unwavering Support
Uzma describes her mom as an amazing homemaker whose support was absolutely foundational. She firmly believes that without her mother giving her father “the wings”, he wouldn’t have been able to soar as he did. It highlights the often-unseen partnership that fuels entrepreneurial success.
A Principled Upbringing
Talking about family leads smoothly to her upbringing, which she calls very principled. Uzma wasn’t spoilt just because her family was well-off; earning things was a main lesson. Her love for music meant she could only use her parents’ music player for limited hours on weekends; she didn’t get her own until she was in 12th grade. Learning computers meant going to the office, and she only got one at home later when they were getting rid of an old one. These times weren’t about being poor but about learning values, discipline, and not taking comfort for granted – shaping her practical and clear way of looking at things.
The Sublime Universe
Drifting the conversation, I quizzed Uzma on what sparked the Sublime brand. Honestly, it started pretty simply, just as the in-house agency handling Prestige’s PR and ads, says Uzma with a glint of sparkle in her eyes. One of her personal passions – art – met a chance. Seeing a friend’s talent hidden away, she envisioned a platform. A vacant UB City store with existing outfits became the canvas; she used them! Grabbed some stands and lighting and put up her friend’s art for a month. And guess what? It all sold out!
When the space was leased, her father posed another challenge, recognising her impact, like, “Okay, what now?” He then showed her this raw, pigeon-inhabited space on a bridge connecting two towers, telling her, “This is your gallery. Visualise it.” With her aunt’s help, Sublime Galleria became India’s first sky gallery, dedicated exclusively to promoting new talent with a unique ethos of suspended art and an open view – a concept now expanded across four spaces.
Tea became another passion venture, influenced by her husband Zaid’s family from Coonoor. Lamenting that many Indians “kill” tea despite being major growers, she explores its nuanced world. This led to Sublime House of Tea evolving into a house of wellness, sourcing only premium Indian products – teas, honey, dry fruits, and spices – reflecting a principle of valuing national heritage, like Kashmiri saffron.
The Sublime brand has grown in multiple directions. Sublime Media began offering digital services to external clients, drawing on the team’s in-house expertise. Sublime Wilderness Odyssey was created from a shared love for nature, curating premium outdoor experiences using the group’s existing event strengths.
Uzma’s daughter once joked, “Mama, you’re the jack of all, master of none. Please don’t start another vertical!” But Uzma remains focused on growing what she’s already built. A perfectionist who thrives on independence, she tackles each venture wisely without safety nets.
Even her entry into the food court business came as a challenge from her father—he asked her to turn the ground floor of Prestige Towers into a premium food space, despite her having no prior experience. The result was Courtyard by Sublime, a family-friendly zone (strictly no alcohol) with seven diverse restaurants. During the pandemic, when one space remained vacant, she launched Maaya, a restaurant celebrating authentic South Indian cuisine.
Principles That Guide
Through every venture, core principles guide her: respect and love make the world go round, and gratitude is key, believes Uzma. Understanding life as privilege means treating people right and helping within means. Sometimes, simply offering a smile and a good word is the most valuable gift.
Work Life Harmony
On work-life balance: As a mother, entrepreneur, and director, she keeps it simple—she genuinely loves what she does. For her, balance means being present and finding joy in the now. “Enjoy the moments, because moments become memories,” she says. Life is a blessing, and the key is to make the most of it by seamlessly blending roles, passions, and purpose.
Beyond The Perception: A Quiet Inspiration
Talking to Uzma Irfan didn’t feel like a formal interview—it felt more like a thoughtful conversation that gave a glimpse into a sharp and inspiring mind. She speaks with the calm confidence of someone who has built something meaningful from the ground up. Her journey is a quiet but powerful reminder that real success isn’t just about where you begin. It’s about having a clear vision, staying committed, and holding on to your values—no matter what. There’s something in her story for everyone to take away.
