Under Forty: Aditya Bhat (Lustra Print)

Aditya would have liked to click his way to success but fate had other plans. He came on to execute quality, innovation, and ink on paper. When he is not creating print masterpieces, he explores islands and loves scuba diving.

19 Dec 2014 | By Tanvi Parekh

When did you decide to join the business?
Back in 2008, when I was fresh out of college. I wanted to be a photographer but destiny had other plans for me.

Where do you learn the tricks of the trade? In an executive education programme or on the job?
It all started with my love for photography. I delved deep into understanding colour and lessons about printing poured in from peers and people on the job.

What is your greatest print / business achievement to date?
Execution of a coffee table book titled “Project Cinema City” for Tulika Books. I enjoyed the making of this book. The added cherry on cake was it winning the Publishing Next Awards 2014.

The best break-through in print technology in the past hundred years
Everything about print has evolved over the past 100 years. Offset presses have evolved in terms of computerised registration and ink controls, and speed and accuracy of jobs. CTPs have brought down the plate-making times and improved dot-gain across jobs.

What do you prefer: a mentor in the industry or brain storming with like-aged?
A bit of both.

The most frequently used mantra in your organisation?
“Quality”. It’s what we take the utmost pride in. It’s what sets us apart and makes our customers come back to us again and again.

If you won Rs 25 crores what would you invest in? Why?
All the money down to the penny will be invested back into the organisation.

For a working lunch if you met the PM of India, what would you talk to him about?
Ease of doing business in India, improving transparency in governance and expediting some of our long pending tax reforms, especially GST.

One person who impressed you with wisdom. Why?
UK Raj, chairman, Lustra Print. I am in awe of his knowledge. He is a living encyclopedia of printing.

What’s the first thing you do on entering the office?
Fire up my mails, reply to client queries and I need my 30 minutes on gizmodo.com and/or bbc.co.uk

Biggest luxury on your shopfloor
Ability to interact with the management at any time. We are open to all our staff and treat them as family. This makes us a very close-knit unit.

Best print compliment received
From a client, “Good to see that the next generation is keeping the energy and attitude strong.”