“I wasn’t particularly strong academically and had always aspired to join the armed forces in India, but I faced challenges clearing the competitive exams,” says Deepak Ohiri. “Back then, a career in the hospitality sector wasn’t seen as prestigious in my country, but I pursued it out of necessity.” Fast forward decades later, Ohri may be leading a more illustrious career than many of his contemporaries in stereotypically respected roles such as doctors, lawyers and engineers.

His list of innovative accomplishments is extensive. In 2003, Ohri founded Lebua—credited as the first native-born luxury hospitality brand in Southeast Asia—­­which went on to win the World’s Leading All-Suite Hotel by World Travel Award.

Ohri singlehandedly pioneered the concept of rooftop restaurants, creating the world’s highest alfresco restaurant on the 64th floor, Sirocco at Lebua Bangkok and the Lebua Sky Bar, which was famously featured in The Hangover 2 movie. In 2007, he masterminded the Million Baht Dinner hosted at Bangkok’s Lebua Hotel, a US$30,000 (US$44,000 after inflation) per person 10-course feast that made headlines for being the world’s most expensive meal at the time. Under his leadership, Mezzaluna and Chef’s Table in Bangkok obtained two Michelin stars each.

He has also authored a book, A Bridge Not Too Far—Where Creativity Meets Innovation, which has been adopted as instructional material for college-level courses in management and marketing. Additionally, Ohri has lectured at leading business and management schools, including Columbia University and Harvard Business School.

After stepping down from Lebua, his latest venture is launching Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness (LAMH), a luxury management company focused on enhancing the financial performance of luxury hotels and other hospitality properties.

Amongst your long list of achievements, which is your most memorable?

The House of Tin Baron, a new luxury lifestyle destination we just launched in Phuket. It was a tough project to integrate history, culture and luxury, and to complete from concept to execution in a mere three months. I’m also proud of creating the world’s first and only Louis Roederer Cristal Room within it.

You developed the Ohri Luxury Index, a tool that measures emotional luxury brand value. What does luxury mean to you?

To the customer, giving them a sense of privacy and space is a luxury. Today, you may like coffee, but if I start giving you coffee again tomorrow, you feel conscious of getting noticed and be uncomfortable. So, we know what you like but we will always ask what you want. That’s why luxury is very intangible now, and creating a sense of privacy and space is also a luxury.

As your company’s name is Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness, what do happiness and contentment look like to you?

For me, happiness is actually living your life by fulfilling your dreams. People usually dream with their eyes closed but I dream with my eyes open. When I close my eyes, I actually don’t dream.

How do you find calm?

My calmness is when I get recognised for my work. I also get nervous, worried and stressed before the execution of a project, but these are positive signals because it means I’m leaning forward and not backwards.

Where is your favourite place to holiday and what is one place you’ve always wanted to visit?

I love Napa Valley and my favourite restaurant there is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant called The French Laundry. I’ve always wanted to visit Antarctica.

As a runner, what is the best view you’ve seen on a run?

Cannes, where you are up on a cliff and can see the whole town below. For driving, it’s the Big Sur.

Are there any aspects of an establishment that you look out for that make you think they serve good food?

I look for their wine and champagne list because the taste of food is based on emotions, but if they carry good spirits, the place is very good. I also choose my airline based on the champagne they are serving, even if it means flying an additional six hours.

What would you eat for your last meal on earth?

Semma, a South Indian, one-Michelin Starred restaurant in New York, where food of that quality is not even available in India.

Which are your favourite street food spots?

Jay Fai in Bangkok serves excellent crab omelette. Also, at The Model Bakery in Santa Helena, I drive for one hour just for the best cappuccino.

What is the most memorable interaction you’ve had with a celebrity?

George Clooney and Barack Obama, because they’re very approachable and nice to talk to. I’ve learned from them that the higher you go, the better you become.

What is your favourite watch in your collection and what is one watch you wished you owned?

My favourite watches are my Patek Philippe Nautilus and Breguet Tourbillon. I’m trying to find a ceramic watch from Richard Mille.

Photography by Hegedus Robert