Key Points
- Sohail Rekhi, born in 1976 in Bangalore, India, is the son of Bollywood star Waheeda Rehman and actor Shashi Rekhi.
- Entrepreneur with a vision, he founded Sadaya Guild, a firm that makes eco-friendly salvaged wood furniture.
- Sohail wrote Angria, which was included at the Jaipur Literature Festival, in addition to his commercial pursuits.
- After attending Kodaikanal International School and Bishop Cotton Boy’s School, he earned a BA from Innis College, University of Toronto.
- Sohail is married to famous Bhutanese entrepreneur Dechhen Pelden and has a daughter, Rinchen Rekhi, and a sister, script supervisor Kashvi Rekhi.
- Sohail has made a name for himself in sustainable business and creative literature, unlike his mother, Waheeda Rehman, who won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2023.
Introduction
Sohail Rekhi is a unique modern entrepreneur that combines art, business, and literature. Sohail, born in Bangalore in 1976 into a filmmaking family, might have easily embraced Bollywood’s glittering but unpredictable world. He chose an unconventional route that promotes sustainable business and artistic expression. This article examines Sohail Rekhi’s early life, education, career, and personal life, as well as his role in continuing a heritage of greatness.
Early Life and Education
Sohail Rekhi were raised in a culturally rich atmosphere. As the son of iconic actress Waheeda Rehman and actor Shashi Rekhi, he was exposed to India’s creative and cultural pulse early on. Kodaikanal International School in Tamil Nadu and Bishop Cotton Boy’s School in Bangalore gave him a solid academic foundation. These top academic institutions and holistic development programs shaped Sohail’s outlook.
Sohail studied at Innis College, University of Toronto, for a Bachelor of Arts to broaden his views. This overseas experience extended his intellectual viewpoint and gave him a global outlook, which would help him succeed in entrepreneurship. Exposure to many cultures and educational beliefs shaped his entrepreneurial and creative skills.
Professional and entrepreneurial pursuits
Sohail Rekhi broke from his family’s filmmaking tradition to become an entrepreneur. He is mainly known for Sadaya Guild, a sustainable and environmentally responsible business. Sadaya Guild, founded on July 20, 2015, makes eco-friendly furniture from 100% recovered and repurposed wood. Offering goods for patios, gardens, terraces, and residences, the brand is known for its quality and craftsmanship.
The idea of Sadaya Guild is that luxury and sustainability can coexist. Sohail’s careful selection of Burma, Indian Teak, Rosewood, and sea-seasoned Oak shows his vision for the firm. Each piece of furniture is exquisite art and a sign of environmental awareness. Certifications for ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Sohail Rekhi writes in addition to business. His literary debut, Angria, shows his love of narrative and creativity. Angria‘s engagement in prestigious events like the Jaipur Literature Festival shows his literary passion and willingness to connect with people beyond the commercial.
Personal and Family Life
Sohail Rekhi’s personal life is as complex as his job. Despite his decision to avoid the film industry, his family’s rich past is evident. Waheeda Rehman, his mother, remains an Indian movie legend. Waheeda Rehman has captivated audiences for almost 50 years with appearances in classics like Pyaasa and Guide. Her distinguished career includes the 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which recognizes her lasting artistic contributions.
Before his 2000 death, Sohail’s father, Shashi Rekhi (Kamaljeet), was a performer. He is no longer with the family, yet his impact is still felt by Sohail. Kashvi Rekhi, Sohail’s sister, is a script supervisor in movies. Though less well-known than her mother’s, Kashvi’s contributions show the family’s wide cinematic involvement.
The Rekhi family is more than their careers. Sohail married Dechhen Pelden in a beautiful Paro, Bhutan, wedding in 2016. Dechhen, a successful businesswoman and managing partner of Chharu Tshongdel, adds her skills and entrepreneurial enthusiasm to the family. Sohail and Dechhen had a daughter, Rinchen Rekhi, whose early years are kept private.
The following table lists prominent family members and their public profiles:
| Name | Relation to Sohail | Notable Role/Contribution | Recent Developments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waheeda Rehman | Mother | Legendary Bollywood actress; recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 | Continued public engagements and reflections on her career |
| Shashi Rekhi | Father | Actor; passed away in 2000 | N/A |
| Kashvi Rekhi | Sister | Script supervisor; contributed to film memorabilia donation | Supported donation of film memorabilia in 2024 |
| Dechhen Pelden | Wife | Managing Partner at Chharu Tshongdel | Maintains a relatively private public profile |
| Rinchen Rekhi | Daughter | Young family member, kept away from public scrutiny | No public information |
This family tapestry shows the Rekhi family’s range of abilities and balance between public and private life.
Legacy and Innovation Balance
Sohail Rekhi’s life shows how to balance legacy with innovation. Sohail wanted to develop his own personality despite his mother’s influence on Indian movies. He stands apart in an industry where family business is common by focusing on sustainable business and creative writing.
Eco-friendly entrepreneurship addresses current environmental issues and is a forward-thinking company model. Sadaya Guild eliminates waste and promotes a green lifestyle by using recycled materials. Environmentally concerned consumers that value quality, aesthetics, and ethics have embraced this method.
Sohail’s writing adds to his complexity. Writing lets him explore subjects outside business activity, drawing from his life’s rich cultural and historical narratives. His participation in literary festivals and book launches shows his intellectual curiosity and willingness to interact with readers.
Managing Public and Private Goals
Sohail Rekhi has kept a modest profile despite his family’s fame. This decision has let him focus on his business and artistic interests without public attention. He favors content over spectacle and creativity above inherited renown in his modern leadership style.
Recognition of his mother, Waheeda Rehman, in public venues highlights the delicate relationship between heritage and identity. Sohail adores his family yet has established a job that reflects his principles and aspirations. Success comes from his balance between respecting the past and embracing the future.
Recent Events and Future Outlook
As of March 2025, Sohail Rekhi’s work remains focused on sustainability and creativity. Sadaya Guild is still thriving, known for its unique furniture design and environmental responsibility. The company’s success shows Sohail’s ability to combine heritage with contemporary business.
Similarly, the literary world acknowledges his achievements. Sohail is prepared to establish his name as a smart and inventive writer with projects like Angria winning notice at major events like the Jaipur Literature Festival. His twin careers in business and writing demonstrate the possibilities of a modern entrepreneur who values creativity and commerce.
For future entrepreneurs and creatives, Sohail Rekhi’s journey is instructive. His ability to incorporate sustainable practices into a profitable company model while fostering creativity shows that innovation and tradition can coexist. Sohail inspires individuals who believe in sensible leadership through his furniture making and writing.
Conclusion
Sohail Rekhi’s life is a colorful tapestry of opposing yet complementing interests. He has built a career on sustainability, workmanship, and originality, coming from a strong cinematic background. With his commercial initiative, Sadaya Guild, and literary works, Sohail shows how to honor history while carving a new route. His narrative is about reframing success to honor the past and future. Sohail Rekhi exemplifies vision, resilience, and innovation as he evolves and innovates.
FAQ
What’s Sohail Rekhi famous for?
Entrepreneur and writer Sohail Rekhi founded Sadaya Guild, an eco-friendly furniture firm, and wrote creatively.
How did Sohail Rekhi’s childhood education affect his career?
His education at Kodaikanal International School and Bishop Cotton Boy’s School, followed by his degree from Innis College, University of Toronto, gave him a strong academic foundation and a global perspective that shaped his entrepreneurial vision.
The relevance of Sadaya Guild?
Sohail Rekhi created Sadaya Guild, a sustainable furniture firm that employs reused and repurposed wood. It represents how luxury and environmental responsibility can be combined with fine craftsmanship.
How does Sohail Rekhi juggle family and career?
Sohail has made a name for himself in sustainable business and creative writing despite his family’s filmmaking roots. His decisions blend familial legacy and personal enthusiasm.
Which family members are important to Sohail Rekhi?
His mother, Waheeda Rehman, a legendary Bollywood actress; his late father, Shashi Rekhi; his sister, Kashvi Rekhi, a script supervisor; and his wife, Dechhen Pelden, a successful Bhutanese businesswoman, and his daughter, Rinchen Rekhi, are notable family members.
What recent events emphasize the Rekhi family’s public presence?
In 2023, Waheeda Rehman received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and shared her professional journey, while Sohail Rekhi’s Sadaya Guild remains a paradigm of sustainable enterprise.
