The Power Duo Shaping Luxury Real Estate

In an exclusive interview with REM TIMES , actor Vivek Anand Oberoi , who is also the Co-Founder and Managing Director of luxury real estate firm BNW Developments, shares insights into his projects and his commitment to blending artistry with functionality in his ventures

A multifaceted personality, celebrated as an actor, producer, writer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Vivek Anand Oberoi has made a mark not only in the Indian film industry but also in the world of business with ventures spanning multiple industries, including real estate, edtech, fintech, and agritech. Among his notable entrepreneurial achievements, Vivek is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of BNW Developments, a luxury real estate company headquartered in Dubai, renowned for its high-end projects in Dubai and Al Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah, including the iconic Aqua Arc, a development that redefines opulence with fully furnished residences and meticulously curated interiors.  
Alongside Chairman and Founder Ankur Aggarwal, Vivek has been instrumental in establishing BNW Developments as a distinguished name in the real estate landscape. The company, today, is a hallmark of innovation and sophistication, renowned for its emphasis on sustainable luxury and pioneering designs that seamlessly integrate with modern living. In an exclusive interview with REM TIMES, Vivek delves into his visionary projects, explores the future of urban development, and reaffirms his dedication to harmonising artistry with functionality in his ventures.

Q. How does your experience in the entertainment industry help shape your approach to business?
The entertainment industry is very similar to the real estate business. Just like cinema, success in real estate requires understanding your audience, reading market dynamics, and making strategic decisions. My acting career taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building strong teams. You manage resources, work collaboratively, and deliver a product that resonates with people. These skills directly translate to entrepreneurship. Whether choosing a film script or making a business investment, the core principles remain the same: understand your ecosystem, trust your instincts, and be ready to evolve.

Q. What has been the most challenging aspect of transitioning from an actor to an entrepreneur?
I actually enjoy this new term which has been coined for me – the “actorpreneur”. It isn't a stark contrast for me, it has been a continuous evolution. My entrepreneurial spirit, nurtured since my college days, has always coexisted with my passion for acting. My father played a significant role in fostering this entrepreneurial mindset. He provided me with inventory every summer holiday, sometimes perfumes, sometimes electronics to go and sell door to door, keep accounts, pay him back his principal and my profits became my pocket money. This early experience taught me valuable lessons about business, from inventory management to customer interaction. I have since co-founded and built 30 businesses and some of them have made it to IPO.

Q. How do you ensure that your real estate projects remain innovative and sustainable in a competitive market?
Aqua Arc employs passive strategies like appreciating sun orientation to capitalise on natural energy and wind patterns that vary seasonally. In addition, the placement of windows is such that daylight is meticulously managed. These strategies coupled with highly proficient electrical, plumbing and HVAC solutions contribute to remarkable energy efficiency. Architects plan on using trees, plants, and grasses that are native to the area, thus greatly reducing irrigation needs. At BNW, we are constantly evolving with a vision to stay on top of world-class innovation for our projects.

Q. What role do global partnerships play in the success of BNW Developments?
Global partnerships are a cornerstone of BNW Developments' success. We collaborate with a diverse network of international brands, hospitality legends, investors, architects, engineers, consultants and interior designers, each bringing unique expertise to our projects.
By leveraging these global partnerships, we are able to deliver world-class projects that resonate with discerning clients worldwide. This international approach allows us to set new standards in premium real estate development, ensuring that our projects are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, technologically advanced, and environmentally sustainable, giving our customers a 360-degree experience of luxury.

Q. What do you think is the key to creating successful and sustainable upscale living spaces?
The key to creating successful and sustainable upscale living spaces lies in understanding that luxury is no longer just about opulence, but about holistic, intelligent design that enhances quality of life. First and foremost, sustainability is non-negotiable. Today's discerning residents want environmentally responsible living spaces that minimise carbon footprint without compromising on comfort. This means integrating renewable energy systems, water conservation technologies, and materials that are both eco-friendly and aesthetically superior. 
Secondly, technology must be seamlessly integrated. Smart home systems that offer convenience, security, and efficiency are now expected, not optional. Equally critical is the concept of wellness-oriented design. Our developments prioritise spaces that promote physical and mental well-being- ample natural light, green spaces, fitness centres, meditation zones, and layouts that encourage both privacy and community interaction. At BNW Developments, we don't just build residences. We design lifestyle experiences that anticipate and exceed our residents' evolving needs.

Q. Can you tell us about any future projects that BNW Developments is working on?
 We're incredibly excited about our upcoming projects! Aqua Arc is our current flagship development, and construction is well underway. But that's not all! We have a pipeline of 14 exciting projects in Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai. Some of these ventures will be groundbreaking collaborations with renowned global hospitality and fashion brands, set to launch very soon. We are committed to delivering innovative, sustainable, and luxurious developments that set new industry standards.

Q. How do you see the Dubai market evolving in the next 5-10 years?
The UAE's progressive policies, including golden visa programs and flexible investment regulations, are attracting global high-net-worth individuals and international investors. This is creating sustained demand for premium, intelligently designed luxury properties, like Aqua Arc by BNW Developments, that offer more than just living spaces – they provide lifestyle experiences. The post-pandemic landscape has fundamentally reshaped real estate preferences. We anticipate continued diversification of UAE’s real estate portfolio- from ultra-luxury waterfront developments to innovative mixed-use spaces that blend residential, commercial, and recreational elements. The city's commitment to hosting global events, technological innovation, and creating world-class infrastructure makes it an incredibly dynamic market. The next 5-10 years will be about creating holistic living environments, not just constructing buildings for investors from all over the globe. That's the philosophy driving BNW Developments' strategic vision, to create a high standard of quality of life for our customers.

Q. With your expertise in multiple industries, how do you manage your time and prioritise between your different ventures?
Time management is an art of strategic prioritization. I treat my various ventures like a portfolio—each requires focused attention.The key is creating robust leadership teams that can operate with minimal day-to-day intervention from me. For BNW Developments, I'm deeply involved in strategic planning and key decision-making, but my brother Ankur Aggarwal and I have built a talented team that handles the details.  

My philanthropic work is equally important. I've structured it to have dedicated leadership that assists me with my social impact projects and initiatives. The most critical skill is learning to delegate effectively. My role is to set a clear vision, provide strategic direction, and create an environment where talented professionals can excel. Ultimately, it's about passion and purpose. When you're genuinely committed to your ventures, managing time becomes less about allocation and more about integration.  

Q. What leadership style do you follow, and how do you ensure that your team remains motivated and aligned with your vision?  
My leadership style is collaborative and purpose-driven. I believe in creating a culture of shared vision rather than top-down management.  
At BNW Developments and across my ventures, I focus on empowering teams by providing clear strategic direction while giving them the autonomy to innovate and execute. Transparency is crucial. I maintain an open communication approach where every team member understands not just what we're doing, but why we're doing it. Motivation comes from alignment with a larger purpose.  

I don't just hire professionals; I recruit passionate individuals who believe in our mission. The markets we operate in are dynamic, so our leadership approach must be flexible.  
I encourage my teams to challenge existing processes, bring forward innovative ideas, and not be afraid of constructive disagreement. Ultimately, leadership is about creating an ecosystem where talented individuals can thrive, innovate, and collectively achieve extraordinary results.  

Q. How do you stay informed and adaptable to the rapidly changing landscape of both the real estate and entertainment industries?  
Continuous learning is my most critical strategy. I'm not just consuming information, but actively analysing how emerging trends might impact our businesses. I keep reading about and evaluating at least 50 economic indicators that might have a direct or indirect impact on our markets. I believe that is one of the most effective ways to learn. At BNW Developments, we are extremely data-driven and constantly adopt cutting-edge technologies. We have regular roundtable discussions and strategic sessions that help us anticipate market shifts. For us, this means being ahead of trends like sustainable design, smart home technologies, and changing work-living dynamics. The entertainment industry moves even faster. I stay connected through industry forums, international film festivals, and conversations with young creators. Technology has been a game-changer—understanding digital platforms, content consumption patterns, and emerging storytelling formats is crucial. Adaptability is about maintaining intellectual curiosity and a willingness to unlearn and relearn. In both real estate and entertainment, the moment you believe you know everything is the moment you become obsolete.  

Q. As an actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, how do you balance your personal life with your professional commitments?  
Balance is a continuous negotiation, not a perfect state. My family—my wife Priyanka and our children—are my anchor. They keep me grounded amidst the whirlwind of professional commitments. I've learned that true success isn't about how much time you work, but the quality of time you spend with those who matter most. I'm intentional about creating boundaries. No matter how demanding my schedule is, I ensure that I spend ample time with my children.
 
Technology helps—I can manage multiple projects efficiently, which allows me more genuine personal time. Prioritisation is key. I've learned to say no to opportunities that don't align with my core values or would compromise my family time. Each commitment is carefully evaluated not just for its professional potential, but for its impact on my personal life and resonance with my core purpose. I always say profit is for a financial quarter, but purpose is for life. The most valuable lesson I've learned is that success isn't measured by professional achievements alone, but by the quality of relationships and personal fulfillment you maintain along the way.  

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