Sushil Mantri – The man who built Mantri Developers inspired by Amitabh Bachhan’s Trishul

When we talk about premier Indian real estate players, it seldom highlights the success graph of Sushil Mantri. Who would’ve imagined the transformation of a budding businessman into one of the most powerful figures in the country’s real estate, that too within a decade? Talking about the skill, risk-taking ability, and vision of Mantri Developers owner, here’s the journey of this 11^th standard dreamer who converted his vision into reality.

Sushil Mantri completed his schooling from Vimalabai Garware High School, Pune.  After clearing his 10^th standard examinations, he started assisting his father with business affairs. Mantri learned the fundamentals as well as intricacies of business in his father’s textile venture.

However, the transformation into an aspiring businessman came after he saw Amitabh Bachchan’s Trishul in 1979. The movie developed a sense of curiosity and fascination for real estate, which marked the beginning of Sushil Mantri’s journey as an entrepreneur.

For a decade, he actively participated in different avenues of his father’s business, ranging from sale-purchase of land to project construction. It was in 1987 that Sushil decided to focus on real estate and correspondingly, the family sold their textile business to help him concentrate on his new endeavor.

As a result, Mantri Developers was incepted in 1999 and Sushil Mantri put all his experience and knowledge to work since the first day. The company went on to develop Mantri Woodlands and Mantri Paradise in Arekere and Bannerghatta Main Road respectively.  His hard work was recognized as both projects won the Best Landscape Award from Mysore Horticultural Committee in 2002.

Year 2003 made Mantri Developers stand out of the crowd as Mantri Altius became the first property to be sold by exclusive invitation. With this, Mantri Developers owner registered a remarkable feat for any real estate builder: delivering approximately 1.4 homes per day.

Continuing the run of achievements, Mantri Developers became the first real estate company to enter in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for Bannerghatta Road’s improvement. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley invested $68 million in the company in 2006, denoting the first, foreign real estate investment of India.

However, Sushil’s attempt to foray commercial realty posed one of the biggest challenges in his career. The 20-acre property finalized for Mantri Square Mall was positioned in intersection with the proposed metro line of the respective region. Instead of resorting to a long-lasting lawsuit, he used his prior experience and proposed  a PPP model to the government.

As per the deal, Sushil built the metro at his cost and gave the land for free, and the government bore a fair share of rental and revenue expenses. With this, he handled the situation like a sensible businessman and successfully built the mall.

The long and sinusoidal journey of Mantri Developers owner would be incomplete without the contribution of his wife, Snehal Mantri. Director of Marketing & HR at Mantri Developers, the customer service programs are her brainchild. This includes the post-purchase property maintenance facility, Propcare and buyer loyalty program —Insignia.

Sushil Mantri’s journey echoes the age old story that inspiration can be found in the most regular things of life and with hard work, patience, and adequate skill, no dream is bigger than the individual’s will.