The Star Maker

Rashik Bhattarai
Co-founder and Executive Director
Garage Entertainment

As the Co-founder and Executive Director of Garage Entertainment, Rashik Bhattarai brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic insight to the entertainment industry. With a passion for nurturing talent and crafting unforgettable experiences, Bhattarai thrives in his roles as an artist manager and event curator, shaping the landscape of entertainment with his innovative approach and unwavering dedication. In this edition of Business 360, Bhattarai talks about his pick of top brands and reflects on the influence that has shaped his work and life philosophy.  

Your work philosophy
To take risks and move ahead with every small and big dreams that I aim to achieve.

What motivates you to succeed, both in your personal and professional life?
For me, the primary motivation stems from a sense of purpose and fulfillment. In both personal and professional life, I am motivated to learn new things. Additionally, I find motivation in the pursuit of growth and self-improvement. Continuously challenging myself and striving to achieve new goals keep me engaged and excited about what I do. Lastly, the support and encouragement from friends, family and colleagues play a significant role in keeping me motivated and inspired to succeed.

A goal you have set for yourself recently, and how are you working towards achieving it?
My ultimate goal is to take Nepali music to the global platform. I want people to recognise Nepali artists globally. For that we have been doing international shows and are in talks with different record labels across the world.

Best work advice you have received
One timeless piece of work advice comes from the book ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey. It is about the concept of being proactive. Covey emphasises that proactive people focus their efforts on the things they can control, rather than worrying about things beyond their control. This mindset empowers individuals to take responsibility for their actions and outcomes, leading to greater effectiveness and success in the workplace.

A project or accomplishment you are most proud of
For me pulling off the Arijit Singh Live in Nepal has been the biggest accomplishment and I am proud of it. It has to be the biggest event in Nepal so far. I still get overwhelming responses for it. My partners from Garage and I had a collective dream of hosting the biggest event in Nepal which we were able to do together with MN Productions.

How do you want Garage to be known?
Garage aims to be known as the ‘Star Makers’.

2 brands that you have learnt something from
One brand that stands out for me is Apple. They excel in product design, user experience and a sense of community around their products. I love how they have created a loyal fanbase.

It’s not exactly a brand but I have been quite inspired by TM Ventures, one of the top talent management companies of India. Being in the same business, I have learned a lot from them. They have been able to create a high brand value of the talents they manage. I look forward to doing so too.

Book or movie that has had a significant impact on you
The Shawshank Redemption. Work hard towards your goal no matter how unachievable the goal is. 

3 destinations within Nepal you want to travel to
Baridya jungle safari as I love wilderness.
Meghauli for the same reason
Everest Base Camp as I want to see the beauty of Everest.

Most used electronic gadget 
I am with my phone all the time. I cannot live without it.

Top 4 apps that you use the most
Instagram, Spotify, Kindle and Facebook

A skill or hobby you have always wanted to learn but have not had the chance yet
I have wanted to learn to play keyboard for a long time. Never had the time to do so.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? 
Syd Barret, former vocalist of Pink Floyd. I have admired his vision and his music. He was a musical genius. Would love to hear the stories of his songs and life.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?
Choosing a superpower is always a fun exercise! If I could have any superpower, I would probably choose the ability to teleport. Imagine the possibilities: travelling instantly to any location in the world, bypassing traffic and long flights, and experiencing different cultures and environments with ease. It would also make commuting a breeze and provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Plus, it could be incredibly handy in emergencies, allowing me to swiftly assist others or respond to situations wherever they may occur. Teleportation offers both practical benefits and endless excitement.

Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs 
Risk with proper research never goes wrong. Dare to risk it.

Startups are important for a country like Nepal because…  
Startups are important for not just Nepal, but for every country. Startups are innovators and bring out new ideas which can help boost the economy. They also create employment opportunities. I believe all economies need startups to boom. All big companies, at some point of time, were just startups.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Trust your instincts and believe in your abilities, even when faced with doubt. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth and never underestimate the power of resilience. Remember to prioritise self-care and nurture your passions along the journey. 

Favourite way to unwind 
Playing with my dog, Osama, is the highlight of my evening. His joyful energy and unconditional love instantly lift my spirits and melt away any stress. It is a heartwarming bond that brings me immense joy and relaxation. It is a simple pleasure that brings me comfort and helps me transition into a peaceful state of mind.