Luxurist Magazine

Reality Stars Turned CEOs: Anisha Vasani Discovers the Stories of Munveer Jabbal, Virdi Mazaria, and Dr. Paul Midha

What do you get when you mix reality TV fame, sharp business acumen, and a deep connection to one’s cultural heritage? You get three dynamic British-Asian entrepreneurs—Munveer Jabbal, Virdi Mazaria, and Dr. Paul Midha—who have taken their reality TV stardom and spun it into thriving business ventures. These men have not only captured the hearts of audiences across the UK but also paved their own paths to success. From salsa-making to digital marketing, these self-made stars have redefined what it means to transition from reality TV to the real world.

Munveer Jabbal

Munveer Jabbal: From Love Island to Salsa King

Munveer Jabbal may have entered Love Island as a heartthrob, but he left with a newfound love for business. When we met for our interview, he was still buzzing from a photoshoot for HIM Menswear with his fellow reality star buddies, Virdi and Paul. "It’s been an absolute pleasure, especially with the boys," Munveer said with his signature grin. "It’s been super fun!"

For many viewers, Munveer’s Punjabi roots were a surprise revelation. "I grew up in a predominantly white community in Surbiton," he reflected. "Coming off Love Island, I’ve really embraced my heritage, especially connecting with Virdi and Paul. It’s been a nice touch of home."

Though he didn’t find love in the villa, Munveer’s heart now belongs to a different passion—Mama Salsa, his new salsa business. Inspired by his mother’s famous homemade recipe, Munveer turned a family favorite into a brand. "My mum’s been cooking since she was seven, and her salsa has always been a hit at family dinners. I convinced her we should take it to market, and now we’re making it a reality," he beamed.

As if that weren’t enough, Munveer is also becoming a skincare influencer. "Skincare is important. Your lifestyle shows on your face. It’s all about consistency and finding a routine that works for you," he noted. So what’s next? "I’m pushing the salsa as much as possible and focusing on the men's skincare side. I’m slowly moving away from the Love Island label to be known as the salsa CEO and the men’s skincare guy."

Paul Midha

Dr. Paul Midha: A Dentist’s Journey to The Apprentice and Beyond

Dr. Paul Midha, another standout from The Apprentice, transitioned from dentistry to reality TV with the same precision and care he applies to his patients. "People underestimate how much communication and business knowledge dentists need," Paul explained during our chat. "Most of us are self-employed, so it’s not as different as it seems to go from managing a practice to standing your ground in the boardroom."

Known for his humility and sharp business mind, Paul made waves when he turned down Lord Sugar’s investment offer on the show. "For me, it was about quality. Everything I’ve built with my practices is about providing the ultimate patient experience, and I didn’t feel that Lord Sugar’s approach would align with that," he revealed. "I think Lord Sugar would’ve lost respect for me if I had taken the offer."

Now back in Leeds, Paul is expanding his dental practices while exploring cutting-edge healthcare tech. His second practice, based in his hometown of Pudsey, holds deep sentimental value. "I grew up in Pudsey, so to be back serving the community is incredible. The support has been overwhelming," Paul shared, recalling how locals praised him for staying true to his roots.

Despite the competition on The Apprentice, Paul, like Virdi, walked away with lifelong friendships. "Living together without phones creates strong bonds. I’ve made some of my best mates for life—especially Virdi and Jack," he said. "What happens in the boardroom stays in the boardroom."

Paul’s future plans include expanding his business beyond Leeds, with sights set on Manchester, London, and even Dubai. "I’ve thought about it. If I expand, it’ll be those cities," he teased.

The Power of Culture and Brotherhood

What ties these three reality stars together isn’t just their TV fame—it’s their shared heritage and deep friendship. Whether it’s Munveer reconnecting with his Punjabi roots, Virdi proudly representing Sikh culture, or Paul balancing his South Asian identity with modern entrepreneurship, these men are redefining what it means to be British-Asian trailblazers.

As our conversations wrapped up, one thing was clear: Munveer, Virdi, and Paul are just getting started. Whether it’s salsa, digital marketing, or dentistry, these multi-talented entrepreneurs are blazing new trails while staying true to their roots—and we at Luxurist can’t wait to see what they do next.

Virdi Mazaria

Virdi Mazaria: DJing to Digital Marketing on The Apprentice

Meanwhile, Virdi Mazaria’s journey from international DJ to The Apprentice candidate is a tale of ambition and authenticity. "I always knew I was going to be on The Apprentice," Virdi said confidently. His belief in manifestation and hard work made his TV debut feel like destiny. But what set him apart wasn’t just his entrepreneurial drive—it was his role as the first contestant wearing a turban on the show. "Growing up, the only person I saw with a turban on TV was someone in the background of EastEnders," he said. "Now, I’m inspiring a new generation to embrace their uniqueness."

Virdi didn’t win all the tasks on The Apprentice—in fact, he didn’t win any. But for him, every loss was an opportunity. "When you lose, you’re in most of the show. That’s more airtime, more publicity. It’s still positive if you embrace it," he said, shrugging off any setbacks with a grin.

Post-Apprentice, Virdi launched Aventus Social, a digital marketing agency that took off the day after his exit from the show. He’s already working with Premier League footballers and major brands. "Keep on doing your hobby until it turns into your profession," Virdi advised. "If it doesn’t, at least you spent your life doing something you love."

Beyond business, Virdi’s passion for music remains alive and well. As a DJ, he continues to blend South Asian music with mainstream genres like R&B and UK rap. "It’s all about staying true to my roots while pushing boundaries," he said. His unique perspective is shaping not only the music industry but also the world of digital marketing.

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