We grew to love Virdi Mazaria in Series 18 of The Apprentice, and despite not always finding success alongside his teammates, Virdi’s resilience and positive outlook shone through, helping him build a memorable connection with Lord Sugar. Now, his latest venture, digital marketing agency Aventus Social, launched earlier this year, is poised to take him even further in the business world.
But Virdi’s journey began long before the boardroom. A trailblazing music producer and international DJ, he’s worked with Punjabi megastars like Sidhu Moose Wala and Mankirt Aulakh, and created his own genre—WnP—blending Western and Punjabi sounds. By the age of 18, he had already performed in seven countries, and today, he continues to remix success through music, business, and faith.
In this exclusive interview, Virdi shares how his spirituality in Sikhi anchors his every move, how he overcame career challenges, and why his ambition to create unmatched experiences makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Get ready to dive into the inspiring world of a man who’s remixing the rules of both sound and success.
Luxurist:
What Sikh values do you believe are most beneficial for entrepreneurship?
Virdi Mazaria:
For me, the Sikh principle or value that I believe is the most beneficial for entrepreneurship is just our history of warriors. The fact that people never give up. I believe, in the Sikh religion, we have some of the best warriors—naming a few, Banda Singh Bahadur, Hari Singh Nalwa, Baba Deep Singh, and Mai Bhago. We have true inspirations in Sikh history that we should adapt and use in our entrepreneurial mindset. When it comes to being an entrepreneur, the most important thing is never giving up. You’re going to have your highs and lows, but you must stay determined and keep working. I really use the Sikh history of our warriors to help and motivate me.
Luxurist:
Sewa (selfless service) is a key tenet of Sikhism. How do you incorporate this value into your business, especially as you build a digital marketing company?
Virdi Mazaria:
Seva is one of the most important things in Sikhi. In my digital marketing agency, I incorporate Seva by offering work experience to the younger generation. I remember growing up and trying to break into the music and marketing industries—it was so hard to get experience and put your foot in the door. I want to offer youngsters a chance to see what it’s like to work in a marketing agency, understand the importance of what we do, and learn the fundamentals of running a business. That’s how I incorporate Seva into my business.
Luxurist:
How do you incorporate Sikh teachings into your daily business operations?
Virdi Mazaria:
In our holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, there is a quote in Japji Sahib that says “Man Jeetay Jag Jeet,” meaning “Conquer your mind, and you can conquer the world.” One of the most important things I believe in business is that you are your biggest competitor. As long as you keep your mindset strong, you don’t need to worry about other competitors. There are plenty of ways for your business to succeed, but the first person you need to conquer is yourself. I live by the saying “Man Jeetay Jag Jeet” and use it in my daily business operations. Whenever I feel low, demotivated, or like I can’t do it, I remember that quote and push through.
Luxurist:
Can you describe a challenge in your business that was overcome by applying Sikh principles?
Virdi Mazaria:
For me, a challenge in my business that was overcome by applying Sikh principles is simply through praying, having peace, and meditating. I spend time doing my part, which is very important to me. When I’m looking for answers, I sit down, be in my own zone, and pray. It calms my mind, helps me understand the situation, and guides me toward what I believe is the best decision for my business. When things get overwhelming, a lot of people deal with stress in different ways, but for me, it’s my religion that helps.
Luxurist:
How does Sikhism inspire your leadership style within your enterprise?
Virdi Mazaria:
Sikhi inspires my leadership style 100%. We come from a warrior background, and our history teaches us to never give up. As a leader, I make sure I guide my team in the best way possible, just like the warriors in our Sikh history.
Luxurist:
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who want to stay connected to their faith while pursuing success in the modern business world?
Virdi Mazaria:
My advice is to never forget your roots, your history, and your religion. Growing up, people often told me not to present my religion so much. I remember when I was going to open an events company in Vegas, I was told that if I wanted it to succeed, I had to stop wearing a turban. But I refused. I wanted to prove that I could succeed while staying true to my faith. That’s why being the first turban-wearing man on The Apprentice is historic for me, and I don’t want it to end there. I want to be the first Sikh turban-wearing man to achieve many things so that youngsters who look like me can be inspired and understand that they, too, can succeed while staying true to their beliefs.
Luxurist:
Could you share your thoughts on the future of entrepreneurship guided by Sikh principles?
Virdi Mazaria:
The way I’ve lived my life—and the way I want to continue living my life—is with honesty, one of the most important Sikh principles. In the future of entrepreneurship, I believe honesty is the most important value. You must do what feels right, without hurting others or compromising your morals. Honesty is key for the future of entrepreneurship.
As Virdi continues to break barriers and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs with his unwavering dedication to both his faith and his craft, we have no doubt his journey will continue to be as impactful as it is inspiring. With his unique blend of creativity, resilience, and Sikh principles guiding him, the future looks bright for Virdi Mazaria. Here’s to many more milestones, and we wish him every success as he carves out new paths in the world of business and music.
All the best, Virdi—your journey is only just beginning!
