My Top 10 Blogging Accomplishments In 2014-15

[Signing in from Aldershot UK where I'm stationed from October 8 to November 13, 2015.]

A Relaxed Moi in Aldershot UK

I started to blog in 2006 but this year has by far been the best. I posted 84 long entries on my blog, which is nearly three times the number of entries posted last year.

In this blog post, I'll recap my top 10 blogging accomplishments in 2014-15.

1. Got interviewed by NDTV Prime

[Program Name: Heads Up]

When NDTV Prime turned to India's top bloggers for some insights on "How to transform your hobby of writing into a full-fledged career", guess who got to steal the maximum on-screen time? No prizes for guessing!


2. Became a Panelist at #TechMinter50

#TechMinter50 is a perfect platform for both bloggers and brands to connect with each other. Thanks to Blogmint for organizing this bloggers meet and more specifically for considering me as one of their panelists. I enjoyed talking about my journey as a blogger in front of a packed house, which included reps from brands like GroupM, Casio, ZenithOptimedia, and ThoughtBuzz.

Panelists at #TechMinter50

3. Styled a Model

Earlier this year, Myntra* invited me to cover the launch of its 'Disney by Anouk' collection.

[For the uninitiated, Myntra is a leading ecommerce company in India that sells clothing line and accessories from leading fashion labels, among other items. The company is India's largest online fashion store.]

It was here that I got to style a model (named Minakshi) in ethnic wear. Now this doesn't happen often!

Not only that, I showcased my creation in front of Aki Narula, a renowned fashion designer and stylist in Bollywood.

Never the one to shy away from any adventure, I paired up with another blogger, Reema, to style our model in playful Mickey prints and trendy Indian silhouettes. The proud moment for us arrived when our model walked the talk and conveyed the brand image superbly.

Thanks Minakshi for being such a sport!

Winning the first prize for my creation, and in turn, a cool gift hamper from none other than Aki Narula was indeed the highlight of the day for me. Aki liked my contemporary twist to traditional styling and felt that it infused fun and excitement.  
Groupie with Aki Narula & the Winning Team

4. Became a Zomato Verified Food Blogger

Talking of hidden talents, for the first time ever since I took up blogging, I started reviewing food at several restaurants and hotels in India. I visited over 20 fine dining properties in Delhi alone this year, and my reviews are posted on both my blog and Zomato.

Becoming a Zomato verified food blogger felt great and speaks volume of the quality and credibility of my reviews.

Another good thing that happened as a result of food blogging this year was a familiarization (FAM) tour to Fairmont Jaipur. My first FAM tour in India; and you can imagine my level of excitement.

FAM Tour to Fairmont Jaipur

I was also invited to a signature customer engagement program by InnerChef, a fast-growing data driven food technology company. At the event, I got a sneak peek into 'what's new and next' at InnerChef, which I think is the way forward for new startups to engage with customers in a more meaningful way.

Making New Friends (Courtesy InnerChef)

With two gorgeous ladies at the InnerChef event

5. Received invites to Premium Designer Stores 

When a multi-brand luxury footwear label like Heel & Buckle launched their first ever line of men's footwear called 'Heel & Buckle London' in Delhi, I was there to catch all the action firsthand.

Heel & Buckle Launch in Delhi

Moi at the Heel & Buckle London Launch

That's not all!

I was invited at the launch of Steinway Lyngdorf's first flagship showroom in Delhi. Coincidentally, one of their biggest competitors, Bang & Olufsen, had also extended a similar invitation to yours truly a few months ago.

Bang & Olufsen Showroom in Delhi

6. Attended Unique Gaming Events

All work and no play make Rahul a dull boy!

Earlier this year Little Black Book (LBB) hosted a unique game night for bloggers only at Raasta, Cyber Hub. An evening filled with games, drinks, goofiness, and a whole lot fun. Such a super cool way to shake off those mid-week blues. The fabulous folks from NCR Board & Card Gamers organized some crazy-intense rounds of games - from Pictionary to Taboo and Cards Against Humanity to Heads Up.

With the Bloggers at LBB Game Night

7. Figured Among the Top 200 Bloggers at So Delhi Confluence

So Delhi Confluence provided yet another platform for bloggers and homegrown brands to collaborate. The event was covered by NDTV Goodtimes channel and received sponsorship from companies like PepperTap, Roposo, and One Touch Response.



I was ecstatic to figure among the top 200 bloggers and social media influencers who got an opportunity to network with 100 leading business brands in the country, including H&M, Swatch, ITC, Taj Hotels, Sony, The Body Shop, Fitness First, and many more.

8. Participated in Romedy Now Trail

I joined the Romedy Now Trail on July 18 this year, the tastiest social media race in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. As part of the race, I visited the most happening restaurants in Delhi, ate gob-smacking dishes, and pursued my love for food with friends.

9. Met Bollywood Celebs throughout the Year

Here's a touchdown on the Bollywood celebrities I met in 2014-15.
Moi with Ayushmann Khurrana

Moi with Anil Kapoor
Neha Dhupia
Anupam Kher
Saif Ali Khan
Moi with Mahesh Bhatt
Lucky Ali
Arjun Kapoor
Aditi Rao Hydari

Groupie with Aditi
  • Gauri Khan (at the launch of Steinway Lyngdorf's first flagship showroom in Delhi)
Gauri Khan
Groupie with Yudi
Sonakshi Sinha
Cyrus Sahukar
Groupie with Chetan Bhagat
Groupie with Rani Mukerji
Groupie with Victor
I also met famous celebs from other walks of life.
Yuvraj Singh
Virender Sehwag
Rajiv Makhni
Groupie with RJ Nitin


10. Drove Honda Jazz CVT on F1 Track


The year couldn't have ended better. I finally got to drive a brand new Honda car on my favorite Formula 1 track in Noida.

At the Honda Jazz Prelaunch Event
Posing After the Ride

In 2015, blogging opened up a plethora of opportunities for me. Suffice to say, I look at my blog now to actively engage with both my readers and clients.

Comments

  1. wow this is the post from 2015 and you had long list of impressive achievements at that time. I am sure this list has grown a lot in year 2022. many congratulation to you and all the best for great success in this year.

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  2. 2015 seems to be the year when you have scaled the pinnacle of success and hobnobbed with the whos who, of the many verticals. Wish you more and more successes and laurels as you blaze your way forward.

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  3. The journey of blogging is never easy but you made it sound so interesting with all the special mentions and such great achievements! Keep motivating!

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  4. Wow this is so awesome.. Many many congratulations on your accomplishments, this is very inspiring. You are no less than a celebrity.

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  5. Wow, didn't know that I was interacting with a celebrity blogger! Congratulations on your super impressive achievements. I'm sure there's a lot more out there for you to achieve and make us proud of you.

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  6. That's great. You have achieved a lot in the last few years. Congratulations to you.. And best wishes have more achievement in the coming years

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  7. First of all big congratulations on achieving these milestones which is commendable and I wish you.more and more success

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  8. Thats so awesome and impressive, so food to know. Heartiest congrats to you dear. Keep soaring high.

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  9. wow thats a lot of achievements. Congratulations. Blogging is surely rewarding and hard work always pays off. This is truly amazing.

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  10. That's a great achievement n you have come so far. I feel inspired after reading all this. I am bloging from last 2 years. All the best to you.

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  11. Congratulations on your feat Rahul really glad to know that you've hd quite an exciting journey. I wish you many more accolades

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  12. Your milestones and achievements are mind-blowing. Congratulations for this. A long way to go .

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  13. Your achievements are enviable. Your dedication and perseverance is infectious.

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  14. Wow Rahul so happy to know about your accomplishments and achievements. Its great to know this side of your personality. Wishing you all the best for your future.

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