Karan Tacker Would Like You To Live Your Life To The Fullest

What was he doing when you last saw Karan Tacker?

Chances are he was either working out or working at a shoot. Lazing at home or attending some event. Dressing up or dressing down for one of his frequent thirst-traps. Basically, living it up and living his best life, for everyone to see on social media. La Dolce Vita could very well be his life mantra; even ‘living life to the fullest’ would fit. But that’s what the actor has chosen as the inspiration for GOONDA, the agave spirit + energy drink brand he’s recently launched as his first entrepreneurial venture.

Perfect time to chat with him on all things GOONDA, partying right and keeping things fit, among other things & that’s what we did.

Excerpts below:

What sparked the idea for GOONDA?

We really felt that there is a big void in the Indian market for a brash, young brand that’s quintessentially Indian at heart. Our brand is inspired by the possibility for each one of us to live life to the fullest!

Did you observe any specific gap in the Indian nightlife or beverage market that GOONDA is designed to fill? 

We realised that there is a big opportunity to have bouquets of interesting flavours in the Indian Agave / Tequila space. So besides the classical Tequila/Agave spirit expressions that one is used to, we launched our own crafted expressions of flavoured Agave spirits;  that our audiences have greatly appreciated. We also got these out in trendy 180ml hipsters first which fits everyone's pockets (pun intended) in an otherwise expensive and/or premium Tequila/Agave spirit space.

How do you think the party scene in India has evolved in the last decade? 

There has been a significant change in the way that our country has been partying especially Tier 1 cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Pune and Hyderabad. A noticeable shift from big EDM clubs to curated nightlife: speakeasies, microbreweries, cocktail bars have sprung up everywhere. Music has diversified and widened with more techno, Afro house, hip-hop, Latin. A substantial rise of premium spirits (agave, tequila, craft gin) and high-quality cocktails are now a clear preference among the youth alike which was otherwise a more mature audience preference. Growth of day parties, sundowners, brunch culture. Strong influence of social media, influencers, and brand-led experiences. Safer, more women-friendly nightlife. Afterparties, home pre-games, and villa parties becoming normal. Overall, it's now more refined, lifestyle-driven, experiential than ever before.

Do you feel Indian consumers are becoming more experimental with spirits and mixes?

There is definitely a change in the “what” and “how” of the Indian consumer's preferences when it comes to mixers and spirits. For starters, a low sugar or a sugar-free option in mixers is a clear choice and this is now a healthy option for sure. Similarly, counting calories has been influencing the consumer's choice of spirits too. For instance, Tequila/Agave spirits are known for being a great choice for the calorie-conscious as well as an evolved consumer!

What’s one misconception you think people have about partying responsibly? 

The misconception that one needs a lot of money to party… you actually don't! Not with great choices of bars, speak-easies, clubs with bar nights and even some cool thekkas! House-parties are back with a bang both as a pre as well as a post game option to boot.

What does a perfect night out look like for you? Loud, wild, and social—or intimate, music-driven, and with close friends?

You're talking about 2 gears of the same car… my nights start off soft and intimate but things escalate quickly as the gears change into overdrive mode! So yeah… a little bit of both.

Are you usually the first person on the dance floor or the guy controlling the playlist? 

I'm the first one on top of the bar!

And yes, I do get everyone around me on the dance floor as well!

What’s your go-to drink order when you’re not drinking GOONDA—if that ever happens?

I'm a true-blue Punjabi… so if it's not GOONDA, it's got to be whiskey!

Do you prefer hosting at home or stepping out to a club or bar?

I prefer the comfort of my close friends in the comfort of my own home. I’ve got a nice lounge-like atmosphere at home and a pretty nicely stocked bar to boot!

Balancing fitness with a nightlife isn’t easy—how do you make it work?

This might sound like a cliché but I work hard, party harder and work out the hardest. I don't miss my work-outs for anything.

What’s your non-negotiable fitness rule even after a late night?

I definitely put in a nice cardio session or a swim followed by 20 mins in the steam room. Nice and easy.

Do you follow a specific nutrition philosophy to stay camera-ready while still enjoying good food and drinks?

I do believe in moderation and there is no way that I'm going to sacrifice my mother's food and decadent desserts! But I do make sure that I eat at regular intervals and I do take care of my macros. Luckily I love salads and greens which go a long way in meeting my nutrition needs.

What’s your favourite indulgent cheat meal—and how often do you let yourself have it?

My mom's food is a daily feast for me. There are many, many things that are on the cheat list but home made halwa is the last word!

What’s your go-to party outfit that always makes you feel confident?

A slick black T-shirt, black jeans and my sneakers. I dress comfortably.

Is there a trend you think Indian men should stop following—and one they should start?

I think aping the west is overdone, but each to their own. Valuing comfort over style is something Indian men have to come to terms with. I find a lot of men stifled on a night out and that's quite taxing I think.

If there’s one thing you wish men would do differently when they’re out having a good time, what would it be? 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Line your stomachs before you drink with some easy snacks. And yes, behave themselves!