Who is Dhruv Agarwala?
Dhruv Agarwala is more than just a CEO; he’s a symbol of transformation and resilience. As the head of REA India, the parent company of digital real estate platforms like Housing.com, Makaan.com, and PropTiger.com, he’s reshaping the landscape of India’s real estate industry. But his journey to success isn’t just about business acumen; it’s about overcoming personal challenges and redefining what’s possible.
Dhruv Agarwala’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of transformation. At 53 years old, the CEO of Housing.com embarked on a remarkable journey to reclaim his health and vitality, shedding almost half of his body weight through sustainable lifestyle changes.
Dhruv Agarwala’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the transformative power of lifestyle change. At 53, he embarked on a remarkable journey to reclaim his health, shedding almost half of his body weight and embracing a new way of living.
A Pioneer in Proptech:
Before delving into Dhruv’s journey, let’s explore his professional accomplishments. Dhruv Agarwala is a serial entrepreneur and a pioneer in India’s proptech industry. He co-founded PropTiger.com in 2011, driven by a vision to simplify the complex process of home buying. Under his leadership, the company expanded its portfolio by acquiring Housing.com and Makaan.com, creating a comprehensive digital platform for home buyers.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship:
But Dhruv’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond real estate. His journey began in 2006 when he co-founded iTrust Financial Advisors, laying the foundation for his future ventures. Before his foray into prop-tech, Dhruv held leadership positions at General Electric, showcasing his versatility across different industries.
A Journey of Transformation:
Yet, Dhruv’s most inspiring story transcends the boardroom. In a remarkable feat of determination and discipline, he underwent a profound physical transformation. In just two years, Dhruv shed an astonishing 71.1 kg, transforming his health and reclaiming his vitality and belly fat.
The Wake-Up Call:
The catalyst for Dhruv’s journey was a moment of reckoning in October 2021. What initially felt like a heart attack turned out to be heartburn, but it served as a wake-up call for Dhruv. Facing the reality of his health scare, he made a conscious decision to take control of his well-being.
The Road to Wellness:
Dhruv’s transformation wasn’t overnight; it was the result of consistent effort and lifestyle changes. Embracing strength training, walking, and a meticulously managed diet, he embarked on a journey to holistic wellness.
From Struggle to Strength:
His regimen wasn’t just about shedding pounds; it was about reclaiming vitality and resilience. With the guidance of his trainer, Ahmad Zaki, Dhruv embraced Roger Federer’s spirit of excellence, channeling it into his fitness journey.
A Balanced Approach:
Crucial to Dhruv’s transformation was a fundamental shift in his dietary habits. Bid farewell to fried snacks and heavy curries, he embraced a diet rich in lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods and practicing portion control, he fueled his body for optimal performance while keeping his calorie intake in check.
Central to Dhruv’s transformation was a shift in his diet. From unhealthy snacking habits to mindful nutrition, he redefined his relationship with food. By prioritizing whole foods and protein-rich meals, he fueled his body for optimal performance.
Dhruv’s approach to nutrition was simple yet effective. He stopped eating mindlessly, transitioning from fried snacks to a balanced diet of home-cooked meals. With a focus on portion control and nutrient-dense foods, he reduced his calorie intake to less than 1,700 calories per day, fueling his body with the nutrients it needed to thrive.
Mindful Eating:
Dhruv’s approach to nutrition was simple yet effective. Instead of restrictive diets that left him feeling deprived, he focused on portion control and making healthier choices. Cutting out processed and fried foods, he embraced a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, fueling his body with the nutrients it needed to thrive.
Mind Over Matter:
But Dhruv’s journey wasn’t just physical; it was a test of mental fortitude. Overcoming the temptation to revert to old habits, he stayed committed to his goals, buoyed by the support of those around him.
Mind Over Matter:
But Dhruv’s journey wasn’t just about physical exertion; it was a test of mental fortitude. Faced with moments of doubt and temptation, he drew strength from within, refusing to succumb to the allure of old habits. Through sheer willpower and resilience, he persevered, inching closer to his goals with each passing day.
A Testament to Tenacity:
Today, Dhruv Agarwala stands as a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. His journey from adversity to achievement serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and defy the odds.
Beyond the Finish Line:
For Dhruv, the journey doesn’t end with weight loss; it’s a lifelong commitment to well-being. Embracing new challenges like running and swimming, he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
A New Chapter:
As Dhruv Agarwala continues to lead the charge in India’s real estate landscape, his journey serves as a reminder that success isn’t just measured in business accolades, but in the courage to confront adversity and emerge stronger.
“I kept thinking ‘One day I will lose weight, one day I will become fit,’ until one day I landed in a hospital emergency room. I remember that moment clearly, lying in the hospital bed, when I resolved to take charge of my health,” said Dhruv Agarwala, reflecting on the turning point that reshaped his life.
For Dhruv, the wake-up call came in the form of what felt like a heart attack during a business trip to India in October 2021. Palpitations, racing heart – the fear of mortality loomed large until the diagnosis revealed it was heartburn, not a heart attack. But the relief was fleeting, overshadowed by the realization that it was time to change.
“It was the wake-up call that I needed,” Dhruv acknowledged, recognizing the gravity of his situation. At 151.7 kilograms (334 pounds), he was grappling with obesity, pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. But in that moment of clarity, he committed himself – a commitment to reclaim his health.
Today, Dhruv Agarwala stands not just as a CEO but as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His journey from adversity to achievement serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and self-belief. In him, we find not just a story of weight loss but of personal triumph – a reminder that with determination and dedication, anything is possible.
As Dhruv continues to lead by example, his journey serves as a reminder that the path to wellness begins with a single step – a step taken not out of obligation but out of a deep-seated commitment to oneself. And in that commitment lies the promise of a healthier, happier tomorrow.
A Wake-Up Call:
It was a moment of reckoning during a business trip to India in October 2021 when Dhruv experienced symptoms that felt like a heart attack. The fear, the palpitations – it was a wake-up call that propelled him into action. “I kept thinking ‘One day I will lose weight, one day I will become fit,’ until one day I landed in a hospital emergency room. I remember that moment clearly, lying in the hospital bed, when I resolved to take charge of my health,” he recounted.
From Adversity to Achievement:
Dhruv’s journey wasn’t just about shedding kilos; it was about reclaiming his vitality and rewriting his story. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a transformative journey, shedding an astonishing 71.1 kilograms over two years, ultimately dropping from 152 kg to 81 kg by February 2023.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Dhruv’s transformation wasn’t just physical; it was a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. Armed with a newfound sense of purpose, he embarked on a holistic approach to wellness, addressing not just his weight but also his overall health and well-being.
A Journey of Lifestyle Change:
In addition to dietary changes, Dhruv made significant lifestyle adjustments. He embraced physical activity, incorporating walking, running, swimming, and hiking into his routine. With each workout, he pushed himself further, motivated by the positive changes he was experiencing.
Central to Dhruv’s transformation was a shift in mindset. Gone were the days of wishful thinking; instead, he embraced a proactive approach to health and fitness. Guided by his resolve, he adopted a regimen of strength training, walking, and mindful nutrition.
Under the guidance of his trainer, Ahmad Zaki, Dhruv embarked on a rigorous training program, pushing his physical limits and challenging himself to new heights. From strength-building exercises to cardiovascular workouts, he embraced the grind with unwavering determination, fueled by a vision of the healthier, fitter self he aspired to be.
The Journey Begins:
At 152 kilograms, Dhruv realized he needed to make significant changes. But it wasn’t about crash diets or quick fixes; it was about sustainable, long-term habits. His journey wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about reclaiming his health and vitality.
Exercise and Discipline:
But Dhruv’s transformation wasn’t just about what he ate; it was also about how he moved. Embracing a regular exercise routine, he combined strength training, walking, running, and swimming to boost his fitness levels and burn calories. With each workout, he pushed himself further, driven by a relentless determination to succeed.
Support and Encouragement:
Throughout his journey, Dhruv found unwavering support from his wife, Upasana, who played a crucial role in his success. From preparing healthy meals to ensuring he stayed on track during social gatherings, her support was instrumental in his transformation.
Setting an Example:
Dhruv’s journey didn’t just inspire him; it also inspired those around him, including his son, Viraj. Witnessing his father’s transformation, Viraj embarked on his journey to better health, shedding excess weight and prioritizing fitness in his life.
Lessons Learned:
For Dhruv, the key to success wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about embracing a holistic approach to health and wellness. By prioritizing sustainable habits, he was able to achieve lasting results and reclaim his vitality.
A New Beginning:
Today, Dhruv Agarwala stands as a testament to the power of resilience and determination. His journey serves as a reminder that with dedication, discipline, and the right mindset, anything is possible. And as he continues to inspire others with his story, he exemplifies the transformative power of taking charge of one’s health and well-being.
A Wake-Up Call:
Dhruv’s journey began with a moment of reckoning during a trip to India in October 2021. Mistaking heartburn for a heart attack, he found himself confronting the reality of his health. Weighing 151.7 kilograms, he knew it was time for a change.
A Commitment to Change:
With unwavering determination, Dhruv committed to transforming his health. Inspired by tennis star Roger Federer’s physique, he set his sights on achieving a similar weight, driven by a vision of a healthier, fitter self.
The Power of Strength Training:
Central to Dhruv’s transformation was a regimen of strength training three times a week. By incorporating exercises like weightlifting, squats, leg presses, and incline push-ups, he built muscle, boosted metabolism, and burned calories even at rest. Strength training wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about improving overall fitness and enhancing body composition.
Support and Encouragement:
Throughout his journey, Dhruv found unwavering support from his family, especially his wife, Upasana. Her encouragement and support played a crucial role in his success, helping him stay focused and motivated.
The Rewards of Transformation:
Dhruv’s transformation wasn’t just physical; it was a holistic journey of self-discovery and empowerment. By November 2021, he had ceased all medication and witnessed normalized levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. Furthermore, he no longer required the use of a sleep apnea machine and no longer exhibited prediabetic conditions.
Inspiring Others:
Dhruv’s journey inspired not only himself but also those around him, including his son, Viraj, who also embarked on a journey to better health. Witnessing his father’s transformation, Viraj found the motivation to prioritize fitness in his own life, shedding excess weight and embracing a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion:
In the story of Dhruv Agarwala, we find not just a CEO, but a beacon of hope and resilience. From the heights of professional success to the depths of personal struggle, his journey embodies the triumph of the human spirit. In him, we see not just the power of transformation, but the enduring resilience of the human heart.
In the journey of Dhruv Agarwala, we find not just a story of weight loss, but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through dedication, discipline, and unwavering determination, he transformed his life, inspiring others to do the same. As we celebrate his achievements, we are reminded that the path to wellness begins with a single step – a step taken with courage, determination, and the belief that anything is possible.
In Dhruv Agarwala’s journey, we find not just a story of weight loss, but a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief. Through dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment, he transformed his health and reclaimed his vitality. As we celebrate his achievements, we are reminded that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible. Dhruv’s journey serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and strive for a healthier, happier life.
