Sidharth Pansari is not just building structures; he is meticulously crafting the fabric of modern urban life in Eastern India. As the Managing Director of the diversified Primarc Group and the youngest President of CREDAI Bengal, Pansari’s leadership is defined by a multidimensional vision that seamlessly integrates real estate, retail, and hospitality into vibrant, community-focused ecosystems.
An alumnus of Harvard Business School, he champions a philosophy where the measure of success is not merely in square footage, but in the quality of human experience. Under his guidance, Primarc has become synonymous with developments that prioritise wellness, sustainability, and meaningful connection—from LEED Platinum-certified tech parks to cultural ventures like the beloved community hub, STORY Bookstore.
In this exclusive conversation with Global Leaders Today, Sidharth Pansari delves into the trends shaping the future of global real estate, the imperative of climate-responsible development, and his core belief in creating spaces where people don’t just reside, but truly live, play, and celebrate life.
Q. You’ve led Primarc Group through diversification across real estate, retail, hospitality, and even cultural ventures like STORY. What is the larger vision behind this multidimensional approach to business building?
At Primarc, diversification has never been just about business expansion—it’s been about creating meaningful impact across sectors that touch people’s lives. Whether it’s real estate, retail, hospitality, our underlying vision has been to foster community, enrich urban experiences, and create ecosystems that deliver lasting value. Each vertical complements the other, allowing us to build holistic environments where people can live, work, shop, and engage. The common thread is our commitment to quality, innovation, and community-building.
Q. Globally, we’re seeing a renewed emphasis on creating mixed-use, community-first developments. How is Primarc addressing this shift in urban living—especially in high-growth regions like Eastern India?
Eastern India, especially Kolkata, is witnessing a transformation in urban aspirations. At Primarc, we’re responding with developments that seamlessly integrate residential, commercial, and social spaces—fostering communities rather than isolated structures. Our projects prioritise accessibility, green spaces, retail integration, and lifestyle amenities, ensuring they become vibrant community hubs. We believe in creating environments that encourage interaction, foster belonging, and enhance the quality of life for all stakeholders.
Q. Your recent acquisition of a LEED Platinum certified tech park signals a strong move into green, future-ready assets. How do you see sustainability shaping the next decade of global real estate?
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s central to future-ready development. Our acquisition of a LEED Platinum-certified RDB Primarc Techpark underscores our commitment to building responsibly. Over the next decade, we foresee sustainability influencing every facet of real estate, from design and materials to energy efficiency and operational models. Conscious consumers and investors are already demanding it. We’re aligning with this shift, ensuring our assets meet both environmental benchmarks and the evolving expectations of a greener world.
Q. As consumer behaviour shifts—especially post-pandemic—what are the most significant changes you’re seeing in buyer expectations when it comes to luxury, residential, or commercial spaces?
The pandemic fundamentally altered how people perceive space—be it homes, offices, or retail environments. Buyers now prioritise wellness, flexible living, and integrated amenities. In luxury and residential, there’s a stronger demand for community spaces, green areas, and smarter layouts. Commercially, hybrid work models have pushed for adaptable office designs. Across sectors, there’s an emphasis on meaningful experiences over mere aesthetics—spaces that promote connection, wellness, and purpose.
Q. You’ve spoken about a long-term vision for building “communities where residents play, live, and celebrate life”. How do you bring this philosophy to life across different asset classes and cities?
This vision guides every project we undertake. It’s about designing beyond the physical structure—curating experiences that resonate with people. In residential spaces, this means fostering community interactions and vibrant shared amenities. In retail, it’s about creating destinations, not just stores. Even in commercial spaces, we aim for environments that encourage collaboration and engagement. Our developments are envisioned as ecosystems—where life happens holistically, not in silos.
Q.Markets like the UAE have become global case studies in real estate innovation—smart city infrastructure, investor-friendly reforms, and experiential urban design. Are there global or regional models that inspire your strategy at Primarc?
We draw inspiration from models that blend innovation with community impact. The UAE’s integrated urban design, Singapore’s sustainability-first approach, and cities like Copenhagen that prioritise livability all resonate with us. Regionally, we’re inspired by cities like Bangalore for their tech-enabled infrastructure. These examples affirm our belief that future urban development must be a blend of smart design, community integration, and sustainability.\
Q. With increasing global investor interest in India’s real estate market, how do you see international capital influencing urban development—especially in emerging cities beyond Mumbai and Delhi?
International capital brings more than just funds—it brings global benchmarks, governance standards, and a push for transparency. While Mumbai and Delhi have been the traditional magnets, emerging cities like Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad are now drawing attention. This influx encourages developers to elevate quality, adopt global best practices, and cater to a more discerning investor base. For cities like Kolkata, it’s a chance to showcase their potential on a global platform.
Q.From your early days as a Sales Associate to becoming Managing Director and now President of CREDAI Bengal, what leadership values have stayed with you—and what has evolved most in your outlook?s
From my early days in sales, I’ve valued integrity, passion, and perseverance. These have remained constant. What’s evolved is my perspective on collaboration—understanding that real impact happens when you work with stakeholders, communities, and even competitors for the greater good. As President of CREDAI Bengal, this belief drives me to foster dialogue, transparency, and collective progress within the industry.
Q.STORY, your bookstore venture, has become more than just a retail space—it’s a cultural hub. What led you to invest in something so community-driven, and how does it align with your broader business philosophy?
STORY was born out of a desire to create a space that sparks curiosity, fosters creativity, and builds community. It wasn’t a conventional business decision—it was about giving back to the city’s cultural fabric. STORY aligns with our broader philosophy of creating spaces that bring people together, beyond books. Whether in retail or real estate, we believe businesses have the power—and responsibility—to shape community experiences.
Q. Looking at the next 5–10 years, how do you see Primarc Group evolving in the context of global urbanization, climate responsibility, and cross-border real estate collaboration?
Primarc’s future lies in deepening our commitment to sustainable, community-centric development while expanding our footprint through strategic collaborations. We’re focused on green construction, smart urban solutions, and cross-border partnerships that bring global expertise to local contexts. As cities grow and climate challenges intensify, our goal is to build resilient spaces that cater to evolving lifestyles while safeguarding the environment.
Q. What do you see as the most defining global trend shaping the future of real estate today—and how should developers and investors adapt to stay ahead of the curve?
The convergence of sustainability, technology, and community-first design is the defining trend shaping real estate today. Developers and investors must move beyond transactional thinking—embracing long-term value creation through ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, technological integration, and human-centric design. Those who adapt with agility, foresight, and responsibility will be best positioned to lead in the future real estate landscape.
