Pranav Kapoor
A passionate perfumer who is pioneering the art of perfumery in India through traditional techniques and a culinary passion
Pranav Kapoor is an 8th-generation perfumer who aims to put India on the global fragrance map - focusing particularly on his hometown of Kannauj, once a revered perfume capital of the country. Drawing on age-old techniques of fragrance distillation and perfume blending that span 3000 years, as well as his family's legacy in the art of perfumery for over 200 years, Pranav has carved out a distinct niche in this field. His distillery today is well-known for a symphony of scents that evoke tranquillity and nostalgia, from the petrichor's indigenous notes to delicate jasmine blooms. While his endeavours honour the city’s aromatic heritage, Pranav is also a professional chef. Through an innovative concept of ‘perfumotel’ known as Perfume Tourism, he seamlessly merges his culinary skills with his inherent passion for fragrance. This unique retreat resides in his 120-year-old ancestral haveli and combines the art of perfumery with a meticulously curated menu featuring local and regional cuisine for its visitors. Pranav also founded Indian Naturals, a brand that specializes in scent and fragrance market solutions. In a landscape predominantly saturated with Western influences, Kapoor emerges as one of the few pioneers who is not only dedicated to revitalizing the ancient art of perfumery but also generating more work opportunities to restore the city of Kannauj to its former glory.