“Since my college life, I have always been fascinated by electronic dance music and have always wanted to attend events and shows happening in and around my city.”
Kapil Wadwani recounts how he embarked on a journey to establish his very own company, Hails and Horns. Entrepreneurs Today recently had the privilege of connecting with Kapil to delve deeper into his remarkable journey.
Kapil Wadhwani is the visionary behind the inception of Hails & Horns Entertainment. With a decade-long presence in Central India, Hails & Horns Entertainment, or H&H for short, has established itself as a premier Event Curation Enterprise. Kapil’s brainchild specializes in various domains such as Public Relationships, Nightlife Consultancy, Talent Management, Club Events, and Live-in Concerts. Having excelled in the vibrant city of Indore for over 10 years, the dedicated team at H&H continues to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
When probed about what sets his venture apart from the competitors, Kapil points out,
“Our foremost motive at H&H is the impeccable curation, comprehensive execution, and widespread approach, making our platform a one-stop destination for multi-genre nightlife events. We do not believe in competition, but in creating experiences that speak for us louder than anybody else.”
Getting started
Kapil Wadhwani found his inspiration through a pivotal moment in 2012. It all began when a group of his friends came together with the idea of organizing a Sundowner event that would showcase the talents of renowned DJs from the region. With a relentless drive, they embarked on an intensive month-long promotional campaign, leaving no stone unturned in spreading the word across the entire city. The response they received surpassed all expectations, resulting in the production of the biggest and most attended Sundowner event not only in Indore but throughout the entire state.
Kapil Wadhwani’s most memorable moment was in 2014 when he organized an outdoor show in collaboration with Sunburn called ‘Sunburn meets Tomorrowland. Kapil adds,
“The resident DJ of Sunburn and the resident DJ of the world’s biggest festival, Tomorrowland, were coming to India to perform a B2B set together. That show became the biggest in the history of Central India at that time, despite heavy rains and unexpected footfall that evening. It was during that show when I realized my strong desire to be a part of this industry and expand my business beyond the city, encompassing the entire region.”
Navigating troubled waters
One of the major challenges that Kapil Wadhwani and his team at Hails & Horns Entertainment have encountered is the continuous pursuit of securing the finest artists and talents from both India and around the world. They strive to consistently offer exceptional experiences and ensure that every event surpasses expectations. Kapil’s approach to overcoming these challenges has been to maintain an innovative and unique perspective, constantly seeking out-of-the-box ideas to make each night an unforgettable and extraordinary experience for their audience. Kapil further adds,
“The nightlife realm and event business are probably one of the most risk-taking businesses, but controlling all the production costs along with generating the highest possible revenues, without compromising the experience is how we mitigate and balance the risks in our business.”
Achievements so far
Despite the initial challenges, Hails & Horns Entertainment has achieved remarkable success in curating and producing extraordinary events that have left an indelible mark in the region. With an unwavering commitment to continuous growth, they constantly strive to surpass their own achievements. Their portfolio includes hosting exceptional shows with notable Indian artists like Chetas, Farhan Akhtar, Ritviz, Bismil, Stebin Ben, and others, while also welcoming world-class international talents such as Don Diablo, Vini Vici, R3hab, Dannic, and many more, solidifying their reputation as a premier entertainment company.
Kapil acknowledges he couldn’t have come so far without support. In a note of gratitude, Kapil says,
“The list of my supporters is endless, but my wife Preksha and my brother, as well as my partner Parag, have been my biggest motivation. As for my role model, I would mention Jignesh Soni, who has served as my elder brother and mentor since the beginning of my journey in this industry. I owe everything that I am to them!”
Work-life balance
Balancing work and personal life can be challenging in the fast-paced and demanding entertainment industry.
Kapil acknowledges the difficulty of finding a balance, often going days without being able to spend time with family and loved ones. Late nights are also common, making it difficult to connect with others at home. Despite the glamour associated with the industry, Kapil emphasizes that each event requires significant effort. However, having the support and understanding of family and friends is crucial in navigating the nightlife industry. Kapil believes that he is still learning and that at H&H, they approach each day with the mindset that it’s just the beginning, embracing the continuous growth and opportunities that lie ahead.
Future looks bright
In terms of future plans, Hails & Horns Entertainment has set its sights on expanding its newly created intellectual property called ‘Showcase.’ This unique concept combines culture, cuisine, art, and music, culminating in state-of-the-art shows featuring exceptional musicians from around the world. The successful debut of ‘Showcase’ featured Divine, attracting an audience of around 4,000 people on a Friday night. Additionally, they have organized shows with prominent artists like BPraak, Farhan Akhtar, Bismil Ki Mehfil, Darshan Raval, Zaeden, and more, drawing in approximately 25,000 music enthusiasts in just four months. Looking ahead, they plan to extend their events to various cities in Madhya Pradesh and subsequently expand to Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and beyond, sharing their #Showcase experiences across the country.
Lessons learned
Kapil Wadhwani has learned the invaluable lessons of patience, consistency, and taking calculated risks in the entertainment industry. These lessons have been instrumental in his own journey as an entrepreneur. He encourages budding entrepreneurs in the industry to persevere and continue their endeavors until their music and events have the power to deeply move and captivate every individual in attendance, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
