Good things never seem to last, and bad things have a way of lingering—a truth that Dhanesh Bhardwaj has lived through in his long and accomplished career in construction and hospitality. His journey began with promise and momentum, but challenges were never far behind.
Dhanesh completed his schooling in Mumbai in 1976 and secured admission to a Diploma in Civil Engineering from KJ Somaiya Polytechnic. After graduating in 1980, he joined Shapoorji & Pallonji as a Trainee Engineer, working on the ambitious 72-meter-high Paltron Accelerator Tower project at TIFR Colaba. This formative experience gave him invaluable site execution knowledge and a solid foundation in construction.
In 1981, Dhanesh transitioned to the real estate industry, focusing on residential projects. His career took a significant leap in 1985 when he handled the greenfield construction of Sagar Plaza, a 5-star hotel in Pune. Completing such a prestigious project at the start of his career positioned him as an experienced engineer in the industry. Over the years, Dhanesh handled several challenging projects in Mumbai, including the Marine Plaza, InterContinental at Marine Drive, and Taj Wellington Mews in Colaba. He also gained expertise in renovation and managing multiple hospitality projects, including flight catering units, as the Group Project Manager for the Ambassador Group.
Just when success seemed stable, life introduced new challenges. In 1992, Dhanesh married Damyanti Bhardwaj, his unwavering support system, and was blessed with a daughter, Darshika, in 1993—a lucky charm that brightened his life. However, even as his personal life flourished, professional challenges were never far away.
A pivotal moment came after completing the Taj Wellington Mews project when Dhanesh received an exciting opportunity to work with Viceroy Hotels. As VP of Projects, he successfully completed high-profile projects including Marriott, Courtyard, Renaissance, JW Marriott, and Marriott Executive Apartments in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. He also spearheaded the expansion of Viceroy’s own mid-scale budget hotels in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Nellore, and Tirupati. Success followed him, but so did setbacks.
In 2018, Dhanesh transitioned into resort projects, working as a Senior Consultant with Club Mahindra. He introduced new ideas in resort construction, focusing on theme-based living and recreational areas, adding value to guest experiences. However, just as things were looking up, the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2021, devastating the hospitality industry. Dhanesh, like many others, faced professional uncertainty. But instead of succumbing to the downturn, he adapted. He motivated colleagues and friends to explore new skills and embrace the shift to remote work, turning adversity into an opportunity for growth.
In 2021, recognizing the need for greater flexibility and independence, Dhanesh transitioned into working as a Freelance Consultant. Today, he provides specialized services to the construction industry, focusing on luxurious residences, hospitality projects, resorts, and high-end commercial projects. His career, marked by impressive achievements and unforeseen setbacks, reflects the hard truth that success is fleeting, and challenges are constant. Yet, Dhanesh’s resilience and ability to adapt have defined his journey—proving that strength lies not in avoiding difficulties but in navigating them with experience and foresight.
Shaping the Next Generation
In 2021, Dhanesh launched his freelance venture, DB Project Management Consultants, to provide specialized services in the construction and hospitality sectors. Since then, he has successfully completed several luxury commercial office projects in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and other major cities across India. He has also worked on resort projects in Thiruvannamalai and East Godavari and handled hotel renovations in Nellore and Hyderabad. In addition to his freelance work, Dhanesh offers liaisoning services through his other venture, Bhardwaj & Bhardwaj Associates.
For Dhanesh, this phase marks the beginning of a new era—an opportunity to collaborate with the younger generation and train them in advanced technologies and industry trends. He takes pride in mentoring beginners, and guiding them to understand the evolving dynamics of the construction and hospitality industries.
Balancing his professional and personal life has never been a major challenge for Dhanesh, thanks to the unwavering support of his family. From the beginning of his career, his family has understood the demands of his profession and supported him with respect and understanding. His wife, Damyanti, has stood by him through difficult times, helping him maintain a healthy work-life balance without compromising on either front.
Dhanesh firmly believes in the importance of setting aside time for family, free from work-related stress and distractions. He emphasizes the value of teamwork, recognizing that dividing responsibilities among a capable team is essential for meeting targets and achieving success.
His advice to the younger generation is straightforward: become a multitasker and understand the full functionality of a business to be prepared for any professional challenge. Dhanesh lives by the principle that sharing knowledge enhances both individual and collective expertise—a guiding motto that continues to shape his work and mentorship.
Focused Excellence and Strategic Planning
Dhanesh believes in taking on a limited number of projects to ensure that each one is executed with precision, respect, and timely delivery. His commitment to quality over quantity has established his name as a reliable and respected figure in the industry. A strong reputation not only enhances market credibility but also encourages other organizations to seek partnerships with confidence and trust.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the Indian market significantly, and Dhanesh was not spared from its impact. However, instead of letting the disruption stall progress, he and his team focused on off-site work during the downtime. They used the period to streamline the planning phase—completing estimations, costing, and setting up support systems—so that when on-site work resumed, projects could be implemented efficiently and without delay. This strategic use of time ensured smoother execution and minimized setbacks once work restarted.
Dhanesh’s ability to remain calm and strategic during challenging times reflects his deep understanding of project management and market dynamics. His approach continues to set him apart in the industry, reinforcing his reputation for delivering excellence even under pressure.
Recognized Excellence and Commitment to Mentorship
Dhanesh Bhardwaj has earned several prestigious recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his expertise and contribution to the construction and hospitality industries:
- MRICS – Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), London, since 2013—a testament to his professional excellence and global recognition in the field of construction and project management.
- Glory of India Award – Honored by the Indian Achievers Forum in 2024 for his outstanding contributions to the industry.
- Professional of the Year 2025 – Awarded by Mission Vikasit Bharat under the All India Business & Community Foundation, recognizing his professional excellence and leadership.
Dhanesh strongly believes in the power of knowledge-sharing and team spirit. His advice to young professionals is clear: gain proper knowledge, establish yourself with confidence, and work collaboratively with your team. He emphasizes that sharing ideas and technology without barriers fosters innovation and strengthens collective success. According to Dhanesh, knowledge-sharing enhances confidence and empowers every team member, creating a foundation for long-term success and professional growth.
