In the world of perfumery, few names carry the weight of heritage and innovation quite like Rasasi. Founded in 1979 by Abdul Razak Kalsekar, the fragrance house has become synonymous with Middle Eastern luxury and craftsmanship. Today, his son Imtiyaz Abdul Razak Kalsekar, 51, stands at the helm as CEO and Owner, navigating the delicate balance between honouring a storied past and forging an ambitious future.
As a second-generation entrepreneur who grew up watching his father build an empire from passion and precision, Imtiyaz brings both reverence and vision to his role. With the launch of I’mRasasi and a portfolio of specialized brands, he’s redefining what Middle Eastern perfumery means for a global, contemporary audience.
We sat down with Imtiyaz to discuss legacy, leadership, and the art of bottling emotion.
A Childhood Steeped in Scent
What are your earliest memories of being around Rasasi? Was there a moment in childhood when you realized perfume would be your future?
My earliest memories of Rasasi go back to my childhood, watching my late father, Abdul Razak Kalsekar, who founded the company in 1979. He built Rasasi with discipline, vision, and an unshakable commitment to quality. Even as a child, I understood that perfume was not just a business, it was an art form, a cultural expression, and a family legacy. My father instilled in me values of hard work, integrity, humility, and respect for people, values that guide me every day as I lead Rasasi Imtiaz Group.
The Making of a Leader
You gained hands-on experience across retail, manufacturing, and distribution. Which area taught you the most valuable lessons, and why?
Each taught me something different: retail taught me empathy for the customer, manufacturing taught me precision and patience, and distribution taught me strategy.
What was the transition like from working within the family business to becoming its CEO?
The transition from being part of the family business to becoming its CEO was both emotional and defining. The moment I realized I had to carry my father’s vision forward into a new era was the true turning point, it was no longer just about inheriting a company but about reimagining its future.
Where Heritage Meets Modernity
You speak of creating “a new era of perfumery where heritage meets modernity.” What does that look like in practice at Rasasi?
To me, heritage meeting modernity means creating fragrances that carry the timeless soul of the Middle East while appealing to a global, younger, and more diverse audience. At I’mRasasi, we respect the centuries-old tradition of perfumery but interpret it through innovation, design, and storytelling that resonates universally.
How would you describe the “soul” or signature of a Rasasi fragrance?
The soul of Rasasi lies in authenticity and emotion. A Rasasi fragrance is distinct because it reflects both the opulence of Middle Eastern perfumery and the refinement of international craftsmanship. We are adapting to global trends such as sustainability and personalization while ensuring our DNA of heritage remains intact. That balance is what makes Rasasi unique.
The Science Behind the Scent
For someone unfamiliar with the fragrance industry, what’s the most misunderstood aspect of creating a perfume?
The most misunderstood aspect of perfumery is that it is purely artistic. In reality, it is both art and science. From sourcing rare ingredients to balancing accords, it is an intricate journey. Every Rasasi fragrance starts with a concept, then goes through creative development, formulation, design, and finally production before it reaches the shelf.
Understanding the New Consumer
The fragrance market has changed dramatically since 1979. What’s been the biggest shift you’ve witnessed?
The biggest shift since 1979 has been the globalization of fragrance and the rise of niche and personalized products. Today’s consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, seek authenticity, storytelling, and individuality. They don’t just buy a scent, they buy an identity.
Rasasi Imtiaz Group addresses this with specialized brands like Rumi by Rasasi for spiritual sophistication, Aura by Rasasi for aspirational modernity, I’mRasasi for bold heritage-to-modernity storytelling, and Nylaa by Rasasi for the modern woman seeking elegance and individuality.
Going Global from Dubai
Middle Eastern perfumery is gaining global recognition. What do you think has driven this shift?
Middle Eastern perfumery has moved from being a regional treasure to a global movement. This shift has been driven by the uniqueness of oud, the power of cultural storytelling, and Dubai’s rise as a luxury hub. Rasasi differentiates itself by being both authentic to its roots and forward-thinking in its brand architecture.
How has being based in Dubai influenced Rasasi’s growth?
Dubai is where tradition and innovation coexist. Being based here allows Rasasi Imtiaz Group to stay connected to its heritage while leveraging the city’s global connectivity, talent, and dynamism. Dubai has been instrumental in shaping our international growth.
The Personal Side of Perfume
On a personal level, what does fragrance mean to you?
Fragrance, for me, is deeply emotional. It is memory, identity, and expression all in one. My personal connection is strongest with scents my father created, as they remind me of his vision and love. Those perfumes are timeless reminders of why Rasasi exists.
Outside of Rasasi, what drives you?
Outside of Rasasi, I am driven by family and by creating lasting impact. My children inspire me every day to build something meaningful that transcends commerce. Balance comes from prayer, reflection, and spending time with those I love.
The Next Chapter
What excites you most about the future of Rasasi?
The future excites me because Rasasi Imtiaz Group is at the start of a new chapter. With I’mRasasi at the core, we are building a house of brands tailored to every quadrant of the market. Upcoming launches will continue blending heritage with innovation, giving each consumer a fragrance that speaks to them personally.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs in the region, particularly those entering family businesses?
My advice to young entrepreneurs, especially those entering family businesses, is to respect the past but do not be bound by it. Build on your legacy, but have the courage to innovate. Success comes from intention, hard work, and humility.
In Five
Morning person or night owl?
Morning person.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee, strong and black.
Favorite city outside the UAE?
Paris.
One word that describes Rasasi’s future?
Evolution.
If not perfume, which industry would you have pursued?
I would have loved to be a scriptwriter, and if given the chance, I would also embrace direction, because storytelling and vision are as essential to cinema as they are to perfumery.
As Imtiyaz Abdul Razak Kalsekar continues to shape the future of Rasasi Imtiaz Group, one thing remains clear: the fragrance of legacy is timeless, but its story is ever-evolving.
