In a candid conversation with Khyati Rajvanshi on Magical Memories, presented by Club Mahindra in association with The Indian Express, Mobikwik co-founder Upasana Taku shares the milestones and memories that shaped her journey. From Kerala holidays to California road trips, her story is one of resilience, purpose, and joy beyond entrepreneurship.
Childhood, Cricket, and Core Memories
Before boardrooms and balance sheets, Upasana grew up in the quiet towns of Gandhidham and Surat. Her childhood was joyful and rooted in education, music, and middle-class values. “We were not well-to-do, but we were always happy,” she recalls. With a physicist father and a music teacher mother, her early life was anything but ordinary.
“I was very tomboyish,” she laughs, recalling cricket games and aunties noting her bowling. While studies, debates, and books were key, rare holidays left lasting memories. “I still remember our big vacation to Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Kovalam. That’s when I first tasted beer at 16, on a beach with grilled fish and my whole family around. It’s a core memory.”
Building MobiKwik: Fuelled by Purpose
Upasana started her career in U.S. financial services, but trips to India revealed a huge gap in digital finance. “In 2007-8, online payments in India were barely a thing,” she recalls. “And I kept thinking – there’s a billion people here, and so much could change.”
Determined to make a difference, she co-founded Mobikwik with her partner (now husband), describing the journey as an “expedition like Everest.” “There were days we didn’t know if we’d survive it,” she admits. “But it was worth every step.”
Making Time: Holidays That Blend Family and Adventure
For Upasana, holidays are intentional, not extravagant. “We recently sat down and counted our trips post-parenthood and realised we needed more,” she laughs. Some trips, like their Pacific Coast Highway road trip, are about adventure. “Everyone at Pismo Beach definitely knew the Punjabis had arrived,” she quips. Slovenia is a favourite: “From hiking to kayaking in Lake Bled, to cycling through the countryside, it was just the three of us, and it was magical.”
For them, planning is a team effort. “We split responsibilities – one researches, the other curates. Sometimes, my husband handles it when I’m swamped. I’ve packed and gone after finding out a day before.” Whether it’s Gurgaon’s biker cafés or Himachal’s Thirthan Valley, they embrace both spontaneity and routine. “It’s not always glamorous. Sometimes it’s renting a VCR for a movie marathon at home. But those memories last just as long.”
Looking Ahead: With Grace & Grit
Upasana offers her advice for those balancing business and life, especially women entrepreneurs: “If possible, don’t start a company with your partner”, she says candidly. “But if you do, set boundaries early. Respect work hours. Make sure you enjoy life.” Her mantra is clear: focused work, intentional breaks, and never missing out on life in the name of hustle. “We all burn out if we don’t get enough rest, relax or unwind. But when we come back, we come back stronger.”
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