LIFESTYLE
Akram Cassim
In conversation with Nimanthi Bandaranayake
JOURNEY OF LIFE
Born
30 April 1963
Alma maters
S.Thomas’ Preparatory School and S. Thomas’ College
Family members
Wife (Sharmila), daughter (Hanaa), mother (Rifa) and sister (Samia) – my dad passed away in 2008
Wanted to be
A pilot
Is
A jeweller
I find joy in my work – especially the interactions and friendships cultivated at Colombo Jewellery Stores (CJS) over the past 35 years
How these relationships have influenced you
I’ve had the privilege of meeting remarkable individuals who have greatly enriched my life
What drives you…
My passion inspires me to strive for success and achieve small goals in life – I’m always exploring ways to improve what I do, embracing changes in technology to move forward
What fuels your creativity and passion…
My dreams
A moment you would like to go back to
Cricket – winning the 1996 Cricket World Cup and the joy it gave a country in turmoil
Best advice received…
Never run down your competition
INTIMATE AND INSPIRING
Likes to play
Cricket and billiards
Likes to watch
Comedies and cartoons
Most unforgettable event
The birth of my daughter Hanaa on Christmas Eve in 2002
Your life in a book title
King of Diamonds: Harry Winston, the Definitive Biography of an American Icon (by his son Ronald)
Unexpected source of inspiration
The life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali whom I followed since I was 12
Role model
My grandfather Thaha Cassim who founded CJS in 1922 and lived with passion while living his dreams
Proudest achievement
Celebrating a century of style at CJS in 2022 – its 100th anniversary; clients from different generations have spoken and written about what the brand means to them
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Daily practices
Prayer and meditation
Most hated chore
Cooking
Impressed by
Innovative ideas
Happy place
Home
A unique hobby
Practising mind mapping for all fun things in my life and at work
Most adventurous item on your bucket list
I did a gorilla trek in November and need to look for another wildlife adventure
Goals on your bucket list following retirement
I’ve been ticking off items on my bucket list
Music you enjoy
Jazz and Elvis Presley
Most transformative book you’ve read
UP! Your Service by Ron Kaufman
A little-known fact about you
I do not enjoy driving and don’t drive at all
Advice to your younger self
Never believe politicians
FAVOURITES
Day of the week
Sunday
Colour
Blue
Chill out spot
On my rooftop balcony at home
Workwear
A linen short sleeved shirt and cotton pants
Leisure wear
Jeans and a T-shirt
Brands
Hublot and Ferragamo
Dishes
Biryani, Peking duck and Singapore chilli crab
Beverages
Tea and iced coffee
Local holiday destinations
The Galle Fort (in my hometown) – and any nice and quiet beach resort
International holiday destinations
Venice, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Maldives
Restaurant
The Gallery Café
Books
I enjoy reading all types of books including fiction, biographies, wildlife, fashion and design; I also love rereading my collection of Asterix comics and Mad magazines
Quote
Do more of what make you happy
Local sportsperson
Sanath Jayasuriya – he revolutionised the way one day cricket is played
International sportsperson
Muhammed Ali
Likely retirement destination
My home in the Galle Fort
COMPLETE THE SENTENCE
When you dance, you look like…
George Foreman
The first thing you notice when meeting someone is…
His or her eyes
You know it’s going to be a bad day when…
You just got COVID-19
You’re challenged by…
Nothing that I can think of!
Recently laughed out loud when…
I was with my daughter
Saddened when…
People betray the trust you have in them
Love has the power to…
Heal everything
Happiness is when…
You feel good when you’ve done something nice for someone
Sri Lanka will have a chance to develop when…
Many miracles happen together… Sadly, only a distant dream
Message of positivity in these trying times…
Always have hope – changes do happen and negativity takes you nowhere
PICK ONE
Memory skills on a scale of 0-10
Seven
Most productive in the morning, noon or night
Morning
Tea or coffee
Tea
Savoury or sweet dishes
Sweet
Eating outside or cooking at home
Eating out – I love trying different restaurants and cuisines
The most delightful word you can think of
Happiness
A fictional character you would like to have as your mentor
Winnie-the-Pooh – he is always happy, a good friend and helps others
Documentaries, fictional TV series or reality shows
Fictional TV series
Solitude and quiet moments, or social gatherings and parties
I enjoy both
A day at the spa, a cosy day at home or an adventurous getaway
A wildlife watching getaway
Coastal, mountainous or desert landscapes as vacation destinations
Coastal
Your most used word or phrase
Be positive
Workout preferences
A daily walk
Motto in life
Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams with a plan
