Exclusive Interview With Anurag Sharma, Managing Director & CEO of AKAI India, outlines the brand’s strategy of integrating Japanese engineering with local insights to develop intuitive, connected, and health-conscious products. With a focus on affordable innovation, Tier 2–3 market expansion, and strong channel partnerships, AKAI is positioning itself as a trusted technology partner for Indian households.
IT Voice- AKAI has a long-standing legacy in electronics. How is the brand leveraging modern technologies like IoT and smart features to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape?
Anurag Sharma- At AKAI, we believe technology should feel almost invisible, it should work quietly in the background to make life better. We’re blending our strong Japanese engineering foundation with modern smart technologies to create products that understand Indian homes and lifestyles. Our connected TVs adapt to different content and ambient conditions, and our air conditioners intelligently adjust to deliver consistent comfort. For us, innovation is about simplifying life, not complicating it.
IT Voice- What are some of the recent innovations or product developments introduced by AKAI India under your leadership?
Anurag Sharma- Our recent focus has been on solving real, everyday problems. We introduced air conditioners with Ayurvedic and PM 1.0 filters to support better health in India’s unique air conditions. Our new smart TVs go beyond streaming, they create an immersive entertainment experience with intuitive controls and premium visuals. We’ve also developed refrigerators and washing machines designed to maximize energy efficiency and preserve hygiene, all tailored to Indian usage patterns.
IT Voice- How do you see technology transforming the home entertainment and consumer electronics industry in the next 3–5 years?
Anurag Sharma- Over the next few years, home electronics will move toward becoming true lifestyle companions. Devices will become more intuitive and seamless, learning your habits, making recommendations, and adjusting without needing constant input. Entertainment products will focus even more on personalization and immersive experiences, while home appliances will prioritize efficiency, wellness, and ease of use. We’re designing our future range to meet these evolving expectations and empower consumers to live smarter and healthier.
IT Voice- India is a diverse and price-sensitive market. What is your innovation strategy to address both affordability and advanced features in your products?
Anurag Sharma- We firmly believe that advanced technology should be accessible to all. Our approach is to focus on purposeful features that truly matter rather than adding gimmicks. Through strong local R&D and manufacturing partnerships, we’re able to bring reliable, durable, and modern products at price points that suit different Indian segments. We design every product to deliver more value, so people feel they’re investing in something that truly improves their daily lives.
IT Voice- With the “Make in India” initiative gaining momentum, how is AKAI India aligning itself with local manufacturing and R&D efforts?
Anurag Sharma- “Make in India” is not just a policy for us, it’s part of our core philosophy. We have expanded local manufacturing partnerships and strengthened our R&D to create products that are uniquely suited to Indian needs and conditions, from power fluctuations to extreme weather. By supporting local talent and investing in homegrown capabilities, we ensure faster innovation cycles and more resilient supply chains, while contributing to India’s economic growth.
IT Voice- How are you addressing the unique demands of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where digital adoption is growing rapidly?
Anurag Sharma- These cities are India’s growth engines, and we see incredible enthusiasm for adopting modern technology. We are strengthening our on-ground presence and after-sales service networks in these areas. Our products for these cities focus on robustness, energy efficiency, and ease of use, all at accessible price points. We also invest in consumer awareness and product education, so people feel confident making the switch to smarter living.
IT Voice- Channel partners play a crucial role in market penetration. How does AKAI empower its distribution network across India?
Anurag Sharma- Our partners are the backbone of our brand’s reach. We invest in continuous training, supply them with advanced marketing and demonstration tools, and share real-time data to help them make informed business decisions. We also listen closely to their feedback to stay in tune with regional trends and needs. This two-way relationship helps us grow together and strengthens our promise to consumers.
IT Voice- Have you adopted any digital tools to optimize supply chain, channel management, or consumer engagement?
Anurag Sharma- Absolutely. We use advanced digital tools to make our supply chain more efficient and resilient, ensuring faster deliveries and better product availability. Our partner platforms are designed to help manage inventory dynamically and improve sales outcomes. On the consumer side, our digital engagement tools help us connect more personally, provide faster support, and build long-term trust with every interaction.
IT Voice- What support or training initiatives does AKAI offer to retail and channel partners to help them stay updated with your technology offerings?
Anurag Sharma- We run comprehensive training programs under our “AKAI Tech Connect” umbrella, which include in-person workshops, product demonstration sessions, and online learning modules. We focus on helping our partners understand not just technical specifications, but the real-life benefits these bring to Indian families. By empowering our partners with knowledge, we ensure they can confidently represent our brand and serve customers better.
IT Voice- How do you foresee the convergence of smart devices and connected homes shaping the future product roadmap at AKAI?
Anurag Sharma- Homes are becoming ecosystems where every device plays a part in creating a smoother, safer, and more comfortable life. Our future roadmap focuses on seamlessly connected appliances that talk to each other, adapt to family routines, and make daily tasks effortless. We’re building toward a future where technology feels more like a trusted companion than just a machine, intuitive, reliable, and genuinely helpful.
IT Voice- What are your top three strategic priorities for 2025 in terms of technology, market expansion, and customer experience?
Anurag Sharma- First, we want to enhance product intelligence and build more intuitive, connected solutions that simplify life.
Second, we aim to deepen our presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, making modern technology accessible to every Indian household. Third, we are investing heavily in strengthening customer experience, creating more personal, transparent, and responsive service touchpoints to build lifelong relationships.
IT Voice- How is AKAI planning to position itself differently from global competitors entering or expanding in the Indian market?
Anurag Sharma- While many global brands focus on importing standard global models, we design and build products specifically for Indian homes and conditions. We combine our legacy of Japanese quality with deep local insights, making our products more relevant and meaningful. Our commitment to value-driven innovation, strong local manufacturing, and robust service support sets us apart and helps us become not just a choice, but a trusted partner for Indian families.
