‘I've been in debt, bankrupt': Inside an apartment on the 80th floor in Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building

Indian Express

21-05-2025

Imagine living so high up that the city looks like a miniature set from your living room window. That's everyday life for Shubhra, a self-made entrepreneur whose home sits peacefully on the 80th floor of Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa.
But her story isn't just about luxury or height. It's about a woman who built everything from the ground up—facing everything from bankruptcy and betrayal to breakthrough success—now living in the tallest building on Earth.
The elevator ride itself feels like a time warp—just moments and you're 76 floors above the ground. But when you step into Shubhra's apartment, the vibe changes. It's not cold or intimidating like you'd expect from a skyscraper. It's actually warm, calm, even a little boho.
The interiors reflect a bold Bohemian-maximalist design with curated details like candlelit corners that speak of long evenings with friends. But more than the aesthetics, what stands out is how she describes the apartment:
'It's not about the Burj, it's home. It's where I rest, where I get mind space, where I can be myself.'
There are residential units in the Burj up to the 108th floor, and somewhere around the 123rd, there's a resident-only lounge. It doesn't stop there; the rest of the floors have offices.
Shubhra didn't inherit wealth. She didn't follow a straight path. What she did was put one foot in front of the other, building a business in the world of live events and global shows. Think massive stages, choreographed chaos, and spotlight moments—from the Commonwealth Games to the IPL and beyond.
Her companies now operate across 70+ countries. And while that sounds glamorous, she's honest about the price she paid: 'I've been in debt. I've been bankrupt. I've had legal fights. I've been cheated. But I wouldn't change a thing. The wins far outweigh the losses.'
There's no romanticising struggle here—just clarity. Clarity that nothing worth building comes without falling a few (or many) times.
Today, she owns multiple companies. But she's not glued to her laptop 24/7. She's just selective about her time. Focused.
'I don't feel guilty about taking time off or being offline. If I'm burnt out, my entire team feels it. So I rest when I need to.'
She's seen both sides of the hustle—where you do everything yourself and where you lead teams of hundreds. Her takeaway? Don't just chase money. Chase your peace.
She believes that happiness isn't a luxury—it's a tool. A resource that fuels creativity, relationships, and resilience.
Shubhra urges young people to stop overthinking and just begin. Because real learning only happens in motion—trying, failing, adjusting, trying again. And again.
'Driving doesn't mean you'll race in Formula One. You just drive. Same with life. Just start moving.'