Passionate entrepreneurial leader, Munish Giri has a proven track record in driving sales success and fostering business growth in varied dynamic and challenging sectors like FMCG, telecom, mobile handset and accessories. Currently the head of strategy at realme, Giri shared with The Himalayan Times how he is steering realme's success in Nepal and India.

Having served as the country head for Nepal and now as the head of strategy for realme, you've gained substantial experience in the Nepali tech market over these past three years. How would you describe the work culture in Nepal and your insights into the overall smartphone market here?

Nepal's work culture is dynamic, yet it retains a unique blend of tradition and innovation. In the tech sector, there's a strong drive among professionals to adopt the latest technologies and contribute to a rapidly growing industry. The Nepali smartphone market is diverse and evolving, with customers becoming more tech-savvy and demanding high-quality products at competitive prices. Over the past three years, we've seen a significant shift towards digital adoption, and realme has been at the forefront of this transformation, understanding local needs and delivering products that resonate with the market.

Can you share your strategic vision for realme in Nepal and India over the next two-three years? What are the key milestones you aim to achieve?

Our strategic vision for realme in Nepal and India over the next two-three years is to solidify our position as a top-tier smartphone brand while expanding our ecosystem of AIoT products. As a youth-centric brand, we are not only focused on AIoT, but also dedicated to delivering the best value through our current series. We aim to provide users with the best possible features, design and camera experience, all at a competitive price and with maximum benefits. In Nepal, we aim to increase our market share by offering innovative devices with flagship features that cater to the specific needs of Nepali customers, including enhanced camera capabilities and battery life. Key milestones include launching flagship models that push the boundaries of technology, expanding our AIoT portfolio, and strengthening our offline and online sales channels across both countries.

How does realme differentiate itself in the highly competitive smartphone market in India and Nepal?

realme differentiates itself by offering a unique blend of flagship features, cutting-edge technology, stylish design and affordability. We focus on delivering high-quality smartphones that exceed customer expectations in terms of performance, features, style, camera quality and battery life, all while maintaining competitive pricing. Additionally, realme is known for its strong community engagement and youthful energy, which resonates with our target audience. In both India and Nepal, we continuously innovate and adapt to the latest trends, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in a highly competitive market.

Can you walk us through the product strategy behind realme's latest launches? How do these products cater to the evolving needs of customers in Nepal?

Our product strategy is deeply rooted in understanding the evolving needs of our users, especially in Nepal. One of the core philosophies we follow is the 'No Leap, No Launch' strategy, which means we only bring products to market that truly make a leap in innovation, design, or user experience. For our latest launches, we focused on delivering a well-balanced combination of cutting-edge technology, affordability and style. Customers in Nepal, particularly the youth, are looking for devices that offer more than just basic functionality - they want performance, design and features that match their dynamic lifestyles. Our new products are crafted to address these demands by incorporating powerful processors, superior camera systems, long-lasting batteries and sleek, modern designs, all while keeping the price accessible. Moreover, we've also considered the growing interest in AIoT devices, creating an ecosystem where smartphones integrate seamlessly with wearables, audio products and smart home devices. This holistic approach ensures that we not only meet the present demands of our users but also anticipate their future needs, positioning realme as a brand that's always a step ahead in innovation.

realme has positioned itself as a youthful and trendsetting brand. How do you maintain this image while catering to a diverse customer base in both Nepal and India?

Maintaining a youthful and trendsetting image while catering to a diverse customer base requires a delicate balance of innovation and inclusivity. We achieve this by continuously evolving our product offerings to reflect the latest trends in technology and design, while also ensuring that our devices meet the practical needs of a broader audience. In both Nepal and India, we engage with our customers through various platforms, listening to their feedback and incorporating their insights into our product development process. This approach allows us to stay relevant to our younger audience while also appealing to other demographic segments who value quality and innovation.

How do you see the smartphone market evolving in the next few years, and what opportunities do you see for realme in this context?

The smartphone market is set to evolve with advancements in 5G technology, AI integration and the growing demand for more personalised user experiences. In the coming years, we anticipate a greater emphasis on devices that offer seamless connectivity, enhanced security features and AI-driven functionalities that cater to individual user preferences. For realme, this presents an opportunity to lead the market with innovative products that not only meet these demands but also set new benchmarks in terms of performance and design.

Can you share any upcoming innovations or technological advancements that realme is working on?

realme is deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of technology. We're investing heavily in research and development to bring cutting-edge features to our future devices. This includes advancements in AI capabilities, camera technology and battery efficiency, as well as exploring new form factors that could redefine the smartphone experience. We're also focused on expanding our AIoT ecosystem, introducing more smart devices that enhance the everyday lives of our users. Our goal is to continue surprising and delighting our customers with innovations that make technology more accessible and enjoyable.

What message would you like to convey to your customers and stakeholders in Nepal as you steer realme's strategy forward?

To our customers and stakeholders in Nepal, we want to express our deep appreciation for their trust and support. realme is committed to delivering innovative products that enhance your digital experience and bring you closer to the future of technology. As we move forward, our focus remains on understanding and meeting your needs, ensuring that every product we launch offers exceptional value. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing this journey with you, setting new standards in the tech industry together.

What should Nepali customers expect from the brand this festive season?

First of all, we would like to extend my heartfelt wishes in advance to all the Nepali people, both here and abroad, on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, Deepawali and Chhath. This festive season, our Nepali customers can look forward to an exciting lineup of products and offers from realme, designed to make their celebrations even more special. To enhance the festive joy, we are offering a zero per cent EMI scheme, along with additional offers, including incredible deals on every new purchase of realme smartphone. Beyond products and offers, we're enhancing after-sales services and strengthening our retail presence to deliver a seamless and satisfying experience across Nepal. We look forward to celebrating this festive season with our customers by offering products that embody realme's vision of making cutting-edge technology accessible to everyone.