Life Before IMBB

TGI had been going down the memory lane for the past few hours. Rati is asleep and I have been reading pages after pages on my website. No, not the pages on IMBB. The pages on Total Gadha. Huh? Yes. Although long-time IMBB readers know about it, the new comers on IMBB don’t- Rati and I started our online journey through Total Gadha, the MBA preparation portal. We, the owners of Total Gadha, were known as TG (Total Gadha) and Dagny to students. Although I have shared this journey a little on IMBB before, just wanted to share a few moments from the past with everyone here. A little emotional today. Rati and I have been very fortunate in life. Despite our hardships and struggle, we have received unlimited love and uncountable goodness from people throughout. We are very thankful for that.

Ok, some snippets from TG. We really had a ball there:

Some Emotional Moments

Rati was always like this, always trying to cheer up students. Here is one emotional thread. TG was full of these moments. Here’s another thread where my girlfriend would connect with students.

Meanwhile, I was quietly writing quant lessons… πŸ˜›

Dagny in the News:

This was the magazine in which Rati was covered. This was the first time she was covered anywhere. Her mom bought the magazine in Saharanpur and I think it’s still with her. She grilled Rati about me though; she didn’t know we were going around. Rati was telling her ki “ek friend hai.”

Then we started TathaGat, our classroom program, a month later and Rati went home to break the news to her parents about me. And she was ‘Nazarband’ in her home, with her parents trying to pressure her into forgetting me. She kept fighting them and kept working secretly at TG from home (I had secretly arranged a data card and a cell phone for her). At last, her parents came to meet me in December 2008, and as predicted, found faults with me. Rati didn’t budge. Then her mom talked to me on the phone, and then gradually believed I was in love with Rati. It took a lot of convincing but finally the day arrived.

TG Weds Dagny

I wrote this on the eve of our marriage. I was very emotional and wanted to scream and shout to the world. The response of the students was overwhelming. Till that time, we were two people trying to teach students, make their career. But that day I realized how much love our students had for us. Rati read this the next day from the wedding hall before marriage and showed it to her mom. Her mom was really surprised to see her daughter was a star. πŸ™‚

Meanwhile in 2008…

I had cracked CAT for the second time (scroll down to see my score card). But because of TathaGat didn’t go for an MBA. But cracking CAT is still an ego trip for me, MBA or no MBA. πŸ™‚

Then after our marriage in 2009, Rati got interested in doing makeup and started searching online for videos/ tutorials on how to do makeup. She couldn’t find much material online for Indians. So she started a hobby makeup blog to share her beauty stuff.

Rest, as they say, is history… πŸ™‚

Also by Sanjeev:
O Happiness, How Do I Chase Thee?
Lust For Life

IMBB RECOMMENDS

60 thoughts on “Life Before IMBB

  1. I usually never comment here or on any other blogs or sites for that matter. But good lord! This is the sweetest post ever. Very heartwarming πŸ™‚ I wish Rati and you the best of luck for the future. And also congrats on coming this far! It must be the best feeling in the world to achieve all this with the love and support of the other. What more can I say? I’m at a loss for words. Lots of love and smiles coming your way :))))

  2. Hw sweet.. πŸ™‚ me n hubby both read ur post n felt Amazin!! I truely believe sum moments are Nvr seen they r just felt from heart… Dats hw we felt today!! It truely reminds me of heart warming memories which were deep embedded in our heart n expressed thru tears… πŸ™‚ in short dil se dil tak baat pahuch gayi!!

  3. Thank you Esmerelle and Neetu; was a little undecided about whether to write this post or not but since we share everything about our lives on IMBB thought I should share this too. I’m glad I did. A good place for Rati and I to come and relive those memories. πŸ™‚

  4. Aww such a sweet post Sanjeev. I’m not too fond of makeup but love reading IMBB and have always had immense respect for you and Rati and ofcourse your journey. I’m glad to read some more moments, thanks for sharing them. God bless ! πŸ™‚

  5. Having read posts by you and Rati, on each one’s journey to here and all the hardships faced, I have always respected you guys at some level or other.
    Somewhere in me I have this faint dream of becoming an entrpreneur and trust me when I say this, I think of you guys whenever I think entrepreneurship. I mean its fascinating. I still remember all of us drooling over Chrisitian Loubs / Jimmy Choo and today they are a common sight here. You guys have actually come a long long way. At times, I feel it wouldn’t have been possible if you two didn’t do it ‘together’. Am glad you two found love in a hopeless world like this.
    Rati’s post in TG struck many a chord, it acually took me back to the one year I dropped to prepare for my MBA and ended up not getting into a B School of my choice because of a really toxic realtionship. I know what failure feels like. Still recovering from it.
    As Ratio said,
    “Dream big in life, fight very battle that comes in your way of achieving those dreams, and emerge as winners. Each one of you is special in your own special ways, you just need to discover that. You interview process is yet to take place in these B schools, enjoy this process thoroughly. This process will introduce yourself to you. Know yourself and let the interviewer know that you are special. Never feel down with your failures, take them as challenges and move on.
    I remember Led Zeppelin once quoting:
    “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need”.
    I lost the B-School battle, but placements are on and I am going to keep this in mind.
    Rati, I don’t know you personally but of whatever I know, I totally adore you.
    Sanjeev, I find your personality quite intimidating but whatever little interaction we have had, respect \m/. I have read all your posts on TG blog ( can’t recall the exact name, read it long ago when I was new to IMBB, where you speak of your childhood and other experiences)

    I got too emotional, sorry for that. But this is what a post like this and some alcohol does to you.

  6. i read all the threads.. the only thing i would say is hats off to you guys!! you guys are the best and totally deserve the position you are at. wish loads of happiness n success for both of you πŸ™‚

  7. This post is just………..wow πŸ™‚
    This is the first time that I came to know about “Life before IMBB” and I am speechless!! You both have literally created your own destiny, and are an inspiration to all of us.
    And it’s even better coz you are both partners in every aspect of life!
    And I guess people are bound to love you guys everywhere you go πŸ™‚

    I wish you all the best for every endeavor in life …..loved this post! πŸ™‚

  8. This is by far ‘The Best’ post on IMBB. Its touching to know that being together didn’t come easy to you but you two didn’t drift apart.

  9. This post was really so nice and encouraging πŸ™‚
    You guys totally deserve to be where you are, I hope you’ll succeed even more πŸ˜€

  10. God.. This was such an emotional post. I have been following IMBB for over a year now.. and though I do not know u guys personally… it still feels like we are a part of a big family… We get happy wen IMBB reaches milestones then I wait eagerly for giveaways (LOL)..I wait to see Rati’s ootd’s… I look forward to reading IMBB posts each day.. However today, this post had me in tears… God bless u both and I am sure u will have many more of such sucess stories to narrate πŸ™‚

  11. God.. This was such an emotional post. I have been following IMBB for over a year now.. and though I do not know u guys personally… it still feels like we are a part of a big family… We get happy wen IMBB reaches milestones then I wait eagerly for giveaways (LOL)..I wait to see Rati’s ootd’s… I look forward to reading IMBB posts each day.. However today, this post had me in tears… God bless u both and I am sure u will have many more of such sucess stories to narrate

  12. Sanjeev I came early to work today(0830 hrs is early for a Govt. official …ud agree i’m sure) but thsi post has got me all emotional…how am i to crack govt data now? especially boring data about Railways

  13. Aww.. thats so sweet..! I am sure Rati would also be soo emotional after reading this as first thing today morning.

    IMBB is a sea of hope, love and genuine affection and probably that is the reason, one who comes here for once, can not leave. And I was telling this to Jomo that this is because you guys have built it like this.

    Wishing you all the luck!

  14. That is so inspiring and I must say your success and the popularity of both Totalgadha and IMBB depends so much on how sweet and approachable both of you are.You guys have pretty much transformed our lives in more ways than one and made a very special place in our hearts…which is probably the main reason once anyone comes across your blog they become a part of the big IMBB family. I’m quite proud to call myself an IMBB addict and hope you continue being so AWESOME! You guys totally ROCK! and loads of luck for the future. And of course loads of thanks for making us a part of this wonderful family πŸ™‚

  15. This is such a heart melting post Sanjeev ji…truly awe inspiring..
    IMBB has grown manifolds over the years and i wish it continues to do so till forever!
    I have been an avid reader for the past year and i feel this personal attachment with you guys..There is so much love,understanding,sharing and appreciation on IMBB and now i know the reason why!! IMBB has a solid foundation,the foundation made by love..

  16. Ok! Now that i have read this…. one thing…Congratulations to a great couple…it’s when people stop believing in themselves and their dreams that things dont work…! Live life fully each day and let that innocence of TG and Dagny never die! All the best!

  17. Hello Sanjeev sir and Rati maam
    i thought i ll share this later but i think i should do it now πŸ˜€

    When i first chanced upon IMBB.. and saw the TATHAGAT name in the “about” section i was taken aback. I know the respect TG carries as i have been preparing for MBA since the last 2 yrs :p
    So to see 2 diverse fields as makeup-beauty and MBA prep be linked to the same ppl was pretty shocking to me and as a result i did a LOT of snoooping around on the web and i have seen all the articles u have posted above.. yes i went a little overboard with the snooping πŸ˜€

    I especially loved the thread on TG on which you have spoken about Rati maam going to convince her parents..and I told many friends about you two including my boyfriend πŸ™‚ .And trust me EVERYONE is awed when i tell them because it really is a very very sweet story.

    And i have to say everytime i open either of the 2 websites I learn something..the way you both handle such diverse fields , manage people , have faith in each other.
    Sorry for such a mawkish post but i spent a lot of time thinking about you both when i did my “internet research” on you πŸ˜€

    P.S – I also frequent most of the places where you click Rati maam and If I see you there , which i think i will :p , I ll definitely come and say HI! πŸ™‚

    You both are inspiring a LOT of people out here !!

    CHEERS!! πŸ˜› πŸ™‚

  18. Awesome post..I always cursed my pre-marriage life that i didnt have a love story n always tumbled with fat microbiology books..Now no regrets,am happily married,blessed with twin boys n a teacher to hundreds of loving students..i have been reading this blog from many days. u guys r fabulous n be the same forever

  19. Wow its been some journey ! For the two of u ….. As everyone says hardwork always pays … Its done in your case too.. I m so glad i m a reader here . I really look upto self made ppl . I m proud to be associated in watever way with u guys !! Good luck !

  20. What a great read!! God bless you both, Sanjeev and Rati.
    It’s refreshing to see passionate people achieving their dreams.

  21. I totally can understand the emotions you and rati went together during before marriage period, i myself have inter caste marriage and its been hell lot of journey. But i think the most imp part here to trust each other give the needed support and space. I wish you and rati both a wonderful life ahead..god bless you

  22. ZOMG! This is such a sweet post! I always wondered about your love story but refrained from asking for fear of being too nosy. πŸ˜› You guys are a total inspiration. Congratulations on coming so far along in the journey and for making IMBB and TG such big portals. πŸ˜€ May there be many more milestones to celebrate. πŸ™‚

    1. This is my second comment in a day thrown into moderation. I am sure you guys are turning all Henry VIII on me. Am I to be beheaded in the Tower of London soon? πŸ™

  23. I am a very frequent reader.. not a frequent commenter though πŸ™
    But I am must say.. you guys as a couple are really inspiring..And I specially love reading your posts..:)

  24. Stumbled upon this site by pure coincidence and yeah…the power and reach of google. I just came back today after taking my SNAP exam and true to my deeply rooted pessimistic nature was not quite elated with my performance. I have always envied people who know where their passion lies and transcend all physical and emotional and psychological barriers to chase their dreams. For me, until now, doing an MBA has been an end. But after reading your posts I now feel that mba like anything else in life is a means to achieve an end and not an end in itself. At this point (after going through your posts for the past7 hours), I don’t care anymore about where i will end up instead would just try to figure out a way to do things that I really set my mind and heart to and truly care about and care more about the journey rather than merely fretting about the destination. I have seen everyone around me chasing dreams like better brand value, bigger office, fatter paycheques etc. which I feel are more of a byproduct of a lifestyle obsession. After reading your post on your pursuit for being the best bridge player and most importantly filtering out the irrevelevant (opininons and expectations) I am determined to do something on the same lines. From now on, one thing that I am sure about is that i will not be a glorified clerk ( read lawyer) siting in an A.C. office and regret about all the things that I didnot do but would pull up my socks, wipe the tears of frustration and corporate mess and lve my best life !!! Thanks a ton, Sir.

  25. Lovely……….. *clap* *clap* *clap*

    I am also going through the tough face of my life…. Trying to convince my parents… The biggest reason for their big NO is Cast… but still waiting for that special day and making efforts….*smack* …. God Bless me and my Ashu…… *jai ho*

    I am happy for you…Lovely Couple…. God Bless You ….. *haan ji*

  26. i know its too late to comment about an year after
    i have been a great fan of imbb and rati
    i always had a craze on her…i was always thinking she used the best products and had the best life
    but wen read this i came to know that nothing comes easy
    got a great respect to rati and sanjeev………

  27. Awwwww.. so cute… u guys are blessed and stay blessed… today i am realizing someone’s blessing can do such wonder… n there were so many people to bless u … i am in same situation as u were 5 yrs ago. .. after 8 yrs of courtship and more than two years fighting with my family, i am still nowhere.. maybe because we are not as lucky as u guys or not blessed. *waaa* … still i am very happy for you guys.. *pompom*

  28. I was a silent reader and follwer of IMBB and Faux Pas till I read this post. Sanjeev and Rati, you are inspiration for millions of people around. I congratulate you both on your achievement and appreciate both of you for your hard work and struggle.
    I always wanted to own an Home Decor showroom but never thought of giving it a try atleast, however after reading you post I am really inspired to do my bit of hard work to make my dream a reallity, and rest as they say is Destiny..
    Keep posting and Keep inspiring.. *thankyou* *thankyou*
    May the smiles on your faces never fade.. *clap* *clap* *clap*

  29. I had read this before and I can read this over and over again…
    Rati Di and Sanjeev ji you rock. you are a true inspiration for every one… πŸ™‚ *jai ho*
    And Sanjeev Ji your articles are always something to look for..
    congratulations to both of you for all your achievements and you guys have miles to go…
    you guys have proved that the longest journey starts with a single step… πŸ™‚

  30. Life is full of surprises !!! Both positive & negative !! But i highly believe always that hard work + luck goes hand in hand to create our destiny ahead us !!! U people are an inspirational example to everyone around you to kindle the spirits of never giving up !! I wish u with all my heart for more huge successes ahead personally & professionally !! πŸ˜€

  31. Hello Rati and Sanjeev ji,

    I have been a constant follower of IMBB since 5years and i dono y it took me so long to find this article. I have always carried immense respect and love for both of you but after reading this article and the related links for about 4 continuous hours i must say that you guys are true inspiration to us. Rati s always been the lovely angel. I run in short of words to express what i feel. Love you both a lot. you guys haave achieved a lot.. And there s lot more to go for genius brains like urs.. God bless.. be happy be loving… We all love u a lot.

  32. Dear rati,
    You are my inspiration….. I was lot motivated by you..and am addicted to your site….thanks for this wonderful blog…

  33. This site has always been my favourite – after a gap came back now and has been binge reading everything in here – this is my favourite post
    so sweet and inspiring
    thanks for sharing
    sarina

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