May the sun never stop shining on you IMBB…

imbb sun shineI have been meaning to write this post for a long time but there was always something important to do which needed doing, and then something else came up, and then something else needed fixing, … you all know how it is.

I’m not the most expressive of men in real life. Truth be told, I don’t even enjoy talking much. In my work life even, I would rather not waste time in pleasantries and just get straight to point. Therefore a lot of things which need to be said remain unsaid. I don’t much care about saying them also. As long as IMBB is working fine why bother.

Last night however, Rati and I received the gift sent by our team. And as Rati and I were going through each and every picture and reliving memories, I got so overwhelmed with love and blessedness that a dam got broken. I have been wanting to say something since then but the words won’t come out. But I had to write. I don’t know what I want to say and I don’t know if I can sort so many jumbles of feelings but I still have to write. This is that time.

When everyone talks about IMBB’s success, both Rati and I are reminded of an incident in the second year of IMBB. At that time, we were supporting IMBB from our own pockets. One evening, Rati went out and shopped makeup out of her budget. I still remember the credit card bill; it was for twenty seven thousand. I got so scared seeing the bill and I started fighting with Rati on how we would pay the bill. Eventually Rati and I both broke down into tears in our kitchen. I was really scared for our future and wondering what we were doing. And then Rati told me, “agar tumhein lagta hai IMBB mein hamara paisa waste ho raha hai to band kar dete hain IMBB.” We had invested all our savings in IMBB by then. I kept quiet for a long time. Eventually I said “nahin, we’ll manage.” Today, I take one look at Rati’s shopping and I think ‘Thank god we managed!’

But we did not manage IMBB alone.

Everyone talks about Rati and Sanjeev when they speak about IMBB. Yes, we did start IMBB. However, there’s a lot of difference in starting something and growing something. We have not grown IMBB alone. Most people overlook the strongest and tallest pillar of IMBB- Jomolji; “mrs James” as biwi calls her. Outsiders may not know this but everything and everyone in IMBB revolves around her. Be it our writers, our awesome team, or Rati and me, mrs. James is the person we all run to. If mrs James doesn’t call my biwi for two days, biwi starts feeling nervous that she is ignoring her. πŸ˜› She is the lifeline of IMBB. Nothing in IMBB happens without her consent. She is also the glue who makes everyone stick together. Loves chicken and gold. Keeps trying to fix her computer herself. Very bad cook. Very good humour. A totally awesome person. πŸ™‚

The count does not end there. We have a huge star-studded team. From Shikha who took to social media like fish takes to water, Rashmita who loves lipsticks + MAC = MAC lipsticks, Chirpy Saloni with a lot of makeup knowledge whose ‘chalega’ everyone in the team has started using, Happy Monika who is an amazingly fast learner, and Rama who is single-handedly growing our ‘Vanity’ section. You cannot cannot find a more awesome team than that. Trust me. πŸ™‚

And then there are writers. The engine of IMBB. IMBB’s lifeblood and soul. Each of them unique. Each with her own flavour. Neetu’s stories, Neha’s precision, Kulpreet’s hoarding, Vandana’s prolific writings, Ramya, Priyanka, Manaswini, … inifinite names. Infinite voices. All cool people. Thousand different lip swatches. Million different souls, all breathing together on IMBB.

And last but not least, the one person who is the reason that IMBB exists- Rati. I have yet to see a person who is so passionate about what she is doing. Be her daily workouts at the gym, long hours spent in practising makeup, hundreds of trials different outfits, countless product reviews, I keep seeing her working hard all the time. There have been days that she would keep trying out one outfit after another, and I would keep saying no, and then she would grumble and fight “tumhein to kuchh acchha hi nahin lagta,” but then she would still keep on struggling and produce something better. And she has kept at it for years, and getting better and better. I see so many women getting inspired by Rati and starting their blogs and I keep telling Rati jokingly “inko seriosuly nahin pata inki life kharaab hone wali hai :P”

Six years? Really? It seems just like yesterday. But hey, we are just beginning. πŸ™‚

We’re so much in love here that we can go on for years…

Life Before IMBB
That thing which nearly killed my life
O Happiness, How Do I Chase Thee?
Lust For Life

IMBB RECOMMENDS

88 thoughts on “May the sun never stop shining on you IMBB…

  1. That was an awesome read πŸ™‚ words straight from the heart.

    IMBB for me is my ray of sunshine .. something that changed me totally. Made me take baby steps with makeup, made me more confident, gave me reasons to smile when I was low.

    Here is thanking you guys, all of you, Rati, Sanjeev ji, whole IMBB team.. and every body else.. in some way or the other, you all have touched my life.

    God bless, keep rocking, keep growing.

  2. Awwwww the most heartfelt thing I have evrr read….I love Imbb to the core and it has becone truly the best part of my life. If I could, I would spend days writing for Imbb and doing absolutely nothing else. I am so glad I am a part of the best community in this world.
    and congratulations for completing 6 years..this is just the starting phase..there are thousand more anniversaries to come and millions of milestones to cover πŸ™‚

  3. Ohmygod! And you say you are not very expressive! :/ Sir, I remember reading your posts when I was, well, just a dedicated silent reader and thinking how well you write. Believe it or not, I have read each one of your posts on IMBB by now and have always admired how you talk about Rati and how expressive you are. I am also not at all expressive in person so, I totally get you. πŸ˜€

    I am honoured to see my name in this list of people you have mentioned and joining IMBB was definitely the highlight of this year. Thank you so much, I will continue to put in my 100%. Not only as bosses, you guys continue to inspire me as a couple too. I wish IMBB lots of luck and success. May WE all achieve what we desire. Also thank you for introducing me to all the team members. Thank you. πŸ™‚

  4. Hello Sanjeevji,

    This one is really very touching. One has to start from scrap, hats off to Ratiji for not giving up so easily, hats off to YOU for being her strong support whatever may be. I take this opportunity to also salute JOMOL & Shikha ( with whom I am more familiar through mails) and the rest of the team who write such beautiful reviews and inspire us to get addicted to makeup every day. A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to IMBB ENTIRE GROUP love you All. Thanks for everything! THREE CHEERS FOR IMBB ENTIRE GROUP – HIP HIP HOORAY???

  5. I am crying really …. I am crying …… each word is presenting your feeling sir .. each word …. Really when I see earlier photos of Rati di and when I see her now … I can imagine how much she had struggled to grow IMBB …

    and For Jomol ma’am …. I think it was day before yesterday and I was thinking LITERALLY thinking that Jomol ma’am is the lifeline, vain of IMBB … and you wrote exactly the same sir !!! Reallyyy…. Wherever you both are now is happened to you because of your struggle and devotion to the IMBB …!!!!

  6. Awwwww sirrrrrrrrrr….. you made this little chirpy bird cry… i went all silent while reading this.. I am really blessed to be a part of the IMBB team.. I really don’t know what to say.. there are so many emotions just filled inside me… I think that might have been a really tough time when you credit card bill was over-flooded… but now you don’t even have to look at the price-tags.. what could define your success and hard-work better than this.. and yes, JJ without any doubt is like a rescue person and I really look upto her even if I face any little issue… she is the sweetest person on earth.. and IMBB ke sath toh sab kuch “Chalega”. I love you guys… but even more “I love IMBB”!

      1. Hahahahaha I love you loads JJ.. thank you for always being there.. you are like the mother of IMBB… when we fall in troubles, we have something amazing to share, we don’t know what to do.. we go to our moms.. and when something as such happens at IMBB.. we know the person we have to come too.. always be the way you are πŸ™‚

  7. Sanjeevji, I can’t thank you enough for this post :)….I feel so good about myself – this post has been the best gift ever! My life revolves around IMBB, like 24 x 7. I feel so blessed to be working for IMBB and for bosses like Sanjeevji and Rati, and with an awesome team with Rash, Saloni, shika, monika, and now Rama *touchwood* I would say IMBB is my life line, can’t live without it! Rati – you are always on my mind, never ignore you :*

    1. Jomo, I am just reading this. You guys are going to make me cry ! but *tears of joy* so maybe it should be okay πŸ™‚ (trying to hold the smile on) This is one beautiful emotional moment and trust me I could not pen down my emotions when I saw this post. Kudos to all of you! You all inspire me in your own ways… It is like seeing all colors & all at once together on a palette πŸ˜€

  8. First, when I read the post, I was so overwhelmed, I was crying, you have written so beautifully Sanjeevji, it took a while to sink in. Within a few minutes, I was sending links to this post to my friends and relatives on whatsapp πŸ˜› I am gloating, I would like continue to thank you for this post always Sanjeevji πŸ™‚

    Rash, Saloni, Shika, monika – you ppl are just too awesome for words, I lob you lots :*

  9. That was such a sweet, straight from the heart note. These words have really touched me. All I can say is WOW! I don’t know what to say more, I feel tongue tied. But seriously Hats off to you guys! The hard work that you all put in, reflects through the great work. I hope IMBB never stops. It always keeps shining! πŸ˜€

      1. I’m glad I get to work with such amazing and inspiring people! You all will never cease to inspire me! I keep telling my Mom IMBB stories! πŸ˜€

  10. Sanjeev, you’re eloquent as always. IMBB has been an incredible space for me to learn about makeup, to realize it’s a new way for me to express myself. It has been wonderful contributing to it in my own tiny way. I wish you guys lots and lots of success. Love.

  11. Awww!!

    Lovely Post and a wonderful team! Hats off to all your efforts and thank you for all your contribution.

    For a makeup junkie like me, IMBB is an integral part of my makeup world…

    All the Best IMBB! And yes this is just a beginning…:-)

  12. Sanj you think you are not expressive but I think you are one of the most expressive man I know. Not a single day goes by when you don’t tell me that you love me. I went home for a week and came back yesterday. You yourself don’t know how many times you have already told me ‘it’s good to have you back biwi.’ I am very very lucky girl to have you as my life partner.

    And I clearly remember that day in the kitchen. But that’s what make us what we are today. The day in and out of struggle value us so much that we have today. The countless nights you spend fixing little things on IMBB. Your passion to make this epic shit …. it drives all of us. You are the life of IMBB and I would have not done this without you. And I wouldn’t do this without you.

    I said this last night also that the best thing we have got in these 6 years is the people -whether it’s our team or our readers. It’s all worth it. I love doing what I do but the immense push and support comes from the vast family that IMBB has become today. Couldn’t be more thankful and grateful for every single one of you. πŸ™‚ Once someone asked me, “why do you do these Karwachauth and Diwali outfits?” I said, “it’s our IMBB tradition”. :)) I think it’s the excitement that comes from you all pushes me to do things that I would have probably not done otherwise. So thank you all for everything! πŸ™‚

    “May the sun never stop shining on you IMBB. ”

    I love you Sanj. I have so many dreams to live with you. We have had a beautiful life so far. At 60 when i’d be old and grumpy, I’d happily do all of it with you all over again.

    This is just the beginning..

      1. sumtimes our heart feels the moments which might be missed by our eyes ears or lips perhaps, i am witnessing that perfect moment right here right now <3 wish u all the luck love happiness together rati-sanjeev sir πŸ™‚

  13. Beautiful worded Sanjeevji. IMBB is my encyclopedia when it comes to fashion and make up and I am sure most of us would agree. I was a novice when I started following IMBB and believe me I have learnt so much from here that my friends and relatives ask me for make up advices and tips and in my heart I thank IMBB for it.
    They say behind every successful man there is a woman. I say along with that, behind every successful woman there is loving and supportive man. Not many men have the kind of patience you have..and I really appreciate you for that. Along with the entire team, I congratulate you too on this great success and wish you many many successful years ahead…

  14. and Rashmita, you are so dependable, you never say “no” to any extra work. You work so hard, I can always fall back on you, lob you :* and thankooo πŸ™‚

  15. I can’t thank you enough for making me part of this beautiful family. Rati, Jomo, Rash, Shikha, Tweety Saloni, and Rama. Thank you all. I’m so overwhelmed that I don’t know what to say! Thank you. thankooooo.
    Jomo I’ll send you loads of laddoos πŸ˜›

    1. The feeling is mutual and thank you too! I think we are pretty much sailing through the same emotions today ! But only happy mixed overwhelming emotions πŸ˜›

  16. A very emotional and overwhelming post. Being just an IMBB reader, I completely get the feeling that all of you as a team are going through!! Hats off, a very well deserved milestone guys!
    U write very occasionally Sanjeev but that itself makes up for the void:)
    And Rati, OMG..the way u put it, its just awesome..U truly inspire me gurl!
    God Bless!!!
    And the team that Sanjeev mentioned, well, I havent interacted wit anyone at a one-one level but I guess I know u guys just as well as Sanjeev:)
    Happy Birthday IMBB!!!

  17. And Rash you were soo patient with me, thank you πŸ™‚ I owe you chocolates πŸ™‚
    ami tumake bhalo bashi πŸ˜€
    Jomo thank you for being sooooo supportive, you toh always know what I want to say before I even say it!
    Shikha, I saw your dedication to work right in the beginning, so good to work with you.
    Saloniii, sir very aptly called you the chirpy bird πŸ™‚ Just stay the way you are.
    Ratiiiii, what to say to you…you are the reason I wanted to be with IMBB, to be associated with it. So thank you for inspiring me and a million others.
    And last but not the least, Sir…you are the backbone of IMBB and the way you have stood by Rati in everything, really…you guys are perfect couple!

    Love you all

  18. I must admit that my eyes are wet and we all unanimously agree that you are beautifully expressive πŸ™‚ Beautiful post and I second that comment, the post was *straight from the heart*. Also after reading all the above comments , I am kind of speechless. It was beautiful to read bits of everyone’s journey. Time flies, from a silent reader of IMBB, I recall my baby steps with I<3BB and here I am today, feel honored and thank you for having mentioned my name. Cannot thank you enough Sir for your patience and support that you gave and thanks a bunch to the team, the editors behind the reviews whom I did not know but still *thank you*and Jomol, a special mention who beautifully walked me through this family. Thank you Jomo <3 And Rati I salute to you for you keeping at what you do come what may! While reading the post that reflected your constant persuasion is where I felt my tears sting. This is also my 'thank you note' to my team, Love you all <3 P.S. It is just the beginning, with the glimmer of hope, miles to go before I sleep! LOVE YOU IMBB <3

  19. I seriously had tears in my eyes, reading this post!! Though I don’t write for IMBB and know others in person, I feel connected to each one of you. IMBB has changed my life drastically (so is my beauty routine πŸ˜‰ ), all my friends come to me for beauty suggestions. they say “ye to roz blog padhti hai isko to pata hi hoga” I’m getting all the attention πŸ˜› πŸ˜€ I’m s addicted to IMBB, open it everyday whenever i find time πŸ™‚ n I thoroughly enjoy Jomol Di’s humorous posts πŸ˜›
    love the whole team of IMBB <3

  20. Wow sanjeev ji… Though I have not written for IMBB or commented on any post in the past, but thia post needs a comment from my side, even though I know you will get tonns of comments and u may not read it…
    As you said there comes a time when you need to express yourself… There is a lot going on in my personal and professional front, but still I always check IMBB at the end of the day.. And your article are worth waiting for.. Trust me when I say it you both rocks because Rati di- is doing what she loves- makeup and you what you love- travel.. Honestly I sometimes feel jealous of you… πŸ˜‰ but keep making IMBB super awesome so that when I get married in future and if I have a girl – I make her addicted to IMBB as well…

  21. I am so very touched with this post Sanjeev Ji. I have been writing on and off for IMBB lately but there never goes a day when I don’t mention Rati in my house. She is like my inspiration and role model. I read all posts every day but due to busy schedule dont get much time to write. You both are truly an inspiring couple. People see your success but they dont see the hardships which you have faced to reach here. Wishing IMBB lot many happy days and happy memories. Blessed to have known the two of you…..*Total Respect*

  22. I was expecting an write-up like this today πŸ™‚
    Yes, at times we should do things beyond our capability n capacity. N although it becomes messy initially, it is never unsuccessful πŸ™‚
    Thank you for this amazing blog. It has changed my life in so many ways…..

    But the most important lesson I have learnt here “many women can coexist without fighting with each other” πŸ˜›

  23. This was such a touching post ..! I know I speak on behalf of everyone when I say IMBB is our second home .. It’s a place where we share our passion along with out happiness and find support during tough times and fine nothing but encouragement and positivity.. I wish the whole IMBB team all the luck and success in years and years to come !!!

  24. Dear Rati and Sanjeev,
    More and more power to you to do more and more wonders. It feels good when people reach stars, but still keep their feet on ground. Both of you have been so humble to all the readers, especially Rati. Sometimes people comment nasty or ask annoying questions to her, but she very calmly and patiently ignores concentrating completely on what positive she has to. I am a regular reader of IMBB since last three years. I seriously do not know why. I am not a makeup person at all. But still I visit daily and read first paragraph of each review to know what the writer has to say about them and then the comments so I know what every person on this blog thinks of it. I know that I will not use that product, but its like sitting in those family conversations without participating, but still enjoying every bit of it. Thank you IMBB family for completing six years. I am sure that it would not have been an easy ride initially, but your hard work pays off and we all readers reap benefits of it. Its never about completing n number of years, but taking everyone along with you makes it more special, more special for you and more special for us!

    I very proudly write here that I am a HAPPY member of this family.

    Loads of Love to everyone around here. <3
    Cheers!

  25. That was so beautifully worded, Sanjeevji!! Straight from the heart and hence touched everyone’s heart out here. I feel blessed to be a part of IMBB and contributing in my own small way.. May IMBB scale newer heights with every passing day!!

  26. This post surely touched our hearts for number of reasons πŸ™‚ Seriously we can never imagine what it takes to make IMBB what it is today and its not only the luck but a real labor hard work prayers wishes and love that made it through for this day cheers πŸ™‚ We always say that oh luk they are so lucky to have this but eventually fail to realise that luck comes from hard work and devotion and IMBB is example of one such devotion dedication and hard work of Rati-Sanjeev sir, jomol and numerous souls working together irrespective of distances different back grounds but common goal to seek happiness πŸ™‚ to share joy sadness together apart from sharing their love passion for beauty and everything πŸ™‚
    The heart felt post coming from you certainly make us believe in fruitful results of “believing in oneself” and “love” πŸ™‚ which twinkles & shines from within visible in ur words ur posts ur actions almost everything! I wish all the love luck happiness and progress to you two love birds along with this home away from home “IMBB” <3
    I may lost count how many times I felt proud to be part of IMBB but I cannot forget each and everytime how every IMBBian especially Rati jomol and sanjeev sir made me feel integral part of this beautiful world πŸ™‚ Jomol have been such strong well wisher throughout my start journey while my India visit became worth meeting Rati with her humble self and beauty πŸ™‚ and sanjeev sir always play role of mentor guide and frnd who not only ignores my silly mistakes but even listens them peacefully πŸ˜› You have saved me from difficulties numerous times and i knw this speech won't be enough to express what we feel being a part of IMBB πŸ™‚ The thing is I wonder what on earth i was doing before joining IMBB πŸ˜€ 3 cheers to this beautiful family!!

  27. Sanjeev and Rati…do you know what’s behind the success of IMBB..? It’s not just hardwork, not just passion, not just the hours and money you have put into it. There’s is a simple secret potion called LOVE which is making it work. Yes, your love for each other, the love you spread to your team and readers..that’s what makes IMBB different and special. It’s what made IMBB come alive and become a good friend to each one of us here.

    I am so lucky to have known you guys for so many years now. You are all awesome. Wishing IMBB a very very happy birthday.

    And Sanjeevi ji, pls write often. You write so well. I think you should start writing a book. Consider it. But again, you both are the best at whatever you do. This might be just an extension of that.

  28. The sun will never stop shining on you guys and IMBB, and you know why? Because you give chances to everyone, again and again. I have been polished by the editors and know what it feels like. This is a great portal not just for makeup junkies but for people like me who loved writing but were clueless what to do about it. Here we found one common love, writing, beauty, and makeup, and made new friends, and new memories. As for me, I made a new career. πŸ™‚ Thanks IMBB, and the whole team. πŸ™‚

  29. Could this get any better..I have read the entire post and everyone’s comments atleast four times since yesterday and wanted to write what I felt but was at a loss of words to express my emotions πŸ™‚ trust I call my self a modern age lady and still had no clue of this blogging community till a year back or so:( I loved shopping and cosmetics but was never able to make people around me understand that all this is not stupidity..while trying to search for a MAC lipstick I came across IMBB and thought what a versatile lady Rati was πŸ™‚ I had thoughts in my mind but IMBB gave me the perspective to get them in words and in reality..last year I had only 4 lipsticks and this year I have 45 πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ yeee..I have learned soo much and I know you do not need to have the high fundu English vocabulary to write on a blog..if you pour out your heart you will get connected to your readers πŸ™‚

    Sanjeevji writes strong and to the point and gets the message across in first shot and I admire the amazing couple for crazy cuteness and lovey dovey attitude πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

    I have to confess today that I am a total foodie and always wanted to be a food critic but conventional job trapped me and now I am working with a bank.. But after writing for IMBB I thought I could write my own food blog but himmat nahi ho rahi..I keep thinking ki koi padhega bhi kya..will people like it..will I be successful at it..but Sanjeevji after your this post I don’t know why but I feel ki ab Himmat aa gayi..who cares if I fail, or my blog is not successful or if people do not read it..one thing I know now is that if I put my passion and my confidence and my love and efforts into it, one thing for sure is that when I look back on my life I will know that I did what my heart told me and I won’t have any regrets of not doing it..
    Thank you to you and Rati for inspiring us in all walks of like..I am crying now πŸ™ so let’s end with lots of love and hugs for IMBB πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

  30. That was touching and very inspiring… You deserve every success and happiness after such a struggle! I’m just a very punctual ? and silent reader here.. my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team!

  31. I’m new here but I’ve been following the blog for almost about a year. I used to read other blogs too back then. But I always trusted the opinions of fellow IMBBans. If I had to buy a product, I would always rely on the reviews here. And always have loved Rati Di’s makeup and outfit posts also your travel destinations on Instagram ❀️.
    Sanjeev sir, a brilliant post. And you both make an awesome couple. May God bless you both.
    May the sun never stop shining ?

  32. You guys definitely rock as a couple, as mentors, as friends. This is the most amazing platform I have ever been on and yes with the most amazing people around. Just went emotional reading the post and at the same time felt overwhelmed being a part of this, even though in the tiniest form! Loads of love guys πŸ™‚ Best wishes

  33. may the sun never stop shining on you IMBB. best wishes and tonnes of best wishes to the whole team, l know it touched my life, thankyou πŸ™‚ XOXO

  34. Jomol di is the spine.. agrreeeed… If she doesn’t reply to my calls, texts.. even I start feeling she is ignoring me πŸ˜›

Leave a Reply to Monika Madhwal Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *