From Humble Beginnings to a Real Estate Empire: The Inspiring Journey of Sanjay and Usha Kakade

Real estate developer-turned-politician Sanjay Kakade and his philanthropist wife Usha Kakade are shining examples of staying grounded despite success. In a heartwarming conversation, the couple reflect on their journey from modest beginnings - narrating how they overcame challenges, built their empire brick by brick and continue to stay connected to their roots even today.

The son of a school teacher in Pune, Sanjay talks about his early days and reminisces the time when he took on various odd jobs including selling vegetables and waiting tables at a food stall.

Driven by ambition and perseverance, he ventured into real estate and launched the Sanjay Kakade Group with his first project in 1988. Over time, he steadily expanded his footprint in the sector, becoming a prominent name in Pune’s real estate landscape. In 2014, motivated by a desire to contribute to the nation’s progress, Sanjay entered the political arena, marking the beginning of his public life.

From homemaker to changemaker

Usha Kakade’s journey is a testament to quiet determination and purpose. Starting out as a housewife, she stepped into the male-dominated world of real estate after her marriage, spending five years learning the ropes with dedication and patience. At a time when very few women were seen in the industry, she carved out a space for herself and now actively encourages more women to explore opportunities in real estate.

After two decades of success in the business, her focus shifted toward giving back. She founded an NGO with the aim of uplifting underprivileged women and children. Through her foundation, she has provided medical assistance to children and spearheaded a campaign on "Good Touch, Bad Touch" to educate kids on personal safety—continuing her mission to empower and protect the vulnerable.

Changing face of real estate

With 38 years in the real estate industry, Sanjay Kakade has witnessed the sector evolve dramatically. Reflecting on shifting consumer preferences, he notes that today’s homebuyers increasingly seek flats packed with amenities and lifestyle features. Looking back at his very first project, one key lesson he holds on to is the importance of affordability - he firmly believes that quality housing should remain within reach of the common man.

Usha fondly reflects on the projects she independently led, sharing that the flats were thoughtfully designed from a woman’s perspective. They prioritized comfort, functionality and the everyday needs and desires of women at the heart of the home.

To learn more about this inspiring power couple and their remarkable life journey, watch the full video.




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