It’s about expressing our refined vision through someone who naturally mirrors it.
Mumbai: In a bold move that reflects its evolution and future-forward vision, Mumbai-based real estate powerhouse Runwal has officially rebranded itself as Runwal Realty. Known for its premium residential, commercial, and retail developments, the brand now enters a new era—marked not just by a fresh identity, but also by a renewed commitment to uncompromising quality and luxury living.
To mark this transformation, Runwal Realty has launched a brand-new campaign featuring Sonam Kapoor as its celebrity face—a strategic choice aimed at resonating deeply with aspirational, style-conscious urban Indians..
Sanya Runwal is spearheading the company’s marketing & communication strategy along with the retail portfolio. She has been instrumental in carving Runwal’s brand positioning and setting the foundation for brand communication and customer experience across the residential & retail spaces. Under her leadership, Runwal’s malls portfolio have become vibrant hubs, meeting the needs of shoppers while fostering community engagement.
In the past, she was associated with LANDOR NY, and as a brand strategist, she’s worked on carving brand identities and strategies for various global fortune 500 brands. Post her 1.5-year stint with LANDOR NY, she moved back to the family real estate business as Director-Marketing & Retail.
Sanya’s vision is to elevate Runwal Realty’s already strong market presence, taking it to new heights in the real estate sector. She spearheaded the corporate rebranding exercise, ensuring that the group’s vision and core values are seamlessly communicated across their residential, retail, and commercial verticals.
She is keen on building strong partnerships with leading retail brands, which can contribute in transforming Runwal Realty’s retail spaces into thriving shopping destinations. Her endeavors are to consistently add value that can benefit both the company and the surrounding communities.
In an exclusive interaction, Sanya Runwal, Retail Director at Runwal Realty, sheds light on the motivations behind the rebranding, the brand’s evolving ethos, and the future of luxury real estate in India and much more…….
What prompted the transition from Runwal to Runwal Realty? What does this change signify for the brand? Was this rebranding influenced by any internal evolution, changing consumer expectations, or market dynamics?
The shift to Runwal Realty reflects our evolution—from building homes to curating heirlooms. It signifies scale, ambition, and a forward-looking mindset that aligns with our presence across residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors.
More than a name change, it marks a new era—one that honors our legacy while embracing the aspirations of a new generation. Today’s buyer seeks meaning, permanence, and identity, and this rebrand allows us to speak to them with greater clarity and purpose.
How does the new identity reflect the brand’s growth, ambitions, and positioning in the luxury and uber-luxury real estate market?
Our new identity is a reflection of how we’ve scaled—not just in size, but in stature. It positions us as a brand that’s shaping the future of luxury living through thoughtful design, timeless quality, and curated experiences.
With landmark projects like The Reserve in Worli and Runwal Elegante in Andheri, & upcoming project in Worli, we’re redefining what luxury living looks like in Mumbai. As the city’s luxury market continues to surge, this identity reinforces our commitment to creating homes that aren’t just exclusive—but enduring.
Tell us more about the new campaign and its creative direction—what is the central narrative you wanted to communicate?
The campaign, “Building for Generations to come,” is more than a brand statement—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. It marks our evolution from developers to curators of heirlooms—spaces built with meaning, legacy, and timeless design. The creative direction is emotive and elegant, speaking to luxury buyers who seek not just homes, but lasting value and identity.
We aim to connect with those who value heritage and permanence, showcasing how our developments are designed to transcend generations, offering both beauty and substance for years to come. The creative narrative centers on building lasting spaces that hold meaning and legacy. It embraces minimalism, focusing on elegance and timelessness, with every detail crafted to endure. The story speaks to those who value heritage, permanence, and quality, creating environments that reflect lasting identity and craftsmanship.
Why did you choose Sonam Kapoor as the face of Runwal Realty? How does she embody the brand’s values and appeal to your target audience?
Sonam Kapoor truly embodies what Runwal Realty stands for — a perfect harmony of elegance, tradition, visionary design, thoughtfulness and luxury. Just as she blends timeless style with modern grace, we too have evolved — from building homes to curating heirlooms for generations to come. This partnership isn’t about a single campaign or project. It’s about expressing our refined vision through someone who naturally mirrors it.
With celebrity-driven campaigns increasingly common, how do you plan to ensure yours breaks through the clutter and creates a meaningful brand recall? There is another POV on using celebrities that it’s a lazy way of advertising, your take on this?
To stand out in a sea of celebrity-driven campaigns, our approach focuses on authenticity and meaningful connection. Rather than simply using a celebrity as a figurehead, we choose someone who truly embodies our brand’s values—timeless elegance, quality, and sophistication. Our aim is clear and efficient communication, cutting through the noise with a message that resonates deeply with our audience. While some may view celebrity endorsements as a shortcut, we see them as a powerful tool to amplify a genuine story—creating emotional resonance and lasting brand recall.
No compromises on quality” seems to be a strong pillar of the brand ethos. Could you elaborate on how that translates across your developments—residential, commercial, and retail?
“No compromises on quality” is the backbone of our brand ethos, and it defines every facet of our developments—residential, commercial, and retail. In our residential projects, this means creating homes where design, durability, and craftsmanship meet, ensuring every detail reflects the highest standards.
For our commercial spaces, we focus on delivering environments that foster productivity, sustainability, and long-term value, supporting businesses to thrive. In retail, we create dynamic spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality, offering exceptional customer experiences that stand the test of time. Across all our ventures, quality is non-negotiable because it’s the foundation of trust, lasting value, and the legacy we aim to build.
In the ultra-competitive Mumbai market, what sets a Runwal Realty project apart in the luxury and uber-luxury segments?
· Legacy: 45+ years of trust and delivery.
· Innovation: Evolving with market trends, tech, and design.
· Customer-Centricity: Focus on long-term value and experience.
· Brand Evolution: A strong identity and storytelling across all touchpoints.
· Uncompromised Luxury: Thoughtfully curated details, from architecture to after-sales, crafting enduring experiences and lasting value.
With this renewed brand identity, what are your short-term and long-term plans—any key launches or innovations on the horizon?
With our renewed brand identity, we’re stepping into a bold new phase—rooted in legacy and driven by innovation. Key upcoming launches include our landmark Worli project, set to redefine luxury living in South Mumbai. We’re also expanding 25 Hour Life and Lands End with future-ready towers. Our focus remains on integrating sustainability, smart tech, and thoughtful design. Every space we build is crafted to create lasting value for generations to come.
How are you reimagining the retail experience across your developments, especially with changing consumer behaviour post-pandemic?
We’re reimagining the retail experience by creating dynamic, destination-driven spaces that go beyond shopping—places that bring people together through experiences, convenience, and community. Post-pandemic consumer behavior has shifted towards open, engaging, and wellness-oriented environments, and our developments reflect that.
At R City, for instance, we’ve focused on curating a balanced mix of retail, entertainment, F&B, and lifestyle offerings, while integrating open spaces, tech-enabled conveniences, and sustainable design. The goal is to craft spaces that are not just about commerce, but about connection—where people want to spend time, not just money.
What are the trends when it comes to luxury and uber-luxury real estate today—from design philosophies and amenities to buyer expectations?
Luxury and uber-luxury real estate today is driven by a desire for personalization, privacy, and purpose. Buyers are seeking bespoke, customizable homes that align with their lifestyle. Sustainability is now a core expectation, not a value-add. There’s also a growing demand for branded residences that seamlessly blend legacy, design, and elevated living.
How do you balance tradition and innovation in a sector as dynamic and emotionally driven as real estate?
Balancing tradition and innovation in real estate requires a deep understanding of what resonates emotionally with buyers, while embracing forward-thinking solutions. We honor tradition by focusing on timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and creating spaces that evoke a sense of heritage and permanence. At the same time, we embrace innovation by integrating cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and modern amenities that cater to evolving lifestyles. The key is to blend these elements seamlessly, ensuring that each development not only respects its roots but also anticipates the needs of future generations.
