Sandeep Maheshwari
Sandeep Maheshwari is an inspiring Indian entrepreneur photographer and motivational speaker known for building ImagesBazaar the world’s largest collection of Indian images. Born into a middle class family in New Delhi he turned setbacks into stepping stones. Through determination and a strong belief that “Aasaan Hai” that life is simple he carved a path from modeling and photography to coaching millions. His free seminars and YouTube videos have resonated with over 28 million subscribers inspiring a generation to take charge of their lives.
Early Life and family
Sandeep was born on 28 September 1980 in New Delhi to Roop Kishore Maheshwari and Shakuntala Rani. Growing up in a typical middle class home he witnessed the collapse of the family’s aluminium business which overwhelmed his father. He has one sister. From young he carried the weight of financial challenges and developed an early sense of responsibility and grit.
College days and first ventures
Sandeep enrolled for a B.Com degree at Kirori Mal College University of Delhi but left in his final year driven by financial pressure and a desire to pursue meaningful work with impact. Around that time he also completed a short photography course before taking his first steps into the modelling world at age nineteen. He soon discovered the dark side of modelling: stories of exploitation and unfair treatment among aspiring models. Troubled by this he decided to shift gears and help change the industry.
From modelling to portfolio photography
He launched his own company Mash Audio Visuals Pvt Ltd around 2001 to prepare portfolios for young models. Though the venture had promise it did not last long. In 2002 he and three friends started another business which folded within months. These early endeavours taught him hard lessons in resilience and adaptability.
World record breakthrough
In early 2003 Sandeep organised a remarkable photo marathon: he took over 10000 photographs of 122 models in just 10 hours and 45 minutes. The feat earned him a place in the Limca Book of Records and cemented his belief that effort and vision could break barriers.
Founding ImagesBazaar
Fueled by that momentum he launched ImagesBazaar in 2006. Beginning with minimal staff and basic resources he wore multiple hats—photographer counsellor and telecaller—to build a database of Indian images. Through persistence that catalogue grew into over one million photographs serving more than 7000 clients in 45 countries. Today ImagesBazaar stands as the largest repository of Indian stock visuals in the world.
Journey as a motivational speaker
Parallel to his entrepreneurial success Sandeep discovered his calling as a motivational speaker. In 2012 he launched his own YouTube channel sharing candid stories of failure success and self‑belief. His videos—ad‑free and free for viewers—resonate with millions. His philosophy hinges on the simple mantra “Aasaan Hai” which means life is easy when approached with clarity and intent. He also runs a second channel focused on spirituality with over 1.6 million subscribers.
Seminars and impact
His live seminars called Life‑Changing Sessions are offered free of charge. These events emphasise mental clarity goal setting self‑awareness and overcoming fear. One of these talks was certified by Guinness World Records in July 2021 as the world’s most viewed self‑education life‑changing video.
Awards recognition and media presence
Recognized by Entrepreneur India Summit as Creative Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013 he won the Star Youth Achiever Award from the Global Youth Marketing Forum and the Young Creative Entrepreneur Award from the British Council. Business World magazine named him one of India’s Most Promising Entrepreneurs and he received the Pioneer of Tomorrow award from ET Now. His journey and philosophy have been featured in outlets like The Economic Times India Today CNBC‑TV18 IBN7 ET Now NewsX and more.
Personal life and values
Sandeep met Ruchi in eleventh grade and after many years of friendship they married in 2012. They live in New Delhi with their son Hriday and daughter. In December 2023 he publicly shared his battle with depression that began in late 2020 signalling his openness and commitment to mental health awareness. Despite his success he continues to live modestly and focus on giving back through free guidance and education.
Controversy
In December 2023 he challenged fellow speaker Vivek Bindra alleging that their business courses mirrored multi‑level marketing and scammed students of high course fees. Sandeep uploaded videos titled “Stop Vivek Bindra #StopVivekBindra” promising legal help to aggrieved learners. Bindra responded with his own content expressing disagreement over Maheshwari’s approach. The exchange drew widespread attention on YouTube and social media.
Legacy and philosophy
Sandeep’s message centres on authenticity simplicity and inner strength. His own journey highlights how setbacks can fuel growth and how purpose over profit can sustain success. Through ImagesBazaar he built a global media asset. Through his speeches he offered hope and actionable insight. His tagline “Aasaan Hai” remains a rallying cry to millions that any challenge can be simplified if approached with confidence focus and resolve.
Quotes and recommended reading
Many of his talks include powerful lines such as “If you are searching for that person who will change your life look in the mirror” and “Not thousands find one big reason and that is enough.” He has often cited books like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy and Inspiration Your Ultimate Calling by Wayne Dyer among personal favorites.