TheCconnects: Sony, it’s a pleasure to welcome you. Your name has become closely associated with credibility and long-term value in Hyderabad’s real estate ecosystem. For readers discovering your work for the first time, how did your professional journey begin?
Sony Antony:
Thank you-it’s great to be here. My journey didn’t begin in real estate. I started in the corporate sector, working in industrial packaging and automation with organizations like ITW Signode and Cyklop India. Those years shaped my thinking in a very structured way-process discipline, accountability, and systems-driven execution.
However, over time, I realized I was more drawn to roles where the outcome directly affected people’s lives. That curiosity led me into real estate. What started as a transition eventually became a calling. Over the past 14 years, I’ve helped more than 1,000 families in Hyderabad make informed property decisions. In 2024, that experience culminated in the launch of Aston Realty-an advisory-led firm built on integrity, transparency, and due diligence in a market often driven by hype.
TheCconnects: You’ve worn many hats-corporate leader, entrepreneur, actor, drone pilot, and even a mobile photography enthusiast. What influences have shaped your mindset the most?
Sony Antony:
Failure, without question. Early on, I thought success meant getting things right the first time. Experience humbled me. Every setback taught me patience, perspective, and resilience.
Beyond that, creativity has played a big role in shaping my mindset. I’m deeply passionate about mobile photography, and I’m proud to be associated with Vivo India Limited as a Pro-Council Member and part of the Vivo X Elite Club. Photography trains you to notice details-composition, balance, light-and that awareness naturally spills into how I evaluate properties, spaces, and even client needs.
My love for automobiles, travel, and biking has also influenced how I think. Long drives and bike rides give me mental clarity. Travel broadens perspective. These experiences remind me that success isn’t just about destinations-it’s about the journey and how consciously you navigate it.
TheCconnects: Real estate is often described as unpredictable. What were some of the toughest challenges you faced, and how did you navigate them?
Sony Antony:
Market slowdowns, especially during COVID, were particularly challenging. Transactions slowed, uncertainty was high, and trust became fragile. Many professionals focused on survival; I chose to focus on responsibility.
Instead of pushing sales, I invested time in educating clients-helping them understand legal risks, market cycles, and long-term implications. I was later nominated to represent Hyderabad’s broker community in an industry webinar discussing the future of real estate during COVID. That phase reinforced my belief that credibility matters far more than transaction volume.
TheCconnects: You’ve consistently been recognized as a top-performing channel partner for reputed developers. What do you believe set you apart?
Sony Antony:
Consistency and preparation. I’ve never believed in selling inventory-I believe in selling confidence. Whether it was Lodha Group, Kalpataru Group, Mahindra Lifespaces, or others, I invested time in understanding projects end-to-end-legal structure, execution track record, and market fit.
Clients could tell I wasn’t chasing quick commissions. I was curating options that aligned with their financial and lifestyle goals. That trust translated into long-term relationships, repeat clients, and referrals.
TheCconnects: With Aston Realty, you’ve positioned yourself firmly in the luxury advisory segment. What gap did you see in the market?
Sony Antony:
Hyderabad has seen a surge of developers, and not all of them are credible or experienced. Buyers-especially HNIs and first-time luxury buyers-were overwhelmed. They needed someone to challenge assumptions on their behalf.
Aston Realty was created to act as that filter. We focus on deep due diligence, developer background verification, land title checks, and realistic ROI expectations. Whether it’s pre-launch deals, landowner shares, or structured group negotiations, our role is to simplify complexity and protect capital. Luxury, for me, is not about pricing-it’s about peace of mind.
TheCconnects: In today’s digital-first world, what do you see as the biggest challenge for real estate brands?
Sony Antony:
The biggest challenge is credibility amid noise. Social media has made visibility easy but trust harder to earn. Anyone can post polished visuals, but very few speak honestly about risk, compliance, or exit strategy.
That’s where content-real content-matters. My involvement in mobile photography has helped me appreciate storytelling with authenticity. Whether it’s through visuals or conversations, brands must educate, not exaggerate. Depth always outlasts noise.
TheCconnects: How do you personally unwind when you step away from business?
Sony Antony:
Automobiles, travel, and biking are my reset buttons. There’s something deeply grounding about a long bike ride or a road trip-it clears the mind. Mobile photography allows me to capture moments from those journeys, often shot entirely on smartphones.
I also enjoy acting and drone flying-they help me see the world from different perspectives. Networking through BNI keeps me connected to diverse thought processes, but quiet reflection remains essential. That’s where balance comes from.
TheCconnects: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or real estate professionals?
Sony Antony:
Don’t chase shortcuts. Real estate rewards patience, ethics, and consistency. Learn the legal frameworks, understand market cycles, and respect the responsibility clients place in you.
Failure will come-embrace it. Build trust before scale. When people trust you with their life savings, success becomes a natural byproduct.
TheCconnects: Sony, thank you for such an honest and deeply insightful conversation.
Sony Antony:
Thank you. I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my journey.
