I recently had the opportunity to speak with Arijeet Talapatra, the dynamic CEO of itel India, a brand that has built an unshakable reputation in India’s budget smartphone and feature phone segments. With a mission to make “technology for all” a reality, itel has become a trusted name in Indian households, connecting more than 110 million (11 crore) consumers through its range of feature phones, smartphones, smart gadgets, and televisions.
Under Talapatra’s leadership, the brand has achieved remarkable success, from maintaining its No. 1 position in India’s feature phone market with over 31% market share, to becoming one of the leading players in the sub-Rs 10,000 smartphone category with 22% market share (as per Counterpoint 2025). itel’s strength lies in combining affordability, reliability, and durability with localized innovation that caters to the real needs of Bharat.
Our discussion spanned several themes, from itel’s guiding philosophy and product durability to its AI initiatives, large-scale manufacturing, and plans to create a connected ecosystem of smart products.
Below is the complete interview, divided into thematic sections for clarity.
9The road ahead: Building an ecosystem of smart products for Bharat
itel is now preparing for the next phase of its evolution, creating a connected ecosystem brand for Bharat.
“We want to become an ecosystem brand for Bharat, for the people living in Tier 3, 4 and 5 cities,” said Arijeet. “Our vision is to create a one-stop destination where a wide range of categories including mobiles, smart gadgets, home appliances, and other essential products are available under one roof, tailored to the unique demands of modern youth.”
He added, “Our goal is to offer a meaningful experience across a diverse range of durable, reliable, and affordable devices, ensuring that technology not only fits effortlessly into daily lives but also adds lasting value.”
He hinted at an ambitious product roadmap. “We have several important initiatives planned in this area that will be rolled out in the coming months. In the next few quarters, we will launch an exciting range of innovative products, with a strong focus on smart gadgets.”
