The Heritage
The Story of Dixit & Zak
Dixit & Zak is an Indian niche fragrance house that blends traditional Indian scent material with modern compositional techniques. Founded by chemical engineer Nitish Dixit and fourth‑generation oud distiller Zakir Laskar, the brand launched its first offering, Rising Mysore, in 2019. Since then it has built a catalogue of complex, character‑driven perfumes such as Emperor’s Court (2021) and Hindi Tabac (2022). The house works from Pune and sources raw materials from India and the Middle East, aiming to create scents that feel both rooted and contemporary.
Heritage
The story of Dixit & Zak begins with a family formula that Zakir Laskar inherited from his father, a respected oud distiller in northern India. Zakir grew up watching the extraction of agarwood oil and learning the subtle balance of wood, resin and spice. Nitish Dixit entered the partnership after completing a degree in chemical engineering, bringing a scientific perspective to fragrance stability and formulation. The two met in 2018 at a regional perfume workshop and decided to test the legacy formula on a modern canvas. Their first public release, Rising Mysore (2019), combined Mysore sandalwood with a curated blend of Indian spices, earning attention from independent reviewers for its depth. The follow‑up Rising Mysore 2 (2020) and Rising Mysore 3 (2021) expanded the narrative, each iteration adding new accords while preserving the core identity. In 2021 the duo introduced Emperor’s Court, a fragrance that references Mughal court aromas through a mix of oud, incense and citrus. 2022 saw the launch of Hindi Tabac and Ghaliyah Ghazali, both of which highlighted the brand’s willingness to explore tobacco and floral motifs within an Indian context. While the creative work began in 2019, the business formalised as Dixit & Zak Fragrances Private Limited on 26 July 2022, registering with the Registrar of Companies in Pune. This incorporation allowed the house to scale production while retaining its artisanal approach. Over the past five years the brand has maintained a steady release schedule, each new scent reflecting a dialogue between heritage ingredients and contemporary perfumery practice.
Craftsmanship
Production at Dixit & Zak begins with careful selection of raw materials. The house sources oud from established distilleries in the Himalayas, where the wood undergoes a slow, natural fermentation before oil extraction. Sandalwood is procured from certified plantations in Karnataka, and spice extracts come from small‑scale farms that follow organic practices. Once the ingredients arrive in Pune, Nitish applies his chemical engineering training to refine the extraction process, using low‑temperature methods that preserve volatile notes. The team then conducts small‑batch blending in a climate‑controlled lab, measuring each component with gas chromatography to verify purity. After a fragrance reaches its target profile, it is aged in dark glass containers for several weeks, allowing the accords to integrate fully. Quality control includes blind testing by both the founders and a panel of independent fragrance enthusiasts. Bottles are filled by hand, and each batch receives a handwritten note that details the scent’s inspiration and the specific raw material origins. This hands‑on approach ensures that every bottle reflects the house’s commitment to precision and authenticity.
Design Language
Visually, Dixit & Zak adopts a minimalist yet culturally resonant language. Bottles feature clear or amber glass with simple, etched caps that echo traditional Indian metalwork without overwhelming the design. Labels use a restrained serif typeface, printed in matte black on off‑white paper, allowing the scent’s story to occupy the foreground. The brand’s visual assets often incorporate subtle motifs such as a stylised peacock feather or a geometric pattern derived from Mughal architecture, linking the modern product to historic Indian art. Marketing imagery favors natural settings – teak forests, spice markets, and historic forts – presented in soft, natural lighting. This aesthetic reinforces the house’s narrative of bridging past and present, while the clean lines and limited colour palette convey a sense of quiet confidence. Packaging for limited editions includes a silk‑lined box that bears a hand‑stamped emblem, further emphasizing the artisanal nature of each release.
Philosophy
Dixit & Zak approaches perfumery as a conversation between science and tradition. The founders believe that Indian aromatic heritage offers a rich palette that remains under‑explored in global niche markets. They prioritize natural extracts, especially oud, sandalwood and regional spices, but they also apply rigorous analytical methods to ensure longevity and safety. The house describes its goal as creating scents that reward repeated wear, allowing the wearer to discover new facets over time. Rather than chasing trends, the brand follows a research‑first mindset: each ingredient is evaluated for its olfactory character and its ability to interact with others. This method reflects Nitish’s engineering background and Zakir’s generational knowledge of raw material quality. The duo also emphasizes sustainability, seeking suppliers who practice responsible harvesting, particularly for agarwood and sandalwood. Their creative vision centers on depth, balance, and a sense of place, inviting wearers to experience a story that unfolds with each breath.
Key Milestones
2019
Launch of Rising Mysore, the brand’s inaugural fragrance, introducing a sandalwood‑centric composition.
2020
Release of Rising Mysore 2 and Kashmir Nuit, expanding the series and exploring northern Indian aromatic influences.
2021
Introduction of Emperor’s Court and Rising Mysore 3, both receiving coverage from independent fragrance reviewers.
2022
Launch of Hindi Tabac, Ghaliyah Ghazali, and formal incorporation of Dixit & Zak Fragrances Private Limited in Pune on 26 July.
2023
Expansion of distribution to select international niche boutiques, while maintaining small‑batch production.
At a Glance
Brand profile snapshot
Origin
India
Founded
2019
Heritage
7
Years active
Collection
1
Fragrances released
Avg Rating
3.7
Community sentiment
Release Rhythm