Business confidential: With friends like these, why worry at all?

With friends like these, why worry at all?

Not satisfied with catering to the fund requirements of politicians back home, Indian businessmen now seem to be eyeing opportunities abroad. At the just concluded World Economic Forum meet, a member of one of India's leading corporate houses was engaged in spirited conversation on such matters with Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf party chairman Imran Khan. The corporate honcho was overheard urging Khan to fight elections in Pakistan. "Sir, you just go ahead...don't worry about funds. We will pump in as much as you need," he said in a generous gesture.

Check 1,2,3: SBI chief has a problem

SBI chairman Pratip Chaudhuri was one of the star participants at the World Economic Forum. Though his views on the financing needs of next generation companies was lapped up avidly by the audience, the head of the country's largest bank had a difficult time with his microphone. Not only was he signalled and prodded by his co panelists to use a microphone, he seemed confused about which one to use. He was rescued by all, even the panel moderator — BCG managing director Ranu Dayal.

DON'T FEAR, they ARE LIKE THAT ONLY

With its partnership over with an Indian industry chamber, the World Economic Forum saw a fair share of confusion in Gurgaon. Unfamiliar with the Indian media's tendency to cross examine business leaders on the sidelines of conferences, a worried set of foreign bouncers rushed in to "help" SBI chairman Pratip Chaudhuri after one such session. Chaudhuri, who was quite at ease despite being surrounded by mediapersons, finally had to tell the bouncers to move away as he was merely answering questions and not being assaulted.

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