Looking at the way your life unfolded, would you say it has a specific purpose or mission?
I think I am very clear in my head. The purpose is to do stuff which is personally satisfying and transformative, at least for the community around me. The values I want to advertise about myself are not about being flamboyant and so on but that I mean well and am trying to do some good.

It was also my purpose in the telecom. I took on fights with the government even though people told me I am a nut case as I could have cut a deal with them, simplify my life and grow tremendously. But I never did. Because it never was for me only about making a fortune. Maybe because I don’t come from that background. The rat race of making always more money leaves me cold. Rather I am driven by wanting to do good for a business, a sector, a cause.
Jupiter Capital today is the way I remain solvent. I do stuff that keeps me excited and financially secure. But only in sectors that are thrilling, never something obvious or boring. For instance I am very big in the media in the south, but I stick to the south, I don’t want Hindi or English.

At times of challenges, where do you find your energy, your anchor?
I am a bit of a loner. I communicate a lot with myself. Recently, it has become more about my family. My wife is as feisty as me and tremendously supportive. My dad and mum have also been a very strong influence for me. They are not cheerleaders but I have their essential basic support with some shared basic values. So I have a reasonably decent support system.

... contd.