It was on the cards. The rendezvous was actually set by the will of the universe. After all, the connect was instantaneous and gratifying for the senses, evoking mutual admiration, respect and affection.
It was late one fine evening when I reached out to Mr Anurag Batra, the bossman at Exchange4Media and Businessworld.
Mr Batra is an institution in the field of media & entertainment business. A dynamic doyen, his tales of affable congeniality reaches fast & far. King of networking and master entrepreneur, Mr Batra is an evolved individual and a proficient professional.
The meeting was fixed at a plush suburban hotel. Based in Delhi, Mr Batra keeps travelling to Mumbai and during one of his stays, the appointment was planned.
There is no alternative to hard work. I would like to share that I have been lucky in life and I am grateful to God for that
My mind’s eye sketched an indomitable figure (read: intimidating) of Mr Batra. However, when he walked into the room, his genuine concern and amiability built the bridges instantaneously.
“I will keep my phone away. I believe when we talk, the focus should be on the people conversing,” said Mr Batra exuding subtle panache and air of a successful man.
After dabbling on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to business ideas and current state of journalism (special mention of Arnab Goswami helmed Republic TV), the man of principles shared few golden words of wisdom.
“There is no alternative to hard work. I would like to share that I have been lucky in life and I am grateful to God for that.”
Humble and modest!!!
There will be times when time will be less and balancing life will get difficult, but the key lies in being calm and being with family
So what are the quintessential elements of success? “For me, as I mentioned, first is hard work. Second would be networking and third, always be good to people.”
What if people are not so good with you at times? “Well, they will behave the way they want to, you be extra nice to them,” smiled Mr Batra.
As our conversation meandered on other multiple subjects, Mr Batra also emphasized on the need to be fit, healthy & happy.
“Life has to be all encompassing. You need to be fit, take care of yourself and also love your family. Always take care of your parents. There will be times when time will be less and balancing life will get difficult, but the key lies in being calm and being with family.”
On a closing note, Mr Batra also mentioned the importance of reading and staying updated with the latest developments to constantly innovate and be on top of the game.
The wonderful, enlightening conversation ended with the two shaking hands, promising to meet again.
As I was about to walk off, Mr Batra said, “Businessworld ka ek copy lelo. Read on the way.”
I smiled and obliged.
