Cyrus Broacha

Mar 31, 2010

Cyrus Broacha
Chairman, Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd
Mumbai

It’s a foodies’ world

Today we are going to talk about my favourite animal. Well, that is not quite true. Actually, there is not that much animal about Shriman Kunal Vijayakar. Except for the coughing. No, wait a minute. Come to think of it, I can’t think of any animal that can cough. So let’s not be uncharitable. Let me rephrase the beginning.

Poor old Hosni

You know, the media has been quite unfair about this whole Egypt thingamajig. I mean, poor old President Hosni Mubarak. He is really not all that bad.

The tale of two Mayas

Maya is four. Of course the other Maya is 54. The first actually is my daughter the second is the first daughter of Uttar Pradesh. Why is she the first (er for lack of another word) lady? Primarily because she says so.

I, resolve

Let’s first examine, from my point of view, areas that need improvement.

Delicious and her cow

My Christmas was nearly celebrated with a cow. And I don’t mean in the same way some people celebrate Christmas with a turkey. Although in this particular case a turkey may have been an easier option.

Waiting to inhale

I’ve just started breathing again. Not that I had stopped breathing altogether.

My name is Raja, not Raju

Recently, I got a call from a lady who may or may not be the now notorious Niira Radia. I got a clue about her identity from her introduction, she called herself Mrs Wadia. She spoke in a hushed tone and made it very clear that she was all for business. I got a clue about this when she announced first off, that this was “an all business call”.

Men and shoelaces

Thursday, November 11, will go down as one of the greatest days in Indian history for two reasons: One, Prithviraj Chavan was sworn in and then sworn at as Maharashtra’s 371st chief minister; and second, my son Mikhaail learned how to tie his shoelaces by himself. These two events, ladies and gentlemen, are not as removed as they may seem.

Ram and Ravanball

Many years ago, I’m not sure when, but in all probability Circa 1963 a young writer straight out of the Jamia Film Institute wrote the epic Ramayan. His name was Vatsalya. Just like Elvis, he preferred to be known by his first name, and this is probably why to the best of our knowledge he never acquired a passport. His book, Ramayan, was a real money spinner, and that too at a time when there were no marketing wizards and advertising gurus to help him sell his product. The book sold because it was good. Real good!

Birthday without girls?

My wife’s planned my son’s birthday party. In keeping with our holy tradition and long-practised culture, her husband is the last to know.
My son Mikhaail is a lovely boy (on occasion), who wears his pants on his chest and has now started to wear sweaters even in 40 degrees temperature — a feat performed successfully only by sheep and the latter day Rishi Kapoor.

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