The co-founder of Infosys remembers idyllic IIT Bombay campus,daily train rides and favourite seafood joints
From being an accidental entrepreneur,Nandan Nilekani admits to have become an accidental author with Imagining India: Ideas for the New Century. Even though the thought existed in his mind and he used to write columns,the co-founder of Infosys feels he stumbled into writing the book.
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The book really began on a wintry evening in Coonoor,in the Nilgiris in December 2006. Ramachandra Guha,Rohini (Nilekanis wife) and I were chatting over hot coffee when Rohini mentioned that I was thinking about writing a book, the writer says in his acknowledgement. Guha endorsed the idea and a series of events led to Penguin publishing the book. And as for being an accidental entrepreneur,Nilekani says in his introduction to his book,titled Notes from an Accidental Entrepreneur,that had he not walked into the office of the charismatic N R Narayana Murthy in the late 1978 in search of a job,he would probably have at best languished in a regular nine-to-fiver.
Ask him what to expect next from Nilekani,the writer,after a book of ideas. You expect more? I have done enough, he says,with mock-surprise. Then he adds,The book helped me clear my mind and understand my priorities.
Seated in a sea-facing room of the Trident,Nariman Point,Nilekani recalls writing down the entire structure of the book on a February 2007 evening at one go. He,however,started working on the book two months later. And in 18 months,the tome containing his perspective on Indias past,present and future was ready. He wants to know my opinion of the book and looks pleased when I tell him that it gave me a detailed picture of the countrys economic and social journey so far and the promise that the future holds.
Nilekani is in Mumbai for the launch of his book at The Trident on Monday evening. Earlier,his book launch in the city was cancelled following the terror attacks. The Padma Bhushan recipient shares a special bond with the metropolis where he studied Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay and started his career. IIT is a different world, says Nilekani,who studied there in 1973-78. He went on to live in the city for another three years,till 1981. I lived in Santa Cruz,and my home was close to the airport as well as the railway station. We could hear the sound every time a train hurtled down or a plane took off, he sweetly reminisces.
However,when he talks about taking a local train to Churchgate every day from Santa Cruz,I cant check my incredulous look. You took local trains? I ask. Come on,I did that for three years, says the entrepreneur,whose wealth is pegged at $ 1.3 billion. The fact that he has lived well in Mumbai soaking in the citys flavour becomes clear when he mentions names of his favourite restaurants in the city,along with his favourite dish there. Nilekani,however,says that he isnt much of a foodie now.
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There are frequent references to Hindi films in his book. I have used films as metaphors. But Im not a film buff, he says. In spite of this,he has not been able to resist Rock On!!s magic. Next on his wish-list is the latest rags-to-riches saga,Slumdog Millionare.
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
