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METHODOLOGY
Influence can be defined as an individual’s
ability to affect others, whether because of
status, wealth, rank or activism.
For the Top 50 Influentials, we began by asking
our various editorial sections to list the most
influential people they knew of — with a strong
link to Mumbai. The parameters for selection
were the person’s impact in the year gone by
and in recent times.
The initial list had 160 names, excluding anyone
directly or indirectly connected with DNA's
promoters. After this, the senior editorial team
got to work and pruned the list to 50. Then, our
eminent jury took over, and decided the order.
In cases where there was a tie, the names have
been listed in alphabetical order.
The Influentials
Presenting the Top 50 Influentials for 2011, DNA’s annual list of 50 people in Mumbai who have
made a difference: This year, the jury came up with some names that have never figured in our
previous lists, including the #1 — someone who has been associated with Mumbai in the past
and has caused a stir like never before. And despite a year that saw some big names dragged
into controversies, they continue to be on our list because their influence remains pervasive.
ANNA HAZARE
Social Activist
Capped crusader
Four out of five jury members picked Kisan
Baburao alias Anna Hazare as the Most
Influential Person this year. Considering that
he was not even among the 50 Top Influentials in
the years gone by, his debut at No 1 speaks
volumes for the impact Hazare has made with his
anti-corruption agenda. In the process, this
74-year-old, modern-day Gandhian has become an
icon for not just the older generation but even for
youngsters, scores of whom support him in the
real and virtual world. His crusade for an allencompassing
Lokpal Bill has inculcated a ray of
hope amongst the people that the war against
corruption might still be won. After all, the
decision to make a three-year posting at one place
mandatory for police officers came about after an
earlier demonstration by Hazare.
He has worked hard
and has the people's
approval for his
campaign against
corruption. I don't
know if he will
succeed, some may
not let it happen; but
he has brought about
awareness of the
issue."
—Hema Malini
01
CHANDA KOCHHAR
MD & CEO, ICICI Bank
First lady of banking
It's been just over two years since Chanda Kochhar took the reins of ICICI Bank
from the redoubtable KV Kamath, and she has acquitted herself very well.
If Kochchar spearheaded fantastic growth in loans to consumers, leading to the
bank having nearly 60% exposure to credit cards and consumer and home loans at
one point, her managerial skills were put to test with the collapse of the global
economy which brought to bear significant pressure on the bank. It is to Kochhar's
credit that she has steered the big ship to a safer — thriving — harbour.
She has a huge impact on working women, especially as she
has broken through the glass ceiling. But her greatest appeal
lies in the fact that she has achieved a work-life balance."
—Rujuta Diwekar
04
DEEPAK PAREKH
Chairman, HDFC
Homemaker
non-pareil
He is the man who steered HDFC to the
pinnacle of mortgage success in India,
allowing scores of middle-class people
to buy their own homes. Parekh, who sits
on the board of several companies across
sectors, is a father figure for Indian
business, a mediator in corporate disputes
and a darling of shareholders. He is also
involved with the Rajiv Awas Yojana,
which suggests ways of making Indian
cities slum-free. A chartered accountant by
qualification, Parekh is an avid cricket fan
and still takes time out to watch Sachin
Tendulkar. But when at work, his racing
mind is matched by none.
"Deepak Parekh has given a new
spin to home loans for lay people.
In a few years, he has created an
institution that we all look up to.
People feel safe with HDFC and
that says a lot."
—Gajra Kottary
05
SACHIN TENDULKAR
Cricketer
God. Period
When India won the World Cup earlier this year, 28 years after the 1983 triumph,
every team member said the win was for him, and because of him. Tendulkar
inspired the team, much the way he has been doing over the past two decades.
Today, God and Bharat Ratna are two prefixes increasingly being associated with
Tendulkar. With every possible and conceivable record under his belt, Tendulkar is
the new benchmark for batting: highest number of Tests, Test runs, Test centuries,
highest number of ODIs, ODI centuries, ODI runs… He is the veritable Bill Gates of
cricket. Only, Gates does not have a World Cup to his name.
He is one person who has united India. He has played at the
top level for 20 years, which is very tough to sustain for any
sportsman, and there is no replacement for him."
—Viren Rasquinha
02
DUVVURI SUBBARAO
Governor, RBI
Sage in the storm
The third rank is a bit of a surprise (he was at No 10 last year), but as one jury
member put it, what he does affects everyone in the country. Duvvuri Subbarao's
able helmsmanship of the Reserve Bank of India helped the country sail through
the 2008 downturn with minimal damage. The straight-talking Subbarao is a 1972
batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre and a PhD in economics. Though
unrelenting inflation has been giving him some heartburn, he is said to de-stress by
shaking a mean leg in his salsa class. His three-year tenure at the RBI draws to a close
in September, but the government is reportedly keen on giving him an extension.
He has steered us through the financial crisis without making the
country suffer. I agree that the RBI is party to the rising interest
rates, but he is only doing his job, and in a very difficult situation."
—Amitabh Chaturvedi
03
GAJRA
KOTTARY
Novelist and TV
scriptwriter Gajra
Kottary is the
author of Broken
Melodies, and
writer of popular
television serials
Balika Vadhu,
Jyoti, Godh
Bharaai and
Astitva.
JURY FOR DNA TOP 50 INFLUENTIALS
HEMA
MALINI
Hema Malini needs
no introduction.
One of India’s best
known actresses,
she has appeared in
150 films over 40
years. An
accomplished
Bharat Natyam
dancer, she is also a
former MP.
RUJUTA
DIWEKAR
Rujuta is a
celebrity
nutritionist. She
has written two
books on
nutrition and
diet, both of
which went on to
become
bestsellers in
their genres.
VIREN
RASQUINHA
A former hockey
star, Viren quit to
join Hyderabad’s
ISB. Today, he is
COO of Olympic
Gold Quest, a
foundation that is
working to groom
India’s potential
Olympic gold
medallists.
AMITABH
CHATURVEDI
Managing
director & CEO of
Dhanlaxmi Bank,
Amitabh is a CA who
has worked as
group president of
Reliance Capital and
head of retail
channels and
liabilities at ICICI
Bank.
PEOPLE WHO IMPACT MUMBAI
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Silent deliverer
It's been a busy year for Birla. Three
acquisitions in rapid succession and
thirsting for more, the Aditya Birla Group
is one of the few to have stayed away from the
scandals that have engulfed the high and
mighty of Indian business. Humble and
soft-spoken, but a hawk-eyed entrepreneur
nonetheless, Birla has set an ambitious target
for himself — to double the group's revenues
by 2015. The group has come a long way
during his 16 years at the helm, from
revenues of around $2 billion to more than
$30 billion and operations in 40 countries and
counting.
KUMAR MANGALAM BIRLA
Chairman, Aditya Birla Group
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Friday, July 29, 2011 19
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AMITABH BACHCHAN
Actor & Producer
Pop on top
To be at the top for 40 years, you need to be
made of different mettle. Amitabh
Bachchan has seen himself become a
legend over the years. Today, he still gives the
younger generation of actors a run for their
money. When Bachchan decided to step into
television, he created history: Kaun Banega
Crorepati is, till date, the most successful
reality show on Indian TV. Though all that
success has taken its share of struggles,
Bachchan has been able to tide over the
challenges the way only he can.
RATAN TATA
Chairman, Tata Sons
Empire builder
The countdown has begun. Ratan Tata, who
tied for the fifth rank with Deepak Parekh,
is slated to retire by end-December, 2012,
leaving behind a legacy carefully built since
1991. The run-up to his retirement will be
crucial. Finding a successor is a tough
proposition for the group that has grown
more than 25-fold since he took over from
JRD. His successor may have close to a year
under him. An intensely private man, Tata's
drive, enthusiasm and energy have to be seen
to be believed, say people close to him.
05
SALMAN KHAN
Actor & Producer
Da Bang
Salman Khan is the only actor in
Bollywood who has maintained his
position over the last two decades.
The star has been able to maintain a
steady market demand over this period and
therein lies the power of his brand. Flops
and controversies notwithstanding, Khan has
always emerged on top and delivered a hit
when needed. Today, he's known as the hero
of the masses, the Rajinikanth of Bollywood.
Ask any producer and he will
tell you that Salman Khan will always ensure
a good opening, be it at a multiplex in an
A-class city or a single-screen theatre in a
remote town.
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LATA MANGESHKAR
Singer
Queen of notes
She has lent her voice to over a thousand
Bollywood movies and recorded songs in
more than 36 regional and foreign
languages. Lata Mangeshkar, who has won
perhaps all the top awards available in India,
including the Bharat Ratna, remains an
active singer. What she means to India is best
evidenced by the fact that she has several
awards instituted in her name. In 1984, the
Madhya Pradesh government instituted a
Lata Mangeshkar Award and in 1992,
Maharashtra followed suit with a Lata
Mangeshkar Award, too.
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U K SINHA
Chairman, SEBI
17
In the hot seat
After T Rowe Price picked up a 26% stake in
UTI AMC, a reporter asked Sinha if a
change in management was in offing. "No,"
he said, "You will have to bear with me a little
longer." The truth was probably that the ex-IAS
officer, who led UTI AMC out of the
guaranteed payments crisis, was irreplaceable;
evidence was the top job lying vacant four
months after he left to head the Securities and
Exchange Board of India. He is also credited
with starting the micro pension movement.
AAMIR KHAN
Actor & Filmmaker
Marketer No 1
The man used to be known as a great actor,
but now Aamir Khan has successfully
emerged as one of the best marketing
strategists in the entertainment industry. His
marketing strategies have been widely copied
by other Bollywood filmmakers. Once again,
his production — Delhi Belly — has scored at
the box office this year, thanks to a clever
marketing strategy. The government of India
honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2003
and the Padma Bhushan in 2010 for his
contribution to the arts.
07
MUKESH AMBANI
Chairman & MD, Reliance Industries
Mr Mega
RIL is India’s most valuable listed company
and its chief, Mukesh D Ambani, the
richest Indian with a net worth of $27
billion as of March. Known for his Himalayan
ambition and ability to outthink competition,
Ambani executed a landmark $9 billion deal
with British Petroleum earlier this year and
is firming up plans to make forays into newer
areas such as telecom and infrastructure. RIL
aside, Ambani, who loves South Indian food,
will be looking forward to his team, Mumbai
Indians, bagging the elusive IPL
championship next year.
08
SHAH RUKH KHAN
Actor & Producer
Super, super star
Shah Rukh's My Name is Khan is the highest grossing Indian
film of all times in the overseas markets. His production house
has churned out a number of other good films with many more
in the offing. He was also one of the main pullers of audience for
the IPL, which is now a successful franchise in India. A household
name, Shah Rukh had the entire country rooting for him when he
refused to comply with the Shiv Sena's threats to stop screening his
films if he didn't apologise for his statement in favour of Pakistani
players. In 2005, the Government of India honoured him with the
Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cinema.
09
KV KAMATH
Chairman, Infosys
Bankable leader
KV Kamath, who earlier headed ICICI
Bank, is now the non-executive chairman
of India's second-largest software
exporter — Infosys. He will be watched
carefully in the coming days. His appointment
is seen as infusing fresh blood, which will
help the company leap into the next phase of
aggressive expansion and corporate
governance, of which he is a champion. After
all, it was this mechanical engineer and IIM-A
alumnus who nurtured ICICI Bank to
successfully take on the might of the public
sector banks.
ANAND MAHINDRA 15
Vice-chairman, M&M
Driving force
The company's interests now extend into
information technology, real estate,
aerospace, financial services, and energy.
This is in no small measure due to the vision
of its sharp-dressing and multi-faceted
commander-in-chief, Anand Mahindra. He
was instrumental in M&M’s acquisition of
the beleaguered IT company, Satyam
Computer Services, and South Korea's
SsangYong Motor Company. Mahindra, who
studied film at Harvard and is a blues
enthusiast, was the key driving force behind
the first edition of the Mahindra Blues
Festival.
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KATRINA KAIF
Actress
SuperKat
The British beauty stormed the Bollywood scene in 2003, and
has not looked back since. For someone who was raised in
London and started her career as a model, Katrina has worked
her way up to films. Initially written off for her acting abilities,
she stunned the industry with stellar performances in films like
Race, New York, and Rajneeti, which catapulted her to the Aleague
in Bollywood. Counted among the top five Bollywood
heroines today, Katrina has also been endorsing a number of
products.
13
KISHORE BIYANI
Founder & CEO, Future Group
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Sabse achcha
Future Group's Kishore Biyani has made
millions out of understanding the pulse of
the penny-pinching, value-seeking Indian
buyer. The 'Sabse Sasta' days at Big Bazaar are
evidence enough of this. Biyani has shown
that even insurance and SIM cards can be sold
at a supermarket. With several corporate
groups hot on his heels in the retail arena,
Biyani has to continue what he does best:
innovate. With a capable ally in his daughter,
Ashni Biyani, that should be easy.
SAMIR & VINEET JAIN
Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Times Group
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Brothers Jain
The brothers make a formidable pair,
executing ideas to perfection. Perhaps the
times, they are a-changin. In a refreshing
change, the paper’s entertainment
supplement is upfront when it calls itself an
"advertorial, entertainment, promotional
feature" right under its masthead. Will the
cash-rich group take advantage of Murdoch’s
woes to leap into the global arena? Times will
tell. Meanwhile, they are going deeper south.
KARAN JOHAR
Filmmaker
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Candid camera
Karan Johar started off in Bollywood as a
nerdy side-kick in iconic film Dilwale
Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. But today, he is
one of the most successful filmmakers. He is
also a valued TV personality who can get
anybody to come in on his talk show, no
matter what camp they belong to, and get
candid. Awards and honours have been par
for the course for this gentleman.
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Friday, July 29, 2011 20
DK MEHROTRA
Acting chairman, LIC
Leading a leviathan
Mehrotra, who took over as acting chairman of the Life
Insurance Corporation (LIC) in May, has the uphill task of
ensuring that the behemoth, which has a whopping 62%
market share now, doesn't lose business to over-aggressive new-age
competitors. His appointment to the top job at LIC is proof of his
execution abilities and leadership skills. Besides his seniority, it
was his experience in spreading LIC's offshore wings that assured
him the coveted hot seat. Expect him to take the competition headon
in his home turf.
25
25
ANIL AMBANI
Chairman, Reliance ADAG
Phoenix in
waiting
The younger Ambani sibling has spent the
best part of the year battling on many
fronts, forcing the fitness freak to lie low.
But the ace up his sleeve is a portfolio of three
4,000 MW power projects that his company is
building. As one of his confidantes predicts,
come 2013, Anil Ambani will rise like a
phoenix from the ashes.
EKTA KAPOOR
TV & film producer
A new script
Ekta Kapoor has always been referred to as
the queen bee of the television industry.
This year, she doesn't have anybody who
can replace her in the industry. Ekta has
ventured into film production now and she is
doing well in that sphere too. Her Ragini
MMS got critical reviews like its predecessor
Love, Sex Aur Dhoka. Ekta has a slew of
programmes lined up this year, which is sure
to keep her in the top position in the
television industry.
21
ADI GODREJ
Chairman, Godrej Group
Grey matters
The helmsman of the 114-year-old Godrej
Group is doing all he can to make his
consumer goods business an emerging
market multinational. At 69, Godrej has been
at his boldest and most active in recent years,
snapping up hair care and household care
firms in Asia, Africa and Latin America. At
work, Godrej has the support of his three
children Tanya, Nisa and Pirojsha. But each
of the Godrej Group companies has a nonfamily
CEO with Godrej and his three
children being more involved at the board
level.
25
ANURAG KASHYAP
Filmmaker
New Wave
Cinema Man
Known for his out-of-the-box cinema,
filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's films can be
best described as offbeat. He believes in
creating his own genre of cinema and not
conforming to established rules of
filmmaking. With path-breaking films
including Black Friday, Dev D, Udaan,
Shaitaan, and the controversial That Girl In
Yellow Boots to his credit, Anurag is a pioneer
of Indian new wave cinema. As a story-writer,
he had had hits like Satya and Kaun to his
credit. He has also acted in several films
including the recent I AM and Shagird.
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SUBODH KUMAR
Commissioner, BMC
25
Civic crusader
Municipal chief Subodh Kumar in his
brief tenure has shaken the foundation
of the BMC by changing its rules and
challenging several decisions of the ruling
Shiv Sena-BJP combine. He even gave a tough
time to the Congress-NCP opposition. Among
other things, he demolished more than 5,000
illegal structures and has proposed action
against the Sena's ambitious 'Shiv Vada Pav'
scheme, declaring it an unauthorised scheme.
He has been appreciated for his honest and
straight-forward work.
PIYUSH PANDEY
Executive chairman & creative director, O&M
A of admen
Executive chairman and creative director
for advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather,
India and South Asia, Piyush Pandey has
been the driving force behind the company's
continued efforts to make quality
advertisements. Over the years, he has picked
up over 500 Indian advertising awards and it
is thanks to his leadership that O&M has been
named India's most creative agency so many
times till date. In 2004, Piyush became the
first Asian to be the president of the Cannes
jury.
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PRASOON JOSHI
Adman, lyricist, scriptwriter
Lyricist par
excellence
Prasoon Joshi began his career as an ad
guy with Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) Delhi,
and later joined McCann-Erickson in
early 2002. In December 2006, he became the
executive chairman for McCann World Group
India and regional creative director, Asia
Pacific. Prasoon is also a screenwriter and a
lyricist. He made his debut as a lyricist with
Rajkumar Santoshi's Lajja and later penned
lyrics for films like Hum Tum, Faana, Rang
De Basanti, etc. His breakthrough came when
he wrote the lyrics for Aamir Khan's
l i dT Z P
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VIKAS OBEROI
Chairman & MD, Oberoi Realty
Realty’s rare thriver
Not many real estate companies inspire confidence among
investors these days, but Vikas Oberoi's firm is an exception.
Oberoi Realty has built over 5 million sq ft in suburban
Mumbai, with the flagship project being the 80-acre Oberoi
Garden City at Goregaon. The company went public last October
by raising Rs1,000 crore and its shares listed on the exchanges at a
premium. Oberoi, who is married to actress Gayatri Joshi of
Swades fame and has two kids, is not lacking in ambition but
won't sacrifice goodwill.
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HRITHIK ROSHAN
Actor
33
Sheikh of shake
Hrithik Roshan remains one of
Bollywood’s most bankable stars outside
the Khans. He commands the highest
price after the reigning trio and is one of the
most sought-after celebrities when it comes to
brand endorsements. Hrithik has a string of
films lined up for release, including the sequel
to his successful superhero film, Kkrish. Time
and again, Hrithik has not only proved his
versatility as an actor, but is also regarded as
a great dancer.
PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN
Chief minister, Maharashtra
33
A clean slate
The biggest challenge for Chief Minister
Prithviraj Chavan after taking over was to
rebuild the tainted image of the
Democratic Front government. Having
earned the tag of Mr Clean, he had to ensure
that it reflected adequately in every policy
decision. The chief minister, who works 16
hours a day, is determined to introduce new
culture that would make the administration
more accountable and transparent.
ARUP PATNAIK
Police commissioner, Mumbai
35
Hardball cop
Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup
Patnaik is one of the most influential
persons in the city. Known for his
upright and no-nonsense attitude and faith in
the old method of policing, Patnaik likes
discipline. If his orders are not followed, he is
known for taking immediate action. Patnaik
has also set up a Sunday darbar, where he
listens to the family problems of the lower
rungs of the police force and resolves them.
KAREENA KAPOOR
Actor
Star, brand
Kareena Kapoor remains one of the most
bankable stars in Bollywood. No major
actor bats an eyelid before signing up
opposite her. Kareena, with her acting
prowess and glamour, has successfully
reigned for almost five years now. She is
considered to be one of the hottest brand
ambassadors because she has evolved as an
actress.
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DR RAMAKANT PANDA
Cardiac surgeon
Bypassing
’em all
India's leading cardiac surgeon is popular
and famous after he performed a complex
bypass surgery on Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh in 2009. Recently, the Dr
Panda-led Asian Heart Institute launched a
robotic facility for surgery. It will offer
advanced robotic surgery for multi-disciplines
like cardio-thoracic surgery, urology,
gynaecology, ENT and oncology. Dr Panda
has performed over 15,000 bypasses, over 1,000
bypasses of which were considered
'inoperative' by other doctors.
25
SHARAD PAWAR
President, BCCI & Union agriculture minister
Politician of
many hues
At 70, he has embarked on a mission to
strengthen the NCP in Maharashtra
through inclusive politics.
Notwithstanding occasional differences, the
NCP has remained the most loyal alliance
partner of the Congress-led UPA at the
Centre. But it was with cricket — where as the
president of BCCI — that he attained his
biggest feat when the Indian cricket team lead
by MS Dhoni won the World Cup.
25
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Friday, July 29, 2011 21
PRATIP CHAUDHURI
Chairman, SBI
The biggest banker
One of the boldest decisions Chaudhuri made soon after taking
charge from OP Bhatt as chairman of the State Bank of India
(SBI) in April was to call off the bank's most popular product
— the teaser-rate loan. The signal was clear — he wouldn't play to
the market. The two chairmen couldn't be more different in their
approach: Chaudhuri is keen to maintain SBI's numero uno
position, but he will also maintain peace with the regulator (the
Reserve Bank of India). He also believes in promoting people who
are blessed with the vision of expanding business.
36
BAL & UDDHAV THACKERAY
President & Executive president, Shiv Sena
All in the family
At 84, Bal Thackeray remains the guiding force for thousands of
Sainiks who walk miles to reach Matoshree every year on the
eve of Guru Poornima to catch a glimpse of their leader. The
past year saw Uddhav taking to the streets through various
programmes related to the Marathi manoos, like housing for the
millworkers, to reconnect with the masses across Maharashtra.
The agitation against the 10,000 megawatt nuclear power project at
Jaitapur in the Konkan region shows that Uddhav is ready to take
the fight to its logical end.
41
41
ARNAB GOSWAMI
Anchor & Editor-in-Chief, Times Now
Argumentative,
Indian
He is one of the favourite targets of India's
emerging twitterati, as they bare their
fangs to spray 140 characters of sarcasm
at television anchors like him. A
rabble-rouser with an ability to lecture and
hector panel members on his show, he once
famously tried to browbeat and lecture Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh at a select press
conference for TV editors. He is a true
representative of the argumentative Indian.
He holds a master's degree in social
anthropology from Oxford, and a degree for
having been a visiting fellow.
ASHA BHOSLE
Singer
Croon queen
Asha Bhosle is known as one of the best
Bollywood playback singers ever. She is
believed to have sung over 20,000 songs in
more than 14 languages. Known for her
versatility, the 77-year-old has effortlessly
flitted from one genre to another, including
ghazals, bhajans, traditional Indian classical
music, pop, and film music. She is also one of
the first Indian singers to collaborate with
international pop singers like Boy George.
Along with being an ace singer, she is a
fabulous cook and has a restaurant called
Asha's in Dubai.
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RANBIR KAPOOR
Actor
The good son
With a family legacy that boasts of people
who have been in the industry for
decades, Ranbir Kapoor had a lot to live
up to when he took baby steps in Bollywood.
His debut film Saawariya in 2008 tanked at
the box-office, but his talent shone through.
His brilliant portrayal of characters in Wake
Up Sid, Rocket Singh and Rajneeti have clearly
put him in the top bracket. With his good
looks coupled with an interesting mix of films
and endorsements in his kitty, Ranbir is here
to stay.
36
NASEERUDDIN SHAH
Film & theatre personality
The thespian
For many, Naseeruddin Shah's presence in a
play or movie automatically grants the
production a positive judgement; so strong
is the association between Shah and quality
work. While he is best known for his roles in
movies such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, A
Wednesday and Monsoon Wedding, it is theatre
where Shah's legacy shines through. Shifting
with ease between commercial cinema,
arthouse movies and live theatre, Shah
continues to produce plays of consistent
quality. His most recent production was an
Ismat Chugtai story.
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KIRAN NAGARKAR
Author
Reader's delight
Kiran Nagarkar has written acclaimed
novels in both Marathi and English. His
first Marathi novel in 1974, Saat Sakkam
Trechalis, is considered a milestone in
post-Independence India. His second novel,
Ravan and Eddie, begun in Marathi but
completed in English in 1994, has delighted
readers across generations His later novel,
Cuckold (1997), which won the Sahitya
Akademi Award, has been translated into a
number of Indian languages. In Europe, both
Cuckold and God's Little Soldier (2007) are now
available in German, Spanish and French.
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NITA AMBANI
Co-owner, Mumbai Indians
Team leader
Earlier, the Preity Zintas and Shilpa Shettys
grabbed eyeballs for obvious reasons.
However, over the last two editions of the
IPL, we have witnessed the rise of Nita
Ambani. The bahu of India's richest family
made it a point to learn the nitty-gritty of
cricket. Nitabhabhi's dignity commands
respect and she is as important a face of
Mumbai Indians as Sachin Tendulkar. Be it a
plush sofa on the boundary line or the auction
hall, the mother of three holds her own. She
also heads the family's international school
and the company's CSR activities
36
ARAVIND ADIGA
Author
47
Sharp takes
In 2008, a writer most Indians hadn't heard
of, Aravind Adiga, won the Man Booker
Prize for his first book. The White Tiger's
unflattering portrait of India as a society
racked by corruption and servitude caused a
storm. Sharpening his observations on New
India in his third book, Last Man in Tower,
Adiga tells the story of a struggle for a slice of
shining Mumbai real estate, bringing all of
Adiga's gifts for sharp social observation and
mordant wit to the fore.
N CHANDRASEKARAN
CEO & MD, TCS
48
Software sultan
Natarajan Chandrasekaran (47) is the
youngest chief executive to lead Tata
Consultancy Services (TCS), India's
largest software services exporter. Training
under a professional marathon runner,
Chandra has participated in marathons in six
countries and brought the aggression to TCS,
which employs over 200,000 employees and
generates Rs36,935 crore revenues a year,
Chandra, who loves Kishore Kumar songs,
now faces the oldest challenge — to increase
revenues without increasing employees.
ADITYA CHOPRA
Filmmaker
49
Taciturn teller
Aditya Chopra has got immense acclaim
despite directing just three films —
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge,
Mohabbatein and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. He
started his filmmaking career at 18 as an
assistant director, working with his father,
Yash Chopra on films like Chandni, Lamhe
and Darr. He is also the producer of a few
blockbuster movies. Known to give young and
fresh talent a chance, the director has gone a
long way in making romance a cult genre.
RAJ THACKERAY
President, MNS
50
Charisma on test
Raj Thackeray’s powerful oratory laced
with theatrics helps him strike a chord
with the people during election rallies.
His anti-migrant stance, in particular, appeals
to a select section across Mumbai and the
state, where the real competition is between
the MNS and the Shiv Sena. But will Raj's
appeal translate into electoral support in the
BMC polls next year? That remains to be seen.
RR PATIL
Home minister, Maharashtra
The safekeeper
The Maharashtra home minister may have
earned criticism following the bomb blasts
in Mumbai, but let us remember that he
was reinstated as home minister precisely
because he is known to lead from the front.
We can expect that in the coming days. Patil
had pledged to tackle the Naxals in Gadchiroli
district, and to that end, he became the
guardian minister of the district. The growth
in violence against women and skewed sex
ratio are other issues that he plans to deal
with sternly.
PRIYANKA CHOPRA 45
Actress
Dexterous &
bewitching
She charmed the world when she was
crowned Miss World in 2000, shortly after
which she decided to enter Bollywood.
Her breakthrough performance came in
Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion where she
portrayed the role of a model whose career is
on the downswing. She was appreciated for
her performance and the film even got her a
National award. Her recently released Saat
Khoon Maaf , too, earned her rave reviews
along with a couple of awards. She is amongst
the top five actresses today and the one with
the maximum films in her kitty.
41
SHASHI AND RAVI RUIA
Chairman & Vice-chairman, Essar Group
Winning combo
In a world where brothers spar, the Ruias are
a refreshing change. The chairman and vice
chairman of the Essar Group, respectively,
Shashi and Ravi work from the same office
that oversees the Mahalaxmi racecourse.
They have taken big bets, sparred with the
mighty, and won handsomely. Recently, they
have received over $5 billion from Vodafone
and their next round of investments will be
eagerly watched. The duo has been training
the young guns in the family to take over the
reins after them.
45
Friday, July 29, 2011
METHODOLOGY
Influence can be defined as an individual’s
ability to affect others, whether because of
status, wealth, rank or activism.
For the Top 50 Influentials, we began by asking
our various editorial sections to list the most
influential people they knew of — with a strong
link to Mumbai. The parameters for selection
were the person’s impact in the year gone by
and in recent times.
The initial list had 160 names, excluding anyone
directly or indirectly connected with DNA's
promoters. After this, the senior editorial team
got to work and pruned the list to 50. Then, our
eminent jury took over, and decided the order.
In cases where there was a tie, the names have
been listed in alphabetical order.
The Influentials
Presenting the Top 50 Influentials for 2011, DNA’s annual list of 50 people in Mumbai who have
made a difference: This year, the jury came up with some names that have never figured in our
previous lists, including the #1 — someone who has been associated with Mumbai in the past
and has caused a stir like never before. And despite a year that saw some big names dragged
into controversies, they continue to be on our list because their influence remains pervasive.
ANNA HAZARE
Social Activist
Capped crusader
Four out of five jury members picked Kisan
Baburao alias Anna Hazare as the Most
Influential Person this year. Considering that
he was not even among the 50 Top Influentials in
the years gone by, his debut at No 1 speaks
volumes for the impact Hazare has made with his
anti-corruption agenda. In the process, this
74-year-old, modern-day Gandhian has become an
icon for not just the older generation but even for
youngsters, scores of whom support him in the
real and virtual world. His crusade for an allencompassing
Lokpal Bill has inculcated a ray of
hope amongst the people that the war against
corruption might still be won. After all, the
decision to make a three-year posting at one place
mandatory for police officers came about after an
earlier demonstration by Hazare.
He has worked hard
and has the people's
approval for his
campaign against
corruption. I don't
know if he will
succeed, some may
not let it happen; but
he has brought about
awareness of the
issue."
—Hema Malini
01
CHANDA KOCHHAR
MD & CEO, ICICI Bank
First lady of banking
It's been just over two years since Chanda Kochhar took the reins of ICICI Bank
from the redoubtable KV Kamath, and she has acquitted herself very well.
If Kochchar spearheaded fantastic growth in loans to consumers, leading to the
bank having nearly 60% exposure to credit cards and consumer and home loans at
one point, her managerial skills were put to test with the collapse of the global
economy which brought to bear significant pressure on the bank. It is to Kochhar's
credit that she has steered the big ship to a safer — thriving — harbour.
She has a huge impact on working women, especially as she
has broken through the glass ceiling. But her greatest appeal
lies in the fact that she has achieved a work-life balance."
—Rujuta Diwekar
04
DEEPAK PAREKH
Chairman, HDFC
Homemaker
non-pareil
He is the man who steered HDFC to the
pinnacle of mortgage success in India,
allowing scores of middle-class people
to buy their own homes. Parekh, who sits
on the board of several companies across
sectors, is a father figure for Indian
business, a mediator in corporate disputes
and a darling of shareholders. He is also
involved with the Rajiv Awas Yojana,
which suggests ways of making Indian
cities slum-free. A chartered accountant by
qualification, Parekh is an avid cricket fan
and still takes time out to watch Sachin
Tendulkar. But when at work, his racing
mind is matched by none.
"Deepak Parekh has given a new
spin to home loans for lay people.
In a few years, he has created an
institution that we all look up to.
People feel safe with HDFC and
that says a lot."
—Gajra Kottary
05
SACHIN TENDULKAR
Cricketer
God. Period
When India won the World Cup earlier this year, 28 years after the 1983 triumph,
every team member said the win was for him, and because of him. Tendulkar
inspired the team, much the way he has been doing over the past two decades.
Today, God and Bharat Ratna are two prefixes increasingly being associated with
Tendulkar. With every possible and conceivable record under his belt, Tendulkar is
the new benchmark for batting: highest number of Tests, Test runs, Test centuries,
highest number of ODIs, ODI centuries, ODI runs… He is the veritable Bill Gates of
cricket. Only, Gates does not have a World Cup to his name.
He is one person who has united India. He has played at the
top level for 20 years, which is very tough to sustain for any
sportsman, and there is no replacement for him."
—Viren Rasquinha
02
DUVVURI SUBBARAO
Governor, RBI
Sage in the storm
The third rank is a bit of a surprise (he was at No 10 last year), but as one jury
member put it, what he does affects everyone in the country. Duvvuri Subbarao's
able helmsmanship of the Reserve Bank of India helped the country sail through
the 2008 downturn with minimal damage. The straight-talking Subbarao is a 1972
batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre and a PhD in economics. Though
unrelenting inflation has been giving him some heartburn, he is said to de-stress by
shaking a mean leg in his salsa class. His three-year tenure at the RBI draws to a close
in September, but the government is reportedly keen on giving him an extension.
He has steered us through the financial crisis without making the
country suffer. I agree that the RBI is party to the rising interest
rates, but he is only doing his job, and in a very difficult situation."
—Amitabh Chaturvedi
03
GAJRA
KOTTARY
Novelist and TV
scriptwriter Gajra
Kottary is the
author of Broken
Melodies, and
writer of popular
television serials
Balika Vadhu,
Jyoti, Godh
Bharaai and
Astitva.
JURY FOR DNA TOP 50 INFLUENTIALS
HEMA
MALINI
Hema Malini needs
no introduction.
One of India’s best
known actresses,
she has appeared in
150 films over 40
years. An
accomplished
Bharat Natyam
dancer, she is also a
former MP.
RUJUTA
DIWEKAR
Rujuta is a
celebrity
nutritionist. She
has written two
books on
nutrition and
diet, both of
which went on to
become
bestsellers in
their genres.
VIREN
RASQUINHA
A former hockey
star, Viren quit to
join Hyderabad’s
ISB. Today, he is
COO of Olympic
Gold Quest, a
foundation that is
working to groom
India’s potential
Olympic gold
medallists.
AMITABH
CHATURVEDI
Managing
director & CEO of
Dhanlaxmi Bank,
Amitabh is a CA who
has worked as
group president of
Reliance Capital and
head of retail
channels and
liabilities at ICICI
Bank.
PEOPLE WHO IMPACT MUMBAI
13
Silent deliverer
It's been a busy year for Birla. Three
acquisitions in rapid succession and
thirsting for more, the Aditya Birla Group
is one of the few to have stayed away from the
scandals that have engulfed the high and
mighty of Indian business. Humble and
soft-spoken, but a hawk-eyed entrepreneur
nonetheless, Birla has set an ambitious target
for himself — to double the group's revenues
by 2015. The group has come a long way
during his 16 years at the helm, from
revenues of around $2 billion to more than
$30 billion and operations in 40 countries and
counting.
KUMAR MANGALAM BIRLA
Chairman, Aditya Birla Group
5TO0P
Friday, July 29, 2011 19
11
AMITABH BACHCHAN
Actor & Producer
Pop on top
To be at the top for 40 years, you need to be
made of different mettle. Amitabh
Bachchan has seen himself become a
legend over the years. Today, he still gives the
younger generation of actors a run for their
money. When Bachchan decided to step into
television, he created history: Kaun Banega
Crorepati is, till date, the most successful
reality show on Indian TV. Though all that
success has taken its share of struggles,
Bachchan has been able to tide over the
challenges the way only he can.
RATAN TATA
Chairman, Tata Sons
Empire builder
The countdown has begun. Ratan Tata, who
tied for the fifth rank with Deepak Parekh,
is slated to retire by end-December, 2012,
leaving behind a legacy carefully built since
1991. The run-up to his retirement will be
crucial. Finding a successor is a tough
proposition for the group that has grown
more than 25-fold since he took over from
JRD. His successor may have close to a year
under him. An intensely private man, Tata's
drive, enthusiasm and energy have to be seen
to be believed, say people close to him.
05
SALMAN KHAN
Actor & Producer
Da Bang
Salman Khan is the only actor in
Bollywood who has maintained his
position over the last two decades.
The star has been able to maintain a
steady market demand over this period and
therein lies the power of his brand. Flops
and controversies notwithstanding, Khan has
always emerged on top and delivered a hit
when needed. Today, he's known as the hero
of the masses, the Rajinikanth of Bollywood.
Ask any producer and he will
tell you that Salman Khan will always ensure
a good opening, be it at a multiplex in an
A-class city or a single-screen theatre in a
remote town.
10
LATA MANGESHKAR
Singer
Queen of notes
She has lent her voice to over a thousand
Bollywood movies and recorded songs in
more than 36 regional and foreign
languages. Lata Mangeshkar, who has won
perhaps all the top awards available in India,
including the Bharat Ratna, remains an
active singer. What she means to India is best
evidenced by the fact that she has several
awards instituted in her name. In 1984, the
Madhya Pradesh government instituted a
Lata Mangeshkar Award and in 1992,
Maharashtra followed suit with a Lata
Mangeshkar Award, too.
12
U K SINHA
Chairman, SEBI
17
In the hot seat
After T Rowe Price picked up a 26% stake in
UTI AMC, a reporter asked Sinha if a
change in management was in offing. "No,"
he said, "You will have to bear with me a little
longer." The truth was probably that the ex-IAS
officer, who led UTI AMC out of the
guaranteed payments crisis, was irreplaceable;
evidence was the top job lying vacant four
months after he left to head the Securities and
Exchange Board of India. He is also credited
with starting the micro pension movement.
AAMIR KHAN
Actor & Filmmaker
Marketer No 1
The man used to be known as a great actor,
but now Aamir Khan has successfully
emerged as one of the best marketing
strategists in the entertainment industry. His
marketing strategies have been widely copied
by other Bollywood filmmakers. Once again,
his production — Delhi Belly — has scored at
the box office this year, thanks to a clever
marketing strategy. The government of India
honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2003
and the Padma Bhushan in 2010 for his
contribution to the arts.
07
MUKESH AMBANI
Chairman & MD, Reliance Industries
Mr Mega
RIL is India’s most valuable listed company
and its chief, Mukesh D Ambani, the
richest Indian with a net worth of $27
billion as of March. Known for his Himalayan
ambition and ability to outthink competition,
Ambani executed a landmark $9 billion deal
with British Petroleum earlier this year and
is firming up plans to make forays into newer
areas such as telecom and infrastructure. RIL
aside, Ambani, who loves South Indian food,
will be looking forward to his team, Mumbai
Indians, bagging the elusive IPL
championship next year.
08
SHAH RUKH KHAN
Actor & Producer
Super, super star
Shah Rukh's My Name is Khan is the highest grossing Indian
film of all times in the overseas markets. His production house
has churned out a number of other good films with many more
in the offing. He was also one of the main pullers of audience for
the IPL, which is now a successful franchise in India. A household
name, Shah Rukh had the entire country rooting for him when he
refused to comply with the Shiv Sena's threats to stop screening his
films if he didn't apologise for his statement in favour of Pakistani
players. In 2005, the Government of India honoured him with the
Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian cinema.
09
KV KAMATH
Chairman, Infosys
Bankable leader
KV Kamath, who earlier headed ICICI
Bank, is now the non-executive chairman
of India's second-largest software
exporter — Infosys. He will be watched
carefully in the coming days. His appointment
is seen as infusing fresh blood, which will
help the company leap into the next phase of
aggressive expansion and corporate
governance, of which he is a champion. After
all, it was this mechanical engineer and IIM-A
alumnus who nurtured ICICI Bank to
successfully take on the might of the public
sector banks.
ANAND MAHINDRA 15
Vice-chairman, M&M
Driving force
The company's interests now extend into
information technology, real estate,
aerospace, financial services, and energy.
This is in no small measure due to the vision
of its sharp-dressing and multi-faceted
commander-in-chief, Anand Mahindra. He
was instrumental in M&M’s acquisition of
the beleaguered IT company, Satyam
Computer Services, and South Korea's
SsangYong Motor Company. Mahindra, who
studied film at Harvard and is a blues
enthusiast, was the key driving force behind
the first edition of the Mahindra Blues
Festival.
15
KATRINA KAIF
Actress
SuperKat
The British beauty stormed the Bollywood scene in 2003, and
has not looked back since. For someone who was raised in
London and started her career as a model, Katrina has worked
her way up to films. Initially written off for her acting abilities,
she stunned the industry with stellar performances in films like
Race, New York, and Rajneeti, which catapulted her to the Aleague
in Bollywood. Counted among the top five Bollywood
heroines today, Katrina has also been endorsing a number of
products.
13
KISHORE BIYANI
Founder & CEO, Future Group
18
Sabse achcha
Future Group's Kishore Biyani has made
millions out of understanding the pulse of
the penny-pinching, value-seeking Indian
buyer. The 'Sabse Sasta' days at Big Bazaar are
evidence enough of this. Biyani has shown
that even insurance and SIM cards can be sold
at a supermarket. With several corporate
groups hot on his heels in the retail arena,
Biyani has to continue what he does best:
innovate. With a capable ally in his daughter,
Ashni Biyani, that should be easy.
SAMIR & VINEET JAIN
Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Times Group
18
Brothers Jain
The brothers make a formidable pair,
executing ideas to perfection. Perhaps the
times, they are a-changin. In a refreshing
change, the paper’s entertainment
supplement is upfront when it calls itself an
"advertorial, entertainment, promotional
feature" right under its masthead. Will the
cash-rich group take advantage of Murdoch’s
woes to leap into the global arena? Times will
tell. Meanwhile, they are going deeper south.
KARAN JOHAR
Filmmaker
20
Candid camera
Karan Johar started off in Bollywood as a
nerdy side-kick in iconic film Dilwale
Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. But today, he is
one of the most successful filmmakers. He is
also a valued TV personality who can get
anybody to come in on his talk show, no
matter what camp they belong to, and get
candid. Awards and honours have been par
for the course for this gentleman.
5TO0P
Friday, July 29, 2011 20
DK MEHROTRA
Acting chairman, LIC
Leading a leviathan
Mehrotra, who took over as acting chairman of the Life
Insurance Corporation (LIC) in May, has the uphill task of
ensuring that the behemoth, which has a whopping 62%
market share now, doesn't lose business to over-aggressive new-age
competitors. His appointment to the top job at LIC is proof of his
execution abilities and leadership skills. Besides his seniority, it
was his experience in spreading LIC's offshore wings that assured
him the coveted hot seat. Expect him to take the competition headon
in his home turf.
25
25
ANIL AMBANI
Chairman, Reliance ADAG
Phoenix in
waiting
The younger Ambani sibling has spent the
best part of the year battling on many
fronts, forcing the fitness freak to lie low.
But the ace up his sleeve is a portfolio of three
4,000 MW power projects that his company is
building. As one of his confidantes predicts,
come 2013, Anil Ambani will rise like a
phoenix from the ashes.
EKTA KAPOOR
TV & film producer
A new script
Ekta Kapoor has always been referred to as
the queen bee of the television industry.
This year, she doesn't have anybody who
can replace her in the industry. Ekta has
ventured into film production now and she is
doing well in that sphere too. Her Ragini
MMS got critical reviews like its predecessor
Love, Sex Aur Dhoka. Ekta has a slew of
programmes lined up this year, which is sure
to keep her in the top position in the
television industry.
21
ADI GODREJ
Chairman, Godrej Group
Grey matters
The helmsman of the 114-year-old Godrej
Group is doing all he can to make his
consumer goods business an emerging
market multinational. At 69, Godrej has been
at his boldest and most active in recent years,
snapping up hair care and household care
firms in Asia, Africa and Latin America. At
work, Godrej has the support of his three
children Tanya, Nisa and Pirojsha. But each
of the Godrej Group companies has a nonfamily
CEO with Godrej and his three
children being more involved at the board
level.
25
ANURAG KASHYAP
Filmmaker
New Wave
Cinema Man
Known for his out-of-the-box cinema,
filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's films can be
best described as offbeat. He believes in
creating his own genre of cinema and not
conforming to established rules of
filmmaking. With path-breaking films
including Black Friday, Dev D, Udaan,
Shaitaan, and the controversial That Girl In
Yellow Boots to his credit, Anurag is a pioneer
of Indian new wave cinema. As a story-writer,
he had had hits like Satya and Kaun to his
credit. He has also acted in several films
including the recent I AM and Shagird.
25
SUBODH KUMAR
Commissioner, BMC
25
Civic crusader
Municipal chief Subodh Kumar in his
brief tenure has shaken the foundation
of the BMC by changing its rules and
challenging several decisions of the ruling
Shiv Sena-BJP combine. He even gave a tough
time to the Congress-NCP opposition. Among
other things, he demolished more than 5,000
illegal structures and has proposed action
against the Sena's ambitious 'Shiv Vada Pav'
scheme, declaring it an unauthorised scheme.
He has been appreciated for his honest and
straight-forward work.
PIYUSH PANDEY
Executive chairman & creative director, O&M
A of admen
Executive chairman and creative director
for advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather,
India and South Asia, Piyush Pandey has
been the driving force behind the company's
continued efforts to make quality
advertisements. Over the years, he has picked
up over 500 Indian advertising awards and it
is thanks to his leadership that O&M has been
named India's most creative agency so many
times till date. In 2004, Piyush became the
first Asian to be the president of the Cannes
jury.
21
PRASOON JOSHI
Adman, lyricist, scriptwriter
Lyricist par
excellence
Prasoon Joshi began his career as an ad
guy with Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) Delhi,
and later joined McCann-Erickson in
early 2002. In December 2006, he became the
executive chairman for McCann World Group
India and regional creative director, Asia
Pacific. Prasoon is also a screenwriter and a
lyricist. He made his debut as a lyricist with
Rajkumar Santoshi's Lajja and later penned
lyrics for films like Hum Tum, Faana, Rang
De Basanti, etc. His breakthrough came when
he wrote the lyrics for Aamir Khan's
l i dT Z P
21
VIKAS OBEROI
Chairman & MD, Oberoi Realty
Realty’s rare thriver
Not many real estate companies inspire confidence among
investors these days, but Vikas Oberoi's firm is an exception.
Oberoi Realty has built over 5 million sq ft in suburban
Mumbai, with the flagship project being the 80-acre Oberoi
Garden City at Goregaon. The company went public last October
by raising Rs1,000 crore and its shares listed on the exchanges at a
premium. Oberoi, who is married to actress Gayatri Joshi of
Swades fame and has two kids, is not lacking in ambition but
won't sacrifice goodwill.
21
HRITHIK ROSHAN
Actor
33
Sheikh of shake
Hrithik Roshan remains one of
Bollywood’s most bankable stars outside
the Khans. He commands the highest
price after the reigning trio and is one of the
most sought-after celebrities when it comes to
brand endorsements. Hrithik has a string of
films lined up for release, including the sequel
to his successful superhero film, Kkrish. Time
and again, Hrithik has not only proved his
versatility as an actor, but is also regarded as
a great dancer.
PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN
Chief minister, Maharashtra
33
A clean slate
The biggest challenge for Chief Minister
Prithviraj Chavan after taking over was to
rebuild the tainted image of the
Democratic Front government. Having
earned the tag of Mr Clean, he had to ensure
that it reflected adequately in every policy
decision. The chief minister, who works 16
hours a day, is determined to introduce new
culture that would make the administration
more accountable and transparent.
ARUP PATNAIK
Police commissioner, Mumbai
35
Hardball cop
Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup
Patnaik is one of the most influential
persons in the city. Known for his
upright and no-nonsense attitude and faith in
the old method of policing, Patnaik likes
discipline. If his orders are not followed, he is
known for taking immediate action. Patnaik
has also set up a Sunday darbar, where he
listens to the family problems of the lower
rungs of the police force and resolves them.
KAREENA KAPOOR
Actor
Star, brand
Kareena Kapoor remains one of the most
bankable stars in Bollywood. No major
actor bats an eyelid before signing up
opposite her. Kareena, with her acting
prowess and glamour, has successfully
reigned for almost five years now. She is
considered to be one of the hottest brand
ambassadors because she has evolved as an
actress.
25
DR RAMAKANT PANDA
Cardiac surgeon
Bypassing
’em all
India's leading cardiac surgeon is popular
and famous after he performed a complex
bypass surgery on Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh in 2009. Recently, the Dr
Panda-led Asian Heart Institute launched a
robotic facility for surgery. It will offer
advanced robotic surgery for multi-disciplines
like cardio-thoracic surgery, urology,
gynaecology, ENT and oncology. Dr Panda
has performed over 15,000 bypasses, over 1,000
bypasses of which were considered
'inoperative' by other doctors.
25
SHARAD PAWAR
President, BCCI & Union agriculture minister
Politician of
many hues
At 70, he has embarked on a mission to
strengthen the NCP in Maharashtra
through inclusive politics.
Notwithstanding occasional differences, the
NCP has remained the most loyal alliance
partner of the Congress-led UPA at the
Centre. But it was with cricket — where as the
president of BCCI — that he attained his
biggest feat when the Indian cricket team lead
by MS Dhoni won the World Cup.
25
5TO0P
Friday, July 29, 2011 21
PRATIP CHAUDHURI
Chairman, SBI
The biggest banker
One of the boldest decisions Chaudhuri made soon after taking
charge from OP Bhatt as chairman of the State Bank of India
(SBI) in April was to call off the bank's most popular product
— the teaser-rate loan. The signal was clear — he wouldn't play to
the market. The two chairmen couldn't be more different in their
approach: Chaudhuri is keen to maintain SBI's numero uno
position, but he will also maintain peace with the regulator (the
Reserve Bank of India). He also believes in promoting people who
are blessed with the vision of expanding business.
36
BAL & UDDHAV THACKERAY
President & Executive president, Shiv Sena
All in the family
At 84, Bal Thackeray remains the guiding force for thousands of
Sainiks who walk miles to reach Matoshree every year on the
eve of Guru Poornima to catch a glimpse of their leader. The
past year saw Uddhav taking to the streets through various
programmes related to the Marathi manoos, like housing for the
millworkers, to reconnect with the masses across Maharashtra.
The agitation against the 10,000 megawatt nuclear power project at
Jaitapur in the Konkan region shows that Uddhav is ready to take
the fight to its logical end.
41
41
ARNAB GOSWAMI
Anchor & Editor-in-Chief, Times Now
Argumentative,
Indian
He is one of the favourite targets of India's
emerging twitterati, as they bare their
fangs to spray 140 characters of sarcasm
at television anchors like him. A
rabble-rouser with an ability to lecture and
hector panel members on his show, he once
famously tried to browbeat and lecture Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh at a select press
conference for TV editors. He is a true
representative of the argumentative Indian.
He holds a master's degree in social
anthropology from Oxford, and a degree for
having been a visiting fellow.
ASHA BHOSLE
Singer
Croon queen
Asha Bhosle is known as one of the best
Bollywood playback singers ever. She is
believed to have sung over 20,000 songs in
more than 14 languages. Known for her
versatility, the 77-year-old has effortlessly
flitted from one genre to another, including
ghazals, bhajans, traditional Indian classical
music, pop, and film music. She is also one of
the first Indian singers to collaborate with
international pop singers like Boy George.
Along with being an ace singer, she is a
fabulous cook and has a restaurant called
Asha's in Dubai.
36
RANBIR KAPOOR
Actor
The good son
With a family legacy that boasts of people
who have been in the industry for
decades, Ranbir Kapoor had a lot to live
up to when he took baby steps in Bollywood.
His debut film Saawariya in 2008 tanked at
the box-office, but his talent shone through.
His brilliant portrayal of characters in Wake
Up Sid, Rocket Singh and Rajneeti have clearly
put him in the top bracket. With his good
looks coupled with an interesting mix of films
and endorsements in his kitty, Ranbir is here
to stay.
36
NASEERUDDIN SHAH
Film & theatre personality
The thespian
For many, Naseeruddin Shah's presence in a
play or movie automatically grants the
production a positive judgement; so strong
is the association between Shah and quality
work. While he is best known for his roles in
movies such as Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, A
Wednesday and Monsoon Wedding, it is theatre
where Shah's legacy shines through. Shifting
with ease between commercial cinema,
arthouse movies and live theatre, Shah
continues to produce plays of consistent
quality. His most recent production was an
Ismat Chugtai story.
41
KIRAN NAGARKAR
Author
Reader's delight
Kiran Nagarkar has written acclaimed
novels in both Marathi and English. His
first Marathi novel in 1974, Saat Sakkam
Trechalis, is considered a milestone in
post-Independence India. His second novel,
Ravan and Eddie, begun in Marathi but
completed in English in 1994, has delighted
readers across generations His later novel,
Cuckold (1997), which won the Sahitya
Akademi Award, has been translated into a
number of Indian languages. In Europe, both
Cuckold and God's Little Soldier (2007) are now
available in German, Spanish and French.
36
NITA AMBANI
Co-owner, Mumbai Indians
Team leader
Earlier, the Preity Zintas and Shilpa Shettys
grabbed eyeballs for obvious reasons.
However, over the last two editions of the
IPL, we have witnessed the rise of Nita
Ambani. The bahu of India's richest family
made it a point to learn the nitty-gritty of
cricket. Nitabhabhi's dignity commands
respect and she is as important a face of
Mumbai Indians as Sachin Tendulkar. Be it a
plush sofa on the boundary line or the auction
hall, the mother of three holds her own. She
also heads the family's international school
and the company's CSR activities
36
ARAVIND ADIGA
Author
47
Sharp takes
In 2008, a writer most Indians hadn't heard
of, Aravind Adiga, won the Man Booker
Prize for his first book. The White Tiger's
unflattering portrait of India as a society
racked by corruption and servitude caused a
storm. Sharpening his observations on New
India in his third book, Last Man in Tower,
Adiga tells the story of a struggle for a slice of
shining Mumbai real estate, bringing all of
Adiga's gifts for sharp social observation and
mordant wit to the fore.
N CHANDRASEKARAN
CEO & MD, TCS
48
Software sultan
Natarajan Chandrasekaran (47) is the
youngest chief executive to lead Tata
Consultancy Services (TCS), India's
largest software services exporter. Training
under a professional marathon runner,
Chandra has participated in marathons in six
countries and brought the aggression to TCS,
which employs over 200,000 employees and
generates Rs36,935 crore revenues a year,
Chandra, who loves Kishore Kumar songs,
now faces the oldest challenge — to increase
revenues without increasing employees.
ADITYA CHOPRA
Filmmaker
49
Taciturn teller
Aditya Chopra has got immense acclaim
despite directing just three films —
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge,
Mohabbatein and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. He
started his filmmaking career at 18 as an
assistant director, working with his father,
Yash Chopra on films like Chandni, Lamhe
and Darr. He is also the producer of a few
blockbuster movies. Known to give young and
fresh talent a chance, the director has gone a
long way in making romance a cult genre.
RAJ THACKERAY
President, MNS
50
Charisma on test
Raj Thackeray’s powerful oratory laced
with theatrics helps him strike a chord
with the people during election rallies.
His anti-migrant stance, in particular, appeals
to a select section across Mumbai and the
state, where the real competition is between
the MNS and the Shiv Sena. But will Raj's
appeal translate into electoral support in the
BMC polls next year? That remains to be seen.
RR PATIL
Home minister, Maharashtra
The safekeeper
The Maharashtra home minister may have
earned criticism following the bomb blasts
in Mumbai, but let us remember that he
was reinstated as home minister precisely
because he is known to lead from the front.
We can expect that in the coming days. Patil
had pledged to tackle the Naxals in Gadchiroli
district, and to that end, he became the
guardian minister of the district. The growth
in violence against women and skewed sex
ratio are other issues that he plans to deal
with sternly.
PRIYANKA CHOPRA 45
Actress
Dexterous &
bewitching
She charmed the world when she was
crowned Miss World in 2000, shortly after
which she decided to enter Bollywood.
Her breakthrough performance came in
Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion where she
portrayed the role of a model whose career is
on the downswing. She was appreciated for
her performance and the film even got her a
National award. Her recently released Saat
Khoon Maaf , too, earned her rave reviews
along with a couple of awards. She is amongst
the top five actresses today and the one with
the maximum films in her kitty.
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SHASHI AND RAVI RUIA
Chairman & Vice-chairman, Essar Group
Winning combo
In a world where brothers spar, the Ruias are
a refreshing change. The chairman and vice
chairman of the Essar Group, respectively,
Shashi and Ravi work from the same office
that oversees the Mahalaxmi racecourse.
They have taken big bets, sparred with the
mighty, and won handsomely. Recently, they
have received over $5 billion from Vodafone
and their next round of investments will be
eagerly watched. The duo has been training
the young guns in the family to take over the
reins after them.
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