Shailendra Singh,Joint managing director,Percept Holdings have somebody whom he can relate to and also fundamentals about the Big Boss,in conversation with Nidhi Jain.

By Birth
I am very God fearing,it's quite nice to have somebody one can relate to universally for all issues and more interesting is that He does not talk back.Imagine that we have a living God and He would give us advice,we shall be in deep trouble,so I like the whole packaging of God,if one is sad one can talk to him.I believe temples are great therapy,it's not necessary to connect deeply to God;if one is a good humanbeing,do good deeds, God shall respect.I believe our actions should connect to God ,walking barefoot to 16 temples,is crazy.Once in a while I go to Vaishnodevi,I love running up and down the mountain.I get a kick,just the magic of being there.

Religion
Base of religion came from our parents ,everything embodied,that constituted the model.They never forced us on anything when it came to religion.It was taught that karma decides the fate.During those weak moments if one wants to go to temple and share a moment with statue it is a personal choice,can't go crazy doing pujans,then its becomes an endless journey.

Values
Created by political scenario of a country,it's universal,human beings are equal.They are created and circumstantial,hardcore eg.being... Newzealand went to Pakistan to play series three years ago,shining campaign was on,first day they blasted the bomb in front of the hotel ,they felt Newzies didn't play well.India went 30 days later they won series,not a single bomb blasted,had their Pakwans and guess who won the series--India.Newzealenders were sent home.We think people want to fight or somebody wants to make us fight.Politics and terrorism ensures that religion is an issue.

Belief
Believe in Myself and God.

Rituals
If somebody is doing a ritual I am part of it but I do not self create it though I thoroughly enjoy.My wife does rocking Ganpati,I was the first one to dance from my house to Nariman point.If one is involoved,it's better to make the most of it .We have 320 festivals in Mumbai.It's brilliant platform to release emotions and celeberate.

Spiritual guidance
Our spiritual guidance comes from our destiny,there are always two doors to walk through.

Positive thinking
Fully charged,only positive no negatives around.

Are you Destiny's child?
It has been rags to riches story,everything I dreamt of ,is done.I am in a comfort zone and satisfied.Now,it is is as good as it gets.

I am not an early riser
My day normally begins at around 8 am in the morning. After which I devote about ten minutes for my pooja and rituals. I read the Hanuman Chalisa(which is one of the most sacred books in Hindu mythology and describes the devotion of Lord Hanuman towards Sri Rama)and put Jal over Shivji. I normally stick to a very light breakfast. It's just a glass of milk with a slice of bread or some fruits.

I have a sweet tooth
I am not much of a foodie. I mostly stick to home food. Lunch is mostly some roti and sabzi or sometimes it could just be a sandwich. On a rating scale, I prefer Indian to Continental food. I freak out on Paneer and Chaat and also love to gorge on sweets. Occasionally, we dine out at the Mingyang at Taj Lands End, Thai Pavillion at President, and The Pizzahut at Link road.

Traveling is mostly for work
A few years I had all the time in the world for travel. But, nowadays traveling is mostly for work. Somehow, one doesn't really have the time to travel. Of all the places I've been till date, I love Greece. Apart from what it stands for historically, I also loved the place from a tourist angle.

I love to collect artefacts

I remember since the time I was in my seventh grade, I had cultivated a hobby of collecting antiques. Years back, I also used to collect old big locks, utensils, antique furniture and now artefacts. Whenever, I travel I always make it a point to pick up an antique for myself. I love shopping for shoes, watches and belts.
 

Music
Music is a great stress buster for me. I love to listen to old Hindi songs as well as western music. Some of my all-time favourites are Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cliff Richard and Boney M.

A quiet dinner for me
I am a family person. I don't love to party much. My idea of a great evening is a quiet dinner with my family.

Reading is not my cup of tea
All that I can ever read are newspapers and magazines. I am not the type who can read fat books and novels. It's just not my cup of tea.

Gizmos and Gadgets
I am not too much into trying out new gizmos and gadgets. I stick to my Nokia 6681 and my laptop.

My Favourite Car
I drive the Chevrolet Optra, and I am quite happy with it. But my next purchase for sure is going to be the Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV because of its well proposed shape.

Religion
I believe in Hanumanji and Shivji a lot and that is because my family has always had faith in them. I don't really believe in fasting much but Maha Shivratri and Hanuman Jayanti are two days in a year when I religiously fast. I go to the Shiv Mandir on Mondays and Hanuman Mandir on Tuesdays.

Relaxing Mantra
I don't really consider my work stressful, but that's because I forget work as soon as I am back home. Watching my 8 year old son play makes me forget everything. After an extremely busy day at work, I sometimes love to go for a long drive or a walk with my family at night.

He's the man behind the eternal mythos like Om Namah Shivay and Shree Ganesh. In fact, many in the industry refer to him as the `mytho man'; though he has consistently also delivered on other genres of programming.

The plucky producer has currently been in the spotlight for his new show `Jodi Kamaal ki' on Star Plus.As we got talking to him, we found out that Dheeraj Kumar is an ardent follower of Lord Shiva (the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity) and Goddess Durga (manifesting Shakti or power) . In an interview to exec life, we talk to him about his belief system and faith that has kept him going in life.

"There's a bit of providence in my life"
There's definitely a bit of providence in everybody's life. Apart from that, I believe in destiny and the power of the almighty. A lot of things & events happen in life which are not planned. In fact, I believe all the important events in my life have been a result of divine intervention. The way my company has grown, the day I met my wife or even my name for that matter.

Not many people know that my real name is Purshottam Kochhar. During my early days in Mumbai, when I was very much a part of the filmworld, someone suggested the name Dheeraj Kumar since it was in sync with Dilip Kumar.

"My wife is actually a Parsee"
My wife, Zuby Kochhar used to fly for Air India for about 17 years. We've now been together for more than 45 years. She's actually a Parsee but after our marriage has adopted my faith and belief system. Now, it's her strong belief in Lord Shiva and Ma Durga which gives me strength. If there's any critical decision to be taken or any business problem, I turn to Zuby,who's really my support system.

"My parents sowed the seeds of devotion in me"
My parents actually sowed the seeds of devotion in me. They were very religious and we used to pray as a family together. My childhood memories are all about the huge temple in our house which had Ma Durga and Lord Shiva's Trishul in it.
I don't really believe in any kind of rituals. Every morning, I take about twenty minutes to do mypooja. That gives me strength, lightens up my worries and also keeps me feeling young.

"I own more than 1000 shiva idols"
I've a huge collection of Shiva idols at home as well as in my office.Yet, my friends keep gifting me with more Shiva idols. In fact, my office building is also called as Kailash Plaza.In fact, I had donated a huge statue of Lord Shiva to this building, when it was being constructed.

"I am a Karmayogi"
Do I sound like I am preaching like a saint? Well, I am actually a Karmayogi. I am very ambitious and still desire to grow my company further. But I do these things very peacefully. So, while I plan for the future, I also give all my worries to God. I work hard for more than ten hours a day and try as far as possible, not to overreact to people and situations.

"God doesn't ask you to relax"

Belief in God doesn't mean put on your AC and relax. But Lord Shiva really inspires me to stand up and fight.

"An incident that has stayed with me"
I used to live in Byculla during my younger days. Once, late at night after a shoot, I got down at Mahalakshmi. I only had a railway pass and cash of Rs 1.30 with me. I was very hungry that night, but the question was whether I should take a taxi or should have my dinner?

It was pouring heavily that night and all the restaurants were closed. And the other restaurants that were open were charging 80 paisa for three chapatis and a paya soup. I couldn't afford that. I kept walking on and saw a labourer who was making chapatis for himself. I asked him if he would share his dinner with me. He happily baked 7 to 8 chapatis and we had it together with just a glass of water. I still remember the sweet taste of that dinner and thank God everyday for standing by me.

Life has not exactly been a roller coaster ride for producer Ajai Sinha. In fact, as he narrates us the story of his life, it sounds like it's really been a struggle in search of his real astitva so-to-speak.

One sees a rather childlike simplicity in him, as he reveals, "I came from Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai not knowing what I really wanted to do. I did my Civil Engineering and spent a few years trying to construct canals, which was rather frustrating.
So, how did a civil engineer later venture out into television? On a rather candid note, he reveals, "Later, I tried films and acting but nothing could really fulfill the creative urge in me. Along the way, I figured out that only directing would fulfill the creative urge in me. And the first break in life came with Zee's Hasratein. After which it's been television all the way."

But as they say life always comes a full circle. Now what next after Astitva- Ek Prem Kahani? On a rather lighter note, Sinha chuckles, "Now, I am again out of work and sort of just rediscovering life. Apart from working on a few scripts, I am planning a long holiday with wife Sangita to Australia and New Zealand."

As we continue chatting over some chilled juice, we slowly discover that Sinha plays a constellation of roles in life. A multi-faceted personality who feels strongly for social issues, writes, travels, parties and can pick up any musical instrument in just a few days.

I feel strongly for ...
My serials always attempt to convey a social or a political message realistically. And even in real life, I feel strongly for issues concerning the country. It's ridiculous that on the one hand we talk about the country being on the global map, the economy growing but on the other hand, we don't have some basic infrastructure in the country. I think, we need to seriously form a consensus and sort out the real issues which concern the common man.

Musically yours...
As a child I had this unusual knack to pick up any musical instrument. I learned to play the Banjo, Guitar, Mouth organ and flute. But, somehow now, time doesn't permit me to pursue my hobby.

I've written a book
I grew up reading folk tales which always left a deep impression on me. I still love to read folk tales which always have a social or a personal message. Apart from reading, I've also written a book called Akheri Bus, which was adapted from a Russian play.

I am crazy about cars
I have a weakness for cars. The first vehicle, I ever had was a Lambretta scooter, then a Rajdoot bike. I sold that and bought a Bajaj scooter. After a long time, I managed to acquire a second hand Fiat. Finally, after Hasratein happened, I bought my first new car which was Esteem then Zen. Later, I sold the Esteem and bought a Lancer, sold my Zen and bought an Accent. Later in life, I purchased a Scorpio. and now I own a Mercedes.

Work rejuvenates me
Work is never stressful but it'ss always a challenge for me. There were times during the early years of my life when I felt like giving it all up. But then, where would I go? I've realised that life is a challenge and one has to face it. So,I don't really believe in any kind of a relaxing mantra.

I love parties
I love going to parties, meeting up with people you've worked with and chatting up with friends. And apart from this, of course I love dreaming of the stars.

Future plans
I've done enough of television. Now my main focus is films. I am currently working on a few good scripts.

I love to shop for Shoes
I have a fetish for shoes. I have a collection of more than 80 to 90 shoes. I've a wonderful collection of shoes from across the world.

Bharat Kapadia, Executive Director, Divya Bhaskar, offers a glimpse of what keeps him occupied in life beyond work, to Richa Dubey.

My nuclear family??
My wife runs a shop at Lifestyle in Juhu Chowpatty, Mumbai. A shop of gift items and artifacts. She is a good painter. All this keeps her pretty occupied. My eldest daughter, Manasi, is a teacher for the disabled. My son Tejas is graduating and plans to study management further. My youngest one Samay is studying in class 8. This is my family and I love to get back to them after work.

My creative instinct?
I contribute ideas to sketch cartoons in Divya bhaskar. I started with this interest just a year ago. So far around 400 of them have already been published.

My fitness routine?
I simply love cricket. Though I don't play it well, I follow it religiously. I love indoor games like chess. Sometimes, with no company around, I play chess myself on computer. For me, it's a great stress buster. I participated in many inter-college tournaments during my college days and won many prizes in school competition.

My talent - unheard and undiscovered?
I like singing a lot and have participated in a few singing competitions also. I do stage performances and sing for many shows. I just finished a performance recently.
I am often questioned about time management but sarcastically reply saying, "Main Samay ka baap hoon". To be very rational, I feel that time is water. If you put your hand in it, it gives you space otherwise it will take its own form. I should have an interest in something for me to hook to it and find time.

My observation and inspiration?
I have met a lot of people and feel that our society is very friendly in general. Hence, there is no question of grudges. Out of all the nice people, a few are very close to my heart, and those are my friends. None of them are from my industry.

I always take inspiration from whoever I meet. The biggest source was my mother, a powerhouse of positive and good qualities. She taught me to look ahead in life. Her fundamental view is that human body parts - eyes, nose, mouth, hands and legs are all made to face the front. Only one part faces back. Therefore, one should never look at the past but keep looking forward for a new beginning.

My joy is to meet new people?
I am not a very holiday person. I do not enjoy sightseeing a lot. For me, more than a tourist destination, what matters are the people around. I am only interested in good company. I have been to New York so many times but I never saw the Statue of Liberty from up close. People say it is so unusual but that is how I am.

My gym workouts
My day starts at about 6 am in the morning. I live at Andheri Lokhandwala (a suburb in Mumbai) and prefer going to the Sykes gym, which is nextdoors. After a few minutes on the treadmill, I also do a bit of weights. After my gym session, I am always in a rush to reach office, but, of course, after a wholesome breakfast. Sometimes, it's an omlette (minus the eggyolk), some olives, muesli, a glass of milk with honey or just fruits.

I am not really a food freak
Though, I am not a food freak but I like to dine out sometimes. I love Punjabi and Chinese food. Some of my favourite eating out spots are Mainland China in Andheri, Chinab in Navi Mumbai, and Urban Tadka in Versova

I love driving down to Lonavala
I've yet to visit a lot of places in India. On weekends, I love driving down to Lonavala and Panchgani. In fact, these are two places which I visit more than 20 times a year. It's a great experience driving down the Express Highway at a speed of 50 kms per hour, when you find everyone flying by you at a speed of 100 kms per hour. It seems you are strolling while others are running.

As far as travel abroad goes, I love Dubai, UK and US.

Shopping on Sundays
With our hectic schedules, going out with family happens just once a week mostly on a Sunday. I love the shopping experience at the various malls in the city. Apart fromhaving a good time, I can also buy my 8 year old daughter whatever she wants. My favourite brands are Provogue, Arrow and Louis Phillip. For sports shoes I stick to Adidas and Reebok.

I love music
Singer Kailash Kher, happens to be a good friend of mine. There were times when both of us used to go for long drives in his black Honda City, in the wee hrs of the night and sing aloud to our heart's content. Though, I could not sing as well as him but our choice of songs were quite similar. I love listening to ghazals, sufiana qawwalis, and instrumental music. As a kid, when my peers used to listen to western music, I related more to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Pather Panchali is my all time favourite movie
I am not too much into movies, but as a part of my profession I make it a point to watch at least 3 to 4 movies in a month. Some of my favourite films are Pather Panchali, Sholey,Black and The Sound of music. I don't really watch Hollywood films.

I haven't been to a temple in my whole life
I am not a very religious person. In fact, I haven't been to a temple in my whole life.

Gadgets & Gizmos
Not much into gizmos & gadgets but I love my laptop. I carry a Nokia communicator 9500.

A black Honda City for me
I love my Black Honda City. My dream car is a Hummer.

I don't like parties
I don't drink or smoke and therefore don't enjoy partying much. I somehow cannot associate myself to the party circuit. At times, it's only because of my profession that I end up socialising.