On Backkwaters Of Kerala, Robin Sharma And Salaam Namaste

I begin my day
Mornings are usually very rushed. I live at Andheri (a suburb in Mumbai) Lokhandwala Complex which is pretty far from my office. Since I spent the whole day at work; in the mornings I try to play with my four year old daughter Mahek. Me and my wife get Mahek ready for school, after which we go for a walk at the nearby park.
After brisk walking I practice a little bit of kriya yoga, which I've picked up from my mother. But I must confess, I am trying to be more regular with my routines.

My diet mantra
I don't follow a strict diet. It's a very simple diet mantra and that is eat healthy and avoid all spicy Indian food. My breakfast is mostly some fruits and milk and I don't carry my lunch. I just grab something at the office canteen which is pretty palatable. To dine out I prefer either Mahesh Lunch Home in Juhu/ South Mumbai or Mainland China.

Shopping
I don't really shop much. And whenever I go shopping, I make it a point never to go alone. Because it's all about getting a nod from my wife. Most of the time I stick to what my wife selects for me. We mostly shop at the malls and I amongst all the brands I stick to Allen Solly which is pretty good.

Travel Destination
I think India is a beautiful country. And each time we go for a holiday it's like rediscovering our country all over again. I had gone to Kerala recently and I still can't forget the breathtaking sights of the backwater expanse consisting of canals and coconut groves.

I like to visit hills, archeological places and beaches. I hate going to sanctuaries, especially in Orissa, that's where I belong. Weekend traveling is also fun. I often refer to the weekend destination books to plan my weekend getaways. We love going to Lonavala, Igatpuri and Matheran.

Traveling abroad doesn't happen too often. Had traveled to Singapore recently.

Relaxing Mantra
Broadly speaking, our work is not as stressful as people make it out to be. It's as stressful as any other profession. Spending time with my family is always a great stress buster.

Gadgets and Gizmos
Love the latest in mobile phones, stereos (especially like the ones which are assembled with the best of components from different manufacturers), digital cameras and camcorders.
Recently bought a Nokia 6670 and a Kodak 5 Megapixels, 10X Zoom camera that also shoots motion.

On Books
Have the urge to catch up on a lot of reading, though time seems to be in short supply always. Beyond catching up with the everyday newspapers and some favourite columns in the Sunday newspapers, I recently read a book 'The Tipping Point' by Malcolm Gladwell. The book takes everyday life instances to illustrate concepts that can benefit all of us, especially marketing professionals like us. I also quite liked reading Robin Sharma's The Monk who sold his Ferrrari. Though I don't quite like the self-help category of books, this one is different. It sort of sets you thinking and motivates you to rediscover things about yourself.

Was browsing through the 1970s classic Future Shock by Alvin Toffler to see how we saw the future then and what really has transpired in the intervening 35 years.

My idea of entertainment
Weekends are usually fun and reserved totally for my family. Since, there are more than four multiplexes just near to where I stay, so for entertainment and relaxation it's movies all the way. Either I like to watch something that is sensible or an out-and-out comedy - nothing of the middle order. Some of the recent films which I enjoyed watching were Salaam Namaste, Hanuman and Bunty aur Babli. And yes, I didn't miss the latest Salman Khan films - No Entry and Maine Pyaar Kyun kiya.

My favourite car
When I was a kid, my dad had a Black Hindustan 14 - an Indianised Ford Austin made by Hindustan Motors (HM), the makers of our good old Ambassador. That really was my first impression of what a car could be and should be - sturdy, mobile, majestic and BLACK.

Things changed and we bought a Premier Padmini, then a Maruti 800 and now I own a Baleno. I feel a car has to be technically good and give you the comfort you deserve. Of course looks matter, but that's not everything.

My favourite car is the stately Mercedes Benz that rules the road. As for now, my Baleno is no less though....