Another
edition of 'My Life', and we take a peek
into the mind of a self proclaimed "restless"
man, workaholic, and knowledge seeker who learnt
early on to handle ego. Ravi Kiran,
CEO, South Asia, Starcom Mediavest Group, took some
time out of his hectic schedule to talk to Correspondent
Nidhi Jain.
Who me?
Highly principled and disciplined, Ravi has high
BMR. He just sleeps for 4-5 hours on an average
as he thinks that in the time he is sleeping,
the best will pass away.
As a person, he has always been attracted to
the underdog, he has been loyal to people and
experimentative to things. He doesn't like to
use brands but sometimes brands become people.
His decisions have often worked against his growth.
Can't stand one thing after a certain period.
What changed him were a few books by author Robin
Cook "Coma", "Fever" as well
as Harold Robbins' "the Betsy", to name
a few.
Initial days---
Books have always carved a way for Ravi for the
kind of success he has had. He meant to be a doctor
but studied engineering. A management book he
picked up was 'Great Ideas in Management' by Northcote,
Rustomji and Sapre made him join FMS, Delhi.Joined
Lintas
After six years, got thoroughly bored
so he chose to pursue media initiative.
As a person, he thinks he was pretty rough initially,
rude and a just do his own work person or was
simply called 'ectomorphic'. But now it's more
about relating to people.
Strongly feels about---
The compound pet dog "Kaalu", who is
also a family member.
Crazy about---
Books, movies, technology, music and gadgets (he
thinks Palm is better engineered than Nokia, and
I-river is better than Apple i-pod), he even writes
his own blogs.
Rejuvenates---
Cycling, rock climbing, river rafting and walking
for relaxation. Also, he follows tennis, F1. Given
a choice he would like to go to the forest.
Love---
His wife Shalini with whom he shares the interest
of watching movies on their home theatre system.
Food---
Eats vegetarian, can tolerate continental, cooks
South Indian and likes north Indian food, which
his wife prepares.
Movies---
Thrillers, court room dramas and mafia movies.
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