Those of you who thought that MDs of big companies are of the serious sort will be in for a surprise because this MD is very different from others! He loves Indian cuisine and has the names of many a Bollywood star at his finger tips. His love though is reserved for Shahruk Khan and he can tell you about many of his favourite star's movies. Here is what he revealed to us:

Excerpts from the interview

When and how did you come down to Bangalore?

*It all started in 1988 when I was invited to start a company called Indo Nissin Foods Limited in Bangalore, by the Chairman of AFDC (Accelerated Freezed Drying Company) who founded the Noodle business in Japan and thought of bringing it to India. I have been here for almost eight years now and like the place a lot.

What are the products of your company?

*We basically produce Noodles. To be precise, instant noodle with brand names of Top Ramen Noodle and Cup o' Noodle which are very popular with the kids and the younger generation.

Where in India do you have your branches?

*We have no branches but we have our factories at Rewadi in Haryana and Jigani in Bangalore.

Do you have any collaborations or partnerships?

*Yes, we have a partnership with the Marico Industries and they are also our distribution partners. A collaboration with the Hindustan Lever Limited and Itochu of Japan was started but due to some reasons it could not be continued.

Tell me something about the Japanese community in Bangalore. What are the problems they are facing here?

*There are 170 Japanese people in Bangalore working in different concerns. The major complain we have here is the issuing of the visa. It is really very difficult to get an extension visa here and the whole process is very slow and lengthy. As far as infrastructure is concerned, the city has improved a lot and there are less of power-cuts.

How will the Japanese PM's visit benefit Bangalore?

* A good thing has happened to Bangalore because of the PM's visit and it is a good opportunity for us too. Now, more Japanese people will pay attention to India and many more would like to come down here too!

What is your opinion about the Japanese business houses in the city?

*There are 40 Japanese business houses here. Specially after Toyota's entry here, many trading companies and other business houses want to set up establishments in Bangalore.

Tell us something about the advertisement you did with Shahruk Khan? How did it all happen?

*Yes, it was a very nice feeling working with a star like Shahruk Khan. He is very talented and very co-operative too. We had introduced Curry's noodles and decided to have Shahruk on our ad. During the shoot while I was explaining to Shahruk how to react to the aroma and flavour of the noodle, the Producer Prahalad Kakkar of O&M who was watching me, asked me to act in the ad. I was really surprised but I accepted the offer and that was how it all happened.

Did you happen to act in any other ad after this one?

*No, I have not done any other ads after this one.

Do you watch Hindi movies? Who is your favourite actor among males and females?

*I am an ardent fan of Shahruk Khan! I happened to go for one of his shows two years ago in Bangalore and there I decided to take him for my ad. Among female actresses, I admire Kajol as she is very spontaneous in her performance.

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