Dynamism 'is the first word that struck me when I first met Mr Mahesh Baru. DCautious, Sharp, Intelligent and charming Mr Mahesh Baru can make a person feel at ease but also nervous at the same time. He is a staunch believer in hard work and not in luck. Mr Baru has a 22 year old brilliant career. Beneath the entire demeanour, I could see the humble and down-toearth side of his personality. Here are the excerpts from the
interview:
Q. Your opinion about the retail boom?
A. Retail in India was very necessary It has drastically changed the economy of the country. It is a very big boom because everyone is on the band wagon. Due to the retail boom things are moving in an organised manner. Speculation is a key factor and anticipation does the rest.

Q. Bangalore has changed a lot in the past decade. What do you think about this as a Bangalore an?
A. I think Bangalore has changed for the good. Taking things in a positive note, even though the night life in the city has come to a standstill, safety is ensured.

Q. What about the crime rate?
A. When everything is on the rise, the answer is obvious.

Q. Responsibility and stress goes hand in hand. How do you work on it?
A. I studied in the Army School, Bangalore. I follow a routine wherein I wake up at 5.15 and go for a walk, following which I do my yoga exercises. This helps me keep my calm and my nerves under control.

Q. Youngsters then and youngsters now. What do you have to say?
A. Youngsters today are a vibrant lot. Parents are also a lot more lenient and understanding these days. During our times, we had no say in whatsoever be the matter. We just had orders to follow. But the youth today do not respect everybody. It also depends upon the values inculcated.

Q. Who is your idol?
A. I was every bit of what I am today to my parents. I idolize two people in my life. Mr Amit Jain who is heading MTV and my Managing Director, Mr R. Subramaniam who is an IIM topper and I believe till today nobody has broken his record. He is a brilliant financial analyst and I have got a lot to learn from him.

Q. In today's corporate world, where do woman stand?
A. Women were introvert. But now more and more women are coming up. There is absolutely no harm in working for a woman who is equally competent.

Q. As a father of two and a man with enormous responsibilites, what would you term yourself as- an emotional family man or a hard core professional?
A. I would call myself an emotional professional.

Q. Message to Gardenians?
A. I would like to tell the youth that whatever they take up as a career, they should be honest and put their 100% into it. Else it is not worth. If one has a mind set, they should go ahead.