The fourth episode of Talking Point with Ritwika Gupta features JD Majethia, an actor par excellence, a producer and director of some very popular television shows.  He is also the co-founder of HatsOff Productions and also runs his very own acting academy, HatsOff Actors Studios. On this episode, JD shares his interesting journey from advertising to theatre, television and films. Confessing that he probably cannot imagine doing anything else apart from acting, JD sees life in a very positive manner and reveals the secret behind donning a hat all the time!

The second episode of Talking Point with Ritwika Gupta features one of the most prominent film critics in the country - Anupama Chopra. Anupama reveals that her husband and award-winning filmaker, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has been her biggest inspiration. A film enthusiast, book author and television presenter by profession, Anupama shares her experiences in the industry, talks about her wonderful voyage and how she manages to juggle the multiple roles in her life.

One look at her and you would pooh-pooh the fact that she is mother of a teenage daughter! One of the most prominent figures within India?s luxury retail circle, this gorgeous Bengali lass is the epitome of elegance and class, as is the company she represents. Meet Christian Dior Couture India vice-president, marketing and communications Kalyani Chawla.

Also donning the hat of Dior's social brand ambassador in India, Kalyani exudes an air of confidence. In a t?te-?-t?te with Indiantelevision.com?s RITWIKA GUPTA, she speaks about her family, online shopping and the perks of being the brand ambassador of an international label.

How has your journey been so far in the industry?

Nine years in this industry and I can say that it has been challenging but extremely rewarding. Dior is a serious contender in this nascent market, investing in the opportunity for immense growth, which we believe exists in the near future. The resources, which are at hand for me to invest in marketing, are unique as no other brand in India does that. This only helps to take this brand to international standards.

How do you keep a work-life balance?

My 15-year-old daughter is in boarding school but comes home often enough, which is when we bond. But I have a focused 10 am to 6 pm day, which really extends to 10 am to 8 pm most of times and on weekends too. Socializing and attending events is an integral part of my work too. So, it?s a great balance, which I think I?ve managed well!

How do you relax?

Massages are my biggest indulgence. I also love reading. Both these activities are so time consuming but the most relaxing.

Where do you draw your energy?

I meditate everyday, which is what keeps me focused.

Who are your favourite authors?

I love South American and Japanese authors particularly. Amongst the Indian authors, I adore Jhumpa Lahiri for her sensitivity and Calcutta settings, which I relate to. I like Firdaus Kanga for his dark humour and Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance completely shook my ground.

What kind of films do you love watching?

I love Woody Allen for his brilliance, Anurag Kashyap for his genre and Karan Johar for his late 80s type of movies, which we still laugh and weep over.

How would you define your personal style?

With a growing teenager, I am bending towards classic now but intrinsically with a twist! In terms of brands, I go for what suits me and what is age appropriate. More than being brand focused, I dress up according to the occasion.

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I love high street shopping. I have my best pieces from the high streets, which are always such great value for money and style! I also shop online from international websites but you land up paying more tax. There are great online shopping opportunities available in India like rocknshop.com, which offers an EMI option and hence you do not feel the pinch? to an extent! 

What would be an ideal weekend escapade?

Any beach is great for me...I am a complete beach bum!

Do you have a daily beauty regime?

I have been blessed with great genes. So, I don?t really feel the need to follow any regime. I am a typical lazy Bengali and a good moisturizer for day and night is all that I am regular with.

Who are the biggest influences in your life?

My greatest influences have been my two sets of grandparents. They have defined my character, my drive, my interests and who I am today. My motivation is my daughter, Tahira Tara Chawla, who keeps me focused. I want to provide the best for her and give her the best education. To be able to afford that, I need to be successful in my field of work.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I live for the present and try to make the best of it. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. The future is unpredictable but we have to be prepared. That is the key.

On the first episode of Talking Point with Ritwika Gupta, the Managing Director & CEO of Rajshri Entertainment, Rajjat Barjatya shares what it feels like to be a part of such an illustrious lineage and admits that Maine Pyar Kiya is his all time favourite Rajshri film. As the youngest member of a family that is deep rooted in Indian entertainment since 1947, Rajjat Barjatya has given the business a new dimension by tapping a global audience on digitally connected devices through web and mobile platforms. "If you can think it, you can achieve it" - that is the philosophy of the man who is a leukemia survivor himself. In this episode, Rajjat tells us how his family is his pillar of strength and his kids are his biggest stress busters.

By Ritwika Gupta

Responsible for the overall sports business, Ten Sports CEO Rajesh Sethi admits to being a complete food junkie. Sharing some of his memorable travel experiences, he gives us a glimpse into how he juggles multiple roles in life. Taking a brief breather between his hectic work and travel schedule, Sethi speaks to Indiantelevision.com?s RITWIKA GUPTA about his career, favourite films, travel essentials and more.

Tell us about your journey as a professional in the industry.

I?ve had a thoroughly enjoyable journey as a professional in this industry. Coming from the retail finance and insurance background, my ideologies were different. I have been successful in trying to implement learnings from my past jobs and in turn giving some structure to this industry. Some of the major challenges I?ve faced have been using my entrepreneurial approach to introduce a processed work flow. At the same time, my incentives are that I have been able to watch few of the best sporting events in the world right from WWE to UEFA Champions League.

 What kind of developments have you seen over the past decade or so?

The major change over the last decade has definitely been the emergence of the digital age. We can clearly see consumers? acceptance on this and have seen them transitioning from a traditional brick and mortar era to the click era.

 Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the opportunity of working with varied people from diverse backgrounds. It is a hyper competitive environment entwined with some complex regulations in place. It has been truly challenging and very enjoyable.

 How do you manage to balance your role as a CEO and a family person?

If you enjoy what you are doing, it is very easy to align personal and professional priorities. I have had no difficulties balancing my personal and professional life.

How do you relax?

I have diverse interests. I spend considerable time reading and watching documentaries on different subjects. I also love spending time with my kids and my dog. I am a voracious reader and I read varied genres. Currently, I am reading the book World Order by Henry Kissinger. It is about history, strategy and statecraft.

Which is that one book you have read over and over again?

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand is one book that I have read multiple times.

Do you like watching films? Which are your favourite movies?

I am not too much of a movie buff and seldom go out for movies. I do watch a lot of documentaries though. My favourite movies include ? The Bucket List, Shawshank Redemption, 7 Years in Tibet, Gladiator and 3 Idiots.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend getaway?

Short treks to nearby hills. Living in Delhi, there are opportunities for wonderful drives and short treks in the vicinity. I enjoy my serendipitous moments in the lap of nature along with my family.

 Which is your favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere in the Himalayas!

 What are the 5 most essential items you always carry on a trip abroad?

1. iPod
2. Kindle
3. Running gear
4. A collection of ties and cufflinks
5. An Evening Jacket

Do you have a memorable travel experience?

My memorable travel experience was my journey to the Chamonix Valley in south-eastern France, conquering the river of ice. I was meeting my college mates after a long time and the adventures we experienced while holidaying in Chamonix were inexplicable and very special.

Are you fond of latest gadgets?

Though I may sound traditional, my favorite tech gadget currently is my Mac Air.

What is your favourite cuisine?

While I love my paranthas, I equally relish South Indian food.  My favorite restaurant would be any authentic South Indian joint.

How important are awards, appreciation and recognition to you?

These are fundamental human needs. All of us respond to appreciation expressed through recognition because it endorses that you are being valued.