No amount of space consumption or maintenance costs can dissuade one from collecting the rare things that one has always been fascinated by. Carlton D'Silva, creative director, hungama.com, gives Correspondent Nidhi Jain a peek into his precious collections.

Statues-
The statues I have collected so far are from my visits to the US. These statues are limited edition ones i.e. Just 8,000 to 10,000 pieces exist of each of them. Though such statues can be bought from Amazon or eBay, on these sites they tend to be a more expensive commodity. The most expensive statue I possess till date cost Rs15,000. Before buying I surf the detailing and history attached to it. One such important site is "Bowen designs". Maintenance is to be followed like a ritual, statues of these kinds needs a glass cabinet, and the usage of a particular kind of water. Above all, my statues have inspired people around me to make it a part of their personal collection as well.

Books---
During my stay in the Gulf while I was a kid, I collected rare comic books. Lesser an edition, the more expensive it becomes. I have been fascinated by characters like X-Men, Superman and Batman and the books created on them. I always make it a point to attend the comic convention in Santiago.

Movie---
Collecting movie memorabilia is a fairly new interest that I have developed since the last 4-5 years. Right now, the making of Sin City and the costumes of the film Narnia by 'Veta Workshop' has largely grabbed my attention. I am a very big fan of Matrix with 10-disc version with pre post section incorporated in it. Old movies converted into comic books, sci-fi, gift edition of Peter Jackson and King Kong have also caught my fancy.

"The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it"-- Theodore Roosevelt.

Carlton D'silva, creative director, Hungama.com tells correspondent Nidhi Jain, how during his ten years in internet business and seven years in Hungama, the rules were made and reinvented in the effort to become a true leader while simultaneously preparing future ones too.

Lessons you learnt---I spent almost eight years in boarding. Though I enjoyed every moment but it was strictly disciplined ,while creating a new family in any given circumstances and also without any strings attached.

People that influenced ---It is very difficult to head towards your vision without deterring but it all seemed easy for my MD and CEO Mr.Neeraj Roy, whom I always look 'upto'.

Method of pacifying madness---Well! With us there is a session of gaming to relieve tension. In any industry people don't stick for long but I have binded my team for five years now, the difficulty of recruiting people keeps away madness.

Strategic alliance-With new upcoming technology it creates specific team pertaining hard core skills, when it comes to coordination, the team becomes closer. We always like to hire young minds with new ideas, and also work on the philosophy" lost on time, lost on opportunity". My strategy is to keep 'my team'.

Ensuring that team delivers----There is always a difference on how one direct

The creative gang (well some of them anyways)

people ,I still do hardcore job of putting up a website, now and then; though I earn respect among peers, I still make an effort to get in touch with people who are difficult. The work is always split depending on the core expertise delievery, in our work a project takes three hours with right hoarding, animation, designing and banners. That means one needs to get a good blend of people.

Fun part of your business---Come and experience a day with the creative team in our office, you will realize that there is no seriousness to the job, we have music playing 24*7,photo sessions are always ongoing process. That's the kind of environment we have created.

Changing rules of work---In today's work scenario one should realize for growth and opportunity that 'you don't work for company, you work with it.
Earlier it was clear cut want, but now it's about survival.

Trip over love, you can get up; Fall in love and you fall forever. What's the use of worrying? It never was worthwhile, so pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag. And smile, smile, smile. This poem is dedicated to the love of my life.

When I was in charge of the Michael Jackson event, not only did it (the MJ concert) redefine the business of event management, but it also got me closer to my then beloved and now wife Neelu, a Sardarni, with whom I kept my vows for five years (anniversary -- 16th September).

My marriage remains the most cherished event as I was the event manager for my own wedding. With just two weeks in hand I had very little time to do a Punjabi and Church wedding, both on the same day. It was tough yet a lot of fun.And then the reception party, which turned from a formal gathering into a wild discotheque, we partied till 3 in the morning !

Now there is my new love and an addition to our family in my 8-month old daughter Anysa, meaning Greek Goddess.The best part of our marriage is the mixing and adjusting of two diverse cultures cultures & religions. What impressed me most is that Neelu happened to pick up my mother tongue (Malayalam) inspite of being a hardcore Punjabi, while I just about manage to speak the language myself..

As William H McNeill puts it, "The rise of Islam offers perhaps the most impressive example in world history of the power of words to alter human behaviour in sudden, surprising ways." True to the quote, but there is much more when it comes to how individualistic perception is developed. Correspondent Nidhi Jain spoke to Khalid Sayeed, head of programming, IMG Media, about his beliefs and faith.

By Birth-
Born on 5th of September, this family man has been very religious and balanced; his then family consisted of five siblings i.e. Four sisters and one brother. In the process of learning, taking knowledge from saner voices and observing, he became a great believer in power but not to the level of going berserk.

Religion-
Is without a doubt Shahrukh Khan. And a good ambassador can be Azim Premji. Khalid thinks that it's very difficult to propagate religion. "How George bush can't teach Christianity. Since in our religion the villains keep changing, few bad elements always manage to retain themselves and ultimately it seems sad that we didn't end up becoming communist."

Values-
Khalid's greatest influence has been his grandmother Amina, who taught him that one can't be a good human being if one is not religious. "The strain of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves."
He also has an enormous understanding of different religions since he was brought up among Christians and Hindus.

Belief-
If we have to talk about Khalid's belief, his extreme faith is in Supernatural power and fasting through which six senses are controlled, makes one calmer; one can't lie, to respect women and more importantly feeding the poor. He also believes in Guru Nanak, Mahavir, Gautam Buddha and Sufi Saints. Khalid also believes that as long as the world exists there will be presence of good and bad, but we should never lie low in front of FATE.

Khalid's beliefs do not extend to wife Aditi, however, who is an atheist, while son Sohail and daughter Raisa celebrate every existing festival with enthusiasm.

Rituals-
Khalid believes in praying for a minimum of 5 minutes a day, but not bowing down. Also, he specifically doesn't follow rituals.

Divine visit-
It's his wish to visit five pillars, termed as "Zakat", all practicing Muslims accept belief in the 'Six Articles of Faith' and are obliged to follow the 'Five Pillars.' They are:
Muslim profession of faith or shahada; Ritual Prayer or salah; Obligatory Charity or zakah; Fasting or sawm; Pilgrimage or hajj.

Spiritual guidance-
Khalid used to read "haddis", a collection of incidents in Prophet Mohammed's life, but he is very disheartened that today in madrasas kids read without understanding and today it seems irrelevant as his fellow members of his religion read scriptures without understanding.

Positive thinking-
Comes from real life. Also, his pillar of strength is mother Zubeida, who survived riots and a disabled father. As he recalls his grandmother, Amina and father Muniruddin were mocked during the 1992 communal riots that hit Mumbai. To make matters worse, their's were among those families that were targeted to be looted. As a result it made them rebellious and angry with the whole scenario but in those testing times they were taught not to behave like those butchers/killers. "Sometimes, when I am cornered, then I become superstitious," says Khalid.

Karmology-
His religion decrees it is compulsory to offer 2 per cent of income as charity to be donated to poor people. Since Khalid is not of scared of failure, negative thoughts don't affect him. To him, it's all about the learning curve and his own Karma. He quotes from the Quran, "You are the best of my creation, and I have given you the option to think. If you do wrong and repent I'll still forgive, if you turn a good person you change your Karma."

Relaxing spiritually-
Sleeping! A lot under any given circumstances, if in dire need he asks for divine help and feels it deeply. "It was wonderful to have time to reflect on my own spiritual life and those reflections have resulted in some changes in our family's life," says Khalid.

Are you Destiny's child?
"I am absolutely destiny's child. Very few people have influence on me, I don't take diplomacy as my fate and that makes my life simple," says Khalid.

In Conversation with Upen Roop Rai:

I begin my day with

With some green tea and later I hit the gym. About thrice a week for about half an hour, I do cross-training and weights. Of course, I do it under proper guidance and have a personal trainer who sort of takes me through the routine.

I am a very sporty person
Not many people know but I used to play cricket and represented the State of Rajasthan during the early 80s in the Ranji Trophy tournament. I love the game, though now I don't really find the time to pursue it.

My diet mantra
I don't follow any strict diet regime but I make it a point to eat everything in moderation. I avoid oily food and freak out on Chinese and Continental food. In Mumbai, I prefer dining out at the Olive Bar and Salt Water Grill. I also love the food at Royal China.

Shopping
I love to shop and prefer shopping for myself instead of someone else buying stuff for me. I mostly pick up stuff while travelling abroad. One of my favourite shopping destinations internationally is Oxford Street in London.

My Stress Buster
My work keeps me shuffling between Delhi and Mumbai. Over weekends, I play golf with a group of friends at the DLF country club in Delhi. That's an amazing stress buster for me and so is spending time with my thirteen year old son. I am still an amateur at the game of golf and currently I am training under someone.

I have a fetish for
Movies and Music. I prefer thrillers and James Bond sort of movies. Recently, I quite enjoyed the animated film Madagascar. Though I am not really into the Bollywood bandwagon I recently quite enjoyed watching - Mangal Pandey:The Rising. As far as music goes, I listen to Eagles, Rod Stewart and Led Zeppelin

On Books
I love reading fiction. Also stuff which is racy and which gives me a whole lot of ideas. I am currently reading The Broker by John Grisham which is racy and pacy. It follows the story of Joel Backman, a newly pardoned man who tries to broker a deal to give the world's most powerful surveillance system to the highest bidder.

Travel Destination
Everyyear, I along with my family make it a point to travel to one destination. This year we travelled to South Africa and Egypt. Egypt was quite a disappointment because of the bureaucracy prevalent in the country. On the other hand, South Africa was out of this world really. I still carry memories of Captetown and Port Elizabeth.

Favourite Car Brands
I drive the Mitubushi Lancer which is spacious and functional.

Gadgets & Gizmos
I am really hooked on to my Cellphone -O2 XDA PDA. This gadget is really like a friend and a constant companion. It's also like a virtual office, which keeps me in touch with the world while shuttling between Delhi and Mumbai.ZING STRESS BUSTER FOR ME

Discovery Networks India,Associate Director/Marketing and Communications-Rajiv Bakshi takes us along on some of his memorable holidays across international and national shores. Apart from the fact that Rajiv's job takes him around the world, he personally loves to globe trek. Rather, what really gets him going is driving around new places.

I do not like being driven around. The wheel has to be in my hand for me to enjoy the drive to the hilt. Germany and France have been his favourite destinations and I have traversed most parts by road with like minded friends.

The atmosphere in German cities like Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Heidelberg, Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt is unique: charged with historic importance, packed with architectural highlights and filled with restaurants to get stuffed in. We can stroll around streets with ancient buildings and marvel at times gone by.

I am a keen observer of people, culture, and of course restaurants and keep comparing it to conditions in India. Most of these cities are quite typical for German culture and lifestyle in general: beer gardens and pedestrian areas as zones of communication perfect for soaking in German vocabulary and collocations, an exceptionally well-preserved old town, idyllic streets, loads of hinterland to explore... and open-minded and friendly inhabitants.

Berlin is full of life and energy with all sorts of cultural activities, a thriving night life and dazzling new architectural triumphs. Elsewhere, Munich (with its domes, towers, chic shops, and beer festival) as are Hamburg (of lakes), Frankfurt (skyscrapers, books - and apple wine), and Cologne (fabulous Gothic cathedral, K?lsch beer - and wild carnival celebrations) are all wonderful cities to explore.

These are fun, relaxed and vibrant cities with fabulous shopping and pulsating night life. I am always checking out the shopping areas to buy gifts for friends and family. Frankfurt's international flair guarantees an inspiring stay. Here, one can explore a modern and dynamic city and enjoy its tolerant and open-minded spirit.

Language has never been a hindrance. People are open-minded and tolerant. One just has to be civil and polite and the directions and maps are all so self explanatory that one would really have to be dense to get lost.

All these cities have an atmosphere that is reverberating with historical importance. But I am not a museum kind of person, I prefer soaking in the real life visible around today.

Munich has plenty of cultural and sporting activities, fashion and lifestyle, and the people are friendly and approachable. Plus, Munich's surrounding and its close proximity to the Alps offer additional experiences. Munich has no shortage of wonderful green spaces.

The locals are easy-going and communicative. Throughout the year all sorts of festivals provide various amusements. You can spend your free time shopping, drinking coffee and tuning in on local talk and gossip - an easy way of picking up vocabulary and collocations.

Driving along the German Alpine Road is an amazing experience. It is an exhilarating route full of twists and turns. The 450 kilometre-long route is stunning and offers great variety - Alpine meadows, hills, mountain peaks, green forests, valleys and lakes follow one another in a steady rhythm. The other exhilarating speed-thrill is driving from Stuttgart to Zurich. I did it in less than two hours, after a 14-hour flight. For anyone planning this adventure, I offer no guarantees.

Traditional farming villages alternate with historical towns against the majestic panorama of the Bavarian Alps. There are almost 25 ancient castles and palaces to visit. Over 20 crystal-clear mountain lakes offer not only thrilling views but also a wide choice of sports and leisure activities. And I am the kind who prefers to play the sport rather than watch it.

All along this panoramic route there are opportunities to try delicious German specialties, both in the fresh air at a beer garden or at traditional inns - and, last but not least, the famous "Mass", a litre tankard of beer.

Along the German Wine Route, the climate is mild, the scenery like Tuscany's and the people warm and friendly too. The wooded hills are planted with vines, while figs, kiwis and lemons. Wine tasting with a winegrower is a chance to become a bit of a connoisseur. Wonderful wines from famous vineyards can be enjoyed everywhere, in tasting rooms and countless wine taverns or even at road side stalls.

I am attracted to lake side properties and have had the good fortune of staying at some of the most exclusive lakeside properties in India and abroad. Germany's lakes are as diverse as the countryside which surrounds them. Some are very well known; others are hidden gems that only reward people who take the trouble to seek them out. They offer fresh air and fantastic natural scenery - and the waters that are crystal clear.

German life is a new environment of tolerance and multiculturalism. Two of Cologne's biggest attractions are the carnival and art. The city celebrates carnival as a week-long street-festival with colorful parades, outlandish costumes and live music. I have spent a lot of time at a fair and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Paris is another enchanting city. Driving around it offers a wonderful insight into this multifaceted, magical, and at times secretive, city. The bustling Champs Elysees is one place I simply love. The shops and Parisian life in the area reveal the very symbol of sophistication, graceful living and celebration.

The food is delectable. One can enjoy the fish dishes prepared with vivid seasonings. The diversity of French wines reflects the diversity of France itself. Tiramisu is to die for. Each region offers a unique landscape, climate, culture, and history that have combined to produce the most famous wines in the world.

The city has many of the world's most visited monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Arc de Triomphe. I am one who cannot keep staring at the wonderful sight of the Eiffel Tower. I prefer walking the streets, absorbing the local way of life. There is something that aches in your sense of romance when you wander among the baroque Parisian architecture with the language lilting in the air around you.

Washington is another city that beckons. The walking trails are great for long walks or exercise. I am looking forward to exploring the city on my next visit.

I also seek out educational institutions wherever I go. I check out the campus, meet up with professors and generally soak in the thought process in each campus. It is enriching and one always feels more empowered after being to these institutions.

My wife Meenakshi also shares this travel bug. She has visited Vietnam, Sri Lanka, China, England and so many more unique countries on her own by charting out a map and discovering a new place each time. I have imbibed a lot of my fascination to travel from her. We have had wonderful vacations at Colombo and Goa. Colombo is one place I like as our currency is stronger there! The food is great and its nature's paradise.

As far as Goa is concerned, I always feel that it stands apart from the rest of India. The sense of freedom one feels there is awesome. The Leela Hotels property is by far the best beachside property I have stayed in, though I would give Taj's properties, all three, the next best rating. I visit Jaipur regularly and love shopping there. Bhopal, Lucknow, Kochi, Chandigarh, Agra, Udaipur, Jabalpur - each city attracts me for both its unique city life, special settings and food specialties.

We have a two-month old baby and we are just waiting for her to be a little more manageable to take her to our next dream destination - Scotland.