MUMBAI: Maharashtra celebrated the birth anniversary of its most beloved poet Kusumagraj as ‘Marathi Bhaasha Diwas’ on 27 February, 2017. Extending the celebrations, prominent political leaders of the country hailing from Maharashtra came together on 2 March to express their love for Marathi Bhaasha and Maharashtra.

On this auspicious occasion, Essel Group chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subhash Chandra released the ‘Marathi Edition’ of his best-selling autobiography 'The Z Factor - My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time' as his small contribution towards the Marathi language. The glittering ceremony held at the ITC Grand Central Hotel in Mumbai was graced by eminent politicians including Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Govt. of India Nitin Gadkari, CM Devendra Fadnavis, former CM and Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Pawar, and former CM Prithviraj Chavan.

Stalwarts from the Marathi Film & Television industry including Madhur Bhandarkar, Sonali Kulkarni, Manoj Joshi, Sai Tamhankar, Sunil Barve, Mahesh Kothare and Sidharth Jadhav, were also present at the function.

The English edition of Dr. Chandra’s best-selling autobiography was launched by PM Narendra Modi in January 2016 followed, by the launch of the Hindi edition by the Nobel Peace prize recipient Kailash Satyarthi in September 2016. The book has greatly influenced the minds of students and aspiring entrepreneurs across the country, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

Paying a tribute to the city of Mumbai and Marathi culture, Dr. Chandra said, “While Haryana is my ‘janmabhoomi’ (homeland), Mumbai is my ‘karmabhoomi’ (land of work). After living and working in Mumbai for the last 35 years, I feel that I have been accepted as a Maharashtrian. Mumbai is the land of dreams, where like me, millions of people strive to make their dreams come true. At Essel Group, it has always been our endeavour to preserve and promote the true essence of Marathi culture through our various ventures such as Zee Marathi, Zee Talkies, Zee Yuva, Zee 24 Taas and our Marathi films like ‘Natarang’, ‘Fandry, ‘Killa’,‘Lay Bhari’, ‘Natsamrat’ and ‘Sairat’."

Unveiling the Marathi edition of 'The Z Factor - My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time', Gadkari said:

“My association with Subhashji has extended for over 30 years. His most striking feature is that he never hides behind his words. It was on my recommendation that he stepped into the infrastructure sector. However, for one road project, I felt that he would lose Rs. 250 crores, so I recommended him not to continue with that project. He then told me that once I have put my hand into a project, I will see it into completion, whether or not there is any loss. And with this resolve and determination, Dr. Chandra has completed more than 2000 kilometres of road projects in the country over the years."

Fadnavis said: “Subhash Chandra is a person who has shown us that a common man can do extraordinary work. It is a miracle that Subhashji came to Delhi with only Rs. 17 in his pocket and now he has established such a successful empire."

Pawar said: “When I read his book, I got to know various aspects of his personality. The most important aspect of his life is that he is never scared of challenges, he faces all the problems with full determination."

Chavan said: “Subhash Chandra’s life is a direct inspiration. Each youth and Marathi person must read his autobiography. Subhashji left his education mid-way but he never got defeated."

Even today with his busy schedule, he manages to share his experiences with students and guide them for a better life.”

From the book:

It was 14 December 1991 when Ashok Kurien of Ambience ad agency and I reached Star TV's office in Hong Kong. There were 10 to 12 senior and junior executives in the room. Richard Li, head of Star TV, was not there. So we waited awhile. It was like waiting for the king to come in and give his blessings.

Richard walked in suddenly and sat opposite me. 'OK, Indian channel... Hindi channel. Where is the money in India?' Richard was very dismissive. 'I am not interested in a joint venture.'

Most of us in the room, including his executives, were shocked. It appeared that Richard had already made up his mind about the futility of the project.

So I addressed him directly. 'Mr Li, if you are not interested in the joint venture, can you consider leasing the [satellite] transponder to us?'

'There is no transponder available for less than $5 million per year,' Richard said. It was a haughty statement to put me off. 'That is fine. I will pay $5 million!' It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I did not realize the implication of what I had said...