What is the most exciting thing about your job?
Tell us what it feels to be responsible for managing other people’s money.
Frankly, it’s stressful! It’s similar to the feeling of a cricketer. He is adored when he does well, but also has to face harsh criticism in the event of underperformance.
Did you always want to manage money? If not a fund manager, you would have been...
I would have been a fund manager only. I cannot think of any other profession which would have interested me.
Tell us about your first investment.
I made a loss on my first investment. I committed the age-old mistake of an investor – entered at the top of the market and exited at the bottom. Though the loss was small, the learning was big.
What role does luck play in investing?
Luck does play an important part in every one’s life. But it is important to put your best foot forward which makes luck insignificant.
What are the qualities that you feel a good fund manager should have?
I feel a fund manager just have to have two important qualities – no ego and the ability to understand when one is making the mistake.
Share with us the best advice you have ever received.
Cut your losses. If one can’t sleep well in the night, no gain can come from holding a wrong investment.
If you were allowed to spend a day with someone from the world of investments/business of your choice, who would it be?
Albert Edwards and Dylan Grice, strategists at Societe Generale. The most important quality that strikes me about them is their vision. Their ability to see things beyond usual and yet maintain the clarity in their market views is inspiring.
Your favorite book
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. The book is the author's debut work and the
fashion in which he weaves the relationship of love, horror, loyalty and fear
is truly impressive. The key highlight of the book is simple yet profound
approach in presenting the characters and situations.
How do you unwind?
Playing squash, reading and spending time with family
Over the next 10 years, the most exciting country to invest in would be
Any resource rich country in the African hemisphere
