‘I love to watch only Rajini films’

CHENNAI: Chandrakant Kankaria has come a long way from running a small trading business to managing a large `400 crore project. The director of Olympia group moved to Chennai over 11 years ago, and finds that the city’s warmth has slowly grown him. Having forayed into almost all types of real estate, the exponential rise of Olympia group was no doubt an easy task. At his office in Olympia Technology Park, now a landmark in the city’s IT hub, we listen to his interesting journey so far, his love for London and how the Kolkata man came to make Chennai his home.

Tell us about your shift from Kolkata to our city?
 Well, I got married to a Chennai girl. I met her when I used to come visit Chennai regularly, and though we got married when I was in Kolkata, we shifted here. Her home has now become my home.

Biggest difference between Chennai and Calcutta?
It’s actually quite similar in terms of people and their warmth. Kolkata is slower of course, but Chennai also has its own pace and is a bit conservative. Business opportunities here are far ahead of Kolkata though.

Tell us a few words in Tamil?
I understand Tamil to a great extent, but haven’t yet been able to pick up the language. My wife is from Chennai, so there was no need for me to learn it (laughs)!

What do you think about Tamil cinema?
I watch only Rajinikanth movies. I like the whole paraphernalia and heroism around him. I never miss a Rajinikanth movie!

Work must take up a lot of your time daily.
Yes, when the company was formed it used to be a lot of work. I used go visit sites till 12 am. But now, thanks to good work delegation, I have good work-life balance. So even if I take a 15-day break, nothing is going to change here. Probably the company is going to work better. (Laughs)

What do you do take a break?
I play golf, though I try not to go more than two days a week, then I might get addicted! And you need to spend a good three hours at the golf course. I try and steal an early morning tea-time during weekdays. I also travel quite a lot, a mix of business and family travel. I love spending time with my young daughter.

Best place you have visited so far?
London. I try and be there at least once a year. I’m very fond of nice restaurants, and London has some of the best and newest. I have been going there regularly for the last 10 years, and still I never get bored of it. London has something for everyone — shows, musicals, history, art, architecture...it’s such a great city!

We hear you’re a foodie. Being a vegetarian that must be a challenge?!
Ah, I’ve tried all cuisines — Peruvian, Chinese, Thai — I have experimented quite a lot!

Your best destination to eat in Chennai?
The food and service at Taj Corromandel is something I love.

What’s your motto in life?
It’s important to be calm, because if you get stressed, you will make wrong decisions. Your persistence and a bit of luck, that’s what helps.

Anyone you would like to thank for your success?
My family has been very supportive. My wife is very patient with me coming late from work. At one point of time, I used to work every Sunday. And she understood that and has never complained.

God grants you a superpower? What would you choose?
Be able to move to London tomorrow, but it’s such an expensive city to live in!