Forbes India - Archive 5 June 2009

Issue 1, JUN 05, 2009

Mr. Steel's Moment of Truth

Lakshmi Mittal changed the face of the steel industry. And in the process, became the wealthiest Indian in the world, and the fourth-richest person on the planet. But now, for the first time in three decades, he has his back to the wall. Hurt badly by the global slowdown, he has posted quarterly losses for the first time ever last year, and then had another negative balance sheet in the next quarter.

Forbes India gives you the most comprehensive look yet at this driven, determined man.

Vijay Mallya's Double Life

Vijay Mallya is known for his flamboyant lifestyle. But beneath that cheerful opulence is a businessman struggling with a pile of debt and losses. While his alcohol business is doing very, very well, his big bet, Kingfisher Airlines, is bleeding. In fact it is threatening the health of his spirits business. Forbes India takes an inside look at the double life of Mallya, between celebration and the fight for survival.

Why is India's Biggest Investment Banker in Exile

Nimesh Kampani, one of India's most respected investment bankers, is in exile, holed up in Dubai. He is trying to avoid being arrested, ostensibly for being an independent director of a company which defaulted on repayment of depositors. Forbes India asks if the action against Kampani is justified, or born out of vindictiveness. Will this frighten away other professionals from being independent directors on the boards of Indian companies?

Deep Thought

Scuba Diving: A view from under the surface

What lies beneath the waves? What is so addictive about scuba diving? Sudeep Chakravarti, author, columnist, and PADI-certified rescue diver, takes us deep into the mind of the scuba addict.