New Delhi, Dec 30: In a powerful exchange on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Mr Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, and megastar Amitabh Bachchan discussed India’s burgeoning global influence. Reflecting on the nation’s rapid economic ascent, Mr Birla told Mr Bachchan that we are currently living in the “era of India” (Bharat ka yug), marking a historic shift in the global order.
The conversation provided a roadmap for understanding India’s current momentum through the lens of one of its most prominent industrial leaders.
- Surpassing Global Giants: The Japan Comparison
Mr Birla shared a personal reflection on how far the nation has come, noting that at the start of his career, he would not have believed that India would one day become a larger economy than Japan. He highlighted that India is now the fastest-growing large economy in the world, a feat he described as being so rapid that it is difficult to even fully estimate its scale.
- The “Trump Card”:ABillion-Strong Workforce
Central to Mr Birla’s optimism is India’s demographic dividend. He identified the nation’s youth as its greatest “trump card,” pointing out that within the next five years, India will have a working population of one billion people. This massive human resource, he argued, makes this the absolute best time for young people to be in India.
- The “IndiaGrowth Model”: Values Meet Progress
Mr Birla explained that India’s success is not just about numbers, but about the “India Growth Model”. This model is unique because it involves achieving rapid economic expansion while simultaneously preserving the country’s rich culture and values. Amitabh Bachchan echoed this sentiment, noting that the Birla family itself serves as a prime example of a legacy built on a foundation of centuries-old knowledge and values.
Mr Birla concluded with a resounding message for the audience: “There has never been a better time to be young, to be an Indian, and to be in India”.
Family Moments and Personal Anecdotes
The episode offered rare glimpses into the Birla family’s personal dynamics. Mr Birla’s youngest daughter Advaitesha revealed that despite his demanding schedule, her father called her five times a day when she was studying abroad, showing his protective nature. They bond over painting and sometimes paint together. His son shared that whether at home or in office, Mr Birla checks on him 3-4 times daily and messages every evening at 7pm asking if he’s eaten properly.
His wife Neerja jokingly complained about his tendency not to listen and having to repeat things multiple times – a relatable domestic moment that drew laughter from the audience.
At his daughter’s request, Mr Birla sang a few lines from a classic song, showcasing an artistic side rarely seen in public. Ananya also shared that she and her father bond over music.
Other Notable Moments
Mr Birla shared that he prepared intensely for a few days before the appearance, admitting he was nervous about making mistakes in front of Amitabh Bachchan, whom he described as a “father figure.”
He revealed a childhood memory of visiting Bachchan’s film set in Kashmir in 1978-79 when he was 10-11 years old, during the shooting of Natwar Lal – coming full circle decades later on the KBC set.