'I have surely been lucky'

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the Lords. He returns home for dinner with the family.

His weekends are reserved for the family. His interests include travelling, art and working for educational causes. Paul manages to spare sometime for sports, too. “I like football and cricket. I really enjoy T20 match. Sachin Tendulkar is a legend and also my favourite.

I am also looking forward to 2012 Olympics in Britain,” he adds. Though he avoids hectic travelling, Cape Town is the place where he loves to spend time. He also likes visiting Italy and Switzerland as these countries are more approachable.

Coming back to work, Paul is upbeat about India. “We have done lots of expansion in the last three years. Caparo Group will step up its presence in India by setting up more automobile component plants across the country including three in Singur for Tata’s Nano. We are very positive and bullish about India. Caparo has presently 22 plants in India and 16 more are under construction. “India is now in a phase where nobody can stop progress. People are realising the value of progress and we want to be a part of it.”

A part of his life was spent in Kolkata and that explains his fondness for the city. “I have a very special association with Bengal and am happy that somebody has setup a very good project (Nano) in Bengal. Singur is a very good location. So, we were delighted to be invited. We are putting up the plants and will be as ready as the Tatas are. “

Paul is also impressed with India’s growth. “India is a completely different country now. Today it has the top most industrialists. What is interesting is that besides the Tatas, most of them are new and doing very well.”

Thanks to his connection with both Britain and India, Paul has observations to make about both countries. A great admirer and close friend of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Paul is positive about the relationship between the two countries. “Gordon Brown will prove to be the best prime minister Britain has had because he is not looking at short-term gains. He is very impressed with India and with Manmohan Singh. I think both of them will uplift the relationship between Indian and Britain.”