 It
was about 12 noon when we entered Rajeev Reddy's office
- the office of the workaholic Chairman and Managing Director
of the Rs 300-crore Amrutha Group, situated on road number
14 of Banjara Hills. The staff seemed immersed in their
work. A cast iron spiral staircase took us to the first
floor, to Rajeev Reddy's spacious and well furnished chamber.
A metal armour adorned the wall right behind his revolving
chair. Was it a symbol of his dauntless, fighting spirit?
We took seats and began to talk. All through, Rajeev
Reddy's hands were playing with a gleaming steel paper
cutter.
The man who has realised his dreams of a Castle and
a Chateau on Hyderabad's land, told us about his new
dreams.
Here are excerpts from the exclusive interview given
to Hyderabad-best.com.
You started your career at 21.
How did it happen?
(For a while he just plays with the steel paper
cutter) Well! I wanted to be independent. I wanted to
start on my own. I was very much fascinated by the construction
industry. So I started Amrutha Estates.
Why the fascination for the construction
industry?
Because it involves tremendous energy. Anything
that involves energy motivates me. This is why I have
chosen construction business for my career.
Tell us about your first project.
My first project was Ashiana. It was a
20-flat apartment. I completed it in just 10 months.
After that I went on to build more than 30 major projects.
Not only in Hyderabad and Secunderabad but also in Madras
and Ooty.
 What
made you shift from the construction business to the
leisure industry?
After building more than two million square feet in
residential and commercial complexes, I wanted to do
something for Hyderabad, which gave me so much goodwill,
name and fame.
I thought a club would be an ideal gift. So I acquired
Vilayat Manzil, the palace of a former Prime
Minister of the Hyderabad state.
Why did you choose an old palace
for your club?
I thought my club should have some history. Some
nostalgia. Luckily the owners of the Vilayat Manzil
were looking for a prospective buyer. So I acquired
it. It perfectly fitted my vision.
What made you choose the name
Country Club?
The forecourt of the Vilayat Manzil was very
spacious. A whole lot of people could gather there,
in the open, under the sky. The lush meadows and bushes
made the place look like a village. Moreover, I thought
people would love to get away from their busy city life
and relax in a countryside ambience. So I named it Country
Club. The name exemplifies its features. Country Club
has now become a brand name.
When you started the Country
Club there were already two clubs in the Twin Cities.
What prompted you to go in for yet another one?
Yes! There were two clubs. I too used to go there.
But they were suitable for only men. The environment
of those clubs was not suitable for a family. I sensed
that those clubs were lacking something that they ought
to have offered to their members. Keeping all these
factors in mind, I designed my club in such a way that
the entire family could come and relax.
How and why did the 'Castle'
happen?
When I was on a holiday
trip in Europe, I visited several castles and chateaus.
Then and there I made up my mind to build the likes
in Hyderabad. So I built the star hotel Amrutha Castle
and a chateau for myself to live in. After all, people
there were still living in chateaus. So why shouldn't
I? My chateau has come up beautifully.
 What
is the driving force behind you?
There is no driving force behind me. I judge
myself. I never take decisions in haste. Till now I
haven't come across any one who could inspire me.
And, the secret of you success?
I never consider myself a successful man. So
there is no question of a secret of my success.
What are your future plans?
I want to set up 100 Country Clubs all over
India. We have already started one in Bangalore. Next
would be in Chandigarhand Chennai and
in all major cities of India. By 2002 my group may employ
about 50,000 young people. After 2002, I may relinquish
the CMD post of Amrutha Group and I hope a 30 year young
man would occupy my seat.
How do you relax?
I relax with my work. I swim every morning and
evening. 
Holidays irritate me. Because there is no work to do
on those days.
Happiest moments in your life?
When I became a father.
How much time are you able to
spare for your family?
All the time when I am
at home. While taking lunch or swimming, I talk to them.
But, there is no particular time set apart for them.
Your favourite drink and food?
Chiva's Regal Scotch Whisky was my favourite
drink. Now I have given up drinking. I like Chapatis
and fish.
Your favourite Hotel and Restaurant?
Hotel Taj Banjara in Hyderabad and China
Garden in Mumbai.
Favourite travel destination?
Europe in general. Austria in particular.
I like the place and people very much.
As we got up and took leave, we noticed that the steel
paper cutter was still being fondled by him. As soon
as we came out, two others went in. Rajeev Reddy was
back at his work.
Click
here to view a 360 Degree Panorama of Rajeev Reddy's
House.
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