“Don’t be afraid of making mistakes”: Mohit Malhotra

Mohit Malhotra, CEO of Dabur International, on life and living it well

What is the number one item on your to-do list?

The day I decide to hang up my boots, I would like to contribute to the field of education. It would be a pleasure to share some of the insights of business management with students aspiring to become business leaders.

Your favourite vacation spot is…

Copenhagen — Denmark. I think it is a beautiful place with breathtaking landscapes, lovely 
food and friendly people. It is one of the very few destinations which provide avenues for 0relaxation, as well as fun and frolic.

Who would you like to be reborn as, and why?

I am quite content with what I have achieved in life, and would not want to be born as someone/something else. With each mistake I made, I learnt more. It is important not be afraid of 
making mistakes; they tell you about your limitations, and only when you know them, will you be able to defy them. Hoping to be reborn as someone else is disrespect to who you are.

Your fitness mantra...

For me, any day without exercise is incomplete. On most days, time is a constraint, but I make sure to get a 45-minute session of yoga in the morning and a 45-minute run on the treadmill in the evening, at least 5 days in a week. Apart from that, I try to keep a check on what I am eating as well.

The first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning?

Handling high responsibility roles, it is easy to lose sight of the most important people in your life because of lack of time. In the morning, I consciously try to devote as much time possible to my family. I help my daughter get ready for school, and my wife get things in order. I try to call up my parents and talk to them. I consciously make an effort to spend quality time with my family in the morning, because they are life’s most important asset.

The app on your Smartphone you use most often…

Since my work involves a lot of international travel, I use Google Maps often and absolutely love this app. Another app that I am fond of, especially while driving, is Google Voice Search. Technology sure has made our lives simpler.

Your favourite hangout in the UAE is…

I recently visited The Farm at Al-Barari; it is one of the most amazing brunch places in Dubai. You drive through the concrete Emirates road and suddenly gaze upon a lush green surrounding, fresh water streams and botanical gardens. I also enjoy visiting The Cove — Rotana, in Ras Al Khaimah. It is truly a beautiful beach resort.

A way in which you are trying to change your life this year

I am consciously trying to understand and be involved in the activities of the future. 35 per cent of the world population is between the ages of 14 and 29. These are people who speak the language of hashtags and aren’t afraid to vent out what they feel by broadcasting it to millions of people on Twitter. I am making an effort to understand the youth of today to gauge what is going to drive demand and growth.

Your favourite movie character of all time, and why?

I would rate Tom Hanks’ role in and as Forrest Gump as the most incredible character in movies. Forrest, a man who was considered stupid by people who knew him, teaches us about life and love like no other character.

Your favourite cuisine, and favourite restaurant in Dubai:

Thai food; Thai Kitchen at the Park Hyatt.

As told to Mary Paulose