Winning Stroke: Interview With Neha Hiranandani, Director, House of Hiranandani

If not in the current profession, you would be?

Definitely a lawyer.

One tune you always hum?

My choice of music is mood-based. I am not a creature of habit.

One book to read when you want to motivate yourself?

I rarely pick up the same book twice. I have always been a voracious reader. I consume books on topics ranging from Biomedical Ethics to Political Philosophy.

One dialogue of a movie that motivates you or you like the most?

I have to say none. I usually find it hard to sit through a movie, let alone pay that close attention to the dialogue.

The place you never been to and always want to go?

I definitely want to visit Japan. I studied Japanese and History and Politics while at University. Their culture and rich history have been a fascinating study, and experiencing it firsthand is something I've always looked forward to.

If your life was to be turned into a movie, who would you like to play your part?

Brie Larson maybe. I love her versatility.

Luck or hard work, what do you think weighs more in defining a successful person?

Circumstance and luck definitely give you a leg up in life. I will readily acknowledge this. But what you do with this platform comes from the work you are willing to put in.

One best decision you ever made?

Going to boarding school.

A strategy that you always use to take your decisions in personal or professional life?

Discussion and debate as both are fundamental to the learning process

Whose advice do you seek when in a dilemma?

 My father. Or I ask myself, what would Daddy (my grandfather) do?

What has been your biggest achievement?

Motherhood. My son teaches me every day the value of curiosity and that learning is something you must open yourself to every day of your life. He is my biggest cheerleader and has shown me that I don't have to feel guilty about the hours of work I put in. He is proud of me, and I of him.

One thing that you want to change in yourself?

Patience is not my strong suit. I could work on this.

A line said by your close one that you never forget?

My grandfather would always say "Success is perspiration". He would make me repeat it like a prayer.