Raghu: The Braveheart

Every day, as I open the blog, I see so many memories of Raghu being remembered and shared by so many - it feels like a balm to the hurt of losing him. I too feel fortunate for his friendship and the many, many joys we shared for over 3 decades.

Raghu had started his career with Dunlop in late 70’s and I had joined in 1980. Dunlop those days was a blue chip MNC and a charming old world company. Raghu was never awed by any trappings and authority and was as always – questioning and inquisitive. He left a ripple wherever he went and learnt his lifelong lesson of – Work hard and play hard. He was soon seen as a “blue eyed enfant terrible” and went on to become one of the youngest ASMs. While Dunlop those days was a lifetime employment but restless Raghu left for newer pastures. 

After a couple of years we came together again (at Calcutta!) in 1991 in HMV-EMI which was then a sick company. I think it was Raghu’s first CXO assignment with a mandate to turn it around. He did it in 18 months I will not dwell on how, but it involved his acquiring some of the most successful music of that era like - Dilwale Dulhaniya Lee Jayenge - Adi Chopra’s first film; Hum Apke Hyan Kyon of Sooraj Barjatiya; Vidoo Vinod Chopra’s 1942 A Love Story; etc. I don’t think Raghu was a Hindi film buff and it was a completely new industry but his natural boldness and ability to take risk brought him success. 

In mid-90’s McKinsey was recommending Retail to many business houses. Spencer’s for RPG was the perfect vehicle for entry into retail. While Pradipta Mohapatra was the grand visionary – Raghu was the Creator. 

Though Raghu had been to IIMA and Harvard AMP but analysis-paralysis was something he had little time for. He was a natural. He was happier going by guts and logic and a “one-pager” - rather than research. I remember him closing the name “Foodworld” almost instantly as he saw it. Tarsus Reneke, our retail guru, gave us the mantra of - rice and sugar as the traffic driver & bright lights as the crowd puller – Raghu went full hog. Today, it looks a no brainer and easy – but in 1996 with no other supermarkets except Nilgiris, it required imagination and judgment. Which Raghu had tons of! 

Just the way most of us have affection for him, he must have been a favorite of Lady Luck, as well. Most times he looked infallible – he got 8 out of 10 right. Raghu went on to create Musicworld; Health&Glow and Giant, all hugely successful and pioneering work. 

He was a people’s man and for every project he first worked hard to put together the right team. He participated in the big decisions and thereafter he left you on your own. You could commit murder and he would stand by you provided your intentions –“ niyaat” were true. He managed multiple businesses but was the first one to leave office (many times early). He achieved all of this with his leadership hallmark of – speed; fearlessness and radiating positive energy. Though the enfant terrible became Retail’s Poster Boy, yet he wore all his success very lightly, without self consciousness. Always, gave credit to whom it was due.  

Naturally some stints of his were not a high point in his life. But the beauty is he was never bitter or regretted it or complained about it, even over cocktail conversation. He bore no grudge, never allowed anyone to bear a grudge. 

6 months ago when he got back to Future Group, it was like home coming, as he had many of us old colleagues and friends there. In recent months I know mentally, physically, personally and professionally he was in a very happy state of mind. He was gyming like a young man; his children were doing well; he was building a dream home . Future Group was looking forward to his leadership to take it to the next level of growth. Raghu was raring to go. 

However, the Unknown works in mysterious ways. Destiny had some very rude plans.

Most of us have good friends but to have a Friend who is strong, bold, honest and true is rare.

My life will definitely not be the same without Raghu. May Almighty Rest His Soul in peace and give strength to his family and friends.

Arindam Guha has worked with Raghu in Dunlop, HMV, RPG Retail and Future Group. He now heads finance at Future Group.