World Power

Because he has made Tatas a truly global group with 25 per cent of its revenues coming from overseas operations across 40 countries. Because his group market capitalisation is now $45 billion (over Rs 2,00,000 crore), the largest in the country. Because Tata Group revenues have doubled to nearly a trillion rupees in just four years. Because he is the first among equals in an array of areas: Tata Tea is the world's largest integrated tea company, TCS is Asia's largest software company, and Tata Steel is India's second largest steel producer. Because he has pumped more than Rs 4,500 crore into acquisitions since 2002, ranging from the purchase of the spiffy New York hotel, The Pierre, to a joint venture with IMACID, a chemicals company in Morocco. Because as chairman of the Government's Investment Commission, he is not afraid of speaking out against vested private interests and political pulls. Because with Tata Sons raising the retirement age of non-executive directors to 75, he isn't saying tata for another six years.

Little-known fact: Is the country's largest private sector employer with over 2,20,000 employees.

Is embarrassed about: The public spat with Kumar Mangalam Birla over shareholding in Idea Cellular.

Is secretive about: What the Rs 1-lakh car will look like.

First love: Flying either of his two Falcon jets.

Current love: Two German Shepherd pups.

Holidays are: Private affairs mostly in Europe.

Off-duty attire: Armani vests, casual shirts, khakis.

The Winner

Because he has inherited the original legacy of the patriarch-Reliance Industries Limited. Because despite losing half his empire to his brother, he has raised Reliance Group's market capitalisation from Rs 60,000 crore to Rs 1,09,000 crore. Because Reliance Industries, with revenues touching Rs 1,00,000 crore, continues to be India's largest and only private sector company in the Fortune 500 list. Because he was co-chairman of the World Economic Forum this year, when India was 'everywhere'. Because his Reliance Petro is in line for a big bang Rs 6,000-crore public issue next month. Because he has ambitious plans to invest Rs 25,000 crore to double the capacity of his Jamnagar facility, making it the world's largest grassroots refinery. Because he is all set to storm the retail segment with a Rs 30,000 crore spend on Wal-Mart-style stores. Because when he walks the corridors of power, everyone does a salaam namaste.

Little cool buddies: Anand Jain and Manoj Modi, his classmates from Hill Grange School in Mumbai. Stress management tool: Watching a Hindi film every night and taking vacations in Africa, with his family. His children, Akash, Isha and Anant, joke that even the animals can recognise them.

Little-known fact: Wife Nita downloads his diet chart on his phone to keep him from excessive eating.

Hot wheels: The Rs 5.25-crore Maybach.

Is member of the advisory board of: McKinsey, Citibank, Stanford University and Brookings Institution.

Annual ritual: Predicting Oscar and Filmfare winners.

Mentor Mantle

Because he has transcended the growth of Infosys as a globally respected corporation to emerge as a thought leader promoting the cause of Indian companies on the world stage. Because he is a powerful Indian presence in top academic institutions ranging from Wharton to Cornell University. Because instead of kowtowing to former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda, he quit as chairman of the Bangalore International Airport before pointing out his company's investment in Karnataka. Because the only public office that would tempt him is that of Indian Ambassador to the US.

Big move: Investing Rs 285 crore in Infosys' global education campus in Mysore, the world's largest training centre, which can absorb 30,000 students every year.

Little cool buddy: 22-year-old son Rohan who is doing his PhD in computer science at Harvard.

Stress management tool: Music and travel. He is on the move 25 days a month.

Prized possession: The entire works of Mozart on 176 CDs.

Little-known fact: Reads books on maths and solves crosswords and puzzles.

Hopes to: Ring in the 25th anniversary of the company in July and step down to become non-executive chairman, functioning from an office where he can walk down from his home.

Is obsessed with: Fairness and excellence in all his dealings, no matter with whom.

Favourite line: "Go ahead. Do your own thing, and have fun."

Super Brand

Because when he fell ill last year, the film and television industry went into intensive care. Because with his performances in Black, Bunty Aur Babli and Sarkar, he redefined old age to rhyme with cool dude. Because his own critical and commercial achievements, culminating in an awards sweep, have been bolstered by pride in his son Abhishek's box office success. Because Kaun Banega Crorepati 2 surprised naysayers by winning audiences, phone calls and Rs 270 crore as ad revenue.

Power moment: When Abhishek was nominated in the best actor category this year, even as he himself was nominated for best supporting actor.

Stress management tool: Working out in his personal gym at home.

Currently reading: Medical reports, income tax notices and scripts.

Little-known fact: Loves listening to the same music as Abhishek, which varies from trance to house and hip-hop to electronica.

Next move: To pray and start shooting by the end of this month.

Last thing he does before going to bed: Read all newspaper and magazine cuttings that mention him or his family.

Latest prized possession: Painting of Ganesh gifted to him by M.F. Husain when he visited him in hospital last year. In 1982, Husain had painted a Hanuman for him.

Biggest personal discovery of the year: The excellence in medical care that helped him recover. The affection of friends, colleagues and well-wishers, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who wrote to him during his illness.

Growth King

Because he is the chairman of one of the fastest growing business houses in India, with a market cap of Rs 50,000 crore. Because whether it is standing up to Ratan Tata or to Rajendra Lodha, he is not afraid of a bruiser. Because grandfather B.K. Birla has declared Kumar will inherit his stake in the sprawling family empire, making him the Birla to bet on. Because the Government has its ear cocked to his softspoken critiques, be it as chairman of the advisory committee of the Ministry of Company Affairs or as a member of the PM's Advisory Council on Trade and Industry.

Little cool buddies: His three children, Ananyashree, Aryaman Vikram and Advaitesha, aged 11, 8 and 2.

Stress management tool: Weekly satsangs, conducted by the Chinmaya Mission at his home.

Out of the closet: His favourite colour is blue, his favourite brand Louis Phillippe, which he owns.

Hot wheels: Bottle green BMW 5 series.