“The New Romantic scene was so tiny. Although it got lots of mileage in the media, it was a really small club with only a core group of people. As it got more popular, kids started to come from the suburbs all dressed up, but it -really wasn’t as big as it looked.”

There is always some element of competition. As and when more players show interest in a space, it endorses increasing demand. I have never taken competition as a treat.

However, to build a successful business, focus on creating more value through the product, and direct your efforts on solving real issues.

Never compromise on hiring the best talent. Build value, not valuation. We have never used tactics like giving discounts, cashback to make customers use our product. This way no one can create a sustainable business.

If one wants to innovate or even survive in today’s competitive world, one must keep abreast of emerging new technologies.

We are flattered to witness the response generated by the beta program and are working towards accommodating all pending sign up requests as soon as we launch live.

Technology is no longer a luxury. People across generation and geographies are making use of mobile technologies. Startups have capitalised on this phenomenon.

Before I start a company, I always invest at least one year to knowing that sector thoroughly. I research about almost everything related to that business – competition, market potential, revenue model, legal and regulatory obligations, among other aspects.

If you have a strong business idea, then it is comparatively easy now to get capital. It is a positive thing that increasingly more people want to join the startup bandwagon.

If you manage to build a sustainable product, revenue will follow. A lot of startups fail because they concentrate on incremental innovations, increasing user base, and monetisation before strengthening the core of their business.

A lot has changed in India in the last decade. We can attribute the growth of India’s startup ecosystem to the increased penetration of affordable smartphones and data connectivity across the country.

I have never compromised on fundamentals. I’ve always believed in focusing on creating value and not valuation.

I say to the grown-ups, ‘If you want to deny evolution and live in your world that’s completely inconsistent with everything we’ve observed in the universe that’s fine. But don’t make your kids do it.’

My kids listen to everything because I listen to everything, so it’s not far-fetched to hear them playing Metallica and then playing A Tribe Called Quest or N.W.A.

A soldier’s life revolves around his mail. Like many others, I’ve been able to follow my kid’s progress from the day he was born until now he is able to walk and talk a little, and although I have never seen him I know him very well.

I was always the fastest and strongest kid in my school so events like the 100 meter and discus throwing attracted me.

I have always been an avid bike rider. Even before I became an avid bike rider, I was an avid bike stealer when I was a kid. I am very educated on bikes.

There’s an honesty in our family – my kids and I are able to talk about things without me putting the fear of God into them.

There’s only, I think, in life, three things that I do pretty well: Performing, I still can field ground balls, and I make nice kids.

Everybody. Somebody would just stick their head in the door and say, “He sounds too Jewish.” Or, “He’s too tough, he’s off-putting. You gotta seduce kids, not scare them out the door.”