People of power

"At The Indian Express (IE), we closely watch those who wield power. So listing the 100 most powerful Indians this year should have been easy. It wasn’t...” writes IE, February 22, 2009, listing the most powerful Indians in 2009. Ratan Tata, aged 72, is on No. 11, with all the 10 before him being political figures! "He heads a corporate empire that enjoys more respect and public trust than any group from India Inc... A shy man, he has lived for years in a book-crammed flat in Colaba, Bombay,” the paper notes.

Fali Nariman, aged 80, is 46th on the overall list: "Nariman has the power to shape opinions...With his vast knowledge and insight, Nariman will continue to make a difference with his writings and arguments.” In the list of Top 10 Legal Voices, Nariman figures at number two: "Authority on constitutional law, (he) is senior to all serving judges, including the Chief Justice,” states the paper.

Soli Sorabjee, 78, is on No. 57: "Recognized both nationally and internationally for his defence of the freedom of expression and civil rights, Sorabjee will continue to uphold human and constitutional rights.” Sorabjee figures right behind Nariman at number three in the list of Top 10 Legal Voices: "(He) convinces courts every time he stands up,” comments the newspaper.

Top row (l to r) Ratan Tata, Fali Nariman, Soli Sorabjee, (2nd row) Sam Balsara, Ronnie Screwvala

Ronnie Screwvala, 46, is on No. 75: "Producer, chief executive officer and founder chairman of UTV, Screwvala is the one producer who has backed filmmakers with a different take...UTV is a key player with over Rs 100 crore at stake.” In the list of Top 10 Stars, Screwvala ranks at number five: "(He) is one of Bollywood’s biggest and most influential producers,” states IE.

Sam Balsara is third on the list of Top 10 Ad Gurus. The paper mentions him as "chairman of the Rs 20 billion Madison Group, which is growing fast.”

Among the first families of hospitality, Parmeshwar Godrej, wife of Godrej Group head Adi, is the first on the list of Top 10 Party Hosts: "Everybody wants to be at her parties as they are best networking places for anybody.”

Uma Dubash is second: "Her parties are sophisticated and exclusive...”

Tanya and Arvind Dubash, daughter and son-in-law of Parmeshwar and Adi Godrej, are eighth on the list: "Always have... fantastic food as Arvind is a gigantic foodie. The finest and most discreet crowd in Bombay,” the paper opines.