Magh Krushna Pratipada
UK Curry King Sir Gulam Noon, who is in the city to explore business opportunities, says the past is forgotten and he carries back good impression of Modi and state administration
Curry King Sir Gulam Noon considers himself "lucky" for having escaped the terrorist attack at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, but is determined to keep coming back to India. In an interview with Ahmedabad Mirror, the chairman of the $200 million Noon Products empire said he "would not allow the terrorists to win".
The man who sells 1.5 million Indian meals a week is in Ahmedabad to explore the possibility of a "minority stake" in the mineral water brand Aava. Sir Gulam Noon denied that he was also exploring the possibility of setting up a restaurant business in Gujarat.
The Curry King had criticised Chief Minister Narendra Modi post-Godhra, but praised the state’s infrastructure and administration, on meeting the CM.
Q: What brings you to Gujarat?
A. I was here to explore the possibility of a business opportunity in the mineral water brand Aava. I met my good friend Behram Mehta, the owner of Aava and am impressed with his facilities here.
Q. Have you decided to pick up a stake in Aava?
A. Nothing has been decided as yet. There have been discussions and we are exploring the possibility. A lot of brainstorming has been done about the business ventures that we are interested in.
Q. Are you exploring any other business opportunities in Gujarat?
A. I am also checking out certain food businesses. But it is too early to discuss the details.
Q. You met Chief Minister Narendra Modi at his residence. What discussion did you have with him?
A. I actually responded to an invitation that he had given when he was visiting London. I met him at his residence in Gandhinagar; the conversation was short, but fruitful. He is a very friendly and courteous person.
Q. Is that the image you will be carrying back to the UK?
A. I am not a politician. But the image that I will carry about the state is that it has very good infrastructure and it is an extremely well-run state.
Q. Is it at variance with the impression you carried about Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the past?
A. The past is forgotten. I have met him and believe that he is a very good administrator and a extremely good person.
Q. How do you look back on the terrorist attack at the Taj Mahal Hotel where you had a close brush with death?
A. Let me put it this way. I was extremely lucky. I escaped unhurt, but I will never allow terrorists to win. I will keep coming back to India.
Q. What is you impression of the security in India after the Mumbai incident?
A. The Mumbai attack was an intelligence failure. We should make sure that it never happens again.
Source: ahmedabadmirror.com
