Individualistic and spirited, Nandini Hirianniah was born in Bangalore. Worked with NGOs to promote street theatre and social awareness about AIDS/HEPATITIS and family planning. She is married. She did her Master’s in Communication from Bangalore University. Nandini and her husband rolled out a media company called Mad House Media, their first venture being to start a chain of DVD retail and rental stores across India.

Nandini’s idea is to run a chain of juice bars that will offer tasty nutritious juices at affordable prices.

Q: Describe yourself in a few words.
A: I’m individualistic. I’ve never settled for something that I didn’t want to do. I’ve never succumbed under pressure. I believe in laying standards for myself and doing what I want to do. That way you might end up making a couple of people unhappy but eventually if you’re doing well for yourself, everyone’s going to be happy.

Q: How do you define success?
A: Success for me is satisfaction. It means that I have risen above my capabilities and not compromised on who I am in the process. Success would also mean the stretch that I have taken to do something that would enrich me as a person.

Q: Why do you think you can become the Business Baazigar?
A: I think my project has clarity – a clear cut idea and objective. I think there’s a need in the market for an affordable, hygienic juice bar. For a show like Business Baazigar, if they’re looking at part-funding, I stand a chance because my initial role of plan accommodates a trial after which there can be upscaling. Third thing is my personal profile – the kind of experience and media background I bring with me should certainly act in my favor.

Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A: Since I have a media background, I see myself as having achieved something significant in that field. Eventually I hope to be a wealth-creator. As a person, I see myself more evolved and with more experience added to my baggage. Life is like a rolling stone, you keep on rolling and rolling, until you gather enough moss and become this big rock which no one can push or throw around.