'Not learning Hindi cost me Rs 1 lakh crore': Aircel founder C Sivasankaran

Aircel founder C Sivasankaran said that not learning Hindi and not relocating to Delhi or Mumbai at an early age limited his business reach and success.

Aircel founder's 2 big 'mistakes'

In a recent episode of the podcast hosted by popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, the founder of the now-defunct telecom company recounted how some of his career decisions removed him from key business networks, causing missed opportunities within India's central economic hubs.

Sivasankaran shared, "I made two mistakes. Not learning Hindi. And not moving to Delhi or Bombay. That's it."

He said, "If I had learned Hindi, I would have attracted all 140 crore Indians. And if I had moved to Delhi or Bombay when I was younger... I would have definitely made Rs 1 lakh crore."

Discussing his financial principles, he mentioned his aversion to personal debt:  "I don't want to take loans. I attract money. At 68, I've never borrowed Rs 100 in personal capacity."

The entrepreneur admitted to missing out on crucial business deals due to a lack of connection, rather than a lack of vision.

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Insights into Aircel bankruptcy

He also shared insights into his investments before Aircel's bankruptcy. The entrepreneur revealed substantial investments in real estate, including the purchase of two islands in Seychelles, which he envisioned as his own "Republic of Siva."

Moreover, he bought properties across various continents to establish a global presence.

"I had a desire to have a country of residence in all continents, so I bought it," he said.

Among Sivasankaran’s notable acquisitions was a 71-bedroom house valued at Rs 524 crore, which was later demolished. He repurchased a portion of the property, currently holding a 2-acre plot.

"When I bought houses I lived in a fancy house - Rs 524 crores, 71 bedrooms. Then they demolished it. But I bought back half of that house," the entrepreneur shared. "Now I have a 2-acre plot, but I don't want to build the house. First I want to solve all the problems," he said. 

The Aircel founder also owned a 14-acre estate in Fremont, California, equipped with a helipad, and a mansion in Canada that received architectural accolades.

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