'When people are passionate about work..': Sudha Murthy opens up on husband Narayana Murthy's 70-hr work week remark

Sudha Murty

Author and philanthropist Sudha Murthy reacted to her husband Narayana Murthy’s '70-hour work-week' remark saying that when people are passionate about their work, time never becomes a limitation.

In an interview with NDTV, the Rajya Sabha MP spoke about the beginning of Narayana Murthy's career and how he worked more than 70 hours per week which is why the vision of building Infosys with minimal funds was made possible.

In 2023, Narayana  Murthy had suggested that young Indians should aim for a 70-hour workweek to boost productivity.

Emphasising that there was no “magic wand" to make Infosys what it is today, she said, "It was sheer hard work, part of luck, part of the correct timing or being in the correct place, everything is there."

Speaking more about her personal life, Sudha Murthy said that while Narayana Murthy was busy building Infosys, she took care of the house, children, and began teaching computer science at a college. She told her husband to “take care of Infosys."

“I made that decision, and I also decided there was no point in complaining and telling your husband, ‘Oh, you are not there,’ because he’s doing a bigger job," she said.

Speaking further on time, she said, "God has given 24 hours to all, whether you are "rich or poor, beautiful or ugly.  How you want to spend it is left to you. And if you want to do anything passionately, it requires time. And if you are passionate about your work, then your partner should support it."

Also Read | 'Will take this to my grave': Narayana Murthy doesn't believe in work-life balance, defends 6-day workweek