Aircel founder C Sivasankaran reflects on missed opportunities: 'Not learning Hindi cost me Rs 1 lakh crore'

C Sivasankaran further elaborated on how these decisions may have isolated him from key business networks.

In a recent interview on a podcast hosted by Ranveer Allahbadia, C Sivasankaran, founder of the now-defunct telecom company Aircel, candidly discussed pivotal decisions in his career that he believes limited his business reach and success.

Sivasankaran identified two primary factors: his decision not to learn Hindi and his choice not to relocate to major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai during the early stages of his career.

He stated: "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."

He further elaborated on how these decisions may have isolated him from key business networks and opportunities within India's central economic hubs.

Discussing his financial principles, Sivasankaran 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."

Despite his entrepreneurial drive, he acknowledged that significant business deals may have eluded him due to a lack of connection, rather than a lack of vision.

Reflecting on his career, he summarised: "I made two mistakes. Not learning Hindi. And not moving to Delhi or Bombay. That's it."

Beyond his professional reflections, Sivasankaran shared insights into his personal investments prior to Aircel's bankruptcy. He revealed substantial investments in real estate, including the purchase of two islands in Seychelles, which he envisioned as his own "Republic of Siva."

Additionally, he acquired properties across various continents, aiming to establish a global presence.

Among his notable acquisitions was a 71-bedroom house valued at Rs 524 crore, which was later demolished. He repurchased a portion of the property and currently holds a 2-acre plot, expressing a desire to resolve existing challenges before undertaking new construction.

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