Hafeez Contractor

 Brick By Brick 

Hafeez Contractor has contributed to the Mumbai skyline like no other. The beautifully architectured Hiranandani Gardens and Office-Park, Lake Castle, Seawoods Estate (NRI Housing), Damania's Bungalow, Le Meridien, Beach House and Beverly Park stand testimony to his talent. His areas of specialisation are architectural design of hotels, hospitals, residential complexes, commercial complexes, interior decor and project management.

This modern day architect has been the recipient of some of the most prestigious awards like Design Award in 1970, '74 and '75 and the Priyadarshini Award for Excellence in Architecture in 1998. His dream project is not building, but to change the lifestyle of Mumbai through a greening plan.

He was also involved in Shiv Sena's Shiv Shahi Punarvasan Prakalp (SSPP) for slum redevelopment, which he is not very hopeful about because of lack of land and finances. For this, housing has to outpace the growth of population.

This artisan believes in abiding by nature's law and creating a beautiful ambience for nature around his work of architecture.     

 Sanjeev Kapoor 

Computing A Meal

He has made many women's afternoon a delight and appeased many a man's palate. Sanjeev Kapoor of the 'Khanna Khazana' fame has a cookbook 'Culinary,' an encyclopaedia on Indian cookery and even a line of branded products and a franchise restaurant named after him in Dubai.

No one would ever think that one of the best Chefs in the country once nurtured the dream of becoming an architect. Opting for the kitchen in his hotel management career was his last choice and perhaps the best one too. His work is not just about cooking but also computing the cost of a meal depending on current market prices and making the perfect dressing for a dish.

His fame is an example of how one can excel in a lesser-known profession, rather than remain ordinary is a high profile job.