Brinda: Congratulations for a successful brand change, from "The Grand " to "The Lalit". That was a bold step.How did the idea come about and did you think it could be a risk to change the name?

Jyotsna: Re-branding is a very bold step and requires careful planning. It is not just a name change but the implementation and endorsement of a new brand identity. The establishment of ‘THE LALIT’ – is unique in the Indian Hospitality industry… At one stroke we gave birth to 17 hotels on November 19, 2008. Today, we proudly fly the brilliant ‘Red’ flag of The Lalit offering ‘limitless hospitality’ and our hotels are the embodiment of ‘Lalit’s’ Sanskrit meaning… luxurious, charming, beautiful, cultural …… just, as was the man - Lalit Suri.

Q: The group has 17 five star luxury hotels (7 operational and 10 under restoration/development including two coming up in Koh Samui and Dubai) That makes you one of the largest Indian promoters in the hotel industry. Being a woman and that too in the big league, your tenacity of purpose and focus is admirable. Share with us what makes a successful business person.

A: I head the organization as ‘the Chairperson’ not Chairwoman! It is ‘a person’ who shoulders the responsibility and success is based on individual capability, aptitude, skill and determination. The challenges of modern day management, dynamic global trends, human resource optimization etc are the same for a man as they are for a woman. And yet there are times, I have to challenge reactions from people and quiz them on their pre-conceived notions of a woman Chairperson & Managing Director.

Q: Apart from being a successful business woman, you are a mother, grandmother, patron of arts in both visual and performing arts, the only Indian and lady member in the World Travel and Tourism council and Chairperson of FICCI tourism committee and key member of different organizations from education to women/children and physically challenged NGOS. How do you find time and manage all these roles?

A: If one has the passion, commitment and determination, time can always be and must be – found. We have to constantly push the envelope. Every since I can remember I have always been able to multi task and the early foundation laid by my parents and the Lawrence School, Sanawar – has come to good stead in my adult life. Even before I took over the CMD mantle in 2006 on Lalit’s untimely and sudden demise, I have been actively involved in all aspects of the business since the mid 80’s as Joint Managing Director – and don’t forget this at a time when I had the four growing children, a house, a large joint family to manage and ensure all our heavy social responsibilities were completed.

Q: Which hotels are opening this year and any hotel which is a must visit?

A: This year we are scheduled to commission The Lalit Jaipur, The Lalit Chandigarh and the beautiful The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal. The Bekal resort, which is located midst the scenic surrounds of North Kerala’s Kasargod region, is a ‘must visit – in fact I consider all my hotels a ‘must visit’. Each one is unique in its attractions. Besides Bekal, Chandigarh and Jaipur – the other new properties are under different stages of construction/restoration and will open over the course of the next 2 – 3 years. I am most excited about the 170 year old The Lalit Great Eastern Hotel in Kolkata, which we are carefully restoring. Of course all the other properties are going to be very special and stunning – be it at Ahmedabad, Dehradun, NOIDA, Amritsar … or the overseas hotels in Dubai and Koh Samui in Thailand.

Q: Is there anything else you wish to do?

A: Yes! There are miles to go before I sleep’. Keep learning, keep conquering new milestones and keep smiling – against all adversities. NEVER GIVE IN!

Q: You are a loyal OS, Believe you are also helping the school in different projects....

A: I am what I am because of my parents and the school. The desire to do something for the school was always there but during my trip to Sanawar in 2008, I was energized by the visit and took a series of concrete measures, within my sphere of specialist ion. I do believe that each one of us should do what we can for the school in which any manner – big or small.

That’s modesty for you. Just to share, Jyotsna has been selflessly and quietly working for the school development putting in her time, efforts and resources. She has renovated the Prep school dorms, Girls dorms, presented the school with a bus and car. All this in a matter of few months and is diligently carrying on. As an OS she does us proud.