Waaree Energies Chairman Hitesh Chimanlal Doshi and Swiggy CFO Rahul Bothra were conferred with the prestigious Zee Real Heroes Awards on Tuesday, January 14. In a candid conversation with Zee Business Managing Editor Anil Singhvi, Doshi and Bothra shared glimpses from their journeys as entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators. It was an eventful 2024 for Waaree Energies and Swiggy, whose shares entered the listed space in October and November respectively and have continued to reward investors since.

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As of January 15, Waaree Energies and Swiggy shares command premiums to the tune of 74 per cent and 25 per cent over their issue prices. 

Asked about the inspiration behind his decision to return to the country from abroad to lead Swiggy to new heights, CFO Bothra said that it was the evolving consumer lifestyle along with the Internet revolution in India that drew him to the country’s startup space. 

“When you’re abroad you want to get back… You keep thinking about returning… I started meeting the Swiggy founder, who wanted to bring a revolution first in food delivery and then in convenience,” said Bothra, recalling his decision to give 10 years to the company. 

“We’ve come a long way, it’s been 10 years… We’re a public company now. In hindsight, it looks easy, but It has been a journey full of challenges and there’s so much more to do,” said Bothra. 

“We aspire to be a big company, providing convenience to more and more people going forward,” he said.

“Creating employment for more than 5 lakh people is a great achievement,” added market guru Singhvi. 

Acknowledging the vital role played by technology in nurturing and supporting businesses today, Waaree Energies’ Chairman, Doshi, said: “I often tell my children: Given the technology available today, be it health, AI, defence or aerospace, what I made in 30 years, you can perhaps make in 5. This is the best time.”

“Even if you are old 60 or 70 years old, it’s a cakewalk to live your dreams now,” said Doshi, referring to the bright economic prospects for businesses in India.

Emphasising the importance of embracing challenges as an integral part of one's journey, Doshi said: “I have enjoyed every bit (of his own journey). Keep doing what you do when you’re enjoying it… I tell my employees the same.”

Doshi began his career with a capital of Rs 5,000. 

When Rahul Bothra met with an accident on the way to the examination centre

Highlighting the role played by passion in every success story, Bothra recalled an incident when he met with an accident while travelling by motorcycle to write a crucial examination. 

“I was injured… Onlookers suggested that I visit a hospital. The first thing I checked was whether I could use my fingers… My exam was on direct taxes,” Bothra recalled fondly. 

“When I joined Swiggy, we had a dream that we wanted to provide a new lifestyle to the consumer… There were a lot of challenges, including those related to funding too… Then COVID impacted 80 per cent of the company’s business and we were left with cash balance for six months,” he shared. 

“Everything is clear when you have a dream… We were determined to make the company profitable even without funding. We will continue to support with innovation. We made food develiery profitable and registered growth in Instamart,” said Bothra. 

Speaking at the event, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said: “I would like to congratulate all the awardees who we have honoured today. All of them are institutions in their own capacity. I thank Zee Media for organising this event.”
 
 “The real heroes are people who live among us. They might not know what’s ahead, but have the courage to combat everything with their firm commitment,” said ZMCL CEO Karan Abhishek Singh. 

“They turn every challenge into an opportunity. They raise their voice for the voiceless and give hope,” the CEO said. 

The annual Zee Real Heroes event seeks to honour the real change-makers powering the nation’s journey to development.