High Five India | Richard Heald

[00:00:00] Hello, I am Loveena Tandon and welcome to a special High 5 India edition of the show India A Story in the Making

[00:00:09] where we explore global perspectives on the India story.

[00:00:14] In today's episode Biryani in the making in Britain, I am thrilled to chat with Richard Hield OBE

[00:00:21] a law graduate from Oxford and the CEO of the UK India Business Council.

[00:00:27] Besides being an expert on Indo-UK relations, Richard is also skilled in the art of making Biryani

[00:00:35] a dish close to his heart just like India.

[00:00:39] In this special edition, Richard shares some light hearted insights that offer a delightful snapshot of the episode.

[00:00:48] Here we are. This is High 5 India with Richard.

[00:01:00] Alright, India for you in one word.

[00:01:02] Great.

[00:01:03] And since you read so many history books, if you could trade a place with one historical figure, who would that be and why?

[00:01:11] I know exactly who I want but I can't remember his name.

[00:01:14] Tell me.

[00:01:15] It's Painter.

[00:01:17] Oh, am I for sale?

[00:01:19] Okay.

[00:01:21] Why him and what will you...

[00:01:24] Why? Because I just think creativity in that sort of way is a God-given gift.

[00:01:35] What would you ask him?

[00:01:40] Why did he pay... how did his style evolve and why did it go that direction?

[00:01:47] I did this last interview by the way.

[00:01:49] Did you?

[00:01:50] I did.

[00:01:51] We didn't talk about this before.

[00:01:55] Yes.

[00:01:56] So I was thinking about politicians, I was thinking about kings, I was thinking about all sorts of different individuals.

[00:02:05] And I just feel that he probably has had a profound impact on the cultural evolution of India.

[00:02:14] Really?

[00:02:15] So if you were trading places, what would you do different as MF Hussain?

[00:02:19] I'm not sure I'd do anything.

[00:02:21] I'd go along the same way.

[00:02:24] Okay.

[00:02:25] You know, you can't really improve perfection, can you?

[00:02:29] If there is one.

[00:02:32] Okay, what is the one most intriguing thing about India?

[00:02:35] It's contradictions, it's complications.

[00:02:38] There are two things.

[00:02:40] I mean one of the things I find fascinating about India is that you never stop learning.

[00:02:47] And I think that's common to whether you're an Indian, whether you're non-Indian, it's the whole system.

[00:02:55] And learning about it is mind-blowing.

[00:02:59] Mind-blowing.

[00:03:00] Okay.

[00:03:01] India's future for you in one word?

[00:03:04] Regret.

[00:03:05] Why?

[00:03:06] Because I'm 67 and I'm not going to see India achievements.

[00:03:16] Real potential that it deserves.

[00:03:19] We wish you long life.

[00:03:20] Thank you.

[00:03:23] I'm sure you will.

[00:03:25] No, no, I just, you know.

[00:03:27] How many years do you give it?

[00:03:29] Well everyone talks about 2050.

[00:03:31] 2050.

[00:03:32] You know whether that's 2050 or 2070, one doesn't really know.

[00:03:37] But I think that the progression that India can achieve and I think will achieve is going to be startling.

[00:03:48] And you've been a part of it, that's why I guess I wrote it.

[00:03:52] Very small.

[00:03:53] Okay.

[00:03:54] What is the one thing of India that's rubbed on you?

[00:03:58] Biryani's.

[00:04:00] Biryani's?

[00:04:02] And this?

[00:04:03] Oh and that, yes.

[00:04:05] My wife gets very cross.

[00:04:07] She'll ask me a question when I come back from India and I go like that.

[00:04:11] She doesn't know whether it's yes or whether it's no.

[00:04:15] But we still get it?

[00:04:18] Yeah, I still get it.

[00:04:22] I have to practice a bit now.

[00:04:24] You're going to India now so you will get back to India.

[00:04:26] I'm going to India very shortly, yes.

[00:04:29] You did brilliantly well Richard.

[00:04:32] And since you're calling me for a Biryani and I will come.

[00:04:37] Hello Fortune.

[00:04:40] One more.

[00:04:41] Thank you very, very much.

[00:04:43] No, thank you.

[00:04:44] If you're keen on exploring the Indo-UK business corridor, this episode is tailored just for you.

[00:04:51] You can find the full details in the description below.

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[00:05:22] Thank you again for being a part of India for Story in the Making.