Time Out

Teeing off for a Simple Life

Dr BK Rao, Chairman, Board of Management of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi at the age of 53, works more than 11 hours a day. But once out of office, he dashes directly home. Outside the hospital, his life revolves around his wife of 23 years Dr Manju, his daughter Spriha (22) and son Akrant (21). A believer of simple living, Dr Rao is full of praises for Dr Manju, an anaesthetist at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital. "Manju is the one who takes care of the house and children. In spite of being a doctor herself, she has always been responsible for the welfare of children and compensates my time with them as well," he reveals.

A friend to his children, he never imposes restrictions on them. "I want them to learn what is good and bad themselves. Whenever I am busy, they understand, and never complain," he explains.

A voracious reader of fiction, he is a die-hard fan of John Grisham. But his favourite is 'The Eight' by Katherine Neville. He reads every evening without fail. And in his leisure time, he creates his own pictorial dictionary. Although he is not a movie buff and likes watching movies only occasionally on television, surprisingly enough he has watched Gladiator more than ten times.

Music for him is a mode to relax, but do not assume that he listens to Bollywood numbers. He listens to all kinds of devotional music and draws immense strength from them. "It revitalises and soothes my mind and soul," says Dr Rao. Though he plays golf every morning, hockey remains his favourite since school days.

For a person who has grown from strength to strength and spearheaded his organisation's growth, the humble doctor always sports a cheerful smile.

When was the last time you…

Saw a daily soap

• I watch 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' because my wife watches it while we sit for dinner. I am more into watching Discovery and news channels.

Received a compliment

• A few days back. A patient from a hotel chain came badly injured to our hospital. Before leaving, he came and praised me for the treatment. I felt he was just not a patient but a part of my family.

Went to see a doctor

• Oh…it was two months back and that was for insurance! I am always surrounded with docs, so I do not need to go to them specially! (laughs)

Got bored

• 26th of this February. I was at Chicago airport and as the flight was delayed, I had to spend the night there. Even as I was carrying a novel and a pocket dictionary, I got bored after sometime.

Watched a movie in a theatre

• A year ago! Hmmm...It was 'Khosla Ka Ghosla'.

Went on a holiday with your family

• You caught me! It was five year's back. We went to Goa. Now, I think I must plan something soon. (laughs)

Laughed uproariously

• At Holi Milan, this year. I was with my kids and we laughed a lot. We enjoyed playing Holi together.

Were moved to tears

• During Rakhi. The day reminds me of my elder brother whom we lost.

Lost something valuable

• The rented house at Anant Parvat where I spent my childhood was to be demolished. After hearing that news, I felt that my childhood will be disconnected. However, fortunately it did not happen. But the thought is still frightening and disturbing to me.

Stood in a queue

• In an immigration queue. I never hesitate to stand in a queue, be it at the airport or the bank. There have been times when people offered to help me out, but I prefer to stand in queue. I, basically, respect the idea of following rules.

Cooked

• I cook many a times. I like cooking regular stuff like dal, roti and sabji.

Blasted somebody

• I blasted an employee a few days ago, but that was nothing personal or serious. I am not a short-tempered person and know where to stop. I never shout or scream at anybody.

Went home early

• A few days back, when I was not feeling well. But there was no one at home!

Sushmi Dey