Seasoned entrepreneur and Bollywood film producer Rajan Lall has led a life of remarkable achievements, perseverance, and reinvention. From building his brand in India to overcoming significant challenges in the UAE, Lall’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His autobiography, I Did It My Way: My Life of Love, Loss, Betrayal, and Wisdom, authored by Dubai based journalist Manju Ramanan, offers a deeply personal look into his multifaceted career and the life lessons he’s learned along the way. In this exclusive interview L'Officiel Arabia, we sit down with Rajan Lall to explore the inspiration behind his memoir and what readers can expect from his deeply personal narrative.
Delna Mistry Anand: Mr Lall, congratulations on the release of your autobiography, I Did It My Way. I’d like to start by asking what "I Did It My Way" means to you, and how does it encapsulate your journey?
Rajan Lall: Thank you! Writing this book had been on my mind for many years, and it is a reflection of my life's journey, encompassing both the triumphs and challenges, as well as the love and losses I've experienced. The purpose behind sharing my story is to offer insights not only into my work in business and Bollywood but also into the core lessons I've learned about resilience, ambition, and perseverance. I was a rebellious teen, and I knew I wanted to explore life on terms even back then. Somehow I just learned to navigate through adversity and emerged stronger each time, and this is what I want to share – that one has to learn to stay true to one’s vision, even when the path is difficult or unconventional. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s about sticking with it through the tough times.
I hope it serves as an inspiration to anyone trying to follow their dreams. The book is very personal, it’s also a tribute to my parents and my mentors who’ve influenced me.
In your book, you have included some priceless vintage photographs from your parents' Bollywood gatherings, which provide a glimpse into that fascinating era. Please tell us about how these photos fit into your story.
These photographs are a very significant part of my childhood, and my book would be incomplete without them. My father loved hosting lavish parties and I grew up watching these personalities walk in and out of my house. We had some wonderful moments and interesting conversations through my growing years. Stalwarts like Saira Banu and Raj Kapoor - among others, are instrumental in shaping my perception of art, and life itself. To me, they aren’t just the legends you see on the screen but they are people who taught me the most important lessons of my life, which I carry with me till today.
Your close friend, Shatrughan Sinha, wrote the foreword for your book. How did his influence shape the writing process and your life?
Shatrughan has been a mentor and a great friend. His perspective has always been invaluable to me. His foreword sets the book off on a warm and friendly tone, reminding the reader about our genuine bond. His words bring so much warmth to the story, and I’m deeply grateful for his support.
You’ve often spoken about the themes of resilience and ambition in your life. Could you expand on how these themes have influenced your journey?
Resilience and ambition have been my guiding forces. I’ve always been fearlessly ambitious. However, throughout my career, whether in business or film, like any anyone else, I too have encountered setbacks. But I would bounce back fairly quickly, and get back on track. I’ve always believed that setbacks are setups for comebacks. Life is never a straight path, and the key is to keep moving forward, even when things seem uncertain. You have to learn to get back up and keep pushing.
At 53, you made the bold decision to move to Dubai and start anew. What motivated that decision?
Change has never scared me. Every big step in my life was a leap of faith. In 2000, I faced significant challenges in India, and I felt it was time for a fresh start. I had visited Dubai, and had felt an instant connection. It felt like the right place for me to begin again. So I moved, with no money in my pocket but a strong desire to rebuild and create something new. In those days, business opportunities in Dubai, especially in the garment industry, were ample and abundant. Once again, I took a leap of faith and ended up here for 25 more years.. and counting!
You started from scratch, how was that process for you back then?
Well I can’t lie, it was a real struggle at first. I had to start from zero, with no established connections. But my experience in India taught me how to adapt quickly and make bold decisions. With the help of friends like Salim Khan, who supported me with the initial capital, I managed to set up my company. I sold hangers to garment exporters, which gave me the capital I needed to expand, and slowly, things started to take off. It wasn’t easy but I held on to my faith.
You’ve mntioned that spirituality plays an important role in your life. How does it influence your business decisions?
Spirituality is a guiding force for me. The teachings of Sai Baba and the lessons from my mother have shaped how I approach business and life. Compassion, gratitude, and staying grounded are essential values that influence my decisions. My community involvement, including my support of the Hindu temple and the Shri Shirdi Sai Baba statue, keeps me connected to my roots. I believe in balancing business success with giving back to society.
Lastly, you’ve hinted at a potential documentary about your life. What do you envision for this project?
We’re in discussions about a documentary that will focus on overcoming obstacles, reinventing oneself, and building something from scratch. It will be an inspiring narrative about resilience, faith, and never giving up on your dreams. I hope it encourages people to stay true to themselves and to believe that no matter how tough life gets, there’s always a way to make a comeback.
Thank you, Mr. Lall, your story is extraordinary, and truly inspiring! And I can’t wait to read the book.
Thank you too, for listening.
I Did It My Way: My Life of Love, Loss, Betrayal, and Wisdom will be released worldwide on March 1, 2025, and will be available in bookstores and online.
