Mr Prasad, would you please tell us how your illustrious journey began and at what age you decided to study law? Please walk us through the early years of your education and the decision of becoming a lawyer.

First of all, I don’t think of my journey as “Illustrious”, but as one of an ordinary person that rode the tide of emerging India. My being a lawyer is an accident. After graduating in science, the plan was to do an MBA. However, I got a chickenpox infection on the eve of my MBA entrance exam and was forced to miss the same. Being an Army officer’s son, I did not have the luxury of sitting out a year and hence joined a computer programming course in Symbiosis, Pune. The same building also housed the Symbiosis law college, and since I was a Perry Mason fan, decided to study law for a year. I enjoyed studying law so much that I decided to give up the MBA/computer programmer dream and become a lawyer.

Since I had no family background in the law, my parents were apprehensive with my career choice, but then finally decided to give in to my enthusiasm. They eventually were comforted when I topped the exams in my second year at law. A strong believer in my potential was Prof Raste, at the time a lecturer at Symbiosis. His confidence in me helped with my decision to continue the pursuit of the law as a profession.

What has helped you to attain the position where you are now? What advice would you give to others who want to set off in a similar direction?

I would put it down primarily to enjoying the work at an intellectual level, making the effort to understand the situation down to its basics, both from a legal and business perspective, constantly looking to innovate and being open to ideas from colleagues, adversaries and the external world. What also helped was the desire for intellectual primacy over the chase for wealth, recognising the benefits of teamwork and putting client interest ahead of personal interest.

My advice to wannabe lawyers would be to focus on knowledge and skill enhancement and putting a premium on integrity and client interest.

Who have been your mentors and the biggest inspiration in this journey?

All my seniors have been excellent mentors, Dr Ghatate, Sr. Advocate, and M/s S.V. Deshpande (both independent Supreme Court lawyers), U.A.Rana (Partner, Gagrat & Co.) and Ranji Dua (Senior Partner, Dua Associates). I also learned a lot on being a corporate/transactional lawyer from an American lawyer, Mark Reidy, who I worked with closely in my initial years as a corporate lawyer.

My biggest inspiration as a lawyer has been Mr Fali Nariman, who I worked with closely while being an Associate with Gagrat&Co. He was quick, always sought to get to the bottom of a business or legal issue, honest to his beliefs and unafraid to innovate. It helped that he frequently noticed my contribution, despite being the youngest voice amongst the legal giants that were part of the instructing team.

What, in your opinion, has been the biggest change or challenge looming over the legal landscape of India amid COVID-19?

The biggest challenge is that courts continue to be largely in a state of shutdown. The pandemic will be around for a while, maybe even for the rest of our lives. Hence, the solution cannot be to wait it out. Going back to physical courts is very risky, particularly given the age and health profiles of judges and experienced lawyers. As such, movement in a tech move is essential.

Other than work, what else keeps you busy? Would you please share your other interests and hobbies with our readers?

I’m interested in a host of things -- national politics, the Indian economy, rock, pop and Bollywood music, ancient history, theoretical physics and the study of and experience with religion, in particular, the many traditional Indian theologies and traditions classified as “Hinduism”.

Mr Prasad, what would be your message to our legal minds of the future? Would you like to give any advice from the treasure trove of your experiences in the field?

If you have a penchant for fairness in society and business and willing to work towards enhancing the same, you will become an excellent lawyer. Always think of client interest and give primacy to integrity. Wealth and fame tend to follow these traits in a lawyer, for some its comes early and for others a bit later, and the latter need to hang in there.

As a final note, would you please recommend to our readers your favourite book/movie/series that left a lasting impression on you?

I read a lot of ancient Indian history and religion (though I don’t think of myself as very religious). In terms of music, the songs that have inspired me over the years include ‘Blowin’ in the wind’, ‘Born Free’ and ‘Guantanamera’. Am also overwhelmed by a Lalitha Sahasranama or a Suprabhatam recitation. Movies that have inspired me include ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘Brave Heart.

Please hold tight! BW Legal World is soon releasing the inaugural edition of its print magazine. It will feature Ms Pallavi Pratap's full interview and much more from the world of law. Stay tuned!