AND WISDOM' A Riveting Biography of Rajan Lall by Manju Ramanan with testimonials by Sunil Dutt, Prem Chopra, Jeetendra, Shatrughan Sinha, Ranjeet, Anupam Kher, Randhir, Mahesh Bhatt, Anup Jalota, Priya Dutt, Shashi Ranjan
Following the successful launch of the book in Dubai, Rajan Lall launched the book in Mumbai, India.
"AND WISDOM" is a literary masterpiece that tells the extraordinary story of Rajan Lall, an enigmatic entrepreneur, former Bollywood film producer, and a man whose life is as captivating as a grand cinematic spectacle.
Rajan Lall's life is a dramatic and emotional journey, much like a classic Bollywood film, filled with grand moments, high aspirations, heartbreak, and triumph. Born in Karachi during the turbulent Partition of India in 1947, his family fled to Mumbai in search of safety and began to rebuild their lives. With a distinctive background as a "Pun-Jew" (of Punjabi-Jewish descent), Rajan's early years were shaped by a rich cultural heritage and a natural talent for business.
Growing up in the center of Mumbai, he was exposed to the glamorous world of Bollywood from a young age, attending the first-ever Filmfare Awards at Shanmukhananda Hall, thanks to his uncle JC Jain, the forward-thinking General Manager of The Times of India and the creator of the Filmfare Awards.
However, life had a twist in store. A fateful betrayal by his first business mentor led Rajan to begin an entrepreneurial journey, establishing ITL, a pioneering company in collar interlining for the textile industry.
His untiring drive and strategic abilities allowed him to create a vast business empire that encompassed Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and Tirupur. However, Rajan's ambition extended beyond the realm of business - his interest in cinema led him to enter the film production sector, where he left a lasting impression by dubbing acclaimed South Indian and Hollywood films into Hindi, including "Appu Raja", "Roja", "Dalapathi", "Schindler's List", and "True Lies" - all of which were major commercial successes.
At the height of his career in 2000, Rajan made a bold decision—he walked away from everything, leaving behind the glamour of Bollywood at the age of 53. With unbreakable determination and spirit, he founded GTA Plastics, a thriving enterprise now in Jebel Ali, Dubai, with branches in five countries.
"I Did It My Way" is far from a conventional biography. It offers a deeply personal and unflinchingly honest account of a man who has known both the joy and pain of love, navigated the intricate web of human relationships, and grappled with the consequences of his ambitions. Through unique, previously unseen photographs of Bollywood legends and heartfelt endorsements, the book candidly explores his life's journey, including the mistakes he made, the regrets he harbors, and the costs he paid for his drive to succeed.
A self-proclaimed romantic and a man with a history of multiple relationships, Rajan openly discusses his experiences--of love that went beyond time, betrayals that shattered trust, and friendships that remained strong over decades. This is a story that will connect with every reader, as it explores the fundamental challenges of life--between material wealth and a sense of purpose, loyalty and dishonesty, passion and practicality.
Despite the turmoil, Rajan's unshakeable resolve and capacity to overcome adversity distinguish him. His story serves as a testament to resilience, illustrating that every setback is temporary and every loss is not irreversible.
This book is not a self-centered memoir filled with boasts about oneself. Instead, "I DID IT MY WAY" is a honest reflection of the mistakes made in youth, the impulsive decisions made hastily, and the consequences that followed. From navigating the competitive world of business to interacting with Bollywood's elite--from luxurious parties to betrayals that left lasting emotional scars--this book is a straightforward confession of a man who lived life according to his own rules.
His journey is intertwined with captivating stories - of protecting Bollywood's most closely guarded secrets, standing by a friend's widow in her quest for justice, and offering unshakeable support to a senior actor during his son's legal troubles. Rajan Lall has been a quiet driving force behind some of Bollywood's most compelling untold stories, and now, he shares them with the world.
Published in the UAE, the book is distributed in India by Embassy Books, Mumbai. This engaging biography, written by the renowned author Manju Ramanan, is an honest portrayal of perseverance, transformation, and forgiveness. Designed by Danish Rizvi, this literary masterpiece is published by Gulf Book Services in the UAE and the UK, and printed by MASAR Printing and Publishing in Dubai - a beautifully crafted work of storytelling that originated and was brought to life in the heart of the UAE.
"This book is my personal account, a reflection of the choices I've made, the love I've cherished, the betrayals I've faced, and the wisdom I've gained throughout my journey. I've lived a life driven by passion, ambition, and a desire to reinvent myself, and 'I DID IT MY WAY' is an honest and unfiltered portrayal of all that I've experienced. If my story can inspire just one reader to live their life with courage and authenticity, then I feel this book will have achieved its purpose." says Rajan Lall
The author, Manju Ramanan, notes, _"Writing I DID IT MY WAY was a four-year immersive journey, involving a thorough search through photographs from 1924 to 2024. This book provides a brutally honest account of a man who has lived with unrelenting passion, resilience, and an unshakeable spirit. Rajan Lall's story goes beyond being a memoir - it's a candid reflection on love, ambition, betrayal, and redemption. Through this book, I hope readers discover not only an extraordinary life story, but also valuable lessons in courage, transformation, and the pursuit of one's truth."_
Bollywood legend Jeetendra describes Rajan as a dependable friend, saying "I first shot at his plush Mumbai office without even knowing him. Later, when we finally met, we hit it off instantly. Despite his busy schedule in Dubai, Rajan always makes time for his friends. My wife's fondness for him grew as well, as she values his simple yet elegant nature.
My sister resides in Dubai and is a great admirer of Kapil Dev. When he attended a party hosted by Rajan, I accompanied her to meet him and she was overjoyed. He is a fantastic host, and has a strong connection with Bollywood legends like Sunil Dutt, Rajesh Khanna, and Shatrughan Sinha. We recently met up over coffee in Dubai and had a wonderful time. He even organized a musical evening for me, and his love for Indian music is unparalleled. Rajan's warmth extends beyond friendships; he stays in touch with the families of loved ones who have passed away, demonstrating his deep-rooted loyalty and care. His infectious enthusiasm and strong spirit make him truly one of a kind.
Reminiscing about their long-standing friendship, Prem Chopra says, "Rajan is a romantic. I've known Rajan since his youth, as well as his respected family, including his uncle JC Jain of The Times of India. He was an exceptionally good-looking young man--I always thought he'd be in front of the camera, but he chose to produce films instead. Through sheer ability and perseverance, he established a successful life in Dubai. A devoted follower of Shirdi Sai Baba, Rajan has always lived life on his own terms. He is a great host, a sincere friend, and someone who finds happiness in simplicity. Whenever I visit Dubai, he welcomes me warmly, always joking that he's just a 'supervisor' while his son runs the business. Aging well, without drinking or smoking, Rajan remains full of life. I wish him and this book immense success!"
Ranjeet, an actor and close friend of Raja Lall's, says, "Life is vibrant when Rajan is part of it. We've shared countless unforgettable nights—parties, laughter, and memories tied to our shared connection with Sunil Dutt Saab. Rajan has experienced both extreme highs and lows, enduring relationships that ultimately didn't work out. People often make judgments, but few see the deep emptiness he tried to fill. Despite the labels, I know his true character—a man with a sensitive heart, unafraid to feel and express. When I fell seriously ill in Dubai, Rajan, still recovering from the ICU himself, took care of me with genuine sincerity. That's who he is—magnanimous, generous, and deeply emotional. I always pray for his happiness and good health."
Friends like friends," says legendary musician Anup Jalota about his decades-long friendship with Rajan Lall. "I've known Rajan since 1975, and our bond has only grown stronger over the years. He is one of those rare people who is loved by everyone around him. Music is his passion, and his gatherings have hosted legends like Sunil Dutt, Vinod Mehra, Gulzar, and Jagjit Singh. I still remember introducing Talat Aziz to one of his gatherings, where he gave his first public performance. Rajan has always preferred my ghazals over bhajans--his favorites being 'Chand Angdaiyan' and 'Jabse Gaye Hain,' which I sang for his 60th birthday in Dubai. No matter where life takes us, music and friendship always bring us back together. He is truly a true friend, a friend like friends!
Rajan Lall is a source of encouragement for artists plagued by self-doubt, according to his friend Mahesh Bhatt, a renowned director. "For artists ridden with self-doubt, Rajan is a breath of fresh air and encouragement," Bhatt says. Bhatt and Lall first met at Green Acres, where they lived in the same building during Bhatt's early days as a filmmaker. As a young director struggling with self-doubt, Lall was a source of strength for him. When Bhatt was making Arth, a film inspired by his own experiences, Lall offered unwavering support. The film was made on a tight budget, with Bhatt wearing his own clothes and using Smita Patil's authentic performance. During a difficult time when Bhatt was unemployed and couldn't afford a drink, Lall would invite him to share his Black Label whisky without judgment. Lall even lent Bhatt money for the film Saaransh without hesitation. Success often causes people to forget those who helped them, but Lall is one of the few people whose kindness has a lasting impact. His artistic sensibility and generosity make him a true friend. Bhatt is thrilled that Lall is sharing his life story through this book
Acclaimed actor and dear friend Anupam Kher recalls their early bond and shared, "In 1982, during my struggling days, I met Rajan at Green Acres, where he lived on the ground floor of Mahesh Bhatt's building. Every morning, before meeting Bhatt Saab, I'd stop by Rajan's home, where he'd serve me fresh parathas, eggs, and tea. He was a silent support during one of the most defining moments of my career. I had landed the lead role in Saaransh, but Mahesh Bhatt was under pressure to replace me with the legendary Sanjeev Kumar, who had agreed to do the film for free. Furious and heartbroken, I stormed into Bhatt Saab's house, threatened to leave Mumbai, and even cursed him! After my outburst, I went straight to Rajan, poured my heart out, and wept. He listened patiently, spoke to Bhatt Saab, and supported his risky decision to stick with me. That decision changed my life--Saaransh became a milestone in cinema and launched my career. Decades later, when I met Rajan in Dubai after 39 years, we picked up right where we left off. He
Shashi Ranjan, film producer and founder of the ITA Awards, recalling their long-standing friendship, shares "I met Rajan in 1986 at Shatrughan Sinha's home, and we immediately bonded over our shared passion for cinema, luxury, and good times. His Versova home was breathtaking, featuring a private theater - watching movies on laser discs felt like the epitome of luxury in the 1990s. When he moved to Dubai, I, Anu, and Neena Gupta stayed with him during his transition, and it was there that the idea for the ITA Awards was conceived. Rajan and I have shared countless experiences - from extravagant shopping sprees in Dubai that left Gulshan Grover speechless to playfully competing with each other in cars, watches, and homes. He is an exceptional host, a devoted friend, and someone who makes you feel at home regardless of your location. We joke that in our golden years, we'll have each other's company - and I wouldn't have it any other way. Rajan's warmth, sophistication, and generosity make him truly one-of-a-kind."
Priya Dutt, daughter of the late Sunil Dutt and politician, says "Rajan has been my father's closest friend. I met Rajan when I was around 19-20, and he always treated my father as a mentor and father figure. He would bring him thoughtful gifts, such as pens and watches, that my dad cherished. Their bond was filled with laughter, deep conversations, and shared moments over drinks. My father collected bottle corks, and I can still picture them sitting together, talking about life and bursting into laughter. When Rajan moved to Dubai, my father was incredibly proud of him. Even after Dad's passing, Rajan has remained a part of our family, always warm and welcoming. He has hosted us in Dubai with his signature grandeur, taking us on his yacht, treating us to amazing meals, and making us feel at home. Most people move on, but Rajan keeps my father's memory alive. His home still has a picture of my dad, and he speaks about him as if he's still here. That's the kind of loyalty and love Rajan carries, a true testament to the bond they shared.
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For those interested in reading this captivating biography, it is also available on Amazon India, the links to both versions are listed below:
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