Time Out

The Complete 'Family' Man

The erudite and dynamic CEO of Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad, Dr Alexander Kuruvilla commands respect from the industry for spinning innovative strategies of hospital management and his excellent management skills. But once he steps out of the hospital, he is a complete family man. Back come by 8 pm, he loves playing with his sons Aditya (9) and Anuj (5) and their pet dogs—Simba (a boxer) and Ginger (Doberman). For the envy of all, he goes out to see Hindi movies twice a week with his wife Poornima since he came to Ahmedabad.

The 43-year-old Dr Kuruvilla soothes his frayed nerves by listening to jazz and soft rock, especially while he is driving. His favourites are Smokie, Beetles and Barcley James Harvest. The owner of Toyota Innova and a Wagon R, he enjoys going for long drives with his family, while listening to his favourite musical tracks. A lover of outdoor sports, he used to play basket ball and hockey for Bangalore University. Unfortunately, in 1994, he met with an accident while playing basket ball for which he had undergo a knee surgery.

An avid reader, he devours on management and philosophy books. The book that left an indelible impression on his mind is The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck. "I was looking out for answers related to day-to-day living and family life and the book gave a new meaning to my life," he quips. The zest for life for this head honcho is just electrifying!

The Last Time You......

Saw a daily soap

Around two years back, I saw a Hindi soap for five minutes and decided never to see one again. Re-playing the same plot and same emotion did not make any sense to me.

Blasted somebody

When somebody in my hospital goofed up in patient care. I learnt never to reprimand a person in front of others from my professor of hospital administration at KMC, Manipal, Col R.N. Basu. I only scold to correct the person and not to settle a score with him. Since I do it behind closed doors and the person at the receiving end does not disclose it, people have the impression that I never lose my cool. That works for me! (smiles)

Went on a holiday with your family

Last Christmas, I went to Goa. Every year, I take two holidays. One within the country and one abroad. I believe travelling is an effective way of learning.

Cooked

I can only make an omelet, and in various ways. Nobody can be WORSE than me in this domain!

Went to see a doctor

Nine months back, when I went for my annual health check-up. I am quite health conscious. I exercise and run on the treadmill everyday.

Laughed uproariously

During Christmas vacation in Goa. I, Poornima and Aditya fooled Anuj by buying gifts and making it look like that Santa has given them. We unanimously decided to disclose the non-existence of Santa to Anuj only next year. Out of the blue, Aditya who helped us pull off the trick, asked us for Christmas presents. When we told him that he has already received them, he winked at us and said that "But that was from Santa!" I burst into a peal of laughter.

Went out to see a movie

Every week, I and Poornima see two movies in multiplexes. I have been to all the multiplexes in the city. We get that kind of time as we don't have relatives in Ahmedabad to socialise. But let me tell you that I don't see the movies! Mostly, I doze off or I am on the phone. I still go out for the movies as I enjoy spending time alone with Poornima.

Went to attend parent-teacher's meeting

It was November, last year. I never miss my sons' parent-teacher meeting.

Participated in a game

It has been ages!

Lost something valuable

Though I am not that careful, somehow I have not lost anything till date. You can say that I am lucky. It could also be because people around me remind me of things that I have forgotten.

Were moved to tears

When I heard about skeletons of children dug out of a house at Nithari in Noida. Thinking about the brutality against the children, I was anguished. Being a lover of animals, cruelty against animals also makes me teary.

Had to manage a difficult customer

Just few days back, when a customer was unhappy about a service. I intervened and saw to it that the grievance was addressed. I also ensured that it does not happen again.

Stood in a queue

Only at the airport. Otherwise, I don't remember having done that for a very long time. Even when I have to buy a movie ticket, I don't have to as those counter guys know me very well.

Went home early

This Christmas. Otherwise, I lose track of time when I am working. When I start having my lunch thinking it is 1 pm, people tell me that it's 4 pm!

Got bored

Whenever I go to see a movie. (laughs)

Rita Dutta