Travel Unlimited

Kunal Dasgupta, CEO, Sony Entertainment Network travels so often that it seems like he spends more time on air than on land, says Reema Sisodia

His family and friends probably describe Kunal Dasgupta as 'gone again'. The jet-setting CEO of Sony Entertainment Network hops, skips and jumps through places in India and abroad at the speed of a couch potato flipping through television channels. Here's a sampling of his gruelling travel itinerary, in his own words: “Today I am here in Mumbai (March 4, 2004; it's a Thursday). Tomorrow I am going to Nepal and returning on Sunday. Then I am off to New Delhi for a day and then flying to Sri Lanka to return on Friday night. Next Sunday, I will be travelling to Lahore to witness the Indo-Pak test match and after my return, I am off for a conference in Langkawi on March 24. On March 29, I depart to Cannes to return on April 3. A sales conference of our team will take me to Phuket on April 5 and I will be back on April 9. Between April 12 and 15, I will be in Cairo. Beyond that God knows....”

It's a wonder how Dasgupta manages to keep going. How does he do it? Simple rules, apparently. He says, “I don't touch alcohol and I drink a lot of water on flights. I also fast on flights and advise the same for other travellers as at that altitude your body system goes haywire. It's the food consumption pattern that is largely responsible for travel related ailments such as deep vein thrombosis.”

He believes that instead of the travel getting to you, you can use it to your advantage. “I am often surprised that no airline bothers to educate travellers about managing your health on flight. I would prefer if the airline would show films on Yoga, some relevant stretching exercises that would help in blood circulation and in turn improve health,” he says.

As someone who has lakhs of frequent flier miles under his belt, Dasgupta believes that besides health, safety is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, he thinks many airlines are deficient in this aspect. He says, “Many of the in-flight procedures and practices related to passenger safety are theoretical in nature. Despite my 30 years of flying, I have no clue how to wear the oxygen mask. All we get to see are demonstrations conducted by the crew, which does not serve any practical purpose. For me they are meaningless narrations that defeat the purpose. I wonder, at the call of an emergency how many are able to execute the instructions given on board. Today, all airlines follow a system that they have set up 30 years ago. I belong to a family of travellers and safety on board is of paramount importance to all travellers.” He offers a suggestion - install special booths at airports where passengers can get hands on experience about safety procedures such as wearing of gas masks. After completing the practical training, Dasgupta believes, each passenger should be given certificates that would be a proof that they have undergone the training programme and are competent to take the right action during emergencies. “We have a lot of time on hand while waiting for the flights to take-off. It can be put to some productive use in more than one way,” he says.

He thinks there is a lot of scope for improvement in the kind of services airlines provide. He says, “Frankly speaking, if the airlines want to pamper me then along with my luggage they can also load my digital luggage. The way they ask you your food or seat preference, airlines can go a step further and ask the business traveller their choice of movie or music. This is true service for business travel. We are part of the digital age and the technology to upgrade systems does exist, all it takes is to apply them.”

All said and done, when asked to name his favourite airlines his vote goes to Singapore Airlines and British Airways. On the domestic circuit, though he is a frequent flier with Jet, it is Air Sahara's in-flight auction (Bid-&-Win) concept that he is highly impressed with. He has also won a couple of times. “It's a very innovative idea to keep us busy during those boring times on board. The airline is trying to be different, which is worth appreciating,” he says.

While business travel within India is mostly on the Mumbai-Delhi sector, Dasgupta looks forward to leisure trips in Goa, his favourite destination in the country. An epicurean who cherishes his time at casinos, Goa is the only place in India where he can satiate the thrill of chancing his luck. “Goa is definitely my leisure hot spot on the Indian circuit. I visit the place with my wife and daughter whenever possible,” he divulges.

On the international front, it is difficult for Dasgupta to put a fix on one destination as his favourite. Beyond business, he appreciates London for its range of formal apparel where he can buy stuff that suits him rather than investing in brands. While he likes a few regions in Europe, France, with its eclectic cuisine and vibrant nightlife, appeals the most. Though quite a foodie, he avoids red meat, pork and white flour. Dasgupta loves the cuisine of the Far East and especially savours Japanese and Chinese cuisine. However, he says, “No cuisine can match Indian food and I love pigging out on Bengali food. When in town, Sunday lunch with the family is a special affair with Bengali fare prepared by my wife, who, even though a Manglorean, has taken pains to learn the cuisine and her preparations are simply finger-licking.”

Backtracking to his holiday destinations, Dasgupta feels Africa has a different feel and the place has a unique energy. Other than New York city, he does not like travelling anywhere else in the USA. “It's a beautiful country, but it is too vast in its geographical spread and I do not feel at home there, especially post 9/11,” he says.

His most memorable family outing was to Athens last year and Singapore, the year before last. “I like my holiday to be relaxing rather than adventurous. I prefer the pampering and the luxury. But while at home I make an effort to relax and rejuvenate by following a health regime. But my plans to exercise are not regimental. Though I know all the asanas of Yoga and have an excellent gym close to my home, it is difficult to get into a set exercise routine and I hate that about me,” he confesses.

Thanks to an understanding and patient better half at home and a well organised secretary who he has nicknamed Jassi (after the central character of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, the hit tele-serial on Sony Entertainment), Dasgupta not only keeps up with his demanding work schedule but also manages to jet-set from one time zone and continent to another.