Rahul Saraf, Managing Director, Forum Group

Rahul Saraf is acknowledged, quite justifiably, as the Mall Man of the East. Starting his career at the age of 22, he recognized the importance of specialized infrastructure in the emerging India and in 1996 set up Infinity, Kolkata's first computer-integrated building and the country's second IT Park.

He also realized the impact the organized retail would have on the Nation and decided to develop Forum Mall, Kolkata's first shopping mall, which went on to win the prestigious "Brick and Mortar" Award. The unstoppable entrepreneur then developed Forum Mart in Bhubaneshwar, the country's first shopping mall in a Tier III city. In 2013, he received the Tiger Award for developing Technopolis, India's first LEED certified IT Park and the first building on Earth to earn Carbon Credits. "Not in Silicon Valley, USA; not in Germany, Europe; not in Shanghai, China but the first building in the world to earn Carbon Credits sits in Kolkata, India!"

Currently, he is involved in probably the most complex residential project 'Atmosphere' being undertaken anywhere in Asia or world. This prestigious project will be completed by this year end, and Mr. Saraf is confident that this could 'redefine architecture in India' as this kind of construction has never been attempted anywhere in the world.

He is also making Serendipity-luxury residential apartments in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai in partnership with the Omkar Group. He wants to add a new vocabulary to the dreams of Mumbai, of exceptional design, of timeless architecture, of thoughtful spaces – all the raw materials of a better life.

The Forum Group is fuelled by his passion and dedication. Involved with the group from a young age, he led Forum to be one of the premier concept realty developers of India. Mr. Saraf who jokingly describes himself as a "virus in the system," perpetually bubbles with energy and ideas. Each Forum project bears his imprint at every level — from concept to engineering and beyond. With his keen sense of aesthetics and insight into the finer aspects of living, he has an unerring instinct for spatial effects on human lives. Relentlessly tweaking designs and revamping plans, Mr. Saraf's passion for perfection knows no bounds.

Mr. Saraf's vision and determination have brought about a paradigm shift in the Nation's architecture. Even after many awards and unequivocal appreciation, he remains committed to his dreams, focusing on creating meaningful spaces and humbly insisting that he has no special talent.