Book Launch Event

On 18th November 2014, Rohit Suri, President Jaguar Land Rover India, launched the book at the Gallops Banquets, inside the Mumbai Race Course. The outdoor section of the launch venue resembled a mini forest and wildlife sound recordings were played as background music, to create a ‘wild ambience’.

Bob also created a special ‘wildlife themed barbecue menu’, along with a ‘jungle water hole’ inspired bar. The guests included a high profile management team from JLR’s U.K office, Viveck Goenka, Chairman of the Indian Express Group, actor Rahul Singh, actress Neha Bhasin , Indian rock musician Gary Lawyer, and many other luminaries.

A month later in December 2014, a book reading ceremony was held at the Pench Tiger Reserve. Several prominent Indian and foreign journalists were there along with the senior management of JLR. Virginia McKenna was represented by Claudio Sillero, Head of Conservation, Born Free Foundation.

Prior to the book reading, the group went for a wildlife safari. The book reading took place in a dry riverbed traversed by a lot of wildlife, including tigers! Later that evening, everybody enjoyed a proper ‘bush dinner with campfire’.

Book launch invitation card
The outdoor section of the launch location, is like a miniature forest
Stage is set
The jungle water hole ensured invitees did not go thirsty
Zeenia Patel the book’s designer, at the reception desk with hosts dressed in jungle khakis
Bob welcoming his sister Nini and her family
Receiving Viveck Goenka, Chairman of the Indian Express Group
Business India Group Head Ashok Advani (left) arrives with Kayus Wadia, copy editor of the book
Bob introducing his friend Rammy (left) to the legendary Nazir Hoosein, organiser of the Himalayan Rally
Rohit Suri, President JLR India, checking out the book
The team from JAK Printers who helped produce the book
Actress Neha Bhasin and Bob had a little talk before the launch
The hall was packed to capacity
Some members of the senior management team from JLR’s U.K office
The Q & A session was kicked off by Hormazd Sorabjee, Publisher and Editor, Autocar India
Actor Rahul Singh also had some queries
The JLR team joined Bob on stage before the launch
Rohit Suri, President JLR India released the book
Rohit Suri and Bob
Actress Neha Bhasin, was the MC for the event
Bob and his niece Anshu
With Swati Khandelwal, well known News Editor & TV Anchor
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the after-party in the outdoor area
Thakur Raghuvendra Singh of Jhalamand/Jodhpur (right)
Rammy and the late Nazir Hoosein
L to R, Gary Lawyer, Commander H.K Singh and Rammy Nagpal
Designer Zeenia Patel (left) with her mother Meheru and sister Parwana
Mr and Mrs Shoaib Kader, of the Indian Adventures chain of wildlife resorts
The wildlife themed menu
Live barbecue counters were a hit
The innovative menu and delectable food were appreciated
Chicken Biryani Bandipur had a wild flavour
And the Chicken Corbett had everyone asking for more
The-sweet lick
Preparing to print
Printed and ready for binding
Book Reading at Pench Tiger Reserve
Drive on the wildside before the book reading
The book reading was in a dry riverbed regularly frequented by wildlife
Bob with Claudio Sillero, Head of Conservation, Born Free
Del Sehmar (left) the senior executive from JLR, without whom this book would not have been possible
These curious spotted deer also dropped in at the book reading
The wildlife safari was a thrilling experience
Bob with wife Madhu
Nahid Bhatena (left) with Madhu
A bush dinner to celebrate the event
Pench is cold in December so the campfire was very enjoyable
The jungle barbeque was also delightful
Sitting around a campfire in the wilderness, has a unique charm