How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co Founded A Million Dollar Company

Tuesday, August 28, 2012, 15:37 [IST]

Remember that time when you wanted to quit your job, your painfully ordinary existence and start something of your own with your best friend? And also remember how your idea was brutally stomped on by your parents and friends because of its highly impractical nature? How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co Founded A Million Dollar Company is a book that captures that emotion with finesse.

How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co Founded A Million Dollar Company speaks to all of us, just waiting to make that change, but never thought it was actually possible. As the name suggests, it is an autobiographical account of entrepreneur Varun Agarwal's attempts to thwart Anu Aunty's influence on his life. While he dreamed of breaking free with his own venture, she wanted to convert him into an MBA laden techie. With hilarious episodes of urban aunties plotting to set his life back "on track" and investors refusing to believe in his idea, he relates that the road to being an entrepreneur in India is not a walk in the park.

What makes How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co Founded A Million Dollar Company so alluring, is not the author's writing style, because like he admits - He is no Hemingway. What makes it a thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining read is his brutal honesty. His feverish excitement at "stalking" his crush on Facebook, his angst at losing face in front of his family and his annoyance at Anu Aunty's meddling ways are delivered with a rawness that makes you connect with the book instantly. Even while doing a book review, you can hardly miss the humour.

How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co Founded A Million Dollar Company has a highly "Bangalorean" influence and Varun gives us a taste of the city's pubs, hangouts, local flavors, and jargon that you'll find only in Bangalore! If you are a native of the city, the familiarity of words like "enthu cutlet" will bring a smile on your face, and if you are not, you can marvel at the nuances of Bangalore city, so aptly described by the author. If you have not read the book yet, order in online.

This new Indian author gives you a chance to peek into the life of a twenty-one year old Indian boy in Bangalore, hoping to make it big as an entrepreneur amidst Bollywood like episodes of Indian aunties at kitty parties shunning your every move, drunken brawls at the local pubs, and overnight business ideas.

While How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co Founded A Million Dollar Company relates the Indian author's personal journey of creating a million dollar company, it is interspersed with side-splitting observations of the Indian lifestyle, and some rather profound tips on making it big as an entrepreneur. Its hard to believe a 250 page book can entertain you at so many levels, but we suggest, you read it to believe it! I couldn't end the book review without Varun's own words. "Screw it, just do it! "