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Let's start with your personal storyI was born in Mangalore, to a business family and have moved around quite a bit. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Sydenham, Mumbai) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM – T.A. Pai Management Institute), which laid the foundation for my career. My academic background and early exposure to the asset management industry helped in shaping my career in the equity markets.How did you land up in this job?My journey into the investment world began when UTI Mutual Fund recruited me from campus as a fresher. At the time, I had a limited understanding of the asset management industry and equity markets, but I quickly grew to appreciate the depth and dynamism of investing. Over the years, I transitioned from a research analyst to a fund manager, covering multiple sectors, from auto to infrastructure. This experience helped shape my approach to managing money. Today, at Bandhan AMC, I manage several investment strategies focused on delivering long-term value to investors.Which funds are you currently managing?At present, I manage Bandhan Sterling Value Fund with an AUM of Rs. 8,996 cr, Bandhan ELSS Tax Saver Fund with an AUM of Rs. 6,232 cr, Bandhan Multicap Fund with an AUM of Rs. 2,219 cr, Bandhan Multi-Asset Allocation Fund with an AUM of Rs. 1,760 cr, and Bandhan Transportation and Logistic Fund with an AUM of Rs. 476 cr. *(AUM data as on February 28, 2025)What is your investment philosophy and how would you describe your investment strategy?My investment philosophy centers around valuations and business cycles. I prefer to be contrarian, focusing on buying businesses that are typically going through a rough patch or a down cycle but have strong long-term potential. The goal is to buy at the right price (BARP) and patiently allow value to emerge. While I don’t limit myself to specific sectors or styles, I believe that understanding a company’s intrinsic value and business/market cycles is crucial to successful value investing.What gives you the kick while managing other people's money?Managing money is both a privilege and a responsibility. The thrill comes from navigating market cycles, identifying opportunities that others might overlook, and seeing the investment thesis play out over time. Creating long term wealth for investors and helping them achieve their financial goals is what makes this profession truly rewarding.