Mistry man with a sense of humour

His affable nature and a proclivity to shun the limelight, much like Ratan Tata, the man Cyrus Mistry will replace next year-end, is what seems to have worked for the 43-year-old, say relatives, friends and business associates. HT reports.

His affable nature and a proclivity to shun the limelight, much like Ratan Tata, the man Cyrus Mistry will replace next year-end, is what seems to have worked for the 43-year-old, say relatives, friends and business associates.

A leading industrialist, who has known Mistry for more than five years, said while initially the choice appeared surprising, the elevation now seemed obvious.

"It was a surprise, but now, in hindsight, he seemed to be the most obvious choice -- someone who was there right in front of you and yet no one realised it," the industrialist said, not wishing to be identified.

Though described as soft-spoken and quiet, relatives say Mistry has a good sense of humour.

"My impression of him is that while he's a quiet chap, he has the classic traits of a Parsi who enjoys laughing at himself," said Zia Mody, senior partner at law firm AZB Partners who is also related to Mistry.

Mistry is involved in philanthropic activities and these go beyond the confines of his community.

"He was instrumental in building the senior citizen home near Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai," said Dinshaw Mehta, chairman of Parsi Panchayat in Mumbai.

The senior citizen home was built five years ago.

Recently, Mistry donated Rs 50 lakh to the Parsi entrepreneur fund, added Mehta, describing him as a "photocopy of Ratan Tata".

"As a community, we are very happy that he has become the head of one of the most respected business groups in India," said Mehta.