Contestant turns failure into success
Irfan Alam
Ousted from Business Baazigar, Irfan Alam turns his 'unfeasible' idea into a profitable venture
Sapna Patil Poojary
Irfan Alam doesn't take disappointment lying down. Alam, 25, came to Mumbai last year with hopes of making it big in Zee's game show Business Baazigar. But as luck had it, this young entrepreneur was eliminated (the episode will be telecast in a few weeks). Alam was miffed with his failure but also unhappy over the format of the show. Nevertheless, rather than indulging in self-pity, Alam used the same idea (see box) that he had presented on Business Baazigar to set up his own business in Delhi, which has turned out to be a success.
Regarding his experience on the show, Alam refuses to divulge details. He says, "I am bound by a confidentiality contract. I can't discuss anything except my business idea." When prodded a little, he states, "It was not a good experience. I am quite unhappy with the rules and regulations of the show."
Apparently, Alam's idea was rejected at a certain stage on grounds of its non-feasibility and Alam's lack of business skills. He says, "My idea is practical. I launched it in April this year in Delhi and have already recovered sixty per cent of the overheads. I had told the Business Baazigar jury that I would return their money within six months of starting the business. I was confident and always believed that I would be the Business Baazigar. A professor from IIM-A, Piyush K Sinha is mentoring my effort. Even a couple of major newspapers and a mineral water company have agreed to support me. In fact, a national magazine has asked for 200 rickshaws for advertisements. We plan to launch this concept in other cities too. If the project was flop, how could all this be possible?" He adds, "People must know that I have started my project and implemented it before the show could declare its Business Baazigar."
Producer of Business Baazigar, Alankar Jain, could not be reached for comments.
IRFAN ALAM'S BUSINESS IDEA
To introduce facilities in hand-pulled and engine-driven rickshaws such as free reading material, free music, mineral water (on payment), seat belts, first-aid box etc.
To provide insurance for the rickshaw driver and passengers.
To collect additional revenue through outdoor publicity and advertisement.
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