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Whatever the Odds: The Incredible Story Behind DLF
The DLF saga has few rivals in the realty sector. Starting from Delhi, where the company developed the city's major residential colonies, the developer's focus shifted to Gurgaon in the 1970s, transforming a small town into a city of skyrises that is now an international business hub and a destination for young professionals to stay and work. Extraordinary as the story is, that of the man behind the revival and enormous success of the company is even more so, covering a journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to England where he became a part of high society, to a return to India and an army career en route to taking charge of DLF. From the small detail to the big picture, nothing is missing in this riveting account of conducting business in India in a politically charged atmosphere. As too of his own life with all its challenges and triumph over odds that would have defeated most people.
- GenresBiography
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
18 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 20, 2020
"In each phase of my life, it was relationships that got me there and propelled me to the next stage." (K. P. Singh, Whatever the Odds, Page 256)
Forbes has K. P. Singh's networth listed as 4.2 billion as of this date and is also listed on Forbes Asia's 50 Richest. His father was a lawyer and sent him to England to get his education. During his time in England, he met an affluent British girl on the tennis court who introduced him to sophisticated and wealthy life of Britain. Pretty much against himself, he then choose to go back to India to join the British Army. After his stint in the army and marrying his wife, his father-in-law offered him a real estate business called DLF.
Most of this book takes you through the red tape he had to go through with archaic regulations and corrupt bureaucrats to get the permissions he needed to build the city of Gurgaon and other real estate interests. He claims in order to build this great city he had to personally go to every farmer who owned the land and convince them to sell it or invest in his company. He then talks about his wife, family, some crisis he had with his wife's helicopter accident and health and his 5 brushes with death. Then ends with philanthropy and thanking people and life itself. No mention of God in any of the book! He does mention fate though.
Two things I learnt from this man was that building relationships in business and life are important and to never give up on your dream. He says on page 213, "We must have the courage to dream. It ultimately motivates us to achieve what seems impossible."
Forbes has K. P. Singh's networth listed as 4.2 billion as of this date and is also listed on Forbes Asia's 50 Richest. His father was a lawyer and sent him to England to get his education. During his time in England, he met an affluent British girl on the tennis court who introduced him to sophisticated and wealthy life of Britain. Pretty much against himself, he then choose to go back to India to join the British Army. After his stint in the army and marrying his wife, his father-in-law offered him a real estate business called DLF.
Most of this book takes you through the red tape he had to go through with archaic regulations and corrupt bureaucrats to get the permissions he needed to build the city of Gurgaon and other real estate interests. He claims in order to build this great city he had to personally go to every farmer who owned the land and convince them to sell it or invest in his company. He then talks about his wife, family, some crisis he had with his wife's helicopter accident and health and his 5 brushes with death. Then ends with philanthropy and thanking people and life itself. No mention of God in any of the book! He does mention fate though.
Two things I learnt from this man was that building relationships in business and life are important and to never give up on your dream. He says on page 213, "We must have the courage to dream. It ultimately motivates us to achieve what seems impossible."
September 22, 2021
I have always liked SRK, over other actors because of how he treated his wife. Anybody can act. Its not rocket science, or curing cancer. But to reach that level of success and yet treat the people close to you well, and not get distracted by success - that takes a separate level of moral grounding. I like KP Singh for a similar reason. His devotion, and attachment to his wife, is clearly seen in the book. His humility and frankness is admirable. I liked one line in the book (not exact) - "there is no defined ten steps to success, there are just baby steps". He portrays a realistic picture of success, of an uncertain path, where you just have to keep soldiering on. Reminds of me Nietzsche's writings.
Edit insertion** - I wish I had his Army Discipline. Hopefully, in the future, I can replicate it.
Edit insertion** - I wish I had his Army Discipline. Hopefully, in the future, I can replicate it.
September 18, 2022
This reads more like a biography written by an awe struck author rather than a self inspecting autobiography (as is mentioned in the Preface, the book was initially conceived as an official biography written by Ramesh Menon but the publishers insisted it to be an autobiography to boast sales.)
The half the book reads like a thank you note for various people in author's life even ending with a twelve hundred year long genealogy of K.P. Singh. At numerous occasion it is bragged that DLF never broke a single law while nothing is said to address the almost 650 crore rupee fine that courts have put on it a few months before the release of the book or Land grab allegations against DLF and Robert Vadra that were starting to get attention around the same time.) The book is written in a non liner way and it is easy to loose track of the era it is talking of. Despite all this, the book, especially the first half, is interesting.
The half the book reads like a thank you note for various people in author's life even ending with a twelve hundred year long genealogy of K.P. Singh. At numerous occasion it is bragged that DLF never broke a single law while nothing is said to address the almost 650 crore rupee fine that courts have put on it a few months before the release of the book or Land grab allegations against DLF and Robert Vadra that were starting to get attention around the same time.) The book is written in a non liner way and it is easy to loose track of the era it is talking of. Despite all this, the book, especially the first half, is interesting.
August 21, 2022
Fascinating life story. And it is an easy read. But it gets repetitive towards the end.
February 18, 2012
An interesting tale in parts, if only it was better written. If one can go past the miserable writing, especially in the beginning, one gets to know a lot more about the man who made DLF into what it is. Though one cant be blamed for thinking that the book looks like an especially long 'Thank You' note, one really needs to look beyond all this and realize that KP Singh has, in certain parts, almost conceded that doing business in India is a lot more than a 'solid' business plan on paper.
July 6, 2018
Interesting book. Would have liked it more if there was more about how he built Gurgaon.
March 21, 2021
Biography of KP Singh detailing about his personal life, but not much dealt regarding managing DLF. However a great narration of his life experiences.
November 25, 2025
Truly Motivating and Heartwarming
Whatever the Odds by K.P. Singh is a wonderful and inspiring book. It tells the story of a man who built his dreams step by step, with hard work, discipline, and a never-give-up attitude. The language is simple, and the lessons are powerful.
K.P. Singh shares his life journey—from challenges and failures to big achievements—showing that success is possible when you stay focused and believe in yourself. His dedication, courage, and determination make the book very motivating.
The book carry real life examples faced by the author in building the dlf. The obstacles in his journey and the hope to make his dream a success is something truly inspiring and motivational.
This book teaches us that no matter how tough life becomes, we can rise again with hope and strong values. It leaves you feeling positive, encouraged, and full of energy to chase your own dreams.
A must-read for anyone who loves real stories of perseverance and success!
💫💫💫💫💫
April 27, 2021
Is he telling the complete truth ?
January 2, 2014
I liked the autobiography of KP Singh, a man who was the major pace setter in development of Gudgaun. Despite being born in small family he has gained a lot of name & fame by his works in reviving DLF. He is the man who fought against our archaic laws with patience during his early at DLF.
He was also awarded Padma Bhushan in 2010. He jumped into business without any prior experience after quieting a successful career in army. During his journey he got good mentor who has taught him necessary business and life management rules.
Book was interesting to read but at some times it becomes bit messy when too much real estate development and rules are involved in writing. Overall its was good to know life history of such a great person.
He was also awarded Padma Bhushan in 2010. He jumped into business without any prior experience after quieting a successful career in army. During his journey he got good mentor who has taught him necessary business and life management rules.
Book was interesting to read but at some times it becomes bit messy when too much real estate development and rules are involved in writing. Overall its was good to know life history of such a great person.
June 19, 2013
It's a success story of ordinary Indian, who started his journey as the army personal and later jumped into ocean of business and ultimately proved himself as the leading entrepreneur of India. Here, we can see various curves and bends during his journey of success, we can observe, what we have to loose to gain anything, we can see that nothing is free in this universe. It's toooooooooooooooo good.
July 29, 2016
A decent read for budding entrepreneurs in India and a must read for people in Real estate business. K.P Singh boldly narrates his story from his past love to his setbacks in bringing up the DLF. The philosophies in this book adds essence to this autobiography, not making it a dull read. I would also recommend this book to starters as it is a easy read.
September 22, 2016
Great autobiography. But it would be easier for indians to understand as the book is not very much in chronological order the instances mentioned are sometimes 10 years forward and then again 5 years back. Those who know about how the indian politics was those days would definitely catch the flow. In all its a must read for everyone whether indian or not whether related to real estate or not.
December 3, 2014
The Incredible Story of DLF and The Creation of a City called Gurgaon.
And the Story of an Inspirational Man behind it.
And the Story of an Inspirational Man behind it.
July 28, 2016
Pragmatic, Inspirational and most of all his Experience.
Read
November 17, 2020Real.
November 23, 2014
A book which reveals the relationship between business and politics
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews