This is the story of a 20-year-old boy who breaks all traditional stereotypes set by our society. Ageism is a fantasy that proves Hyderabad-based entrepreneur turned author, Kanthi Dutt who started his career at the age of 12. He is an entrenched businessman and a proud CEO of Spartans Media, a branding solution and entertainment company. Originating from a non-business family, Kanthi had to confront a lot of criticisms at the initial phase of his career. His age was a significant worry for many spontaneous opinions. Throughout the term, he has worked with several leading brands such as Radio Mirchi, Audi, Fastrack, Reebok, Coca-cola, Telangana Tourism to name a few. To feature the significance of proficiency and fundamental training, Kanthi has also launched a social campaign called 1 Crore Tees in partnership with Teach For Change. On his 8th work Anniversary, Kanthi Dutt proudly launched his debut book Rediscovering Path to Success, a self-improvement guide that handholds you through the Y-intersections of your life while helping you comprehend the hows and whys of the life-changing decisions.
Hyderabad Stories reached out to the young author to know his journey in the world of books
From a successful businessman to an author, how has the journey been so far?
It’s been a roller coaster ride ever since I started at the age of 12. I should say, I’m truly blessed to have the right mentors who guided me through the journey. Starting to travel on an unconventional path left me with questions from people around, who judge you based on the school you attend & the family you hail from. Breaking stereotypes & setting up my company Spartans Media has been a hell of a journey. Thanks to all those who stood by me, supported my thoughts & have backed my abilities with their experiences so that I don’t fail. I truly believe that you gain the most from people around you, that’s exactly what has benefited me in my journey. I have always been asked by my friends, colleagues & others to pen my experiences and take my journey to the masses. I always knew this could be inspirational for the youth who are enterprising but never got a chance to take time out for something like this. During the pandemic, I’ve decided to pen about the need for early introspection & revisiting goals in the ever-changing environment that came out as ‘Rediscovering Path to Success’ a best-seller, available across 150+ countries. The book received great applause as I could balance the twin need between persistence & regular self-discovery. My journey has never been dreamt of, but is now being experienced! I’m now looking forward to encouraging, guide & invest in youth who are looking at venturing with their genZ ideas
Tell us something about your debut book Rediscovering Path to success? What is your inspiration behind writing this book?
The book talks about why & how one should rediscover oneself as a process of knowing what one wants to do. It complements your abilities and strengths and helps you make better choices that lead you towards success. It helps you define goals and targets towards which a path could be laid. Determining the destination is the first step in planning your journey. What’s Arjuna with his Pashupatastra without an aim to hit? Brainstorming to align your interests with your goals helps focus your skills and strengths towards achieving them. Either do what you love or love what you do. Anything and everything you achieve is only because of you. The book is not to be read but is to be practised.
My inspiration behind writing this was just the push from my near & dear like I mentioned before
How did the Pandemic impact your journey as an author?
Not just as an author, but also as a person, I’ve had a great chance to look into myself. In this busy urban lifestyle, the pandemic has given a chance for all of us to take a break, pause, rethink, process & ponder. That’s exactly what I did. As I discovered new interests & revamped my lifestyle around this, I thought this is exactly what everyone should be doing – utilise the pandemic! It’s an opportunity, god-given! All of us are experiencing a drastic change, as the world is going through a health crisis impacting the economy. Becoming vulnerable to a pandemic is not a smart man’s thing. What we do, how we let situations impact us – is a CHOICE! I truly believe in crafting & defining the future. That is only possible when we use every situation effectively. I’ve never thought of being an author, but the pandemic has got me here. But now, when I see the impact the book is making, I definitely want to carry forward in this journey & continue to pen my thoughts
What is your head-space, now that you are an established author?
Well, if a media company is saying that I’m established, I buy that. However, I always focused on success, but never on “choosing to not lose”. There is a difference! I’ve been a workaholic since I was very young & in conversation with another media company, my brother stated that this scares people around me. Well, now that I understand that I travel at my own pace, I am looking at reaching out to people who believe in my pace & can be a part of this journey. Smart, hard-working, energetic, sane minds can be of a match if I am not wrong. At this point in time, I am trying to be available to as many people as possible, who would like to prove their abilities & have me hold their back. As an author, I am looking at ensuring I pen at least 2/3 books each year. I was never really concerned about making money or building castles. I believe all that comes in with remarkable success, automatically. But to create impactful, sustainable business models & to ensure every idea eradicates hunger & poverty in our country to whatever possible extent is now my goal. I want to contribute my part in making this nation a “developed” country, in thoughts, not by pockets
What message would you like to give to aspiring writers?
I now realised writing is an art form, like any other form of art namely acting, singing, dancing, painting. I am a person who truly believes in pursuing one’s passion, but with calculative risk. So I’m sure you can follow your dream & give an attempt at writing! But to start with, define your target audience. Defining your reader group is very important, else it leaves you with unsatisfied readers. If you want a Lamborghini, don’t ask Toyota drivers for advice – is exactly what we should believe in. Having friends par thoughts & excellence will definitely add value to anything that we want to do. Exploration has truly a great impact on our success. While this is often followed, we miss the later line, “but explore along with someone who matches up to your goals”. I wish all aspiring writers, entrepreneurs would believe in their approach & take that first step towards their success. Here, success is following one’s true passion & being happy, but not making a bag full of jewels.
Kranthi Dutt has curated a special journey for himself as well as on his approach to impact a few youths to battle despite seemingly insurmountable opposition. It was a pleasure for Hyderabad Stories to be associated with Kranthi Dutt and we wish him prosperity and success in all his future endeavors.