What keeps the friendship going is that we are alike. Both of us are shy South Indian guys, who love to eat. We are self made, with no backing or inheritance. But, he is more intuitive and a better judge of people. I make it a point to take him along on my projects. He is my sounding board. There was a time when I was embroiled in a legal soup. The first person I called up was Kishore, who took me to the best lawyer in town. I could think of no one else to bail me out. It's not often that a big name from the industry backs you. I know I can keep a confidential file at his place, and it'll be safe. At 46, if you have one such friend, you are rich.

Kishore Df
Kishore DF has launched a series of successful hospitality ventures, including Pot Pourri, Seijo & The Soul Dish, WTF, Big Nasty, The Butler and The Bay Leaf. The latest addition to the array is Tanjore Tiffin Room in Bandra

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Sumessh has always been the trendy, hipster Pali Hill boy. Although we are similar in a fundamental way, we are different on the outside. He's a Gucci and Ferrari guy. I'm the one-watch guy. Last month, when I was in Soho, he texted me every day to check on whether I had picked up a pair of Burberry shoes he wanted. His cars are squeaky clean, almost brand new. He won't even let you dust your nose there. I, on the other hand, will let you eat a buffet in my car. But, beneath the snob value, lies somebody pavam, passive and generous. I'm the one watching over him. The truth is, people in his business get shafted a lot. So, I make it a point to advice him not to get into a project if I smell a rat. I think we've moved from being friends to becoming family. In fact, his daughter gets along fabulously with my girlfriend. The friendship has lasted because there's no bullsh't in it. We might bitch about the world, but between us, it's about keeping it unpretentious. While we often chill at my bachelor pad, our favourite place is the Den at Linking Road. Our ritual is to have one drink at Olive [Bar & Kitchen] and end [the evening] at The Den. We love Chivas Regal with soda and tons of ice.

Funnily, we have never worked with each other. Our styles are radically different. I'm earthy; he has ultra-modern and Italian chic tastes. That's his identity. But I'm lazy; I've been working with the same team of architects and designers for 10 years. I believe 'don't fix what's not broke'. Will I ever work with Sumessh? In a heartbeat. He might even do it for me for free. But, that he hasn't doesn't weigh on us. That's what a great relationship is about. There are no expectations —just honesty.

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