Preet Dhupar, Director - Finance & Operations, BBC World India tells Nidhi Jain that books with an interesting story will hook her instantly.

Who introduced you to reading?
My mother initially, and then peer group at school. We read a lot at school and that's where the habit developed.

---Kind of book collection you have
Fairly varied - fiction, travelogues, biographies, poetry, philosophy....

---Taste in books
Anything that has an interesting story to tell will interest me. I keep searching for good books that can make me laugh, I like tongue in cheek humour. I like books that promote human values. Human emotions interest me, although romantic books are something I have never managed to sit through!

---On your favorite authors and well written books
One of my all time favorites is Somerset Maugham. His short stories are brilliant in the way that they deal with an entire range of human relationships and emotions. Coming to recent times, Shantaram is very well written, it's not just the story but the expression that captures one's imagination. There are bits in the book that stay with you. Other books that will remain in my memory - Rebecca, Anna Karenina, Crime and Punishment... but I think those are part of my growing up! I must mention that my favorite de-stresser is Dick Francis. It's crime fiction but I really like his characters and stories.

---Do you find interesting things in every book? How do you choose books you read?
Well, browse through the cover. Sometimes I pick up a book after I've read the review or if someone's recommended it to me.

---What do you think of self help books?
Used to despise them some time ago and then I picked up Stephen Covey's Seven Habits and that changed my mind, at least towards some of them. Sometimes I think it's good to read them. You may know the answers but they help reinforce your own thoughts.

---Money and time you spend on books
Quite a bit.

---Your reading pace
Depends on the book.

---Your first book
That's a tough one, Enid Blyton is what I remember, Wishing Chair, Magic Faraway Tree.

---Currently you are reading
Maximum City by Suketu Mehta.

---Books that do not hold you
The very mushy, sentimental variety and too much preaching.

I start my day with
Mornings begin with some good music. Music sort of adds spice to my morning routine. Then I wish my four year old son good morning with a peck on his cheeks which is like a ritual. I am not very particular about my breakfast; so I just grab something and I am off to work.

My fitness mantra
I don't exercise at all. It's not that I don't believe in it. By God's grace I'm quite fit at the moment and I don't need to exercise. But, this year my new year resolution is to start with a brisk walking regime.

My diet
Basically, I eat anything I can digest. I am pure vegetarian. I also try to avoid high calorie food but I just can't resist chaats and samosas. I freak on South Indian food. Some of my favourite eating joints are Woodland (Juhu), Papa Pancho (owned by Prahlad Kakkar) and Poptates (Versova).

Travel destinations.
My work has taken me around the world in the last few years to places like Europe, South East Asia and US. I have fond memories of Greece, Switzerland, Egypt amongst other countries. At least once a year, we plan out a family holiday. I love traveling in India, especially up North. While in college I used to go trekking to places like Sikkim, Manali and Dharamshalla. Goa is another destination I love to frequent. I have yet to visit places down South.

Shopping destination
I am a value for money shopper. I generally shop at malls like Phoenix mills or the Inorbit (which is quite close to where I stay). In India, cities like Delhi and Bangalore also offer quality wear.

My favourite brands
I am not all that brand conscious. But for my for formal wear I prefer brands like Allen Solly, Reid & Taylor and Louis Phillipe.

Movies for me are
I am crazy about movies. As far as Hollywood films go, I like action and thriller movies. As far as Bollywood goes, I love all Amitabh Bachchan films. From Don to Agnipath to Sarkar. Some of my favourite films are Munna Bhai MBBS, Dil Chahta Hai and Sarfarosh. I even like all Govinda films and some of Shahrukh Khan movies.

Music is my life
Music has been my life. I hear everything; from retro to rock to emotional to hip hop. Be it Pink Flyod,Dire Straits,Britney Spears, Madonna, Kishore Kumar to Sonu Nigam.

Gizmos and gadgets
I am a complete gizmo and gadget freak. I always want to know more about new technological innovations.

My favourite car
I drive the Corrola. I think it's one of the best cars around. I also love the Honda Accord. On roads abroad, Hummer looks the best.

Stress busters
My kids and music are great stress busters. These revitalize me, and help me get ready to face further challenges of life.