Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 30: Bharti Airtel founder Sunil Bharti Mittal, who played a key role in shaping India's private-sector telecommunications industry, said he is gradually preparing the next generation to take greater responsibility at Airtel and other Bharti Group companies.

In an exclusive interview with Business Standard, the 68-year-old entrepreneur said succession planning includes his twin sons, Shravin and Kavin, but stressed that Bharti is not a family business. He said the family is involved in business, while the next generation should have the freedom to pursue their own paths.

Shravin, 39, is currently vice-chair of Airtel Africa, while Kavin is a technology entrepreneur. Mittal said both understand his expectations regarding their responsibilities as shareholders in Airtel.

Mittal, however, indicated that he has no immediate plans to step away from the business. While continuing to remain involved, he is laying the groundwork for the next generation to gradually assume greater responsibilities across the group.

He also indicated that the two sons need not necessarily pursue their careers within Airtel or other existing Bharti businesses, reflecting the family's approach of allowing the next generation to make independent choices about their professional ventures.