India's Car Revolution Started With A Mother's Grief | R. C. Bhargava | Mukul Deora | E16

How was Maruti built when almost nobody believed it would succeed? In this conversation, R.C. Bhargava shares the inside story of how Maruti was built against skepticism, political pressure, and the rigid realities of India’s controlled economy. He explains why most foreign companies refused to invest, how Suzuki saw India’s future before others did, and what it took to build a modern automobile company from scratch. The episode also explores the deeper operating principles behind Maruti’s rise: consumer insight, Japanese manufacturing discipline, supply chain thinking, radical workplace equality, and leadership through learning. He also reflects on integrity, frugality, and the 20-year legal battle he faced while protecting the company’s interests.