A corporate rivalry, romance and jealousy, pressures of a contemporary urban lifestyle, stock market games and ruthless ambitions; these are the essence of a new book which is set in a pulsating 60-minute period.
In "60 Minutes", Upendra Namburi touches upon several subjects of relevance and debate in the country today, spanning competitive corporate dynamics, insane ambitions, obsession with day trading, domestic violence and love.
Set in Mumbai, it traces the intense corporate rivalry between two consumer goods conglomerates. Based on well publicised instances of such rivalry, the novel focuses on the two top level executives engaged in corporate warfare that spills over to their personal lives.
As the chief marketing officer of one of the biggest FMCG companies, Agastya is all set for the most important product launch of his career when things spin out of control. 60 minutes is all he has to save his job and his marriage.
Beautiful and intelligent, Maithili has never had much luck in love. When Agastya takes things too far and almost crushes her spirit, Maithili must avenge herself. 60 minutes is all she needs to turn his life upside down.
Sailesh's academic temperament is unsuited to corporate rivalry and subterfuge but he is forced to retaliate when someone crosses the line. He has 60 minutes to destroy his foe.
With an experience in sales and marketing, Namburi offers an insider's perspective of the inner machinations of a competitive business.
The book, published by Westland, also explores the nuances of love, lust and obsession that prevail within and outside the realms of marriage in modern day life.
Another interesting aspect is a Facebook application that is being launched based on the book. It gives Facebook users a chance to live the book through these personalities from the book. Users can customise the book, play the roles of the protagonists and invite their friends as well to play leading roles of characters within the book.
