It takes lots of courage and dollops of grit to turn conventional wisdom on its head. Only a person of conviction and self-belief could venture into it and when it comes to people like Kishore Biyani, CEO, Future Group, he certainly has all the elements of making his belief come true.

As the Indian retail king, Biyani is reaping all dividends as befits his kingly stature. Thanks also to retail business in India, which of late witnessed unprecedented growth. Here one while thinking of the retail giants, is invariably reminded of Pentaloon, spearheaded by Biyani.

A few years back, Pentaloon was not taken seriously by other players. Only with the clear emergence of Pentaloon as the undisputed leader, the opinion has changed. Today, at 45, Biyani is the CEO of Future Group, which is designed to cater to the entire Indian consumption space.

Born in August, 1961, Biyani after graduating in commerce joined the textile business owned by his family. He worked in that field for five years before launching his first brand, readymade trousers under the brand name of Pentaloon.

Biyani's modus operandi was highly unconventional, for which he was popularly branded a maverick. He was of the opinion that the Indian retailing industry was a mere copycat, following western model blindly. Biyani attempted to Indianise the system because of which big financing companies initially shunned him. After initial struggle, he soon touched the pinnacle of glory and fame.

Biyani's conglomerate operates multiple chains including Pantaloons -fashion destination, Big Bazaar - hypermarket chain, Food Bazaar - supermarket chain, Central - chain of seamless malls, and other specialty formats. India's own Sam Walton, is quick to seize any advantage. Which is why the denim manufacturer who quit the trade because "it wasn't creative enough" commands the company thatoperates through 4 million square feet of retail space, has over 200 stores across 38 cities in India and employs 16,000 people.

A firm believer in introspection, Biyani staunchly advocates the continuity of learning and relearning. A self-proclaimed think tank behind these ventures, Biyani uses his ranks of employees as 'the hands and the legs' of his company. It is no wonder that today; Pentaloon is the highest grosser in the Indian retail segment and is one of the best performers in the BSE. As a consequence, it has drawn investors in large numbers. In fact, his so-called maverick strand is now counted as a virtue.

A down-to-earth man, Biyani who lives with wife Sangita and two daughters, is a firm believer in the Indian value system. He is proud of being Indian and considers Indianness as the driving principle behind the enviable success of his company. In fact, Biyani's success has made his critics rechristen him 'a retailer by karma and a nationalist by dharma', which is no mean achievement given the fact that not long ago he was dubbed a prospective loser. Sure, a leader who has faith in his conviction reaches his goal sooner than later. The proof? Apex US retail body, National Retail Federation (NRF), has conferred 'international retailer of the year award' 2007.