For him, classroom won over courtroom

BANGALORE: He gave up a potentially lucrative career practising law at the Supreme Court. His reward is that today, he heads one of the country's most prestigious law schools, one that's redefined legal education in India, and whose students are snapped up by MNCs, corporates and top legal firms, locally and internationally.
Rao exudes passion for his chosen profession."I take pride in saying that when we find bright minds in the classroom today, we feel responsible to make them wise, not otherwise," he says.
It was in 1978 that Rao had to make the choice between practising and becoming as a lecturer at Andhra University. He mulled over the choice for 18 days and opted for teaching when it became apparent that his father, an ophthalmologist, was diagnosed with cancer. Being the eldest son (he has eight brothers and three sisters), he had to shoulder the responsibility of educating his siblings.
"At that time, commitment to family was more important. I finally told my father I will take up teaching and if he recovers from cancer, I will practise in the Supreme Court," he explains.
But once he started teaching in Andhra University, he fell in love with it. His father survived the cancer and lived for another 32 years. "I had decided to pursue what I love," says Rao, whose favourite past-time include watching films and reading.
National Award winning actress Priyanka Chopra has a fan in Rao. Though his all-time favourite is Nargis, he was bowled over by Chopra in `Fashion'. "It was a difficult character to portray. She has done justice to her job. She is a talented actress," he says with a smile.
Rao earlier enjoyed watching movies of Raj Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and late N T Rama Rao. His favourite actors are Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher, whom he describes as an `excellent artist'.
Besides cinema, Rao loves reading. "I prefer non-fiction and like reading the works of Subrato Bagchi, Gurcharan Das, Amartya Sen. Among the young writers, I like Chetan Bhagat. His perception of life is interesting," he says. He also likes to read philosophy.
Rao's typical day starts with reading three English dailies. "My actual reading hour starts at 10 pm and goes on till 1 am. I sleep for only 4 hours. I am used to this schedule from college days," he says.
Rao also loves to listen to songs while reading. Though Carnatic is his all-time favourite, he loves `Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh' by Lata Mangeshkar and `Jane Kahaan Gaye Woh Din' by Mukesh. Jugalbandis and devotional songs are also on his playlist.
Enjoying his present position as vice-chancellor, he says NLSIU has some of the brightest students. According to him, the top 80 students in the country opt for NLSIU. "The best of this school is yet to come. But our institute has changed legal education. It's god's grace that I am here, and I am thankful to my predecessors who toiled hard to lift the college's image," he says. He continues to teach; human rights is his forte.
He credits wife Kamala for much of his success. Like him, she hailed from a joint family and could bond well with his siblings, which was a big support for Rao. "Though she was related to me, I never expected that I would marry her. Today, if all my siblings are doing well, it's because of the pivotal role played by my wife," he says, as matter of fact.
Rao says that when both his parents died, they were left with property worth Rs 22 lakh. Instead of dividing it among themselves, Rao suggested that the money be given to charity. All the siblings readily agreed. "This shows the trust and confidence they have in me," he says.
A sports enthusiast, especially cricket, Rao is a big fan of G R Vishwanath. He himself played at the university level and has also been a commentator and umpire. He also follows chess, tennis and soccer.
His children, Prasanna Kumar and Pavan Kumar, are software engineers and live in Hyderabad. Though it's difficult for him to stay away from them, he says books and work keep him busy. "I am more like a friend to them. I always make them understand issues, but sometimes I feel I was too strict when they were kids. Now, they are settled and I am happy for them."
An animal lover, he decided not to have a pet after his dog died a few years ago. "He was with me for 10 years and died suddenly. It was difficult for me."
Admitting that one subject in which he fails is eating. "I like South Indian cuisine, but I don't cook. Nor do I cook up things," he laughs.
Summing up his approach towards life, Rao says: "Take it as it comes. Whatever the situation is, don't complain. A satisfied man is always happy. A perfect man is god and an imperfect god is man."
"A teacher should be part of the solution, not the problem. Anyone can complain, but not a teacher. Moreover, a teacher is like a mother. She never complains of anything and absorbs everything."
Fave things:
* Movie: Hum Apke Hain Kaun
* Food: Not a foodie; has a penchant for South Indian cuisine with idli and dosa topping the list
* Book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
* Role model: Nani Palkhiwala
* Favourite post: Lecturer at Andhra University
* All-time favourite actor: Kamal Haasan