Yaaron Ka Yaar — That Very Very Special Friend Among All Friends — Rohan Malhotra #JeenaIsiKaNaamHain
Someone posted the most touching tribute to Rohan Malhotra who recently passed away at a very young age — 36. “Yaaron ka yaar” — what a beautiful expression for someone who had a large heart. Waqar Younis tweeted about his golf partner, “A beautiful soul is gone but will never be forgotten.” Such glowing tributes speak volumes of the kind of person Rohan was. He had a short life but touched many people because of his extreme generosity.
I met him for the first time in 2013 when I started iSPIRT. An Ivy League alumnus (Yale, I think), Rohan would have been a 25-year-old at that time. He had started Investopad, a co-working space — it was the first of its kind in NCR. At that age, usually, one is a taker — and not a giver — driven by ambition. Rohan is in that rare class which has always given to others quite selflessly and without having any transactional motive. Moreover, he did it with grace!
At iSPIRT, we would conduct events and Roundtables quite frequently, and Rohan was the gracious host on several occasions. It was a delight to watch him connect with people — community building came naturally to him. He always gave you a warm hug, and there was something about him which attracted me instantly. It wasn’t just another customary hug but deeper, a feeling very deep which conveyed love, trust and friendship. He was quite tall and burly — so it left an impression. Someone who you could trust. And, he was forever smiling.
Very good early-stage backers are hard to find but he was different. When he believed in an idea and the individual, he would go all out. You can read this blog titled, The Spirit of Rohan. The writer speaks glowingly about Rohan’s very high sense of ownership of projects. The blog writer was in the process of publishing and Rohan would stay up very late to read the manuscripts. He would say, “It’s my book yaar.”
Kashyap Deorah, the blog writer, also talks about humour and Rohan’s sense of timing while caricaturing — not out of malice but fun. He would bring out certain nuances about his characters in the most hilarious way imaginable. Kashyap and Rohan would be rolling on the floor in laughter.
He was one of the early investors in Meesho. Rohan had the ability to spot a winner and then give full support. I have seen the way he worked with other founders and always had the time for them. Rohan also co-founded Good Capital and established himself for his acumen in spotting early-stage worthy investments and for nurturing startups.
I have met his family as well — parents and brother Arjun. They are a tightly-knit family and the bonding between the brothers was quite extraordinary. Rohan the elder one was always super-protective and Arjun aptly reciprocated his love. It must be great parenting. I have two sons and in those early days, my kids would often fight, and when they did, I was reminded of Rohan and Arjun. Luckily, my kids turned out fine and now I can see them bond well. I hope Arjun can find strength in this great loss and live his life while carrying on the legacy of a great family.
The last time I met Rohan was in 2019 in Bangalore, I was with Accel at that time. Unfortunately, I lost touch in the last few years. I am always reminded of our breakfasts at the Ashoka hotel in Delhi. Over a sumptuous South Indian spread, we would talk for hours — literally.
For someone who had so little time on his hands, now when I look back, how generous he was in making others feel good. The way he treated people is something that I will never forget.
Death is inevitable. Some will go sooner, some later. What matters is what you did with your time and the way you made other people feel in your presence.
Men like Rohan are shining stars in our galaxy and their memories will always radiate a smile. It was an honour knowing you Rohan, and wherever you are I am sure you have great company. I am glad I could play a small role in your life.
Rest in peace, dear friend. Mr & Mrs Malhotra & Arjun — may the Almighty hold your hands in your darkest hour. Soon there’ll be a new dawn.