As the co-founder and CEO of GaneshaSpeaks.com, Hemang Pandit usually has a million thoughts running through his mind. But, what keeps him up at night is the question: how to power his astrology service with an edginess that will resonate with the times? Interestingly, it was this quest for relevance that encouraged him to approach astrologer Bejan Daruwalla 17 years ago.

In 2003, along with business partner Tarun Patel, he launched GaneshaSpeaks, an astrology mobile service, in a tie-up with Hutchinson in the Gujarat circle. Pandit had given up his job with a service provider to start his own company. A caller would pay Rs 120 for a half-hour consultation. Daruwalla was roped in as advisor, to be assisted by a team of 10 astrologers. "We wanted to make astrology much wider in scope.

Bejan loved the concept and was happy to be part of it," remembers Pandit. Daruwalla was 71 then. "While he was brimming with ideas, he also cautioned that it's important for the brand to eventually be independent. After all, nobody lives forever."