In an age when business biographies often slip into either hagiography or self-promotion, The Legendary Diamantaire stands out for its restraint, depth, and finely textured storytelling. Bakhtiar K. Dadabhoy, one of India’s most respected biographers, turns his discerning lens on Kirtilal Kalidas Doshi—the man whose quiet leadership and pioneering vision helped sculpt India’s modern gems and jewellery industry.

This is not merely a chronicle of milestones; it is a carefully woven account of character, conviction, and craftsmanship—of a man who built institutions while building people.

A Life Shaped by Vision

Doshi’s rise coincides with the transformative years of India’s diamond trade. Dadabhoy meticulously traces how a young man with discipline and foresight grew into one of the most influential figures of the sector. As chairman of Shrenuj & Company, Doshi steered the firm through phases of expansion and professionalisation. More significantly, he played a catalytic role in shaping the very architecture of the industry.

He co-founded the Gemmological Institute of India, an institution that would go on to become the backbone of gem-related education and certification. His involvement in the formation and constitution of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) reveals a statesman-like ability to forge consensus and lay down systems that would support India’s ascent as a global diamond hub.

Dadabhoy highlights these contributions without hyperbole, letting archival documents and firsthand accounts speak for themselves. The result is a portrait of leadership defined not by flamboyance but by rigorous commitment.

The Man Behind the Legacy

Where the book truly shines is in its intimate exploration of Doshi’s inner world. A devout Jain, he approached life with a clarity of purpose that informed his professional ethics and personal choices. Dadabhoy illustrates how Jain values—non-violence, truthfulness, compassion, and mindfulness—flowed naturally into Doshi’s work ethic and interpersonal relationships.

But Doshi was far from a one-dimensional figure. He was:

• A poet, who found in verse a way to articulate the subtleties of emotion.
• A painter, whose canvases reflected a contemplative, almost meditative aesthetic.
• A philatelist and bibliophile, with an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for knowledge.
• A compiler of quotations, which he published and distributed freely—a charming habit that reveals his generosity of spirit and desire to share wisdom.

These facets, drawn from interviews and personal papers, give the biography a warmth often missing in business narratives. Dadabhoy’s sensitivity as a writer ensures that the reader meets not merely a titan of industry but a man whose inner life was as refined as the diamonds he worked with.

A Rich Historical Tapestry

The book also doubles as a riveting history of India’s gem and jewellery trade. The narrative travels through the shifting economic landscapes of the mid-20th century, the growth of India’s export ecosystem, and the changing aspirations of the community that formed the backbone of this trade.

Some sections are dense with detail, but this density feels deliberate. It conveys the scale, the complexity, and the labour that went into building the modern diamond industry. For anyone interested in India’s business history, these chapters are invaluable.

A Legacy That Glows Quietly

Perhaps the biography’s greatest achievement lies in capturing the tone of Doshi’s life—measured, dignified, unwavering. There is no attempt to inflate his personality; instead, the book communicates the quiet power of consistency and integrity. Doshi emerges as a mentor whose influence extended far beyond corporate hierarchies. Younger colleagues sought him out not just for business counsel but for life wisdom, which he offered with gentleness and precision.

In an era fascinated by loud success stories, Doshi’s life is a reminder that some legacies are built in silence—one thoughtful decision, one generous act at a time.

The Biographer’s Craft

Bakhtiar K. Dadabhoy brings to this work the same qualities that have distinguished his earlier biographies—rigorous research, narrative finesse, and a gift for evoking time and place. His previous works on JRD Tata, Zubin Mehta, John Matthai, and Homi Bhabha have already established him as a chronicler of quiet brilliance, and this book strengthens that reputation.

Dadabhoy resists the temptation to sensationalise; instead, he constructs a narrative that is elegant, patient, and deeply respectful of its subject.

The Legendary Diamantaire is a luminous biography—thoughtful, rich in detail, and quietly inspiring. It introduces readers to a man who shaped an industry with intellect and integrity, and whose life exemplified the art of purposeful living. For admirers of business biographies, students of industry, and anyone drawn to stories of character-driven success, this book is a rewarding, resonant read.

It is a fitting tribute to a man whose brilliance was not merely in diamonds, but in the way he lived.