He is not stubborn at all, but he is firm in his views. He's got very strong views like any leader would have and he knows that he wants to get done and he listens to a lot of people. He takes all inputs, but then decides that this is what makes sense.

Does he have a temper?

I have not seen his temper at all. I have spent a lot of time with him and I have never seen him lose his temper. But we have a very different relationship -- a personal relationship. So, he's very calm, very accommodating.

If he was 10 minutes late, he would apologise, say he's sorry to keep you waiting, say I'm 10 minutes late, how about a cup of coffee, or can I get you something to drink? And, it's very normal.

There's nothing superficial. He doesn't have to make an effort for me. It just comes from within.

You were very close to his dad. So, does he see you as a sort of lovable uncle -- and also, a sort of mentor?

Even before he got into politics, he used to come and see me in Delhi. We would talk generally about life and all that, because we have a different equation. But I want to treat him like an equal. I don't want to treat him like a kid.

To me he an equal. Just because I am older, just because he's younger, there is no hierarchy. I am Sam to him -- that's it.

Also, one interesting thing is he keeps quotes from Mahatma Gandhi with him at all times -- on his desk, all the time. Mahatma Gandhi is his greatest inspiration. He always talks about the Mahatma's tremendous insights into Indian life.