Business stories don't often become binge-worthy television, but Made in India: A Titan Story, which streams on Amazon Prime Video MX Player, has managed exactly that. Inspired by Vinay Kamath's book on the rise of Titan, the six-part series chronicles how Xerxes Desai and J.R.D. Tata built one of India's most iconic consumer brands from the ground up. Since its release, the show has drawn widespread praise from critics, business leaders and audiences alike, with particular acclaim reserved for Jim Sarbh's nuanced portrayal of Titan's visionary founder, Xerxes Desai. Alongside Naseeruddin Shah's commanding turn as J.R.D. Tata, Sarbh anchors a series that proves the best business stories are, ultimately, stories about people. 

We caught up with Jim Sarbh to talk about watches, playing one of India's greatest entrepreneurs, the one Titan he'd wear forever, and why his lower back pain might disappoint his 22-year-old self. 

Naseeruddin Shah as J.R.D. Tata, you as Xerxes Desai. What's one moment from set you'd happily replay forever? 

There were many moments. Usually, the moments in between takes, where we'd just be sitting and chatting, or playing online Scrabble. 

There was also this long walking scene after we'd played golf. I like scenes where the blocking is a little longer and more complicated, where the shot is held for the entire scene. That was probably my favourite, the post-golf walking scene where J.R.D. kind of helps Xerxes understand how to solve a problem. 

What's the most Xerxes Desai thing about you, and the most un-Xerxes thing? 

The most un-Xerxes Desai thing about me is that my hair grew back, luckily. The most Xerxes Desai thing about me is probably that eye for detail. 

What do you think 22-year-old Jim Sarbh would find most disappointing about you today? And most impressive? 

Most disappointing? Probably the lower back pain. Most impressive? I don't know. I guess... just the life I've built. 

What's the most absurd thing you've ever done to prepare for a role? 

These were more my earlier days, doing theatre and things like that. I used to run much larger experiments to feel what the character would feel as well. I can't really think of a specific anecdote, though. 

Before this role, how many watches did you own? And what's the count now? 

Jim Sarbh: I think I probably had four or five watches, and I think it's still four or five watches. 

Did playing Xerxes Desai turn you into a watch guy, or confirm you'll never fully be one? 

I think I'll never fully be one, but I do enjoy watches more than I ever have before. I don't know if it was purely because of the show. I think it was just ageing in general. But I do agree that, with the right outfit and for the right event, a watch is the cherry on the cake. 

If you had to wear one watch from Titan's catalogue for the rest of your life, which one are you choose? 

The all-black Titan Edge that just came out. It's so sexy. 

Pre-liberalisation India, building a watch brand against everyone's advice. What would Xerxes Desai's LinkedIn bio have said? 

I have no idea. I don't even know what LinkedIn bios sound like. I've never been a LinkedIn guy. 

This or That 

Theatre rehearsals or film sets? 

Depends on both. Either can be completely magical or completely tedious. Comparing the best film set to the best theatre rehearsal? That's a very tough competition. 

Indie films or binge-worthy trash reality TV? 

Indie films. 

Mumbai nights or Mumbai mornings? 

Mumbai nights.