FAST TRACKING HIS CAREER

In 1965 the Indian Government was looking to create a Foreign Scientists’ Pool, a kind of a brain bank that is a topic of discussion in India these days. But frustration crept in early as Mani found that the fundamentals of research, including equipment, were grossly missing in the fast moving laser technology. Disappointed, he bought a ticket back to the USA, this time joining Northrop, the second largest defense contractor in the USA at the time. To work with them he had to acquire American citizenship. Here he multiplied his earnings. Having invested wisely in stocks and property, by age 55 Mani had created enough assets to ensure that he could retire. By then he had six houses in the Los Angeles area.

The boy, who had always remained hungry during his difficult childhood and nearly died during the famine of 1942 in Bengal, was now a jet-setting stalwart in his field. He had the lifestyle of the rich and courted the famous. Breakfast in London, lunch in Geneva and dinner in Monaco was a reality that Mani Bhaumik began to experience. The globe-trotting genius was seen in the company of beautiful women. Among others he dated the Budapest-born actress Eva Gabor, sister of Hollywood actress Zsa Zsa Gabor who was married to famous hotelier Conrad Hilton. He would go on to date actress Roberta Collins and then Catherine Oxenberg. He was on the program Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous which had a huge viewership. His Bel Air mansion is where the famous Beverly Hill Cops II was shot alongside several commercials. His neighbors included legends like actors Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, Shirly MacLaine, and singer Janet Jackson.