Ace of Blades is not merely a business biography; it is a razor-sharp exploration of obsession, ambition, and the often-painful cost of building something that lasts. Spanning more than five decades—from the launch of Topaz in the 1970s to the dominance of Supermax through 2023—the book charts the extraordinary life of RK Malhotra, the man who reshaped India’s razor blade industry and embedded his products into the daily rituals of millions.

Written by his daughter, Reenita Malhotra Hora, the narrative occupies a rare and compelling space between corporate history and intimate family saga. This dual lens is the book’s greatest strength. Reenita does not mythologize her father; instead, she presents him in all his complexity—brilliant, volatile, uncompromising, and relentlessly driven by what he called “the cutting edge of perfection.” The result is a portrait that feels authentic, sometimes uncomfortable, and deeply human.

At its core, Ace of Blades is a story about obsession. RK Malhotra’s fixation on product quality and market dominance powered the rise of an Indian FMCG empire at a time when multinational giants ruled the landscape. The book offers fascinating insights into the evolution of India’s fast-moving consumer goods sector, using the blade industry as a microcosm of larger economic and cultural shifts. From factory floors to boardroom battles, readers witness how an indigenous brand not only survived but thrived—so much so that Gillette reportedly tried for years to acquire Supermax, without success.

Yet the narrative never allows business triumphs to eclipse personal costs. Reenita’s storytelling is at its most powerful when it confronts the sacrifices that accompanied RK’s success: strained relationships, family rifts fueled by ambition and greed, and the emotional toll of leading with an iron will. The book’s honesty is striking. It acknowledges that greatness often comes with collateral damage, and that building a legacy can fracture the very foundations—family and stability—that one hopes to protect.

The cultural dimension of Ace of Blades adds further depth. RK Malhotra’s journey parallels the coming-of-age of modern Indian masculinity, where shaving with a Supermax blade became a quiet, everyday symbol of aspiration and self-respect. In this sense, the book transcends individual biography and becomes a social history, capturing how consumer products can shape identity and routine across generations.

Reenita Malhotra Hora’s prose is accessible yet incisive, blending dramatic storytelling with meticulous research, including interviews with family members, colleagues, and associates. This layered approach lends credibility and balance, preventing the narrative from slipping into either hagiography or grievance.

Ultimately, Ace of Blades is a compelling read for fans of biographies, business histories, and real-life family dramas. It is a testament to RK Malhotra’s own words: building a great business is rare, fragile, and demands constant care. This book shows exactly what that care can cost—and why, despite everything, some obsessions are impossible to let go.

Nandini Iyer
Literary reviewer and features writer interested in biographies that intersect commerce, culture, and family.