MOST South Africans know the rags-to-riches story of Vivian Reddy, a member of South Africa’s elite club of billionaires.
Born in Durban, the son of a teacher, he went on to own what is likely Africa’s largest power conglomerate.
While he’s said in numerous interviews that he was inspired by astronaut Neil Armstrong – the first man on the moon – whom he met as a young boy scout, to build an empire; the mature, affluent man he is today – the chairman of Edison Power – is all about being James Bond.
“As the youngest of nine children I would often spy on my siblings, when they met with girls or boys. So they nicknamed me 007,” explained Reddy.
“I had no idea what it meant. I was only 9 years old when the first James Bond movie, Dr. No, was released.
“Due to age restrictions, I only saw my first Bond movie at age 15. It was On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and this was when I realised that 007 was actually a spy!”
He says: “It was the first movie that truly made an impression on me with all its futuristic gadgets and I loved the experimenting.
“At that time it was also the only real action movie where expensive cars were crashed.”
Fascinated by the films, Reddy admits that the release of a new Bond movie was the only thing he ever truanted from school for.
“I attended high school at Sastri College in central Durban and I had to be the first one to see a Bond film when it was released, so I could gloat about it to all my friends.”
Reddy has hosted the premieres for the last eight Bond movies. The Spectre premiere at Gateway on Wednesday night will be the most elaborate with 1 200 guests, many of them celebrities, business and political leaders from across the country.
Among the evening’s entertainment is a fashion launch by his wife, TV and radio personality, Sorisha Naidoo, who has ventured into a partnership with designer, Haroun Hansrot, to create H&S, a collection of elegant swimwear and evening wear.
Reddy says he tried to have his favourite Bond girls present at the premiere, namely Halle Berry and Grace Jones, but unfortunately their schedules did not permit them to attend.
He says he enjoys Bond because of his “depth of knowledge, coolness, witty sense of humour, puns and one liners”.
His favourite Bond is Roger Moore and favourite villains, Jaws and Scaramanga.
Needless to say, if there’s a Bond car, suit, sunglasses or any other paraphernalia he can get his hands on, he will.
The high-roller, who made his fortune with his power company, which is more than 30 years old, has since acquired property, built malls, and of course, casinos.
He says Bond may have well inspired his foray into the world of gambling.
“My fascination and intrigue with casinos began with Bond movies and has been a great influence in my eventually owning casinos.”
He quips: “I think I even managed to get my very own Bond girl, in my wife, Sorisha.”