Sivanandan, who is credited with wiping out Mumbai's notorious underworld as head of the city's crime branch in the early 90s, taught economics for several years.
Known for his iron hand, he was even depicted in a Bollywood movie on gang wars.
At a recent interaction on security with business executives, Sivanandan spoke about measures taken to secure the city, the possibility of a new attack, and the need to motivate the police.
Q: How real is the possibility of another big attack?
A: "Today, anyone can make a bomb, even nuclear weapons are available on the market. I can't say there won't be another attack or a blast. But if something happens, our response will be quicker and better."
Q: Last November, the police were criticised for their ancient weapons, their poor response. What's changed since then?
A: "There is money coming in for bullet-proof vests, combat vehicles, troop carriers with GPS, wireless. We've revamped the main control room, set up five quick response teams of 200 men each. There are 13 bomb disposal squads, and about 600 beat marshals on bikes.
"We have acquired four speed boats and some 2,000 new weapons. There is a hub of NSG commandos in the city. We need to do more: we need 5,000 CCTVs; we have just 200."
