Your 5 to 9 routine after your 9 to 5?

It is never 9 to 5 pm. But my after work schedule includes spending time with family, catching up on reading, watching a show on OTT and a nice stroll in nature.

A book/show you recently watched you would recommend?

Book: Principles by Ray Dalio.

Show: Drive to Survive.

What wins do you like to celebrate in the last six months or a year at work or in life?

We partnered with GNR India Tour in May with Jack Daniel's. It strengthened our place in music culture to drive relevance for JD in a big bold way. The team pulled this off during geo political uncertain times in May. I am really proud of our teams in the way they brought it to life. Personally, I turned 40 earlier this month and celebrated it with a nice get-together with old and new friends, some of whom I had not met in years. Also, now that I am above 40, I don't have the pressure to be on any 40 under 40 list! 

Which industry leader has impacted you the most?

Santosh Desai. Fortunately, I had a chance to work very closely with him for the first six years of my career which was like an education after the MBA and a lot of fun.

The biggest development in the A&M industry this month?

Losing Piyush Pandey. I had the pleasure of being in his rarified air as a young brand manager many years ago in a meeting and it was just inspiring to witness the man pick ideas from thin air and turn them into engaging brand stories. We must continue celebrating him and his lessons.

A recent ad film from the previous month that caught your attention?

Asian Paints' 'Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai' film. It just is a wonderful contemporary interpretation of the long standing brand communication platform. Everyone who watches it will find a reflection of their own home or their dream home in the way the film has been written and shot.

This first appeared in the December issue of Manifest. Get your copy here!