👉 How did you get the international attention you got? e.g. Prizes, Judging etc *
I always aspired to create something that would make a difference in someone’s life. I got the chance to do so with the project on acid attack – Beauty Tips by Reshma. It furthered the cause and steered me towards a series of firsts – from being featured in international media like TIME, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal; getting industry recognition like Cannes Lions, The One Show, D&AD, Spikes, EFFIES; serving as a Jury at The One Club For Creativity, The Creativity International Design Awards and Ad Stars to being a Cannes Lions See It Be It 20-21 delegate.
👉 In what way is Indian creativity unique? *
India is a kaleidoscope of people, languages and cultural traditions. If you are raised in such a diverse country, you just end up having many stories to tell. It’s these stories that help you give unique solutions to unique problems.
👉 From what you observe, what do you think are the main differences between working in India and abroad? *
It’s more fun! If you are some one who loves breaking the rules, you’ll be encouraged.
👉 Who inspires you in this industry? *
It’s a very very long list! I don’t think I’ll be able to drop all the names.
I am forever inspired by the acid attack fighter who starred in Beauty Tips by Reshma – Reshma Qureshi. I have no words to applaud the way she rose from the darkest phase of her life and became the face of the cause. Her courage is contagious.
Tarana J. Burke for kick starting the #metoo movement. Cindy Gallop for fighting so many wars for the rest of us. Nandini Jammi for starting the conversation about “why you must fight for yourself as hard as you do for your cause”. Anselmo Ramos, Alex Grieve, Abhijeet Awasthi, Colleen DeCourcy, David Droga, Gerry Graf, Richard Brim, Madonna Badger, Rajiv Rao, V Sunil, Susan Credle, Swati Bhattacharya for showing us how it’s done. Â
The See It Be It and Next Creative Leaders alumni, their teams and every individual in the industry who’s lifting others up.            Â
👉 Despite the attention you and your work has gotten, do you ever feel invisible at work still? Did you ever at the start of your career? What did you do to overcome it? *
I feel the industry still suffers from hierarchy and often it has a domino effect on how much visibility your work or you can get. Specially, for someone like me who’s from a family that had nothing to do with the world of creativity. Only your work and finding people who aren’t driven by hierarchy can rescue you.          Â
👉 For people who feel invisible professionally, what would be your advice? *
Don’t wait for things to happen. If you aren’t getting a dream brief, create your own. If your client doesn’t appreciate your ideas, find someone who does. If you feel uninspired, seek inspiration online or outside your workplace.​​​​​​​