Pradeep Guha is not a tall man – physically.
But in terms of stature, he is a towering presence.
He is one of the rare types that marry deep understanding of creative processes with harsh heads for business.
He is also a natural leader – tough and demanding, and at the same time, empathown and support.
He raises loyalty for life, maintaining a relationship of a lifetime.
He tried to do the same thing with the brand.
Yes, they are meant to make money, but he also knows the importance of building a brand that is resistant to visiting time and transactions – through love and emotions, and through personal connections.
Pradeep has become a big name in the media when I first met him.
He has helped build a response – the sale function of the Times of India parent company BCCL-into strong strength.
India has just made a failed offer to accommodate the largest biennial advertising congress in Asia, and respond to the comments of the Senior Industrial Acerbic CEO that we have to stop bid on the Marquee international conference because we will never be able to win it, Pradeep Guha and Goutam Rakhit decide to take it for Gauntlet Bring Asian advertising, as is called, to India in 2003.
I hang out, and thus begin relationships as fellow industrial arts and beloved friends.
He works like a man possessed.
There are no details that are too small, no potential speakers or too big sponsors.
And he did what he left.
He made Adia 2003 marketing and communication events (Marcom) which were most memorable to his time.
Pradeep is an advertising industry man to the core.
The world knows Cannes for his film festival, Pradeep makes the advertising festival is almost the same among Indians; If Cannes becomes an annual pilgrimage for creative brotherhood, it is thanks to him.
He helped bring Zip and Zing to Filmfare and Femina magazines in the 1990s, and for their appreciation showed and beauty contest.
Some of the winners of Femina Miss India then became Miss World and Miss Universe.
He was also closely involved with the launch of Bombay time.
All with sharp eyes on brand development.
He might be the only professional Marcom to stretch the print, electronics and digital he did.
He joined Zee as CEO, and during his term, it rose to leadership position.
He also teases by producing films but realizes it is not a cup of tea.
Along the way, he received more awards and led more industrial agencies, both India and internationally, rather than what could be counted.
He must be appointed in the Asian Federation of Advertising Fame Hall in 2019 but because AD Asia was held in Lahore, it was detained and will be presented to him in Macau this year.
If the professional pradeep is amazing, the pradeep of the person is extraordinary.
His attitude which was somewhat prevented initially can be misinterpreted by several people as pride, but I can guarantee the fact that he is one of the best men who I have privileges to know.
He is a man with a big heart, always ready to help friends or colleagues who need it.
His annual diwali party at home is a testimony for many, many long and lasting friendships throughout the spectrum.
He is truly similar.
In early August when he told me about his illness and swore for confidentiality, I was sure this was a battle again he would win.
We have a ritual where I celebrate his birthday every June in a restaurant with only him and Papia, Gookam and Vidita, Devi and I.
This year we can’t because of Covid restrictions, and Goutam is no longer.
I called him and promised him that I would host a big party next year for the 70-year-old youngest child I will know.
Well, heaven is better preparing several mega shows.
Pradeep Guha just entered the place.