Name: Manish Gupta

Designation: Head of Sales & Marketing, Agrani Wireless Services Ltd. (AWSL)

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Educational Experience
Schooling from St. Mary's Academy - Meerut.

Graduation from Meerut College - Meerut.

Management from BIT Mesra.

Professional Experience
In the 15+ years of my professional career, I've been on the receiving end most of the time. Yes, you guessed it right. I have been in Sales selling different products and services with some sanity coming from marketing and business development functions.

I too, have had my moments of glory when I was marketing Zee TV in UK and Europe. That assignment gave me tremendous international experience and exposure and lots of fun travelling all over Europe.

For the past 5 years or so, I've been associated with the so called new age rage called convergence (a combination of IT, broadband and telecom).

My career so far has been a mixed bags winging between great heights and some depressing lows. All in all I would say God has been kind to me and life has treated me well.

Job Profile
AWSL would be soon launching "Digital Wireless Communication" services in India. The project would offer various modes of wireless voice & data communication bundled into one "Product and Service" offering.

As head of sales and marketing, I would be responsible for sales & marketing functions for the proposed service. Currently I am involved in project development activities and Analog Radio Trunking operations.

Marketing as career choice
Developing marketing strategies and working out different tactics hones one's analytical skills, which goes a long way in developing ability to handle milts functional activities. Having good analytical skills is like having a robust and open architecture integration engine, which enables one to integrate with and master various skills.

The other important thing, which a combination of sales and marketing does for you is - develop the right attitude. And not just towards clients and customers. Having or developing the right attitude in life can provide success and happiness not only in your professional career but in all spheres. Be it professional life, relationships or outlook towards the society at large. Most importantly, the right attitude helps one to become a good and genuine human being.

Current Marketing scenario Marketing today has gathered a huge momentum the world over. More and more businesses are realizing the worth and potential of this tool for developing their business by leaps and bounds.

Gone are the days when closely held family businesses relied upon word-of-mouth publicity and loyal patronage. With competition getting more and more intense by the day, even the most loyal patrons are lured away by competition through a combination of price and attractive offering.

Right and wrong about current marketing scenario
The market today is witnessing some very conservative businesses coming out to adopt an aggressive marketing approach. Even small businesses allocate a substantial part of their budget to marketing activities. And the new age entrepreneur is all too aware of the effectiveness of this tool to not have a marketing plan in place.

The success of many products / services predominantly because of innovative and effective marketing strategies has also given rise to a new trend - proprietary businesses and individuals promoting their wares through a well thought out marketing plan similar in approach to that of a corporate. There is no question about it - marketing along with sound financial planning is the most important combination to determine the success of any business.

There is a flip side too. One of the negative bi-products of marketing is hype. Sometimes unrealistic, larger than life hype can be very dangerous to the overall success of a business. The other is unethical behaviour by certain players in the market. This is most evident in advertising campaigns. Though the overall standard of advertising has gone up appreciably, particularly in the third worlds countries like India but sometimes the competitiveness goes overboard. Certain campaigns witnessed are definitely in bad taste and can be clearly classified as below the belt.

Ambush marketing and advertising is another malady of the new age aggressive marketing approach. Though the actual advertisers may have a different perspective, the fact remains that actual product / service is hid behind a practically see through veil and the viewer is sufficiently discerning to realize this. Nobody is fooled except perhaps the ones who first impose such flimsy censorship and then choose to look the other way.

Putting an innovative, effective and cost efficient marketing plan is dependent on a large number of factors, which need to be analyzed in great detail. One needs to get to the nuts and bolts of each aspect to be able to put together a successful plan and hence it is inappropriate to theorize or hypothesize on a generic approach.

However, at the risk of being incorrect, I would say that a marketing plan in many ways is like a cricket one day innings - well paced - definitely aggressive in the beginning and sustaining during the middle overs. The end overs will depend on how the innings has unfolded in the previous overs.

To curb the malpractice associated with marketing / advertising, regulatory authorities are the ones who can play a predominant role by imposing practical and workable censorship. The advertisers and media planners should also take a conscious call. Many a times, despite being aggressive and innovative, marketing plans have failed to make an impact on the overall success of the business.

Marketing gurus are bound to have different perspectives about what is good or not so good, what will be successful or not so successful. The viewpoint presented over here is completely personal and merely a reflection on the current global marketing scenario. The success or failure in most occasions cannot be correctly hypothesized. In the end, it is in the hands of two factors - God almighty and Public.

Five years from now
Make loads of money. Get to the top. Take a break. Go on a one year round the world trip. Come back and hit the deck running.

Hobbies

Travelling - My ultimate dream is to be able to travel and see every nook and corner (figuratively) of the world. Playing & watching cricket - I could actually miss an important family function for a game of cricket.

Idea of enjoyment
Food, friends and a cricket match.

Name: Akash Oberoi

Designation: Associate Executive Producer - Mukta Arts

Sun Sign: Capricorn, 8th Jan. 1967

Educational Experience
B.Sc. (Mathematics).

Professional Experience
I've been in this industry since the last 12 years lapping up all kinds of experiences. Presently I'm an Associate Executive Producer cum Creative Director at Mukta Arts, handling their division AD-9 where in we procure and execute advertising films, music videos and TV shows under the banner of Mukta Arts.

I have successfully executed 10 shows for Sony TV called 'The Making of a Dream.' It was a film show where Subhash Ghai chatted with different stars like Dilip Kumar, Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and others. The show was anchored by Archana Puran Singh.

I have also worked on music videos like Tango for Virgin Records which was choreographed by Saroj Khan. Am also handling the promos, trailors, titles, advertising and promotions of the film Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (A Mukta Arts production directed by David Dhawan).

Prior to that I was a Senior Producer with TMG TELEVISION in Bangalore (Feb. 2000 to March 2002). The channel produced technology based shows connected with the Internet and the IT Industry. I produced and directed a show called Caf? 2001. This chat show pertained to how the Internet industry is bringing about a change in our lives. The chat show discussed different web sites, Internet news, shopping on the net, etc. I have to my credit the successful completion of 400 shows of Caf? 2001.

I have also hosted shows like Digital Domain where an important personality was featured who talked about entertainment and technology relevantly showing his work. Then there was this show called Dot Com In My Life. This show featured people on the streets, in a caf? or a cyber caf? asking them questions as to how the Internet industry had brought about a change in their lives.

Zindagi Online was another show which centered around specific Websites and the kind of services it provided to the users. The website could be on Food, Movies, Astrology, Careers etc. Net Pow Wow was a show in which the anchor created a debate on a particular topic regarding the Internet. It was conducted for groups of youngsters between 16-25 years of age in college campuses or in cafes.

E Samvaad was a show in Hindi which I did for D.D.Bharti where we spoke about how the Internet is changing our daily life.

I was with Crest Communications in Mumbai as a Executive Producer cum Consultant (1998 - 1999). My job responsibilities involved the supervision and execution of film commercials, keeping abreast with the developments in the Ad film industry and gaining wide exposure to various aspects of production and post production. I have worked on some prestigious ad films like Atlas Cycles and Good Year Tyres.

Lock Stock and Barrel Films saw me as an Associate Producer and Assistant Director from 1994-1997. My job responsibilities included all producer related functions like preparing budgets for films and coordinating between clients and the creative department.

Some of the commercials produced comprise DSP Whisky, Maruti Suzuki, Hero Honda Sleek, Stayfree Sanitary Napkins, Archies Cards etc.

From 1991-1993 I was a Production Designer with Flicks - The Motion Picture Company in Mumbai. I was responsible for handling pre and post production work for Ad Film commercials. I assisted the film director in the shooting of these commercials. I was involved in designing the sets, studio bookings, coordinating with the agency/client, coordinating post production tasks such as editing, music etc. Some of the commercials produced include Yamaha RX 100, Modi Tyres, Jiyajee Suitings, Honda Gensets, Hero Puch Moped etc.

I started my stint in this industry as a Production Executive in Cinematix Ad Film Company (1989-1990) in Mumbai. My job responsibilities included handling pre-production for Ad Film commercials and producing commercials for local and international markets like Berger Paints, VIP Suitcases, Dettol soaps, Bajaj Scooters.

Television as career choice
Media and television is what excites me and being a creative person I could not think of any other media to let it out.

Current Television scenario
We are doing well and the shows on Television are now more interactive as the quality of our shows and our budgets have increased. I see a bright future.

Five years from now
I see myself heading a channel or a production house as a creative head. I have a very wide experience in this field (12 years!!!) and I feel five years from now I will be ready to take on any challenge that I am offered.

Hobbies
Watching movies, hiking and watching TV.

Idea of enjoyment
Filmmaking and playing with my dog.

Name: Vinay Kanchan

Designation: Client Servicing Director - Everest

Sun Sign: Taurus

Educational Experience
M.M.S. from NMIMS.

B.E. (Electronics) from Mumbai University.

Professional Experience
Lintas (June 1995- Jan 1999);[Accounts] Joined as management trainee in June 1995 and left as Account Manager in Jan 1999.

Mudra (Feb. 1999- May 2001); [Accounts] Joined as Associate Account Director in Feb 1999 and left as Account Director in May 2001.

Everest (June 2001- present day); Client Servicing Director.

Job Profile
As a Client Servicing Director, I'm in charge of navigating the brand through the troubled waters called the Indian market during the course of which I get to crack wise puns about being 'all at sea' etc. etc.

Advertising as career choice
After exposure to red kryptonite drained me of my super powers, there remained no other fulfilling noble purpose in life, save trying to manipulate peoples opinions and getting them to buy brands that they did not need. It was just my way of getting back at nature. Hence advertising.

Current advertising scenario
Improving. There seems a genuine shift towards a more creative approach at involving the consumer. Traditional heavyweights that used to think that there was no bigger idea than the big budget are actually now doing great work. On the whole Indian advertising is coming of age.

Right and wrong about current advertising scenario
What is wrong - well the overuse of research and the lack of application of common sense, as Ogilvy once wisely said most people use research as a drunkard uses a lamp post , 'for a crutch and not for illumination.'

The steps I would take to change that? Well.... hire a commando squad to take out all the research agencies, but seriously... just try and incorporate a more common sensical approach to advertising wherever and with whoever I work.

What is right - the lack of formality, things like everyone calling even the senior most people by their first name. A trend that manifests itself in most other industries now but I feel was first started by advertising.

Five years from now
Firstly far away from the computer from where I am filing in my replies. But seriously I don't know. I believe in taking one day at a time.

Hobbies
I love playing and watching Soccer, and generally getting my kicks, following sport of any kind, writing and doodling.

Idea of enjoyment
Definitely not filling in a questionnaire. Playing soccer, chilling out with friends and family, watching an idea that I have worked on getting through, watching an expense voucher being passed without too many questions.

Name: Rajit Desai

Designation: Brand Manager - SET India

Sun Sign: Aquarius, 3 February 1975

Educational Experience
Masters in Management Studies (NMIMS, 1997)

B.Sc. - Stats (St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad 1995)

Professional Experience
Total six years - I've been working with Sony Entertainment Television since the last three years. Prior to that I was with Hindustan Thompson Associates , Mumbai for three years.

Job Profile
Responsible for driving viewership for a portfolio of programmes and driving advertiser initiatives (contests, fillers, value-adds) on the channel.

Television as career choice
I believe television is a highly dynamic industry, and poised for explosive growth in the future. I don't think any other industry offers as challenging opportunities as television today.

Current Television scenario: A lot will depend on how the roll-out of CAS happens. Like in any industry, only two-three major general entertainment players will survive. The others shall have to look for niches. Even niche channels that provide cutting edge content in their area of specialization will thrive - provided that niche is desirable from an advertiser's point of view.

Right and wrong about current television scenario
The industry is still evolving, and it is a great time for a newcomer to step in. The evolution is truly a professional one, and that may take time. The good thing is that there are people in it who can make it happen.

Five years from now
I believe in living for the present. Not to dream too much.

Hobbies
Quizzing, Cricket, Football, Movies.

Idea of enjoyment
A high intensity cricket / football match spent over galloons of beer, with my fianc?e and friends for company.

Name: Alvin Saldanha

Designation: Vice President and Executive Creative Director - McCann Healthcare

Sun Sign: Libra, 15th Oct. 1962

Educational Experience
Bachelor in Biblical Studies, with Honours from Maryland Bible College and Seminary, Baltimore, USA.

Professional Experience
20 years, across JWT, Rediffusion DY&R, McCann-Erickson Singapore, McCann-Erickson India and McCann Healthcare

Job Profile
Principal poo-bah and tinpot. Creative dictator of McCann's integrated solutions companies.

Advertising as career choice
I loved the idea of writing advertising from the moment I first heard of it. Loved the idea of making lots of money, though I later realised to my dismay that I had to work very hard for it.

Current Advertising scenario
Tectonic shift in medias will require a whole new world of advertising solutions. Advertising as we know it will change ... and stay the same.

Right and wrong about current advertising scenario
We need to evolve an Indian idiom, like McCann-Erickson did with Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola.

Five years from now
Still very much on Earth. If you have any information to the contrary, please let me know immediately.

Hobbies
Reading, music and food. I like reading all kinds of books. If it looks like it matters, I try and read it.

As far as music is concerned... no rock, no heavy metal, no trance. Apart from that I listen to all kinds of music.

I love trying different kinds of food. I will go to the extent of trying anything!!!

Idea of enjoyment
Living.

Name: Fawzan Husain

Job Profile: Principal photographer - India Today

Sun Sign: Scorpion, 16 November 1965

Educational Experience
Post graduate in journalism from the Bombay School of Journalism.

Professional Experience
I have gathered 13 years of experience as a photojournalist and have travelled extensively. I specialise in street photography.

I joined India Today in 1993 as their principal photographer. Prior to that for three years I was with the news & feature photography with Mid-Day Publications. I've also contributed to AsiaWeek magazine for six years.

I've been a lecturer in the Bombay School of Journalism since 1993-4.

Solo Shows:
Mass Marriages (2003), Bombay's Life Line - Tracks (2001), Guts and Glory (2000), Children of Kamathipura (1997), Faces - Indian Women (1996), Echoes from Bombay (1992).

Group Shows:
Women in India: How Free? How Equal (2001), Impressions Beijing (2001), Kashmir after Kargil (1999), Maha Kumbh (1998), 50 Years of Freedom of Expression (1997).

International:
China-Beijing: Represented India at Photo Trips: `World photographers focussing on Beijing' (2000), Iraq: Saddam Hussein's presidential referendum (2002), Singapore (1996), Maldives (2003).

Publications:
'Bombay' India Travel Guide (2000), Beijing In Focus (2001), Fallen Angles (2001), Bridges of Friendship (2001).

Collections:
Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts (Japan), Hotel 'The Park' (Bangalore), Opium Den - The Oberoi Hotel (Bombay).

To view some of my work click on the link below:
http://www.lensimpressions.com

Photography as career choice
I worked with Mid Day for four months as a writer and realised that I could convey my feelings better through an image. Thus began my journey with the view finder.

Current photography scenario
Now that the government has allowed 26 per cent FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in news and 74 per cent in non news category there seems to be an air of optimism.

Electronic media presently is going through a boom time and very soon print medium is also expected to witness the same. All in all, the entire picture looks very rosy.

Problems faced by photographers today
The biggest problem photographers face today is that of recognition. Unlike what it is in the west, photography is not recognised as an art form in India. It might take a decade or two... and till that happens there will be a dearth of serious work.

Five years from now
I have always found something wanting in my pictures. I have realised that a good picture not only depends on technical consideration but also a great deal on the personality of the photographer, his belief, his convictions and his attitude.

Having lived in the metropolis city of Bombay all my life, I have been trained by the environment to see the world from my own narrow frame of reference. In the next few years I will try and seek to explore the outside world to broaden my frame of reference.

Hobbies
I used to love reading until I went digital. Most of my time now is spent in front of the monitor working on my digital images.

Idea of enjoyment
My idea of fun is slinging a camera on my shoulder and walking down the street. Street photography is what I love the most.