Mumbai: Pradeep Guha, which was an integral part of times of India group for nearly three decades, and later became CEO zee entertainmentHe died in Mumbai on Saturday, just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 69 years old.
Widely recognized as one of the most influential voices in the worlds of media, marketing and advertising, Guha was praised for being able to combine creativity with strategic vision, strong execution skills, and a sharp business sense. Was underpinned by a nurturing leadership style. “He was both head and heart,” said an old colleague of his in TOI.
During his long association with TOI’s parent company BCCL – of which he became Chairman (Reaction) and Executive Director – Guha worked with shareholders to help it grow into a powerhouse of advertising, brands, campaigns and events.
“Pradeep Guha was instrumental in restarting the advertising industry and establishing the primacy of print and launching several initiatives for BCCL. His contribution will always be remembered and his legacy will be cherished by his colleagues at BCCL. With his untimely demise, the industry has lost a major light. BCCL executive committee chairman Shivakumar Sundaram said, he has left behind a void that cannot be filled.
Pradeep Guha was not a tall man – physically. But in terms of stature, his presence was quite large. He was one of a rare breed who married a keen understanding of the creative process with a tough head for business. He was also a natural leader – tough and tough, and at the same time, sympathetic and supportive. They instilled lifelong loyalty, nurtured lifelong relationships.
He sought to do the same with brands. Yes, they were there to make money, but he also knew the importance of building brands that withstood the ups and downs of time and transaction—through love and emotion, and through connections that felt personal. Used to do
When I first met him, Pradeep was already a big name in the media. He helped make Response, the parent company of The Times of India, a strong force in the advertising sales function of BCCL. India had made an unsuccessful bid to host Asia’s largest biennial advertising conference, responding to a scathing remark from a senior industry CEO that we should stop bidding for these major international conventions as we see them. Can never win, Pradeep Guha and Gautam Rakshit decided to take the courage to bring AdAsia, as it is called, to India in 2003. I was drawn in, and thus began a relationship, as did industry compatriots and dear friends. He acted like a man. No description was too small, no potential speaker or sponsor was too big. And he did what he had prescribed. He made AdAsia 2003 the most memorable marketing and communications (marcom) event of its time.
Pradeep was originally an advertising industry person. Known to the world for his film festival Cannes, Pradeep made his advertising festival almost famous among Indians; If Cannes became an annual pilgrimage for the creative fraternity, it was thanks to them.
She helped bring zip and zing to Filmfare and Femina magazines in the 1990s, and to their award shows and beauty pageants. Femina Miss India became multiple winner miss World and Miss Universe. He was also closely involved with the launch of Bombay Times. All keep a close eye on brand-building.
He is perhaps the only MARCOM professional to work in print, electronic and digital modes. He joined Zee as CEO, and during his tenure, it rose to a leadership position. He also tinkered with producing films, but felt that was not his cup of tea.
Along the way, he garnered more accolades and headed industry bodies both Indian and international that one cannot count. He was to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations in 2019, but since AdAsia was held in Lahore, it was withdrawn and presented in Macau this year.
If Pradeep the Professional was remarkable, Pradeep the Person was amazing. His somewhat reserved demeanor may initially be misconstrued as arrogance by some, but I can attest to the fact that he was one of the kindest men I have had the privilege of knowing. He was a man with a big heart, always ready to help a friend or a colleague in need. Their annual Diwali party at home was a testament to their many, many long and lasting friendships across the spectrum.
He was really one of a kind. When he told me about his illness in early August and administered me an oath of secrecy, I was sure it was another battle he would win.
We had a ritual where I celebrated his birthday every June in a restaurant with just him and Papiya, Gautam and Vidita, Devi and I. This year we could not due to the Covid restrictions, and Gautam is no more. I called him and promised that I would host a big party next year for the youngest 70-year-old I know. Well, heaven had better prepared for some mega event. Pradeep Guha has just entered the campus.
Widely recognized as one of the most influential voices in the worlds of media, marketing and advertising, Guha was praised for being able to combine creativity with strategic vision, strong execution skills, and a sharp business sense. Was underpinned by a nurturing leadership style. “He was both head and heart,” said an old colleague of his in TOI.
During his long association with TOI’s parent company BCCL – of which he became Chairman (Reaction) and Executive Director – Guha worked with shareholders to help it grow into a powerhouse of advertising, brands, campaigns and events.
“Pradeep Guha was instrumental in restarting the advertising industry and establishing the primacy of print and launching several initiatives for BCCL. His contribution will always be remembered and his legacy will be cherished by his colleagues at BCCL. With his untimely demise, the industry has lost a major light. BCCL executive committee chairman Shivakumar Sundaram said, he has left behind a void that cannot be filled.
Pradeep Guha was not a tall man – physically. But in terms of stature, his presence was quite large. He was one of a rare breed who married a keen understanding of the creative process with a tough head for business. He was also a natural leader – tough and tough, and at the same time, sympathetic and supportive. They instilled lifelong loyalty, nurtured lifelong relationships.
He sought to do the same with brands. Yes, they were there to make money, but he also knew the importance of building brands that withstood the ups and downs of time and transaction—through love and emotion, and through connections that felt personal. Used to do
When I first met him, Pradeep was already a big name in the media. He helped make Response, the parent company of The Times of India, a strong force in the advertising sales function of BCCL. India had made an unsuccessful bid to host Asia’s largest biennial advertising conference, responding to a scathing remark from a senior industry CEO that we should stop bidding for these major international conventions as we see them. Can never win, Pradeep Guha and Gautam Rakshit decided to take the courage to bring AdAsia, as it is called, to India in 2003. I was drawn in, and thus began a relationship, as did industry compatriots and dear friends. He acted like a man. No description was too small, no potential speaker or sponsor was too big. And he did what he had prescribed. He made AdAsia 2003 the most memorable marketing and communications (marcom) event of its time.
Pradeep was originally an advertising industry person. Known to the world for his film festival Cannes, Pradeep made his advertising festival almost famous among Indians; If Cannes became an annual pilgrimage for the creative fraternity, it was thanks to them.
She helped bring zip and zing to Filmfare and Femina magazines in the 1990s, and to their award shows and beauty pageants. Femina Miss India became multiple winner miss World and Miss Universe. He was also closely involved with the launch of Bombay Times. All keep a close eye on brand-building.
He is perhaps the only MARCOM professional to work in print, electronic and digital modes. He joined Zee as CEO, and during his tenure, it rose to a leadership position. He also tinkered with producing films, but felt that was not his cup of tea.
Along the way, he garnered more accolades and headed industry bodies both Indian and international that one cannot count. He was to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations in 2019, but since AdAsia was held in Lahore, it was withdrawn and presented in Macau this year.
If Pradeep the Professional was remarkable, Pradeep the Person was amazing. His somewhat reserved demeanor may initially be misconstrued as arrogance by some, but I can attest to the fact that he was one of the kindest men I have had the privilege of knowing. He was a man with a big heart, always ready to help a friend or a colleague in need. Their annual Diwali party at home was a testament to their many, many long and lasting friendships across the spectrum.
He was really one of a kind. When he told me about his illness in early August and administered me an oath of secrecy, I was sure it was another battle he would win.
We had a ritual where I celebrated his birthday every June in a restaurant with just him and Papiya, Gautam and Vidita, Devi and I. This year we could not due to the Covid restrictions, and Gautam is no more. I called him and promised that I would host a big party next year for the youngest 70-year-old I know. Well, heaven had better prepared for some mega event. Pradeep Guha has just entered the campus.
.