Offbeat: Meet the Ashish Bhasin you didn’t know...

In our constant endeavour to give our readers content that is a little ‘hatke’ from the trade media norm, Adgully has been coming out with Special sections like The W-Suite, Ad Land’s Young Guns, Spirit W and more. Our latest offering is ‘Offbeat’. 

Starting from today, April 28, 2017, our weekly series ‘Offbeat’ will seek to present the lesser known facets of our very well-known industry leaders. We present, in the industry leaders’ own words, an interesting read on areas that are not usually highlighted in regular media coverage – be it about their childhood days, secret skills that they possess, how they unwind from their hectic schedules, and much more. 

Featured in our first ‘Offbeat’ special is Ashish Bhasin, Chairman & CEO - South Asia, Dentsu Aegis Network. Bhasin has been leading Dentsu Aegis Network from strength to strength and has seen through several significant acquisitions as well. In addition, Bhasin as Chairman of Goafest Organising Committee 2017 helped further elevate the experience of the festival this year for the entire advertising fraternity. 

While Bhasin is a globally recognised media veteran, there are facets about him that are not that well known in the public domain. Read on to get to know more... 

How were you as a child and which childhood trait do you still possess?
As a child I was quite determined and balanced – both in studies and sports. And I have retained both these traits in my adult life. In general, I would be pretty optimistic and always smiling. But now, I do get a bit cranky sometimes. 

Which superhero did you look up to as a kid and why? Which superhero power you wish you possessed?
To me, my Dad has always been my superhero, because it appeared to me that he would always do things that I would aspire to do and had a certain set of values that I wanted to inculcate in myself. So he is the person I always looked up to. 

The superhero power that I would like to possess is that of being able to look into the future. 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
I am always fearful that I might let down my family, colleagues or the people who depend on me. I would never want to let them down. I overcome this by working hard and by being on my toes all the time to make sure that I live up to their expectations. 

A skill you possess that no one knows about?
I was a very good debater in school and college. I don’t think anybody knows about it, but I was very good at debating. 

What would one find in your playlist?
Old Kishore Kumar songs. ‘Aa Chal Ke Tujhe Me Leke Chaloon’ and ‘Kabhi Kabhi’ are among my favourites. 

Your go-to activity to relax?
I like to chill at home, watch TV and spend time with my kids and family. I also have a holiday home in Lonavla. If I get the chance, I like to go there for the weekends. But for the last year or so, that has been very scarce. 

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
‘No two days are ever alike’. Everyday bring its own set of challenges. 

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
The education of underprivileged children. 

What’s the one thing that you would like to change about yourself?
My weight. I am not disciplined enough to exercise and keep a control on my diet. I love to eat. And I don’t think I have enough willpower to exercise. That’s the one thing I would like to change about myself. 

If not Chairman & CEO - South Asia at Dentsu Aegis Network, what would you have been?
I think I would have been a high-profile lawyer, hopefully in the Supreme Court.

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