Offbeat: With Ramesh Narayan, journalism’s loss is advertising’s gain

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’. 

Our weekly series ‘Offbeat’ seeks 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. 

Ad veteran, Founder of Canco Advertising and IAA Hall of Fame inductee, Ramesh Narayan, has always believed in communication with a strong social focus. After downing the shutters on his ad agency Canco in 2006, Narayan has been spearheading Bhavishya Yaan, which seeks to stem the dropouts in municipality schools and impart computer education, English speaking skills as well as life skills to the underprivileged youth. 

Along with his social work, Narayan has also continued his association with the advertising industry in an advisory capacity. He was re-appointed Chairman of the Awards Governing Council for the Abbys at Goafest 2017. 

While Narayan is a well-recognised ad industry 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 very shy and retiring. I read a lot. I’ve changed considerably. I’m relatively less shy, continue to be quiet, and don’t read much. 

Which superhero did you look up to as a kid and why? Which superhero power you wish you possessed?
I loved them all. Superman, Flash, Batman. You name it, I wanted to be it. 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
I was always scared to speak in public. I got over it sometime ago. 

A skill you possess that no one knows about?
My life is an open book. Everyone knows whatever I have. 

What would one find in your playlist?
Old romantic songs. English and Hindi. 

Your go-to activity to relax?
I love travelling. I find it mentally relaxing, though physically tiring. 

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
The lesson of acceptance. I believe one has to accept what life has ordained for her. 

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
Educating children. Specifically the great Bhavishya Yaan programme of the Rotary Club of Bombay. I am honoured to be associated with it. 

What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself?
I wish I could say "NO"! It would make my life far easier. 

If not ‎Founder at Canco Advertising, what would you have been?
A full-time journalist. In fact, I came into advertising hoping to write, but the pressures of running and growing an agency denied me that pleasure to a large extent. That is why I somehow made the time to write my columns in various newspapers.

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