Kedar Joshi

Prasoon Joshi is a multifaceted Indian artist, known for his work as a poet, lyricist, screenwriter, and a prominent figure in advertising and marketing. He holds significant leadership positions, including CEO of McCann Worldgroup India and Chairman of APAC. His career has been marked by numerous accolades, including multiple Filmfare and National Film Awards for his lyrical contributions to cinema, and the Padma Shri from the Indian government for his achievements in arts, literature, and advertising.

Joshi's early life in Uttarakhand, surrounded by academic discipline and artistic influences from his parents, shaped his unique sensibility. He began writing at a young age, publishing his first book at seventeen. After pursuing a background in Physics and an MBA, he chose a career in advertising, where he quickly rose through the ranks. His work has been instrumental in building brands for both multinational and Indian companies, and his advertising campaigns have received international recognition. He has also been involved in various social campaigns and served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification.

Born on September 16, 1971, Prasoon Joshi spent his formative years across various locations in northern India, an experience that instilled in him a deep understanding of the Indian ethos, which later resonated in his creative works. His parents, both classical vocalists, fostered an environment rich in music, culture, and academic rigor. Joshi began his literary journey early, publishing his first book, 'Main Aur Woh,' at the age of 17. This was followed by 'Dard So Raha Hai' and 'Samadhan,' establishing his presence as an author. His collection of songs, 'Sunshine Lanes,' was launched at the Jaipur Literature Festival, and his essays on contemporary India were published in 'Thinking Aloud' in 2016. He holds a BSc and an MBA, the latter from the Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, where he decided to merge his artistic inclinations with commercial acumen.

Prasoon Joshi's career in advertising began at Ogilvy & Mather and saw a rapid ascent. He later joined McCann-Erickson, eventually leading McCann Worldgroup India as Executive Chairman and serving as Regional Creative Director for Asia Pacific. Joshi is recognized for his impactful brand-building campaigns for a diverse range of clients, including global names like Coca-Cola and Microsoft, as well as prominent Indian brands. His work on the 'Thanda matlab Coca-Cola' campaign featuring Aamir Khan and the Happydent television commercial, which was lauded internationally, are notable examples. Beyond commercial success, his creative efforts have supported various social initiatives in India, addressing issues such as sanitation, education, and health.

Joshi made his debut as a film lyricist with the movie 'Lajja' and subsequently contributed to numerous successful Bollywood films, including 'Rang De Basanti,' 'Taare Zameen Par,' and 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.' His lyrical prowess has earned him multiple Filmfare Best Lyricist Awards and two National Film Awards. He also penned the script for the acclaimed film 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.' In addition to his creative roles, Joshi has served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, where he focused on fostering dialogue between filmmakers and societal sensitivities and advancing the digitization of the board's operations. He has also been a jury chairman at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival and recognized as a 'Young Global Leader' by the World Economic Forum.