The charisma of Diwan Arun Nanda

When I heard the news of the passing away of Mr. Arun Nanda, my mind was instantly flooded with a deep sense of loss and an overwhelming rush of nostalgic memories.

For me, the journey with Rediffusion spanned around two decades, but the last decade was particularly special—it was, in every sense, a masterclass. From helming Rediffusion JV at Sri Lanka from 2003, to Lead Everest Brand Solutions and finally as President of Rediffusion YR till March2013.

During those years, I had the privilege of having Mr. Nanda not just as my boss, but also as a guide and mentor. To work alongside him was to be constantly challenged, inspired and uplifted by the sheer weight of his charisma, vision and unshakable principles.

Mr. Nanda was Indian advertising’s prima donna, its conscience keeper and one of its most brilliant architects.

He often reminded the team of Rediffusion’s founding philosophy: to create advertising that became famous, culturally relevant, and transformative.

It is a testament to his leadership and creative force that some of the most iconic campaigns and slogans in Indian advertising were nurtured under his stewardship. Who can forget:

• “Whenever you see colour, think of us” J&N
• Gold spot “Zing Thing”
• “A Movement Called Telco”
• “Give Me Red” Eveready
• “Kancha yahan Maruti service station milega”
• “Airtel signature tune” R.Rehman
• “Annu taazgi de de” Tata Tea

and many many more memorable advertising campaigns to build brands and transform business fortunes.

Working with Mr. Nanda was a lesson in trust and empowerment.

He gave freedom, seldom interfering in day-to-day operational matters, allowing creativity to breathe.

Yet, he was a stickler for performance. Mediocrity had no place in his universe. He demanded excellence, not in a harsh or overbearing way, but with the kind of exacting discipline that inspired people to rise to the occasion. Under his leadership, you wanted to achieve more, stretch your limits and bring your very best self to the job.

Rediffusion went thru a difficult phase in 2010 with the loss of Airtel and realignment of many Y&R brands when he wanted me to Helm the agency. There were significant challenges but his quiet resolve, calm demeanour and steely reassurance when he told me we shall rebuild Raja, meant yes the challenge was well worth it.

Next couple of years saw us winning many large businesses like Emami, LIC, SBI Mutual Funds, TVS Srichakra, Lafarge, Arrow, ITC classmate besides MTS, Reliance Jewels and many more.

Rediffusion was back and how, it was buzzing with action. I had the support of an amazing committed team and the blessings of Mr.Nanda who guided the way. Mr.Nanda had the huge responsibility of the TATA PR mandate that Rediffusion landed and it was ably guided and anchored with an Edelman association.

In 2011, my office received a call from BJP to pitch for a campaign. Knowing Mr.Nanda’s association with Mr.Rajiv Gandhi, I wanted his clearance before approaching it.

He was emphatic that it was his personal relationship and no political affiliation and to go ahead. I had the privilege of partnering with Mr.Kamlesh Pandey and we handled select mandates for Mr.Arun Jaitleyji.

An amazing experience to work with the strategic brain who shaped the BJPs path to power.

Mr.Nanda guided us along as always.

Beyond advertising, his counsel was sought after by the leaders who shaped our country’s corporate, political and social landscape. He had the ability to look at problems with wisdom, dispassion and a razor-sharp clarity of vision.

I was fortunate to have often traveled with him for business meetings and during those moments, he would share snippets of insight and reflections on people, power and enterprises. I always wished he would chronicle these in memoirs; they were invaluable lessons not just in business, but in human judgment and leadership. But when I once voiced this hope, he gently reminded me that there exists an “unwritten contract of trust” that defines the privacy and sanctity of these exchanges.

It was this deep respect for principle and discretion that earned him the enduring trust of leaders like Ratan Tata, Rajiv Gandhi and many others. Mr. Nanda represented an era in which words were measured, but weighty. He was a man of composure and grace. His advice carried not just knowledge, but integrity; not just sharpness, but warmth. His charm was never flamboyant; rather it was a quiet magnetism that made you listen, respect and follow.

To me and to many who worked under his stewardship, he was more than a brilliant advertising man. He was a mentor who shaped careers, a leader who upheld values and a human being who treated every person with dignity.

His life is a reminder that greatness is measured not just by achievement, but by the principles one lives by and the legacy one leaves behind.

As I bid farewell to him, I am struck by both a sense of loss and a profound sense of gratitude. Loss, because I will no longer have the privilege of hearing his voice of calm assurance, his anecdotes of wisdom, or his gentle encouragement. Gratitude, because I had the rare fortune of walking alongside him in my career, learning from him and watching his genius at play.

Travel well, my dear Sir.

While advertising will forever remember Diwan Arun Nanda as one of its brightest stars, I will remember him most as a mentor who cared, a leader who inspired and a man whose charisma exuded warmth.