Namaste and welcome to Samosa Chat with Sangeeta – the spiciest, multi-flavored conversation show on the internet!
In this special episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary life and career of a true legend in the world of advertising – Mr. Ashish Bhasin. With over 40 years of experience, former Chairman and CEO of Dentsu Asia Pacific, and now an independent powerhouse in the advertising world, Mr. Bhasin’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Let’s take you through the highlights of this vibrant conversation that’s equal parts heartwarming, humorous, and deeply insightful.
From Biochemistry to Billboards – A Twist of Destiny
Mr. Bhasin’s career didn’t begin in advertising. In fact, he was a science student, holding a degree in Zoology and Biochemistry from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. At the time, career planning wasn’t as structured as it is today. One day, he tagged along with his commerce friends for an MBA entrance test just for fun — and surprisingly, he cleared it while his friends didn’t. He took it as a sign and pursued his MBA in Marketing.
It was never a planned move into advertising. His first job offer came from Godrej Soaps, complete with a Maruti car, a flat, and a ₹5000 salary – a dream offer back then. But life had other plans.
The Accidental Entry into Advertising
One interview changed everything. He got an opportunity at Lintas, one of India’s top advertising agencies at the time. The biggest reason he accepted?
The office was located at Express Towers, Nariman Point — right next to his home!
A seemingly trivial decision turned out to be the best “blunder” of his life and marked the beginning of his legendary career in advertising.
The Iconic Liril Campaign and the Search for the Next Liril Girl
Ask any Indian from the ’80s or ’90s about the Liril girl, and you’ll likely get a nostalgic smile. The campaign is legendary.
When Mr. Bhasin joined Lintas, he was tasked with finding the next face of Liril after the famous Karen Lunel and Sonali Mehta had retired. This wasn’t just about finding a pretty face – the new model had to be comfortable with water and possess an unforgettable screen presence.
This led him to scout across college campuses, canteens, and even cafés, watching how girls reacted to water — a peculiar yet crucial part of the audition process! Eventually, they found Anjali, who became the new Liril girl and starred in the unforgettable “La la la la la” waterfall commercial — an ad that continues to live rent-free in our minds even decades later.
The Challenges Behind the Glamour
Though many envied his glamorous job – working with models, filming exotic commercials, and launching iconic brands – Mr. Bhasin emphasizes that the real work was far from easy. Convincing someone to become the face of a national brand, especially as a young man, was not a simple task. It required patience, emotional intelligence, and impeccable judgment.
His approach to advertising has always been emotion-first, aiming to place a product not just in the market but in the consumer’s heart — a philosophy that continues to resonate.
A Personal Love Story: Meeting Mayuri
No success story is complete without a little romance! Long before his tryst with advertising began, Ashish Bhasin had already met the love of his life – Mayuri – during his college days.
He shared how he was instantly sure he wanted to marry her — whether she had made up her mind or not didn’t matter at the time!
Their relationship blossomed alongside his career, growing stronger over the decades. Their love story adds a sweet personal flavor to this professional journey.
What We Learn From Ashish Bhasin’s Journey
- Destiny plays a role – but you must act when opportunity knocks.
A last-minute decision to attend an interview changed his entire life. - Even the smallest decisions can be life-changing.
Choosing a job because of its proximity to home might sound trivial, but it led to a lifelong career in advertising. - Hard work behind the glamour.
The world sees the final campaign, but the effort, people skills, and emotional labor behind every ad are immense. - Keep the consumer at the center.
His success lies in making consumers fall in love with a product — not just buy it once, but remember it for years. - Follow your gut in love and career.
Be it choosing his life partner or switching career paths, Mr. Bhasin has trusted his instincts — and they’ve served him well.
Final Thoughts
Ashish Bhasin is more than just the King of Advertising — he’s a storyteller, a mentor, and proof that destiny, when combined with dedication and a pinch of serendipity, can lead to greatness.
This episode of Samosa Chat with Sangeeta is not just a conversation — it’s a masterclass in life, love, and the magic of marketing.