Name: Manoj Dhanwani

Designation: Managing Director Megan Impex

Sun Sign: 23 September, cusp Virgo-Libra

Foray into the business of watches and timepieces:
I was initiated into the horological field when I used to stay in Dubai. Very soon, I expanded the company's existing range of brand of watches in the low-segment, mid-segment range and a few Swiss brands.

On returning to Mumbai, I decided to launch Megan Impex along with my partners (actually family members) and took the plunge into the watch business. More so because it was the natural choice after the successful stint abroad. It also gave me an opportunity to pursue my passion in dealing with 'Fashion and Lifestyle' branded watches especially in the mid-segment.

Bringing the Giordano brand to India:
We brought the Hong Kong based international brand, Giordano Timewear, to India. The brand Giordano Timewear caught my imagination and fascination. "Giordano Timewear" represented excellence in craftsmanship and innovative designing and best of all: value-for-money. In the mid-segment Giordano Timewear had a distinct edge in quality, workmanship and pricing.

The challenge was to scale up distribution, marketing, communication and the product mix. This smooth transition was facilitated by an in-depth study of the prevailing conditions in the Indian horological market.

At present, Giordano Timewear is now available in 125 outlets in 20 prime centers of India. The retail outlets, carefully chosen by Megan Impex team consists of a mix of traditional outlets (retail points for watch trade) and non-traditional outlets (departmental stores, fashion and boutiques. In fact, retailers prefer to keep Giordano watches in their stores as the product has carved out a niche for itself amongst Indian consumers.

Stint in modeling:
For someone who stumbled into modelling accidentally, I suppose I attained quick success within a short time span. In a short span of time, I had completed a wide gamut of advertising assignments. In fact, my varied repertoire of work at a young age would even make a veteran model envious.

My first ever ad film was for Hongkong Bank, in which I played an upmarket businessman. People identify me with the picture perfect torso baring ad film for "Provogue Shirts" and the "Pepsodent" commercial in which I enacted the role of a 37-year old. Nothing could highlight my versatility more than the fact that he was simultaneously playing a teenager in the film as well as a 37 year old in an ad film, when in real, Manoj happens to be a 26 year old young man.

My versatility as a model left a lasting impression on both the advertising agencies as well as the audiences - even today people remember me. Top fashion gurus like Hemant Trivedi swear by me - I was a favourite for both ramp as well as fashion catalogues.

In just a few months, my ascending ad film career graph included work of repute. A sample of which is press advertisements for Bajaj Auto, Bisleri Soda, Sheetal Catalogue, Jeaneration shirts, Spykar Trousers, Cotton World Cup (UK), covers for three health magazines.

TV stint:

I have done TV commercials such as Pepsodent Toothpaste, Apollo Tyres, Provogue Shirts, HSBC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Finance, Boomer Bubble gum. I have acted in TV serials such as Anand Mahendroo's Fitness Programme Body Basics. I have also done music videos such as Abhijeet's Karz (Remix) and K Vikas' Jaane Jaana. I often watch television - provided I get time.

Foray into films:
Besides being an accomplished model, I managed to make a mark even in films. I acted in Columbia Tri-Star's Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi produced by Tyger Films. I ended up tapping my hidden potential as a natural yet controlled performer.

My character, a 17-year old teenager named 'Haklu' captured the hearts of both young and old.

My strengths:
My captivating smile, my chiselled six pack body, my ability to look both - a boy next door as well as a dashing hunk of a man. These qualities have enabled me to enact numerous characters in ads with much ease.

His ability to portray a unique "personality" and "cherish life" attitude are depicted at every stage of his social and professional life!

Five years from now:
To successfully mix business with modelling! I hope that Giordano becomes very popular in various parts of the country. To introduce several new watch brands in India.

Name: Gauri Shinde

Designation: Creative films and in-house director, Lowe

Sun Sign: Cancer, 6 July 1973

About my career:
I have been at Lowe for the last four years. I was doing in-house production at Bates before that for a year. I had co-directed documentaries and worked on various documentaries before that.

Recently, I made a short fiction film for which I was invited to the Berlin International film festival. I have been supervising the production of advertising films at Lowe; but now I have also got into direction of films too. I have been involved right from pre-production to post production of films, as an interface between Lowe and production houses.

Career in ad films being an unplanned one:
No, my career in films was not planned, I wanted to be a writer and was fascinated by films. But, when I got a chance to be close to films, that's all I have wanted to do ever since. It has been a great learning experience at Lowe. This is the place where I started my career as an ad filmmaker in the last one year.

I took a break and I did a course on film making from New York in 2001. There, I worked on a short fiction film, a five-minute film on man-woman relationship. When I came back from New York, I got my first break in direction. Balki (R. Balakrishnan) had always supported me and then it was decided, I will direct the Fair and Lovely commercial.

On first directorial assignment:
The first film I directed was the Fair and Lovely (F&L) under eye dark circle remover cream (the "matching") commercial. This I would say was my most challenging assignment. It was a huge responsibility, firstly it being a Levers brand, secondly it was the launch of this variant for F&L. This also is my most cherished work, because it being my first and it doing so well.

I was sweetly shocked. Lot of credit goes to Balki and Lowe, for giving me an opportunity to work on this commercial.

The entire film was complete in less than a month. Pre-production took two weeks, followed by two and a half days of shoot. Post production was complete in a week. Frankly speaking, I had sleepless nights but I am very happy it came out pretty well.

It feels great when any actor does well and gets more work and recognition. For instance, the young girl, who says "matching-matching", got lot of offers after F&L ad. Here mother came to me and told me she was being referred as "matching-matching" kid. She is getting offers on the basis of her work in the commercial so it feels great.

Also, I got to know MTV had made spoof of this commercial. Even cartoons have made in a national daily, so feels great. I am trying to direct more films now and also continue to supervise Lowe films, which are being sourced from outside (other directors).

On advertising becoming television-oriented:
Yes, we can very safely say advertising is television led. It is the most powerful medium, as we all already know. And almost everyone has access to it. It is the best form of communication because with film, language is never a real barrier. Plus, our country is such a film crazy nation and to people like us, what best way to communicate to but through film. I can only talk about the kind of advertising we do at Lowe.

I think advertising is back to realism. Time is up for unnecessary gloss and glamour. So much so that we see a lot of real characters and real stories with nuances that one can relate to. Consumers can see through any fraud that your trying to push, so some amount of sincerity works. Technically, ad films have become more superior.

In today's world, producers cannot afford to relax and have to be updated with knowledge - especially of the way in which films all around the world are made. While doing an ad film, producer needs to take immense care at every stage to see that the quality of the film does not suffer at any point. Or else, there is always another producer to take his place.

Hectic schedule of being supervisor and in-house director:
I love it most when I am busy. In fact, when I am not busy I get restless.

My idol:
I do not really idolise anyone but admire the work some people have done. I have admired Balki for a lot of the path breaking work that he has done; and for his sheer passion for advertising and films. I admire a few current filmmakers in India like Shivendra for his hardcore realism in advertising films. And then I admire some works of some international directors like Frank Budgen, Tom Tykwer amongst others.

Hobbies:
Besides film-making, I love traveling and doing pottery.

Name: Saina Bedi

Designation: TV producer and India Vision Foundation director general

Sun Sign: Virgo, 19 September

Educational Experience
I was a student in a medical college in Delhi but dropped out in the fourth year due to health-related reasons. Later I went abroad to do a course on psychology. At present, I am studying law and have joined a law college. It has been a great experience.

Professional Experience - NGO
Since 1994, I have been attached to an NGO - The India Vision Foundation. Being the daughter of a dynamic personality like Dr Kiran Bedi has ensured that I get a holistic picture of life around us. I would say that I am exposed to a much wider spectrum.

We have been working with street children. I have always urged them to discover, innovate, develop some talent/core expertise by doing any kind of work - rather than wasting their time. We have given them opportunities to indulge in doing things they like or enjoy doing. It was then that I developed this concept of the Original Mind awards. As chairperson of the awards, I feel very involved and passionate about the awards.

The award is for all those who make an effort to create, innovate, invent and discover. We started this journey of tapping hidden potential with school children but from this year we have decided to increase the reach and expanse if this award for one and all.

We called for nominations to the awards function that will be held in October 2003. Anyone with a thinking mind is eligible for participating and sending their nomination.

We are seeking corporate support and sponsorship. As this project/award is very close to my heart and is more like a mission, I would personally like to request people to come forward and support this movement. Anyone, who wants to, can come and join me in this effort of tapping, recognising and promoting hidden talent. More information can be obtained from the website: www.originalmindaward.com and www.indiavisionfoundation.org.

Experiences as a TV producer:
I have also started Pavitrata Creations Pvt Ltd; my television serial, Galti Kiski, is aired every Wednesday on DD-National at 10.00 pm. The serial is based on the true real life stories adapted from the book What Went Wrong written by Dr Kiran Bedi. The serial is a co production between Pavitrata Creations and Sri Adhikari Brothers.

I hadn't really thought of getting into TV production. One fine day, I was sitting with my mother and we were discussing her book. Suddenly, I asked my mother: "Why don't we make a TV serial based on your book. It is the best medium to sensitise people." I spent the next two years of my life searching for people who could help us realise our dream.

It was during this time that I realised the power of "money". Finally, God was kind enough to send the Adhikari Brothers to our rescue. They decided to co-produce the series with me. They took the entire "production" responsibility off my shoulders and allowed me to concentrate on the creative aspects.

We are not creating any revolution but merely trying "wake up people". So many people in this country spend a lot of money on unnecessary things - they can give a thought to others who are not so lucky. Our message is very simple - change yourself and you have done your bit.

Those viewers "who are moved by these real life stories and people who have been victimised and wish to help in any way" can contribute to the India Vision Foundation.

Career choices:
I have always been closely identified with my mother - who is a strong personality. But, I wanted to discover the true Saina as a woman and as a human being who has a separate identity. I wanted to create a different image of "who I am". Through my work, I try to express myself.

Biggest challenge
Another aspect is my upbringing - a legacy passed on by my parents. It has been so idealistic and utopian that I get "shocks" when I am exposed to the "real" world outside. Everything in this world is contrary to the values espoused by my mother. The challenge is to ensure that I don't deviate from the values and the philosophy that has been a part and parcel of my life.

Success and failures
My biggest success lies in the fact that I have managed to have my feet "firmly grounded" without running haywire. I personally feel that I am on my way to create a separate identity for myself.

My only failure is that I let my heart rule over my head. It isn't a sound quality to possess in this world. I am not worldly wise.

Things that need to change in media
Media needs to be more real. At present, media seems to be like an "opium dose" - assisting people to break away from the real world into a fantasy world. There is too much of glamour and escapsim. Media must bring people closer to life. It must remind the "page three" types that there are people around them who are struggling to survive; to make both ends meet!

TV as medium
It is a beautiful medium to convey thoughts to the masses. I love the possibilities that emerge from this lovely medium.

Hobbies
I love to paint, write and read. I enjoy listening to music and indulge in activities that are of a spiritual nature. I love children. I love any kind of activity which is "sentimental".

Five years from now
I see myself as growing older in a graceful way; and of course, more mature as a woman. I suppose that I shall be happily married. I hope that Saina continues to have her "power to give and serve". By then, people will be nice to me because I am Saina - not Kiran Bedi's daughter!

Name: Oliver Sean

Designation: Singer

Sun Sign: Gemini

An introduction:
I am India's first truly international complete musician with Indian roots - a singer with a unique style, a songwriter, an arranger and producer all rolled into one - a complete musician. The greatest compliment I received was from veteran musician Remo Fernandes who said: "Oliver has cool songs, warm charm, sex appeal, killer looks - everything it takes to go very, very far". His music is a fusion of blues-n-rock with a smattering of the tabla and yet mainstream so that everyone can identify with it at different levels!

The early years:
Born in Goa to an Italian father & Portuguese-Goan mother, I began singing on stage at the early age of four. Influenced by my family of musicians, I picked up the guitar at the age of eight. I started writing my own songs by the time I was 11; and at age 13 I was tutoring other kids older than me on how to play the guitar, keyboards & drums. People were not surprised when I got a scholarship in school for the most outstanding student in music.

At 13, I joined the band 'Knights' and moved onto to the band 'India' at age 15. Finally, at age 17, I started my own band 'Cloud 9'. I relocated to Dubai at age 20, where I pursued an MBA while simultaneously doing live performances and eventually setting up a recording studio there. Then, I went on to release my first single There She Is Again under my own record label 'WOA International' which received a lot of critical acclaim and airplay.

Then I went to California and enrolled at the Recording Institute of Technology at Musicians Institute, so as to learn more about Sound Engineering & Production and later moved to London to explore avenues there. I was soon offered to perform at the Mick Jagger Centre, which led to more performances there.

Impressed with my original compositions and singing style, Waterfall Studios and SKY TV contacted me to record live and subsequently put three videos of my live performances across the SKY TV Network across Europe and America. I have been travelling between the UK and India ever since.

About my debut album:
My debut album I like it has had a soft-launch in the UK and India. It has songs I have written over the years. It has been completely recorded and produced by me primarily in my Dubai studio with the finishing touches given at my Goa Studio.

I have played different styles of music over the years. This is reflected in my songwriting in the album - from blues to country and rock - all this with a fusion of acoustic guitars and tablas - a clear reflection of the fusion of my cultures!

My lyrics talk about love, longing and life, but remain boyishly uncomplicated - with trademark references to Goa - sand, surf and bikinis. However, what enhances the album further is my unique singing style and some clean guitar-playing!

I dedicate this album to my uncle late Victor Alvares - who was a legendary 'bass' guitarist with Remo's band "The Microwave Pappadums'.

The songs on the album include Tonite (a blues rock song with a cool acoustic guitar twist), I Like It (a classic rock song with an unique blend of tablas with the acoustic guitar); Nicole - a unique fusion element on a predominantly country style song, amongst others.

I will be officially launching another album with the video I Like It in June '03 followed by a whirlwind promotional tour across India and abroad. A second video Nicole will be on-air after the promotional tour.

My live act:
The Oliver Sean band comprises a drummer, a key-boardist, a bassist, a tabla player (with a violinist joining-in at times as a guest musician). My live act is a high-energy act with a lot of visual impact reminiscent of International classic rock acts, blended with my charisma and killer looks.

Generally, I prefer playing original songs at my shows, because I strongly believe that "musicians should not get stuck into the rut of playing covers, but should make an effort to write their own stuff and play their originals when they perform live.

However, I do indulge in the rare performance of classic rock songs such as Satisfaction (Rolling Stones) and I Shot the Sheriff amongst others. But these too are improvised by us - giving the songs a flavour of his own ! Another aspect of my live performances is my 'unplugged' session where I enthrall the audiences all alone - just myself and my acoustic guitar !

I have performed extensively in the Middle East and the UK and of course around India as well. However, one of my favourite places to perform remains at the beach concerts in Goa 'cos I truly believe that the audience there really knows how to party.

What I feel about my industry:
It's a tough industry, but if you have the talent and belief - there is nothing to stop you". This belief and confidence is reflected in my ability of getting the crowds to sing along and enjoy with my originals due to their simple-yet-meaningful lyrics and catchy hook-lines, developed with years of experience performing live.

Where I see myself after five years:
I see myself being a part of this great industry. I would be seen producing albums for talented new, young artistes and lending a helping hand to promote them.

One thing's for sure - my music and performances is gonna get you saying - I LIKE IT!!

Name: Bipin R Pandit

Designation: General Manager The Advertising Club Bombay

Sun Sign: Leo, 29 July

Educational ExperienceB.Com, L.L.B, Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising and M. Com (Part-1).

Professional Experience
My professional experience spans over a period of 21 years. My first job was with The Baroda Rayon Corp. Ltd, where I worked for six years, followed by 10 years with Castrol India Ltd in the Information Technology department.

For the past five years, I have been working with The Advertising Club, Bombay. Apart from this I have compered many shows (mostly in Hindi) and am a mimicry artist.

Job Profile
Am in charge of the secretariat of the biggest and easily the busiest Advertising Club in the world. I am the point person for the biggest Advertising event of the country -the "ABBY Awards" and also the media awards - EMVIEs and the International awards "EFFIEs".

I have also been entrusted with the responsibility of the secretariat for the biggest advertising event in Asia -"AdASIA 2003", which will be held in Jaipur between 10-14 November 2003.

I was an integral part of the administrative set up that mobilised a delegation of 68 people from India to Pattaya in 1999 and 40 people at Taipei in 2002 for the AdASIA congress. Event coordination, conducting meetings and workshops form a part of the daily activity. I am on the advisory board of NIEM as well.

As a compere and mimicry artist, I have done around 1,000 shows in Mumbai, the interiors of Maharashtra and major metros. I have performed with Abhijeet, Mohammed Aziz, Gunjan, Zankar, Babla and the Beatles

Media as career choice
I chose a career in media because it is dynamic and offers many options. Moreover, the relentless pursuits interlinked with public relations (my core strength) and close functioning with advertising ensure that there are no dull moments.

I love my work as it allows me to meet and interact with people. Also, being a stage artist has helped a great deal in establishing contacts.

Current Media scenario
The awards bagged by Indian ad agencies in the International award ceremonies be it Clio, Lions, Cannes or AdAsia bear testimony to the fact that we are doing very well in the advertising world.

Media nowadays works at a break neck speed, it's dynamic, marketing savvy and accessible with the latest updates at any given hour. To an extent, it has become a viewer's and reader's delight.

Right and wrong about current media scenario
As far as advertising is concerned, I believe that while making ads, one should not make digs at each other. By doing so, the creative element suffers. It's important that this kind of competition be checked.

Though today's media is fearless, informative and exhaustive in its coverage, I feel it does get ruthless at times. Unfortunately, it gets swayed by glamour and important news does not get the required prominence. Also, there is an overdose of repetitive information by TV news channels flashing the same news.

But then again, while it is easy to pin point the wrong things, one has to remember that we are operating in a competitive world where we have to sell our product. One has to decide if he wants to produce an art movie that runs for a week or a runway commercial hit that churns a good surplus. It is imperative to maintain a balance.

One area where media can play a very decisive role is creating social awareness. Despite one's busy schedule, one does keep in touch with media. So use this powerful tool for a social cause.

Five years from now
I see myself pretty well placed and leading from the front. I know for sure that times are difficult, turbulent to say the least, but sincerity coupled with proactiveness will help me overcome challenges. I want to give voice-overs a shot. The efforts are on.

Hobbies
Giving voice overs, mimicry, singing, music, cricket, films, partying with friends and I dare say keeping fit by walking and swimming.

Idea of enjoyment

Going out with my family for a trip - wife Nandini and son Neeraj (a good mimic), meeting friends and partying with them, singing and rehearsing voices of different filmstars. Eating good food and having a nice drink twice a week. I also love to meet new people and make friends.

In addition, I enjoy doing my job with l00 per cent involvement. I am grateful to God for bestowing me with a skill through which I can make people laugh.

Name: Gagandeep aka Gagan Greval

Designation: Model cum Actor

Sun Sign: Cancer, 19 July

Educational Experience
I did my schooling from APJ Jalandar and my premeds from Government College for boys. I graduated in 1991 from DMC medical college. So I am a qualified MBBS doctor with four and half years of study and an internship too.

Professional Experience
During my internship, I got a few pictures clicked by a friend. While it was just a hobby for him, the photos turned out to be great. So we sent those to Grasim and as luck would have it, I won the 'Grasim Mr India' title.

Since I was always artistically inclined and opportunities kept coming my way, I decided to take it up as a career option.

The first ramp show that I did was quite some time back, I think it was for NIFT in Delhi. Established designers like Rohit Bal had showcased their lines. Then Excalibur got in touch with me and I did both print and screen ads for them. Later, I came down to Mumbai from Delhi to pursue modelling. I have done ads for Arvind group of textiles, L'oreal, Titan for O&M, Bajaj, Fair and Lovely, BPL, Red and White and Royal Challenge.

For the past one year, I have been planning to switch to acting, which I think is a natural step after modelling. While I was looking forward to offers from the big screen, Vipul Shah approached me for the new show on Sony called Naam Gum Jaayega. Since it is my first project, I wanted to do a character which is by and large closer to my personality. The character Aryan Bhatia fits the bill to the T, so I opted for it.

Current Television scenario

Very Promising. It is the place to be in. Speaking from an actors perspective, it gives you recognition not just in the metros but in far-flung regions as well.

Right and wrong about current marketing scenario
Right and wrong is a subjective issue. What is right to me might not make sense to somebody else. I am very fond of movies and since I get my fill from cable TV, I am not complaining. There is a variety in the programming, so there is something for everybody now.

Five years from now
I want my face to be on all the Billboards in Mumbai! As of now, I am playing safe and sticking to what I can do justice to. But I would like to be more creative and do something more challenging.

Hobbies
Music! Depending on my mood I can listen to anything from rock, pop, jazz to alternative music to ghazals. Amongst the younger Hindi lot I love to listen to Shaan and Lucky Ali.

Being a true movie buff, I just love watching movies. I am quite fond of sports. So when there is a good game of soccer or formula race, I am glued to my TV. Besides that I love to run. Just yesterday I went for a two and half kilometer sprint. I go to the gym regularly which by the way is not just for my profession. Last on my hobby list is cooking. Initially I cooked to survive, now I just love to cook.

Idea of enjoyment
Earlier it was house hunting! Well now that I have a house, it will have to be working.