Straight from the heart

Prahlad Kakar’s memoir pulls no punches, as the adman goes down memory lane with candour

- SHIVAJI DASGUPTA

A PASSIONATE EXPOSE, Prahlad Kakar's book is unlike the narratives of most successful Indians. Honesty, entertainment and detailing add up to a racy biopic of his playing fields, with diverse characters and quirky campaigns.

Ranging from ridiculous to sublime, honesty is an abiding thread, even in accounts of romantic' liaisons. His frank views of many leading professionals as well as bosses and colleagues are laced with earthy wit, not to forget a candid reconciliation with hiccups in the journey, adding meaningfully to an everevolving persona.

Entertainment is his spontaneous stock in trade and this book can well be the foundation for a mindfully paced OTT series. His experiences could easily be preachy, but instead come across as situational revelations that can inspire one and all. Detailing is relentlessly elaborate and episodes are recounted with meticulous rigour and disarming authenticity.

In unison, it is a unique perspective on the socio-cultural nuances of the 1970s and beyond that shaped brands, communication and, indeed, the relationships between clients and creators, whether producer or agency. For those in and around such professions, the context will be eminently relatable, and for others who simply seek juicy slices of life, the read will be pleasingly rewarding.