Harish Bhat, former brand custodian at Tata Sons, offers a heartfelt tribute to Fali Vakeel, reminiscing on their collaborative efforts during the early days of Tanishq. He highlights Fali’s boldness, passion for advertising, and strategic acumen, which were instrumental in pushing creative boundaries. Bhat recalls Fali’s invaluable contributions to the industry and his knack for fostering strong relationships with clients. He fondly remembers a memorable encounter with Fali in 2003, reflecting on the effortless charm and enthusiasm that defined their interactions. In bidding farewell, Bhat expresses gratitude for Fali’s enduring impact and legacy in the advertising world.
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Tribute to Fali Vakeel
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Fali Vakeel, former Vice Chairman of Lowe Lintas and a doyen of the advertising world.
I recall how outstandingly well Fali partnered us in the early days of Tanishq. His team and he pushed the boundaries of creative expression. He was bold and passionate in his love for advertising. He had a fine strategic mind. And he had an easy, quirky irreverence about him which is rare to find these days.
Xerxes Desai, Founder Managing Director of Titan Company Limited, told me about the deep partnership that Fali had forged with him. He also narrated how Fali’s inputs were critical to choosing the name “Tanishq” for the Company’s jewellery brand.
All of us in the marketing world know how precious the agency-client relationship is, and Fali excelled at building strong bonds with clients. I fondly recall the many insightful conversations with him, and equally the beautiful humorous banter.
I remember him (circa 2003) on the steps of the Taj West End in Bangalore, his silk shirt unbuttoned at the top, with a tumbler of rapidly depleting scotch whisky in his hand, asking me whether I was having fun at Tanishq, and wanting to know more details of such fun. The very next day, his team at Lowe Lintas and he presented to us a superb campaign idea for our next launch. “Wasn’t that fun?”, he asked me later.
Thank you for everything, Fali. We will miss you. But we will never forget you. Fare well, and rest in peace.
