Suhel Seth is a modern-day polymath for real. On the one hand, when it is hard for people to follow and succeed in just one profession in their entire life, then there is this personality from India who has made his name not only in one but in more than three professions. Such effective multitasking makes him the perfect role model and inspiration to the large masses of people out there.
Apart from being a successful businessman, he is a renowned columnist, an effective keynote speaker, an author, an influential TV pundit, a great actor, and a social worker.
Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1963, he completed his schooling at renowned institutions like La Martiniere Calcutta and St Joseph's College, Nainital. Then he went to Jadavpur University to pursue further studies and completed his degrees which include Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts in International Relations. Apart from these, he is also an alumnus of the Advanced Management Program (AMP), which he completed at Harvard Business School. He is a Harvard Business School Consultants Club member as well.
His Diversified Career
● Advertising World
Seth started his career just after completing his graduation from Jadavpur University. He joined the Hindustan Thompson Associates, now called JWT, as a Contract Advertiser. He then joined Response India. After gaining some experience in the corporate world, he founded Equus, an advertising agency, in 1996 along with his brother. Apart from this, he also founded Quadra Advisory with his mentor Shunu Sen. He also worked for the advertising campaign for the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee along with his mentor. In 2002, he started his own consultancy firm, Counseling India.
● Knack for Writing
Suhel Seth is a reputed author and columnist; he wrote a book named 'Into your Face'- his first book, which is a collection of all his interviews and columns. He also co-authored two books with some renowned Indian writers. He co-authored a book named 'Kalighat to Calcutta' with R.K. Laxman and Khushwant Singh. The other book is 'The Target', which he had co-authored with Shantanu Guha Roy.
● Road to Cinemas
He has acted in several English plays and Bollywood movies such as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Guzaarish, Calendar Girls, and Rog. He is also a member of the RADA international board.
● Social Work
Through his company, Counselage India, he supports various non-profit organizations for helping the needy. He is a board member of Max Foundation, providing people worldwide access to cancer treatment. He is also a member of the Indian Head Injury Foundation, which works towards developing brain trauma care systems across India.
● Awards and Achievements
Suhel Seth is the first Indian to become a member of the Global Advisory Board of British Airways. He was also awarded by the NGO named Giving Back Foundation for his contribution to supporting social change in India.