It was on January 26, 1986, that the song, 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhaara' first aired on Doordarshan - then the only channel available to Indian viewers. More than two decades later, we continue humming that song, though many of us know little of its visionary, Suresh Mullick.
Mullick passed away on March 10, 2003. But he lives on in the memorable work he created, and in the minds and hearts of those he interacted with. There are many in the industry who feel that Mullick hasn't been given the recognition he deserves. Hence, his close associates, colleagues, friends, and near and dear ones have put together an e-book, comprising letters, notes and pictures of and by the creative genius.
It was Mani Ayer, ex-CEO of the agency, who made the decision of moving Mullick into the creative department, and took him on as his creative partner. Mullick was responsible for the launch of many brands, including Titan and Bru. Vicks' mnemonic line 'Galle mein khich khich' was his work, as was Titan's signature tune.
The initial concept of the 'Freedom' films was Rajiv Gandhi's brainchild, who envisaged pieces of communication that would add to the sense of unity in the country and instil national pride. The trilogy of films was created by Mullick's team at Ogilvy, and Kailash Surendranath and Jeet Surendranath of Far Commercials. For the first film in the trilogy, they arrived on the theme of sportspersons. Mullick, who had a keen interest in sports, rattled off the names of various luminaries from different sports. This film, called Freedom Torch, was released in 1985.
Piyush Pandey, who is now at the helm of Ogilvy India as executive chairman and national creative director, has also written a small dedication to his only boss. When working with Mullick on the films, it was the young Pandey who came up with the line, 'Mile sur mera tumhaara'.
The e-book was a result of a gathering of many Ogilvy-ites in late 2008. Every entry in the e-book mentions how Mullick never lost his childlike nature and enthusiasm, his love for sports and his thought of doing something for the country. Mullick's ear for music would surprise even the best sound engineers of the time.
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