Gururaj Rao is a Creative Consultant and Freelance Writer working in the advertising industry

Hi.

I’m a freelance Creative Director / Copywriter based in Mumbai. I’ve spent over 18 years in advertising, having worked with agencies like Ogilvy, Publicis, Havas Worldwide, DDB Mudra, JWT and Drink Water Design. Prior to freelancing, I was the Executive Creative Director at Havas Worldwide, where I was heading the creative department of the Mumbai office.

I’m passionate about ideas and storytelling. I’ve worked on brands like SBI, Pidilite, Cadbury 5 Star, Lenskart, Nerolac Paints, Volkswagen, Lionsgate Play, Havmor ice creams, Skoda, Citroën, HDFC Mutual Fund, Japan Airlines, Sony Sports, DOMS and Naturals ice cream. I’ve also worked as a Creative Consultant with filmmaker Anubhav Sinha’s Benares Mediaworks for marketing three of their film projects in 2023.

My work has won several major awards, including at the Clios, Abby Awards, Effies, Mirchi Kaan and the YoungGuns. I was ranked 35th in the YoungGuns Global Young Creative Rankings in 2008. I also managed to win a nationwide ad script writing competition in 2012. However, what I still find most rewarding is the process of cracking a good idea.

I love to read, hike, write and travel.

I have a weakness for Pao Bhaji.