Archive · 15 Sep 2025
Kailash Surendranath on Creating Iconic Ads with Freedom
Imagine a filmmaker who made some of the most famous ads ever!
Kailash Surendranath is that person.
He made commercials for things like soap, soda, and even ads about being proud to be Indian.
He says the best ads came from having fun and being free to try new things.
He didn't always have a plan and often used friends or discovered cool places by chance.
His ads, like the one with the girl in the waterfall, became super popular because they were new and exciting.
He reminds everyone that the passion for films is what truly makes the magic.
Kailash Surendranath directed over 5,000 commercials, starting at age 15.
He created iconic ads for Liril, Campa Cola, and Sunsilk.
Surendranath also made national integration films for Doordarshan.
He emphasized that creative freedom and enjoyment enhanced the final product.
Many of his most memorable works were made on the fly, with unconventional methods.
- Who
- Kailash Surendranath
- What
- Shared insights on his advertising career, discussing the creation of iconic commercials and films.
- When
- In the 80s and 90s
- Where
- India
- Why
- To provide a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process.
- Profession
- Director of commercials and films
- Commercials Directed
- Over 5,000
- Notable Brands
- Liril, Campa Cola, Sunsilk
- National Integration Films
- 'Spread The Light Of Freedom', 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara'
- Years Active
- Started at age 15