MUMBAI: In these unprecedented times, it is easy to lose focus and develop a sense of anxiety or fear. Hence, people around the globe are utilising their lockdown time to invest in personal growth and learning skills. In a special interaction with indiantelevision.com, FCB Ulka executive creative director Anindya Banerjee shares some of his favourite activities, new skills he learnt during lockdown and more.

Excerpts:

What are the few things that you learnt during this lockdown?

• Learnt that people land up in time for virtual meetings (Microsoft teams or Zoom) while being incorrigibly late for meetings in the real world.
• Learnt that people usually keep video on while on a zoom call with friends and keep the video off while on zoom call with colleagues.
• Learnt that physical meetings are a waste of time and resources. I’ve now learnt how to present film scripts online and I am liking it.
• Learnt how to shoot a film without being actually present. It’s tough, but do-able.
• Learnt how to change the punctured tyre of a car.  

Have you tried to learn a new game or have you enjoyed playing a game for hours?

I am learning how to play poker. Although, I suspect, I am a long way off from being proficient at it. I am also enjoying going back to the good old games of the analogue age: monopoly, chess and scrabble.  

Have you taken time to reflect what you have accomplished in the past years and what goals you'll be setting for the coming years?

Most people have said that this is a time for reflection. But frankly, with the work pressure, I have had even less time to think of the future. In any case, the pandemic has shown that planning is meaningless.

Have you made a list of things which you are grateful for?
 
I wake up in the morning and mentally thank god. I am grateful to be alive. Secondly, I am grateful to my profession that I have my hands full when it comes to work. How many people can stand up and say that?
 
What business-related book has inspired you the most?

I love reading. But if there’s one book that has inspired me, and honed my craft more than any other, it is "The Copy Book". In fact, it is the Bible for any advertising person. In every writer’s life, there are moments of fear and utter blankness. 15 minutes on any page are enough to dispel any self-doubt.  

If you three wishes, what would you change in the world?

• I would change people’s mindset about wastage. Wastage is the biggest crime today and it should be punishable by law.
• I would make comics tax-free. Everyone loves reading comics. They are simple, entertaining and easy to read. A comic book can go a long way in eradicating illiteracy.

What habits helped you become successful?

Success is a highly contentious topic. Who’s to decide what is successful and what is not?

What mindsets have helped you?

The world is full of super talented people. And I know I am not one of them. So, I try and over-compensate it by working twice as hard.

If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

I am in advertising for the love of advertising. We influence society, thoughts and in many ways, I believe we are far ahead of the curve when it comes to changes. It’s an entertaining business and I get paid for it. Why would I want to do things differently?