Bengali Babu By N.K.Narasimhan
During one of those great years in advertising, when I used to Lord over the Creative jungle I had many interesting experiences. As the Head of a creative team, I and my team often ended up in heated arguments in trying to defend our way of thinking with the account management while creating an ad campaign. The funniest part was the Creative guys and the Executive team never got along well except during the beer breaks.
There was one guy, a smart Bengali Accounts Executive who had the great talent to get both the gang going in spite of various short comings. In one instance he defended our creative cause vehemently with the other executives before the presentation to the client. And off they went for the client's meeting. We stayed back due to other work smiling within knowing we have won the first round with the executives.
Couple of hours later, the victorious team returned, much to our delight waiting impatiently to know the fate of the great creative that has created such a fuss among us a few hours ago. And the Bengali babu came straight towards me with an impish smile knowing very well that all the grateful eyes were following him to my cabin.
" We did it!"
"We sold the very creative which you guys were pushing like hell."
" Great." I said.
" But there are some small changes"
" Like?"
" The Headline needs some changes"
" You mean, the size or the font?"
" Mmmm... the headline!"
" What?... What the..."
" Listen, Narsi! It was a hard sell.. The client was in no mood to look at that route.."
" Oh... Are you trying to tell me that you guys did a splendid job in convincing a client to change the headline alone?"
" Mmm.... Yes and No!"
" What's that goddamn YES for?"
" We got the client to approve the position of the logo!"
" Cut it straight. The client approved ONLY the position of the logo and all we have to do now is fill in the blanks..?"
" Yup!"
I got up, moved towards my cabin door. Opened it. The Bengali Babu got up, sweating slightly and was about to take a step towards the door.
" Wait. It's not over till it's over." I was furious, felt let down by the very guy who fought like mad with the other team mates just a few hours ago. " Was it a ploy to enact a mini drama to side track the creative team to believe in a few more miracles in life other than Jesus Christ.?
I looked at him. He was unable to look straight at me.
" Ok, You can go. But tell me what was the f....king fuss you made before you went sucking up to your client? Why the hell did you create such a scene?"
" Sorry, Narsi. I also believed that we have done the best creative. So I took it upon myself to convince the others in the team."
"...Except the client."
"Mmm. But I am not stopping with this. This client doesn't deserve such a great ad. In fact I am happy he didn't approve it. We need better clients who would rejoice and celebrate great ideas.It's not over. We will pitch it with the other guys. You watch it. This ad will see the light of the day... and very soon!"
Oh, this Bengali Babu sure knows how to buy time. And not just time. He bought my smile too.
That stupid smirk on my face which reveals the gullible creative quench.
And late in the evening I and another friend entered a nearby eatery.
" Oh... It was easy... I knew all along that route was a big NO!. It was no doubt highly creative. And was beyond the brief.as well. But then, we can't tell Narsi we understand clients better. So I played along and knew how to get it accepted by him without me even presenting the creative."
And that was none other than the Bengali Babu. He casually turned his head as he finished his statement with great pride.
And he turned blue to see me right behind him.
Next day, everyone was asking him about his black eye.
Was it a creative punch?
