Going Native: Mumbai

Khalil Bachooali, executive producer at OffRoad Films, shares his insights on getting the best out of Mumbai, from sky-high cocktails to buttery crustacea and getting well sozzled and soaked in colour 

What is the best thing about working in advertising in Mumbai?

Anybody who is willing to work hard can be a hero in advertising in Mumbai. At Offroad Films, we get to be heroes everyday. As producers, we go in and save the day at the last stages of a campaign. By the time the final script has landed in my inbox the client, agency, media-buying agency, research agency etc. have already been to hell and back. 

What is the worst thing about working in advertising in Mumbai?

Everything is wanted yesterday. When you have a great idea, why not give the required time for prep?

If you could have one question answered, what would it be?

When will clients say, “Hey, let’s pay you more than you asked for?”

What advice would you give to a visitor?

Look carefully and you will always see a brilliant order in the chaos. And ask for help – you will be pleasantly surprised.

If booking a hotel in Mumbai, where would you choose to stay?

If you’re in South Mumbai, stay at the Taj Mahal Hotel for a taste of how the maharajas lived in pre-independent India – pure luxury housed inside one of the city’s most beautiful colonial buildings. 

Mid-town, stay at The Taj Land’s End in Bandra, it’s got the Arabian Sea on three sides and is close to post production studios in Mumbai. And slightly North, the JW Marriott is a personal favourite. It’s right on Juhu Beach, a great property with a fabulous pool, spa and gym and friendly staff who remember your favourite drink.

What do you miss when you are out of the city?

They don’t call Mumbai the Maximum City for nothing. I miss the buzz, the energy and the dream in everyone’s eyes. The ambition levels in the city are contagious.

What is the best Indian ad you have seen in the last year?

There’s no correct answer to this, except – too many to mention (picking one will only hurt my business). 

Who do you or would you love to work with in the industry?

We love working with Ogilvy, Publicis and Lowe. They’re a creative, smart and fun bunch to work with and are also really trusting. After Cannes this year, I’d like to collaborate with the boys and girls at Forsman & Bodenfors. They seem like really grounded, fun people who come up with exceptionally creative ideas.

Where’s the best place to eat in Mumbai?

Mahesh Lunch Home for the best seafood in the city. Their garlic butter lobster and tandoori jumbo prawns are guaranteed to put everyone in a happy mood. Café Zoe is a great mid-town European-style bistro and the Publicis crew is almost always there. Go to Le Cirque Signature for superb but pricey French-Italian dishes.  

Where’s the best place to drink in Mumbai?

Aer at The Four Seasons Hotel, a 34th-floor rooftop bar offering the best cocktails this side of the Suez. Go to Janta Bar in Bandra for some real ‘honest drinking’. Honest drinks = you only go there to drink, little ambience, no fancy crowd, no frills – just a room filled like a tin of sardines, simple bar nibbles and cheap alcohol. 

If Mumbai were a product what would it be?

Google’s Android – it’s got something for everyone and it’s open to customisation.

What’s Mumbai’s favourite pastime?

Going to the movies.

One table, four places, you and who?

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, because she’s intelligent, loves food and is drop-dead gorgeous. Sumanto Chattopadhyay, ECD, Ogilvy South Asia, who is a great storyteller and Fazel Bachooali [my dad] because he was the real life of the party.

What’s your one-line life philosophy?

No guts, no glory.

What’s your favourite memory of Mumbai?

Each spring, celebrating Holi [the festival of colours] on director Navdeep Singh’s terrace with loads of work colleagues. Everyone gets intoxicated, drenched in different colours and basically happy.