Ad Land’s Young Guns: Deepak Salvi, Co-founder & COO, Chingari

Deepak Salvi is Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Chingari, a Made in India short video app. After completing his MBA in Marketing from Vinayaka Misson’s Research foundation – University, Salvi started his career as an Promo Producer in CNBC TV18, where he worked for 2 years. He has worked with some big organisations in the market like BBC Worldwide as a Senior Creative Producer, Sony Pix as a Senior Producer, and Star India. Prior to Chingari, Salvi was working with ZEE5 as a Creative Head for more than 3 years.

He has 20+ years of industry experience heading the creative departments of several renown television and OTT entities like ZEE5 India & Global, Star, SONY and BBC. He has launched multiple channels and was the brains behind the launch. He was the creative mind behind ZEE5’s OTT launch. He is now helping Chingari lead the wave of localised mobile consumption. Salvi takes care of the day to day content strategy and scaling up of UGC content side of Chingari.

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?

That’s like self-bragging! (laughs) I have had the honour of spending around 2 decades, working with leading media brands at various levels and across different countries. So, an understanding of the consumers’ mind-set and coming up with equally refreshing strategic solutions is what you can say I ace at. 

How did you join your current organisation?

Sumit is a very close friend. One fine evening, while we were on a call, we happened to discuss new paradigms for the entertainment industry. One thought led to another – On how the various verticals and genres of entertainment can be clubbed together to form a hardcore platform. And there we were, looking at a product ready to set a new market trend. I soon joined as Co-founder & COO to map the journey.

Icons in this field you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work?

One person whose journey has always fascinated me is Steve Jobs. He may not be from a similar field, but the beauty of his impressive walk has influenced people from all other walks too. It teaches that if you have a product that can disrupt the market, it will create its niche and break records. Chingari may be an altogether different ball game, but the mantra is still the same – Disrupt. Evolve. Succeed.

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

I try to draw a balance between my personal & professional life. My day begins with yoga and meditation. Planning new strategies for Chingari’s expansion inwards of the nation. Speaking to a lot of influencers and understanding the market from their viewpoint. Continuous ideation and brainstorming sessions with my team to come up with exciting properties for the brand.

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term?

Without a speck of doubt. We have a wide-spread market of consumers, who are constantly looking out for something new to engage in. They are constantly evolving than ever before. The secret is to keep developing equally engaging content. Then the sky's the limit. 

What does it take to succeed in a career?

The ‘No Short-cut’ rule! Be it whichever profession, however technical or creative, it seeks a disciplined approach. Give it your 100%. Careers are like relationships. The more you invest in them, the better they will turn out to be. 

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?

Content Creation is serious business. The approach needs to be equally willing. As the competition gets stiffer by the day, the best will lead. While that’s the case for most professions, the advantage here is that you can have fun while doing your job. And look up to new challenges every day. So, if you are dedicated towards exploring a vibrant colour palette, join in. 

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

If I have to take things one step at a time, I would be left behind. The brand is moving that fast. We have some exciting properties and strategies rolling out for Chingari. For sure the journey is going to be refreshingly expansive. How much, we can only imagine as of today. 

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?

Chingari is like our baby. If we have nurtured its growth, and have full faith in its success, this is the place to be and grow. Our aim is to take Chingari to a global level and make it a place that aspiring market leaders & innovators can call home. 

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