Cover Story: The Magnificent 7: South Asian PR Titans Shaping Global Narratives

In a PR world often driven by vanity metrics and fleeting trends, a wave of South Asian leaders is quietly reorienting the industry. These visionaries aren’t just playing by the rules – they’re rewriting them. Their work goes beyond media placements, crafting compelling stories that cut through the clutter, build cultural bridges, and spark global conversations.

For years, they have been leading the charge, shaping the narratives of the world’s most influential brands and personalities. From the vibrant, multicultural streets of Toronto to the epicentres of global media, they’ve navigated a rapidly evolving landscape with unmatched insight, strategy, and an innate understanding of cultural nuances.

This feature puts the spotlight on seven of these game-changers – PR leaders who haven’t just adapted to change, but have fuelled it. Their expertise is a by-product of their relentless drive to create campaigns that push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and deliver results that last.

These are the minds behind reputations, and more importantly, the success stories that will be remembered for years to come.

In alphabetical order . . .

1. Anita Chatterjee (United States) – Celebrity & Venture Capitalists PR

Anita Chatterjee, founder and CEO of A-Game Public Relations, has always been driven by a deep passion for PR. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Pure passion! I was a hype woman from day one!” Her leadership roles began early, frequently serving as the public relations officer in school clubs. “I was in my happy place when organizations I was a part of got their stories told in news outlets,” she recalls.

For Anita, PR is more than just visibility; it’s about credibility. “To promote yourself is to protect yourself!” she emphasizes. “We all must invest in public relations to build our credibility, open new doors for ourselves and our companies, and advocate for our beliefs.”

Her career has been marked by many achievements, including the $1.7 billion acquisition of Bai by Dr. Pepper. “Every company that my team and I worked on leading up to its acquisition has been and always will be a moment of pride,” she says. Anita has also worked with high-profile clients, including fashion designers Falguni Shane Peacock during New York Fashion Week and Bozoma Saint John, former CMO of Uber and Netflix. “It was memorable putting together her launch celebration for her company, Eve by Boz, at the Empire State Building and securing a billboard in Times Square,” she shares.

Anita is also passionate about supporting culture and diversity. “Being an entrepreneur has allowed me to follow my passion for supporting culture,” she says. She’s especially proud of hosting the ‘All That Glitters Diwali Ball’ with her mentor, Anjula Acharia, bringing together celebrities like Hasan Minhaj and Sabyasachi Mukherjee. “I love orchestrating the Annual South Asian Oscar Party,” she adds, highlighting her work with icons like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Mindy Kaling.

Outside of work, Anita finds joy in spending time with her daughter, Niyara. “She inspires me and makes me want to continue working hard and to be a good example for her,” she says.

Looking to the future, Anita says, “I want to be known as a founder who created a happy workplace for her team and introduced many iconic brands and people into the zeitgeist.”

2. Dale Bhagwagar (India) – Pioneer Of Bollywood & Celebrity PR

Dale Bhagwagar, the founder of India’s first professional Bollywood PR agency, transformed the entertainment industry. In 1997, transitioning from journalism to PR, he launched Dale Bhagwagar Media Group after his media relations efforts at Fling ’97 garnered major press coverage, marking the birth of Bollywood PR.

For Dale, PR isn’t just about publicity—it’s about shaping perceptions before opinions form. “In a world where attention is currency and trust is the ultimate commodity, PR bridges the gap between visibility and credibility,” he explains. “PR turns voices into movements, brands into legacies, and struggling actors into icons.” Dale views PR as a strategic tool that influences society, not just a platform for spin.

In 2012, he revolutionized the industry by making his agency the first cloud-based PR firm in South Asia, replacing traditional structures with a flexible contract-based workforce. In 2021, he introduced Hybrid Media, blending legacy and new-age platforms for comprehensive media coverage.

Dale’s expertise lies in managing high-profile controversies and building relationships that stand the test of time. He has worked on Shilpa Shetty’s PR during the infamous Celebrity Big Brother scandal, handled Vivek Oberoi’s media turnaround, and steered media relations for Hrithik Roshan’s Koi…Mil Gaya. “I’ve been the only Bollywood publicist who doubles up as a spokesperson for my clients during controversies,” he says. Crisis management is where Dale excels, turning challenges into opportunities and enhancing clients’ brand value.

Additionally, Dale revolutionized music publicity in India by creating the country’s standalone ‘music PR segment’ for singers, albums, and music videos.

Dale is also passionate about mentoring, having shaped the careers of over 20 students now thriving in top PR firms. “Shaping the next generation of PR professionals is my greatest accomplishment,” he reflects.

Beyond work, he unwinds with music, world history, and staying updated on global affairs.

3. Daniel Pillai (Canada) – Beauty & Lifestyle PR

President and CEO of Langton PR Inc., Daniel Pillai’s journey into PR was a gradual realization that his skills and passions aligned with its core principles. “I’ve always been fascinated by the power of communication to shape perceptions, build relationships, and drive positive change,” he shares. Early roles in television, red carpet appearances, and event organizing naturally drew him to crafting narratives and connecting with people. A turning point came when Langton’s founder, Donnalee Langton, offered him the chance to envision himself as the future owner of the agency. “Witnessing her faith in my natural talents and her willingness to entrust me with her life’s work ignited a strong sense of purpose,” he recalls.

In today’s hyper-connected world, Daniel believes PR is more vital than ever. “Its power lies in its ability to build trust and credibility, which are foundational for any successful organization or individual. It’s not just about spinning a narrative; it’s about authentic communication, transparency, and fostering genuine relationships,” he explains.

Reflecting on his career highlights, Daniel cherishes his time in the entertainment industry, especially the opportunity to appear on TV (CityTV and OMNI Television’s Bollywood Blvd) and connect with accomplished individuals globally, and his four years at ANOKHI LIFE as Host and Digital Media Manager. However, challenges have shaped his growth. “A defining moment was navigating Langton through a period of significant upheaval in the media and PR landscape,” he says. “Stepping forward to lead this pivot involved upgrading our team’s skills, streamlining internal operations, and forging strong strategic partnerships.”

Looking ahead, Daniel’s vision is a truly authentic reflection of the diverse world we inhabit. “I envision a future where storytelling is inclusive by default, amplifying voices from all cultural backgrounds, genders, and the LGBTQ+ community with genuine respect and understanding,” he says. The legacy he hopes to leave behind is one of “fostering truly safe and empowering spaces within the industry and beyond,” advocating for “equitable representation in all aspects of communication, and actively challenging biases and stereotypes, especially for people of colour, women, and the LGBTQ+ communities.”

Daniel aspires to inspire organizations to embrace deeper commitments to authenticity. “This involves creating communication strategies that resonate genuinely with diverse audiences, building trust through transparency and accountability, and using PR to promote understanding, empathy, and positive social change.”

4. Neerja Patel (USA): South Asian Celebrity & Lifestyle PR

For Neerja Patel, PR isn’t just about securing exposure, it’s about shaping narratives and driving change. Founder and CEO of Neerja Public Relations, she has spent over 15 years elevating underserved voices across industries, from entertainment to fashion and food.

Her journey into PR began unexpectedly when a friend, a South Asian actor, sought her help in promoting his primetime TV debut. Seeing him gain well-deserved recognition sparked something in her. “I wanted to continue amplifying the voices of others in our community who weren’t getting the visibility they deserved,” she shares.

Today, Neerja’s firm has collaborated with global giants like Google, Disney, and Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, along with securing major partnerships, such as bringing NYC Tourism and Chef Vikas Khanna together for his restaurant, Bungalow. But breaking into the industry wasn’t easy. “In the early years, South Asian publicists didn’t really exist,” she recalls. “Indian media focused on news from back home, and mainstream media wasn’t interested in our stories.”

Emphasizing the importance of PR she opines, “I truly believe that PR is one of the most powerful tools in today’s world. Our current era is inundated with constant information flow, so PR professionals get to serve as storytellers and strategists, so that their clients connect authentically with their audiences. As a South Asian in PR, I see its impact firsthand, especially in how it can elevate underrepresented communities and bring cultural nuance to the forefront. We serve as storytellers and strategists, ensuring our clients connect authentically with their audiences,” she explains. “It’s about shifting perceptions and making lasting change.”

Beyond work, Patel unwinds with quiet evenings, jigsaw puzzles, and travel – her ultimate reset button.

Looking ahead, she envisions a future where South Asian talent dominates global media. “I hope Neerja PR is remembered as a firm that helped put our culture on the map,” she says.

With a legacy built on impact, Patel isn’t just redefining PR – she’s ensuring South Asian voices lead the conversation.

5. Priya Chopra (Canada) – Corporate & Multinational PR, Canada

Priya Chopra stands apart in the PR industry with her focus on empathy and meaningful connections. Born and raised in Montreal with East Indian heritage, she is the founder and CEO of 1Milk2Sugars, an award-winning bilingual PR and digital marketing firm, and its partner entity, Double Shot. Her entry into PR was serendipitous—initially a marketing major, she worked in sales before realizing PR’s unique power. “I never set out to work in communications, but as I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I kept reflecting on my brief 8-month PR internship at L’Oréal with fondness. I embraced it – and almost two decades later, I have a thriving business in communications,” she shares.

Under Priya’s leadership, 1Milk2Sugars has expanded across Montreal, Toronto, and New York, achieving triple-digit growth. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies by The Globe and Mail, it has also been named a certified Great Place to Work™ for three consecutive years.

Priya believes PR must adapt to an evolving digital landscape. “A successful PR strategy requires long-term planning while remaining culturally relevant and agile. In this era of fake news, credibility is harder to come by, making PR more critical than ever.”

In 2021, she launched Double Shot to amplify BIPOC and underrepresented voices in lifestyle marketing. Within a year, it was recognized for excellence in advancing diversity and inclusion. She further acknowledges, “Scaling my business to this point has undoubtedly been the greatest highlight. Given the high failure rate of startups, I’m acutely aware of the obstacles I’ve overcome and the resilience I’ve built along the way. Today, we’re a team of 50 ‘sugars’ spread across Montreal, Toronto, and New York – it’s surreal, especially considering I started this journey solo.”

Beyond work, Priya prioritizes balance. “I’ve worked out religiously since I was 15 – through three pregnancies and every season of life. It keeps me grounded as a leader and mom. I also love hosting and building community.”

Looking ahead, she remains focused on gratitude and evolution. “I aspire to be remembered as a generous, empathetic leader – one who prioritizes humanity in the workplace.”

6. Tony Gill (UK) – Multicultural & Entertainment PR

Tony Gill, Co-Director of the globally recognized PR and cultural consultancy agency, Media House, has navigated a distinctive career path. What began as an unexpected shift from journalism to public relations has led him to build one of the leading diversity agencies today. “It wasn’t a conscious decision to go into PR,” Tony shares. His experience as a journalist gave him invaluable insights into crafting effective media strategies and building solid relationships with journalists.

At Media House, Tony focuses on connecting diverse audiences with brands across various sectors, including film, entertainment, music, arts, and lifestyle. The agency’s prestigious client roster includes Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony Pictures, and many others. As Tony points out, PR’s role today is more essential than ever, particularly as digital media reshapes how we communicate. “In today’s world, where misinformation is rampant and attention spans are short, PR’s role is to ensure our messages are credible, authentic, and impactful,” he says.

One of the most significant milestones in his career was receiving the Sikhs in Media Award at the Sikh Awards in Nairobi. “Winning this award in Nairobi, where my parents’ journey began before moving to the UK, felt like a personal and meaningful moment,” he reflects.

Tony also highlights the challenges that come with being a diversity-focused agency. “Educating mainstream brands about the importance of integrating diverse audiences into their marketing strategies has been a key challenge,” he shares. Yet, despite these obstacles, Media House continues to thrive and expand globally, with a steadfast commitment to inclusivity.

Looking at the future, Tony hopes to leave a legacy of positive change, striving for greater representation and diversity in media and marketing. “I want my legacy to be that of a good person who made a positive impact on others,” he concludes.

6. Valerie Pinto (India) – Corporate & Multinational PR, India

Valerie Pinto, a trailblazing luminary and the youngest CEO of an Indian network agency – Weber Shandwick India, has redefined the industry with her visionary leadership. A driving force in PR and Strategic Communications, she has propelled the firm to unprecedented success, winning prestigious accolades at Cannes, PR Week, Mumbrella, Stevie, and Sabre, solidifying its place as one of the most awarded agencies in the country.

With an unwavering belief that “communications is everything,” Valerie has shaped the future by fostering talent, championing innovation, and setting new benchmarks for impactful and strategic yet humane storytelling.

Ruminating her career trajectory, she shares, “I started my PR journey in 1996 when I was at the Taj as an intern. I was still in college, and all my friends took up a second job, so I applied with them. The Taj put me in marketing, where I got all the content writing jobs and kept improving. My inspiration was my Aunt Cerena, head of corporate communications at L&T. She was a stately woman, and I was inspired by her wisdom, calm demeanor, and composed attitude toward any problem. I knew I wanted to be like her.“

On the power of PR, Valerie explains, “Anything you say can make or break an organization. It’s the fundamental need for any business today. Working across generations and geographies is tough, with so many cultural nuances and technicalities—this needs the right communication. PR sits at the heart of dealing with any situation, good or bad, within an organization or for an individual.”

Delving into her career highlights and challenges, she says, “Transitioning from corporate to agency was a big highlight. I enjoyed the variety and opportunity to keep learning. Another big moment was transitioning from a manager to a CEO – learning leadership, balancing mind and heart, and leading from the front. The next highlight was leading Weber Shandwick to become one of the largest revenue-based agencies in the country.“

Off the clock, she adds, “I love to cook, listen to music, and travel. I travel every three months and cook for everyone to make them happy.”

Looking ahead, the pragmatic innovator envisions a future focused on talent. “It’s about blending the young and the old, leveraging everyone’s skills to create organizations of the future. I hope to build a great community of PR professionals who think macro, voice their opinions, and make a strong business impact.”

Conclusion

These South Asian PR hackers aren’t just moving the needle—they’re rewriting the playbook. With grit, creativity, and ingenuity, they’re shaping a new era where impact outweighs “empty buzz”. The future of communications is certainly in safe hands!