MAM
Weekend Unwind with: Hansa Mondal, COO & co-founder of Ssoftoons Entertainment Media
Mumbai: With yet another Saturday upon us, it’s time to unwind with a dose of our weekend special series. Weekend Unwind is a tete-e-tete with an industry executive—akin to a virtual water cooler chat – an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
This week we have with us Ssoftoons Entertainment Media co-founder & COO Hansa Mondal, sharing her nuggets on dealing with the curveballs life throws at us.
Having left a well-secured job, Hansa embarked upon her entrepreneurial journey in 2001, co-founding Ssoftoons—a homegrown animation company—with her business-cum-life partner Sourav Mondal in Howrah, West Bengal. Being a complete novice in the industry, she had to start from scratch by learning to sketch and arming herself with the industry know-how. After nearly a decade, the company saw success in the regional market, and with an intention to have a national presence, the couple moved to Mumbai. Having delivered some successful projects, Hansa is currently working in association with Disney India. In her current position as COO at Ssoftoons, she undertakes planning and execution to keep the flow running smoothly.
So here goes…
Ø Your mantra for Life
Since childhood, I have followed “perseverance.” I am aware of my goal and remain focused and dedicated to achieve my dreams.
Ø A book you are currently reading/plan to read
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. I read each and every page more than once. It is really inspiring.
Ø Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
To put it simply: inhaling and exhaling. Am a yoga lover. Yoga and pranayama keeps me fit both mentally and physically.
Ø Your comfort food
Mummy-made Besan (Gram Flour) ke Pakode with green coriander chutney.
Ø When the chips are down a quote/philosophy that keeps you going
“One year equals 365 possibilities.” I calm down and regain the power to think and rethink to overcome the situation. I follow the philosophy of gratitude in every case, be it good or bad.
Ø Your guilty pleasure
Secretly taking good pens from my kids and husband’s drawers with the intention of not giving them back! I never buy a pen for myself.
Ø When was the last time you tried something new
I have started learning the piano. Practising and mastering this instrument requires dedication and sustained effort. It relaxes my brain.
Ø A life lesson you learnt the hard way
That we all are playing our roles on the stage of life. So, no matter what happens, the show must go on. Time never stops for anyone. It doesn’t care about your worries or about your happiness. So, accept every situation because worries and fears are yours, like happiness.
Ø What gets you excited about life
I started my journey from absolute zero. So, when I am out of projects or in a problem, I never regret it and instead try to give a kickstart, as I know how to grow from zero.
Ø What’s on top of your bucket list
Completing a management course from Harvard University Online.
Ø If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be
Maintaining a database of contacts and keeping in touch. I always preferred to be within myself. But later in my life, I realised my mistake because I came to know that “network = net worth.”
Ø One thing you would most like to change about the world
Blasphemy.
Ø An activity that keeps you motivated/charged during tough times
Reading good books and doing something constructive, like developing new concepts or plots. Building good stories boost my confidence to fight back.
MAM
Tata Communications CEO A S Lakshminarayanan retires
Seasoned leader hands over reins after guiding the company through key growth years.
MUMBAI: Tata Communications is turning a new page and this time, the chapter is being written by a fresh voice from the same trusted book. The company has announced the retirement of its managing director and chief executive officer, A S Lakshminarayanan, effective at the close of business on 13 April 2026. Lakshminarayanan’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s leadership journey.
The board expressed appreciation for his contributions during his tenure, acknowledging the role he played in shaping the organisation. In January 2026, the board had already appointed Ganesh Lakshminarayanan as managing director and CEO (Designate), ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
Ganesh Lakshminarayanan brings over three decades of experience across domestic and global enterprises. He currently serves as Managing Director and Group Vice President at ServiceNow India, where he has focused on driving enterprise adoption of AI-led digital transformation and strengthening go-to-market capabilities. Prior to this, he led Bharti Airtel’s enterprise business as CEO of Airtel Business and earlier headed its Enterprise division. His career also includes roles as Chief Operating Officer at Capillary Technologies, along with advisory positions at Ernst & Young and Sequoia Capital.
The transition reflects Tata Communications’ focus on continuity while bringing in fresh perspectives to navigate the rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.
In the fast-moving world of global communications, leadership changes are like well-timed signal switches necessary to keep the network strong and the journey smooth. As A S Lakshminarayanan steps down, Ganesh Lakshminarayanan steps up, ready to carry forward the legacy while steering the company into its next phase of growth.
