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Mustafa Kapasi elevated to ECD at Scarecrow M&C Saatchi
Mumbai: The creative agency led by ad veterans Manish Bhat and Raghu Bhat, Scarecrow M&C Saatchi has announced the elevation of Mustafa Kapasi to the role of executive creative director.
Having spent seven years with Scarecrow M&C Saatchi, Kapasi possesses a rich experience of nearly 21 years of writing and leading a copy team.
During his tenure with the agency, he has handled an eclectic mix of brands including Future Generali, Adani Gas, Mahindra Trakstar, Wagh Bakri, Business Standard, Vimal, Spykar and many more.
Says Scarecrow M&C Saatchi co-founder Raghu Bhat, “Kapasi is an exceptional human being who thoroughly deserves this promotion. He has a unique combination of creativity, resilience and a hunger for learning that sets him apart. What I’m most impressed about is his ability to adapt and re-invent himself in the ever-changing digital landscape, which is a testament to his commitment to always get better, at whatever he does.”
Says Scarecrow M&C Saatchi co-founder Manish Bhat, “Kapasi is a true leader who can inspire, motivate and improve his team members. He is a great listener and his life experience allows him to come up with great insights into our conversations. One of his best qualities is that he inspires trust and has a fantastic work ethic, which is very rare to find. I wish and hope that Mustafa will continue to blossom at Scarecrow and create some more great campaigns.”
Kapasi expresses, “I am continually impressed by the agency’s focus on simplicity and creating disruptive yet effective campaigns. Even after eight years, this approach remains as refreshing as it was when I first joined. The culture of adapting and evolving while constantly pushing boundaries and avoiding comfort zones suits me quite well. I am grateful to Raghu and Manish for entrusting me with this opportunity. And a shout-out to my current and previous bunch of crazy creative colleagues who helped me make this possible.”
Some of his most visible campaigns at Scarecrow M&C Saatchi include the award-winning Spykar Blue Film’s festival campaign, Varuna Pumps’ “Rukmi Bai,” “Republic Day film” for Ambuja Cements, the “LSF” campaign for Nahar Amrit Shakti, “MumBye” for Adhiraj Developers and the “Insight Out” campaign for Business Standard.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
