Speaking at the TEDxPanchgani, themed “Change the Only Constant” Kailash Surendranath pointed out that if we resist Change we become obsolete, if we can adapt to Change we will survive, but if we create Change, we will thrive!! So, let’s be proactive, let’s CREATE change!! Tracing the history of films and ads in India, he showed how innovation and fresh thinking led to amazing new developments in the field. Films can also cause changes in the mind-set and help to foster National unity and peace. Even someone like the then Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, recognized the power of Cinema for creating positive change in the nation, and instilling a sense of unity, and of pride in being Indian. Now, the future of films, televisions, and story-telling in general, is changing as never before, and many different forms of media are available. And, dreams and ideas that were once considered “disruptive” may in fact be the ideas of the future. So, just go ahead, dare to dream and change the world!

Kailash Surendranath is one of Bollywood’s most popular and iconic Directors. He has directed and produced a series of inspiring national integration films such as The Freedom Torch – Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, Raag Desh, Jhansi Ki Rani, and Phir Mile Sur. These films on national integration have helped in their own way to foster unity and peace in this vast and diverse nation, making the Indian people realize that they are all Indians first! Kailash has also made path breaking contributions to the advertising industry, over a period of many years. His cinema and TV commercials have always been cutting-edge and trend setting and his contribution to Indian advertising is really memorable. Kailash has also been responsible for launching the careers of many current Bollywood stars, many of whom have faced the camera for the first time under his direction. Salman Khan, Jackie Shroff, Ashwaria Rai and Arjun Rampal, are just a few of those who hail his proficiency and expertise.

This talk was given at TEDxPanchgani an event held at Ravine Hotel using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx