Fali Vakeel, a prominent figure in the advertising industry and former vice chairman of Lowe Lintas, took his last breath on Saturday morning at the age of 71. Over the course of his extensive career spanning several decades, Vakeel made significant contributions to the Indian advertising landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.


"Fali Vakeel passed away on March 16, 2024, just two months shy of his birthday on May 6. His contributions to the advertising industry have left an indelible mark that will be cherished for years to come," reads a statement by MullenLowe Lintas Group.


Called 'Last of the Mad Men in Indian advertising’ by his colleagues, Vakeel's contributions to the industry were significant. MullenLowe Lintas Group, in a LinkedIn post, reads, "Advertisement loses its colour..." "Your wit and wisdom will forever resonate in our hearts. Your legacy at Lintas will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Fali Vakeel," it added.


Under the leadership of Vakeel, Lintas witnessed remarkable growth, achieving milestones such as acquiring prestigious clients and earning esteemed accolades.


"His impact extended beyond the boardroom. Fali was admired for his mentoring and nurturing of talent within the industry, shaping the careers of many aspiring advertising professionals. His dedication to fostering a culture of creativity will continue to inspire generations to come," it said.


Even subsequent to stepping down from his role as the vice chairman of Lintas, Vakeel maintained strong ties with the agency, continuing to serve as a Trustee of its Employee Welfare Trust.


Subramanyeswar S (Subbu), Group Chief Executive Officer India and CSO (APAC), MullenLowe Global, said, “Once in a rare while, someone like Fali comes along to not only raise the bar in their field of operation, but they create an entirely new standards of measurement - CREATIVITY, in our case. Our deepest condolences go to his family, personal friends, and to the entire Lintas community. He will always be an inspirer and admirer to us. May he rest in peace!”