Advertising industry veteran and civic activist Gerson Da Cunha passed away at the age of 92 on Friday. Da Cunha possessed a multi-faceted personality and was renowned across the advertising, journalism, film, and social activism fields.
He started his career as a journalist with Press Trust of India and jumped into the world of advertising with JWT.
Da Cunha went on to join Lintas and lead the agency as CEO for a decade before he moved to the social sector and worked with UNICEF.
The advertising industry veteran was also associated with a number of platforms engaged in civic activism, including AGNI (Action for Good Governance and Networking in India). He was also an actor and is credited for his roles in numerous plays and movies like the Electric Moon, Maharajas’s Daughter, Cotton Mary, Asoka, and Water.
People across the advertising and entertainment industry paid tributes to Da Cunha and remembered his contribution to the industry and society at large.
Gerson da Cunha is no more. A gentle giant from the era where titans set up the advertising industry. And believed in the power of communication as a force for good, decades after they formally left the industry.He will be sorely missed. @alertprasad @pmahesh @skswamy @Umanathv pic.twitter.com/vGJqbeK1Fw
— Ramesh Narayan (@rameshnarayan) January 7, 2022
One of India’s advertising greats Gerson da Cunha passed away, aged 94. A multi-dimensional person he was also a film/theatre actor and a Mumbai civic champion. Some may remember him as the Bombay DD news anchor or news reader, as they were called back then. RIP Gerson da Cunha???? pic.twitter.com/1LK86DAYZj
— Lloyd Mathias (@LloydMathias) January 7, 2022
One of the true titans of Indian Advertising; a great theatre aficionado and above all the epitome of grace and refinement. Travel well Gerson Da Cunha and break a leg on the other side.
— SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) January 7, 2022
The end of an era. We lost a giant today. History will find it hard to define this man who was so selfless and such a gentleman. With so much passion for the arts, advertising and the country. #RIPGerson they don’t make them like you anymore. ???? pic.twitter.com/gEKVQFe7jx
— Gayatri Vasudeva Yadav (@GayatriPYadav) January 7, 2022