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Ashok Banker
Author. License to Thrill. Family, books, animals. New books from HMH, Scholastic, PRH, Lantana. Now on a crime spree!
Professional Background
Ashok K. Banker is a prolific writer and creative force in the entertainment industry, known for his extraordinary contributions as an author, screenwriter, journalist, and advertising consultant. With over 70 published books and more than 3 million copies in circulation across 62 countries and 22 languages, Banker has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary literature. His recent literary works include notable titles such as Upon A Burning Throne, the first book in The Burnt Empire Series (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019), Secret School Mysteries: The Invisible Spy (Scholastic, 2019), and My Father Drank My Lover & Other Stories (Pan Macmillan, 2018). Also noteworthy is his historical narrative titled Chanakya: The Legend Begins (Amazon Westland, 2018), demonstrating his versatility across genres and themes.
In addition to his literary achievements, Banker has made significant strides in the television and film industry. He is recognized as the creator and writer of India's first television series in English and has co-created Malaysia's first TV series in English. His work includes India’s first buddy comedy, first female detective series, and the highest-rated historical series, alongside contributions to multiple genres including horror and soap operas. With over 2,430 scripted episodes, Banker’s creativity has earned him multiple awards and accolades. He is currently engaged in writing, directing, producing, and developing projects with prominent production houses such as Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment, Roy Kapur Films, Endemol Shine, and ZEE5, among others.
Education and Achievements
Ashok K. Banker’s education and professional experience have provided him with a robust foundation for his diverse career. His journey began in journalism, where he broke front-page stories for leading publications like the Times of India, Outlook, and Mid-Day. Throughout his career as a journalist, he covered media, entertainment, and publishing, accumulating over 2,100 published bylines that include impactful features, columns, book reviews, and notable interviews.
In the advertising sector, Banker is known as a multiple award-winning copywriter, having crafted national campaigns for top brands in retail, finance, corporate, and consumer sectors. A pioneer in Direct Marketing and Brand Planning, he has contributed his expertise to prestigious advertising agencies such as JWT, Leo Burnett, Young & Rubicam, Lintas, and Grey Worldwide. His collaborations with clients like P&G, Britannia, and Bombay Dying underscore his prowess in brand consultancy and strategy.
Ashok’s expansive career showcases his versatility and innovative spirit across various fields, setting benchmarks of excellence in each domain he engages with.
Achievements
- Authorship: Over 70 books published in 22 languages and 62 countries; recognized for literary contributions with millions of copies sold.
- Television Success: Creator of India's first TV series in English; writer for numerous groundbreaking and award-winning television series and formats.
- Journalism: Breakthrough journalist for various leading publications, with impactful stories and extensive coverage on media and entertainment.
- Advertising Excellence: Award-winning copywriter with a long history of successful campaigns for top-tier brands; recognized for contributions to brand marketing and strategic planning.
- Progressive Advocacy: Active advocate for social justice issues, including LGBTQIA rights, Dalit rights, and equality initiatives, highlighting his passion for inclusivity and marginalization.
Personal Interests and Beliefs
Beyond his professional accolades, Ashok K. Banker also passionately supports causes related to social justice and human rights. As a bibliophile and animal lover, he remains dedicated to promoting equality and inclusivity within diverse communities. His political stance is left-liberal and progressive, reflecting his commitment to fostering a more equitable society.
Reflecting his multicultural heritage—Irish, Portuguese, Sri Lankan, and Indian—Banker's identity plays a significant role in shaping his worldview and creative output. He currently resides in both Los Angeles, California, and Mumbai, India, which allows him to stay connected with the rich cultural tapestry of both places, influencing his writing and artistic endeavors.
In summary, Ashok K. Banker is a renaissance man whose talents span numerous creative fields, earning him a well-deserved reputation as a versatile author, innovative screenwriter, insightful journalist, and influential advertising consultant. His contributions to literature and media continue to inspire audiences worldwide, while his advocacy for social justice underscores the humanitarian ethos that drives his work. As he is continually developing new projects and initiatives, there is no doubt that Banker’s influence in the creative landscape will endure and expand, leaving an indelible mark for generations to come.
