Sylvester daCunha, the advertising Titan and creator of the iconic ‘Amul Girl’ campaign which resonates with us even after six decades passed away recently. The pun loving, utterly butterly girl who has been making national headlines and topical one liners has lost her father. Along with the legendary Verghese Kurien, it was daCunha who had initiated the longest running advertising campaign in the world.
Known as Sylvie to friends, his advertising acumen, brand communication art, amazing wit and sense of humour were qualities every newbie in advertising tried to emulate.
The daCunha family, with roots in Goa has a storied legacy, the first book on the history of Mumbai titled ‘The Origin of Mumbai’ was written by J Gerson daCunha. Sylvester’s brother AM daCunha started Goa’s first Portuguese language newspaper in Goa, his son Rahul daCunha is a leading playwright, photographer, director and columnist who manages daCunha Communications based out of Mumbai.
Late Gerson daCunha, his elder brother achieved no mean feats in the world of advertising himself. India has lost one of it’s most creative persons and, I am sure he must be regaling the Gods in heaven with his gentle wit.
