As much a realist as a fantasist, it was no surprise that Naren went about getting a Law degree to make his parents happy; then quietly turned his attention to the mercurial world of advertising films.

18 years at Ogilvy and McCann provided him with ample opportunities to experiment with story and form. Brands like Ponds, Acuvue and Coke gave him the 30-second challenge but the short film format also beckoned with its promise of greater freedom.

Having won a One Show Silver in 2002 and an AIFA best debut director award, Naren went on to win international acclaim for his short films.

His work in the genre - Nine Minutes to Nirvana, Newsstand In Heaven, The Waif and Apollo Bunder Mumbai 400001 – have won awards at major international festivals like New York, Barcelona and Paris.

Good food, art and books excite his palate. The one word he loathes is “stagnation”. Perhaps that is why he frequents the globe to find new places and his unique brand of stories.