Gurdeep Singh, a distinguished individual, originates from the illustrious Ahluwalia clan of Lahore, a city nestled in the picturesque province of Punjab. His paternal family, a wealthy and influential landowning dynasty, held a prominent position in society. On the other hand, his maternal grandfather, a respected and esteemed figure, served as a commissioner of police in Lahore, upholding the law and maintaining order in the community.
The tumultuous and chaotic events surrounding the partition of India and Pakistan in the mid-twentieth century had a profound impact on Gurdeep's family. Forced to flee their ancestral home in the dead of night, they eventually settled in Agra, a city renowned for its breathtaking beauty and iconic landmarks, including the majestic Taj Mahal.
Gurdeep was born into a family with a strong sense of unity and togetherness, consisting of two older sisters and one older brother. His father, a dedicated and hardworking individual, joined the Indian railways as a Carriage Inspector and played a pivotal role in the country's transportation infrastructure. Furthermore, Gurdeep's father had the distinction of fighting alongside the British army during World War II in Burma, demonstrating his bravery and selflessness in the face of adversity.
Gurdeep's early life was marked by a strong sense of family values, resilience, and a deep understanding of the importance of community and public service. These formative experiences would ultimately shape his perspective and guide him as he navigated the complexities of life.
Born to a railway official, Gurdeep's life was marked by perpetual mobility, as his family embarked on a journey of constant relocation, never remaining in one place for a period exceeding two years. This nomadic lifestyle, however, came to an end with his father's retirement, which prompted his older brother to relocate the family to the bustling metropolis of Bombay, now rebranded as Mumbai.
As Gurdeep navigated the vibrant cityscape, he found himself drawn to the captivating world of film studios, where his fascination with the silver screen began to take shape. This early interest in the cinematic arts ultimately led him to pursue a career in writing, as he started penning articles about film stars for popular magazines and publishing short stories in prominent literary publications.
Through his tireless efforts, Gurdeep earned recognition as a photojournalist, solidifying his reputation as a skilled writer and storyteller.
Gurdeep's academic tenure was marked by a remarkable distinction, as he was invited to share his remarkable short stories on the esteemed All-India Radio, Bombay, a testament to his burgeoning literary talents.
As he completed his formal education in 1967, Gurdeep was awarded a degree in applied Arts and a diploma in Fine Arts from the renowned Sir J.J. School of Arts, a prestigious institution that has produced many notable artists and designers.
Following his graduation, Gurdeep joined forces with like-minded individuals to co-found the advertising firm Studio CAS, which quickly gained a reputation for providing innovative and effective marketing solutions to the publishing and entertainment industries in Bombay.
Gurdeep's career trajectory took a significant turn in 1969, when he landed a leading role in a film that marked a groundbreaking moment for the Indian film industry, as he played a Sikh character donning a full beard and turban, a portrayal that garnered widespread acclaim. His performance in the movie "Uski Roti" received rave reviews, yet the experience was overshadowed by the treacherous and duplicitous treatment he faced, which ultimately led to his disillusionment with the Indian film industry. As a result, Gurdeep redirected his focus towards a new creative outlet, devoting himself to painting and showcasing his artwork in various exhibitions across New York, New Jersey, and Bombay.
Gurdeep's remarkable journey began in the early months of 1971, when he made the bold decision to abandon his possessions and bid farewell to his homeland, India, in pursuit of new artistic horizons and professional opportunities in the United States. Upon his arrival in the country, he continued to nurture his passion for painting, while also leveraging his exceptional skills to secure employment as an Art Director with three prominent New York City-based firms. This marked the beginning of a successful and fulfilling career, which would later culminate in the establishment of his own advertising and marketing firm in New York City in 1989. This venture, which catered to a diverse range of national and international clients, would go on to become a benchmark of excellence in the industry, cementing Gurdeep's status as a visionary entrepreneur and a master of his craft.
Gurdeep Singh Kohli
Born: India
Occupation: Art Director, Entrepreneur
Notable Works: Founder and CEO of a New York City-based advertising and marketing firm
Awards and Recognition: Numerous industry awards for innovative and effective marketing campaigns
In the year 2002, a chance encounter with an acquaintance led to Gurdeep being recommended for a minor television role, thereby marking his re-entry into the film industry. This turning point prompted him to make the bold decision to dissolve his advertising and marketing firm, opting instead to dedicate himself full-time to his burgeoning acting career.
As a proud adherent of the Sikh faith, Gurdeep finds solace in the teachings of the Ten Gurus and the revered Guru Granth Sahib. Furthermore, he takes immense pride in his role as a devoted father to his five children, affectionately referring to them as his "Panj Piyare", a term that translates to the first five Sikhs baptized by the revered Guru Gobind Singhji.
Gurdeep currently resides in the bustling metropolis of New York City with his loving family, surrounded by the vibrant energy and cultural diversity that this iconic city has to offer.
