Mahesh Mathai began his illustrious career in the realm of advertising films, swiftly establishing himself as one of India's most talented and renowned directors. His iconic campaigns for esteemed brands such as Garden Vareli, Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate, Gimme Red for Eveready Batteries, Asian Paints, and the Mumbai Indians IPL team launch with Hrithik Roshan, solidified his reputation as a master of his craft.
Mathai's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Highlight Films, which would go on to become one of the most successful advertising commercial companies in India. His extensive portfolio of work for a diverse range of clients, including Unilever, Procter and Gamble, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Cadburys, Chevrolet, Eveready, McDowells, Philips, Asian Paints, Times of India, Seagrams, ICICI Bank, and India Tourism, spanned nearly every possible brand category and garnered numerous prestigious awards.
As a pioneer in the music video industry, Mathai partnered with Sony Music and BMG Records to launch the careers of singer Lucky Ali and the band Bombay Vikings. The music video for Lucky Ali's 'O Sanam', shot at the majestic Pyramids in Egypt, became a massive hit.
In 2000, Mathai ventured into feature filmmaking with the critically acclaimed 'Bhopal Express', starring Naseeruddin Shah, Kaykay, and Vijay Raaz. The film opened the Panorama section of the prestigious Berlin Film Festival and won seven international awards.
In 2005, Mathai completed the British film 'Broken Thread', starring Linus Roache, Saffron Burrows, Andrea Corr, and Roshan Seth. This marked a significant milestone in his career, as he delved into international productions.
In 2007, Mathai founded the Blue Frog in Mumbai, a renowned venue that became synonymous with live music. The Blue Frog has since expanded across the country, cementing Mathai's status as a driving force in the Indian entertainment industry.
In 2009, Mathai embarked on a unique charity rally, driving an ambulance from London to Mongolia across 15 countries in Europe and Central Asia. This remarkable journey not only showcased his adventurous spirit but also demonstrated his commitment to philanthropy.
