TheGlitz ‘Super Woman’ Sonali Kelapure is the Founder of Ka Kha Ga. Ask her about herself and she avers, “Listener. Observer. Learner. Creator. Communicator. Story-teller. That’s me in a nutshell. Always wrapped up in a good story. Either reading, seeking or narrating.” Sonali spent her entire career in storytelling for production companies, PR and Media houses, Publications and Brands. And that’s when she realised that the one thing consumers want, is stories. “Experiences that are relatable. The narrative shouldn’t just entertain and inform, it also has to strike that emotional chord.” That’s why Sonali started Ka Kha Ga on these very principles – to engage consumers with story-driven creatives and content that will ultimately win the most valuable prize of all – brand loyalty. With such a winning strategy, no wonder, Sonali has been associated with the best – from brands like JM Financial, Mondelez- Bournvita, Forest
Essentials, Orra Diamonds, Natural Diamond Council, Playerzpot, Paytm Insurence, Waycool,
NMIMS Global, Byjus, Navneet, Embibe, Greengold’s Chotta Bheem for Pogo and Netflix,
Reliance Animation’s Bhaiyyaji Balwan for Disney India, Tvf’s He said She said for Audible and
many more prestigious names. …Doesn’t this brilliant strategy qualify Sonali to be TheGlitz ‘Super Woman’? Read on…
What defines you to be the person you are?
I believe that I possess a hunger to bring a change towards the betterment of others, combined with kindness and a desire to learn. By being kind and empathetic towards others, I can understand their struggles and work towards creating solutions that uplift them. My hunger to bring change motivates me to push beyond my limits and find innovative ways to make a positive impact. I am always seeking to learn and grow to achieve things that may seem unattainable. By relentlessly pursuing my goals and breaking down barriers, I aim to inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect of growth and transformation.
Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you list some special milestones that have changed your life?
The most significant milestone in my life has been starting my creative writing studio, Ka Kha Ga, and working with leading animation and corporate brands in the country. This has been a significant achievement for me because it has allowed me to combine my passion for creative writing with my desire to positively impact society. Through Ka Kha Ga, I have worked with talented artists and writers to develop compelling stories that inspire and entertain young viewers. It is a rewarding experience to know that our work is moulding the future of young minds and helping them learn important values in a fun and engaging way. Additionally, working with leading corporate brands has allowed me to leverage my creative skills to make a difference in marketing. It has allowed me to collaborate with some of the most talented individuals in the industry and create campaigns that resonate with audiences. Overall, starting Ka Kha Ga and working with leading brands has taught me a great deal about entrepreneurship, leadership, and collaboration. I am excited to continue this journey and see where it takes me in the future.
Could you list 3 of what you believe are your major achievements?
Reflecting on my journey so far, I would say that I have had several major achievements that I am proud of. Firstly, I was able to successfully transition into a new industry and establish myself within it. While it was a challenging move, it allowed me to develop new skills, explore my interests, and grow as a professional. Secondly, one of my most significant achievements has been the launch and management of a social campaign called ‘Wake Up India.’ This campaign aimed to help children with disabilities and provide guidance to parents and children on education and career opportunities available for differently-abled individuals. Through this campaign, I was able to reach out to 2000 schools across Mumbai with the help of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Lastly, my passion for music and photography has also been a source of major achievements for me. I have won multiple awards in these fields, and it has been gratifying to see my creative pursuits being recognized and appreciated. Overall, these achievements have helped me grow both personally and professionally and have taught me the value of perseverance, hard work, and determination.
What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?
During my entrepreneurial journey, I faced a significant setback when my former business partner financially cheated me, forcing me to almost start from scratch. It was a challenging time, and I wasn’t sure if I could rebuild my business.
However, I was fortunate enough to have a supportive network of people around me, including my business mentor, Mr. Rahul Bhatia, and Meenal Jaiswal, who provided me with the guidance and support I needed to get back on my feet.
Additionally, the unwavering support and confidence that my friends and family gave me during this time helped me stay positive and motivated. With their help and support, I was able to rebuild my business successfully.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson – to believe in myself and trust my instincts. I learned that setbacks are a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey, and it’s crucial to have the resilience and self-belief to overcome them. Today, I’m grateful for this experience, as it helped me become a stronger and more determined entrepreneur.
When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?
When I look back, I can see that three qualities have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today – confidence, empathy, and ambition. My confidence has allowed me to take risks and pursue opportunities, even in the face of uncertainty or doubt. It has also helped me to believe in my abilities and push beyond my comfort zone. Additionally, my empathy has been a valuable asset in building relationships and understanding the needs of others. It has enabled me to connect with people on a deeper level and respond with kindness and understanding. Lastly, my ambition has been a driving force in propelling me towards my goals and aspirations. It has helped me to persevere through challenges and keep sight of what I want to achieve. Together, these qualities have helped me to navigate through life with purpose and determination, and I believe they will continue to guide me towards success in the future.
Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
When I think about the people who have been the wind behind my wings, I cannot help but think of my family, my close circle of friends, and my team members at Ka Kha Ga. My family has always been my biggest support system. They have encouraged me to pursue my dreams and have been there for me through every success and failure. My close circle of friends has been another source of inspiration and encouragement. They have always been there to lift me up and to remind me of my strengths and capabilities. In addition, my team members at Ka Kha Ga have been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. They have been a constant source of creativity, talent, and hard work and have helped bring our vision to life. Lastly, I am proud that our clients’ confidence in me and my team played a critical role in our success. Together, these people have helped me to believe in myself and to push beyond my limits. They have been the wind beneath my wings, and I am grateful for their unwavering support and encouragement.
Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” – Steve Jobs