It was a day many at Su-Kam would remember. The team was in a brainstorming session—a whirlwind of ideas and strategies. And then Mr. Kunwer Sachdev, the MD, dropped a bombshell. “I want to do a reality show,” he announced, a glint of excitement in his eyes. “A reality show… on sales!”
A ripple of suppressed amusement went through the room. Sales? A reality show? In the hushed corners and knowing glances exchanged, the unspoken consensus was clear: this was a long shot, a whimsical idea unlikely to take flight. His trusted team, the cogs in the Su-Kam machine, couldn’t quite picture it. How could anyone turn the intricacies of convincing a customer, the nuances of product knowledge, the sheer grit of chasing targets, into compelling television? They chuckled inwardly, politely nodding, careful not to betray their skepticism. It felt like a charming, albeit slightly outlandish, thought.
But Mr. Sachdev wasn’t one to be deterred by silent doubts. He possessed a visionary zeal, a relentless belief in his ideas that often bordered on infectious. He saw something they didn’t. He envisioned a platform that would not only celebrate the unsung heroes of the company—the sales force—but also elevate the very profession of selling.
Then came the quiet, determined action. Initially, the vision was solely Su-Kam’s, driven by Mr. Sachdev’s conviction. He engaged with media houses, his energy palpable. He zeroed in on ETV, a channel with a strong regional connect, particularly in the crucial markets of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. And then, the masterstroke—roping in Ravi Kishan, the charismatic film actor, as the anchor. A jury of industry experts followed, adding credibility and gravitas to the concept. Slowly, surely, “ETV Sales Ka Baazigar” began to materialise, primarily fuelled by Mr. Sachdev’s initial push and Su-Kam’s backing.
As the show gained traction and the sheer potential of this unique concept became apparent, other prominent entities recognised its value. Then came the exciting addition of sponsors like Dainik Jagran, the leading Hindi daily, and Liberty Shoes. Their partnership brought further reach and credibility to “Sales Ka Baazigar.” It was striking how Mr. Sachdev’s initial spark ignited a wider interest, attracting other significant players who saw the opportunity to connect with the show’s engaged audience. During the actual events and episodes, these sponsors actively pitched in, integrating their brands and messages seamlessly, further enriching the show’s content and broadening its appeal.
And the doubters were proven wrong about the show’s viability.
”ETV Sales Ka Baazigar” was a sensation. It wasn’t just about sales tactics; it was about human stories, about the passion and perseverance of individuals striving to make their mark. The team watched, initially with bewildered admiration, as contestants from the heartlands of UP and Uttarakhand showcased their persuasive skills, their understanding of the market, and their sheer determination.
The impact was undeniable. Within Su-Kam, a new wave of energy surged. The sales teams on the ground—the very people who had been expected to find the concept strange—were electrified. They saw their profession being celebrated on national television. Dealers and distributors were buzzing with excitement, the show becoming a talking point, a source of pride.
And the results spoke for themselves. Su-Kam’s sales figures in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand saw a significant upswing. The show had tapped into a collective consciousness, creating a buzz around Su-Kam and the importance of effective salesmanship. The involvement of sponsors like Dainik Jagran and Liberty amplified this reach and impact even further.
Looking back, that initial amusement is tinged with profound respect. Mr. Kunwer Sachdev saw a potential that the team, in its day-to-day operational mindset, had completely missed. He had the courage to pursue an unconventional idea, the conviction to bring it to fruition, and the foresight to understand its potential impact. The fact that his initial vision attracted other significant sponsors only validated the strength and ingenuity of his original concept.
”Sales Ka Baazigar” wasn’t just a television show; it was a testament to the power of a bold vision and the ability of one leader to inspire and surprise. It was a lesson in not underestimating unconventional thinking and the magic that can happen when someone dares to dream big, even when those around them are silently questioning the feasibility. The collaborative success—built on Mr. Sachdev’s initial idea and the subsequent support of ETV, Ravi Kishan, the jury, Dainik Jagran, Liberty and others—made the show an even more remarkable achievement. It showed that true leadership lies not just in strategic planning and operational efficiency, but also in the audacity to challenge the norm and the unwavering belief in an idea, even when the initial reaction is a quiet, internal laugh. “Sales Ka Baazigar” remains a defining moment — when Mr. Kunwer Sachdev turned silent skepticism into resounding applause, a success amplified by the faith and participation of other prominent organisations.
In the News & Further Reading
The show was covered in the entertainment press at the time: TellyChakkar reported in 2013 that Ravi Kishan would judge Sales Ka Baazigar on ETV — produced by Viacom18 and shot across eight cities — and the role is noted on his Wikipedia profile. It was one of many unconventional moves that marked Kunwer Sachdev’s career — see also his unconventional marketing genius at Su-Kam’s dealer meets. More of his story is documented across SolarManOfIndia.com — including his story, his legacy, and the video library.
Disclaimer
Mr. Kunwer Sachdev, the original founder and visionary behind Su-Kam, is no longer associated with Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. He has not been involved in the management, operations, or decision-making of the company for several years. Any products, services, communications, or representations made under the Su-Kam name have no connection to Mr. Kunwer Sachdev. His current efforts are entirely focused on new innovations and ventures under different entities, including his latest initiative, Su-vastika, which is redefining the energy storage and power backup industry.