Sharif D Rangnekar
About
A communication consultant, former journalist, and human rights activist, Sharif D Rangnekar’s career spans over 25 years bringing diverse experience to the table. Sharif is a champion of diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ rights, leveraging his platform as a communicator, musician, and author to advocate for social change. As the founder of Friends of Linger, a concept band, he has used music as a tool for social commentary, releasing songs like ‘Head Held High’ and ‘Miss you’ that resonate with the LGBTQ+ community in India.
As the former CEO and chairman of Integral PR and the ex-chairperson and President of the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI), Sharif has left a lasting mark in the realm of public relations and corporate communications. He was named PR Professional of The Year in 2013 by IPRCCA and featured on the Global Power List of PR Week in 2015.
Sharif is also the Festival Director of the Rainbow Lit Fest – Queer & Inclusive and the curator of Embrace: Music Justice Arts, he has created platforms that celebrate diversity and amplify marginalized voices.
Additionally, Sharif's consultancy work in content, crisis communication, and media engagement, coupled with his contributions to publications such as Hindustan Times, Scroll.in, and Gaylaxy Magazine, highlights his commitment to driving meaningful change through storytelling and advocacy.
Awards and Recognition
Awards and Recognition
Sharif has also authored a book titled ‘Straight to Normal – My Life As A Gay Man’, which stands as a pioneering work in queer literature, offering a poignant narrative of identity and acceptance in post-Section 377 India.
Recognized by leaders from academia, politics, human rights, literature, and film, Sharif’s book has sparked important conversations and fostered a greater understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences.
Why Sharif D Rangnekar?
As a speaker, jury member, and advisory board member for initiatives focused on social change and civil justice, Sharif D Rangnekar continues to shape narratives, challenge norms, and inspire others to embrace inclusivity, acceptance, and authenticity in all aspects of life and work.
