With advertisers for parents, Aditya Swamy’s childhood was rather bohemian. Transfixed, he often watched as “crazy” photographers, “eccentric” jingle writers, and musicians belting out high notes take over his typical Tam-Brahm, Chennai home and transformed it into a set for an ad shoot. “In those days, work and personal life gelled well. I remember spending a lot of time at my mother’s ad agency, but I cannot imagine that happening here today,” says the 40-year-old, looking around at the vibrant MTV office at Vile Parle East.

Aditya Swamy at the MTV office in Vile Parle East. He took over as channel head two-and-a-half years ago

Swamy pursued his undergraduate studies at Madras Christian College (MCC), a college spread over 100 acres in an erstwhile jungle and known for its illustrious musical history. “Most of our professors were ex-students, who were young and friendly. As the tradition goes, every student graduating from the college would donate a long-playing (LP) record. The 175-year-old institute has a rich collection of classic rock, from Jeff Woods to Grateful Dead. Little wonder music has played a huge role in my life,” says the Napean Sea Road resident.