Sharif is an author, curator, workplace inclusion and communications consultant and singer-songwriter. He is the author of the critically acclaimed books Straight to Normal: My Life as a Gay Man (2019) and Queersapien (2022).
A TEDx speaker, Sharif has addressed numerous global and local forums on communications, inclusion and multiculturalism. He is also the frontman of Friends of Linger. His band’s track, ‘Head Held High’ is India’s first dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community.
A believer that communications through discussions, talks, art, literature and music are key to influencing change, he brings together over 30 years of experience in the fields of journalism, research, PR and image management in all he does. He has worked with organizations such as The Pioneer and The Economic Times in the media, and was the CEO and, later, chairman of Integral PR. Under his leadership the firm rose to the top 250 in the world! During this period, he led the PRCAI for over two terms and was on the ICCO board as well.
Sharif has been on the PR Week Global Power List (2015) and was IPRCCA PR Person of the Year (2013). He was also recognised by Exchange4Media as amongst the top 100 communications influencers for the year 2024.
As the Founder, Dwijen Dinanath Arts Foundation, he is using all his beliefs in creating various platforms such as the award-winning, Rainbow Lit Fest – Queer & Inclusive; the Rainbow Awards for Literature & Journalism; Embrace: Music Justice Arts; The Main Screen and Art Ist Queer.
