Tuesday, March 17, 2026
HomeMarketers in ConversationPassionate in Marketing - In Conversation With Nandini Mahant, Founder of Sorta...

Passionate in Marketing – In Conversation With Nandini Mahant, Founder of Sorta Famous.

Meet Nandini Mahant, the visionary behind Sorta Famous, a contemporary PR and brand communications agency reshaping how brands generate buzz in the digital age. In this exclusive conversation, she shares how her agency approaches modern storytelling and reveals strategic insights for brands aiming to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

What inspired the creation of Sorta Famous, and how did your background lead you to launch a modern PR agency in such a competitive space?

The concept for Sorta Famous emerged while I was collaborating closely with founders who maintained strong visibility but were still frequently misunderstood. They were investing in PR, content, and marketing, yet there was no cohesive narrative tying everything together.

Having worked across brand strategy, communications, and business, I realized the real challenge wasn’t visibility it was positioning. Many brands don’t need to communicate more; they need to communicate with clarity and purpose.

Sorta Famous was built around this philosophy: clarity should come before amplification. When a brand understands its message and identity, visibility naturally leads to credibility, trust, and tangible business outcomes.

What does the idea of being “Sorta Famous” mean, and how does your agency differ from traditional PR firms?

Most brands don’t need to dominate every platform they need to be clearly understood. “Sorta famous” represents that transitional phase where a brand has gained traction but its public narrative hasn’t fully crystallized. That’s where our expertise comes in.

Traditional PR often evaluates success by the number of media mentions or features secured. Our focus is different. We measure success through perception, positioning, and the long-term impact visibility has on the brand.

We work closely with founders to refine who they are, what they represent, and why their story matters. Once this clarity is established, visibility becomes meaningful rather than performative.

Unlike conventional PR agencies that rely heavily on legacy media and standardized outreach methods, we are deeply immersed in digital culture, social media dynamics, and community-led storytelling. Each strategy is tailored to the client rather than forcing brands into a generic PR framework.

How does Sorta Famous combine creativity, data insights, and social media to build strong brand narratives?

We treat data as a compass rather than a strict formula. Insights into audience behaviour, content performance, and platform trends help us understand what resonates with people, but storytelling remains the heart of what we do.

Social media also offers immediate feedback, allowing us to test narratives, adapt quickly, and refine messaging in real time. We’re not interested in chasing trends simply for visibility. Instead, we focus on crafting narratives that feel authentic, relevant, and consistent across different platforms and media channels.

With the rise of AI tools and algorithm-driven platforms, how is PR evolving and what skills matter most today?

Public relations today is less about controlling narratives and more about building trust. AI has changed the way many tasks are executed, but it hasn’t changed how people interpret or connect with brands.

Qualities like sound judgment, cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and contextual understanding remain irreplaceable. Professionals who understand business fundamentals, human behaviour, and long-term brand building will always have an edge regardless of how technology evolves.

How do you approach crisis communication in today’s always-on digital environment, especially for founders and startups?

Crisis communication isn’t simply about managing headlines it’s about safeguarding trust. We guide founders in responding with transparency, accountability, and clarity rather than reacting impulsively or withdrawing entirely.

In today’s digital landscape, honesty resonates far more than attempts at appearing flawless. When handled thoughtfully, a crisis can actually reinforce credibility. However, when handled poorly, it can erase years of progress.

For startups and personal brands in particular, reputation is closely tied to the individual. Crisis management therefore goes beyond damage control it involves rebuilding trust and demonstrating responsibility.

If you could collaborate with any brand or founder right now, who would it be and why?

We naturally gravitate toward founders and companies that prioritize long-term impact over short-term attention. Businesses that value reputation, relevance, and sustainable growth tend to align best with our philosophy.

Growth-stage startups, personal brands, and premium businesses that appreciate strategic storytelling often find the greatest value in working with us.

What advice would you give to aspiring PR entrepreneurs or young professionals entering the communications industry?

First, understand how businesses actually operate before focusing on visibility. PR is most effective when it is grounded in clarity, purpose, and credibility.

Take the time to learn how brands grow, how founders make decisions, and how trust is built over time. When the fundamentals are strong, visibility naturally follows.

For founders and brands experiencing growth, navigating visibility, or repositioning themselves, Sorta Famous collaborates closely with leadership teams to craft clarity-driven narratives that convert attention into lasting credibility.

Build genuine relationships, stay connected to culture, and be open to experimentation. Above all, remember that PR isn’t about manipulating stories it’s about telling the truth in a way that resonates with people.

Passionate in Marketing
Passionate in Marketinghttp://www.passionateinmarketing.com
Passionate in Marketing, one of the biggest publishing platforms in India invites industry professionals and academicians to share your thoughts and views on latest marketing trends by contributing articles and get yourself heard.
Read More
- Advertisment -

Latest Posts