Dr. Bhaskar Das, a distinguished media veteran and stalwart of the Indian media business, handed away on January 15 after a protracted battle with most cancers. He was 72.
Dr. Das’s passing marks the top of an period in India’s media and promoting business, the place his affect spanned over 4 a long time. He was related to a number of main media organisations, shaping their development and defining their trajectories.
Aside from a three-decade affiliation with Bennett, Coleman & Co. (BCCL), Dr. Das was additionally the group CEO of Zee Media Company, government president at DB Corp, and group president and chief technique officer at Republic TV.
He was additionally a member of MICA’s Governing Council (GC) from July 2013 to July 2024. Past his official function, he was a mentor, visiting school member, and a driving pressure behind the evolution of the Media, Leisure, and Sports activities space at MICA. His visitor lectures and steering considerably formed MICA’s tutorial framework and its alignment with business practices.
His demise has deeply saddened the business, and tributes have been pouring in from each quarter.
Anita Nayyar, former COO-media, branding, and communication
Bhaskar Da, as I at all times addressed him… I’ve recognized dada for everything of my skilled life. He was an incredible instructor, mentor, information, and, above all, a implausible human being recognized for his constant starvation to study and an timeless zeal to contribute to the business.
BD to virtually everybody, I at all times discovered him an especially vibrant particular person. Be it the best way he dressed—standing out from the group—or the best way he conversed—but once more out of the peculiar.
A really vigorous particular person exuberating constructive vitality on a regular basis. At all times beaming with one thing new to supply, be it at Occasions, Dainik Bhaskar, Zee, or Republic. An inspiration who at all times instilled in me a starvation to continue to learn no matter from whom or the place it’s coming until it’s time to lastly grasp my boots.
Thanks, dada, for the legacy of humility, kindness, and continued studying that you’ve got left behind. Will attempt to guarantee I’m able to carry a few of it going forward. Although it won’t even be a patch in your contributions. Even within the latest occasions when he was not in good well being, he was filled with positivity.
The business received poorer immediately with the lack of his passing away. You’ll be missed however at all times remembered. Relaxation in peace and maintain educating & inspiring wherever you might be.
Ashish Bhasin, founder, The Bhasin Consulting Group
I had the privilege of figuring out and dealing with Dr. Bhaskar Das for over three a long time, and his passing is an immense loss to the promoting and media business. He was one of many most interesting gents within the subject, recognized for his mind, humility, and skill to attach with individuals throughout all ranges—younger and outdated, junior and senior.
I labored intently with him throughout his time at The Occasions of India and later at DNA, in addition to in his function as president of the Promoting Membership, notably round GoaFest, the place we collaborated for a number of years.
Bhaskar had a novel capability to method even contentious points with heat and respect. Whether or not we had been on reverse sides of the desk—him representing INS or broadcasters and me the Promoting Businesses Affiliation of India—the discussions had been at all times amicable, and our friendship solely grew stronger.
Bhaskar was a person of refined style, typically influenced by his spouse Shomshuklla Das’ impeccable eye, as seen within the artfully curated presents on the Bombay Occasions events.
He was additionally recognized for his daring vogue decisions—brightly colored pants and sneakers—which we playfully teased him about. He’d snicker and say, “I’m a younger man at coronary heart, so why not put on what I would like?” His passing marks the top of an period. Changing somebody of his calibre, appeal, and values will probably be almost unimaginable.
My heartfelt condolences exit to his household, buddies, and particularly Shomshuklla, who was a steadfast assist all through his life.
Jaya Deshmukh, director & CEO, MICA Ahmedabad
Dr. Das was MICA’s buddy, contributing generously of his time and his data. He will probably be missed.
Mona Jain, former chief income officer, Zee Media
At this time is profoundly unhappy as we mourn the lack of Dr. Bhaskar Das, or BD as he was fondly recognized. His passing feels virtually like a private loss to me, having recognized him for almost 30 years—spanning a lot of my skilled life.
I had the privilege of interacting with BD at numerous phases of my profession. As a writer associate throughout his time on the Occasions of India and my stint on the company facet, conferences with him at all times required meticulous preparation. BD’s incisive questions ensured that you simply had been well-prepared, elevating the standard of each dialogue. Later, as a colleague at Zee, I received to know him on a deeper, extra private degree.
BD was humble, compassionate, and a real mentor. He shared his data with generosity and at all times prolonged unconditional assist and steering. His unmatched vitality was evident in every thing he did—on stage, he was dynamic and animated, typically pacing round as he introduced.
One in every of BD’s most outstanding qualities was his capability to remain linked. Over time, he typically reached out to me, notably throughout moments after I wanted encouragement or recommendation. That was BD—at all times considerate, at all times there with a phrase of knowledge.
The final time I spoke to him was on September thirtieth. His remaining LinkedIn submit, simply 4 days in the past, serves as a poignant reminder of his unwavering ardour for his craft. Even in his remaining days, he continued to contribute and share his insights with the world.
It’s my honour and privilege to have recognized him and he figuring out me!
Physician Bhasker Das, you may be missed.
Partho Dasgupta, managing associate, Thoth Advisors
Bhaskar and I labored very intently throughout my stint with The Financial Occasions. I nonetheless keep in mind the ET Awards night time he turned up in a pink jacket virtually just like the salmon pink color of the paper—he actually lived the model he guided because the model director. He was first my boss after which a colleague at a number of business our bodies and ultimately a buddy. He was each enjoyable and a tremendous mental to study from; I’ll miss his banter and steering on occasion.
Punit Goenka, managing director, Zee
The media & leisure business has misplaced a invaluable gem immediately…Dr. Bhaskar Das was an inspiration to many, and to me, he was a pricey buddy, mentor, colleague, visionary chief, and rather more! The whole ZEE household mourns his loss. Relaxation in peace, sir; you may be missed enormously!”
Sandeep Menon, member of MICA’s Governing Council and MD, Workato
I shall at all times keep in mind ‘Bhaskar Da’ as a grounded, pragmatic, and constructive particular person. There was an virtually childlike curiosity in him, regardless of his depth of expertise.
His eyes would mild up every time an attention-grabbing dialog or debate passed off. And he was endlessly studying. That thirst for data was his hallmark. I shall miss the vigorous banter we shared every time we met. Could he proceed to please the Gods together with his distinctive insights.
Santosh Desai, member of MICA’s Governing Council, and MD and CEO, Future Manufacturers
I didn’t know anybody extra alive, extra curious, or extra desperate to study. Bhaskar was unimaginable to consider by way of age, for he was at all times on the reducing fringe of the very newest concepts.
Spending time with him was at all times a delight, for one by no means knew what flip the dialog may take. He will probably be sorely missed each as a buddy and as a colleague on MICA GC.
Raj Nayak, MD, Home of Cheer Networks
One other business stalwart isn’t any extra. Bhaskar Das was actually considered one of a form—witty, humble, and lively. I used to be lucky to name him a buddy for almost three a long time. His appeal, humour, and distinctive model will probably be deeply missed.
A few days in the past I used to be lucky to say my goodbyes to him. I had referred to as his spouse, Somshukla,to convey a message to him since we weren’t allowed to satisfy and he or she kindly put me on speakerphone and requested me to convey the message myself , and it was probably the most emotional two minutes of my life.
My heartfelt condolences to his household. Relaxation in peace, Bhaskar Da, and unfold your cheer and appeal in heaven. Love you, my buddy.
Dr Sandeep Goyal, MD, Rediffusion
Bhaskar and I had been buddies for 25 years or extra. One of many most interesting professionals I’ve had the great fortune to work with—very cerebral, very sharp, very incisive—however open to dialogue and debate to create a win-win.
We at all times loved his hearty Holi events—very enjoyable, very effervescent.
Final I met him, he made me promise I might write my novel Kabootar Ja. He was fascinated by the script and needed to play the varsity principal every time we might make the film. Alas!
Sunil Lulla, founder, The Linus Adventures
An enormous ball of pleased vitality has left us. His spirit and his classes will at all times be with us. Buyer First. Loyalty. Empathy. Bhaskar at all times ensured he left behind nice worth. His classes of dwelling nicely are the worth he leaves behind. Could the Lord grant peace and power to his household. His fashionable, smiling countenance will at all times stick with me.
A phenomenon—Bhaskar Das—lives on.
Tina Ambani, chairperson of the MICA Basis for Communications Analysis and Training, Ahmedabad
The media business misplaced a legend and a visionary with the passing of Dr. Bhaskar Das. And we misplaced a beloved and revered member of our MICA household. He was a member of MICA’s Governing Council from 2013 to 2024 and a cherished mentor and educator.
His dedication to the media, leisure, and sports activities sectors and his pivotal contributions to MICA’s development will endlessly stay a cornerstone of our establishment’s legacy. His mild shines on. Om Shanti.
Dr. Tridip Suhrud, president of MICA’s Governing Council
Dr. Bhaskar Das was a person of many qualities: a media skilled, a curious scholar, and a strategic thinker with a deep curiosity in training.
Throughout his lengthy tenure as a member of the Governing Council, he directed our consideration to the rising traits and endeavoured to bridge the hole between training and business follow. He bore his sickness with resilience. He will probably be cherished by the MICA neighborhood.
Written with the View : afaqs