Dr. Bhaskar Das, a revered figure and trailblazer in the Indian media industry, passed away on January 15 after a courageous battle with cancer. His demise marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in India’s media and advertising history, where his career spanned over four transformative decades.
A visionary leader, Dr. Das was instrumental in shaping the trajectory of several prominent media organizations. He dedicated over three decades to Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (BCCL), where he served as President of Response and a board member, significantly contributing to the organization’s growth. During his six-year tenure as President, BCCL’s turnover soared from ₹1,560 crore to ₹4,200 crore.
In 2005, Dr. Das spearheaded the launch of Mumbai Mirror, a strategic initiative to strengthen The Times of India against rising competition in Mumbai’s media landscape. Under his leadership, Mumbai Mirror quickly gained prominence, becoming a vital part of the city’s media ecosystem and standing resilient against competitors like Hindustan Times and DNA.
Beginning his illustrious journey in 1980 as a management trainee at BCCL, Dr. Das rapidly ascended the corporate ladder with his exceptional talent and vision. His legacy of innovation and strategic acumen made him a prominent figure in the media and entertainment industry. Beyond BCCL, he held pivotal roles as Group CEO of Zee Media Corporation, Executive President at DB Corp, and Group President & Chief Strategy Officer at Republic TV.
Dr. Das also contributed to academia and advisory roles, offering his expertise to MICA and IdeateLabs. His pioneering leadership and innovative strategies have left a lasting impact, inspiring countless professionals and reshaping India’s media landscape.
His passing is a significant loss to the industry, but his contributions and vision will continue to inspire future generations.
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