I was contemplating what should be the title of my ode to the Legendary Bhaskarda that will define his personality in totality.
Many will use words such as Energetic, Passionate, Inspirational, Scholar, Legend etc but I thought of a famous movie title that describes him aptly - Tum Sa Nahin Dekha. Hence the frame of four pictures that depicts the various shades of his personality.
He was an all-rounder beyond compare. Advertising, Media, Marketing, Management, Education, Events all the disciplines were in his pocket. If invited as a panellist the sheer weight of his knowledge could make the Moderator shiver in his pants as was seen at one of the AdAsia held at Singapore. In fact, the Moderator ran away from the stage. He was a mobile University of Management in fact our own Peter Drucker or Philip Kotler.
I had the opportunity to work with him very closely for 25 years. We had several close interactions during which I use to be a listener and he use to speak on various subjects needless to state with Authority and conviction be it Politics, Films, Acting, Singing, Education not to forget Media, Advertising and Marketing. He just flowed while communicating and like many others I was also quite impressed with his command over the Language. I must add here that you nodded in his presence but had to refer to the dictionary after his dispersal. He could give Shashi Tharoor a run for his money.
We generally communicated in English and Hindi. The language also used to be very colourful. During his illness, I used to communicate more frequently with him, often reciting dialogues of the famous Actor Raaj Kumar, whom he loved so much. He had a fantastic collection of jokes and before discussing work he always used to narrate a couple of them.
He was a regular at my ‘Khumaar Musical Nite’. He sat in the front row and danced to the peppy numbers swaying the colourful props I circulate during the events. He could let himself loose and regale in the atmosphere. His Yellow trousers, Green shirt and Red shoes; not to forget his multicoloured hair egged me to dish out the foot tapping numbers. He never failed to call the very next day and say a few words of encouragement. He also got a show for me but unfortunately it clashed with the judging dates of an important Adclub show.
Bhaskar Da was a great human being as well. Being very close to him I got to see this side of his personality very often. Over the years we developed such a bond that one look from him evoked a perfect response from my side.
One can go on and on but can you imagine a person who is good at almost everything that he touched upon. He was a Guru to many and truly instrumental in shaping their careers. Hence the title Tum Sa Nahin Dekha. People will come and go but God has stopped the factory/dye that produced special personalities like Dr. Bhaskar Das.
Before I sign off, Bhaskar Da here is your favourite dialogue of Raaj Kumar
"Jaani Botiyaa Nauchnewala Gidhaad Kabhi Galaa Phaadne Se Sher Nahin Ban Jata Hai"
