Bhaskar Das, a luminary in the media industry with a career spanning four decades, has passed away. He was suffering from cancer and breathed his last on January 15. Das had a distinguished career spanning diverse industries, including media, strategy, education, and digital innovation. Known for his leadership roles and strategic insights, he was dedicated to fostering innovation and growth.
One of the defining chapters of Das’ career was his remarkable 32-year tenure at Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd (BCCL). Serving in various leadership roles, including as President and Board Member from 2005 to 2012, Das played a pivotal role in the company’s growth. Under his leadership, BCCL achieved significant growth, with advertising revenue increasing from INR 1,560 crore to INR 4,200 crore during his six-year stint as President, contributing to 90% of the company’s turnover. His visionary marketing strategies and innovative approach left an indelible mark on the organisation’s operations.
In January 2024, Das assumed the role of Chief Evangelist and Board Member at Silver Star Foundation, based in Mumbai. In this role, he championed the foundation’s mission of creating social impact and provided strategic direction to ensure its initiatives made a meaningful difference. Prior to this, in April 2023, he served as President of the Content Advisory Group in Delhi, leveraging his expertise to guide organisations in crafting innovative and engaging content strategies.
As Chairman of IdeateLabs from July 2022, Das focused on steering the company towards becoming a leader in the digital space. Concurrently, he served as Director of Strategy and Insights at Craving Digital, a role he held since June 2022. His influence extended to the blockchain sector, where he was CEO of Unica Token Pvt Ltd from May 2022 to May 2024.
As Group President and Chief Strategy Officer at Republic TV (January 2019 - May 2022), Das played a pivotal role in shaping the channel’s strategic vision and driving market growth. Based in Mumbai, he guided Republic TV during a crucial phase, aligning its operations with emerging trends in news broadcasting and audience engagement. Before joining Republic TV, Das served as Executive President of DB Corp Ltd. (Dainik Bhaskar) from October 2017 to May 2019. From November 2012 to October 2017, Bhaskar held the role of Group CEO at Zee Media Corporation Limited. Over five years, he spearheaded the transformation of Zee Media, introducing innovative strategies to enhance its content and expand its reach.
His legacy extended beyond the corporate world, as he also made significant contributions to academia. Since September 2012, he had been a Governing Council Member and Mentor for Media & Entertainment and Sports Business at MICA, Ahmedabad. For over 12 years, he mentored countless students and professionals, inspiring them to achieve excellence in their respective fields. He will be remembered as a visionary leader, a mentor, and a lifelong learner whose impact will continue to resonate for generations.
MK Anand
Ex CEO & MD of Times Network
“Mr. Das was the most energetic and action oriented manager of our time. He simply did more. Met more people. Read more books. Took higher targets. Set higher benchmarks. Advised more companies. Even in this last decade BD travelled on work more than most Senior Managers do. And he kept that verve for more and love for experiences alive till the very end. ”
Prasoon Joshi
Chairman of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO of McCann Worldgroup India
“In an industry so often shaped by change and uncertainty, a connect with Bhaskar remained steadfast. Despite his illness he was a serial optimist, raring to bounce back. He leaves behind a legacy not just of professional excellence but of gentle compassion and generosity of spirit. We will celebrate you - who made the industry, better simply by being in it.”
Malcolm Raphael
Chief Growth Officer, Sideways
“For those who may have known, Bhaskar was fighting cancer for a few years. When I met him at Goafest 2024 in Powai, he told me that the doctors said he had a unique strain that was difficult to cure. When I asked him what it meant, he laughed and said that it could be days, weeks or months. Only a person who lived a full life could face death with that attitude. In the very next breath, he asked me how he can help in building my business or any projects he could be part of.”
Bipin Pandit
COO, The Advertising Club, Mumbai
“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.”
Jaideep Gandhi
Chairman– Goafest
“I have had the privilege of knowing BD since his time at the Times of India, where he was a true and worthy successor to another industry doyen, Pradeep Guha. His visionary leadership and deep understanding of the industry were unparalleled. When he was with DNA, he even extended the kind gesture of inviting me to be an honorary editor of their real estate supplement—a memory I hold dear and one that reflects his knack for bringing people together and fostering collaboration.”
Paulomi Dhawan
Strategic Advisor
“Bhaskar Das....! I have known Bhaskar for over three decades. Every interaction with him was interesting, as he was intellectual, very knowledgeable, witty, and had interesting stories. Always Stylish - he could carry those colours ! Over the years, we became good friends. I am so glad I got to meet Bhaskar last week in hospital though I never thought it was my final goodbye.”
