It is difficult to capture the essence of Dr. Bhaskar Das in mere words, but there are a few unforgettable memories that stand out from my time working with him. I first met Dr. Das in February 2006 during my interview for a Chennai-based position at Times Response. The meeting took place at the iconic MG Road office in Bangalore, and I was immediately taken aback by his flamboyant style. His multicolored hair and chic outfit defied the typical corporate image I had envisioned for a senior leader. That day, the word “flamboyance” entered my vocabulary, and it perfectly encapsulated the charisma Dr. Das brought to every room.
One of my most memorable experiences came later when Dr. Das visited Chennai, and I had the opportunity to present an idea to him alongside my boss, Ninan Thariyan. The idea was to create a sports IP for The Economic Times by linking it with golf, a passion shared by many brand owners and market leaders. Just two minutes into the presentation, Dr. Das instantly greenlit the idea with a simple but powerful statement, “I’m completely sold on this.” ET Golf became a key annual event for both The Economic Times and golf enthusiasts for many years to come. What truly stood out was Dr. Das’ remarkable ability to spot opportunities and make quick, impactful decisions. This was the essence of his leadership—decisive, sharp, and visionary.
As we worked together on the launch of The Times of India Chennai edition, Dr. Das’ commitment to excellence and his hands-on approach were evident. He frequently held review meetings, often well into the night, with Ninan Thariyan, discussing everything from launch preparations to revenue planning. One night, after a particularly late meeting that extended past 11:30 PM, Dr. Das, noticing my unfamiliarity with Mumbai and my limited Hindi proficiency, graciously offered to drop me at the guest house. Such kindness was a rare and humbling gesture that I will never forget.
Dr. Das spent an entire week in Chennai to focus national attention on the launch of the fledgling edition. Watching him work was like attending a masterclass in leadership. His philosophies—“Say No to No Business,” advertising-driven consumerism, and volume-driven growth—shaped strategic decisions and inspired all of us. Whether in client meetings, reviews, mentoring sessions, or even casual parties, Dr. Das left an indelible mark on everyone who worked with him.
The last time I met Dr. Das was in July 2022 at a MediaNews4U.com conference in Bangalore. We spent over an hour together, traveling from the airport to the venue, reminiscing and discussing emerging trends like AI and Gen Z consumer behavior. Dr. Das congratulated me on my entrepreneurial journey and kindly offered to help in any way he could. During his session on New Consumers and Gen Z Insights, which took place during the post-lunch “graveyard slot,” he captivated the audience with his insights and theatrics, even mimicking the “Pushpa” walk to roaring applause. That was Dr. Bhaskar Das—flamboyant, visionary, a mentor, learner, teacher, and motivator. A man of many faces, for all seasons.
Dr. Bhaskar Das may no longer be with us, but his legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched, the careers he mentored, and the ideas he inspired. He was, and will always remain, an unforgettable part of my journey.
Rest in peace, Dr. Bhaskar Das. Your influence, your wisdom, and your energy will continue to guide us forever.
By Prakash Sankaranarayanan, Co-founder & CMO, Artha Digital Initiatives
