‘Bhaskar Das’ passing marks the end of an era’

Yesterday, I lost a dear friend who was a constant presence throughout my career. For over 30 years, our interactions were almost fortnightly, if not more frequent, as print media was at the heart of everything we did, and Bhaskar Das was the boss of the most influential newspaper. While he had a tough job, not once do I recall meeting Bhaskar without his trademark enthusiasm or his openness to exploring fresh ideas.

One of my most cherished memories with Bhaskar was at Cannes when Lodestar won a Gold for L’Oréal. We were both there, and when the win was announced, I insisted he join me on stage. It was a moment that truly embodied our partnership and shared drive for excellence. In the last five to six years, we had the privilege of co-chairing the IAA Leadership Awards. Together, we worked to elevate the event to the stature it enjoys today. Even as his health began to falter, Bhaskar remained an unwavering source of guidance, always stepping up with his characteristic grace and wisdom.

Bhaskar’s life, both personal and professional, was beautifully complemented by his wife, Shoma, whom he often referred to as the wind beneath his wings. I stayed in regular touch with him, calling him every couple of weeks. On January 1st, when I called to wish him a Happy New Year, Bhaskar—despite being in the hospital—replied warmly and directed me to speak with Udit, his son. After his surgery, I visited him on January 6th. Agnello and I spent over an hour with him, and in true Bhaskar style, he was his cheerful, passionate self, animatedly discussing content marketing and recounting amusing anecdotes.

At no point did he show any signs of pain or discomfort. When I left the hospital that day, I felt reassured that we would meet again. That’s why the news of his passing yesterday was so heartbreaking. Watching the entire Times Group and the stalwarts of the advertising and media industry gather to honour him; I was reminded of how deeply Bhaskar was loved and admired.

His wit, his unique “BD-isms,” his sharp one-liners, his sartorial elegance, his boundless optimism, and his spirited debates delivered in his eloquent and evolved English on the future of media will forever remain etched in my memory. Even though he stepped away from BCCL some time ago, Bhaskar’s influence on the media landscape—and on the Times Group in particular—was enduring. His passing marks the end of an era, not just for me but for everyone who had the privilege of working with or knowing him.

Bhaskar was more than a colleague or collaborator—he was a friend, a guide, and an eternal source of positivity. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. I will miss him deeply.