He believed in me and that was enough: Stuti Singh

He may not have been the perfect boss every day, but he believed in me — and that was enough.

Bhaskar Sir was my boss at Adfactors in my early days. When I had just joined, he made sure I found my way. He had his own way of encouraging people — sometimes by giving them a shout-out on social media, sometimes by hosting a feast. He made people feel seen and celebrated, in his own way.

I remember one client meeting in particular. The client was on a complete rant, and I was struggling to keep my composure. Every time the client would really “dance,” Bhaskar Sir would look at me — almost as if to say, calm down, it’s okay.

Later, I broke down and told him I was sorry that he had to hear so much from the client because of me.

He was completely unfazed. He simply told me, “Client complaining is no big deal. It’s fine.”

That was Bhaskar Sir.

He had this incredible patience with clients, even in the most patience-testing situations. He would listen, let them have their say, make them feel heard — and then, very calmly, make his point. I learnt a lot just watching him handle people.

And then there was the Bhaskar Sir who was full of life. Always fun. A complete foodie. Someone who loved hosting people and bringing everyone together over a good meal. Every time we went for a client meeting, he would make sure I was well fed at some iconic food joint. Some of my best meals were with him, and today those meals feel like some of my most precious memories.

He had been battling cancer for the last few years. But when I think of him, I don't want to remember the illness. I want to remember the Bhaskar Sir I knew — full of life, warmth, humour, patience, good food and generosity.

Bhaskar Sir, as most of us called him, will be forever remembered.

I feel incredibly fortunate that, early in my career, I had a boss who believed in me. Someone who knew how to calm me down without saying much, who taught me that an angry client wasn't the end of the world, and who made difficult moments feel manageable.

Some bosses teach you the work. Some teach you how to handle people. And some leave you with memories that stay with you long after you have moved on.

Bhaskar Sir did all three.

Thank you, Sir — for believing in me, for the lessons, the shout-outs, the meals, the laughter and the memories.

You will be missed.