Madan Bahal: A towering leader of the PR industry

Celebrating Madan Bahal at 70, Harshil Karia, Founder & CEO, Schbang describes him as rock-solid, strategic, and generous leader

by Harshil Karia
Published: Feb 5, 2026 4:40 PM | 2 min read

Madan Bahal is truly an exceptional case in business leadership.

Many people have written about him on his 70th birthday. Clients describe him as rock-solid, strategic, and someone who consistently gives credit to his teams; colleagues and mentees speaking about him as a rare, deeply respected leader. I would like to add my voice to that collective admiration - as someone who is an agency builder.

To me, he is not just a father figure to the PR industry, but to the entire communications, advertising, and brand ecosystem in India.

On a personal level, every time I have reached out to him, he has been open, generous, and thoughtful with his advice. Having seen decades of cycles, crises, and transformations, his guidance is always calm, grounded, and time-tested. I have benefited immensely from those conversations.

I deeply admire the way he has built his business. With fiscal prudence, long-term thinking, and an unwavering focus on sustainability. I admire the small but telling details: the care with which he designs his offices for his teams, the respect he shows for people at every level, and the culture of dignity he upholds.

His philosophy of India first, his firm ethical stance on refusing to work with industries that may harm society, and his uncompromising integrity stand out in a world where such values are increasingly rare.

Above all, I admire his professionalism, his clarity of thought, and his enduring enthusiasm even after decades at the top.

Madan Bahal is a towering leader in our industry and someone I am genuinely proud to acknowledge and celebrate.