MAM
Industry gathers to remember their Bhaskar Da
MUMBAI: Friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered on the evening of 24 January to celebrate the life of Dr Bhaskar Das, fondly known as BD or Bhaskar Da, at a packed remembrance ceremony at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai. The atmosphere resembled a rock concert, as people stood shoulder to shoulder to honour the “rock star” of the media industry, in the words of media veteran Meenakshi Menon.
A striking photograph of BD captured his essence—an effortlessly stylish presence, his T-shirt radiating understated luxury, hair tousled as if by a breeze from a southern French beach, and his insouciance evident in every detail.
The evening highlighted BD’s extraordinary ability to forge deep connections. As his brother Sanjay Das shared, “Bhaskar had an incredible gift for bringing people together.”
Despite being a deeply private individual, BD had an innate knack for shining a spotlight on others, learning about their lives, families, and struggles, all while keeping his own life in the shadows, highlighted Meenakshi.
The venue was emotionally charged – some shared their loss, some shared how Bhaskar Da had helped them unexpectedly and expecting nothing in return. Many attendees shared stories of his thoughtfulness and the genuine care he extended to everyone, regardless of their stature. Bhaskar Da was a people’s person in the truest sense—interested not in what he could gain but in what he could learn from others.
“BD’s ability to make friends and influence people was unmatched,” noted one attendee. “He was a friend to all and an inspiration to many.”
The remembrance ceremony was as vibrant and heartfelt as the life BD lived—an event he would have undoubtedly approved of. As those closest to him bid farewell, they reflected on his enduring wisdom and generosity.
“Farewell, my friend,” wrote Meenakshi. “You will live on in our hearts and through the advice you shared. You will be remembered always.”
Bhaskar Da would have liked it if people celebrated his life, rather than mourn his loss or his passing. He lived a full life, like he used to say: “I’d rather have life in my years, than years in my life.”
While, we would have liked him to have both, he chose the first. We appreciate and respect his choice Bhaskar Da. Thank you for the wonderful legacy of relationships, warmth, and a life well-lived that you have left behind. Cheers!.
Brands
Radico Khaitan appoints Kunal Madan as chief marketing officer
Promotions signal focus on premium spirits, global expansion and homegrown leadership
UTTAR PRADESH: Radico Khaitan has elevated two long-serving insiders to its top leadership team, signalling a bold push into premium spirits and global markets. Kunal Madan steps in as chief marketing officer, while Sudhir Upadhyay takes charge as chief sales officer, both part of what managing director Abhishek Khaitan calls a consciously built next-generation leadership bench.
“At Radico Khaitan, our growth has always been powered by people,” Khaitan said. “True leadership is not imported, it is cultivated.” He added that empowering internal talent ensures continuity while keeping the company globally competitive and future-ready.
Madan, with over 20 years of experience across global sales and marketing, will drive brand architecture, marketing strategy, and the premiumisation agenda, including travel retail. Upadhyay, who has 25 years in the industry and was most recently national sales head, will oversee distribution expansion and execution across markets.
The leadership reshuffle comes amid Radico’s intensified focus on premium spirits, a segment driving higher margins and international growth. Last year, Ajay Kakkar was brought on to head the Premium On-Trade vertical, targeting modern and institutional channels to boost presence in high-growth segments.
Meanwhile, Amar Sinha stepped down as chief operating officer after contributing across multiple growth phases. Khaitan acknowledged Sinha’s role in supporting the company’s trajectory, while Sinha described his tenure as “an absolute privilege,” crediting Khaitan’s leadership for shaping the company’s strategic direction.
With a homegrown leadership bench and a clear premium agenda, Radico Khaitan is set to accelerate its global expansion while doubling down on brand elevation and market impact.
