Leena Jaisani passes away, leaving a lasting legacy in media

NEW DELHI: Leena Jaisani, deputy secretary general and head of media and entertainment at FICCI, has passed away following a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening. She had been hospitalised for several days and was on ventilator support prior to her demise. She was widely regarded as one of the quiet architects behind India’s modern media and entertainment policy ecosystem.

Jaisani’s career at FICCI spanned more than three decades, during which she helped shape policy advocacy, industry dialogue and global partnerships for the sector. From steering flagship platforms like FICCI Frames to pushing for industry status for Indian cinema and enabling the Film Facilitation Office, her imprint ran deep across policy and practice alike.

Colleagues and industry stakeholders remembered her as both rigorous and warm, a rare combination in policy circles. “She was a pillar of strength for the M&E industry. Her contribution is immense and long lasting. She will always be remembered for being a thorough professional and solution oriented person,” said an industry colleague. Another added, “This is so sad and shocking… forever grateful for her sincere and consistent efforts to support us all as an industry.”

Beyond conferences and committees, Jaisani played a central role in building bridges between India and global markets. She helped drive audio visual co-production treaties with multiple countries and fostered ties with international platforms such as MIPCOM and the Rome Film Festival. Her work also extended to intellectual property, retail, FMCG and digital commerce within FICCI’s wide ambit.

An alumna of Delhi University, she also served on the board of the Media and Entertainment Skills Council, contributing to talent development and skilling in the industry. Those who worked closely with her recall her ability to translate complex policy into practical outcomes, often with understated efficiency.

Her passing leaves a significant void at a time when India’s media and entertainment sector is expanding rapidly and seeking clearer regulatory direction. For many in the industry, Jaisani was both a steady hand and a trusted voice. Her absence will be felt not just in boardrooms and policy papers, but across the ecosystem she helped build.