Dr. Yogesh Lakhani: From Building Bright into a Listed 360° Media Company to Making Birthday Celebrations About Giving Back

For Dr. Yogesh Lakhani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bright Outdoor Media Limited, birthdays have traditionally been less about celebration and more about giving back. Every year, he chooses to spend the occasion with people who need care and support—including underprivileged families, specially-abled children, orphaned children and residents of old-age homes. Blood donation initiatives and food distribution have also been part of his birthday tradition.

Bright Outdoor Media was founded by Dr. Lakhani in 1980 and has since grown into a major player in India’s out-of-home advertising industry. The company says it has evolved into a 360-degree media ecosystem covering OOH and DOOH advertising, transit media, television, print and radio, cinema, malls, events, digital and social media, PR and other integrated branding solutions. In March 2023, Bright became India’s first OOH media company to be listed on the BSE SME platform.

Dr. Lakhani’s own journey is closely linked to the company’s growth. He started Bright in 1980 with outdoor advertising work that included railway platform boards, wall and banner paintings and poster frames. Over the decades, the business expanded into a wider media operation, while his focus remained on building a long-term and trusted institution.

But beyond the corporate milestones, his association with social initiatives has become an important part of his public life. Reports and company material have highlighted Bright’s involvement in food distribution, education support, blood donation drives, medical assistance and support for people from economically weaker sections. The company has also supported free or subsidised medical initiatives and other community programmes.

For Dr. Lakhani, this spirit of service becomes particularly meaningful on his birthday. Instead of holding a conventional celebration, he prefers to share the day with people who may otherwise have little opportunity to celebrate. Feeding people, spending time with children and senior citizens, supporting the specially-abled and contributing towards blood donation are among the ways through which he marks the occasion.

This year, his birthday falls on September 25, which coincides with Anant Chaturdashi and the major Ganesh Visarjan day in Mumbai. Because of the religious significance of the day, Dr. Lakhani has decided not to hold a birthday party. Instead, he plans to seek the blessings of people and spend the occasion in a more meaningful manner.

His approach to success is rooted in gratitude. Dr. Lakhani often attributes his journey to the blessings of his parents, the grace of God and years of hard work. His story—from modest beginnings to leading a listed media company—has also been described as one built on persistence and resilience.

At a time when birthdays are often associated with elaborate parties and celebrations, Dr. Yogesh Lakhani continues to mark his special day differently—by sharing what he has earned with those who need it, expressing gratitude for the journey and seeking blessings for the road ahead.