Happy Birthday Dr. Yogesh Lakhani (25 September)

• It was a night charged with electricity at the fifth Bright Awards which was a star studded affair a birthday bash of Doctor Yogesh Lakhani.
• Bright Outdoor Media Limited - Advertising
• Know what it means to brighten lives through anthropy from Dr. Yogesh Lakhani, CMD, Founder, Bright Outdoor Media Limited.

In a world filled with thousands of advertisements, one company rises above the rest, not only changing the advertising landscape but also bringing a change in the lives of many people. Today, Bright Outdoor Media Limited, with its rich heritage dating back to 1980, has become a symbol of excellence, innovation and sustainability. This famous company is India's first BSE SME listed OOH company, that has not only redefined outdoor advertising but has also won the hearts of many through its philanthropic and social welfare efforts.

With over 43 impressive years of experience, Bright Outdoor Media Ltd has made an unprecedented and significant impact on the advertising industry. Being the first outdoor media company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) is a living testament to their success. Having run many marketing campaigns, the commitment of Dr. Yogesh Lakhani, Owner, Founder, CMD of this company towards exceptional services and excellent results for his clients is undeniable. His dedication has earned him more than 50,000 accolades, honors and awards, including mention in national and prestigious world books of records.

Bright Outdoor Media Limited has so far had world famous celebrities, leaders, politicians and diverse clients from home and abroad showcasing its ability to cater to a wide range of entertainment, FMCG, technology, real estate and other big industries.  Their collaboration and creative solutions have made them a trusted partner for businesses across a variety of sectors. However, their impact goes far beyond leading permanent advertising solutions.

In a world crippling with environmental challenges, Bright Outdoor Media Ltd takes a proactive approach to sustainability. They have been at the forefront of environmental responsibility by implementing permanent go green advertising innovations. As a proud member of the team that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest advertising billboard in the world of outdoor advertising, Yogesh Lakhani exemplifies his commitment to a greener future. By investing in green technology and partnering with like-minded organizations, Yogesh Lakhani continues to pave the way for sustainable practices in the advertising industry.

On 25th September, Dr. Yogesh Lakhani is entering the sixtieth successful year of his life. Highlights of the conversation with him on this occasion

------- I would like to wish you happy birthday. How are you planning to celebrate your special day this year?

Dr. Lakhani:----Thank you very much, this year I have organized the star studded 5th Bright Awards Night at a prestigious location where hundreds of stars, super stars, leaders, politicians were the guest, Apart from the celebration, I have donated money, food, clothes, medicines and blankets to the needy. I will continue doing so for as long as possible. . Additionally, I am organizing a blood donation camp and I will be the first one to donate blood, so it is a joyous week with some cause filled celebration. I have given you the veneu  of the prestigious location but do not publish the location address otherwise there will be so much crowd gathering there and gate crashes, that it will be difficult to handle. After five years, we have again organized this grand star studded BRIGHT Awards fest. Due to the Covid pandemic, there had to be a gap of four years in between.

------ Talking about festivals, I heard that during Ganpati festival, you go to various pandals and attend Ganpati puja organized by stars and politicians. Can you tell us more about your experience during these festivals?

Dr. Lakhani:-- Definitely. Being a Jain, I do not organize Ganpati puja in my home. However, I go to see Lord Ganapati in big pandals and also attend Ganapati pujas organized by stars and politicians as an honored guest. It is a beautiful occasion full of positivity, and my son Anugrah also enjoys being a part of these celebrations.

------Now, let's talk about your remarkable success in the outdoor media industry. Can you share with us the secret behind your achievements?

Dr. Lakhani:----It has been a journey full of hard work, dedication and many challenges. I started from scratch in 1980 and worked hard, often working 16 hours a day, and still do today, sometimes not even having time to sleep or eat. It is through perseverance and tireless work in overcoming difficulties that I have been able to grow my company, Bright Outdoor Media Limited, to where it is today.

------Balancing work and family life can be quite challenging. How are you able to give quality time to both your company and your family?

Dr Lakhani:----It's all about prioritizing and getting the balance right. I make sure to give my maximum dedication and focus towards my company, but I also understand the importance of spending time with my family. To maintain this balance, I take my wife Jagruti and son Anugrah on a few-day holiday to various tourist destinations in the country thrice every year and also on international tours twice. It gives us amazing pleasure and memorable experience and also strengthens our bond, while also recharging ourselves for the challenges ahead.

------Can you share with us your dreams and aspirations for Bright Outdoor Media Ltd?

Dr. Lakhani: - - - Absolutely:---Although I am grateful for what I have achieved so far, my dreams are still larger than my achievements. I strongly believe that the sky is the limit, and I will continue to strive to reach new heights in my personal and professional life. So, I will keep working hard, be grateful for what God has given me and accept new challenges with open arms.

------Tell us about your journey to get Bright Outdoor Media listed on BSE SME Exchange, what inspired you?

-Dr. Lakhani: - - - - My inspiration came from a long-held dream of mine. Bright Outdoor Media has been in the outdoor media business since 1980 and has become one of the top in OOH advertising. Our dedication, hard work and commitment have contributed to our success. As per my vision, I always wanted Bright to become a public listed company and take on new challenges so that we become the talk of the town.

------- The decision to list on an SME exchange is quite interesting. Can you tell, why you chose this particular exchange?

Dr. Lakhani: - - - - The pandemic certainly disrupted our billing cycles and created challenges for us. However, despite the circumstances, we managed to meet the requirements for listing on the BSE SME Exchange. This was a significant achievement for us, considering the circumstances we faced. We believe that listing on this exchange will provide us with the right platform to showcase our potential and unlock new growth opportunities.

------This is reall impressive, can you throw some light on the criteria you met for the listing and what factors do you think contributed to your huge success in listing Bright Outdoor Media on the SME Exchange?

Dr. Lakhani: --- Certainly, we met all the parameters set by the exchange. Being a 43 year old unit, we have consistently adhered to the governing norms and regulations. Moving forward, it is important for us to maintain this approach to ensure that we provide value for money and expected returns to our investors. This commitment, combined with our well-established reputation and track record, was instrumental in our successful listing on the SME Exchange.

------What plans do you have for the growth and diversification of Bright Outdoor Media in 2023 and beyond?

Dr. Lakhani:----We have exciting plans for the future. Firstly, we aim to convert our existing billboards into state-of-the-art high-end LED screens at prominent locations as per the guidelines given by the concerned authorities. Additionally, there are plans to launch new ventures across India by developing new units. We also see great potential in expanding our footprint across the railway network across our country and beyond, providing information, convenience and entertainment through LED screens in waiting rooms and corridor platforms. Going green is another priority with an eye on the clean environment, and we will adopt 100% “Go Green” practices, including building new sites powered by solar energy. Furthermore, establishing national and international partnerships will help us access the latest technologies, thereby furthering our development.

------- This sounds like a grand plan ,  do you think other OOH companies will be inspired by your listing and adopt similar plans? How do you think this will contribute to the overall growth of the Indian OOH industry?

Dr. Lakhani:---- Success is not just about desire; This is the result of hard work. I believe the future is bright when the vision is clear. Taking risks and adopting latest technology has been crucial to our journey to success. With the success in this venture, it will set new milestones and standards for others to follow. I aspire to set a global benchmark for the Indian OOH industry, which will undoubtedly fuel its growth and inspire other OOH companies to explore similar avenues.

------Can you tell us more about your early life and the values your parents instilled in you?

Dr. Lakhani:----My early life was far away from the glitz and glamor of the media world that I am a part of today. I was born in a simple family and my parents taught me the values of hard work, perseverance and service to others. Despite their limited means, they always emphasized the importance of values and they have played a significant role in shaping my personal and professional life.

-----Your journey into the world of outdoor media has been marked by flexibility and determination. Can you share some of the challenges you faced and how you overcame them?

Dr. Lakhani:----- Starting out in the outdoor media industry was not easy. I faced many challenges and obstacles along the way. One of the biggest challenge was to establish ourselves in a highly competitive market. I had to constantly innovate and offer unique solutions to stand out from the crowd.

Financial constraints were another hurdle I had to overcome. I was committed to growing my business and did not seek external funding. This meant that every step of development was the result of hard work and careful planning.
However, perhaps the biggest challenge was building relationships and gaining trust in an industry that was difficult at the time. It took a lot of networking, building connections, and establishing a reputation for delivering the promises before I was able to gain the trust of customers.

----: You mentioned that you started Bright Outdoor Media Ltd. with a vision to revolutionize the outdoor advertising industry. How have you achieved this goal and what sets your company apart from others?

Dr. Lakhani:----- Our vision has always been to take the outdoor media industry to new heights. We have achieved this by continuously innovating and focusing on delivering impactful advertising. From offering digital screens to LED screens to having a diverse portfolio catering to different sectors, we have always strived to stay ahead.
What sets us apart, is our commitment to excellence, strong teamwork and our ability to think outside the box. We are not afraid to take risks and explore new possibilities. Our customers trust us because they know we will always exceed their expectations. Bright Outdoor Media Ltd stands by its achievements. We remain focused on what's next and are constantly looking for new ways to expand our reach and influence, Investments in digital LED hoardings, acquiring advertising rights at important train stations, Mumbai Port Authority and various developments, which reflect our dedication towards innovation. Furthermore, our expansion across India and internationally reflects our ambition to create a global footprint in the advertising industry.

-----You are famous for your philanthropic efforts. Can you share some of the initiatives you are involved in?

Dr.  Lakhani:---Giving back to the society has always been close to my heart. I engage in various charities, from providing free education to the underprivileged, feeding the hungry, giving the needy their essentials to opening free dialysis centres. Be it my wife Jagruti's birthday or my son Anugrah's birthday or my birthday, especially on  these days, foods , medicines and clothes are distributed to the needy. Orphanages and old age homes are also helped a lot.
Actually these initiatives are close to my heart while celebrating special occasions like birthdays. By getting involved in charity work. I and my family believe in sharing our blessings with those less fortunate, and these opportunities provide us with a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

------ In addition to your outdoor media business and philanthropic activities, you have also taken up film production. Can you tell us more about this aspect of your work?

Dr. Lakhani:----, Yes, I have always been passionate about the film industry and my involvement in film production has been an exciting journey. Through Bright Outdoor Media Limited, we have promoted many films and have featured most of the top actors of the film industry like Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, through strategically placed film hoardings.
Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Ayushmann Khurrana's first film gained popularity through  Bright advertisements and today they all are my good friends.
This venture not only shaped my passion for films but also provided me the opportunity to form friendships with many top Bollywood actors, and many of whom have become my great friends.
Through all this, My family is my support system, and they have always been with me through thick and thin. They inspire me to keep moving forward.

-------If you wished , you could have played the role of a hero in films because you also look very handsome?

Dr. Lakhani-----No no, I have never been fond of becoming a hero in the films, actually on the insistence of some friends, I have done cameo roles in some films but I am busy and happy in my bright outdoor media.

----- - - - What advice would you give to new aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals who wish to bring about a change in society?

Dr. Lakhani:---- My advice to new entrepreneurs is to never give up on your dreams. Stay focused, work hard and always be open to learning everything. Surround yourself with the right people who share your vision and lift you up. And most importantly, never forget the power of giving back to the society. Always find ways to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy."

The success of Bright Outdoor Media Limited has reached these great heights because of the indomitable spirit and determination of Dr. Yogesh Lakhani. From a humble beginnings of selling newspapers and matchstick boxes to supporting iconic film stars, corporate giants and political parties through his Bright Outdoor Media Limited , his journey is an inspiration.

Dr. Lakhani's passion extends beyond the scope of business. He received Doctorate  from Sorbonne University of France, The Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa (HC) degree in Business Management, awarded by John Thomas Praed. Despite his skyrocketing success, he is still down to earth and is committed to bringing a change in the lives of the poor, orphans and needy through his social welfare work and charity. He often listens to his heart and not his mind. Furthermore, his commitment towards organ donation is amazing, as he had also donated his mother's organs (eyes and skin) after her death. Through huge hoardings and other media platforms, he tirelessly promotes the noble cause of organ donation and inspires others to bring about a change.

With an impressive track record, Dr. Yogesh has successfully addressed the needs of over 1000 clients in the entertainment industry, corporate sector and FMCG. Due to his dedication and expertise the company has received more than 5000 international awards and been honored a remarkable 2000 times.

One of the highlights of his career is his long association with the prestigious IIFA Awards. Dr. Yogesh, who has been associated with IIFA since its inception, has played an important role in its success. Every decade, during the unveiling of a new trophy, Doctor Lakhani is honored for his valuable contributions. The first time he received this honour, he was overwhelmed by the fact that the trophy was presented by none other than the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan.

He was also presented IIFA Award by Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan and Ananya Panday.

Bright Outdoor Media Ltd. not only lights up the world of media advertising but also brightens up the lives of people in need. With its exceptional advertising solutions, commitment to sustainability and visionary leadership, Bright Outdoor Media is a force to be reckoned with. Doctor Lakhani and his team's dedication to making a positive impact on society through philanthropic initiatives sets an example for all the industries .