A look at Yogesh Lakhani’s journey from adversity to achievement on his 62nd birthday

A look at Yogesh Lakhani's journey from adversity to achievement on his 62nd birthday

As I reflect upon the life journey of Dr. Yogesh Lakhani, a man whose spirit is as resilient as the billboards he’s built, I find myself awestruck by his relentless pursuit of success amidst adversity. Born into financial struggles, his determination saw him through, transforming challenges into opportunities. His story is a testament to the power of grit and the indomitable human spirit.


Today, on September 25, Dr. Yogesh Lakhani, head of Bright Outdoor Media, marks another year in his life. As he celebrates his 62nd birthday surrounded by friends from the industry and family members, we reflect on his incredible journey – a journey that has taken him from adversity to accomplishment. His life story is truly inspiring, showing us how someone can rise above difficult beginnings to build a thriving business empire and turn obstacles into opportunities.

Raised in a financially strained household that found it difficult to cover hospital expenses, Dr. Lakhani’s early years were spent in a modest, confined environment. In spite of these challenges, he demonstrated exceptional tenacity. From an early age, he took on various jobs such as selling newspapers and fireworks to contribute to his family’s income, all the while fostering his passion for cinema.

Here’s how he started his billboard empire:

As an ardent admirer looking back on Dr. Yogesh Lakhani’s journey, I can’t help but feel inspired by his tale of resilience and success. Instead of pursuing academics, this visionary pioneered his path into the advertising realm by peddling promotional flicks in movie theaters. This bold move marked his entry into the industry, and it wasn’t long before he struck gold with the idea to set up billboards at train stations – a groundbreaking concept at the time.

As a fortunate recipient, I experienced my career’s significant leap when Manikchand offered me a contract for the Filmfare Awards. Since then, my professional journey has been on an upward trajectory. I established myself as a trusted figure known for my integrity, diligence, and outstanding client care. This reputation opened doors to numerous projects within the film industry, corporations, and beyond.

A look at Yogesh Lakhani's journey from adversity to achievement on his 62nd birthday

Bright Outdoor: A Vision with a Mission:

Under Dr. Lakhani’s forward-thinking guidance, Bright Outdoor Media made history as the first outdoor advertising company to list on the BSE in March 2023. His ambition extends beyond financial success, seeking instead to generate employment and foster positive change. Drawing inspiration from the advanced digital LED displays of Times Square, New York, Burj Khalifa in the UAE, and London, Dr. Lakhani aspires to introduce similar international standards to India. Through innovations such as solar-powered billboards and LED signboards, he has revolutionized outdoor advertising. Today, Bright manages more than 30 of Mumbai’s primary digital LED billboards, with plans for further growth and the creation of numerous job openings.

Service to Society:

Dr. Lakhani’s heart is deeply rooted in social service. Every week, he feeds the less fortunate, offers books to underprivileged students, and is dedicated to making a positive impact. He has also established a free dialysis center for those in need and actively participates in blood donation drives. This year, he’s decided to divert his annual Bright Award Night efforts towards assisting the visually impaired, individuals with disabilities, orphanages, and senior homes.

Going Green:

Following its initial public offering, Dr. Lakhani’s company embarked on a fresh chapter by erecting over 30 digital LED billboards across Mumbai. Moreover, these billboards have sparked the initiative to transition towards solar energy, contributing positively to the environment through collaborations with Zest Outdoor. Notably, this collaboration partner has earned recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records for its innovative work in solar power.

Family First:

In a balanced manner, Dr. Lakhani prioritizes his family just as much. Regardless of his hectic workload, he consistently carves out moments for his wife, Jagruti, and son, Anugrah. Whether it’s embarking on journeys within the country or abroad, or cherishing weekends together, family takes precedence in his life.

A look at Yogesh Lakhani's journey from adversity to achievement on his 62nd birthday

Spiritual Commitment:

Dr. Lakhani, who was born into the Jain faith, is actively engaged in religious pursuits and philanthropic work at temples and spiritual centers. He consistently lends support to spiritual guides such as Shri Namramuni Maharaj, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Invitations to serve as an honored guest at the Brahmakumari Institute are a testament to his esteem. Beyond his own faith, Dr. Lakhani holds respect and offers assistance to all religions, fostering unity and harmony across various spiritual journeys.

Honors and Respect:

Dr. Yogesh Lakhani has been honored with two distinguished doctorate degrees: one from the Sorbonne University of France for his significant contributions to business management, and another from the Royal American University of the USA in recognition of his dedicated work in social service. With a vast collection of more than 10,000 awards and recognitions, his accomplishments are highly respected. Although he doesn’t possess an MBA, his exceptional business skills are frequently used as case studies in various MBA programs, highlighting his proficiency in strategic planning and leadership.

Bright Outdoor Media: The Industry Leader

In various fields such as films, property, or business promotion, Bright Outdoor Media stands out as the preferred option. This company, with its billboards, has propelled numerous Bollywood actors into stardom, while major players like Larsen & Toubro, Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, and more trust Bright for their advertising endeavors. With a clientele exceeding 100,000 that includes countless movies, TV channels, serials, streaming platforms, and music albums, Bright continues to push the boundaries in outdoor media. Dr. Yogesh Lakhani’s journey from humble beginnings to industry leader is a testament to his relentless ambition, foresight, and commitment. His story, marked by resilience, service, and triumph, serves as an inspiration for many at public events where he often poses for selfies.

Read More

2024-09-25 20:07