He began his career in the early 1990s in Hong Kong, working with The Entertainment Co. on major Asian concert promotions, long before “live music” became the cultural force it is today.
On October 26, we celebrate Mandar Thakur, CEO of Times Music, not just for his birthday, but for a career that has redefined how India listens to, discovers, and values music. His journey is marked by relentless innovation, quiet determination, and an unshakable belief that Indian music deserves its rightful place on the global stage.
From Music Television to the Digital Revolution
Mandar’s story mirrors the evolution of India’s music industry itself. He began his career in the early 1990s in Hong Kong, working with The Entertainment Co. on major Asian concert promotions, long before “live music” became the cultural force it is today.
Soon after, he became part of the team that launched Channel [V], a 24-hour music channel that changed the way an entire generation consumed music and pop culture. At a time when music television was still a novelty in India, Mandar helped shape a revolution in how audiences connected with artists and sounds.
Never one to stay still, he moved from broadcast to bytes, becoming part of the founding team at Soundbuzz, Asia’s largest digital music distributor, which was later acquired by Motorola in 2008. This move positioned him perfectly for the streaming age that was yet to come, bridging the world between analogue nostalgia and digital innovation.
Leading Times Music Into a New Era
Today, as CEO of Times Music, Mandar Thakur helms one of South Asia’s most forward-thinking music companies, spanning everything from record labels and publishing to film soundtracks (through Junglee Music) and the vibrant independent scene.
Under his leadership, Times Music has expanded its reach across languages, genres, and platforms, building bridges between traditional catalogs and contemporary sounds. From Hindi to Tamil, Punjabi to Bengali, the label’s diversity reflects his belief that every voice, every region, and every rhythm matters.
Beyond his corporate role, Mandar continues to shape the industry’s future as Chairman of PPL India, and a board member at IPRS, PDL, and IMI, helping modernize India’s music rights ecosystem and advocating for fair value for artists and creators.
A Vision Without Borders
What makes Mandar Thakur stand out isn’t just his business acumen, it’s his philosophy of borderless music. He sees no distinction between “indie” and “mainstream,” between “regional” and “national.” To him, every artist has a story worth telling, and every language adds a new note to India’s musical symphony.
Times Music’s digital-first approach, from mobile innovation to global publishing alliances, reflects that same agility and forward thinking. Mandar has ensured that Times Music stays ahead of the curve in a world where streaming, AI, and global collaborations are redefining what it means to be a music company.
A Day to Celebrate a Visionary
On his birthday, the celebration goes far beyond candles and cake. It’s a tribute to a leader who continues to influence how music is made, shared, and remembered and to a man whose work echoes across concert stages, streaming charts, and the hearts of countless artists and listeners.
To everyone at Times Music, the artists who collaborate with the label, and the millions who press play each day, today is a day to appreciate the man behind the music.
Happy Birthday, Mandar Thakur.Here’s to another year of innovation, inspiration, and the unstoppable rhythm of change you bring to India’s music industry.