‘You’re one of the finest human beings’

Dr Subhash Chandra and Sonu Sood

Former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and one of India’s most respected and influential figures in the media industry, Dr. Subhash Chandra celebrates his 75th birthday on 30 November 2025. The visionary entrepreneur reshaped India’s media landscape by launching the country’s first private satellite TV channel, Zee TV, in 1992. Doordarshan’s bold move to break its monopoly triggered the cable television boom and changed the way content was consumed by millions. Chandra’s pioneering vision and relentless drive laid the foundation of India’s modern media and entertainment industry.

Dr Subhash Chandra continues to garner widespread love, respect and heartfelt wishes from across the world on his 75th birthday. Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood, Dr. He joined millions celebrating Subhash Chandra’s 75th birthday and described him as an inspiration and a true change-maker. The Fateh actor said, “Subhash ji, very happy returns of the day. May God bless you with good luck, health and happiness. Aaj aapke janamdin pe bas yahi kahunga ki, you are one of the best people you will ever come across. Always smile. Dil se apko bahut bahut pray. Aur party time hai. Kab bolengey, ana zaroor parti lene aaunga. Aap khush rahein aur ishwar apko Say hamehsa lambi umar.”

Born in Adampur, Haryana, Dr Subhash Chandra hails from the Agarwal Bania family. His early years were filled with difficulties as mounting debts of around Rs 3.5 lakh forced him to abandon his education. After leaving school, he stepped into the family’s trading business and started working closely with the Food Corporation of India (FCI), paving the way for his entrepreneurial journey.

In the 1980s, Dr Subhash Chandra ventured into manufacturing flexible packaging, primarily plastic tubes, for FMCG products such as toothpaste under the brand name Essel Packaging. He later expanded into the entertainment industry by opening India’s first amusement park, Essel World, in Mumbai. In 2003, he founded India’s first satellite television provider, Dish TV, within the Zee Group. Essel Group is currently among the largest Indian conglomerates with interests spanning media, entertainment, packaging, infrastructure and technology.

Dr Chandra has received many awards over the years. He was awarded the Global Indian Entertainment Personality of the Year Award by FICCI in 2004. His other awards include the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 1998, Business Standard’s Businessperson of the Year in 1999, and the International Emmy Directing Award in 2011. The master industrialist is now hosting Sach: The Subhash Chandra Show to inspire the youth.