In a moment that etched itself into the annals of global music history, Mandar Thakur, CEO of Times Music, was honored with the prestigious ‘International Music Person of the Year’ award at MUSEXPO 2025, held in Burbank, California. This wasn’t just a personal achievement for Thakur—it was a landmark moment for the entire Indian and Asian music industry. For the first time ever, this global honour was conferred upon a company and executive from the India/Asia region, shining an international spotlight on the incredible work being done in the subcontinent’s music scene.
A Historic 25th Edition of MUSEXPO
The 25th global edition of MUSEXPO—a marquee event in the international music industry calendar—celebrated its silver jubilee by breaking barriers and broadening its horizons. Hosted in Burbank, famously dubbed the “media capital of the world”, the event brought together key stakeholders from the international music ecosystem, from top record executives and publishers to artists, music tech innovators, and entertainment moguls.
The ceremony wasn’t just confined to industry recognition—it had official weight too. The Mayor of Burbank, the County of Los Angeles, and representatives from the State of California issued formal proclamations to commemorate the award. This symbolic gesture underlined not only the prestige of the honour but also acknowledged India’s rising stature on the global music stage.
Times Music: A Powerhouse with Global Vision
The award to Mandar Thakur also serves as a broader recognition of Times Music’s strategic evolution and pioneering work in shaping India’s musical footprint beyond borders. A joint venture between The Times Group—India’s largest media conglomerate—and Primary Wave, a leading independent music company from the U.S., Times Music has grown into a dominant force in the realms of recorded music, music publishing, and artist management.
Under Mandar Thakur’s leadership, Times Music has expanded its reach, influence, and catalog across multiple genres and languages. The company’s brand architecture reflects its commitment to diversity in music. For instance:
- Junglee Music: A vibrant sub-label known for its cutting-edge Bollywood soundtracks and mainstream commercial music.
- ffs (for future sounds): An indie music label designed to nurture India’s eclectic independent music community, giving voice to fresh talent and alternative genres.
Times Music is no longer just a local player—it is India’s cultural ambassador in the global music conversation.
Mandar Thakur: The Strategist Behind the Success
A seasoned music industry executive and a respected thought leader, Mandar Thakur has long been instrumental in reshaping India’s position within the international music landscape. With a career that spans across media, music rights, and digital transformation, Thakur’s leadership at Times Music has been marked by a distinct vision: to globalize Indian music, while strengthening its domestic foundation.
Accepting the award, Thakur said, “This recognition highlights India’s expanding influence in the global music industry and cements Times Music’s role as a key player on the world stage.”
His statement encapsulates the dual mission of Times Music: serving the diverse Indian music market while creating cross-border opportunities for artists, IPs, and musical narratives that originate from the region.
The Times Group’s Endorsement
Speaking about the accolade, Vineet Jain, Managing Director of The Times Group, lauded both Thakur and the Times Music team, saying, “This award is a recognition of Times Music’s and its team’s dedication and effort toward building a global business and I wish Mandar and team continued success.”
This endorsement from the top tier of the parent company reinforces the trust and strategic alignment behind Times Music’s long-term goals. With backing from one of the most influential media houses in Asia, Times Music has the resources and vision to continue pushing boundaries.
Joining an Elite Club of Global Music Icons
By receiving this recognition, Mandar Thakur joins an elite list of past honorees who have made indelible marks on the music industry. These include:
- Diane Warren – Grammy & Emmy Award-winning, Oscar-nominated global hit songwriter.
- Monte & Avery Lipman – Co-Founders of Republic Records, the powerhouse label behind artists like Ariana Grande, Drake, and The Weeknd.
- Harvey Goldsmith – Legendary concert promoter known for iconic global events like Live Aid and Live Earth.
- Steve Schnur – Worldwide Executive & President of Music at EA Games, bridging the gap between gaming and music.
- George Ergatoudis – Head of Music, UK & Ireland at Apple Music, and former tastemaker at BBC Radio 1.
- Pete Ganbarg – President of A&R at Atlantic Records, instrumental in signing and developing numerous Grammy-winning artists.
- Daniel Glass – Founder and President of Glassnote Entertainment Group, home to artists like Mumford & Sons and Phoenix.
Mandar Thakur’s inclusion in this illustrious lineup not only celebrates his individual accomplishments but also positions India as a formidable player in the global music business.
Why This Matters for India & Asia
The significance of this award extends beyond Times Music or even Mandar Thakur himself. It’s a moment of validation for an entire region that has historically been underrepresented in global music leadership circles.
Here’s why it matters:
- Cultural Diplomacy: India’s music—rich in tradition and diverse in style—is finally receiving its due on international platforms.
- Industry Inspiration: This recognition sets a benchmark and creates aspiration for artists, managers, producers, and music entrepreneurs from Asia to dream bigger.
- Strategic Partnerships: Awards like these open up new doors for collaboration between India and international labels, publishers, tech platforms, and talent.
- Revenue & IP Expansion: With growing global interest, Indian music IPs can now command higher value across sync licensing, streaming, and global performances.
- Talent Pipeline Boost: Young Indian artists in genres like hip-hop, indie, classical fusion, and folk now have a greater chance of breaking through globally with backing from established institutions.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As Times Music rides high on this global recognition, the road ahead looks full of opportunity and promise. With increasing investment in digital innovation, artist development, regional expansion, and global partnerships, the company is well poised to shape the next era of India’s music story.
In the broader narrative of MUSEXPO 2025, the recognition of Mandar Thakur isn’t just a feather in one man’s cap—it’s a loud, proud shoutout to India’s creative potential. It’s also a call to action for the global industry: to pay attention, collaborate, and co-create with the music powerhouses rising from the East
Conclusion
The honour bestowed upon Mandar Thakur and Times Music at MUSEXPO 2025 is far more than an award—it’s a global salute to India’s music legacy, its contemporary dynamism, and its future possibilities. As the music world becomes increasingly interconnected, this moment will be remembered as a tipping point where India’s sonic signature found its rightful place on the world stage.
The message is loud and clear: India is not just listening anymore—it’s leading.
