100 Years of Essel Group: The journey of the powerhouse behind India’s media revolution

100 Years of Essel Group: Essel Group is celebrating a historic milestone on May 21, 2026, as the business conglomerate completes 100 years of its journey. The foundation of the Essel Group dates back to 1926 when a small-scale business began operations, which eventually grew into a diversified enterprise with interests spanning media, entertainment, packaging, education, and many other industries.

It is a journey marked by many things, ranging from different economic environments to technological advancements, as well as the emergence of new business sectors. Over the years, the business group has grown from its earlier stages and has been able to establish itself as one of the recognised business organisations in India.

Dr Subhash Chandra's vision and leadership

One of the most important chapters of the growth journey of the group is shaped by the entrepreneurial vision of Dr Subhash Chandra that was instrumental in forming some of its biggest ventures. Born on November 30, 1950, in Hisar, Haryana, Dr Subhash Chandra showed a keen interest in business from childhood while working in the grain trading business of his family.

Dr Chandra is an Indian media entrepreneur, philanthropist and the founder of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL). His business acumen and ability to identify emerging opportunities played a key role in reshaping India's media and entertainment landscape.

Often referred to as the "Father of Indian Television", Dr Chandra revolutionised the country's broadcasting sector through his pioneering initiatives. In 1992, when there was only one broadcasting company that held the majority share in Indian television, Dr Chandra established Zee TV, the first privately-owned satellite television channel of India.

Zee TV and the expansion of media ventures

The launch of Zee TV was a major landmark in Indian television and provided the platform for the development of media operations by Essel Group. The group later diversified its operations to include news, cable, DTH service provision, education, and entertainment.

The group further extended its media networks by entering into businesses such as Zee News and WION, which helped increase the media group’s coverage in news media and international broadcasting. Further, the group played a role in digital and cable broadcasting in India through initiatives like Dish TV and Siti Networks.

Throughout its journey, the group continued to focus on identifying emerging opportunities and entering sectors with long-term growth potential. The business philosophy associated with Dr Chandra has often emphasised innovation, resilience and adaptability in a changing market environment.

Entering into the second century of Essel Group's history, the hundredth year of the organisation marks the time when the celebration of success achieved by the organisation also means a realisation of success through a continuous process of vision, innovation, and transformation. From the founding of the company in 1926 until today, the story of the development of Essel Group mirrors the story of growth, innovation and transformation.