MAM
Leena Jaisani passes away, leaving a lasting legacy in media
Veteran policy architect and FICCI leader dies after cardiac arrest in Delhi
NEW DELHI: Leena Jaisani, deputy secretary general and head of media and entertainment at FICCI, has passed away following a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening. She had been hospitalised for several days and was on ventilator support prior to her demise. She was widely regarded as one of the quiet architects behind India’s modern media and entertainment policy ecosystem.
Jaisani’s career at FICCI spanned more than three decades, during which she helped shape policy advocacy, industry dialogue and global partnerships for the sector. From steering flagship platforms like FICCI Frames to pushing for industry status for Indian cinema and enabling the Film Facilitation Office, her imprint ran deep across policy and practice alike.
Colleagues and industry stakeholders remembered her as both rigorous and warm, a rare combination in policy circles. “She was a pillar of strength for the M&E industry. Her contribution is immense and long lasting. She will always be remembered for being a thorough professional and solution oriented person,” said an industry colleague. Another added, “This is so sad and shocking… forever grateful for her sincere and consistent efforts to support us all as an industry.”
Beyond conferences and committees, Jaisani played a central role in building bridges between India and global markets. She helped drive audio visual co-production treaties with multiple countries and fostered ties with international platforms such as MIPCOM and the Rome Film Festival. Her work also extended to intellectual property, retail, FMCG and digital commerce within FICCI’s wide ambit.
An alumna of Delhi University, she also served on the board of the Media and Entertainment Skills Council, contributing to talent development and skilling in the industry. Those who worked closely with her recall her ability to translate complex policy into practical outcomes, often with understated efficiency.
Her passing leaves a significant void at a time when India’s media and entertainment sector is expanding rapidly and seeking clearer regulatory direction. For many in the industry, Jaisani was both a steady hand and a trusted voice. Her absence will be felt not just in boardrooms and policy papers, but across the ecosystem she helped build.
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
