M.R. Jaishankar’s life tracks the story of modern South India as closely as any skyline his company has built. Before he became the driving force behind Brigade Group, he grew up among the quiet rhythms of coffee estates in Chikmagalur. His family had been in the plantation business for more than a century, known in the region for their work ethic and community focus. Those early lessons shaped his view of enterprise long before he ever thought of entering real estate.
He studied Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore and followed it with an MBA from Mysore University. The plan at the time was simple: return to the estates, run the family business, and build on an inherited legacy. Instead, a different kind of seed took root. He joined UB-MEC Batteries as a management trainee but soon ventured out to start MLR Industries in 1980, manufacturing chicory for coffee blends. The factory grew fast, becoming a major supplier to Brooke Bond. It was a strong start, but labour troubles eventually forced him to rethink the path ahead.
By the mid-eighties, Bengaluru was still finding its urban identity. It wasn’t yet the tech capital it would become, but the signs of growth were already visible. Jaishankar saw potential in real estate, even though he had no background in the business. It was a leap many considered risky. In 1986, he founded Brigade Group, starting with a modest residential project and a determination to build trust in a market where credibility was everything.
The early years weren’t easy. Raising capital for projects was tough, and approvals took time. Larger developers dominated the landscape. But Jaishankar placed all his bets on one simple promise: quality. He understood early that the only way to survive in real estate was to deliver what was promised, on time and without compromise.
The breakthrough arrived with Brigade Towers, one of Bengaluru’s earliest high-rise office buildings. The project instantly put the company on the map. It wasn’t just a tall structure; it signalled an ambition that Bengaluru wasn’t yet accustomed to witnessing. Brigade Towers became the company’s calling card, opening doors to bigger opportunities and a more confident future.
As the city grew, so did Brigade. The portfolio widened to include residential apartments, office spaces, retail destinations and eventually hotels and integrated townships. Brigade Gateway, one of the most ambitious mixed-use projects in India at the time, brought together homes, offices, a mall, a hospital, a school and even a hotel. It was a self-contained urban ecosystem long before such developments became common. For many, Brigade Gateway transformed the way Bengaluru imagined urban living.
If Brigade Gateway was a landmark for the city, the World Trade Center Bangalore was a milestone for the company. Securing the WTC license placed Brigade on the global business stage, changing the way multinational companies viewed Bengaluru as an investment destination. It gave the skyline a new anchor and strengthened the company’s position as a serious player in commercial property.
Alongside real estate development, the company built deep roots in hospitality. Partnerships with Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Grand Mercure and other global brands added an important layer to the business. The move kept Brigade ahead of market cycles, offering steady income streams and expanding its reputation beyond construction alone.
Retail followed. Orion Mall became a turning point in Bengaluru’s shopping culture, proving that malls could be more than retail hubs, they could be social spaces. It reflected Jaishankar’s instinct for understanding how people experience cities, not just how they live or work in them.
Even with multiple verticals and a presence across Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and GIFT City, the guiding philosophy never changed. Brigade’s core values: Quality, Customer Centricity, Fairness, Innovation, Responsible Socially and Trust became the foundation for its growth. Jaishankar believed values were not branding tools but operational anchors.
The journey, however, wasn’t free of challenges. Real estate is a volatile business, shaped by regulatory shocks, economic slowdowns and shifting demand cycles. The introduction of RERA and GST forced many developers to rewrite the way they worked. Jaishankar addressed the new environment by strengthening compliance structures and reinforcing transparency. Market downturns tested liquidity and timelines, but careful pacing of projects helped the company hold steady. Scaling operations across cities also required strong governance and disciplined systems, areas in which Brigade invested early.
While the business grew, Jaishankar’s personal interests shaped initiatives beyond real estate. He founded Brigade Foundation, a trust focused on education, health and community development. His most distinctive contribution, though, is the Indian Music Experience Museum, the country’s first interactive music museum. It stands as a cultural landmark that celebrates India’s vast musical heritage in a contemporary format.
Recognition followed over the years. Awards from CREDAI, FKCCI, ET Now and CNBC acknowledged his leadership and long-term impact on the sector. Bangalore City University awarded him an honorary doctorate for his contribution to society. Yet, people who have worked with him often describe his leadership through simpler qualities: humility, clarity and fairness.
From a small-scale chicory unit to more than 280 completed buildings and 83 million sq ft of developed space, the arc of M.R. Jaishankar’s career mirrors the growth of modern South India. His story isn’t one of flashy leaps but steady conviction, a belief that cities can be shaped thoughtfully and businesses can grow without losing their values.
The skylines of Bengaluru and other cities carry the imprint of that long, steady journey. The work continues, as cities evolve and new challenges emerge. The story moves forward - one project, one neighbourhood, one transformed landscape at a time.
Realty+ wishes M.R. Jaishankar a very happy and healthy birthday.
