At a time of rapid transition, massive cross-industry collaborations, and shifting power dynamics across the pan-India entertainment landscape, The Hollywood Reporter India presents its inaugural Power Players list. This unranked, definitive index serves as a celebration of leadership and a timely trade guide to the architects behind the scenes: the country’s most powerful talent managers and publicists.
To maintain razor-sharp focus and ensure this inaugural edition remains highly concentrated, the editorial team established a strict framework for inclusion. This list focuses strictly on public relations professionals and talent managers operating within the film and music industry and working alongside its most influential stars. To keep the selection manageable and distinct, we intentionally excluded streaming platform executives, gaming heads and legal counsel.
Because influence in the Indian entertainment ecosystem cannot be tallied on a calculator or quantified by raw data, THR India followed the global blueprint, relying on deep industry intelligence. This selection is determined entirely by the THR India editorial team’s pulse on the ecosystem.
So, in place of balance sheets, our primary data markers were driven by quality, credibility and relationships. Our editorial team undertook a rigorous vetting and debate process (lasting months), which required making difficult omissions as well.
Ultimately, this list, laid out in alphabetical order, maps who truly represents what in the current ecosystem, offering an insider’s blueprint to the real muscle behind Indian cinema’s public faces.
Aayushman Sinha isn’t just managing talent; he’s shaping the future of Indian culture on a global stage. His roster reads like a who’s who of the new Indian artist economy including AP Dhillon, Anuv Jain, Jonita Gandhi, Zaeden, Lost Stories, among others, and past collaborations such as Armaan Malik and Neha Kakkar. From landmark international tours to luxury brand crossovers, Sinha’s mandate is singular: not just to manage talent, but to build cultural equity around Indian artists at a global standard.
One client who changed your life?
Working with Anuv Jain changed my understanding of artist development. He proved that an Indian-origin artist could be global, aspirational, culturally rooted and commercially powerful without following the traditional playbook, with zero need for music labels or Bollywood.
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
Back in 2016 when Lost Stories was booked to perform at Tomorrowland. I was a fresh graduate out of college. I cold emailed the CEO of Jack & Jones explaining that this was a massive cultural moment and we’d love to partner with them. He was extremely kind to respond and loop in his teams and a month later we had an endorsement contract with them locked in — first ever for an Indian DJ and first ever for me as a manager. That day felt like I’m doing something right and I can probably understand and navigate this complicated industry.
Over the past 17 years, Abhishek Thukral has worked closely with a distinguished roster of clients including Pankaj Tripathi, the late Irrfan Khan, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Vir Das, Kartik Aaryan, Mrunal Thakur, Vicky Kaushal, Taapsee Pannu, Vijay Verma, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Randeep Hooda. He has led PR for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for the past decade, contributed to international platforms such as the Sundance Film Lab, and been part of campaigns for two Oscar-winning films from Sikhya Entertainment. He also spearheaded the PR strategy for the Sundance Award-winning film Girls Will Be Girls.
How do you define what you do?
Actors and filmmakers make movies; we are the key people that create the conversation around it.
One client who changed your life?
The late Irrfan Khan. He changed our perspective on what we do, the pace at what we do and the biggest lessons of patience and dignity. Bust some myths about the film industry.Not everyone is evil here. Not everyone is out there with malice or is doing bad things. Not everyone operates out of ego. People are actually kinder than you think. You need to find your people
Under Afsar Zaidi's leadership, Exceed has represented some of India's most prominent stars, including Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Yash, Suriya and Sonakshi Sinha. He has also pioneered celebrity-led brand creation through successful ventures such as HRX and House of Pataudi, while expanding the group's investment and incubation capabilities through LAP Ventures. With a focus on innovation, platform building, and long-term value creation, he continues to shape scalable business models at the intersection of talent, content, brands and IP.
A former touring drummer, Alaap Gosher co-founded TM Talent Management and Entertainment Consultant in 2013, before establishing TM Ventures in 2020 and building it into one of South Asia's most influential entertainment companies. His roster spans generations and genres — Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Badshah, Amit Trivedi, Faheem Abdullah, Vishal Bhardwaj and Rekha Bhardwaj, among others. He also co-founded All About Music, India’s leading music business conference, proving that at the core of his work lies a singular focus: building enduring careers, scalable platforms and a globally resonant future for Indian music.
Anjula Acharia works as an investor, talent strategist and cultural catalyst across entertainment, technology and consumer brands. An investor in many successful companies, including Bumble, ClassPass, SpaceX, Vital Proteins and OLIPOP, she has built a reputation for identifying emerging trends, backing visionary founders, and scaling culturally relevant brands. She is also widely recognised for managing Priyanka Chopra Jonas and helping shape her transformation from Bollywood superstar to global icon.
How do you define what you do?
I consider myself a multipreneur. On the entertainment side, my role is to discover exceptional talent, build their brands, and help turn them into global superstars. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Nora Fatehi, Siddharth and Rhea Raj are a few of the incredible talents I’ve had the privilege of supporting throughout their careers.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the industry operates the same way everywhere. Having worked across both Hollywood and India, I can tell you they are very different ecosystems, each with its own opportunities, challenges and cultural nuances. People often assume that success in one market automatically translates to success in another, but breaking talent across borders requires a different strategy
Anushree Amogh Kirtikar spearheads integrated communications, shaping narratives that influence public perception, build enduring brands and drive cultural conversations. Today, with over 15 years of experience, she leads strategic communications for a distinguished roster of talent, including Rajkummar Rao, Ishaan Khatter, Navya Naveli Nanda and Wamiqa Gabbi, Patralekhaa, Ahan Shetty, Singer Shaan, Maahi among others. Her work spans marquee film campaigns, talent positioning, strategic brand partnerships, and integrated communication mandates across entertainment, digital platforms, consumer brands and global collaborations.
How do you define what you do?
I’m in the business of first impressions and lasting narratives.
What does a crisis day look like?
It doesn’t start with a plan. It starts with a phone that won’t stop buzzing. I thrive in that chaos; it’s genuinely where I do my best work.
What are the unsaid rules of PR?
The best publicists are often invisible. That is, if we’ve done our job well. The stories we choose not to place are often as important as the ones we do. In a world obsessed with visibility, discretion is an underrated superpower. Entertainment PR isn’t about chasing headlines or manufacturing fame. Headlines fade, but reputation compounds.
Archana Sadanand is one of India’s most respected names in entertainment, celebrity and cultural communications. Over the years, she has advised an illustrious roster of clients including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Subhash Ghai, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, and Ashutosh Gowariker. She has also led communication campaigns for films such as Dil Chahta Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., Kal Ho Naa Ho, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Jodhaa Akbar, Parineeta, Don and Paa, alongside major Hollywood releases including Spider-Man, The Aviator and Men in Black II.
How do you define what you do?
I’m both architect and custodian. I help build the narrative and also ensure the person behind that narrative is moving in the right direction.
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
I remember working on a projectthat eventually led to that film being featured on the cover of India Today despite the publication not typically putting film news on its cover. It wasn’t just about securing coverage. It was about identifying a story that deserved to be told, shaping the narrative, and seeing it resonate at a national level.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Not every story needs to be told and not every headline deserves a response.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
That stars have everything handed to them. And that fame and influence are not the same thing. Some of the most influential people in the entertainment ecosystem operate entirely behind the scenes.
Arjun Kapoor has spent over 15 years in entertainment management and sales. While working at a talent management agency for eight years, he wore multiple hats, managing artists, actors, athletes and brands, while also looking after marketing and sponsorship for Mumbai City FC, Ranbir Kapoor’s football club. Before working with Ranbir again as his personal manager since 2022, he also spent a year working with the IPL team, Gujarat Titans.
How do you define what you do?
I manage most times, I mediate and manoeuvre often, I overthink sometimes, I troubleshoot when required, take a backseat when needed and I learn daily when is the right time to do what. All of this and some more for one of India’s foremost actors. Every call, every decision that needs a second opinion and every situation that needs to be handled before it becomes a problem, that’s my job. The actor I work with is the product as well as the business and my work is to protect and manage both.
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
I think “love what you do” is a bit of a fallacy. I don’t love what I do every single day. I like what I do on most days. But I love who I do it for and who I do it with. I distinctly remember two moments: The first was in 2014, after Mumbai City FC won their first-ever game. The second was at a pre-release screening for Ranbir’s last film. Both times, it felt good to have been part of something bigger than myself, to have contributed in some small way, to pop culture and the conversations people have around it.
Athira Dijlith gravitated naturally towards the promotional side of film journalism, drawn in by her love for the medium. Over more than 15 years and 200 films later, she has built a reputation for shaping the narratives behind some of Malayalam cinema’s most talked-about releases, including Kurup, Aadujeevitham, Aavesham, Marco, Kishkindha Kaandam, Kumbalangi Nights, Premalu, Ullozhukku and Bheeshma Parvam.
She began her career with Mohanlal’s Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol, where she made a deliberate effort to market the film on the strength of its content alone — an instinct that has defined her approach ever since.
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
I knew I wanted to continue in this field after I completed my first film. I began my career as an RJ but there was a certain excitement and a kick that I got while working on a movie. I’ve just been chasing that feeling.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
There’s a strict ethical code all of us in this business have been following. Then there’s the effort we all must make to understand the movie we're working on from a deeper perspective. A movie might need to be sold on the merit of its superstar. But that approach will not work at all when a film is about a bunch of newcomers. Every film comes with its challenges and pluses and it’s our job to find a balance that makes it attractive.
Bharath Sudhama brings 14 years of varied storytelling experience to his role as co-founder of The Big Little. His client roster includes Dr. Shiva Rajkumar, Colors Kannada, Star Suvarna, Jio Hotstar, Dakshayani Talkies, Daali Pictures, Geetha Pictures and KVN Productions. Among the films he has worked on are Pailwaan, Vikrant Rona, Bhairathi Ranagal, Firefly, Agnyathavasi and Bell Bottom, with ongoing projects including 666 Operation Dream Theatre, Bail and Pabbar.
Sudhama has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of film marketing in the Kannada industry. He set up the industry’s first dedicated marketing agency, led the first Kannada film promotion on the Burj Khalifa and remains the only agency from the region to have presented a case study at Meta’s entertainment summit.
How do you define what you do?
Imagine looking at a black-and-white picture of a Mysore Pak. You can see the shape, but you don’t know its colour, texture or how it will taste. Before it reaches you, someone helps bring those details to life so you know what to expect from the very first bite. That’s what we do for movies.
What does a crisis day look like?
Like sitting on a bed of feathers except the bed is on fire, and so are the feathers. The entertainment industry is essentially a collection of small and large screw-ups somehow coming together to create something that looks like magic.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut. The temptation is to treat access to celebrities as social currency. The smart thing to do is the exact opposite.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
That the film industry is as glamorous as it looks from the outside. In reality, it’s an industry with brightly painted outer walls and seepage in the living room.
Bunty Sajdeh is one of India's most influential sport and entertainment entrepreneurs. He founded Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment in 2008, signing Yuvraj Singh and Sushmita Sen as his first clients. He has since spent over 18 years building careers at the intersection of sport and entertainment.
Cornerstone represents a diverse roster of clients across music, sport and entertainment, including Tiger Shroff, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Sania Mirza, Manu Bhaker and Lakshya Sen. Its expertise goes well beyond basic talent management, with a team of professionals catering to endorsements, brand partnerships, events, production and investment opportunities.
The company has also built several IPs, such as the Indian Sports Honours and Indian Cricket Heroes, reinforcing its status as a pioneer in India’s sport and entertainment ecosystem
Dev Bhatia has spent two decades doing what few in India’s music industry have managed — building careers that last. His boutique agency represents a curated roster, including Prateek Kuhad, Adnan Sami, Indian Ocean, Danish Sait and Alokananda Dasgupta. His path ran through Red FM, Jalebee Cartel, and the co-founding of UnMute, the agency credited with bringing India’s electronic music scene to global attention.
A fixture at Amsterdam Dance Event, The Great Escape, and International Music Summit Asia Pacific, Bhatia remains one of the industry’s most consistent advocates for pro-artist policy and structural reform.
How do you define what you do?
We’re the special ops/SWAT team of the entertainment business. We work endlessly, often thanklessly, creating real impact in people’s lives, yet nobody knows who we are. We often don’t get credited for our work, and many times, we don’t get paid for it either.
One client who changed your life?
Jalebee Cartel.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Not everything you see or read is organic. Most of what looks spontaneous or authentic took months to engineer — and the irony is that’s exactly when it works best.
With over 14 years of experience, Divvya Nandrajog has built a reputation for crafting high-impact campaigns across films, talent management, lifestyle and live events. In the past, she has spearheaded publicity for actors such as Katrina Kaif, Sonam Bajwa and Sonam Kapoor. Her current roster includes Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, Danish Pandor, Neeru Bajwa, and celebrity stylist Ashley Rebello, among others.
Alongside high-profile fashion and lifestyle events, her recent highlights have been the promotional campaigns for actor Shaan R. Grover for Saiyaara, actor Danish Pandor for Dhurandhar, singer Vishal Mishra for Kabir Singh and Animal, and the Netflix show The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives.
One client who changed your life?
The late Sushant Singh Rajput and the very talented Katrina Kaif. Getting the opportunity to work with them and build their brand at a very young age helped me not only shape my career but also my attitude towards life and this profession.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Reach can amplify a story, but it can never replace years of trust built with journalists, editors, photographers and industry professionals. Visibility should never be mistaken for overexposure. And perhaps the most important rule is discretion. The conversations that protect reputations, shape careers and influence major decisions are often the ones that never make it to the headlines.
Over the past 12 years, Divya Tejuja and Divya Chaturvedi’s agency has grown into one of India’s most respected entertainment communications and talent strategy firms, working across films, streaming, celebrity management, brand partnerships and international campaigns.
Bazinga’s client roster has spanned names like Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Freida Pinto, Dev Patel, Malaika Arora, Kangana Ranaut, Rana Daggubati, Riteish Deshmukh and Allu Sirish, alongside studios and platforms such as Warner Bros. Pictures India, Paramount Pictures, JioHotstar, PVR Pictures and Namah Pictures.
The company has played a key role in shaping the India campaigns of major Hollywood franchises and blockbusters, including Mission: Impossible, F1, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Barbie and Joker. Bazinga also handled the India publicity campaign for Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Beyond the Clouds. Apart from film marketing, the agency has successfully led casting, talent strategy and promotional campaigns for shows such as India’s Ultimate Warrior and Star vs Food. In 2022, Bazinga Entertainment received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Best International Media & Marketing Strategists.
How do you define what you do?
We always say we’re in the business of storytelling, except our characters are real people. It’s equal parts strategy, psychology, creativity and sheer adrenaline. We’re not spin doctors. We’re translators. We are architects of perception. We help the world understand who our clients really are and why they matter.
Pearl Media Communications has long established itself as a trusted name in the entertainment industry. Founded by Ebrahim Contractor, the agency has built deep and personal relationships with both the media and talent it represents. From facilitating meaningful conversations in the media to crafting campaigns that resonate across platforms, they have mastered the art of connecting stars with their audiences.
How do you define what you do?
We identify our clients’ strengths, build the right narrative around them, and ensure it reaches the audiences that matter most.
What does a crisis day look like?
When a crisis hits, accuracy become everything. If a story has already reached journalists, our first job is to ensure they have the right facts before speculation takes over. Simultaneously, we’re managing people, coordinating communication and helping navigate a situation that’s often unfolding in real time.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Never reveal your source. Keep friends close and no one is an enemy here. Every crisis can be handled, so keep calm and keep kaam se kaam. Work is all that matters.
Harish Arasu, founder of Arasu Creations, is a leading PR professional in the Kannada film industry with over five years of experience. He represents Kichcha Sudeep, and various studios, including KVN Productions, Mythri Movie Makers, Lyca Productions, Red Chillies, ZEE5 Kannada, Colors Kannada, KRG Studios, Supriyanvi Studios, Jayanna Films, Asian Movies, Primeshow Studios, and Geetha Pictures. Some of the major movies he’s worked on have been RRR, Vikram, Peddi, Hi Nanna, Dasara, Kaduva, Thug Life, The Girlfriend Billa Ranga Baashaa, Yours Sincerely Ram, The Paradise, and Balan: The Boy.
How do you define what you do?
I’m the entertainment pigeon carrying stories, news, and insights from the world of cinema straight to your doorstep, whether that’s your newspaper, television screen or Instagram feed.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
That film stars stop being normal people once they become famous. To fans, I’d say this: admire your favourite stars for the work they do on screen, but don’t assume they owe you access to every part of their personal lives. Beyond the spotlight, they’re individuals with families, friendships, struggles and private moments they deserve to protect.
Harsha Chundru, Chaitanya Vajja and Pradeep Meka are co-founders of Walls & Trends. Over the past 10 years, the company has worked with renowned filmmakers and stars, including S. S. Rajamouli, NTR, Prabhas, and Sandeep Reddy Vanga. They have also worked on the marketing strategy for popular films such as RRR, Animal, Kalki, and the upcoming films Varanasi, Spirit and Toxic.
Robinville Art was founded on one conviction: great talent has no borders. The company’s roster includes Talwiinder — one of the most-streamed independent Punjabi artists globally, whose debut album "Misfit" landed on Mass Appeal India, a subsidiary of Nas’s Mass Appeal Records, and who has opened for Dua Lipa and G-Eazy.
Founder Ishvinder brings over two decades of experience across artist management, live entertainment and international business development to building exactly this kind of career — one that travels.
How do you define what you do?
I help creative people focus on being creative. Most artists spend their time making music, performing, writing or creating. My role is to help create the environment around them — whether that’s partnerships, strategy, touring, negotiations, content opportunities or long-term planning. A good manager spends a lot of time solving problems nobody ever sees and helping artists make decisions that will still make sense years later.
What does a crisis day look like?
Usually it starts before the first coffee. It could be a visa issue, a production challenge, a last-minute cancellation, a delayed flight, or a problem at a venue. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that panic is rarely useful. Most situations can be solved if you stay calm, communicate clearly, and focus on solutions.
The Route is one of India’s leading celebrity management and film production companies. Established in 2020, it has grown into a powerhouse agency, managing an acclaimed roster that includes Vijay, Samantha, Atlee, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Keerthy Suresh, Rashmika Mandanna, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Krithi Shetty, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Kathir and Arjun Das among others.
With over 15 years of experience in the film industry, Jagadish has played a key role in talent management, strategic partnerships and film production. He made his foray into production as the co-producer of Master (2021) and later co-produced Leo (2023). He has been a trusted associate of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for over a decade. Following the actor’s entry into politics, Jagadish was appointed as the private secretary to the Chief Minister, a role that reflects the confidence and trust built over years of close association.
Janahavi Rawal has over a decade of experience in artist representation and relationship-led management. She leads the company’s talent management vertical with a focus on building future-ready careers, nurturing the next generation of talent, and ensuring Collective continues to set benchmarks in how talent is represented and supported in a rapidly changing media landscape.
How do you define what you do?
At its core, it is about being a strategic partner and a trusted confidant, someone who understands the person behind the talent, helps them navigate opportunities, make important decisions, protect their vision and build a legacy over time. It’s about ensuring that every choice contributes to the larger journey.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
That celebrities have to be perfect because they live in the public eye. The reality is that they are human beings first. They experience the same fears, doubts, challenges and emotions as anyone else. The difference is that they navigate them while being constantly observed and judged.
Jashoda Madhavji is a self-made figure in India’s media and communications landscape with 20 years of industry experience. She's worked with artists like Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Wiz Khalifa, Bryan Adams, Enrique Iglesias, Dua Lipa, Post Malone, Tyla and more. Closer home, she has worked with an extensive list of music veterans, such as A.R. Rahman, Badshah, Guru Randhawa, Prateek Kuhad, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, AP Dhillon, Shubh and Karan Aujla.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
Talent alone isn’t enough. Success requires financial backing, strategic relationships, and early patronage. Viral moments aren’t organic. Labels systematically purchase placement, optimise for algorithms, and manipulate systems. What appears spontaneous is calculated engineering.
The gender imbalance isn’t improving. It’s just becoming invisible. Women are celebrated as commodities while systematically excluded from decision-making power. The industry looks more inclusive while remaining fundamentally patriarchal. The industry doesn’t care about music. It optimises for profit and scalability.
A song with genuine emotional resonance for a smaller audience gets no support. A song engineered for the broadest demographic gets massive investment. That’s why the same songs dominate every playlist.
Awards aren’t merit-based. They’re influenced by relationships, campaign spending, and lobbying of voters. An artist with institutional backing and resources wins over extraordinarily talented independents. The music industry runs on power, capital and relationships. Talent facilitates these mechanisms but doesn’t supersede them. Understanding this reality rather than accepting the meritocratic mythology is essential for navigating it strategically.
Jordy Patel is actor Salman Khan’s personal manager and close associate. He has been handling the actor’s professional representations, shoots and events for several years now.
A veteran journalist, author, and one of Telugu cinema's most respected public relations officers, L. Venugopal began his career in 1995. He has since managed campaigns for 500+ feature films. His clientele includes actors Pawan Kalyan, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, Jr. NTR, Prakash Raj, Rajasekhar, Uday Kiran, Tarun, Sumanth, Jayam Ravi Venu and Rahul, among others. Top directors in his clientele include Trivikram Srinivas, Krishna Vamsi, Neelakanta and Sekhar Kammula.
He has worked with leading production houses, including Geetha Arts, Annapurna Studios, Usha Kiran Movies, Suresh Productions, SSC Arts, Mega Surya Production, ML Movie Arts, Sri Ranjit Movies, Mega Supergood Movies, People Media Factory, Ynot Studios, Haarika & Hassine Creations, Sithara Entertainments and Pawan Kalyan Creative Works, among others.
Venugopal was also a key contributor to Taramaniharam, an encyclopedic chronicle of Telugu cinema, and is the founder of Telugu Cinema Charitra, a digital archive of Telugu film history.
What does a crisis day look like?
A crisis day usually begins with uncertainty and ends with clarity. In entertainment PR, a rumour, controversy, misinformation, or unexpected event can spread within minutes. The first step is gathering facts, not reacting emotionally. Then comes stakeholder coordination, media communication, and crafting a response that is honest, timely, and responsible.
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
During a film release, when I saw audiences reacting emotionally to a story that we had spent months promoting.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
That PR can manufacture success. PR can create awareness, but audiences ultimately decide what succeeds. Cinema is a collective effort, not an individual achievement.
A seasoned media professional with nearly two decades of experience, Maduri Madhu has been an active presence in Telugu film journalism and public relations since 2004. He has worked as a staff reporter at Sakshi Telugu Daily and for 13 years as a cinema bureau in-charge at Namasthe Telangana Daily. He also works with the I Dream YouTube channel as a senior journalist, extending his expertise into film publicity and media management.
His portfolio includes high-profile projects such as Pushpa 1 & 2 and Peddi, reflecting his ability to handle large-scale, high-visibility campaigns. He also serves as the personal public relations officer for acclaimed director Sukumar, one of Telugu cinema’s most celebrated filmmakers. Known for his strong media relationships and on-ground industry presence, Madhu continues to be a trusted name across both journalism and public relations in the Telugu film industry. He has worked on over 200 films, including Jagadam, Karthikeya, Swamy Ra Ra, Virupaksha, Kumari and Gandhi Tatha Chettu.
An industry leader, Mandvi Sharma served as the global publicist for Shah Rukh Khan and corporate communications head at Red Chillies Entertainment for five years, orchestrating high-stakes campaigns for the megastar, the Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL), and blockbusters such as Chennai Express, Happy New Year, and Dilwale.
Today, her firm, Tree-Shul Media, boasts an elite institutional and talent portfolio including Vyjayanthi Movies, Roy Kapur Films, Baweja Studios, Boman Irani, the Producers Guild of India, Kajol, Mahesh Babu, Disha Patani and Rukmini Vasanth among others. It is currently orchestrating high-profile national campaigns for anticipated titles like Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, Kalki 2898 AD Part 2, Jana Nayagan, and Maa Vande.
The client who changed your life?
It has to be Mr. Shah Rukh Khan. He has a way of reminding you, without ever saying it outright, that work only matters if the human behind it does too.
What does a crisis day look like?
Honestly, it looks like the most clarifying day of my career. A crisis is not a breakdown; it’s a final exam for every brief I have studied, every scenario I have stress-tested, every instinct I have sharpened over the years. People expect panic in a crisis room. I do the opposite. Panic is noise. Clarity is a strategy. You cannot navigate turbulence if you are part of it.
Mauli Singh founded Loudspeaker Media in 2013 to champion independent films, documentaries, film festivals, and emerging talent. Her firm has promoted over 200 acclaimed independent films, including All We Imagine As Light, Court, Masaan, Newton, Thithi, Killa, Titli, Village Rockstars, and Miss Lovely and led publicity and communications for key film festivals, markets and labs such as NFDC Film Bazaar, IFFI, Dharamshala International Film Festival, India Pavilion at Cannes, FB Goes to Cannes, NFDC Screenwriters Lab and Drishyam Sundance Screenwriters Lab as well as leading studios and production houses like YRF, NFDC, Drishyam Films, Dibakar Banerjee Productions, Phantom Films, Poetic Licence, Prakash Jha Productions, Applause Entertainment, Zee Studios and Saregama Studios.
As a producer, her credits include Rammat Gammat, which won at the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival, and Fire in the Mountains, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
How do you define what you do?
I promote parallel, arthouse, and independent films that get selected at prestigious international festivals such as Cannes, Venice and Sundance, win National Awards, or are selected as India’s official Oscar entries.
What does a crisis day look like?
In 2017, I was in Cannes handling PR for the India Pavilion and the launch of Drishyam Films, while also setting up meetings with international sales agents for Devashish Makhija’s Bhonsle. I also had two projects running in India. I collapsed from exhaustion and was bedridden in Cannes for two days. Thankfully, these situations are quite rare.
Meghna Chadha has spent over 17 years shaping narratives in entertainment and lifestyle PR. She helms Aurum Entertainment, a boutique PR agency with pan-India talent and operation. Their roster includes Dulquer Salmaan, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Shruti Haasan, Armaan Malik, Anuv Jain, Palak Tiwari, Abhilash Thapliyal, Kushal Tandon, Mahima Makwana, Zoya Afroz and Bhagyashree, to name a few.
The agency also drives communication for entertainment corporates such as Maitri Media Works, Jolly Motion Pictures for Mauritius Tourism and more.
What does a crisis day look like?
You wake up to 20 missed calls because an old video of your client resurfaced and is being misinterpreted. You jump out of bed while being on call with the client, their manager, maybe even their family member! You reassure them that all will be fixed. And then you get to work with a plan A and B to fix it.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
That film stars are superhuman or live perfect lives. They are as human as anyone and they have good days and not so good days. Every friendship is not fake, every controversy is not planted, and they don’t wake up looking like they do on-screen!
Neha Kaul is a globally minded strategy expert (and a film producer) operating across studio, platform and independent ecosystems. With over two decades of experience including stints at Disney Studios India, UTV Motion Pictures, and Netflix, she has steered over 300 campaigns for critically acclaimed South Asian films and series over the last two-and-a-half decades, specialising in scaling creative economies and shaping crossborder narratives.
Kaul’s extensive portfolio spans strategy for All We Imagine as Light, The Voice of Hind Rajab, The Shape of Momo, Sabar Bonda and The Elephant Whisperers. Most recently, she drove strategy for Mira Nair’s upcoming feature Amri.
What does a crisis day look like?
Like every other day. Breathe deeply, think clearly, be patient and keep moving. And I quote from Delhi Belly, “Shit happens!”
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
Perhaps it was on the set of one my first films working as an assistant director, Rang De Basanti. We were managing hundreds of extras, a cast of incredible actors, working alongside some of the best technical crew and craft leaders in Indian cinema, with the title track echoing through a Nagra playback in the fields of Ludhiana Fort and “Khoon Chala” at the imposing India Gate — and it became clear to me that this would frame the present and the future. There was no other room in which I felt I could shape the world and do better with as much joy and impact, as through the medium of stories. Films are home.
Bust some myths about the movie industry.
That “they” don’t care. Everyone cares. Words carry weight.
Nikil Murukan is among South India’s most respected entertainment publicists, with over three decades of experience shaping the public narrative of Indian cinema. Based in Chennai, he leads BackScreen Magic, a leading media relations and strategic communications firm that has spearheaded publicity campaigns for more than 600 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi cinema.Over the years, he has collaborated with some of Indian cinema’s most iconic personalities, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, Shankar, Bala and S.S. Rajamouli.
His body of work spans landmark films such as Mudhalvan, Pithamagan, Dasavathaaram, Enthiran, Baahubali, Super Deluxe, RRR, Pushpa, Love Today and The Greatest of All Time. Collectively, films associated with his campaigns have earned 69 National Awards.
One client who changed your life?
Kamal Haasan.Working closely with him for more than a decade taught me that learning, reinvention and the pursuit of excellence never stop.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Be accessible, stay discreet, honour confidentiality and remember that lasting relationships matter far more than temporary headlines.
A leading, trusted figure in the Hindi film industry, Parag Desai is the founder and CEO of Universal Communications, one of India’s foremost entertainment communications agencies. With more than three decades of experience in film publicity, celebrity management and strategic communications, he has played a key role in shaping publicity campaigns across Indian cinema and beyond. Under Desai’s leadership, Universal Communications has grown into a fullservice 360-degree agency, offering film publicity, talent management, digital campaigns, events and regional media outreach.
Their top clients include Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Rohit Shetty, Parineeti Chopra and Sajid Nadiadwala, as well as major studios such as T-Series, Sony Pictures, Jio Studios and Devgn Films. Desai’s contributions to the industry have been recognised through several honours, including Just Urbane’s PR Personality of the Year 2023, the Indian Telly Award for PR Person of the Year, and the IWM Buzz Trophy for Innovative Publicity Buzz of the Year 2022. He remains one of the industry’s most respected communications professionals.
Pavithra Gowda and Shruti Krishna are journalists-turned-PR entrepreneurs who co-founded PinkTickets in 2023. Leveraging their extensive experience in media and entertainment journalism, they have built the agency into a trusted name in film publicity and strategic communications. Their clientele includes Daali Dhananjaya, Pranitha Subhash, Harshika Poonacha, Gurudatha Ganiga, and KRG Studios.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Ethics are extremely important. Whether it is a small-budget film or a large-scale production, every project deserves equal respect, attention and effort. Every film should be given the same value and commitment. Also, PR does not end with organising an event or sending press notes to the media. Preparation before an event is crucial, but the follow-up after the event is equally important. True PR is about being part of the journey with the film team from the beginning until the very end.
Pooja Dadlani has spent over a decade as one of Indian cinema's most powerful behind-thescenes figures. As Shah Rukh Khan’s manager and trusted confidante, she oversees Bollywood’s biggest brand — steering decisions on his films, endorsements and appearances worldwide. Known for her loyalty and low-key intensity, Dadlani is widely seen as the architect behind the global expansion of Khan’s stardom, having steered him through comeback hits, international tie-ups, and every turn of an unpredictable career.
She avoids the spotlight and almost never speaks to the press, even as she’s a constant presence alongside Khan — at film festivals, IPL matches, cameos in Netflix shows (The B***ds of Bollywood) and high-profile events abroad. In a business built on visibility, Dadlani's influence works precisely because she stays out of frame.
With more than two decades in the entertainment industry, Poonam Damania has established herself as one of the most respected figures in talent management and brand partnerships. As the founder of Versis Entertainment LLP, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of leading personalities including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat and Masaba Gupta.
How do you define what you do?
A surprising amount of my job is helping people make decisions. About a film, a brand partnership, whether they should do absolutely nothing and wait for the right opportunity. You’re thinking about where they want to be three, five or even 10 years from now.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
The industry evolves, people change roles, companies grow, platforms emerge, but relationships tend to stay with you. The assistant you meet today could be running a studio tomorrow. The young journalist you’re speaking to today could become an editor a few years from now.
Prabhat Choudhary is one of India’s most influential media strategists and the founder of Spice PR, a leading entertainment communications firm built over the last 22 years. Known for shaping public perception and building powerful human brands, Choudhary’s work is rooted in the belief that lasting influence is not created by visibility alone, but by credibility, consistency, values and trust.Under his leadership, Spice has handled over 500 films and several of India’s biggest talent, studio, platform and pan-India campaigns.
His work spans some of India’s most celebrated films and shows, including Dangal, Jawan, Dunki, Pushpa, Bahubali, KGF, RRR, 3 Idiots, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, 12th Fail, Kantara, Panchayat, Mirzapur, The Family Man, Made in Heaven and Paatal Lok. Upcoming releases include Ramayana, Love & War and Varanasi.Over the years, he has worked with leading names in the industry, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, Allu Arjun, Prabhas, Yash, N.T.R., Ranveer Singh, Kartik Aaryan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rajkumar Hirani and many more.
Representing over 25 talents, packaging over 15 IPs, and building several celebrity-led brands on an equity basis with his partners, Prashanth Potluri has built SouthBay into a powerhouse agency. With around 16 years of experience, he is also a qualified lawyer who has previously worked as a psephologist and public policy advisor. Some of his popular clients include Trisha, Venkatesh Daggubati, Rana Daggubati, Pradeep Ranganathan, Dhruv Vikram, Priyanka Mohan, Sobhita Dhulipala and R.J. Balaji. He was also a co-producer on the Tamil feature film Kaantha.
How do you define what you do?
I enable talented people to achieve their dreams and make them rich in the process.
One client who changed your life?
At the risk of sounding boring and politically correct, all my clients have brought me to where I am today, and I’m immensely grateful for that.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
That there are no rules and you have to be guided by your own morality.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
That film stars are oblivious to worldly affairs, and the film industry is not a “proper industry.” I find both of these to be very far from the truth.
What does a crisis day look like?
It feels like I am simultaneously occupying multiple buildings that are on fire and all I have is a water bottle.
With over a decade of experience in communications, Priyanka Chandra has built a stellar reputation representing a diverse slate of filmmakers, studios, actors, and behind-the-camera talent. Her client roster includes Nagarjuna’s Annapurna Studios, the Screenwriters Association, Flip Films, and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. She has also steered campaigns for acclaimed features like Jugnuma, Bad Girl (Hindi), Pushtaini, Dug Dug, and the National Award-winning Aattam, as well as notable film festivals in India.
How do you define what you do?
I make sure great stories and the people behind them don’t go unnoticed. Sometimes the story is a film, sometimes it’s a filmmaker, an actor, a writer, a musician or even an idea. My job is to help their work find the audience it deserves and make sure the right people are paying attention for the right reasons.
What does a crisis day look like?
Controlled chaos! The public sees the headline, but we see the 100 conversations happening behind it. Entertainment PR is often less about having all the answers and more about staying calm enough to find them. What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR? Your reputation enters the room before you do. No amount of publicity can replace authenticity. And not every story needs to be told immediately.
With over two decades of deep public relations experience — including 12 years at the helm of her own ventures — Radhika Nihalani has built an enviable reputation for navigating high-stakes narrative curation and driving industrydefining conversations. Under her leadership, both firms have scaled into elite partners for India's leading entertainment talent, major studios and consumer brands. Renowned for her sharp strategic foresight and formidable industry network, she continuously orchestrates campaigns that seamlessly intersect cultural impact with commercial success.
The client who changed your life?
It would hands-down be Ronnie Screwvala. Of the many things I learnt from him, one line has stayed with me: ‘Failure is a comma and not a full stop.’ That hardwired me to always look for a solution rather than sitting on the problem.
What does a crisis day look like?
The day starts with an insane number of calls and WhatsApp messages and ends with comfort food and some questionable content choices ‘cos God knows you need that break!
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Always be ready to be surprised, you have never really seen it all. However great your plan is, never be afraid to pivot; things change in our business literally every hour. Silence is a big statement (if not the biggest) and headlines are key, but credibility and trust is everything.
Rekha S. is a Chennai-based entertainment publicist and celebrity manager with over 13 years of experience. As the founder of an independent PR and artist management venture, she has successfully spearheaded campaigns for theatrical releases, streaming originals, music launches and large-scale promotional tours. Over the years, she has built strong relationships across media, entertainment, and brand ecosystems, enabling her to create impactful communication strategies tailored to each project and artist. Her work focuses on n bridging the gap between artists, media, brands, and audiences, ensuring that every campaign resonates effectively with its target audience.
One client you worked with who changed your life?
Hansika Motwani. Our long association taught me the value of consistency, trust and growing together professionally. What does a crisis day look like? Phones ringing non-stop, seeking clarity, and every minute spent balancing facts, emotions, and communication.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Trust is currency, relationships matter, discretion is non-negotiable, and every communication has consequences. Bust some myths about the film industry. People often assume it's all glamour, but behind every success story are years of hard work, discipline, sacrifices, and relentless commitment.
Reshma Shetty and Vivek Kamath have played a defining role in shaping India’s modern celebrity management landscape through Matrix, one of the country’s most influential talent management firms. Powered by Shetty and Kamath’s strategic leadership and industry acumen, Matrix represents some of India’s biggest stars, including Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ram Charan, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan, along with leading filmmakers and sports personalities.
Over the years, Matrix has evolved beyond traditional talent representation to become a long-term career and brand-building partner. The company has helped create and scale celebrity-led ventures such as Kay Beauty, Ed-a-Mamma and Anomaly. The 2023 merger with Bling Management further expanded Matrix’s reach and roster. Today, the company sits at the intersection of entertainment, entrepreneurship and culture, with a growing focus on international partnerships and emerging media platforms.
Hailing from Chennai, Riaz K. Ahmed is a seasoned entertainment industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in cinema, public relations, and artist management. Driven by an innate passion for storytelling and talent advocacy, he founded V4U Media, a digital media and YouTube platform, and V4U Talents, a premier talent management agency dedicated to nurturing and representing acting professionals.
Throughout his career, he has been trusted by some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. Today, his roster feature legendary icons and powerhouse entities, including Rajinikanth, Vijay, Dhanush, Anna Ben, Sampath, Sun Pictures, V Creations, Wunderbar Films and Grassroot Films. His past portfolio includes managing celebrated artists like Khushbu, Mumtaz, Sangitha, and Abbas.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
You must learn to find fulfilment in the success of the project itself, without ever expecting overt recognition or validation from the clients after the work is done.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
People often conflate an actor's onscreen persona with their real-life personality, assuming they are exactly the same off-camera. Additionally, audiences rarely see the backend stress we face when unauthorised leaks surface, leaving PR teams to manage accountability for things entirely out of their control.
Rogin K. Roy began his career as an entertainment journalist before moving to be the head of social media promotions in a PR agency. Currently, he is the co-founder and CEO of TAG360, a marketing and PR firm based in Kochi, Kerala. For the past three years, he has been working as a film public relations officer and strategist for marketing and content creation. TAG360 manages JioHotstar Malayalam’s Kerala marketing and Asianet Digital, as well as several upcoming movies like Tiki-Taka, Kollam Kotta Company, and Pradhama Drishtya Kuttakkar.
They contributed to the marketing campaigns for JioHotstar’s OTT shows, which include Kerala Crime Files, Love Under Construction, Pharma, and Roslin. They were also involved in the social media campaign for Big Boss Malayalam Season 7 and worked on the OTT release campaign for Vaazha 2.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
While creativity is important, it isn't the only factor. Having contacts and effective crisis management are also essential for securing work in this field.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
A misconception is that a ‘star’ can draw audiences to theatres. In the Malayalam film industry, content plays a crucial role.
S. Sathish Kumar is the founder of S2 Communication Media, a prominent South Indian entertainment PR firm. Over the years, he has handled publicity for several of the industry's biggest stars, including Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan T.R. (S.T.R.), Suriya, Hiphop Tamizha Aadhi, Pradeep Ranganathan and Jiiva, while also spearheading campaigns for major pan-Indian film projects.
How do you define what you do?
I help bridge the gap between cinema and audiences by ensuring stories and talent reach people in the most meaningful way.
What does a crisis day look like?
It’s about staying calm under pressure, making quick decisions, and ensuring the right communication reaches the right people at the right time.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
People often see only the glamour, but behind every film and every star is immense hard work, sacrifice, and relentless dedication.
A prominent public relations officer based out of Kerala in charge of some of the biggest Malayalam films. His regular collaborations include the biggest production and distribution companies of Malayalam cinema such as Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films, Sree Gokulam Movies, Weekend Blockbusters and many more. He also actively works with the Kerala promotional activities of non-Malayalam films, such as Telugu films of actors such as Nani and Ram Charan. His major upcoming releases in Malayalam include Kathanar, Ottakomban, I’m Game and many more.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
To work on every film like it’s your own, like you’ve spent your lifetime earnings making that one film, even if you’ve worked on 100 films before it.
Bust some myths about the industry.
This question is put to us very often, even when I take an Uber. The truth is that movie stars or directors are all just like us. They’re as normal as us and I’ve only seen them behave coolly with fans, even if they’re posing for the hundredth photo. But that also means that they should be given their own space and respect that you’d give someone you know. They are not public property.
Sai Vivek Machetti doesn’t just manage careers, he builds cultural moments. With 14 years of experience across talent management, production and live entertainment, he is the Director at BTOS Talent Management, BTOS Productions and Nexperience Entertainment LLP with a vision that’s equal parts strategic and instinctive. His portfolio spans some iconic names, such as A.R. Rahman, Shreya Ghoshal and Benny Dayal, alongside major brands like Coca-Cola and Apollo Tyres. He co-conceptualised Deccan Beats by Skoda and Letters to Lata Didi by Shreya Ghoshal.
What does a crisis day look like?
I've had two major ones. The first was at an A.R. Rahman concert in Chennai in 2023. The promoter was very difficult to work with and inexperienced in putting up a big show, despite having sold 50,000 tickets. Everything that could go wrong on the day, went wrong. 20,000 people were stuck outside the venue, there was no proper security, and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was stuck in traffic because of the chaos. We could have shot a whole documentary on that event.
The second was during Letters to Lata Didi. The production schedule was delayed because of a heatwave, and as a result we couldn't start the sound check in time or design the lighting. The video, lighting, and audio were all done live and eventually, despite all the obstacles, we got through the show. Once it was done, all of us cried. We were just relieved we had pulled it off.
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
It's always the crowd cheer for the show we put up. Hearing the crowd erupt is my dopamine, I guess.
Sanchita Trivedi's boutique communications agency specialises in celebrity image building, reputation management, talent representation and film publicity. Over the course of her career, she has worked closely with some of the industry's most celebrated actors, filmmakers and production houses, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ashutosh Gowariker, Atlee, Hrithik Roshan, Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Sushant Singh Rajput and Vidya Balan to name a few.
She has also spearheaded communication campaigns and publicity strategies for several blockbuster and acclaimed titles such as Jodhaa Akbar, Paa, Rock On!!, Luck By Chance, Kites, Aarakshan, Don 2, Laila Majnu, Thalaivii, Jaat, Mirai, Coolie and more.
One client who changed your life?
If I had to name one person, it would be Vidya Balan. She has an incredible ability to inspire, empathise and uplift those around her, while remaining remarkably grounded despite all her success. In an industry that is often misunderstood, she is one of the most genuine and compassionate people.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Relationships matter, but credibility matters more. Don’t overpromise. Don’t build castles in the air. Don’t panic. Don’t believe every rumour. And never burn bridges because the entertainment industry is much smaller than people think. PR is a marathon, not a sprint. You can’t build a reputation overnight and you definitely can’t repair one overnight.
Dr. Sangeetha Janachandran is a marketing, communications, and media entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience spanning corporate communications, brand strategy, entertainment marketing, digital media and content development. She is the founder and managing director of Stories Social, a Kochi-based integrated marketing and communications company that has emerged as one of South India’s most influential entertainment marketing agencies. She pioneered a consolidated service model through Stories Social, bringing together multiple functions traditionally handled by separate agencies under a single umbrella.
A client who changed your life?
Parvathy Thiruvothu, who I often describe as my soul sister. Our relationship extends far beyond work. She has an extraordinary ability to challenge conventions while remaining deeply grounded in her values and being around that has influenced me immensely. And then there is Meera Jasmine, who has been much more than a client. She has been a confidante, a sounding board and someone whose trust has meant a great deal to me.
A project that remains close to your heart?
Without a doubt, it is Uyare. It was my first independent project in cinema, and even today, years later and after working on more than 160 films, nothing has quite touched the place that it occupies in my heart.
With a team of 10 professionals and over 40 years of collective industry experience, Sanjay Ram and Hema Upadhyay work with a roster of entertainment and corporate clients, including A.R. Rahman, Adnan Sami, Kiran Rao, Kuku TV and Fashion Entrepreneur Fund. Upadhyay brings over two decades of expertise in public relations, having led campaigns for international film initiatives and high-profile government-backed projects. Ram has more than 15 years of experience across film strategy and festival programming, having also served as creative director of films at a leading studio. Some of their major campaigns include the Mumbai premiere of the Wonderment Tour of A.R. Rahman, Red Lorry Film Festival, working with the Japanese J-Pop Band J01 during their India visit, and a host of other film and entertainment projects.
How do you define what you do?
We tell stories for a living. Sometimes it's the story of a film, sometimes it's the story of a person, and occasionally it's the story behind a story.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
Contrary to popular belief, everyone works extra hard. It’s not a nine-to-five job, so even after a day’s work, the work continues. Most are working incredibly hard, juggling long schedules, constant travel and immense public scrutiny. It sounds fancy and fun, but it is anything but that.
Sarath Chandra Naidu handles Marketing & Strategy for actor Allu Arjun, leading the actor’s content strategy, personal branding, digital communications, and reputation management. Over the past decade, he has played a key role in shaping the marketing and communication strategies for major blockbusters including Sarrainodu, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, Pushpa: The Rise, and Pushpa 2.
Specialising in celebrity branding and strategic communications, Sarath focuses on building long term narratives through media strategy, digital storytelling, PR, and audience engagement, contributing to Allu Arjun’s positioning as one of India’s most influential entertainment personalities.
Sathish J. founded AIM Media & PR Services in 2019 with partner Siva. For over 18 years in the Tamil film industry, he has worked with leading production houses, including Red Giant Movies, Lyca Productions, Sathya Jyothi Films, Romeo Pictures, Dawn Pictures, Vels Film International, ZEE Studios, Wunderbar Films, Vishnu Vishal Studioz, Drumsticks Productions and V Creations, as well as OTT platforms such as ZEE5, JioStar and Sun NXT.
AIM currently handles publicity for filmmakers Shankar, A.R. Murugadoss, Mari Selvaraj, Sundar C. and Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, and actors Dhanush, Vishnu Vishal, Arulnidhi and Arun Vijay. Major ongoing projects include KH x RK, OM, D56, Chiyaan 63, the Ilayaraja biopic, Sathiyavan Savithiri, Gatta Kusthi 2, Idhayam Murali, Train, Mookuthi Amman 2 and Purushan. Recent releases include Bison Kalamaadan, Parasakthi, Gandhi Talks and Parimala & Co.
How do you define what you do?
I often describe myself as a storyteller behind the storytellers.
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
During the success meet of Maamannan, Udhayanidhi Stalin publicly appreciated the work I had done for the project. It was a proud and emotional moment because it reminded me how far I had come.
Communiqué has grown into a leading force in entertainment PR, shaping how films, talent and production houses connect with audiences. Known for crafting sharp, conversation-led campaigns rather than one-size-fits-all publicity, the firm has driven impactful narratives for a wide spectrum of clients, from major stars like Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Varun Dhawan to new-age voices such as Triptii Dimri and Bhumi Pednekar.
They also work with filmmakers and studios like Applause Entertainment and Aditya Dhar, and films such as Dhurandhar and Welcome to the Jungle, among others. Together, they have a distinctive approach: combining tailored storytelling, bold ideas and a strong industry network to ensure projects land with both visibility and longevity.
With over 15 years in the entertainment industry, Shilpi Duggal has worked with leading names such as Sonam Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Shahid Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Swara Bhasker, Jitendra Kumar, Jaideep Ahlawat, Karisma Kapoor, Subhash Ghai, Abhay Verma, Nitanshi Goel, Shriya Pilgaonkar, From top: Nitanshi Goel and Jaideep Ahlawat, Maanvi Gagroo, Zee Studios, Kanika Dhillon and Kathha Pictures, among many others. She has now expanded into artist management and film production, having launched Shaisha Motion Pictures, along with her husband Ishan Verma. Their first theatrical film is Tedhi Hain Par Meri, starring Jitendra Kumar and Mahvash.
A client who changed your life?
I would say Swara Bhasker, not just because of the work and bond we share but because she came into my life at a very defining point. When I was at a stage where I was thinking of building something of my own, she was one of the people who truly pushed me to believe that I was ready. Actors like Sonam Kapoor and Dibyendu Bhattacharya have also shaped and supported me in very different ways, and that is something I value deeply.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
One of the biggest unsaid rules of entertainment PR is that noise may get attention, but our strategy is what builds longevity. In this business, sustainability matters far more than momentary buzz.
The first and only Indian artist manager to win Billboard's Global Manager of the Year award, Sonalie Singh has over 18 years of experience in the Hindi and Punjabi film, music and live entertainment industries. With expertise spanning artist management, tour production, music and film marketing, A&R, running a music label, brand partnerships and global PR, she is known for seamlessly bringing together talent, live entertainment, marketing, and global communications under one vision.
How do you define what you do?
I often say that my work is about helping dreams find their audience. While talent management and live entertainment may seem glamorous from the outside, at its core, it’s about building bridges between creativity and opportunity.
A client who changed your life?
Working with Diljit Dosanjh has been transformative. No matter how large the stage or how global the recognition, he remains deeply connected to his roots, his values, and his audience.
Bust some myths about the music industry.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that talent alone is enough to guarantee success. Talent may open the door, but longevity is built through consistency, discipline, professionalism, adaptability and a strong work ethic.
Founded over 22 years ago by entrepreneur Rohini Iyer, Raindrop Media is one of India’s pioneering reputation management companies, instrumental in shaping the careers, brands and public narratives of some of the country’s biggest superstars, filmmakers, and entertainment and fashion brands. With Soneya Varghese as Brand and Reputation Management Head, the firm has played a significant role in defining modern Bollywood culture. Varghese has over 17 years of experience and is a trusted name in the publicity world, known for driving communication strategies for the industry’s biggest films, studios, and talent. She has played a key role in building and managing campaigns across theatrical releases, celebrity branding, and crisis communications.
Under her leadership, some of the top-tier talent Raindrop Media currently represents includes Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anil Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Sanya Malhotra and others.
How do you define what you do?
We don't just build visibility — we build brands and businesses. Our role goes far beyond communication. We help shape careers, create long-term value, build reputation and unlock opportunities. If we’ve done our job well, we’ve not just changed someone’s public perception, we have changed the trajectory of their life and career.
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
There wasn't one defining moment. It has been a culmination of many. Watching someone evolve from being an emerging talent into a respected name in the industry is incredibly fulfilling. Being able to contribute, even in a small way, to someone’s journey and watching them build a lasting legacy is what makes this profession deeply rewarding.
Srinivasan Kasturirangan drives a diverse portfolio of services that span advanced studio set-ups and specialised creator services. His clientele includes legendary industry figures such as Harris Jayaraj, K.J. Singh and Meghdeep Bose to today's music sensation, Sai Abhyankkar. In addition to production and media operations, Srinivasan is actively involved in the artist management space. His corporate client roster includes major names like PayPal, ICMR, Apollo, and TVS. He also serves as the official exclusive national distributor for IGS Audio products from Europe in India, supplying high end and niche analogue hardware to the country's top recording facilities.
How do you define what you do?
I serve as a bridge between creative, technical and communication requirements that would help focus and bring out the art within to reach a wider audience.
One client that you worked with who changed your life?
Sai Abhyankkar.
A protégé and nephew of D.V. Sudheendra, a veteran public relations professional who has been a prominent presence in Kannada cinema since the 1970s, Sudheendra Venkatesh has carried forward his uncle’s legacy for over 35 years. The PR professional has represented various top studios and talent in the industry, including Hombale Films, KRG Studios, PRK Productions, Umapathy Films, Paramvah Studios, Rishabh Shetty Films and Lighter Buddha Films, among others.
Chennai-based Suresh Chandra entered the film industry in 1989 with a Telugu dubbed film, Ithuthanda Police. At that time, he was an aspiring director, but an opportunity to contribute creatively to the promotional ideas of the film introduced him to the world of PR. Over the years, through his brand D’One, he has worked with some of the finest talents in the industry, such as Ajith Kumar, Sivakarthikeyan, R. Madhavan, Atharvaa, Siddharth, Nayanthara and Simran. He has also worked with filmmakers such as Mani Ratnam, Sudha Kongara, A. R. Murugadoss and Gautham Vasudev Menon, and production houses such as Mythri Movie Makers, Sathya Jyothi Films, Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies.
A client who changed your life?
Ajith Kumar. A 34-year journey with him has taught me the true meaning of goodwill, trust and professionalism.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Patience with fans and media, perseverance, consistency, courage to face challenges, loyalty towards the talent you represent and maintaining professional discipline at all times.
With over 15 years of experience representing leading talent in the Telugu film industry, including Prabhas, Vijay Deverakonda, Kiran Abbavaram, Rashmika Mandanna and Anand Deverakonda, Suresh Kondi leads SK Media, his independent talent management and media company.
With over 20 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Uday Singh Gauri has played a key role in shaping the business of celebrity management and brand partnerships in India. DCAA now represents some of the country’s biggest names across film, digital, sports and culture. Prior to DCAA, Gauri served as the CEO for Dharma Cornerstone Agency, co-founded Exceed Entertainment, a talent management company that helped redefine artist representation in India. He also co-founded HRX alongside actor Hrithik Roshan.
How do you define what you do?
I would typically say we’re in the business of creating and building careers, not just managing them. We help artists make the right decisions creatively, commercially and strategically so they can build lasting brands rather than just simply chase their next project. We are the artist’s cheerleader, partner, therapist, and even the fall guy when required.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
Not every opportunity is the right opportunity. Sometimes saying ‘no’ is more important than saying ‘yes’. The biggest misconception is that visibility equals success – that’s a very reductive theory. The real work is creating the right visibility, at the right time, for the right reasons.
The two marketing strategists have worked on almost all recent Malayalam films that have been able to generate buzz outside of Kerala, relying solely on the merit of it’s content. This is the case even with the recently released Balan: The Boy. They have been working in the movie business in different roles since 2012 but they took their big leap as PROs with Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey in 2022. Since then, they have been in charge of blockbusters such as Manjummel Boys, Ajayante Randam Moshanam and the Mammootty-Mohanlal reunion, Patriot, which released this year.
What was the moment you realised you love what you do?
For us, it worked out the other way. We are people who became PROs after understanding how it worked. We knew we would enjoy it and that’s how we decided to get into this. So, we naturally enjoy it.
What are the unsaid rules of entertainment PR?
In Malayalam, we have often felt that there are just a few producers who really encourage fresh or unique ideas on how a film needs to be pushed. Most of them still prefer what is being done traditionally. So, we may have to sometimes approach a project expecting resistance, with a lot of convincing to do.
Vamsi Kaka, who represents N.T.R., is a prominent PR professional. With over 12 years of experience, he has worked on over 300 films so far, including blockbusters such as Baahubali, RRR, Salaar, Devara, Rangasthalam, and Maa Inti Bangaram.
Vamsi & Shekar are among India's leading entertainment PR professionals in the Telugu film industry. They specialise in film publicity, celebrity reputation management and strategic communications, and are known for crafting high-impact campaigns and shaping the narratives of landmark film releases and celebrity brands. Today, they are a trusted name, renowned for integrated marketing strategies, reputation management and crisis communications.
How do you define what you do?
We like to say we're in the business of building trust through storytelling. We help filmmakers, actors, and brands communicate their vision, connect with audiences and build meaningful, lasting relationships with the public. We shape narratives, manage perception, and ensure stories reach the right audience in the most authentic way possible.
What does a crisis day look like?
A crisis day is when experience matters the most. We focus on understanding the situation, aligning stakeholders, and communicating with honesty and precision. In PR, the goal isn't just to manage a crisis, it's to protect trust.
A keyboardist and co-founder of the band Tarkash, Vibhor Hasija founded Yours Eventually in 2016. It has since grown into one of Delhi's most prominent live entertainment operations, curating over 1,500 concerts, corporate shows and large-format experiences annually. His most significant bet has been on Bismil — one of India's biggest Sufi acts — and Bismil Ki Mehfil, the concert series. Yours Eventfully now operates across 360° artist representation, brand partnerships and tour management, with an expanding footprint in the Middle East and the US.
How do you define what you do?
We enable artists to live their dreams. We help build brands, shape perception through curating live acts, brand identity and recorded music. We ensure their story reaches the right audience, and that the team operates like a world-class outfit.
What does a crisis day look like?
To step into broken processes, fix it, and step out of it. It can be at a live event, a video shoot, or just an artist having a bad day. I love being the enabler and helping things go smoothly.
Vinay Pillai leads business strategy, growth and innovation across the company’s content, creator and entertainment businesses. He also helped start and scale Clout, the company’s creator and talent management business. His interests lie in the future of digital entertainment, creator monetisation, content, AI and building businesses that can adapt to an industry that continues to reinvent itself.
How do you define what you do?
I tell people I spend more time building the business around entertainment than entertainment itself. Behind every successful show, creator or IP is a series of decisions around distribution, monetisation, technology and timing. Those often determine whether something becomes a moment or a business. That’s the part I enjoy solving.
Bust some myths about the film industry.
One is that entertainment is driven purely by instinct. In reality, there’s an enormous amount of strategy behind what audiences eventually see. Another is that creators and film stars are competing for the same space. They’re expanding the entertainment ecosystem in different ways and audiences move seamlessly between both. I also think people underestimate how much technology is changing the business. AI, new distribution models and evolving audience behaviour are already influencing how entertainment is created, marketed and monetised. The fundamentals of storytelling remain the same, but almost everything around it is changing.
Vivek entered the entertainment industry in 2002, managing actress Jyothirmayee. He later introduced Padmapriya Janakiraman to Malayalam cinema with Kaazhcha, managing her career across two decades. Today, his talent roster includes Sudev Nair, Sruthy Menon, Anjali, Priya Anand, Sneha, Prasanna, Kavya Shetty, Induja Ravichandran and Prayaga Martin. He also introduced Dulquer Salmaan in Second Show, which pioneered structured film marketing in Malayalam cinema. Through Catalyst, he now works across talent management, casting, marketing, PR and project design, with films like Perambu, Bro Daddy, Guruvayur Ambalanadayil, and campaigns including Aadujeevitham. Catalyst is the PR agency in Kerala for Hombale Films and other leading production houses.
How do you define what you do?
A comprehensive support system for anyone who wants to make a career out of the art or business of entertainment.
When did you realise you love what you do?
When Padmapriya got her National Award for two films I had worked really hard to cast her in while I was managing her career — I realised I was doing something worthwhile.