PODCAST · news
The Media Room
by The Core
Join Vanita Kohli-Khandekar as she takes you through a unique behind the scenes look at the inner workings and machinations of the media and entertainment business. She will speak to experts, film makers, media barons, broadcasters, publishers, platforms, media analysts, and more, to give you insights on the intersection of storytelling, money, technology and communication in this rapidly evolving space.
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How Advertising Is Reshaping Subscription Video and OTT Growth | The Media Room | The Core
Streaming Meets Advertising Netflix ad tiers OTT bundling and SVOD monetisation are reshaping the global streaming industry and redefining how platforms like Netflix, Disney, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max grow in a slowing subscription market.In this episode of The Media Room by The Core, host Vanita Kohli Khandekar speaks with Tony Gunnarsson - Senior Principal Analyst Online Video, Omdia, a global media and technology research firm. The discussion breaks down the future of streaming platforms, advertising led video growth, OTT industry consolidation, and the rise of bundled subscription models across global markets.The conversation explores how the subscription video on demand SVOD industry is shifting from pure subscriber growth to hybrid monetisation driven by advertising tiers, price optimisation and large scale distribution partnerships. Streaming services are increasingly being packaged into telecom and broadband bundles, reducing churn and reshaping consumer behaviour across developed markets.Key topics include Netflix advertising strategy, OTT bundling and aggregation, streaming industry slowdown in mature markets, SVOD versus AVOD transition, and the impact of media consolidation including major studio and platform mergers. The discussion also examines how global streaming trends are influencing markets like India, where digital video adoption is evolving at different speeds but following similar structural patterns.This episode is essential for professionals tracking business news, digital media disruption, global entertainment industry trends, and the future of subscription based platforms in a post growth streaming economy.#StreamingIndustry #Netflix #OTT #SVOD #MediaTrends #TheMediaRoom #TheCoreChapters:00:00 – Introduction & state of global streaming02:41 – Stabilisation, slowdown & Netflix’s ad shift08:45 – Bundling, aggregation & new pricing models13:50 – Telcos, partnerships & the fight against churn17:59 – Growth trends & the rise of advertising revenue24:05 – New formats: social, micro-content & vertical video29:30 – Mergers, competition & Netflix’s dominance36:37 – Subscription behaviour & the rise of local content
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Nikkhil Advani on Stardom, OTT & the Future of Films | The Media Room
In this episode of The Media Room, Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks with Nikkhil Advani, filmmaker and founder of Emmay Entertainment, for a wide-ranging conversation on storytelling, stardom, and the shifting economics of the Indian film industry.Nikkhil reflects on his journey from films like Kal Ho Naa Ho to building a content studio that has delivered projects such as Rocket Boys, Mumbai Diaries, and Freedom at Midnight. He shares how the company is evolving as it marks 15 years, with a slate of ambitious new projects spanning streaming and theatrical releases.The conversation dives into the realities of filmmaking today - from the continued dominance of star-led economics in theatrical releases to the challenges of scaling the Hindi film industry globally. Nikkhil explains why India still remains a relatively small player on the global stage, the importance of expanding screen infrastructure, and how subscription behaviour and platform strategies are shaping content decisions.They also explore the creative process behind modern storytelling - how feedback loops with platforms work, why collaboration is essential, and how research-driven writing is shaping both historical and contemporary narratives. Nikkhil discusses the balance between creative instinct and data, and why understanding audiences has become more complex in a fragmented, content-heavy ecosystem.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Nikkhil’s Journey04:25 – Upcoming projects & Emmay Entertainment slate06:36 – Scaling content: 15 projects and OTT focus16:18 – Feedback loops, platforms & collaboration in OTT21:57 – Theatrical comeback & audience behaviour27:58 – Stardom vs acting & working with big stars30:50 – Casting decisions & the economics of stars34:40 – Film community, collaboration & industry conversations38:47 – Size of the industry & global positioning40:57 – OTT economics & subscription behaviour in India42:52 – Advice to filmmakers & creative process46:56 – Business model, funding & future ambitions #TheMediaRoom #VanitaKohliKhandekar #NikkhilAdvani #Bollywood #IndianCinema #FilmIndustry #OTT #Streaming #ContentIsKing #Stardom #BoxOffice #WordOfMouth #Filmmaking #Storytelling #MediaBusiness #EntertainmentIndustry #Cinema #OTTvsTheatrical #DigitalContent #WebSeries #IndianContent #FilmBusiness #FutureOfCinema #PodcastEpisode
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Vinit Karnik on India’s Sports Economy, IPL Growth & Media Money | The Media Room
In this episode of The Media Room, Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks with Vinit Karnik, Head of Entertainment & Sports at WPP Media, for a deep dive into the economics of India’s fast-growing sports ecosystem.Vinit unpacks key insights from WPP’s Sporting Nation report, including India’s sports sponsorship economy crossing the ₹2 billion mark and the overwhelming dominance of cricket, which accounts for nearly 80% of the market. He explains how media rights, advertising, and athlete endorsements are driving growth, and why the IPL continues to be one of the most valuable sports properties in the country.The conversation explores the challenges facing emerging sports like football, kabaddi, and badminton, from governance and infrastructure gaps to the difficulty of building consistent star power. Vinit also breaks down the evolving business of cricket - from rising franchise valuations and media rights economics to the long-term potential of new revenue streams such as non-live content and fan monetisation.They also discuss the role of advertisers, the importance of grassroots investment, and why sports remains one of the few categories that can guarantee large-scale appointment viewing in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.If you want to understand how India’s sports economy is evolving, where the money is coming from, and what the future of sports monetisation looks like - this episode is essential viewing.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Sporting Nation Report01:26 – Sports Sponsorship Crosses ₹2 Billion04:41 – What Makes Up the ₹18,800 Crore Economy06:13 – Why Emerging Sports Are Declining10:03 – Infrastructure, Governance & Athlete Development13:46 – Why Leagues Like PKL & Badminton Struggle15:53 – The Role of Federations & Star Power17:35 – India’s Football Potential vs Reality19:11 – IPL Rights, Losses & Valuation Debate22:33 – Franchise Valuations & Investment Logic25:42 – Can IPL Reach Global Valuation Levels?28:36 – New Revenue Streams in Sports30:01 – Key Takeaways for Advertisers & Marketers31:49 – Closing Thoughts#TheMediaRoom #VanitaKohliKhandekar #VinitKarnik #IPL #IndianPremierLeague #SportsEconomy #SportsBusiness #CricketIndia #SportsMarketing #SportsAdvertising #MediaRights #SportsIndustry #IndianSports #SportsTrends #WPP #SportingNation #KabaddiLeague #FootballIndia #BadmintonIndia #AthleteEndorsements #FanEngagement #OTT #MediaBusiness #AdvertisingIndustry #ContentEconomy #SportsAnalytics #PodcastEpisode
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Ashish Pherwani On The Big Trends Driving India’s ₹2.7 Trillion Media And Entertainment Industry
In this episode of The Media Room, Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks with Ashish Pherwani, Head of Media & Entertainment at EY, for a deep dive into the latest FICCI-EY report and what it reveals about the state of India’s media and entertainment industry.Ashish breaks down the key trends shaping the sector, from the industry crossing ₹2.7 trillion to digital media emerging as the first segment to surpass the ₹1 lakh crore mark. He explains how advertising growth, government-led consumption, and the rise of SMEs are driving momentum, while also unpacking the evolving balance between television, digital, and emerging formats.The conversation also explores shifts in consumer behaviour, the rise of connected TV and short-form content, and the growing importance of live experiences—from cinema to large-scale events. They discuss how monetisation models are evolving across platforms, why innovation in ad formats and content formats is accelerating, and what this means for both legacy and digital-first media companies.From investments and consolidation trends to India’s potential as a global back-end for media services, Ashish outlines where the next wave of growth could come from—and why content quality remains the industry’s most critical driver in an increasingly crowded, AI-driven landscape.If you want to understand where India’s media industry is headed, what’s driving growth across segments, and how business models are evolving—this episode is essential viewing.Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:00 – India’s Media Industry at ₹2.7 Trillion03:30 – Digital Media Crosses ₹1 Lakh Crore06:00 – What’s Driving Ad Growth08:30 – TV vs Digital: The Big Shift11:00 – Rise of Connected TV & Short-Form13:30 – Changing Consumer Behaviour16:00 – Cinema, Events & Live Experiences18:30 – Monetisation Challenges21:00 – Innovation in Content & Advertising23:30 – Investments & Industry Structure26:00 – Future Outlook for Media in India28:30 – Closing Thoughts#TheMediaRoom #AshishPherwani #MediaIndustry #FICCIEYReport #IndianMedia #DigitalGrowth #AdvertisingIndustry #OTTIndustry #TelevisionIndustry #ConnectedTV #MediaBusiness #ContentEconomy #EntertainmentIndustry #StreamingTrends #MediaTrends #IndiaGrowth #ContentStrategy #MediaInnovation #PodcastEpisode
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Toshit Panigrahi on AI, Publishers & the Future of Content Monetisation | The Media Room | The Core
In this episode of The Media Room, Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks with Toshit Panigrahi, CEO - Co-Founder of Tollbit, for a deep dive into how AI is reshaping the economics of digital publishing and content monetisation.Toshit explains how large language models and AI platforms are changing the way content is accessed, distributed and consumed - often without directly compensating the publishers who create it. He breaks down the growing disconnect between content creators and AI-driven platforms, and why this shift is forcing the industry to rethink long-standing models of attribution, traffic and revenue.The conversation explores how Tollbit is building infrastructure to help publishers regain control, enabling them to track, price and monetise their content in an AI-first internet. Toshit also shares insights on licensing frameworks, the evolving relationship between tech platforms and media companies, and why transparency and fair value exchange will be critical in the next phase of the internet.If you want to understand how AI will impact publishers, who really owns content in an algorithm-driven world, and what sustainable monetisation could look like going forward—this episode is essential listening.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:12 - What Tollbit Does03:45 - How AI Is Changing Content Consumption07:20 - The Publisher vs AI Platform Problem11:05 - Who Owns Content in an AI World?15:30 - Monetising Content Beyond Traffic19:10 - How Tollbit Helps Publishers Get Paid23:40 - Licensing, Attribution & Fair Value25:15 - The Future of Digital Publishing26:27 - Closing Thoughts#TheMediaRoom #ToshitPanigrahi #TollBit #AI #ContentMonetisation #digitalpublishing #mediabusiness #AIandMedia #futureofmedia #ContentEconomy #publishingindustry #TechAndMedia #aiplatforms #mediainnovation #digitaleconomy
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Monika Shergill On Netflix’s Content Strategy And Streaming in India | The Media Room | The Core
In this episode of The Media Room, Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks with Monika Shergill, VP - Content at Netflix India, for a deep dive into the strategy, data, and creative thinking behind one of the world’s biggest streaming platforms.Monika discusses key insights unveiled at Netflix’s Next on Netflix showcase, revealing how the platform is thinking about its upcoming slate, genre mix, and audience-first programming approach. She breaks down how viewer behaviour is evolving, why Indian stories are travelling globally, and what really drives decisions - from greenlighting shows to backing creators and identifying breakout hits.The conversation also explores major titles and industry signals, from global phenomena like Squid Game and Money Heist to Indian successes such as Kohra and films like Laapataa Ladies - illustrating how content now travels beyond language, geography, and traditional market boundaries.If you want to understand where streaming is headed, how platforms decide what gets made, and what the next wave of entertainment will look like - this episode is essential viewing.00:00 — Introduction02:10 — Netflix Strategy & Next on Netflix Insights07:00 — Changing Audience Behaviour10:13 — How Shows Get Greenlit13:37 — Films vs Series Strategy16:07 — Global Viewing & Language Trends21:30 — The Real Competition for Streaming24:00 — Creator Myths vs Reality30:00 — The Future of Streaming in India#TheMediaRoom #NetflixIndia #MonikaShergill #StreamingWars #OTTIndustry #NextOnNetflix #DigitalEntertainment #MediaBusiness #ContentStrategy #IndianContent #GlobalStreaming #OTTPlatforms #EntertainmentIndustry #StreamingTrends #BingeWatch #WebSeries #FilmIndustry #CreatorEconomy #AudienceInsights #PodcastEpisodeRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026 - https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCORE
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Nasreen Munni Kabir On Classic Hindi Films, Bimal Roy, SRK, Raj Kapoor & All Things Cinema
In this episode of The Media Room, host Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks with film historian, author and documentary filmmaker Nasreen Munni Kabir about her lifelong journey documenting, curating and championing Hindi cinema for global audiences. From introducing British viewers to Indian films through her landmark Channel 4 series Movie Mahal to serving on the board of the British Film Institute, Nasreen reflects on how cinema became a cultural bridge for diaspora communities long before the internet connected the world.They discuss what makes Hindi cinema uniquely enduring, how film songs sustained identity for immigrants abroad, and why classic filmmakers like Bimal Roy and Mehboob Khan continue to shape storytelling today. The episode also explores her work documenting icons such as Shah Rukh Khan, Lata Mangeshkar and Zakir Hussain, her collaborations with artists like Gulzar and A. R. Rahman, and what studying film masters reveals about craft, emotion and longevity.The conversation further dives into criticism, authorship, preservation, and why cinema remains one of the most powerful cultural connectors across generations and geographies. Nasreen shares insights on what today’s filmmakers can learn from the past, and why understanding film history is essential to shaping its future.Like, share and comment with your thoughts on Hindi cinema, film history and global audiences, and subscribe to The Media Room for more deep-dive conversations at the intersection of media, culture, business and storytelling.#TheMediaRoom #NasreenMunniKabir #VanitaKohliKhandekar #HindiCinema #FilmHistory #IndianCinema #GlobalCinema #MovieCulture #FilmMasters #CinemaStudies #BollywoodHistory #FilmLovers #MediaPodcast #CinemaTalk #FilmLegacyRegister for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026 - https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCORE
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How Hoichoi Built a Profitable Regional OTT | Vishnu Mohta on Bengali Streaming & Scale | The Media Room
In this episode of The Media Room, host Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks with Vishnu Mohta, Co-founder of Hoichoi and Executive Director at SVF Entertainment, about building one of India’s most successful regional OTT platforms. The conversation traces Hoichoi’s journey as a Bengali-only streaming service and how a deep focus on one language and audience has enabled sustainable, profitable growth.They discuss why Hoichoi backed a subscription-first model early, how it reached profitability ahead of larger platforms, and what makes the Bengali market unique across India, Bangladesh and the global diaspora. The episode also explores Hoichoi’s scale of original production, genre trends, the role of SVF’s 30-year legacy, and why creating viewing habits matters more than chasing blockbuster hits.The discussion touches on experiments with TV-plus formats, micro-payments, audio storytelling, micro-dramas and the use of AI in content creation, alongside candid insights on regional OTT economics, IP ownership, monetisation challenges and why disciplined growth beats rapid scale.#TheMediaRoom #VanitaKohliKhandekar #VishnuMohta #Hoichoi #SVFEntertainment #RegionalOTT #BengaliCinema #IndianStreaming #OTTBusiness #MediaBusiness #ContentEconomy #IndianMedia #StreamingPlatforms #RegionalContent #FutureOfStreamingLike, share and comment with your thoughts on the changing economics of Indian cinema, and subscribe to The Media Room for more deep-dive conversations at the intersection of media, business, data and culture.Register for India Finance and Innovation Forum 2026https://tinyurl.com/IFIFCORE
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₹13,000 Crore and Counting: Why 2025 has been the best post-pandemic year for Indian films
In this episode of The Media Room, host Vanita Kohli-Kandekar sits down with Shailesh Kapoor, Founder and CEO of Ormax Media, to decode what the numbers really say about Indian cinema in 2025. Drawing from the Ormax Box Office Report, the conversation unpacks a landmark year that saw the domestic box office cross ₹13,000 crore for the first time ever, alongside a sharp resurgence of Hindi cinema and a healthier, multi-genre mix of successful films.They discuss why footfalls are falling even as revenues rise, how rising ticket prices and “event films” are reshaping movie-going habits, and what’s behind the stagnation in parts of South Indian cinema. The episode also explores the surprise growth of Gujarati cinema, the growing importance of franchise films, why audience habits have weakened post-pandemic, and how OTT has emerged as a parallel national market even as theatrical cinema remains language-driven.The conversation further examines whether India truly functions as one national box office, why Hollywood has become the most pan-Indian theatrical player, and what these shifts mean for the future of film production, distribution and audience behaviour in India.Like, share and comment with your thoughts on the changing economics of Indian cinema, and subscribe to The Media Room for more deep-dive conversations at the intersection of media, business, data and culture.#TheMediaRoom #VanitaKohliKandekar #ShaileshKapoor #OrmaxMedia #IndianCinema #BoxOffice #FilmBusiness #HindiCinema #RegionalCinema #GujaratiCinema #SouthCinema #OTT #TheatricalCinema #MediaBusiness #EntertainmentIndustry
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Inside IMDb India: What the Data Reveals About Stardom, Streaming & Indian Cinema | Yaminie Patodia with Vanita Kohli-Khandekar
In this episode of The Media Room, host Vanita Kohli-Khandekar sits down with Yaminie Patodia, Head of IMDb India, to unpack how one of the world’s most influential entertainment databases sees Indian cinema, fandom and stardom. From IMDb’s journey as a 1990s passion project to a platform with over 14 million titles and 12 million names, Yaminie explains how IMDb acts as the “connective tissue” between fans and professionals—helping audiences discover what to watch while giving creators, actors and technicians global visibility and credit for their life’s work. Drawing on IMDb’s 25 Years of Indian Cinema report, they dive into what the data really shows: the rise of multiple male leads instead of a single superstar, why it’s time to stop searching for “the next SRK,” how directors and storytellers are emerging as brands in their own right, and how regional and dubbed content are reshaping viewing patterns across India’s many languages. The conversation also explores how IMDb rankings and ratings are actually computed, how the platform detects and neutralises abuse and vote manipulation through weighted averages, why India is the only market with its own Top 250 list and weekly “most popular” charts, and how these tools spotlight a long tail of emerging talent far beyond just the usual big names. Along the way, they discuss the challenges of building an authoritative Indian database across languages and credit systems, the impact of streaming on global discovery of Indian films, and what rising international interest in Indian content really looks like through IMDb’s lens.Like, share and comment with your thoughts on data, fandom and the future of Indian cinema, and subscribe to The Media Room for more deep-dive conversations at the intersection of media, tech, business and culture.#TheMediaRoom #VanitaKohliKhandekar #YaminiePatodia #IMDb #IndianCinema #FilmData #Streaming #Stardom #Bollywood #RegionalCinema #ContentDiscovery #MediaBusinessFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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Will AI Liberate or Colonise Storytelling? | Ram Madhvani & Vikram Malhotra with Vanita Kohli-Khandekar
In this episode of The Media Room, host Vanita Kohli-Khandekar sits down with filmmaker Ram Madhvani (Neerja, Aarya, Equinox Virtual) and producer Vikram Malhotra (Abundantia Entertainment – Airlift, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Shakuntala Devi; aiON AI studio) to explore how artificial intelligence, VR and data are reshaping Indian cinema and the business of content. From Ram’s vision of “making your temple the theatre” through immersive VR films at destinations like Tirupati, Shirdi and Ajanta–Ellora, to Vikram’s bet on aiON as a human-first, AI-empowered creative studio that could cut production budgets by up to 50–90% and shrink timelines to a fraction, the conversation dives deep into what the next era of storytelling might look like.They debate whether technology truly “liberates art” or risks locking creators into algorithm-driven templates and data-led handcuffs, raising tough questions around originality, copyright, valuation and “data colonisation” in a world where most AI systems are trained on Western content. At the same time, they discuss how AI can democratise access to tools, enable culturally rooted stories like a contemporary Jai Santoshi Mata, and open up new possibilities in genres like horror, while still keeping the human voice at the centre. If you’re a creator, filmmaker, media professional or simply curious about where cinema and content are headed, this episode is a sharp, honest look at the promise and perils of AI in storytelling—and why, even in an attention-fragmented world of reels and algorithms, the stories we choose to tell still matter.(00:00) Introduction(02:10) Ram – VR temple films(05:11) Vikram – aiON launch(08:45) AI cuts cost & time(11:28) Tech liberates art(15:08) AI & creativity debate(18:34) Data colonisation & culture(24:55) Cost, algo & valuation(30:20) Ram’s VR vision(35:31) AION films & India’s edgeFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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AI, Apps, and Addictive Stories: How Two-Minute Shows Became a $8 Billion Industry
In this episode of The Media Room, Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks with Vivek Couto, Executive Director of Media Partners Asia, about the rise of microdramas — the two-minute serials that have become a $8 billion global phenomenon. Couto breaks down how China built the world’s largest microdrama market, with 830 million viewers and an ecosystem tightly woven across tech, payments, and storytelling. He explains why women in smaller cities are driving this boom, how AI is reshaping content creation, and what lessons platforms like Tencent, ByteDance, and Kuaishou hold for global media. The conversation explores whether India’s streaming giants — from JioHotstar to Amazon — can adapt this format for their vast mobile audiences, and how local language and ad-driven models might define its future. Tune in for insights on the next wave of short-form storytelling — and how it’s transforming the business of attention.(00:00) Introduction(02:37) How China’s Video Market Evolved(05:42) Inside Tencent and ByteDance’s Closed Ecosystem(08:56) Why Women Power the Microdrama Boom(10:32) How Microdramas Spread Across Global Markets(11:37) Can Other Countries Match China’s Scale?(13:25) What Happens If TikTok Joins In(15:49) How Indian Platforms Can Tap the Trend(17:12) Gen Z’s Shift to Short-Form Viewing(18:20) The Role of AI in Story Production(20:40) New Global Players and Consolidation Ahead(22:25) The Future of Short-Form StorytellingFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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From KBC to Gandhi: Sameer Nair on Three Decades of Reinventing Indian Entertainment
In this episode of The Media Room, Vanita Kohli-Khandekar sits down with Sameer Nair, CEO of Applause Entertainment and one of India’s most influential media executives. From shaping Indian television in the 2000s with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kaun Banega Crorepati, to leading India’s streaming revolution with Scam 1992, Tanaav, and Gandhi, Nair reflects on three decades of transformation in entertainment. He explains why quality, not affordability, is the key to scaling India’s storytelling economy, and why “there is no bottom of the pyramid in entertainment.” The conversation spans the business of streaming, the evolution of storytelling formats, and the role of technology and AI in creative work. Nair opens up about Applause’s greenlighting philosophy — stories that start with an “audience of one” — and why attention, empathy, and curiosity remain the timeless principles of great storytelling. Tune in for insights from one of the architects of India’s screen culture.Chapters(00:00) Introduction(01:00) From Television to Streaming(05:40) How Applause Built India’s Studio Model for the OTT Era(09:25) Why “Just Because Someone Is Poor Doesn’t Mean You Give Them Crap”(12:50) The IPL Lesson(16:45) Why Streaming Hasn’t Yet Reached a Billion Indians(19:10) On Democratizing Access(22:40) The Business Case for Quality: Why Pricing Matters More Than Affordability(26:15) From KBC to Scam 1992 — Lessons from Three Decades of Storytelling(29:00) On Technology and Creativity(33:20) Attention Span or Attention Quality? How Writing Must Adapt to New Formats(37:00) Inside Applause’s Greenlighting Process: “It Starts with an Audience of One”(40:10) The Making of Gandhi: Finding Mohan in Ramachandra Guha’s Books(43:00) On Detail in Production(45:00) From the Idiot Box to OTT Epics: The Continuum of India’s Screen Story(48:30) The Potter’s Touch: Keeping Hands in the Clay(49:30) Sameer Nair’s Optimistic View of the Future(50:30) Reflections on India’s Storytelling MomentFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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Inside Vikatan’s 100-Year Journey: Storytelling across Print/TV/Streaming/Books and a Deeply Tamil Identity
In this episode of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks with B. Srinivasan, Managing Director of Vikatan Group, about how one of India’s oldest and most beloved media brands continues to reinvent itself after more than a century. Srinivasan reflects on Vikatan’s evolution from its print legacy to television, digital platforms, and new ventures in events, wealth management, and election surveys. He explains why the company walked away from its 22-year partnership with Sun TV, how it adapted to the commissioned model at Star Vijay, and why holding on to IP matters in the long run. The conversation explores what it means to stay relevant when storytelling itself is being reshaped by technology, and how Vikatan is using AI to imagine new, experiential forms of content. Tune in for insights on building longevity, trust, and innovation in an era where media—and audiences—are constantly changing.Chapters(00:00) Introduction(01:12) How Vikatan balances its print, TV, and digital businesses(05:34) The role of awards and events in sustaining a legacy media brand(08:15) Launching NANI: Vikatan’s move into wealth management services(10:24) How Vikatan entered the election survey business in Tamil Nadu(13:32) Conducting OTP-verified digital surveys across 100,000 voters(16:25) Why Vikatan ended its 22-year partnership with Sun TV(21:58) From owning IP to adapting to commissioned content models(25:43) The shift from Sun TV to Star Vijay: learning new storytelling processes(30:55) What the future holds for Vikatan at 100 — storytelling in the age of AI(37:58) Closing thoughtsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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OML CEO Tusharr Kumar on Managing 100+ Creators, Making Shows, and Shaping Culture
In this episode of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to Tusharr Kumar, CEO and Director of Only Much Louder (OML), one of India’s most influential media and entertainment companies. Once known as an indie music promoter, OML has shapeshifted into a multi-pronged business spanning talent management, branded content agencies, and long-form content production. Today, it manages more than 100 creators across comedy, beauty, food, and travel; runs three agencies including the creative shop MO and influencer network Hypothesis; and has produced over 60 shows for Amazon Prime and Netflix.Kumar talks about why comedy remains central to OML’s DNA and how comedians helped shape both India’s YouTube ecosystem and its OTT boom. He explains how artist management functions as “soft power” for the company, why OML deliberately keeps its roster selective, and how controversies and cancel culture are part of managing creative risk. They also discuss OML’s global campaigns in markets from Poland to the Congo, its growing bets on sports content beyond cricket, and the economics of long-form storytelling in an era dominated by platforms and algorithms. Tune in for insights into how OML stays close to culture, scales its businesses, and keeps reinventing itself in the fast-changing media landscape.(00:00) Introduction(01:45) OML’s journey from indie music to managing 100+ creators(05:12) Why OML keeps comedy at the heart of its business(09:34) Managing artists in the age of controversy and cancel culture(13:28) OML’s global footprint: campaigns in Poland, Lebanon, and Congo(17:46) The rise of sports content beyond cricket(21:40) How pop culture fuels new interest in sports like rugby and chess(24:51) What drives OML’s growth across agencies, talent, and long-form content(28:10) How OML creates and monetises stand-up specials and fiction shows(32:20) Talent management as OML’s “soft power”For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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Why Dish TV Is Betting on Gadgets, OTT, and Shopping
In this episode of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to Manoj Dobhal, Group CEO of Dish TV India, about how the country’s oldest DTH brand is reinventing itself for the digital age. From the launch of a smart TV with built-in DTH and OTT, to the rapid growth of its Watcho and FLIQS platforms, Dobhal explains why Dish TV is leaning on its distribution strength rather than chasing expensive content bets. He takes us inside the company’s pivot into shopping and device ecosystems, its strategy to take Indian content global, and how it plans to stabilise revenues after years of decline in the core pay TV business.They also discuss the wave of consolidation in Indian media, the lessons from global markets like Sky UK, and why Dish TV believes coexistence—not disruption—will define the future of television in India.Tune in for insights on what it takes to transform a legacy broadcaster into a multi-platform, device-driven media company in an era of fragmentation and streaming wars.(00:00) Introduction(04:15) The State of India’s DTH and Pay TV Market(07:22) How Dish TV Is Pivoting Beyond Linear Television(11:10) Building Watcho: Strategy for OTT Aggregation(15:36) Why Distribution, Not Content, Is Dish TV’s Strength(19:48) Taking Lessons from Global Media Consolidation(23:55) Watcho’s Revenue Model and Growth Path(26:29) How Dish TV Plans to Stabilise Revenues(30:04) Consolidation and Coexistence in the Indian Market(33:55) Global Benchmarks: What India’s DTH Players Can Learn(37:58) Why Dish TV Is Entering the Smart TV Business(40:11) The Next 18 Months: Dish TV’s Transformation Plan(43:26) No Mergers or Acquisitions on the HorizonFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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19
SonyLIV’s Danish Khan on Building a Profitable Streaming Platform
In this episode of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to Danish Khan, Business Head for Digital Business StudioNEXT & Network Channels Licensing, about how SonyLIV has built a distinctive, profitable niche in India’s crowded OTT landscape. From the breakout success of Scam 1992 to acclaimed series like Rocket Boys and Maharani, Khan explains why SonyLIV has chosen a research-driven, subscription-first approach instead of chasing scale through cash burn. He takes us inside the greenlighting process, the platform’s sweet spot of contemporary history, and the deliberate choice to avoid repeating either its own successes or those of rivals. They also discuss SonyLIV’s cautious international rollout, the rise of user-generated content, the power of devices and aggregators in reshaping distribution, and why creator-led B2C brands are set to define the next phase of the industry. Tune in for insights on what it takes to stay true to positioning—and build a sustainable streaming business—in the age of relentless competition.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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18
Aamir Khan’s Bold Move On OTT: The Sitare Zameen Par Story
Aamir Khan takes a bold step in defying OTT platforms for his film Sitare Zameen Par, sharing his vision for the future of cinema. In this insightful conversation, Aamir talks about the changing landscape of film distribution, why he’s championing the pay-per-view model, and how digital shifts like UPI and internet penetration are reshaping the industry. He opens up about his personal journey, the risks of bypassing OTT deals, and the evolving role of traditional theatres in a post-pandemic world. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how cinema can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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17
Vikram Mehra on the Business of Music in the Age of Algorithms
In Episode 15 of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar talks to Vikram Mehra, Managing Director of Saregama, one of India’s oldest and most iconic music labels, about how the business of music is evolving in the digital age. From reviving nostalgia with the Carvaan to investing in generative AI with IIT Bombay, Mehra outlines how Saregama is balancing tradition and innovation to stay culturally relevant and commercially competitive. He unpacks the shifting economics of music—from free to paid models, the growing importance of short-form video, and the role of labels in ensuring discoverability in an algorithm-dominated world. They also discuss why Gen Z craves authenticity over archetypes, how AI could reshape talent scouting and content creation, the risks of echo chambers, and the urgency for Indian media businesses to embrace risk and serendipity. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on what the music industry can teach us about the future of media.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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16
What’s Holding Back Indian Cinema
In Episode 14 of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar talks to Jyoti Deshpande, President of Media & Content Business at Reliance Industries Ltd (which includes Jio Studios) and an influential figure in India’s media and entertainment sector, about the evolving dynamics of the Indian film business. From building one of the country’s most ambitious studio slates at Jio Studios to navigating the fragmented world of OTT distribution, Deshpande shares how she’s reimagining storytelling at scale. She unpacks the studio’s shift from quantity to quality in 2025, the thinking behind fully financing and owning IP, and why deep creative partnerships are key to long-term success. They also talk about India’s broken moviegoing habit, the crisis of screen scarcity beyond top cities, why regional growth—not just streaming—is vital to the industry's future, what’s blocking its global breakout, the pitfalls of inefficient production systems and the promise of AI in streamlining content creation. Tune in for insights on the future of cinema in India.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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15
Cars, Phones & Cinemas: Dolby’s India Play
In Episode 13 of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar talks to John Couling, Senior Vice President at Dolby Laboratories, about the future of cinema, the rise of immersive storytelling, and why India is central to Dolby’s global growth plans. From the opening of the first Dolby Cinema in Pune to the company’s deepening relationships with Indian creators like S.S. Rajamouli, Couling explains how Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision are changing both how films are made and how they’re experienced. He also unpacks the renewed appetite for premium moviegoing post-pandemic, the surprising boom in in-car entertainment in markets like China and India, and why mobile devices are emerging as cinematic tools in their own right. The episode explores Dolby’s R&D priorities, its response to comparisons with IMAX, and how storytelling is evolving across platforms—from smartphones to theatre screens. Tune in for insights into Dolby’s India strategy.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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14
A Legacy Publisher’s Digital Playbook
In Episode 12 of The Media Room, media journalist and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar talks to Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group about the future of legacy media in a digital-first world. From competing with influencers for attention to holding ground in an algorithm-driven landscape, Goenka shares what it takes to stay relevant without losing credibility. He opens up about the need for domain expertise in journalism, the promise and pitfalls of first-party data, and why The Indian Express is betting big on regional expansion, video, and a return of the iconic Screen brand. The episode also explores the challenges of media measurement in India, the fading role of serendipity in content discovery, and why Goenka believes that being “with it” doesn’t mean becoming like everyone else. Tune in for insights into digital strategies being adopted by legacy media.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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13
How Marketers Leverage Alternate Media Ecosystems
In Episode 11 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar is joined by Shubha Pai (Head of Sales & Solutions in India at YouTube), Anand Bhaskaran (Head of Marketing at BigBasket) and Aakash Chopra (Commentator and YouTube Content Creator) to unpack the evolving world of digital advertising. With the IPL in focus, the panel dives into the rise of short-form and connected TV content, how creator-driven storytelling is powering brand campaigns, and why shoppability and actionability are now essential to ad performance. Shubha Pai shares insights on changing viewer behavior across devices, Anand Bhaskaran outlines a four-tiered measurement framework for brand success, and Aakash Chopra reflects on the power of storytelling—on and off the field. Tune in for insights on data, discovery, and how digital video is redefining India's marketing landscape.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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12
Why the Future of Cinema Needs Writers First with Sidharth Jain
In Episode 10 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar is joined by Sidharth Jain, Founder and Chief Storyteller at THE STORY INK. They talk about the urgent need to nurture original voices, the pitfalls of data-driven decision-making, and why India needs more patrons and fewer proposals. Jain breaks down the challenges of being a writer in today's film economy, the importance of instinct over analytics, and why real change will only come when creators—not corporates—are in the driver’s seat. Tune in for insights and aspirations in writing, directing, or backing the next great Indian film.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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11
Mission Impossible? What does the global cinema business need to feel good again?
In Episode 9 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to David Hancock, Chief Analyst, Media and Entertainment at Omdia and a leading expert on the global film and cinema market. They talk about the supply and demand dynamics of the film market, why theatres are still relevant as a revenue stream, how streaming services and theatres can co-exist, the finer details of the trump tariff on film productions and much more. Tune in for insights into the future of the film industry and the changes needed to sustain it. For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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10
Media Tech Start Ups - Made In India, For The World
In Episode 8 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to Frammer's co-founder and CEO, Suparna Singh. Frammer is an AI-based video tool that ingests hours of video, and then edits and packages it into bite sized videos and snippets for social media. She also talks to Mandar Natekar, co-founder and CEO of Neural Garage, which offers a visual dub technology that can lip sync voice dubs for other languages. Tune in for insights into the work of some of the most cutting edge media tech startups in India.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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9
The Cloud Backbone for Global Media Giants with Baskar Subramanian
In Episode 7 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to Amagi's co-founder and CEO, Baskar Subramanian. Amagi is a company that deals with cloud-based content management providing the backend to 60% of the top 100 media brands in the world such as NBC, Comcast, Sinclair, WarnerMedia Discovery, Fox, A&E, BBC, and ITV to name a few. In this episode and the next, Tune in for insights into the work of some of the most cutting edge media tech startups in India.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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8
The Shifting Landscape of The Indian Media and Entertainment Business
In Episode 6 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to Ashish Pherwani, EY India’s Media & Entertainment Leader. With the recent release of the FICCI-EY Media & Industry Report, they discuss some of the changes happening in film, TV, print, animation, music and other segments. Tune in for insights on the current landscape of the Indian media and entertainment business.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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7
The Shape of the Influencer Economy
In Episode 5 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to 2 experts, Harikrishnan Pillai co-founder and chief executive officer of digital marketing agency The Small Big Idea as well as Kalyan Kumar, co-founder and CEO of influencer marketing platform KlugKlug. They discuss the influencer economy, how marketing campaigns utilise influencers, the duopoly of Meta and Google, breaking down parameters and levels within the ecosystem and the effect of recent events on current trends. Tune in for insights on how brands view influencers and how they capitalise on their influence.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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6
Radio's Battle For Relevance
In Episode 4 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to 2 experts, Yatish Mehrishi, Chief Executive Officer for Entertainment Network India Limited (which owns Mirchi, India’s largest radio brand) as well as Shrikant Shenoy, Associate Vice President at the Interpublic Group to discuss how Radio in India has been boxed in by regulation, the reach and impact radio has today and what are some of the changes the industry is now seeing. Tune in for insights on why the Radio industry is suffering from impotence.For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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5
Why Streaming is Becoming More like TV
In Episode 3 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar speaks to 3 experts, Tony Gunnarsson, Principal Analyst, TV, Video & Advertising at Omdia, Vivek Couto, Managing & Executive Director at Media Partners Asia and Sameer Nair, Managing Director at Applause entertainment on the biggest change sweeping across the world of streaming - its linearisation. As Netflix, Amazon Prime, JioStar and others try to scale up and become profitable, most are doing all the things TV did for reach - massy shows, sports, games, anything that would help them reach more people. What does this new phase mean?For more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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4
The Resilience of the Newspaper Industry with Girish Agarwal
In Episode 2 of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar sits down with Girish Agarwal, non-executive director of the Dainik Bhaskar Corp, to discuss the current state of the newspaper industry. They talk about the impact of the pandemic on newspapers, why newspapers are still going strong in India, trends in newspaper readership, competition with digital media and much more. For more of our coverage check out thecore.in Join and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channel Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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3
Content Testing - Bringing Science to the Business of Creativity with Shailesh Kapoor
In our first episode of The Media Room, media expert and author Vanita Kohli-Khandekar sits down with Shailesh Kapoor, CEO of Ormax Media, to explore the interplay between data and creativity in the entertainment industry. Kapoor discusses in detail how Ormax Media uses its data models (which transformed post-pandemic) to help in both the pre-production and post-production phases of the content pipeline. He shares insights into Ormax’s research methods, including audience profiling, and how these tools have shaped marketing strategies for films and television. Kapoor also opens up about the challenges of navigating skepticism in the creative community and the importance of accuracy in audience analytics. Tune in for an inside look at how data is reshaping the future of Indian entertainment. For more of our coverage check out thecore.in Join and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channel Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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2
The Media Room - Trailer
Join Vanita Kohli Khandekar as she takes you through a unique behind the scenes look at the inner workings and machinations of the media and entertainment business. She'll speak to experts, film makers, media barons, broadcasters, publishers, platforms, media analysts, and more, to give you insights on the intersection of storytelling, money, technology and communication in this rapidly evolving space. For more of our coverage check out thecore.in Join and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channel Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join Vanita Kohli-Khandekar as she takes you through a unique behind the scenes look at the inner workings and machinations of the media and entertainment business. She will speak to experts, film makers, media barons, broadcasters, publishers, platforms, media analysts, and more, to give you insights on the intersection of storytelling, money, technology and communication in this rapidly evolving space.
HOSTED BY
The Core
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Media Room have?
The Media Room currently has 34 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Media Room about?
Join Vanita Kohli-Khandekar as she takes you through a unique behind the scenes look at the inner workings and machinations of the media and entertainment business. She will speak to experts, film makers, media barons, broadcasters, publishers, platforms, media analysts, and more, to give you...
How often does The Media Room release new episodes?
The Media Room has 34 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Media Room?
You can listen to The Media Room on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Media Room?
The Media Room is created and hosted by The Core.
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