Women Game Changers - Leadership Series by Raunaq Roy

In this episode of Season 4, we sit down with Meghna Ghai Puri, President of Whistling Woods International and one of India's most influential voices in media education, whose journey began not by choice but by calling — returning from London to help her father, legendary filmmaker Subhash Ghai, turn a decades-old dream into one of the world's top 10 film schools. From being told to her face that she didn't deserve her position, to building an institution that has launched 1,500+ careers in media and entertainment, Meghna reflects on the early years of self-doubt, the moment she fell in love with education, and why she started practicing Buddhism in 2012 — and how it changed everything. The conversation covers what it truly takes to lead a creative institution, from consciously placing women in leadership roles and running gender sensitization workshops, to partnering with Sony, Apple and YouTube, building international exchange programs, and training students to work on a global frontier. Grounded in self-reflection, intentional leadership, and a deep belief in the power of storytelling, this episode is a candid look at building a legacy that outlives you — and why the human touch in creativity will always prevail over AI.

In this episode of the Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we sit down with Poornima Seetharaman, Director of Design at Zynga and one of the most influential voices in game design to emerge from India’s gaming ecosystem. From entering the industry at a time when gaming barely existed in the country to leading design at global scale, Poornima reflects on a career shaped by curiosity, creativity, and conviction. She speaks candidly about discovering game design through storytelling and world-building, navigating an industry driven by passion yet increasingly constrained by metrics, and the personal cost of crunch culture and burnout. The conversation explores leadership without performative authority, the invisible labor women carry in male-dominated workplaces, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of constantly having to prove one’s worth. Poornima also unpacks the tension between creativity and commercial success, compensation realities in gaming, and why sustainable work cultures are critical for long-term impact. Thoughtful, incisive, and deeply grounded in lived experience, this episode is a powerful reflection on creativity, resilience, and leading with integrity in an industry that often prioritizes numbers over people.

In this episode of the Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we sit down with Kanan Rai, a senior leader who has been at the heart of India’s digital and technology transformation across big tech, fintech, entertainment, and now AI. With a career spanning Google, platform-building at scale, and leadership roles across some of the country’s most influential ecosystems, Kanan reflects on a journey defined by adaptability, credibility, and a deep commitment to creating value. From helping shape India’s apps and games economy to navigating male-dominated industries as an outsider, she speaks candidly about confidence, proof of work, and what it truly takes to build influence over time. The conversation explores leadership without noise, earning respect in complex cultural environments, negotiating visibility, mentoring, and why belief in one’s own worth is foundational to growth. Thoughtful, grounded, and quietly powerful, this episode is a compelling reflection on credibility, resilience, and leading through substance rather than spectacle.

In this episode of the Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we sit down with Nirmika Singh, music journalist, poet, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential cultural voices in India’s contemporary music ecosystem. With a career spanning journalism, artistry, and creative entrepreneurship, Nirmika reflects on a journey shaped by curiosity, courage, and a rare insider–outsider perspective on the industry’s evolution. From becoming one of the youngest editors at Rolling Stone India to building scalable creative IPs and intimate cultural communities, she speaks candidly about visibility, gatekeeping, and the structural barriers women face in music. The conversation explores leadership as catalysis, the economics of creativity, the power of consistency, gendered access to opportunity, and why talent alone is never enough without visibility. Insightful, reflective, and deeply honest, this episode is a powerful meditation on merit, voice, and building creative ecosystems that endure.

In this episode of the Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we sit down with Srishti Behl, producer, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential creative leaders in Indian entertainment. With a career spanning over three decades across film, television, advertising, OTT, and global platforms like Netflix, Srishti reflects on a journey shaped by resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering belief in storytelling that makes you feel. From stepping into the industry at 18 to leading content during pivotal moments of change, she speaks candidly about rejection, leadership responsibility, algorithm-driven echo chambers, and the cost of creative comfort. The conversation explores culture-building, mentorship, women in leadership, navigating power and validation, and why success for women must be defined on their own terms. Insightful, honest, and deeply human, this episode is a powerful meditation on courage, empathy, and building a future-ready creative ecosystem.

In this episode of the Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we’re joined by Megha Tata — media industry powerhouse, former CEO of Cosmos Maya and ex-MD of Discovery South Asia, who has spent over three decades shaping how India creates, distributes, and experiences entertainment. From starting her career selling content door-to-door to leading global networks through disruption, Megha shares candid lessons on resilience, navigating bias, and rebuilding credibility after setbacks. She dives into the evolving business of attention — from broadcast to streaming and purpose-led storytelling — while offering practical advice on allyship, representation, and helping women rise into leadership. Tune in for an inspiring, actionable conversation about leadership, inclusion, and the future of media.

In this episode of the Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we’re joined by Purnima Kochikar — Vice President, Global Apps & Games Partnerships at Google Play, and a veteran leader who’s shaped how billions discover, create, and consume digital content. From her early days building products in telecom and startups to steering global platform strategy at Google, Purnima shares candid lessons on building inclusive culture, negotiating with confidence, and creating the networks that help women founders become investable. She dives into the evolving media landscape — from short-form storytelling and XR to AI-powered content and real-time multilingual conversations — while offering practical advice on communication, allyship, and amplifying women’s voices in the room. Tune in for an inspiring, actionable conversation about leadership, creativity, and the future of entertainment.

In this episode of the Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we sit down with Preeta Sukhtankar — storyteller, brand builder, founder, and one of the sharpest intuitions in India’s media and consumer landscape. From her early days in journalism and MTV to pioneering celebrity-driven commerce with The Label Life and now championing women-led businesses, Preeta’s journey mirrors the evolution of India’s entertainment and startup ecosystem itself. As a mentor to a new generation of female founders, she brings a rare blend of honesty, vulnerability, and vision. In this powerful conversation, Preeta opens up about reinvention, resilience, the realities of entrepreneurship, building community over competition, and the lifelong art of finding belonging in rooms not built for you — and choosing to stay anyway.

In this episode of the Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we’re joined by Amruta Fadnavis — social activist, banker, and artist. From leading community initiatives to performing on global stages, Amruta’s journey reflects passion, purpose, and perseverance. A voice for empowerment and change, she continues to bridge creativity and social impact through her work. In this inspiring conversation, she opens up about balancing art and advocacy, navigating leadership with empathy, and redefining what it means to make a difference in today’s world.

In this episode of the Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we’re joined by Karina Pardus — composer, orchestrator, and founder of Coy Compositions. From scoring podcasts and games to leading initiatives that protect and empower women in music, Karina’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. As President of the Female Composer Safety League and Associate Director at GameSoundCon, she’s building safer, more inclusive spaces for creators everywhere. In this inspiring conversation, Karina opens up about freelancing, motherhood, breaking through gatekeeping, and the art of finding your voice in an industry still learning to listen.

: In this episode of Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we sit down with Reine Abbas, award-winning game designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Spica Tech, the academy teaching kids to code and create. From disguising herself to enter arcades as a teen to building a platform that empowers girls in STEM, Reine shares her fearless journey of breaking barriers, mentoring young creators, and proving that gaming can change realities. With courage and conviction, she opens up about leadership, motherhood, and turning play into purpose. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of gaming’s most visionary pioneers.

In this episode of Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we sit down with Amanda Rubin, a trailblazer redefining how brands connect with gamers and communities. As the Chief Revenue Officer at Wildfire, Amanda is transforming how conversations, creativity, and commerce intersect in gaming. She opens up about her journey from media to gaming, her passion for building inclusive spaces, and how she turned challenges into opportunities for innovation. From her time at EA and Enthusiast Gaming to founding the Raise Your Game initiative, Amanda shares insights on leadership, confidence, and culture in a changing digital world. Tune in for a masterclass in redefining the rules, as Amanda shows how gaming is no longer just play, it’s where culture, creativity, and community collide.

In this episode of Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we sit down with Ayesha Khan — an industry strategist, builder, and connector who is reshaping gaming, partnerships, and creator innovation. Ayesha shares her incredible journey into gaming, her leadership philosophy, and her thoughts on the importance of inclusion. From her unexpected career in gaming to her role in advancing diversity, Ayesha offers valuable insights into navigating the fast-paced world of entertainment, tech, and creativity. Tune in for a conversation with one of the brightest minds in the industry, and hear how she is making waves in gaming and beyond.

In this episode of Hungama Game Changers Leadership Series, we sit down with Kim Belair — visionary narrative designer, writer, and the powerhouse CEO of Sweet Baby Inc. From shaping unforgettable game stories to championinginclusion in one of the most complex industries, Kim opens up about her creative journey, leadership philosophy, and the challenges of rewriting therules in gaming. With honesty and heart, she shares what it takes to build a studio that centers collaboration, storytelling, and authenticity. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation with one of gaming’s most fearless changemakers.