Shashi Sinha, the CEO of IPG Mediabrands – India, heads the second-largestMedia Agency Group in the country, overseeing Lodestar UM, InitiativeMedia, Interactive Avenues, Rapport, Orion, & Magna Global. The groupcollectively manages approximately 20% of India’s media spend. Shashileads a proficient team, providing strategic solutions to a diverse portfolio ofover 100 blue-chip clients, including Samsung,Amazon, Amul, ITC, and Johnson & Johnson.

Actively contributing to the industry, Shashi has played key roles in bodies like the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI). He currently chairs the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) and serves on the board of Media Research Users Council India (MRUCI).

An alumnus of IIT Kanpur & IIM Bangalore, Shashi recently received the “Most Distinguished Alumni Award.” With over 30 years of industry expertise, he has effectively shaped a leading media network, driving excellence and innovation in the dynamic landscape.

With over 17 years of experience across Telecom, FMCG, IT & Communications, Entertainment & Broadcasting, I specialise in Go-to-market (GTM), Integrated Media, Global Market operations, Full funnel marketing, Digital marketing, Sports Partnerships, Business Development Product strategy and Procurement.

I have significantly contributed to brands like Truecaller, Reckitt, Vodafone, Disney Star, and Group M, driving successful campaigns with tangible results, revenue growth, enhanced consumer experiences, high-impact media properties and business development.

As former VP of Global Marketing Operations at Truecaller, I directed GTM, media, strategic partnerships, and innovation, leading the launch of TC Assistant in the USA and a Times Square billboard campaign. India campaign won four awards at Spike Asia and Kyoorius. At Group M, I led brands like Pears, Dove, PepsiCo, and Disney Star by directing strategic media, growth marketing, efficiency management, and revenue for the agency.

At Reckitt, I managed media for six categories and 25+ brands, implementing Market Mix Modelling to improve efficacy and efficiency.

As the Sales Lead for Fox International Channels, I achieved a 24% year-over-year revenue growth. I developed a comprehensive business plan, identifying key monetization and revenue opportunities. My responsibilities included budget forecasting and creating products aligned with market fit. I also led the brand solutions team to ensure seamless brand integration based on marketing objectives and provided innovative revenue generation strategies and strategic insights for both the channel and sales team.

At Vodafone, I led traditional media, supported digital planning, and managed sponsorships and consumer engagement for properties like Bigg Boss, IPL, IBL, and ICC 2011 World Cup. My work on the Vodafone Super Fan initiative boosted brand value and consumer connection, earning me awards like Performer of the Year and Performer of the Quarter.

As an active speaker and panellist at industry events, I love discussing marketing, GTM, and full-funnel consumer journeys. I also serve as a guest lecturer and industry expert at various institutes like FLAME and ATLAS SkillTech. I am a Member of the Board (Academia) at iFEEL Institute, fostering entrepreneurship.

Committed to continuous learning, I’m pursuing the Chief Marketing Officer program at IIM Lucknow and have certifications in Digital & Marketing Analytics from ISB. Additionally, I completed an acting course at Barry John Acting Studio. Outside of work, I enjoy fitness, yoga, meditation, and movies, reflecting my diverse interests and dedication to personal and artistic development.

Anuj Gandhi has an extensive experience in Media and Entertainment business with a focus on Digital Media, TV Broadcasting, International Media Business and OTT Apps ecosystem. His work spans building digital partnerships, developing bundling strategies for traditional and new media, pricing B2B and B2C products in Telecom/Media, managing traditional and digital media platforms, and shaping business strategies for media distribution and monetisation.

Anuj is the founder of Streambox Media, a strategic Media-Tech venture backed by Micromax Informatics. With Dor, its flagship product, Streambox Media is revolutionizing India’s Connected Screens and OTT streaming ecosystem by introducing a comprehensive subscription
service that integrates advanced television technology with an extensive OTT content library. Powered by the indigenously developed Dor OS, the platform offers an unparalleled content discovery experience and aims to simplify entertainment access for Indian audiences.

Anuj Gandhi was a senior executive in Reliance Industries working as Group resource for Media Partnerships in Jio Media (Mobility and Fibre), Day to day management of Group ISP C Cable business (Den/ Hathway/ GTPL) and Heading IndiaCast, a joint venture between TV18 and
Viacom. Anuj was managing the businesses and worked closely with all Leadership Teams in Jio Platforms, Cable companies and TV18/Viacom18.

Prior to joining TV18 group, Anuj was Founder CEO at Den Networks Ltd, where his responsibilities included setting, building India’s largest Cable TV company, systems and processes, negotiations, setting up a joint venture with Star India called Star Den Media services.
Earlier, he was President of Set Discovery Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture he spearheaded between Sony Entertainment and Discovery Communication.

Anuj has been involved in various committees/ delegation set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting C The Regulator TRAI like Digitisation Committee, Special task force on Tariff order etc. He has attended Global CEO course on Transformation from Wharton/IESE. He was also identified as one of Key Media Heavyweights in 2020 by Indiatelevision.com. Anuj has been associated with NGO Antarang (enhancing Skills for underprivileged children across India) as an Advisor and Board Member since 2014.

A postgraduate from the SPJIMR in Management Studies, Anuj’s other interests include travelling to non-commercial destinations like the mountains, playing Badminton or simply listening to music or reading. Anuj is an avid movie watcher and a sports enthusiast.

Rajan Shahi, an established figure in Indian television, began his association with the film and television industry through his maternal grandfather, Paidi Jairaj. Paidi Jairaj, a legendary actor, director, and producer, had one of the longest careers in Indian cinema and was awarded the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1980. He made the Guinness Book of World record for being the Bollywood actor with the longest film career.

In 1994, he ventured into television as an associate director for Sailaab, working alongside renowned director Ravi Rai for nearly eight years. Over the next eight years, he honed his craft, assisting in various notable projects, including the acclaimed series Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai.

In 1999, Rajan made his directorial debut with Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi, a TV show featuring actors Rupali Ganguly and Shruti Ulfat. He quickly became a prominent name in the television industry, directing several hit Indian television shows like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, Hamare Tumhare, Rishtey, Kareena Kareena, Reth, Mamtaa, Millee, Virasaat, Shakalaka Boom Boom, and Saathi Re.
He also served as a series director for popular shows such as Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar, Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyaan, and Maayka. His ability to consistently deliver successful TV shows in no time solidified his position as a prominent director and producer in the Indian television industry.

In 2007, Rajan established his production company, Director’s Kut Productions, marking his transition into producing with the hit show Sapna Babul Ka… Bidaai on Star Plus. Under his leadership, the production house has delivered numerous successful television shows, including the long-running Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Star Plus). They have produced other shows such as Swarg (Colors), Chand Chupa Badal Mein (Star Plus), Hawan (Colors), Jamuna Paar (Imagine TV), Kuch Toh Log Kahenge (Sony TV), Amrit Manthan (Life OK), Aur Pyaar Hogaya (Zee TV), Tere Sheher Mein (Star Plus), Itti Si Khushi (Sony TV), Baavle Utaavle (SAB TV), Yeh Rishtey Hai Pyaar Ke (Star Plus), Aai Kuthe Kay Karte (Star Pravah), Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya 2 (Star Bharat), Who Toh Hai Albelaa (Star Bharat), Baatein Kuch Ankhein Si (Star Plus) Anupamaa (Star Plus), and the telefilm Teri Meri Love Story (Star Plus).

Rajan’s association with Star Network started with Milee in 2005. His journey as a producer began in 2007 with Star Plus after he launched his production house Director’s Kut Production with the show Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai. As a producer he has been associated with the network for 17 years, while overall (director and producer) it has been of 19 years.

He is a trailblazer in the Indian entertainment industry, widely regarded as a trendsetter for transforming the landscape of Indian television. His most notable achievement is the creation of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, one of the longest-running television shows in Indian history, with over 4,731 episodes in 16 years. The show has set a benchmark for longevity and sustained popularity in Indian television. Anupamaa has 1585 episodes. Under his leadership, his production companies—Director’s Kut Productions, Shahi Productions Pvt. Ltd., and First Kut Productions—have delivered over 4300 hours of high-quality content. Rajan Shahi has been honored with the prestigious Vishesh Samman from Star Parivar for three consecutive years, recognizing his exceptional contributions to Indian television.

In 2020, he expanded his creative ventures by partnering with his mother, Deepa Shahi, to launch Shahi Productions Pvt. Ltd. At the age of 78, Mrs. Deepa Shahi is a true symbol of women’s empowerment as she made her debut as a producer with a show that quickly topped the charts across all General Entertainment Channels (GECs)., adding to the family’s legacy of success in the television industry.

Rajan also ventured into the OTT space with his debut production, Anupama: Namaste America, which streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, further solidifying his impact across multiple platforms. Additionally, his daughter, Ishika Shahi, a graduate in Bachelor in Business Communication, is now carving her own path by creating content for various OTT platforms, continuing the family’s innovative contributions to the entertainment industry.

Rajan’s Director’s Kut Productions currently has ongoing shows including Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Aai Kuthe Kay Karte, and Anupamaa.
With over 95 years of legacy in the film and television industry, Rajan & family proudly represents the fourth generation of his family to contribute to Indian entertainment. This rich heritage underscores his deep-rooted connection to the industry, continuing a tradition of excellence across generations. Rajan has established himself as a visionary leader in Indian television, known for creating content that resonates with audiences across the globe.

Abhishek heads Marketing at Piramal Consumer Healthcare leading brands like LACTO CALAMINE, LITTLES & i-PILL. His 18+ years of experience Pans across FMCG & OTC Marketing, Strategy, Digital and commercial roles. He was earlier heading Marketing at Hershey APAC & China based out of Singapore. Abhishek has worked on some Iconic brands like HERSHEY’S, KISSES, REESE’S & KIT KAT at Emerging & Developed markets across Asia while he was at Nestle & Hershey’s. His love for Chocolate is evident from the brands he has managed while he loves to talk about everything in the space of consumer behavior, marketing, digital & actively participates on forums on Brand, Marketing and Tech

Apart from his passion for Marketing & Strategy, he loves to explore food & travel (food traveller).

With a career spanning over two decades, Ranjeet has worked extensively on a variety of shows across various networks. With years of experience in creating content, he has an expertise at understanding the pulse of the audience and has proven it time and again by giving many successful shows

I am an advertising, publishing, sales & marketing professional. I am also an entrepreneur but not a business man. I have been in my profession for 29 years so far & still am happy, enjoying, adapting & growing with it.

Bhajan is my favourite music, hanuman Chalisa is my favourite song & Sundar kand is my favourite movie. There is nothing greater than the happiness & kindness for me.

“Main madhushala ka kaayal hoon, bahti mujhame madhu ki dhara, Dooba hoon main jis sagar mein, woh meri apani Madhushala”