Introduction
In an era where entertainment converges with technology, the world of streaming and Connected TV (CTV) has become the new frontier of influence. The Power List: India’s Most Influential Voices in Streaming and CTV celebrates the trailblazers shaping how India watches, engages, and experiences content today. From pioneering platform leaders to creative storytellers and data-driven strategists, these visionaries are redefining viewership, bridging audiences with innovation, and powering the next wave of India’s digital entertainment revolution.
Sushant Sreeram, Chief Marketing Officer & Head–SVOD, JioStar: As Chief Marketing Officer & Head–SVOD at JioStar, Sushant Sreeram is driving the next phase of India’s streaming evolution. With a strong legacy built across Prime Video, Xiaomi, and HUL, he brings deep expertise in consumer insight, brand storytelling, and digital growth. At JioStar, he’s focused on shaping viewer experiences through innovation, personalisation, and a sharp understanding of India’s diverse entertainment landscape.
Kartik Mahadev, Chief Marketing Officer, ZEE5 (ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited): Kartik Mahadev leads with sharp insight and strategic boldness as the Chief Marketing Officer at ZEE5’s parent company. Drawing on his extensive background, spanning premium channels at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited and marketing leadership at Star India, he’s driving campaigns that reflect India’s evolving viewing preferences. His recent work, such as the “Bharat Binge Festival: Iss Diwali, Sirf ZEE5 Par Plot Badlega” initiative, underscores his knack for tapping cultural moments while scaling regional storytelling and engagement.
Sonal Kabi, Director & Head of Marketing, Amazon Prime Video, India: As Director & Head of Marketing at Amazon Prime Video India, Sonal Kabi leads with a content-first vision that turns campaigns into cultural moments. With experience across Netflix and Prime Video, she has shaped marketing for some of India’s most celebrated originals. Her approach blends creativity, insight, and storytelling to deepen audience connection in a rapidly evolving streaming landscape.
Poornima Sharma, Head, Marketing Partnerships, Netflix India: As Head of Marketing Partnerships at Netflix India, Poornima Sharma stands at the forefront of shaping powerful brand alliances that elevate storytelling beyond the screen. With a rich background spanning Only Much Louder and Paytm Insider, she brings a deep understanding of culture, collaboration, and audience engagement. Her partnership-driven vision continues to amplify Netflix’s presence in India’s dynamic entertainment ecosystem, blending creativity with strategic impact.
Aruna Daryanani, Director, Amazon MX Player : Aruna Daryanani is pioneering the free-to-watch streaming frontier in India with Amazon MX Player, fusing product innovation, shopper insights, and brand storytelling to deliver bold, data-driven experiences that resonate with today’s digital audiences. Her visionary leadership continues to shape MX Player’s evolution into a platform that seamlessly blends scale, accessibility, and entertainment for millions of viewers nationwide.
Janhavi Vyas, Head of Marketing, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery: With a crisp focus on authenticity and conversation-driven storytelling, Janhavi Vyas is redefining how South Asia experiences factual entertainment. Her leadership at Discovery has brought a refreshing blend of creativity, collaboration, and cultural relevance to the brand’s campaigns. By turning curiosity into connection and insight into impact, Janhavi has helped position Discovery Plus as more than a streaming platform, a destination for stories that inspire, inform, and engage millions across the region.
Aditya Vikram Doshi, Marketing Head, Connected Homes, Airtel: In his role as Marketing Head, Connected Homes at Airtel Xstream, Aditya Vikram Doshi is driving the brand’s push to redefine home entertainment and digital living. With a strong track record at Airtel spans growth marketing, alliances, and monetization. He’s now focused on building experiences that turn homes into immersive hubs, combining broadband, OTT content, and smart living solutions under a unified vision.
Nitin Burman, Group Chief Revenue Officer, Balaji Telefilms Ltd.: Nitin Burman brings a formidable track record of driving revenue growth across traditional and digital media to his role as Group CRO at Balaji Telefilms. With deep expertise in non-subscription models, branded content, AVOD, and syndication, he is setting a new benchmark for monetisation in India’s fast-evolving entertainment space.
Anuja Trivedi, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd.: Anuja Trivedi is redefining how strategy and marketing intersect in the media & entertainment world. As the CSMO, she leads both long-term strategic vision and brand storytelling for Shemaroo, blending consumer insight, content discipline, and growth mindset. Her leadership promises to unlock new value across the company’s multiple platforms.
Rakesh CK, Head, Sun NXT: With more than 15 years of experience spanning marketing, strategy, and P&L leadership, Rakesh CK is now steering Sun NXT’s growth trajectory. As the Head of Sun NXT, he marks a key moment in scaling regional OTT entertainment, leveraging data-driven user experience and deep market understanding. Rakesh’s visionary approach and commitment to regional storytelling have been pivotal in positioning Sun NXT as a leader in India’s digital entertainment landscape, seamlessly blending culture, technology, and viewer delight.
Siddhartha Roy, CEO, Hungama: As the CEO of Hungama, Siddhartha Roy has been instrumental in shaping one of India’s earliest and most diverse digital entertainment ecosystems. With nearly two decades at Hungama, he has led its transformation across music, video, gaming, and publishing, creating experiences that reach millions of users globally. His leadership reflects a balance of innovation and insight, ensuring Hungama remains at the forefront of India’s evolving digital entertainment landscape.
Vivek Mishra, Director, Samsung Electronics | CTV & FAST: A visionary leader in the connected television space, Vivek Mishra has played a defining role in expanding Samsung’s footprint in India’s CTV and FAST landscape. His strategic approach has driven innovation, partnerships, and viewer engagement across Samsung’s smart ecosystem. Under his leadership, Samsung continues to empower audiences with cutting-edge content experiences that blend technology, convenience, and entertainment.
Siddhart Sriram, Head of Brand & Growth Marketing, Echo & FireTV, Amazon India: At the crossroads of innovation and entertainment, Siddhart Sriram leads the brand and growth marketing for Amazon’s Echo and FireTV in India. His work has been instrumental in shaping how Indian consumers experience connected entertainment and smart living. With a passion for technology-led storytelling and consumer delight, Siddhart continues to elevate Amazon’s place in the country’s rapidly evolving CTV and smart device ecosystem.
Kunal Mehta, Head, Partnerships, Samsung TV Plus, My Galaxy & Lock Screen, Samsung India Electronics: Kunal Mehta is at the forefront of building powerful partnerships that define Samsung’s digital engagement platforms. His expertise in crafting value-driven collaborations has helped Samsung TV Plus and My Galaxy evolve into vibrant content ecosystems. With a keen understanding of user behavior and platform synergy, Kunal continues to drive Samsung’s growth in India’s connected entertainment universe.
Yukti Bhatt, Vertical Head, Digital Ventures, JioStar: A dynamic force in the digital media landscape, Yukti Bhatt leads JioStar’s Digital Ventures with creativity and purpose. Her vision focuses on building immersive, tech-driven experiences that redefine how audiences consume content. With a sharp understanding of brand storytelling and platform growth, Yukti continues to be a driving influence in shaping JioStar’s next chapter of digital innovation.
Inderpreet Singh, Chief Business Officer, OTTplay: With nearly two decades of industry experience, Inderpreet Singh has been instrumental in steering OTTplay Premium’s evolution. Known for his results-driven leadership and sharp focus on personalised consumer experience, he has helped the platform forge new partnerships and sharpen its product-marketing synergy. His ability to blend business growth with insightful marketing strategies positions OTTplay Premium for a future of meaningful engagement and sustained scale.
Aman Shrivastava, Sr VP & Head of Marketing Digital Business, SonyLIV: At SonyLIV, Aman Shrivastava leads with a forward-looking mindset, emphasising habit-forming content, regional depth, and fresh formats. He aims to create smaller, more frequent content to influence habit formation as part of his strategic vision. His marketing leadership blends creative storytelling with smart analytics and platform growth, helping SonyLIV strengthen its relevance in India’s dynamic streaming landscape.
Ashish Bhatia, Chief Marketing Officer, North & East, ManoramaMAX: With over 29 years of experience across leading media houses, Ashish Bhatia brings strategic depth and regional understanding to his role as Chief Marketing Officer – North & East at ManoramaMAX. His expertise lies in brand building, audience engagement, and market expansion, helping strengthen the platform’s connection across diverse linguistic and cultural audiences. Through his leadership, ManoramaMAX continues to expand its footprint and relevance in India’s competitive OTT space.
Akshay Bardapurkar, Founder, Planet Marathi OTT: A visionary entrepreneur and creative force, Akshay Bardapurkar founded Planet Marathi OTT to spotlight regional storytelling on a global stage. In just over eight years, he has turned the platform into a cultural powerhouse, redefining how Marathi entertainment is produced and consumed. His passion for empowering local creators and audiences has positioned Planet Marathi OTT as a pioneer in the regional streaming revolution, blending art, innovation, and authenticity.
Soumya Mukherjee, Chief Operating Officer, Hoichoi: Soumya Mukherjee leads Hoichoi with a clear regional-OTT focus and global ambition. He has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s footprint across Bengali content, international markets, and strategic product-marketing alignment. Under his stewardship, Hoichoi is not just serving its core audience but also plotting a path as a global regional-language player, reflecting both cultural authenticity and digital ambition.
Ravikant Sabnavis, Chief Executive Officer, Arha: With over 30 years of experience spanning media, aviation, F1, FMCG, and multiple sectors, Ravikant Sabnavis brings a rich strategic mindset to arha’s helm. At arha, he is committed to transforming the platform into a full-fledged entertainment destination, from movies and series to games, news, and beyond – while championing stories from deep India for global audiences.
Sandeep Bansal, Founder & Managing Director, Chaupal: Sandeep Bansal has envisaged Chaupal as a homegrown platform serving regional audiences with authentic language content. By focusing on Punjabi, Haryanvi, and Bhojpuri storytelling, he leads with an acute understanding of linguistic culture and local demand—helping Chaupal carve out its niche in a competitive OTT market.
Yannick Colaco, Co-Founder, FanCode: Yannick Colaco co-founded FanCode in 2019 with a vision to build India’s premier destination for sports fans, combining live streaming, analytics, merchandise, and community. Under his leadership, the platform has crossed the 100-million-users mark while driving innovations such as AI-powered multilingual commentary and immersive sports experiences.
Akshat Sahu, Vice President, APAC & MENA, Crunchyroll: A dynamic leader shaping the anime revolution in India and beyond, Akshat Sahu has been instrumental in bringing Japanese storytelling closer to millions of fans across APAC and MENA. Under his vision, Crunchyroll’s local campaigns and dubbed editions have redefined anime’s place in mainstream pop culture. With an unwavering passion for community building and brand storytelling, Akshat continues to champion the voice of fandom with authenticity and creativity.
Apeksha Vakharia, Director of Marketing, APAC, MUBI: At the helm of MUBI’s marketing in APAC, Apeksha Vakharia blends strategy with soul. Her thoughtful approach to cinema marketing celebrates storytelling in its purest form — curating not just films, but experiences that move audiences. By balancing MUBI’s global prestige with regional sensibilities, she continues to amplify the brand’s artistic voice across diverse markets, inspiring a generation of cinephiles to rediscover the joy of meaningful cinema.
Anushree Bharadwaj, Vice President, Marketing, Lionsgate Play: A creative powerhouse in India’s premium streaming landscape, Anushree Bharadwaj has been instrumental in shaping Lionsgate Play’s bold and contemporary brand identity. With a deep understanding of evolving audience sensibilities, she has led campaigns that blend cinematic storytelling with local cultural nuance. Her leadership reflects a rare balance of strategy, innovation, and empathy, driving Lionsgate Play’s journey as a destination for edgy, global entertainment tailored for Indian audiences.
Avinash Naik, Head of Digital, Dangal Play: With more than a decade of digital media and OTT experience, Avinash Naik leads the digital strategy for Dangal Play with sharp focus and energy. His efforts in growing the platform’s reach and audience engagement—especially through breakthrough initiatives and data-driven growth tactics—underscore his leadership and vision in India’s fast-evolving streaming ecosystem.
Namrata Datta, Co-Founder, Fridaay: Namrata Datta brings spirit and entrepreneurial resolve to Fridaay, a new OTT platform focused on Bengali-language storytelling. Her role in co-founding and shaping Fridaay reflects a clear belief in regional content, innovation, and making space for fresh voices. The platform’s early launch of original web series and films under her guidance highlights a strong start in a competitive landscape.
Aashiq Bava, Founder, Saina Play: Aashiq Bava has steered Saina Play into a meaningful space for Malayalam-language entertainment, building on his company’s strong legacy in South Indian media. Under his leadership, Saina Play has emerged as a dedicated streaming destination for regional audiences, offering movies and web series with an authentic flavour and a regional cultural connect.
Riya Y., Creative Partner, Waves: As Creative Partner at Waves, Riya Y. brings her creative flair to the forefront of regional digital entertainment—focusing on content, experience, and audience-first storytelling. Her role underscores how creativity is an integral part of building and distinguishing new streaming platforms in India’s layered OTT market.
Simranjeet Singh, Founder, KableONE: A visionary entrepreneur redefining the future of connected entertainment, Simranjeet Singh has been the driving force behind KableONE’s growth and innovation. With a mission to simplify content distribution and empower creators, he has built a platform that bridges technology, storytelling, and accessibility. His forward-thinking leadership continues to shape KableONE into a powerful player in India’s evolving media and streaming ecosystem.
Kaushik Das, Founder & CEO, AaoNXT: A true visionary of regional storytelling, Kaushik Das has built AaoNXT into a pioneering OTT platform that champions original Odia content. His passion for cultural preservation through digital innovation has given local creators a global stage. With his leadership, AaoNXT continues to push boundaries, redefining how regional entertainment is perceived and celebrated across India and beyond.
Chitta Ranjan Nayak, Co-founder & Executive Director, Kanccha Lannka: Chitta Ranjan Nayak stands at the forefront of Odisha’s digital entertainment movement, blending cinematic craft with entrepreneurial spirit. As Co-founder of Kanccha Lannka, he has been instrumental in creating bold, homegrown narratives that resonate with authenticity. His efforts have not only elevated Odia content but also inspired a new generation of storytellers to think local yet dream global.
Yuvakanth Bandari, Head of Marketing, ETV Win: With a deep understanding of audience insight and content engagement, Yuvakanth Bandari has played a key role in shaping ETV Win’s marketing vision. His innovative approach has strengthened the platform’s reach across regional markets, blending nostalgia, culture, and modern storytelling. Yuvakanth’s leadership reflects a commitment to making entertainment truly inclusive and accessible to every corner of India.
M.B. Dattu, Head, Marketing and Monetization, YuppTV: A driving force behind one of the world’s leading internet-based TV and on-demand platforms, M.B. Dattu has been instrumental in YuppTV’s journey of global expansion. With a strong command of marketing innovation and revenue strategy, he continues to bridge the gap between regional storytelling and international audiences. His forward-thinking approach and strategic clarity have made YuppTV a true pioneer in digital broadcasting.
Vikash Tantiya, Director, Klikk TV: Vikash Tantiya has been at the heart of Klikk TV’s growth as one of Bengal’s most exciting OTT platforms. A passionate believer in regional content and cinematic expression, he has helped position Klikk as a hub for fresh, homegrown entertainment. Through his creative leadership, Klikk continues to amplify Bengali voices and redefine how local content connects with modern digital audiences.
Ravi Kantamneni, Managing Director, Telugu One: A visionary media entrepreneur, Ravi Kantamneni, has been a cornerstone in shaping Telugu One into a global platform for Telugu-speaking audiences. His mission to combine technology with culture has helped the brand build deep community connections worldwide. Through his leadership, Telugu One has not only entertained but also preserved and promoted the rich essence of Telugu heritage in the digital age.
Sukhpreet Singh, Chief Revenue Officer, Watcho: A dynamic media leader with a deep understanding of audience behavior, Sukhpreet Singh has been pivotal in scaling Watcho into a fast-growing player in India’s OTT ecosystem. His strategic foresight in revenue innovation and partnerships has elevated the platform’s engagement across content and commerce. With his customer-first approach and sharp market instincts, Sukhpreet continues to shape Watcho’s journey as a home for new-age digital entertainment.
Kiran Kumar Uppoor, Head of Marketing, Mzaalo: At the forefront of gamified entertainment, Kiran Kumar Uppoor drives Mzaalo’s marketing vision with creativity and precision. His work bridges entertainment and engagement, creating a unique space where viewers are rewarded for what they watch. With a strong foundation in digital storytelling and consumer insights, Kiran has helped position Mzaalo as one of India’s most innovative streaming ecosystems.
Chirag S., Deputy General Manager, Marketing, BookMyShow Stream: A passionate marketer with an eye for cultural resonance, Chirag S. has been instrumental in amplifying BookMyShow Stream’s presence in the premium on-demand entertainment space. His campaigns reflect a deep understanding of evolving consumer choices – blending cinematic storytelling with seamless digital experiences. Through his leadership, BookMyShow Stream continues to stand out as a trusted platform for movie lovers across India.
Vijay Prakash, Founder & CEO, NammaFlix OTT: Championing the voice of Kannada cinema in the digital age, Vijay Prakash has transformed NammaFlix into a thriving platform for regional storytelling. His mission-driven leadership celebrates the richness of local language content, giving it a global platform. With a blend of entrepreneurial energy and creative passion, Vijay is helping redefine how audiences experience Kannada entertainment in the OTT era.
Abhinav Arya, Lead, Smart Televisions Business (GTM), Xiaomi India: A strategic thinker and marketer, Abhinav Arya spearheads Xiaomi India’s Smart TV business, driving its go-to-market excellence. His efforts have been key to making smart entertainment accessible to millions of Indian households. Through innovation, insight, and an unwavering focus on consumer needs, Abhinav has helped Xiaomi stay at the forefront of India’s connected TV revolution.
Conclusion
As India’s digital entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the leaders featured in The Power List: India’s Most Influential Voices in Streaming and CTV stand as the true architects of this transformation. Their vision, creativity, and innovation are redefining how audiences experience stories across screens. Each of them represents the perfect blend of strategy and imagination, driving India’s streaming revolution forward. This recognition celebrates their passion, leadership, and lasting impact. Together, they are shaping the future of entertainment, one stream at a time!
–This article is the result of thorough research conducted by the IST Research & Editorial team, with valuable support from technology partners like MiQ and Varun Mohan- Chief Commercial Officer at MiQ.
Disclaimer
The selection process involves rigorous evaluation but is based on subjective criteria, which may lead to variations. Parameters include industry influence, reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. While comprehensive assessments may not capture every aspect of a candidate’s profile. Selection does not imply endorsement or guaranteeing future performance. Feedback is welcome for improvement.
