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Whistling Woods & IIM Mumbai Partner: New Advisory Board to Elevate Media MBA
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 4:06 GMT by The Hans India- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Whistling Woods International & IIM Mumbai Forge Partnership: New Advisory Board to Elevate Media & Entertainment MBA Program
The Indian media and entertainment (M&E) industry is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by digital disruption, evolving consumer habits, and a surge in content creation. Recognizing the need for future-ready leaders equipped with both business acumen and deep understanding of this dynamic sector, Whistling Woods International (WWI), Asia’s leading film school, and the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) have announced the formation of a high-impact advisory board for their joint MBA in Media & Entertainment program. This strategic move aims to ensure the curriculum remains relevant, innovative, and aligned with industry demands, ultimately producing graduates who can thrive in this complex landscape.
The collaborative MBA program, launched in 2018, is unique in its blend of IIM Mumbai’s rigorous management education framework and WWI's specialized expertise in film, television, animation, visual effects, gaming, and media technologies. The program seeks to bridge the gap between traditional business principles and the specific challenges and opportunities within the M&E sector. Previously, the curriculum was guided by a core faculty team from both institutions. This new advisory board represents a significant evolution, bringing in external industry leaders to provide direct input and strategic direction.
The Advisory Board: A Who's Who of Media & Entertainment Leaders
The newly formed advisory board boasts an impressive roster of prominent figures from across the M&E spectrum. Key members include:
- Siddharth Roy Kapur: Managing Director of Roy Kapur Films, known for producing critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like "Dangal" and "Pink." His experience in film production and distribution provides invaluable insight into content creation and market dynamics.
- Rajesh Rao: CEO of ACK Media (Amar Chitra Katha), a pioneer in Indian comic books and graphic novels. Rao’s expertise covers publishing, intellectual property management, and brand building – crucial elements for success in the M&E industry.
- Prasana Krishnan: Co-founder & Managing Director of Qyonic, a leading digital content distribution platform. His understanding of digital platforms, audience engagement, and monetization strategies is vital in today’s evolving media landscape.
- Anant Garg: Founder and CEO of Pocket Aces, a youth entertainment company known for its web series. Garg's experience in creating original digital content and building a direct-to-consumer brand offers valuable perspectives on the future of storytelling.
- Shravan Kukreja: CEO of Saregama India Ltd., a renowned music label with a rich legacy. His expertise in music rights management, licensing, and distribution is essential for understanding the nuances of content ownership and revenue generation.
The inclusion of these individuals underscores the program's commitment to industry relevance and provides students with access to invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities. Their collective experience spans production, distribution, digital platforms, publishing, and intellectual property – covering a broad range of critical areas within the M&E sector.
Focus Areas & Curriculum Enhancement
The advisory board’s primary responsibility will be to guide the MBA program's curriculum development, ensuring it reflects current industry trends and future challenges. Specific focus areas are expected to include:
- Digital Transformation: The rapid shift towards digital consumption necessitates a deep understanding of streaming platforms, online content creation, and data analytics. The board is likely to push for increased emphasis on these areas within the curriculum.
- Content Creation & Distribution: With the rise of independent creators and direct-to-consumer models, the program will need to equip students with skills in content development, production management, and distribution strategies beyond traditional channels.
- Intellectual Property Management: Protecting and monetizing intellectual property is increasingly crucial for M&E companies. The advisory board’s expertise in this area will help shape curriculum modules focused on copyright law, licensing agreements, and revenue optimization.
- Emerging Technologies: The industry is constantly evolving with new technologies like AI, VR/AR, and blockchain. The program needs to incorporate these advancements into its teaching methodology.
- Data Analytics & Audience Engagement: Understanding audience behavior through data analytics is essential for content personalization and targeted marketing.
According to the press release, the board will also provide insights on emerging business models, regulatory changes, and global market trends impacting the Indian M&E industry. This proactive approach ensures that graduates are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also possess practical skills and a forward-looking perspective.
Strengthening India’s Media & Entertainment Leadership Pipeline
The collaboration between WWI and IIM Mumbai, amplified by this advisory board, represents a significant investment in the future of India's M&E industry. By combining rigorous business education with specialized creative expertise, the MBA program aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who can navigate the complexities of this dynamic sector and drive innovation. The program’s success is crucial for strengthening India’s position as a global hub for content creation and distribution.
The formation of this advisory board signals a commitment to continuous improvement and industry alignment, ensuring that the MBA in Media & Entertainment remains at the forefront of management education within the rapidly evolving world of media and entertainment. It's a strategic partnership poised to shape the future leaders of India’s vibrant M&E landscape.
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Read the Full The Hans India Article at:
[ https://www.thehansindia.com/business/whistling-woods-international-iim-mumbai-set-up-high-impact-advisory-board-for-their-mba-in-media-entertainment-1035033 ]
