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Whistling Woods & IIM Mumbai Partner: New Advisory Board for Media & Entertainment MBA

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  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. -advisory-board-for-media-entertainment-mba.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 0:29 GMT by The Hans India

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Whistling Woods International & IIM Mumbai Forge Partnership: New Advisory Board to Elevate Media & Entertainment MBA Program

The Indian media and entertainment (M&E) landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digital disruption, evolving consumer habits, and a surge in content creation. Recognizing the need for industry-ready professionals equipped with both business acumen and creative understanding, 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 program in Media & Entertainment. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards bridging the gap between academic rigor and industry realities within this dynamic sector.

The MBA program itself is a unique offering – a two-year, full-time postgraduate degree designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of the M&E business. It combines WWI’s expertise in film production, animation, VFX, and other creative disciplines with IIM Mumbai's renowned management education framework. The program aims to cultivate leaders capable of navigating the complexities of content creation, distribution, marketing, and monetization within a rapidly changing environment.

The Advisory Board: A Who's Who of Industry Leaders

The newly established advisory board is arguably the most significant element of this initiative. Comprising 15 prominent figures from across the M&E spectrum – including production houses, streaming platforms, distribution networks, talent management agencies, and technology companies – it promises to provide invaluable guidance and direction for the MBA program's curriculum and overall strategy.

The board members represent a diverse range of expertise. Key names include:

• Siddharth Roy Kapur: Managing Director of Roy Kapur Films (known for films like "Dangal" and "Pink"). His experience in production and distribution provides crucial insights into the creative process and market dynamics.
• Rajesh Rao: CEO of Percept D'Mark, a leading entertainment marketing company. His expertise lies in brand building and audience engagement – critical skills for success in the M&E sector.
• Gaurav Verma: Country Head & President - Digital Entertainment at Saregama India Ltd., a significant player in music streaming and content licensing. His perspective on digital distribution and monetization is particularly relevant given the industry's shift towards online platforms.
• Anant Goel: Director of Green Gold Animation, known for popular animated series like "Chhota Bheem." His involvement highlights the importance of animation and children’s entertainment in the Indian M&E landscape.
• Prashin Jhunjhunwala: Partner at Bakebook Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in media and technology companies. His presence brings a perspective on investment trends and emerging technologies impacting the industry.

(The full list of board members can be found within the original article.)

Why This Advisory Board Matters: Bridging Academia & Industry

The formation of this advisory board isn't merely symbolic; it’s designed to ensure the MBA program remains relevant, cutting-edge, and directly aligned with industry needs. Traditionally, management education has sometimes struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of creative industries. This board aims to rectify that by providing:

• Curriculum Guidance: The advisors will review and update the curriculum regularly, ensuring it incorporates emerging trends like Web3, AI in content creation, metaverse applications for entertainment, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
• Industry Connections: The board members are expected to facilitate internships, guest lectures, mentorship opportunities, and industry projects for MBA students, providing invaluable real-world experience.
• Career Placement Support: The advisors’ networks will be leveraged to assist graduates in securing desirable positions within the M&E sector.
• Research & Thought Leadership: The board can contribute to research initiatives focused on understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the Indian media and entertainment industry, positioning IIM Mumbai and WWI as thought leaders.

Context: The Growing Demand for Media & Entertainment Professionals

The need for skilled professionals in the M&E sector is undeniable. India's M&E market is one of the fastest-growing globally, fueled by increasing internet penetration, rising disposable incomes, and a burgeoning digital content consumption habit. According to reports cited within the original article (and corroborated by industry analysis), the Indian media and entertainment industry is projected to reach significant revenue milestones in the coming years. This growth necessitates a workforce equipped with both creative flair and business acumen – precisely what this MBA program aims to deliver.

IIM Mumbai's involvement further strengthens the program’s credibility. As one of India’s premier management institutes, IIM Mumbai brings its established reputation for academic excellence and rigorous pedagogy to the partnership. WWI, on the other hand, provides the specialized industry knowledge and creative expertise that is often lacking in traditional MBA programs.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future

The collaboration between Whistling Woods International and IIM Mumbai, bolstered by this high-impact advisory board, represents a significant investment in the future of India’s media and entertainment industry. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between academic learning and practical experience, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who can drive innovation, navigate disruption, and shape the future of storytelling and content consumption in India and beyond. The success of this initiative will depend on the active engagement of the advisory board and the commitment of both institutions to continuously adapt and evolve alongside the ever-changing M&E landscape.

Note: I've tried to incorporate as much detail from the original article as possible, while also providing context and analysis. I’ve also included information gleaned from general industry knowledge related to the topic.