WWI & IIM Mumbai Launch Advisory Board for Media & Entertainment MBA
Locale: INDIA

Mumbai, India - January 14th, 2026 - A groundbreaking partnership between Whistling Woods International (WWI), a leading film school, and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai, a prestigious business school, is set to redefine the landscape of media and entertainment education in India. Today marks the official launch of a High-Impact Advisory Board specifically for their jointly-developed MBA in Media & Entertainment program, signaling a significant commitment to industry relevance and student success.
The MBA program, already recognized for its unique blend of media arts training and robust business acumen, aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. The formation of this advisory board represents a critical evolution, designed to ensure the program remains at the cutting edge of industry trends and provides unparalleled career opportunities for its students. This initiative reflects the increasingly complex intersection of creativity, technology, and business within the modern media and entertainment ecosystem.
A Board of Industry Titans
The newly established Advisory Board boasts an impressive roster of industry leaders, carefully selected for their expertise across a broad spectrum of media and entertainment disciplines. Members represent key areas including film and television production, digital content distribution, emerging streaming platforms, cutting-edge technology, and talent management. While the full list of members hasn't been publicly released, sources indicate representation from major players in the Indian film industry, global streaming services operating in the region, and innovative technology companies providing solutions for content creation and delivery.
More Than Just Advice: A Holistic Approach to Learning
The impact of this board extends far beyond simple curriculum review. The advisory members are actively involved in shaping the student experience through a variety of engagement initiatives. Masterclasses, led by industry veterans, will provide invaluable insights and practical knowledge. Students will also benefit from exclusive industry visits, offering firsthand exposure to real-world operations and workflows. Perhaps most importantly, a robust mentorship program will pair students with experienced professionals, providing personalized guidance and career development support.
"This advisory board isn't just about reviewing a syllabus; it's about forging a direct link between our students and the leaders shaping the future of media and entertainment," explained Rahul Puri, President of Whistling Woods International. "The collective expertise these individuals bring will be instrumental in guiding our students as they navigate the challenges and opportunities within this dynamic sector. We're essentially giving them a cheat sheet to success, drawn from years of lived experience."
Professor Arjun Patel, Dean of IIM Mumbai, echoed this sentiment, stating, "The collaboration with Whistling Woods allows us to combine rigorous business education with specialized industry knowledge. The Advisory Board acts as a crucial feedback loop, ensuring that our curriculum isn't just theoretical but directly applicable to the demands of the industry. This partnership is about more than just degrees; it's about creating future leaders who can truly drive innovation and growth."
Adapting to a Changing Landscape
The timing of this initiative is particularly significant. The Indian media and entertainment landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, fueled by the proliferation of digital platforms, the rise of streaming services, and evolving consumer behavior. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these trends, forcing the industry to rapidly adopt new technologies and business models. The Advisory Board's guidance will be vital in ensuring the MBA program prepares graduates for these ongoing shifts, equipping them with the adaptability and strategic thinking necessary to thrive in a constantly evolving environment. Focus areas are expected to include content monetization strategies for digital platforms, the impact of AI on content creation and distribution, and navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights in the digital age.
This move solidifies the joint MBA program's position as a leading institution for aspiring media and entertainment professionals in India and beyond, signifying a commitment to innovation and a future-focused approach to education.
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-1035552 ]