Entertainment Speakers

Ashish Hemrajani is the founder and CEO of BookMyShow, India’s largest online entertainment ticketing platform, which he built by successfully pivoting through the dot-com bust and the COVID-19 pandemic. An alumnus of Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, he is a respected mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs. His keynotes share insights on digital disruption, resilience, and the power of a customer-first approach to scale an e-commerce business to a global valuation of over ₹6,000 crore.

Imtiaz Ali is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, writer, and director of iconic films including Jab We Met and Rockstar. He is a pioneer in creating contemporary romantic dramas in Hindi cinema. An alumnus of Delhi University who pioneered the college's dramatics society, he translates his deep theatre background into filmmaking. His keynotes share insights into creative vision, storytelling, and how to bring authenticity to narratives that resonate across a wide audience.

Rahul Bose is a renowned actor, former international rugby player, and President of Rugby India. Time magazine called him "the superstar of Indian arthouse cinema." He is the founder of The Foundation, an NGO dedicated to fighting discrimination. His keynotes, delivered globally, merge his experiences in live combat and high-level sports to provide motivational insights on leadership, life choices, and public commitment to social and environmental change.

Pooja Bhatt is a celebrated Indian actor, producer, and director who rose to fame in the 1990s with films like Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin and Sadak. She is a leading advocate for mental health and an alcoholism survivor. Her sessions are known to be inspiring, taking audiences on a journey from "darkness to light," motivating them to speak their minds and embrace their unconventional life choices. She is currently writing a memoir that chronicles her year-long journey to sobriety.

Abhay Deol is an acclaimed Indian actor, best known for Dev.D and his biggest commercial hit, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), which earned him a Filmfare nomination. He is noted for his portrayal of complex characters and is a vocal supporter of independent cinema in India. As a speaker, he draws on his work as an actor and producer to provide insights into the creative process and the importance of supporting diverse narratives in the entertainment industry.

Ajay Bijli is the pioneering founder of PVR Cinemas, which he grew into India’s largest multiplex chain. He is a Harvard Business School alumnus and a recipient of the E&Y Entrepreneurial Award. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, he is an expert in business strategy, innovation, and retail transformation. His keynotes share the story of PVR's explosive growth and how to successfully disrupt an established industry.

Sudha Chandran is an iconic Bharatanatyam dancer and actress who won a National Film Award for Mayuri. She is the only dancer to have successfully returned to the stage using a Jaipur foot after a tragic accident. Her incredible story of fortitude and determination—overcoming a life-altering disability—is immortalized in the acclaimed film Mayuri. Her keynotes provide audiences with the tools to inspire themselves, embrace the lessons of failure, and achieve astonishing success despite all odds.

Sharmila Tagore is a legendary Indian film actress, Padma Bhushan recipient, and an influential social activist. She has won three National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards for her performances. She served as the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF India, where she helped raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and its impact on children. Her keynotes focus on social welfare, philanthropy, and leveraging her platform to drive meaningful change for vulnerable communities.

Soha Ali Khan is an acclaimed Indian film actress and social activist who won the IIFA and GIFA Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Rang De Basanti. The youngest daughter of actress Sharmila Tagore, she embodies a blend of royalty and social commitment. Her keynotes provide valuable insights on social activism and youth empowerment, sharing her experiences and quick wit with diverse audiences.

Twinkle Khanna is a WSJ bestselling author and former actress who won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She is India’s highest-selling woman writer and a leading advocate for menstrual hygiene. Her book The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad was adapted into the National Award-winning film Pad Man. She is the founder of the digital media platform Tweak India for women and actively campaigns at the United Nations and on the BBC for menstrual hygiene and sanitation globally.