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Shemaroo Entertainment promotes Diversity with the Confluence initiative
Mumbai: This International Women’s Day marks an important moment for Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd. as it celebrates the impact of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiative, “Confluence – Where Diversity Becomes Strength,” launched this year in January. Committed to promoting DEI, Shemaroo has achieved a significant milestone with women now constituting 25 per cent of its workforce, reflecting a strong emphasis on gender diversity and increased representation of women across various levels.
To catalyze this transformative journey, Shemaroo has implemented a suite of initiatives – from flexible working hour policies to the creation of a nurturing mother’s room for new mothers, and the facilitation of sensitization workshops, Shemaroo ensures every employee feels valued and supported.
Central to this ethos are internal communities like “Femme Power” and “Sisters In Shemaroo (SIS),” providing a haven where women can exchange insights, receive mentorship, and revel in shared triumphs, nurturing a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity.
Speaking about ‘Confluence’ and its significance to the organisation, Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd CEO of Hiren Gada said, “At Shemaroo, inclusivity is not just a principle; it’s ingrained in our ethos. From our very inception, we’ve held the firm belief that diversity strengthens us, and women have been an integral part of our journey. We’ve always honoured and recognized their power, understanding that their contributions are essential to our success. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.”
Elaborating upon the initiatives Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd COO Arghya Chakravarty. said, “With the launch of our ‘Confluence’ initiative, we embrace the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion to drive meaningful change. Our commitment is not just about celebrating women today; it’s about fostering a culture where everyone, regardless of gender or background, feels equally empowered to contribute to our collective success.”
Human Resources head Shiza Ansari added, “Our ‘Confluence’ initiative has been vital in promoting inclusion at Shemaroo. It has sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to share their stories and perspectives. By embracing diversity, we’re making sure that every voice matters and every person is included. We are looking forward to a future where equity and inclusion are even stronger.”
Aligning seamlessly with the International Women’s Day 2024 theme – “Inspire Inclusion,” Shemaroo transcends gender boundaries, extending its DEI initiatives to embrace all diverse groups. By promoting dialogues on the challenges men encounter in the workplace, Shemaroo champions a holistic approach to inclusion, ensuring every voice resonates in the corporate landscape.
As an important step towards progress in DEI, Shemaroo’s “Confluence” initiative emphasises the significance of inclusive practices. By embracing diversity and augmenting equity and inclusion, Shemaroo is committed to continually enhancing its workplace, ensuring every voice is heard, and every individual is equally empowered to succeed.
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Prime Video bets big on India with global originals, films and franchise expansion
Execs highlight scale, travelability and new IP bets as India anchors global strategy
MUMBAI: At Prime Video Presents 2026, the message was clear and confident. India is not just part of the plan, it is central to it.
In a lively fireside chat hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Kelly Day, vice president of prime video and amazon mgm studios international, Nicole Clemens, vice president of international originals, and Gaurav Gandhi, vice president for Apac and Anz, laid out an ambitious roadmap. Think bigger stories, wider reach and a sharper focus on building franchises that travel.
Kelly Day, a regular visitor to India, set the tone early. Calling the country “one of the most important markets globally”, she pointed to the sheer scale and diversity of audiences as a driving force behind Prime Video’s growth. Indian Originals, she said, are not just local hits but global engines powering subscriptions and engagement.
That global appeal is already visible. According to Clemens, around 25 percent of viewership for Indian content now comes from outside the country. Shows rooted deeply in local culture are finding fans worldwide, proving that specificity, when paired with universal themes, travels well. From gritty dramas to sharp thrillers, Indian storytelling is increasingly crossing borders with ease.
Clemens, who joined recently to lead international originals, was particularly upbeat about India’s creative range. She highlighted a growing slate of over 100 shows in development and production, with more than 60 percent returning for multiple seasons. For her, the formula is simple. Authentic stories, told well, resonate everywhere.
Adding to the buzz, she teased new and returning titles, alongside a fresh superhero universe, the Kalyug Warriors. It signals a push into new genres while doubling down on familiar fan favourites.
If content is king, distribution is the clever courtier. Day outlined Prime Video’s layered business model in India, which blends subscription, rentals, add on channels and ad supported viewing through Amazon MX Player. The idea is straightforward. Give viewers choice, whether they want premium, free or pay per view.
India, she noted, has also become a testing ground for innovation. Tiered pricing, mobile only plans and language diversity have all been sharpened here before being exported to other markets. In many ways, the India playbook is now influencing global strategy.
For Gaurav Gandhi, the next chapter is about scale with intent. He outlined four priorities. Making Prime Video more accessible, pushing Indian content globally, building stronger franchises and supercharging the films business.
On films, the platform is moving beyond licensing into co productions and now theatrical releases in partnership with amazon mgm studios. These films will eventually stream on Prime Video, creating a full circle from cinema halls to living rooms across 240 countries.
Franchise building remains another key pillar. With hits like The Family Man, Mirzapur and Panchayat already enjoying multi season success, the focus is now on creating the next wave of enduring IP. Newer titles are already lining up for second seasons, signalling a steady pipeline.
What stood out through the conversation was a shared belief. Streaming in India is still in its early innings, and the runway is long. With a mix of local flavour and global ambition, Prime Video is betting that stories from India will not just stay at home, but travel far and wide.
Or as the executives seemed to suggest, the world is watching and India has plenty more to show.
