As a gamer immersed in the dynamic world of entertainment, I find myself utterly captivated by the journey and achievements of Prerna Singh Bhansali. Her impressive career trajectory, from news headlines to Hindi feature film sets, is a testament to the boundless opportunities that the Indian entertainment industry offers.
Previously working in top positions at prominent Indian media companies such as Eros International, Abundantia Entertainment, and Reliance Entertainment, Singh moved to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bhansali Productions in 2019, taking charge of the operations for this influential Bollywood production house.
Singh is now bringing the company’s business onto television screens through the epic Netflix series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar“, which delves into the lives of tawaifs – artistic entertainers who served the Indian aristocracy during India’s struggle for independence from the British Raj. Remarkably, the series has already been commissioned for a second season.
Singh views the growth of streaming services in India as a chance to more authentically represent the country’s diverse “cultural terrain” through its narratives. She argues, “By tackling societal challenges and highlighting regional customs, we can produce content that connects with individuals from various backgrounds.” She continues, “The advent of streaming platforms offers us a remarkable chance to make these stories widely accessible, promoting a richer appreciation of the diverse realities that define our nation.
Among THR’s 2024 Most Influential Women in Global Television, Singh muses on the effects of worldwide streaming platforms on India’s film industry, discusses the hurdles in adapting Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grandiose cinema for small screens, and offers guidance to aspiring women in the field: “Be courageous, be bold, and strive to become a woman who has her own tale to share.
What was your first job in the business?
India’s entertainment industry is stronger and more diverse than ever before, with pan-Indian and diaspora content becoming a reality today rather than just a future prospect. My career in media began two decades ago at one of the largest media houses in the South, Eenadu. Despite my current focus on Hindi films and streaming content, my early days were spent working with Telugu news. Throughout my career, I’ve held various roles within media, but I never anticipated that my path would lead me from Telugu news headlines to Hindi movie sets!
What was the biggest professional challenge you faced this past year?
Given Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s knack for crafting grandiose, visually captivating films, we anticipated that each installment of Heeramandi would rival a full-length movie, with every song taking on the atmosphere of a standalone production. Witnessing him bring his creative touch to the set was truly fulfilling, yet it also presented significant challenges for the entire crew, as maintaining that cinematic grandeur while adapting to Netflix’s episodic format proved to be quite taxing. However, the end product, in its grandeur, made all the effort worthwhile.
What do you see as your biggest achievement of the past year?
Since I began working at Bhansali Productions, Mr. Bhansali has consistently expressed his profound admiration for music; it seems like he breathes and exists through it more than anyone else. His films have a natural musical quality, with many songs becoming hits on their own. This past year has been particularly thrilling as we brought to fruition his dream of establishing Bhansali Music, starting with the album for Heeramandi. Unlike what many people think, music from series often struggles to resonate with audiences. However, we are overjoyed and thankful for the warm response we’ve received.
What needs to be done to improve equality and diversity within the industry?
Progressing significantly, it’s essential to continue expanding narratives that embody and laud the assorted voices within our community. The vibrant cultural tapestry of India should find expression in our tales. By tackling social matters and highlighting regional cultures, we can craft content that resonates with people from all backgrounds. Streaming platforms opening up provide us a remarkable chance to put these stories into the spotlight, promoting a richer comprehension of the distinct realities that mold our nation. Essentially, the narratives we choose reflect who we are and our approach towards storytelling.
Can you tell me about the most significant hurdle faced while working in an industry that’s predominantly male?
My professional journey in this sector hasn’t felt like a hardship, and I frequently find a deep camaraderie with my male colleagues. If you were to ask me if our team could gain from a more feminine perspective – one focusing on narrative expression and cultivating talent – I would respond affirmatively. This isn’t about gender but rather fostering an atmosphere that appreciates cooperation and innovation.
What current industry trend do you hope to soon see the back of?
Instead of heavily relying on formulas geared towards market success at the expense of originality, the industry frequently generates content that adheres to familiar patterns. This repetition often leads to dull and uninspiring storytelling. However, what I’ve gleaned from Mr. Bhansali is the importance of being daring and inventive, focusing on unique stories rather than merely aiming for box office victories.
What advice would you give young women just entering the industry?
Be fearless, be bold and become a woman who has her own story to tell.
What show, currently on air, would you love to have made?
In my perspective, “The Crown” truly shines due to its exceptional focus on minute details and grandeur, a quality that resonates deeply with our narrative approach at Bhansali Productions.
What do you watch for pleasure?
Immersing myself in the lighthearted storyline of Emily in Paris offers a wonderful escape – it’s an enjoyable respite for my thoughts, filled with engaging drama and vibrant personalities. Moreover, what I adore about it is its complete lack of pretentiousness!
What do you do to unwind?
There’s nothing quite like returning home to engage in playful storytelling with my creative six-year-old girl. However, it’s true that at times, her tales may get overshadowed by the excitement of going shopping!
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2024-10-21 13:25