
Aastha Gupta
Strategic and creative leader with deep expertise in content strategy, team leadership and high-impact project execution. Known for combining creative vision with business acumen to drive growth, client success, and multi-crore revenue. Skilled in forging global partnerships, scaling operations, and crafting narratives that move audiences as well as markets.
Work Experience:
16.5 Years
Industry:
Media
Function:
Consulting & Strategy | General Management | Marketing | Project & Program Management
Work Experience
PROJECT HEAD
- Saregama India Ltd. | Mumbai
- Chosen by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to conceptualize and lead ‘Battle of Bands’- a global creative initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s #CreateInIndiaChallenge.
- Managed a cross-functional team of 40+ to deliver a high-quality project.
- Led overall branding and positioning, crafting creative identity and strategic messaging to align with national and global youth engagement.
- Invited to represent ‘Battle of the Bands’ at WAVES Summit 2025, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading media stakeholders, and international dignitaries.
- Rusk Media Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
- Conceptualized and created Playground - India’s first gaming entertainment format for Amazon mini-TV - opening a new youth-centric market segment and achieving 25 million+ unique viewers as a top-performing property.
- Led end-to-end launch, marketing, and monetization strategy, securing 20+ brand partnerships and driving strong commercial traction.
- Played a key role in international expansion efforts, leading licensing discussions with companies in Germany and Israel to position Playground for entry into 3 new global markets.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
- Fremantle India Productions Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
- Entrusted to lead multiple high-stakes seasons of Indian Idol and India’s Got Talent- Fremantle’s flagship global formats in India each with ₹50 crore+ production budget.
- Led a 20-member core team and cross-functional units to deliver Indian Idol 12- the franchise’s highest-performing global edition in history- driving unparalled viewership and significant ad revenue uplift for the network.
- Collaborated extensively with international teams on creative and production aspects of the projects I was handling.
- Played a key role in business development by creating formats and concepts tailored to diverse audiences and client objectives, securing deals worth ₹20 crore.
- Banijay Asia, Mumbai
- Spearheaded high-value negotiations to secure and localize an international format, launching it as The Big Picture - Bollywood star Ranveer Singh’s television debut on Colors TV.
- Led end-to-end stakeholder management, including talent onboarding, network coordination, and creative alignment.
- Delivered a high-impact launch while securing strong brand partnerships, driving significant visibility and commercial success.
HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
- Zee Studios, Mumbai
- Fast-tracked to Head of Business Development through Zee Studios’ prestigious CATS (Creative and Talent Search) leadership program, recognized for entrepreneurial mindset and strategic acumen.
- Drove ₹30 crore in revenue through high-value content acquisitions, including the successful localization of leading American formats for the Indian market.
- Collaborated with Zee TV USA, supporting cross-border production operations and enabling seamless execution of international shoots in India.
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
- Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
- Worked closely with the Founder’s Office, contributing to high-level decision-making and aligning execution with overall business and brand vision.
- Led content and creative strategy for marquee national and international events, including IIFA Awards, Zee Cine Awards, and Global Citizen Concert with Coldplay - delivering world-class production and exceptional audience engagement.
- Drove brand integration and monetization, serving as key liaison for sponsors and developing innovative branded content solutions that boosted revenue and ensured cohesive, high-impact brand presence across platforms.
MANAGER- CREATIVES
- Sol Productions Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
- Built strong project execution and creative problem-solving skills through hands-on work across high-impact initiatives under the Founder’s Office.
- Contributed to the development of flagship properties like Koffee with Karan, The Bachelorette India, and NDTV Greenathon - shaping compelling narratives that boosted audience engagement and brand visibility across India.
Accomplishments
- National-Level Awards: Led projects that won top national honours for excellence in content and execution, demonstrating strong leadership, storytelling, and ability to deliver high-impact results.
- The Indian Telly Screening Awards (2024) - Best OTT Show
- The Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards (2021) - Best Show
- The Indian Telly Awards (2019) - Best Non Fiction Property
- India Delegate at MIPCOM Entertainment Market, Cannes (2017): Represented Zee Studios on the global stage, scouting and optioning international formats to enhance the studio’s portfolio.
- Mover of the Mountains Award | Rusk Media: Honoured for spearheading 360° success in projects beyond creative leadership.
- Selected for the prestigious Cinematography course at The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune - one of 8 candidates chosen nationwide, reflecting exceptional creative talent and competitive distinction.
Education
- Bachelors in Mass Media & Mass Communication, Delhi University
Certification
- Excel skills for Business: Advanced
Extra-curricular
- Collaborating with the IIMA Public Relations Office to amplify the PGPX brand through national media outreach and strategic image-building initiatives. Secured national media coverage for 8 PGPX students to date.
- Cofounder, Freelance Media Collective: Built a 120+ member WhatsApp network of media freelancers; enabled 50+ short-term hires and catalyzed collaboration in India’s non-fiction content space.
- Completed Landmark Forum, Advanced Course, and Seminar Series - a globally recognized leadership and personal development program. Served as a volunteer for youth and teen programs, fostering leadership and personal development.