Aastha Gupta

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.