In this candid conversation, Vibhu takes us through his incredible two-decade-long journey in the entertainment industry—from being a Second AD on Main Hoon Na to becoming Senior Creative Director at VOOT and greenlighting shows for Netflix. He opens up about the failures that shaped him, the decisions that changed his career trajectory, and the universal truths about storytelling that apply across films, OTT, and TV.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to survive in Mumbai, navigate creative compromises, and rise to leadership in a competitive industry, this episode is packed with insights, real-life lessons, and advice for aspiring filmmakers.
Takeaways
0:00:00 Precap and Intro
0:03:00 Why Vibhu chose filmmaking over a conventional career path
0:07:00 His first day as an Assistant Director and what it taught him
0:11:00 The failure that felt devastating but turned into a blessing
0:16:00 The biggest decision that catapulted him into a leadership role
0:21:00 Surviving Mumbai—financial uncertainty, networking, burnout
0:26:00 Universal truths (and myths) about storytelling across all formats
0:31:00 Greenlighting a Netflix historical show—what makes a pitch stand out
0:36:00 Red flags in pitches and why most ideas get rejected
0:41:00 Skills that transfer across genres—from crime thrillers to comic thrillers
0:49:00 Advice for a 20-year-old from a tier-2 city trying to make it in Mumbai
This episode is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and leadership in the entertainment industry. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a storyteller, or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes of OTT platforms, Vibhu’s journey will inspire you to embrace failures, take bold decisions, and never give up on your dreams.
Sound bites
\"The camera broke down on the first day.\"
\"You have been baptized by a challenge.\"
Guest’s LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vibhukashyap/
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