IFFI 2017 International Cinema Catalogue

PANEL DISCUSSION
Mastering A New Reality
The Panel Discussion is on Mastering a New Reality; technological innovations and new business models
have the potential to make the Indian television and films more immersive, inclusive and interactive. Yet these
changes will have an impact on policymaking, economics, business and society. As the industry stands at an
inflection point, how can stakeholders better understand the disruptions and be prepared to positively shape it.
Presented by World Economic Forum which will be moderated by Mr Ronojoy Banerjee, Anchor and Assistant
Editor, CNBC TV18.
Ekta Kapoor
Ekta Kapoor is credited with revamping India’s television landscape. She pioneered an entire genre of television content, heralding
India’s satellite television boom. Balaji’s shows have been and continue to be channel drivers for most general entertainment
broadcasters. As the creative force behind the Company’s success, she believes in a hands-on approach in day-to-day creative
direction for all their content; routinely putting in 16-18 hours each day, she moves ahead with India’s rapidly metamorphosing TV
climate. Under her creative guidance, Balaji has won almost every major TV award. Her stellar work in creating a large content
conglomerate at a young age garnered her several distinguished awards, including The Economic Times (Businesswoman of
the Year 2002), Ernst & Young (Entrepreneur of the Year 2001) and the American Biographical Institute (Woman of the Year
2001), among others. In 2016, she was placed at the No. 1 position among ’50 Most Influential Women’ in the Indian marketing,
advertising and media ecosystems by IMPACT magazine.
Karan Johar
Karan Johar made his directorial debut at age 25 with a path-breaking love story Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The film remains a landmark
in Indian cinema for the appreciation it received, both critically and commercially, in India as well as the world. Following this,
over the last 15 years, he has directed and written critically and commercially acclaimed blockbusters like Kabhie Khushi Kabhi
Gham, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and My Name is Khan. The multi-faceted Karan wears many caps with ease. Besides being an
acclaimed director and one of the most influential men in the industry today, Karan is also a television personality, talk show host,
costume designer and the latest feather in his cap is that of being an actor. His talk show Koffee with Karan has the distinction of
being the most watched English talk show on Indian television. Karan Johar has also been a mentor to many successful directors
in India. Karan Johar has also been a mentor to many successful directors in India; releasing both commercial blockbusters like
Agneepath, Dostana and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, as well as critical indie successes like Wake Up Sid and Ek Main Aur Ek Tu.
Sudhanshu Vats
Sudhanshu Vats is Group CEO, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., and responsible for all its lines of business. In the last four years,
he has successfully steered the group into a profitable growth phase while expanding the channel network, driving content-led
cinema, entering experiential entertainment through live events across genres, opening up the Consumer Products business line
and making the company future ready with Viacom18 Digital Ventures’ OTT platform VOOT. Under Sudhanshu’s leadership the
group has grown from six to over 36 channels and opened up three more lines of business. He is Chairman of the National Media
and Entertainment Committee of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), Vice President of IBF (Indian Broadcasting Foundation)
and Chairman of BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council).