Episode Summary:

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

• The camera broke down on the first day.
• It took two hours to fix the camera.
• We were sitting behind the scenes, very chilled out.
• My professor said that the blessings of the first day were the only.
• You have been baptized by a challenge.
• Early challenges in filmmaking can be valuable learning experiences.
• The importance of staying calm under pressure.
• Every setback can lead to a greater understanding of the craft.
• Filmmaking is a journey filled with unexpected moments.
• Embracing challenges is essential for growth in any field.

Chapters: Key Talking Points

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

Why You Should Watch/Listen:

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/

Connect with the hosts:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalmittalcommunicationexpert/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveensamala/

Also, Tune into our English, Telugu & Kannada podcasts here:

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