Today we’d like to introduce you to Aarushi Jain
Hi Aarushi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into the world of entertainment began almost by chance, yet it feels like it was always meant to be. As a college student in India, I interned at a Bollywood production house, where I quickly realized that the true magic of films is behind the scenes. I was captivated by the role of the Executive Producer—the person who keeps a project on track and turns a vision into a reality. It became clear to me that this was the path I wanted to pursue.
From there, I dove headfirst into the industry, working as a production coordinator in Bollywood. My hard work and passion led me to rise as a Unit Production Manager and a Line Producer, where I had the privilege of working on major films with iconic production houses like B.R. Chopra and Dharma Productions. But as my career progressed, my passion expanded beyond logistics and budgets; it became about telling meaningful stories that inspire and create change. I realized I wanted to take that vision to a global stage, where South Asian culture is authentically represented and diverse, empowering narratives can be shared worldwide. My goal became exploring filmmaking on an international level- exploring different filmmaking cultures, learning from them, and merging those influences to create impactful, cross-cultural stories.
The natural next step was to broaden my knowledge and skill set, which led me to pursue a Master’s in Entertainment Industry Management at Carnegie Mellon University. My move to Los Angeles was a turning point—an opportunity to refine my craft and immerse myself in the world of film and television at a global level. Over the last few years, I’ve worked in various facets of entertainment, from TV to live events to podcasts. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to roles like Assistant to the President of Television at Legendary Entertainment, Associate Producer for podcasts with Audible and Wondery, and working on freelance projects for esteemed companies such as the Television Academy and Amazon Prime. These experiences have equipped me with a versatile and comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to connect with incredible people who have helped shape my journey—mentors, collaborators, and visionaries who have inspired me to push my boundaries and continue growing. Today, I work as an independent Line Producer, collaborating with passionate, like-minded creatives who share my belief in the power of storytelling. It’s a constant reminder of how collaboration can bring out the best in all of us, and how, when we come together with a shared vision, we can create something truly transformative. Each project is an opportunity to amplify voices, champion diversity, and craft narratives that resonate with audiences around the world—stories that inspire, uplift, and make an impact.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s often a romanticized view of working in the entertainment industry, but the reality is far more about persistence, hard work, and resilience. The road hasn’t always been smooth, and I’ve faced my fair share of challenges along the way. But I believe that’s where the growth happens. Every obstacle—whether it was a setback, a moment of self-doubt, or the pressure of balancing multiple roles—has taught me something invaluable.
One of the biggest challenges I faced, particularly in the early years, was navigating a male-dominated industry in India. As a young woman, I had to work harder to earn respect and make my voice heard. It wasn’t just about proving my skills; it was about proving my place in a space where women often had to fight harder for the same recognition. It was a constant push to be taken seriously and to break through the barriers of bias, which often felt discouraging. But those early struggles made me more resilient, teaching me how to stand firm and hold my own.
When I moved to the U.S., one of the biggest challenges was navigating cross-cultural environments. Moving between India and the U.S. taught me that even the smallest details—like communication styles or the way productions are managed—can differ greatly. Along with that, I had to also adjust to being a minority in what seemed like a different industry altogether. These differences sometimes felt like starting from scratch.
The other part of the journey was balancing my passion with the demands of the industry. At times, the practicality of “what will sell” seemed at odds with my creative instincts. But I’ve learned that passion alone doesn’t always pay the bills. And that’s a tough reality for anyone in the arts. It’s in those moments of doubt when you question whether you’re compromising too much, that I’ve had to rely on the support of mentors, colleagues, and friends who understand the grind. They’ve been my anchors, reminding me to stay focused on my long-term goals, even when things felt uncertain.
Looking back, I realize that it’s not the struggles themselves that define the journey, but how we rise from them. Every challenge has been a lesson, and each obstacle has pushed me to dig deeper, adapt faster, and persevere longer. These experiences have shaped me into who I am today—more determined than ever to push boundaries, both for myself and for the stories I want to tell.
In the end, success isn’t just about overcoming challenges—it’s about embracing them, learning from them, and using those lessons to fuel your journey forward. Every setback has been a stepping stone, and I’ve learned to trust that each one is part of a much larger, meaningful story.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in managing large-scale productions, ensuring that every logistical detail is executed flawlessly from start to finish. My work involves coordinating all the moving parts, from budgeting and hiring teams to overseeing schedules and making sure everything runs smoothly on set—often under tight timelines and high pressure. What I’m most known for is my ability to handle complex, cross-cultural productions with ease. I’ve gained a reputation for navigating the intricacies of multicultural projects and making them work seamlessly. The job requires both a sharp strategic mindset and a deep passion for the work, and I love the process of making the most complicated scenarios come together perfectly.
One project that stands out in my career is *Kaadan*, a multilingual film for Eros International, shot in three languages- Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The production was a monumental undertaking in every sense. We were shooting in remote jungles, working with elephants, and managing a crew of 250 people. On top of that, we had to navigate language barriers and operate in areas with limited infrastructure. It was a logistical puzzle that required creativity, resourcefulness, and the ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen obstacles. But despite all the challenges—both expected and unexpected—we managed to pull it off. The positive reception the film received was deeply rewarding, and it reinforced my belief that with the right planning and teamwork, even the most ambitious cross-cultural projects can succeed. It also showed me how powerful storytelling can be when it transcends language and cultural boundaries.
What sets me apart is not just my creative insight and operational expertise, but also my diverse experience across different forms of entertainment—film, TV, podcasts, and live events. Each medium has its own set of unique challenges and opportunities, and I’ve been fortunate to gain hands-on experience in all of them. Whether it’s the fast-paced nature of live events, the storytelling depth of TV and film, or the intimate, direct connection with audiences in podcasting, I take lessons from each and apply them to the projects I manage. This versatility allows me to approach every production with a fresh perspective and the ability to tailor my approach to the specific needs of the project, whether it’s scaling up for a major film shoot or finding creative solutions in a podcast production.
My experience in both Bollywood and Hollywood has further shaped my approach to managing international teams and navigating cross-cultural productions. I’m passionate about bringing South Asian narratives to a global audience, and that passion fuels everything I do.
Ultimately, my work isn’t just about making projects happen—it’s about making them happen in a way that is thoughtful, sustainable, and true to the story. Every production, whether large or small, is an opportunity to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. And it’s that sense of possibility that drives me to keep striving for excellence in everything I do.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing that a lot of people don’t know about me is that I have a deep love for classical Indian dance, specifically Kathak. I was deeply involved in dance throughout my childhood and adolescence. The discipline, patience, and storytelling inherent in dance have always influenced how I approach storytelling in my work. Kathak is all about rhythm, timing, and emotion, and those qualities have shaped how I view the art of filmmaking—whether it’s the pacing of a scene, the emotional arc of a story, or even the harmony between creative and logistical teams. It helps me connect more deeply to the heart of a project, no matter the medium.
I’m also an avid traveler and love immersing myself in new cultures. I’ve always believed that travel expands your worldview, and it’s something I try to do as much as I can—whether it’s exploring locations for a project or traveling to new cities around the world for inspiration. What excites me most is learning about the nuances of each culture, from the food to the traditions to the everyday life of the people. This helps me not only stay grounded but also ensures that I represent each culture accurately and thoughtfully in my work.
If given the opportunity, I would love to take on a role as a cultural coordinator on international projects, especially when it comes to portraying Indian culture. Too often, Indian culture is oversimplified or misrepresented in American pop culture, and I think it’s important to ensure that it’s depicted in a way that honors its depth and diversity. My travels and experiences have helped me understand the intricacies of various cultures, and I’m passionate about bringing that understanding to projects, ensuring a more authentic and respectful representation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imdb.com/name/nm9206712/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarushi_goingplaces/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarushi-jain09/
- Other: https://boldjourney.com/meet-aarushi-jain/?doing_wp_cron=1735634231.2017090320587158203125
