Today we’d like to introduce you to Aayushi Bhargava
Hi Aayushi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
While I have always been a big fan of film since childhood, I’ve been intrigued by the business of films. I wanted to do something that mixes creativity with business. After working as an Entertainment Journalist in Mumbai, India, I moved to LA to complete my studies. I wasn’t very familiar with the way Hollywood worked — I was more of an outsider here. So, when I got my first internship at a talent management company, I didn’t know what to expect. I started to enjoy what I was doing and there has been no looking back ever since.
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?
I think a lot of people who have tried to break into Hollywood will relate to the struggles of the industry. It’s not a ladder you can climb by showing how many degrees you have. For me personally the struggle was not just learning about Hollywood but just a whole new culture and lifestyle — having to learn all of these things at the same time can be taxing. The industry is now more open to diversity than it ever was before. So, it was nice to see myself be more accepted over the years as the industry has opened its door to more diverse people. There was always a feeling of being an outsider but I learned to use that to my advantage. But I was fortunate enough to find a great team at Media Artists Group especially Raphael Berko and Robin Nassif who took me under their wing and taught me so much.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a talent agent, and I represent actors. I help them find roles and build their careers. I am most proud of my clients and their work. I truly believe in them and their potential.
What makes me different is my global perspective. I started my career as an Entertainment Journalist in Mumbai, India, and then moved to Los Angeles to work in talent management. This experience gives me a unique viewpoint, combining both Eastern and Western entertainment industries.
I focus on quality over quantity when choosing clients. As agents we solely choose to work with actors who we believe have great potential and give them the attention they need to succeed.
The entertainment industry can be very unpredictable. Last year’s strike made things tough, and many people felt hopeless. But I believe that the industry’s ups and downs also create chances for new ideas and growth. I try to help my clients stay positive and adaptable, even during difficult times.
Seeing my clients succeed is what makes me proud. Whether it’s getting a major role, receiving praise, or growing as an artist, their achievements are my biggest reward. By mixing my love for creativity with my business skills, I aim to make a positive impact on their careers and the industry.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Oh yeah for sure. I learned the importance of being adaptable. The entertainment industry faced big disruptions, with productions stopping and traditional ways of working becoming impossible. This taught me to be flexible and creative with the ways we can navigate the crisis without losing all hope. It also showed me how important strong relationships and good communication are. Staying connected with clients, colleagues, and industry professionals became crucial. There was also something about us all being in this together which oddly enough brought a sense of community.
