Meet Aarushi Jain

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aarushi Jain. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aarushi below.

Hi Aarushi, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color etc. Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Reflecting on my journey as an independent producer, it’s astonishing to think about the challenges I faced from the get-go. Entering the film industry in Mumbai eight years ago meant stepping into a predominantly male-dominated space. People would often ask if I was part of the costume or art team, which was frustrating since I was a production manager. I frequently found myself relegated to managing talent while my male counterparts took on more critical tasks, like negotiating with vendors and scouting locations. A lot of people were genuinely surprised that I chose to work in production, instead of what many perceive as the more ‘glamorous’ departments of the industry.

Initially, it felt like a setback, but I was determined to make it a defining strength. I recognized that to make my mark, I needed to approach things differently, which started with understanding the importance of production in a project. I resolved conflicts with diplomacy, remained composed under pressure, and made it a priority to be the first one on set and the last to leave. I learned the jargon, the equipment and vendor rates, how to budget projects, and familiarized myself with every facet of prep, on-set, and post-production. Even when people said I didn’t need to know certain things for my job, I went above and beyond to learn them, since production is about knowing every department. I was fortunate to have supportive mentors who recognized my passion and potential and entrusted me with significant, albeit challenging responsibilities that accelerated my growth. By the end of my first year, I had earned the respect of the crew, and colleagues who once sought help from my male counterparts began approaching me instead. I still vividly recall managing a film set deep in the forests of Kerala at 4 a.m., feeling an undeniable sense of belonging as my contributions were finally valued.

Being the only woman on set gave me a unique perspective on fostering inclusivity. I advocated for simple changes, like adding feminine hygiene products to first aid kits, proper sanitation facilities, and ensuring safe transportation for women working late hours. These small yet significant adjustments definitely made a difference to my female colleagues in other departments and hopefully would encourage more women to explore careers in production.

When I moved to the U.S., I encountered a new set of challenges –, being one of the few Indians in a room full of entertainment professionals. While there’s greater South Asian representation now, it’s primarily on-screen. I made it my mission to build connections with studios and producers, sharing insights on Indian cinema and the vast potential for cross-cultural projects. Bollywood’s wealth of creativity can elevate global narratives, and I emphasized how Indian production practices could bring fresh perspectives to U.S. projects.

In an age where streaming has amplified global content, I see my background as a distinct advantage. I actively seek stories that highlight diverse voices and collaborate with South Asian women to unearth narratives that deserve to be heard – I aim to leverage a unique blend of production that will prove to be the most efficient in creating impactful stories. Ultimately, my goal is to champion projects that authentically represent Indian culture and celebrate the vibrancy of Bollywood. My journey has been about bridging cultures and paving the way for future creators from India. Being the only one who looked like me didn’t confine my potential; it expanded it, allowing me to carve out a distinct space in this ever-evolving industry.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I work as an independent producer and Unit Production Manager with a passion for cross-cultural storytelling in both Indian and American entertainment. My journey began in college with an eye-opening internship at Endemol Shine in India, where I was enamored by the vibrant chaos of production. Working alongside an inspiring executive producer, I realized the crucial role this position plays in turning creative visions into reality. That’s when I knew this was my passion.

After earning a degree in business administration, I jumped headfirst into Mumbai’s film industry and quickly advanced to Unit Production Manager and Line Producer. I had the chance to work on high-profile Bollywood projects, including a multilingual film that highlighted my commitment to diverse storytelling.

To deepen my expertise, I moved to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s in Entertainment Industry Management from Carnegie Mellon University. This experience opened new doors – from working as an executive assistant to the President of TV to becoming an Associate Producer for podcast projects for Audible.

Currently, I’m focused on increasing South Asian representation globally, both in storytelling and behind the camera. I am collaborating with some talented writers and directors to bring nuanced stories of South Asian women to the screen. From collaborating on story development to overseeing the logistics, budgets, and schedules, I ensure that every detail in production is seamless. Additionally, I’m involved with a startup called Gritty in Pink, which is an online marketplace aiming to revolutionize the female and non-binary freelancer economy.

I’ve always loved puzzles, and to me, production feels like putting together beautiful pieces that are just waiting to connect. Discovering what happens behind the scenes and watching it all come to life brings me immense joy. What excites me most is the chance to challenge the status quo. I’m passionate about creating content that resonates with diverse audiences, and I believe it’s essential to have women and underrepresented communities not just in front of the camera, but also behind it. Storytelling holds the profound power to connect cultures, and I am committed to amplifying South Asian narratives, ensuring that diverse voices shape the stories we tell.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to expand my portfolio and collaborate on boundary-pushing projects. As a member of the Producers Guild of America, I strive for excellence and champion emerging voices in the industry.

I hope my journey inspires others aiming to break into entertainment. It can be tough, but with passion and resilience, there are no limits to what we can achieve. I’m excited about the future and all the stories yet to be told!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience, creative problem-solving, and passion have been the key elements that have guided me on my journey.

The entertainment industry can be a tough ride. For those just starting out, I would say building resilience begins with a positive mindset. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who get the ups and downs of this industry. When things don’t go your way, take a moment to think about what you can learn from it. Remember, perseverance is everything. The industry may look glamorous, but it takes a thick skin and a commitment to your vision. There’s always a way to get things done, it may just not be as straightforward as you thought. A big part of being resilient also means understanding that and finding new and innovative ways to achieve your goal. There are constant setbacks—projects can shut down out of the blue, you might face negative reviews, or funding can fall through. Resilience is essential. Even the biggest names in the industry have experienced setbacks, whether it’s a film that didn’t resonate or facing harsh criticism. What matters is how we bounce back. Instead of letting setbacks hold us back, we should see them as chances to learn and grow. It is also important to recognize the pace at which the industry landscape is changing.

People say production is not a creative field. I disagree! In production, you need to be able to think on your feet and “put out fires” when things go south. There will be moments when plans go awry—like last-minute schedule changes or unexpected tech issues. That’s when your creativity really shines. Some of the best stories can come from working with tight budgets. You don’t always need a ton of money to make something impactful; it’s all about being resourceful. Collaborate with others to brainstorm solutions- building a network of creative people can also give you fresh perspectives on problem-solving. Remember, what matters is your approach to storytelling.

Finally, it’s crucial to understand that production happens mostly behind the scenes. This role doesn’t always get the spotlight or accolades, but it’s the backbone of any project. Without solid production management, everything can fall apart. My dad always said, “Choose a career you’ll be excited about, even at 4 a.m.!” I like to share that advice with anyone just starting out. Get into production because you’re genuinely passionate about the work, not just for the glitz of the industry. I’ve seen plenty of interns come and go because they expected it to be all glamour and didn’t find it shiny enough.

Production can be one of the most thankless jobs out there. You might not get a lot of recognition, but if you love what you do, watching a film come to life on the big screen is incredibly satisfying. Knowing you played a part in making that happen is a feeling like no other.

So, really embrace how crucial your role in production is. Work hard, build solid relationships with your team, and remember that your contributions are key to the project’s success. Adopting this mindset will not only sharpen your skills but also make your journey in the industry so much more fulfilling.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! As an independent producer, I am always on the lookout for talented writers, directors, fellow producers, or anyone interested in media, to collaborate with. My passion lies in finding compelling stories that resonate with audiences, particularly those that reflect diverse experiences. As a South Asian in the industry, I have a deep commitment to amplifying South Asian narratives and bringing more of these stories to the screen.

I believe that collaboration is key to creating authentic and impactful content, and I’m excited about the possibility of partnering with individuals who share this vision.

If you’re a writer with a unique perspective or a director with a fresh approach, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s explore how we can work together to bring our stories to life. You can reach out to me via social media. I’m always open to new ideas and collaborations, so don’t hesitate to connect! Together, we can create narratives that truly reflect our rich cultural heritage and engage audiences around the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarushi_goingplaces/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarushi-jain09/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9206712/