Aparna Purohit: The Visionary Behind India's OTT Revolution
In a remarkable career arc, Aparna Purohit has evolved from a hopeful storyteller to the CEO of Aamir Khan Productions, one of India's most prestigious production houses. Her journey, spanning over two decades, is a testament to resilience and creative vision, culminating in her leadership role announced in February 2026. This appointment marks a full-circle moment for Purohit, who initially arrived in Mumbai in 2003 with dreams of filmmaking, now steering projects that have reshaped the entertainment landscape.
Early Struggles and Corporate Shifts
Landing in Mumbai with just a suitcase and determination, Aparna quickly secured a job as an assistant director on a television show. However, as the only woman in that role, she faced significant challenges in a demanding industry environment. Her dedication led to collaborations with esteemed figures like Aparna Sen and Naseeruddin Shah, but seeking stability, she transitioned to corporate positions at Sony Entertainment Television and UTV Motion Pictures. Despite this, the allure of independent storytelling remained strong, prompting her to leave the corporate world in 2008 to co-found Chaaryaar Productions.
Overcoming Adversity and Finding Her Calling
The initial years with Chaaryaar were fraught with difficulties, as pitches to studios yielded no results. When Aparna attempted to return to corporate roles, the global recession made re-entry nearly impossible, forcing her to take on various gigs like teaching and script consulting to survive. A turning point came when she joined the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) as a consultant. Here, she discovered her true passion: enabling storytelling by working with creators worldwide. This realization propelled her into roles at Mumbai Mantra Media and later Amazon Prime Video, where she became a key architect of India's streaming revolution.
Driving Success at Amazon Prime Video
As Head of India Originals at Amazon Prime Video, Aparna Purohit oversaw the launch of groundbreaking series that defined a new era in Indian entertainment. Under her leadership, shows such as The Family Man, Mirzapur, Made in Heaven, Paatal Lok, and Panchayat achieved critical and commercial success. Mirzapur became the platform's most-watched show in India, while The Family Man reached 96% of the country's postcodes and trended globally. Her focus on regional content, including series like Haraa and Dhootha, expanded Prime Video's audience beyond Hindi speakers, contributing to subscriber growth from 7 million in 2018 to 30 million by 2025.
Legacy and Future Prospects
During her eight-year tenure at Amazon Prime Video, Aparna launched over 56 originals and 60 films across six languages, significantly impacting India's streaming ecosystem. Her instinct for audience preferences and commitment to diverse storytelling have earned her recognition as a pivotal figure in the industry. As she steps into her role at Aamir Khan Productions, expectations are high for her to continue fostering innovative narratives. Her story underscores the power of perseverance and creative enablement in transforming India's entertainment sector, inspiring aspiring filmmakers across the nation.
