From Engineering Student to Entertainment Industry Leader
Vijay Subramaniam made a straightforward choice when he decided to study mechanical engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University in Belagavi. He followed his elder brother's path without much hesitation. That simple decision, however, set the course for his entire professional life.
The Early Days: Music and Management
While pursuing engineering, Subramaniam nurtured a deep passion for music. He served as both drummer and manager for Synaps, a four-piece alternative rock band. This dual role gave him his first real lesson in balancing creativity with practical structure.
"That experience taught me how structure operates behind the scenes," explains Subramaniam, now 40 and based in Mumbai. "It became incredibly valuable when I entered the entertainment industry later. Structure actually creates freedom. A strong foundation allows creativity to truly flourish. I learned early to value play as much as work, and I still believe that today."
Subramaniam is the Founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network, a prominent talent management company.
Building Collective Artists Network
The initial vision for Collective Artists Network was clear but ambitious. Subramaniam wanted to bring organization to India's then-disorganized talent management market. Over time, the company's mission expanded significantly.
Today, the network focuses on amplifying pop culture, scaling creative projects, and generating real impact. It has built an ecosystem designed to support talent, content, and innovative ideas for the long term. Their client roster now includes established Bollywood actors and ingenious content creators from across the country.
"Every individual is different," Subramaniam emphasizes. "There's no single formula for success. Our approach always starts with understanding a person's unique strengths, vision, and ambition. Then we figure out how to create value around that. It's about partnership, not prescription."
Technology and Creativity
Artificial Intelligence dominates conversations everywhere today, and Collective Artists Network actively integrates AI into its operations. However, Subramaniam holds a firm belief about the relationship between technology and creativity.
He argues that technology should serve creative processes rather than lead them. "The future belongs to those who can adapt to emerging changes in media without losing their core voice," he states confidently.
Insights on Mentorship and Growth
In a recent conversation, Subramaniam shared his thoughts on mentorship and personal development.
On having mentors: "I've had different mentors at different life stages. Each helped me see things more clearly during that particular time."
Key mentor insight: "Long-term thinking always matters more than short-term wins, especially when you're building something meant to last."
His view on mentoring others: "Mentorship involves emotional investment. It's about helping an individual's overall growth, not just professional advancement."
Daily Routines and Principles
Subramaniam's mornings follow a consistent pattern. He starts with chai and news, attempts a daily workout, and often plays guitar or handpan before heading to the office. He prefers arriving early and has recently developed an interest in padel.
He follows several productivity principles:
- Being mindful of time, both his own and others'
- Valuing punctuality to build trust and discipline
- Avoiding overthinking decisions
- Embracing a "move fast, learn fast" mentality
- Accepting that mistakes often lead to clarity
The pandemic brought positive changes too. "I learned that uncertainty isn't something to wait out," he reflects. "It's something you learn to work with. I developed a fitness routine, but the bigger shift was learning to lead during absolutely uncertain times. Accepting fear as part of the process actually made decision-making clearer."
Recommendations and Unwinding
For those interested in mentorship and growth, Subramaniam recommends two books: "Who Is Michael Ovitz?" by Michael Ovitz and Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs.
To unwind, he turns to sports and music. Padel currently holds his sporting interest, while music remains a constant passion. He can play guitar, piano, drums, or handpan for hours. "Music has always been my safe space," he shares.
