Aishwarya Natarajan

Lakshmi Iyer

In this episode of Season 4, we sit down with Lakshmi R Iyer, award-winning filmmaker, CEO of Streetsmart Productions, and Director at Elios Films, whose 15-year journey in cinema began not in a film school but on the ground, assisting, observing, and learning by doing. From a divorce that redirected her life to a solo jog in Dubai where she decided to produce her first film, Lakshmi reflects on the pivotal moments of self-belief that shaped her career, writing and directing Appa, Wrong Mistake, and First Second Chance, building a YouTube channel that organically crossed 100 million views, and investing in films the way others invest in diamonds. The conversation covers what it truly takes to sustain in independent cinema, from casting with conviction and respecting the screenplay process, to learning digital marketing at IIT Bombay and maintaining parallel income streams to protect your dream, while also addressing the impatience of new creators, the myth of virality, and why pre-production is more important than the shoot itself. Grounded in honesty, faith, and a refusal to compromise on story, this episode is a candid reflection on backing yourself when no one else will, and building a body of work that speaks for itself.

Aishwarya Natarajan

In this episode of Hungama Game Changers 2025, we sit down with Aishwarya Natarajan, a music entrepreneur, consultant, and cultural strategist who is reshaping how Indian music is represented, managed, and experienced. Aishwarya shares her journey from classical training to founding Indianuance, her evolving role as a music consultant, and her commitment to building sustainable pathways for independent and traditional artists. From navigating industry transitions and advocating for fair artist representation to championing folk, classical, and independent voices, Aishwarya offers thoughtful insight into the structures that support creativity. Tune in for a conversation with a leader working behind the scenes to strengthen India’s music ecosystem and elevate artists with integrity and purpose.