Ashish Hemrajani is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of BookMyShow, India's largest online ticketing platform for movies, events, sports, and live entertainment. He is widely recognized for revolutionizing the entertainment industry in India by transforming how people purchase tickets and engage with live entertainment experiences.
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Early Life and Education
Ashish Hemrajani grew up in Mumbai, India. He completed his schooling in Mumbai and later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Subsequently, he earned a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education in Mumbai. His early years laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit, which eventually led to the creation of a major player in the Indian entertainment landscape.
Career
Hemrajani began his career in the advertising industry, working with J. Walter Thompson (JWT), one of the world’s leading advertising agencies. However, his professional trajectory took a significant turn during a backpacking trip to South Africa in 1999. Inspired by a radio ad promoting rugby tickets, Hemrajani saw an opportunity to bring the concept of online ticketing to India, a country with a growing appetite for movies, events, and live performances.
In 1999, he founded Big Tree Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., which initially focused on selling movie tickets via telephone and the internet. In 2007, the company rebranded as BookMyShow, focusing on online movie ticketing as internet penetration began to rise across India. Under his leadership, BookMyShow quickly expanded its offerings beyond movies to include tickets for concerts, sports events, theater, and more.
Growth of BookMyShow
Under Hemrajani's guidance, BookMyShow has grown into the leading online entertainment ticketing platform in India, serving millions of users and operating in multiple international markets, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the UAE. BookMyShow's success can be attributed to its user-friendly platform, extensive network of theaters and venues, and the ability to secure exclusive rights to major events. The platform's popularity surged with the rise of mobile internet, and today, it is synonymous with entertainment ticketing in India.
Hemrajani’s vision for the company extended beyond just ticket sales. BookMyShow has also ventured into event production, live entertainment, and original content creation. The company has received significant backing from major investors, including TPG Growth and Stripes Group, reflecting its strong market position and growth potential.
Leadership and Vision
Ashish Hemrajani is known for his hands-on leadership style and strong business acumen. He believes in fostering a work culture that emphasizes innovation, customer satisfaction, and resilience. He often speaks about the importance of continuous learning and adapting to the fast-evolving technological landscape, especially in the entertainment industry.
Hemrajani has also been vocal about the challenges of entrepreneurship in India, particularly the need for persistence in the face of difficulties. He has successfully navigated multiple challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the entertainment industry. Under his leadership, BookMyShow pivoted towards online streaming, digital events, and pay-per-view models, which helped the company weather the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Personal Life
Ashish Hemrajani is known for being private about his personal life. He is passionate about music and travel, and he often draws inspiration from his global experiences. Hemrajani is also actively involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs and has participated in various forums and events to share his insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the digital transformation of industries.
Recognition
Hemrajani has received several accolades for his contributions to the Indian startup ecosystem and the entertainment industry. He has been featured in numerous media outlets and has been recognized as one of the top entrepreneurs in India. His work with BookMyShow has positioned him as a key figure in the intersection of entertainment and technology in the country.
See Also
BookMyShow
Indian Entrepreneurs
E-commerce in India
References
Hemrajani's interviews and public speaking appearances in media
Articles covering the growth and impact of BookMyShow in India
Profiles of successful Indian entrepreneurs
Related Questions
1. Who is Ashish Hemrajani?
Ashish Hemrajani is the founder and CEO of BookMyShow, India's largest online platform for booking tickets for movies, events, concerts, sports, and live entertainment. He is known for transforming the ticketing and entertainment industry in India.
2. What is Ashish Hemrajani’s educational background?
Ashish Hemrajani completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree and later pursued an MBA from the Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education in Mumbai.
3. How did Ashish Hemrajani start BookMyShow?
The idea for BookMyShow came to Hemrajani during a backpacking trip to South Africa in 1999. Inspired by a radio ad selling rugby tickets, he envisioned bringing online ticketing to India. In 1999, he launched Big Tree Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., which was later rebranded as BookMyShow in 2007.
4. What was Ashish Hemrajani's career before starting BookMyShow?
Before founding BookMyShow, Hemrajani worked in the advertising industry with J. Walter Thompson (JWT), one of the world’s leading advertising agencies.
5. How has BookMyShow grown under Ashish Hemrajani's leadership?
Under Ashish Hemrajani's leadership, BookMyShow has become India’s top online ticketing platform, expanding into international markets such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the UAE. It has also diversified into event production, live entertainment, and digital content creation.
6. What industries does BookMyShow cover?
Initially focused on movie ticketing, BookMyShow has expanded to include tickets for concerts, sports events, theater, live shows, and digital events.
7. How did BookMyShow adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the entertainment industry. Under Hemrajani’s guidance, BookMyShow pivoted towards online streaming, digital events, and pay-per-view models, helping the company navigate through the challenges.
