The entertainment industry is often hailed as a democratic space where the contributions of women, with their unique perspectives and lived experiences, significantly enhance storytelling and cultural impact. Three dynamic women at the helm of Netflix India are testaments to this impact: Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content; Tanya Bami, Series Head; and Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films. Steering through an industry known to be unforgiving to marginalized genders, these leaders are redefining content strategy and production for one of the most diverse and demanding audiences globally.
Monika Shergill proudly notes that nearly half of Netflix’s leadership is female, with their influence spanning beyond content into product, tech, and marketing. Tasked with strategizing content for the ever-evolving and eclectic Indian audience, Monika sees this role not just as a job, but a privilege at a pivotal moment in the country’s streaming entertainment sector.
Working alongside Tanya Bami and Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Monika revels in the creative synergy the trio shares, fueled by their like-minded passion and tenacity. Tanya emphasizes the depth and nuance women inherently bring to their roles, a much-needed outlook for a field ripe for such diverse insights—akin to revealing the strength of a tea bag in hot water. Ruchikaa echoes this sentiment, citing the trio’s intuition and gut instinct as their guide towards picking compelling stories for Netflix’s audience.
In an exclusive conversation, Tanya reflects on their considerable achievements, highlighting the success of ‘The Railway Men,’ which brought the Bhopal gas tragedy back into mainstream conversation and resonated culturally, even in personal WhatsApp group chats and casual eavesdropping on flights. Other notable projects like ‘Kohrra’ and ‘Kaala Paani’ bring fresh narratives and voices from the region to the fore, alongside top-tier accolades for Netflix’s nonfiction content at prestigious events such as the Emmys, Oscars, and the Busan Film Festival.
Ruchikaa shares the excitement as she lists diverse titles like ‘Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga,’ ‘Mission Majnu,’ and ‘Khufiya’ — each unique in its storytelling ethos and showcasing the streaming debuts of big stars like Sidharth Malhotra and Kareena Kapoor Khan. She underlines the pan-genre success of Netflix, with the Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga trending across 60 countries without compromising its inherent nuances for broader appeal.
Monika takes a look back at an industry-wide surge in content, attributing it to a post-pandemic rejuvenation. Netflix’s slate is diverse, spanning from big-ticket Indian films to documentaries, series, and licensed cinema. With a team that includes Abhishek Goradia and Vibha Chopra, Monika assures a content-first approach, prioritizing consumer-focused strategies leading them to evident triumphs.
The aim to mirror India’s diversity in content is echoed by Tanya, who notes how shows like ‘Khakee: The Bihar Chapter’ and ‘Rana Naidu’ strategically blend local flavors with universal appeal. Monika points out the challenge of creating content in South Indian languages, acknowledging the audience’s preference for films, but sees potential in series that reflect the region’s unique storytelling style.
As the conversation unfolds, Monika, Tanya, and Ruchikaa delve into the intricacies of catering to a diverse audience base, the challenges of series format, and the pride in producing content that elicits a global response. They share their futures work, hinting at collaborations with renowned creatives and franchises.
Inclusivity remains key to their vision. Tanya asserts the importance of normalizing diverse themes to reflect the intricacies of life. Ruchikaa advocates for intentional storytelling that mirrors varied experiences, hoping to mainstream and familiarize audiences with previously marginalized narratives.
Looking ahead, the trio promises an exciting 2024 for Netflix, with a spectrum of content appealing to Bollywood aficionados, Korean drama enthusiasts, and international audiences alike. They remain committed to showcasing stories that resonate across borders, celebrating the universality of emotions that bind the human experience. With the likes of ‘The Archies,’ ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan,’ and ‘Killer Soup’ in the pipeline, Netflix India’s female leadership is poised to continue breaking barriers and setting new records in the world of streamed entertainment.
