Kailash Gandhi has been serving as the Creative Head of ‘Ideabaaz’. He is a seasoned creative veteran behind many of India’s non-fiction entertainment milestones. He is now spearheading the new show ‘Ideabaaz’ on Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited.
With over 30 years in the media and entertainment industry, Kailash’s journey includes shaping original content when there were no Google or YouTube references, pioneering new formats, and finally founding Bandra Boy Productions to bring the stories he deeply believed in to life.
‘Ideabaaz’ is his next bold step, a show designed to spotlight India’s thinkers, innovators and entrepreneurs, especially from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, and give them a real platform to present ideas with purpose, not just entertainment. Through his showrunning lens, he brings together storytelling, opportunity and mass-reach.
Medianews4u.com caught up with ‘Ideabaaz’ showrunner, creative head, Kailash Gandhi
Q. What inspired the concept of ‘Ideabaaz’ and how does it differ from existing entrepreneurial reality formats?
I had previously worked on a similar concept that didn’t materialise. A year later, Jeet Wagh, the producer of Ideabaaz, approached me to develop a show centered on startups and investors. This is when I understood the larger objective behind ‘Ideabaaz’. Unlike other shows that are primarily television reality shows, ‘Ideabaaz’ is much more than that, it’s a catalyst for transformation within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The show features startups from diverse industries and an esteemed panel of seasoned judges, whom we call Titans. Through its broad reach and dynamic format, ‘Ideabaaz’ aims to foster innovation, provide essential funding, and educate the audience about the principles of business growth.
Q. Was it to an extent inspired by ‘Shark Tank’ and ‘The Apprentice’?
We were never aiming to create a television property merely for the sake of making a show like ‘Shark Tank’. ‘Shark Tank’ operates purely as a television show format. ‘Ideabaaz’, as we’ve emphasised, extends far beyond just a TV programme. However, Shark Tank’s success in educating audiences about the startup world was beneficial for us.
Q. Could you shed light on the process of discovering and curating the ideas and innovators featured on Ideabaaz, especially across smaller Indian towns?
The call for entries benefited significantly from promos aired across the Zee Network. A key success factor, mirroring the show’s nature, was dubbing these promos into eight languages and broadcasting them on all eight regional Zee Network channels. This collective effort effectively reached the heartland, resulting in a surprisingly strong response. Furthermore, Ideabaaz has established integral partnerships for startup curation with Turbo start, Tapstart X, and IIT Madras Global.
Q. What role is ‘Ideabaaz’ playing in the revamp of Zee TV? Is it about both building perception and driving viewership?
Our partnership with Zee Network is not aimed at revamping Zee TV. Zee TV is already one of the most popular channels, both in India and internationally, and its regional channels also boast excellent reach. ‘Ideabaaz’ is delighted with this collaboration with the Zee Network.
Q. What are the other major projects that Bandra Boy Productions is working on?
I’ve recently completed writing a film script and am looking forward to narrating it to actors soon. My wife, Aloka, and I have also been developing a fiction series for an OTT platform, which we are hopeful will be greenlit shortly. In addition to this, my team and I have been busy creating various content pieces, including digital content and work for platforms like Flipkart.
Q. Today the audience has an attention deficit, especially Gen Alpha and Gen Z. What tactics would work in 2026 to hold their attention?
The rise of short, especially vertical, content is captivating the new generation. With AI expanding creative horizons, the potential for content creation is boundless. We have an abundance of talented individuals, particularly within Gen Z, who have exceptional stories to tell. This confluence of technology and talent suggests that 2026 is poised to be a year for genuinely groundbreaking content.
Q. TV had a bad 2025 in terms of ad revenue. Have budgets become tighter as a result when you talk to broadcasters?
Yes, it has, but as creative professionals, our responsibility is to overcome those limitations and still produce something relatable, innovative, and within the allocated budget.
Q. OTT platforms have also slashed the number of shows done. Is this putting pressure on the P&L of production houses?
Platforms aren’t just cutting budgets across the board. Instead, they’re being smarter, picking the projects they think have the best shot. Every show is different, needs unique creative ideas, and that means different budgets. I think they’re simply being more cautious and making sure they choose the right shows that fit what they’re trying to achieve. If a show really looks promising, I’m pretty sure they’ll give it the money it needs.
Q. What role is a data driven strategy playing in storytelling?
Data is super important, especially when we’re trying to figure out viewership and what content to pitch. But let’s be real, the media world is crazy complicated now—it’s not just TV anymore. We’ve got social media, short-form vertical videos, all those streaming services (OTT), and YouTube. So yeah, data is great, but honestly, if the story is powerful and hits hard, it’s probably going to crush it no matter what the spreadsheets say.
Q. What are your views on the microdrama format?
Micro-dramas could be a really big deal, but only if we nail the execution. Right now, small budgets are keeping us from producing the top-notch content we need. However, with a killer story, the perfect creative crew, a stellar cast, and the right backing, micro-dramas are totally set to take over as the main form of entertainment in the next five years.
Q. How is Bandra Boy Productions leveraging AI to ideate, reduce production costs?
I believe AI should serve as an enhancement tool, not a content creator. Generating compelling, resonant ideas and drafting engaging narratives requires essential human insight and intervention. While AI can refine and strengthen the message we aim to convey, it cannot originate true emotion, which stems from real human experience. Furthermore, in my view, AI does not significantly reduce production costs.
Q. We are seeing Youtube becoming a big enough platform where production houses are bypassing TV to launch shows there. Does Bandra Boy Productions have plans in this regard?
Yes, definitely. I’m already in discussions with my creative team, and we are currently writing a concept exclusively for YouTube. While I can’t share many details right now, we are certainly planning a YouTube show.
Q. Are we going to see more in-show integrations and brand placements in 2026?
Branded content, encompassing product placement within programming and the inclusion of in-show segments, has become a standard feature of the contemporary media landscape. Furthermore, many brands are independently developing their own content, prompting frequent requests for my assistance in formulating comprehensive content strategies.
