Leadership is about more than just managing; it’s about pioneering new paths, inspiring others, and having the foresight to lead into the future. People with such ability stand out for their ability to merge creativity with business strategy, shaping the direction of their organizations and the industries they influence. They are leaders who recognize opportunities where others see challenges and turn bold ideas into reality. They build legacies not just through achievements, but through the transformative impact they have on their teams, industries, and beyond.
Sumeet Pathak, Partner & Managing Director at Gulmohar Media, is a shining example of such leadership. With a rare blend of business acumen and creative insight, he has propelled Gulmohar Media into the forefront of the media industry. Under his direction, the company has consistently raised the bar in content production, delivering groundbreaking work across various platforms. Sumeet’s deep understanding of the evolving media landscape, coupled with his innovative approach, has solidified his status as one of the most influential and forward-thinking business leaders today.
From Child Actor to Media Innovator
Sumeet began his career as a child artist, performing alongside notable figures like Shahrukh Khan and Aditya Pancholi. His acting credits included a popular TV show, “Hero,” on Disney Channel, which marked a prominent phase in his early career. Transitioning from acting, Sumeet entered the dubbing industry, which was gaining traction in India. His acting background provided a strong foundation for this new path, where he worked on dubbing characters like Richie Rich and Oswald. This period was pivotal as he honed his skills in dubbing, setting the stage for future endeavors.
During a career sabbatical, Sumeet delved into global cinema, enhancing his skills and preparing for future opportunities. The rise of digital media presented a significant turning point. Sumeet started Gulmohar Media and collaborated with Star TV Network to develop audio shorts, a novel concept transforming serial content consumption on mobile platforms. This innovation extended to video formats, where he repackaged lengthy serials into concise episodes, setting a new standard for digital content presentation.
This initiative by Gulmohar Media was instrumental in shaping the industry’s approach to digital content. The adaptation of “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” into a more accessible format led to similar projects with various broadcasters. His work involved editing original shows and creating broadcast materials, significantly influencing television content presentation.
A major milestone in Sumeet’s career was the launch of “Satyamev Jayate,” a socially relevant show by Aamir Khan Productions. Sumeet’s team handled language localization for the show, a complex project involving dubbing in multiple languages across different cities. This achievement showcased the company’s capacity for large-scale localization tasks and earned industry recognition. With the rise of OTT platforms, Gulmohar Media expanded its services to include subtitling and localization for digital content. Sumeet’s foresight led to significant investments in studio infrastructure across major cities, enabling Gulmohar Media to manage a growing volume of content. The company became a key provider of high-quality dubbing and localization services for major OTT platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLiv and Amazon Prime Video.
Gulmohar Media also extended its services internationally, localizing Indian content for global markets. Studio partnerships were established in New York, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, South Africa, Germany, and London to cater to various languages and regions. Additionally, Sumeet introduced “Voice Bank India,” a platform to support and organize the dubbing industry. This initiative allows artists to showcase their work and connect directly with producers, promoting fair compensation and eliminating intermediaries.
Visionary Media Powerhouse
Gulmohar Media, established in 2010, has emerged as a trailblazing media production company, continually pushing the boundaries of content creation. The company prides itself on redefining industry standards, offering innovative solutions that cater to a diverse and ever-evolving audience. With a belief that content is more than just king—it’s an immersive experience—Gulmohar Media prioritizes innovation and a user-centric approach in delivering high-quality content across OTT platforms, film, and television.
Renowned as a leading language localization firm, Gulmohar Media serves both Indian and international broadcasters and OTT services. The company offers a full range of services, including video editing, dubbing, subtitling, access services, audio descriptions, and 5.1 & Dolby Atmos mixing. Whether for movies, web series, TV shows, or documentaries, Gulmohar Media’s talented professionals ensure that every project is crafted with the utmost creativity and quality, setting new benchmarks in media production.
Diverse Areas of Expertise
Gulmohar Media offers a range of specialized services designed to meet the highest industry standards and elevate content to new heights:
- Video Editing: The expert team transforms raw footage into polished masterpieces, aligning perfectly with the client’s vision and requirements.
- Dubbing: Gulmohar’s professional dubbing services ensure linguistic authenticity, allowing content to seamlessly resonate with global audiences.
- Subtitling: With precision-driven subtitling solutions, Gulmohar enhances the accessibility and reach of content across various platforms and languages.
- Access Services: Offering inclusive content, Gulmohar’s comprehensive access services include audio descriptions and closed captioning, ensuring compliance and broader audience engagement.
- Audio Descriptions: Expertly crafted descriptive narrations from Gulmohar enrich content for visually impaired viewers, making media more accessible.
- 5.1 & Dolby Mixing: Gulmohar’s advanced 5.1 and Dolby Atmos mixing services deliver immersive, cinematic soundscapes, enhancing audience experiences globally.
Unmatched Industry Expertise
With 14 years of experience, over 500+ completed projects, and over 50 satisfied clients, Gulmohar Media stands as a leader in the media production industry. Its commitment to precision and excellence ensures that every project, from concept to final delivery, is executed flawlessly. The company offers comprehensive services, making it a trusted one-stop solution for high-quality, cohesive media production.
Gulmohar Media’s state-of-the-art infrastructure is a testament to its commitment to staying ahead of industry advancements. The company’s Dolby Atmos Certified Studio guarantees top-tier audio quality, delivering an unparalleled auditory experience for every project. With nine awards to its name, Gulmohar Media continues to set the standard for innovation and quality in the media production landscape.
Leadership Philosophy
Sumeet has evolved his leadership approach significantly over the years. Initially, he found it challenging to delegate tasks and trust his staff, which limited the company’s growth. His involvement in day-to-day operations was extensive, but it became clear that to expand, he needed to trust and empower his team.
Sumeet’s leadership philosophy now emphasizes trust and capacity building. Recognizing the importance of developing his team’s abilities, he introduced weekend training sessions at Gulmohar Media’s studios. These sessions, held on Saturdays and Sundays, provide both current staff and potential recruits with valuable skills and knowledge, preparing them for future roles within the company.
This approach has allowed Sumeet to shift focus from micromanagement to strategic growth, seeking new opportunities for the company. By fostering a strong, capable backend team, Gulmohar Media is developing local leaders across its studios, ensuring that operations are robust and the company is well-positioned for continued success.
Overcoming Challenges
Sumeet reflects on the significant challenges that have shaped his journey as a leader. Starting from scratch with no benchmarks to guide them, Gulmohar Media has consistently pioneered new technologies and processes. Its path has included pioneering work in audio and video sources, language localization, and advanced technologies like Atmos.
Sumeet highlights that adapting to these evolving technologies posed a major challenge. Initially, the company faced the task of educating itself and others in the industry about emerging technologies. Finding skilled individuals to manage and implement these new tools was another significant hurdle. For instance, the introduction of AI in subtitling has transformed its workflow, replacing traditional methods with more efficient processes. However, this shift required the company to train around 100 people in its facilities to work effectively with AI, as the technology is still maturing and requires human oversight.
Sumeet also notes the impact of AI on the artist community in India. While AI offers efficiency, it poses a threat to jobs, particularly in dubbing, prompting ongoing discussions about fair compensation for artists. The industry is working with the Artists Association of India to develop guidelines for AI usage and ensure that artists are fairly compensated. Sumeet emphasizes the need for legal frameworks in India to address these issues, drawing a parallel to the recent struggles of songwriters who have just begun receiving fair compensation. Gulmohar Media is actively engaging with government authorities to advocate for these changes and support the industry’s growth and fairness.
Creative Leadership
Shweta Pathak, Partner at Gulmohar Media, plays a crucial role as the Creative Director. Her extensive experience includes creative positions at Star TV Network, Zee Network and Viacom 18. With a background in journalism and a postgraduate degree in the field, Shweta has been in the media industry for almost two decades.
Shweta’s deep industry insight has been instrumental in guiding Gulmohar Media’s strategic direction. Her ability to anticipate industry trends has been invaluable, ensuring the company stays ahead of emerging developments. As the head of the creative department, Shweta oversees all major creative decisions, working closely with her team to execute projects in multiple languages. Her leadership and creative vision are central to the company’s success.
Dedication to Success
Sumeet attributes the success of Gulmohar Media to the team’s dedication. His journey from a dubbing artist to the CEO of a multi-city studio network underscores a commitment to his craft and his company. Initially, Sumeet faced a pivotal decision between pursuing an acting career and focusing on Gulmohar Media. Recognizing the potential of the company, he chose to dedicate himself fully to its growth, abandoning his acting ambitions.
Sumeet’s dedication was crucial in transforming Gulmohar Media from a single studio into a significant player in the industry. His commitment to the company, coupled with his continuous involvement in creative processes, ensured that he remained engaged and fulfilled in his work.
Legacy of Innovation
Sumeet envisions his legacy as a fusion of creativity and business acumen. He aspires to be remembered as a creative businessman who integrated artistic vision with strategic growth. At Gulmohar Media, creativity has been a driving force, propelling the company from modest beginnings to significant industry presence.
Sumeet’s goal is to leave behind a legacy of innovation and success, demonstrating that creativity and business savvy can coalesce to shape a thriving enterprise.
Embrace Continuous Learning
Sumeet offers crucial advice for aspiring leaders, artists, and dubbing professionals: embrace continuous learning. He notes the absence of reputable educational institutions for media professionals in India, emphasizing the importance of self-education and adapting to new technologies.
With the rapid advancement of AI and evolving software tools, staying updated with the latest technology is essential. Sumeet underscores the value of learning from experienced mentors and participating in workshops, which Gulmohar Media actively encourages.
Celebrating a Legacy
Sumeet’s voice acting career has left a lasting impact on audiences across generations. Renowned for his roles as the voice of Leonardo DiCaprio in India and for characters like Tintin and Pinocchio, Sumeet has voiced numerous beloved figures. His contributions have resonated with fans not only in India but across the globe, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Japan.
Sumeet’s recent encounter with fans in London, where he was thanked for making their childhoods special, highlights the profound effect his work has had. His substantial social media following reflects the widespread appreciation for his acting and voicing capabilities, celebrating his significant role in shaping memorable childhood experiences for many.
