MUMBAI: In the boardroom of content creation, few wield the narrative wand like Charu Budhiraja. Known for turning brand briefs into blockbuster ideas, she’s now swapped the corporate corridors of Warner Bros. Discovery for the storytelling stronghold of Edstead. As of 2 April 2025, Budhiraja officially steps in as chief business officer at the research-led documentary studio with a cause.
With decades of experience (and probably a few dusty awards by now), Budhiraja brings a lethal mix of creativity and commercial sense. From crafting campaigns that hit you right in the feels to plotting partnerships that print money, her career reads like a masterclass in modern media hustle.
She now aims to channel that magic into Edstead’s next act. The mission? Turn powerful, purpose-led storytelling into big business. And she’s not just here to play nice. Expect brand partnerships, content alliances, and revenue blueprints as bold as the stories Edstead wants to tell.
“Edstead stands for storytelling with purpose—stories that challenge perspectives, ignite conversations, and create real impact. In today’s media landscape, authenticity and depth matter more than ever, and Edstead has built a strong foundation in this space. I’m excited to build on that momentum, foster strategic partnerships, and help scale Edstead’s reach while staying true to its mission,” said Budhiraja.
Edstead’s founder Shekhar Bhattacharjee rolled out the welcome mat, saying, “Edstead is driven by the belief that powerful stories can inspire change. Charu’s expertise in branded content and content strategy will be instrumental in amplifying our impact and expanding our reach. Her ability to bridge creativity with business strategy makes her the perfect partner as we take Edstead into its next phase of growth.”
Before this appointment, Budhiraja held the creative head position at Warner Bros. Discovery, leading award-winning content across themes like travel, lifestyle, education, and culture. She has also worked across Discovery, Ogilvy, Creativeland Asia, and JWT, bridging storytelling with marketing like it was child’s play. Her fingerprints are on some of India’s most iconic brand narratives.
With Budhiraja now in the driver’s seat, Edstead looks set to scale up its storytelling superpower, turning brains and budgets toward purpose-driven content that isn’t just good-looking but does good, too.
