MUMBAI: That Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) president & chief operating officer Ravi Ahuja would come a-visiting Mumbai  and the broadcast major's Malad office was known to those in the trade because of a story that broke in the media. But what is not known to most is what transpired during the dapper executive's whistle stop tour . 

One of the activities conducted was a town hall, in which he and the SPN  India managing director & CEO Guarav Banerjee  (GB)  sat down with SPN India  chief human resources officer Manu Wadhwa for a fireside chat. The topic of discussion: Sony’s content first approach and SPN India’s pivotal role in SPN’s global strategy.

The key message GB sent out was that SPNI is a content-focused company with a goal to create hits that resonate with its audience.

And Ahuja had only one major message to give out: “Exceed expectations, take on new challenges, and build your skills and network – that's the path to leadership!"

With that kind of a mandate, the rest of the  GECs and sports channels had better watch out. For not only does GB have youth on his side, he also has a point to prove. Which he is known to do. Whilst, SPNI has been a profitable venture in India, it has lacked leadership in fiction. 

Its non-fiction shows like Shark Tank India, KBC, Indian Idol have set new benchmarks with targeted audiences. But what has been missing is top rung family dramas, telenovellas, and thriller shows which have gathered viewers time and mindspace. Something the creative teams under GB have been working on silently and stealthily. 

Expect some real action in this space, especially when leaders at rivals such as Colors and Star Plus are absorbed with the merger and Zee is just about gearing up with its new slate of productions.