From talent management to streaming, students explore what makes a media professional thrive with Tarsame Mittal, Sherrin Varghese, and Alisha Coelho
The School of Media and Communication (SMC) at Whistling Woods International (WWI) recently concluded the 7th edition of its highly anticipated Masterclass Marathon—a hallmark event that continues to bring leading industry professionals face-to-face with the next generation of media talent. This year’s theme, “Multiple Hats, Multiple Successes: What Makes a Media Professional Tick?”, spotlighted the multifaceted journeys of media leaders who have excelled across roles and platforms.
The 2025 edition featured three compelling sessions led by distinguished voices in talent management, virtual production, and digital streaming—offering students a rare opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the ever-evolving media landscape.
The event opened with Tarsame Mittal, one of India’s foremost talent managers, who shared his candid reflections on perseverance, failure, and finding one’s calling. “Perfection is overrated,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of learning through missteps. He also addressed the role of AI in creative industries, urging students to view it as an enabler rather than a substitute: “Let it support your creativity, not replace it.”
Next, Sherrin Varghese—musician, actor, and founding member of the iconic band A Band of Boys—took the stage to recount his unconventional path from engineering to pop culture fame. “Don’t try to learn everything—learn what the heart wants,” he advised, encouraging students to follow passion over perfection. He also showcased “The Circuit”, his cutting-edge virtual production studio, offering a live demonstration of AI-infused creative workflows born during the pandemic.
The final session featured Alisha Coelho, Senior Vice President at ZEE5, who shared her journey from television journalism to leading one of India’s top OTT platforms. She emphasized data-driven creativity, calling data the “third umpire” in content decisions, and encouraged humility in leadership: “Say ‘I don’t know’ when you don’t.” With conviction at the core of her message, she concluded by predicting a rise in ‘community viewing’ as the next major shift in digital content consumption.
Reflecting on the event, Rahul Puri, Director of Academics at Whistling Woods International, said: “The SMC Masterclass Marathon remains one of our most valuable platforms, offering students immersive access to industry wisdom. Each session reflected the dynamic nature of media professions and inspired our students to embrace change with clarity, confidence, and creativity.”
The 7th edition of the Masterclass Marathon once again reaffirmed WWI’s commitment to experiential, industry-aligned education. Through powerful storytelling and practical advice, the event empowered students to embrace multifaceted roles and evolve as future-ready media professionals.
