Ashish Hemrajani stands as a pioneer in India’s entertainment industry. As the co-founder and CEO of BookMyShow, he has redefined how people access movies, concerts, sports, and live events. His journey from a marketing professional to a tech entrepreneur showcases innovation, resilience, and a deep understanding of market needs.
Born in 1975 in Mumbai, Ashish Hemrajani grew up in a city pulsating with culture and entertainment. He attended the prestigious Maneckji Cooper Education Trust for his schooling, where his disciplined and hardworking nature began to shine. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree at Mithibai College, Mumbai, and later earned an MBA in Marketing from the College of Commerce and Economics, Sydenham, in 1997. These academic experiences equipped him with the skills to navigate the competitive world of business and marketing.
Career Beginnings
After completing his MBA, Ashish joined J. Walter Thompson, a globally renowned advertising agency. There, he managed accounts and client relationships for major brands like Hindustan Petroleum and Ceat Tyres. This role honed his marketing expertise and gave him insights into consumer behavior, which would later prove invaluable.
In 1999, while vacationing in South Africa with friends Parikshit Dar and Rajesh Balpande, Ashish felt a spark of entrepreneurial ambition. The trio, later dubbed “The Three Musketeers,” decided to explore the untapped potential of India’s ticketing industry. In a moment of boldness, Ashish sent a drunk text to his boss at J. Walter Thompson, sharing his plan to start his venture. Surprisingly, his boss responded with encouragement, saying, “No problem. Go for it.” This pivotal moment led to the founding of Bigtree Entertainment in July 1999.
Founding BookMyShow
Bigtree Entertainment, established on July 26, 1999, aimed to provide cutting-edge ticketing solutions for the entertainment industry. Ashish took on the role of CEO, while Parikshit Dar handled technology and Rajesh Balpande managed finances. The company initially operated under the name “Go For Ticketing,” which evolved into “India Ticketing” by 2002. In 2007, an engineering intern suggested the name “BookMyShow” during a contest, and the platform was officially launched under this brand.
BookMyShow quickly became India’s leading online ticketing platform, offering a seamless way to book tickets for movies, plays, sports, and live events. The platform’s user-friendly interface and wide reach set it apart in a market where standing in long queues was the norm.
Growth and Expansion
Under Ashish’s leadership, BookMyShow grew exponentially. The platform expanded to five countries and operates in over 60 cities across India. It became the official ticketing partner for high-profile events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, including Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, and the Formula 1 race in India. In 2017, BookMyShow secured a landmark deal with PVR, India’s largest cinema chain, valued at Rs 1000 crore, strengthening its dominance in the movie ticketing space.
The company also embraced digital innovation by launching BookMyShow Stream, a video-on-demand platform, on February 5, 2021, to meet the rising demand for online entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, such as laying off 200 employees in June 2021 due to the pandemic’s impact, Ashish guided the company through recovery, maintaining its position as a market leader. Today, BookMyShow boasts over 50 million app downloads, serves 30 million customers, and handles 15 million tickets monthly.
Leadership and Vision
Ashish Hemrajani’s vision has been to make entertainment accessible and convenient for all. He foresaw the potential of online ticketing in an era when internet penetration was limited in India. His strategic partnerships with investors like Network 18, TPG Growth, Stripes Group, Accel, and SAIF Partners fueled BookMyShow’s growth. Ashish’s ability to adapt to market trends, such as the rise of multiplexes and increased credit card usage, helped the platform thrive.
His leadership style emphasizes innovation and customer satisfaction. By focusing on user experience and leveraging technology, he turned BookMyShow into a one-stop shop for out-of-home entertainment. Ashish’s forward-thinking approach also led to ventures like nFusion, an HD video-on-demand platform launched in 2017, showcasing his commitment to diversifying the company’s offerings.
Awards and Recognitions
Ashish’s contributions have earned him significant recognition. In 2018, he received the “Executive of the Year” award at The Ticketing Business Awards in Manchester, England, for his visionary leadership. In 2019, he was honored with the BW Applause Person of the Year Award at a ceremony in New Delhi for his impact on the events and experiential industry.
BookMyShow has also garnered accolades under his guidance, including “The Hottest Company of the Year-2011-12” and “The Company to Watch Out For” at the CNBC Young Turks Award. Additionally, the platform was named the “Best Omni-Channel Customer Experience Brand” at the OneDirect Quest Customer Experience Awards, reflecting its excellence in service delivery.
Challenges and Controversies
While Ashish’s career is marked by success, it has not been without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic forced tough decisions, such as layoffs, to keep BookMyShow afloat. Additionally, in September 2024, Ashish faced scrutiny when Mumbai Police summoned him over allegations of black marketing Coldplay concert tickets. These tickets, originally priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 35,000, were reportedly resold at inflated prices. While this sparked public debate, it does not overshadow his broader contributions to the industry.
Ashish Hemrajani’s journey from an advertising professional to the architect of India’s leading ticketing platform is a story of vision and courage. Through BookMyShow, he has made entertainment accessible to millions, eliminating the hassle of long queues. His ability to navigate challenges, from the dot-com bust to the pandemic, highlights his resilience. With a net worth of Rs 3000 crore and a legacy of innovation, Ashish continues to inspire entrepreneurs, proving that a bold idea, backed by hard work, can transform an industry.
