IIM Mumbai and Whistling Woods Launch India’s First MBA in Media & Entertainment

Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai, ranked 6th in NIRF 2024, in collaboration with Whistling Woods International (WWI), India’s leading institute for film, communication, and creative arts, has announced the launch of India’s first MBA in Media and Entertainment—a landmark initiative in the country’s education sector.

Bridging Creativity and Business Leadership

The pioneering MBA program is designed to bridge the gap between creative economy and business leadership. By integrating WWI’s industry-oriented experiential learning with IIM Mumbai’s academic excellence, the program aims to nurture professionals who can drive innovation and bring world-class management expertise to the global media and entertainment (M&E) industry.

According to the Director of IIM Mumbai, this unique program will cover the full spectrum of media and entertainment studies, including film, television, OTT, corporate finance, data science, brand management, emerging technologies and IP, animation and comics business, as well as M&E laws and ethics. Students will gain exposure through immersive sessions across both campuses, real-life case studies, live projects, and mentorship by industry leaders.

A Visionary Partnership

Whistling Woods International’s Founder and Chairman, Mr. Subhash Ghai, remarked, “This collaboration is a new milestone in our commitment to excellence. The partnership with IIM Mumbai adds prestige and ensures our graduates combine creative vision with strong business acumen.”

Recently, filmmaker Subhash Ghai met with Dr. P.K. Mishra (Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister), Dr. Manoj Tiwari (Director, IIM Mumbai), Subhash Chandra, and Ajay Bijli, where discussions were held on this pioneering MBA partnership between IIM Mumbai and WWI.

Program Highlights

Graduates will be awarded the prestigious MBA degree from IIM Mumbai, with full alumni status and access to a robust professional network. The first batch will commence in June 2026. Admission will be based on CAT scores and personal interviews. Applicants must hold a recognized undergraduate degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).