From Disney Dreams to YRF Dominance: How Hemant Kundnani Became Bollywood’s Marketing Maverick

In an era where entertainment is more algorithm than art, one man’s journey through the studios of Disney, UTV, Pooja Entertainment, and now Yash Raj Films (YRF) reads like a masterclass in media reinvention. Hemant Kundnani’s recent promotion as Senior General Manager - Communications at YRF isn’t just a career milestone — it’s a seismic moment in the evolution of Bollywood’s branding.

The Making of a Modern-Day Movie Mogul: Let’s rewind. Hemant started his journey at UTV STARS, where he led consumer and trade marketing. But it was at Disney — and particularly within Fox Star Studios — where he truly mastered the art of digital-first storytelling and data analytics. He wasn’t just selling movies; he was building ecosystems of loyal fans and measurable impact.

At Pooja Entertainment, he pushed the envelope even further — experimenting with machine learning and marketing automation before most Indian studios could say "AI." His work on Bellbottom — one of the first films globally to shoot during the pandemic — wasn’t just gutsy, it was strategic and history-making.

The YRF Era: Communications at Cultural Scale Now, with YRF entering its most experimental and brand-centric phase yet, Hemant takes charge of communications for a legacy label that controls nostalgia and narrative at national scale. This isn’t just about press releases. It’s about shaping how India feels about cinema.

In a time when Bollywood must rebuild trust, globalize its image, and compete with OTT storytelling, Hemant’s data-meets-drama mindset is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Conclusion: As streaming disrupts and stars recalibrate, YRF's appointment of Hemant Kundnani signals a pivot toward precision marketing, cultural nuance, and cross-platform storytelling. Watch this space — because Bollywood's next big hit may not be on screen, but in how it's told, teased, and talked about.