Page 78 - Avendus Huran Flipbook 2026

This journey taught me that
reinvention doesn’t mean breaking

from the past – it means translating
it into new contexts.

AVARNA JAIN
Vice Chairperson, Saregama India

Composing a Modern Legacy Stepping into a leadership role in a legacy business can be
daunting. How did you carve your individual identity and
Avarna Jain is the Vice Chairperson of Saregama decision-making voice within such a storied company?
India Limited, the 130-year-old music and When I stepped into Saregama, I was very aware that I
entertainment company that holds one of the largest wasn’t just entering a company. I was entering a brand
catalogues of Indian music and content. In her role, that held meaning for millions. That can feel overwhelming
she has steered the legacy label into the digital because every decision has emotional weight.
age with initiatives like the iconic Carvaan music My leadership identity emerged when I shifted the lens from
player, multi-language variants, strategic content ‘preserving what exists’ to ‘expanding what’s possible.’ By
acquisitions such as Pocket Aces, and exploration of grounding decisions in consumer behaviour, platform shifts,
new-age formats and platforms. and long-term data patterns, I gained the confidence to drive
bold changes – from accelerating digitization to diversifying
Avarna also serves as Chairperson of RPSG into films, non-fiction and new formats.
Lifestyle Media, overseeing premium titles including
Esquire, The Hollywood Reporter and Robb Report Carvaan reinforced an important insight: innovation doesn’t
India. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, always mean reinvention. It can mean creating something
she has been recognized among India’s most intuitive, familiar and deeply relevant.
influential leaders shaping the intersection of music, That balance, staying rooted while building forward, is what
media and digital culture. shaped my voice within the organization.

76 | Uth Series 2025 • U40 Business Leaders