Antara Kak
Mumbai
Summary
Over 25 years of experience in media as a Creative Director with a focus on fiction and non-fiction content. Proven expertise in television and documentary programming, production, storytelling, costume and set design, post-production, and voiceovers. Demonstrated leadership in managing teams of 10 to 30, enhancing motivation and performance through effective project management. Committed to continuous learning and adapting to industry trends to drive organizational success and operational efficiency.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative Director
Freelancer
Mumbai
01.2023 - Current
- Served as liaison for creatives at Waterfront Indie Film Festival 2025.
- Managed charity art auction for CEPT Foundation.
- Executed and managed three-day international doctors event ‘ROBGYN’ successfully.
- Oversaw planning and execution of an 80th birthday celebration.
- Led creative team meetings to develop actionable plans and ideas.
- Designed marketing materials, including websites and brochures, to convey brand narrative.
- Fostered a culture of innovation by facilitating brainstorming sessions and workshops.
- Established strong relationships with external agencies to ensure adherence to brand guidelines, and budgets.
Co-founder & Creative Director
ANANTARAL - Bohemian Lifestyle Pret Line
Mumbai
04.2017 - Current
- Established Indian boho fashion brand focused on organic indigenous fabrics.
- Expanded customer base and increased sales through strategic networking initiatives.
- Managed clothing refurbishment and furniture re-upholstery projects efficiently.
- Curated comprehensive shopping experiences, providing tailored styling advice.
- Collaborated with artisans to upcycle products for unique offerings.
- Assessed client style needs and budget constraints to enhance satisfaction.
- Participated in flea markets and pop-up events across India to elevate brand visibility.
- Conceptualized and executed GOLU Festival for Piramal Aranya.
- Stylist and Celebrity manager for Suchitra Pillia, Maninee De on projects.
Project Head
WINE CIRCLE (JUBEN WINES)
Mumbai
02.2021 - 03.2022
- Developed strategy for community of wine enthusiasts to enhance engagement.
- Curated wines and accompaniments in collaboration with industry connoisseurs.
- Led social media and website development teams to boost online presence.
- Facilitated meetings with internal team members, consultants, and contractors.
- Created project plans with timelines, assigned tasks to teams, and managed workflow during construction.
- Established strong partnerships with vendors and contractors to ensure project success.
- Outlined specific goals for individual team objectives and roles.
Concept Developer & Presenter
2TicketsPlzz (Online Film Video Blog)
Mumbai
03.2019 - 02.2021
- Conceived and delivered film review show featuring dual insights, co-hosted in collaboration with celebrity Siddharth Kak
Producer – Fiction
Colors Viacom18
Mumbai
09.2013 - 04.2017
- Produced acclaimed shows: Sanskaar Season 2, Beintehaa, Swaragini, Sasural Simar Ka.
- Managed story development, production logistics, editing, promotional strategies, and launch campaigns.
- Led diverse production teams to ensure timely, budget-compliant project delivery.
- Facilitated interdepartmental communication for seamless operations across projects.
- Coached on-air talent to enhance performance and audience engagement.
- Oversaw script analysis and revisions in collaboration with writers and directors.
- Analyzed viewer feedback and ratings to drive production enhancements.
Creative Head
Surabhi Living Heritage Pvt Ltd
01.2009 - 12.2013
- Developed storyboards and scripts, executed events, and created documentary films.
- Conceptualised dioramas and designs for the Surabhi Living Heritage Center, a cultural edutainment center.
- Determined project content by reviewing and approving art and copy materials developed by staff.
- Developed a budget and negotiated contracts for architects and PMCs, and quotes to ensure projects were completed within financial constraints.
- Led creative team meetings to share ideas and bring actionable plans to fruition.
- Managed direct reports' performance by establishing goals with weekly or monthly follow-ups.
- Advocated for the importance of design thinking and guest experience in the development of products and services.
- Collaborate with international design consultants for theme park research and development
- Reviewed and critiqued creative work, providing constructive feedback to ensure alignment with brand standards and creative excellence.
- Presented creative concepts and strategies to senior management and clients, effectively communicating the vision and rationale behind creative decisions.
- Stayed abreast of industry trends, technologies, and tools, continuously seeking opportunities for innovation and improvement.
- Managed the creative process from concept to completion, ensuring projects met all milestones, budgets, and quality standards.
- Established and maintained relationships with external agencies, freelancers, and vendors to ensure high-quality outputs and adherence to brand guidelines.
Creative Head
Tata Capital Brand Jingles (Video)
Mumbai
03.2012 - 07.2013
- Developed storyboards and scripts for classical Indian musical videos featuring Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Zakir Hussain, and others.
- Managed shoot logistics, post-production, and styling.
- Explained campaign strategies and solutions to clients and upper management and provided feedback to creative teams.
- Orchestrated product and location photo shoots and produced innovative web surfaces while managing development team.
- Developed budget and negotiated contracts and quotes to ensure projects were completed within financial constraints.
- Led creative team meetings to share ideas and bring actionable plans to fruition.
- Advocated for the importance of design thinking and viewer experience in the development of products.
Director, Producer, Creative Head
Cinema Vision India
01.2006 - 12.2011
- Directed and produced multiple fiction and non-fiction projects, including Mere Humdum Mere Ghost, Kiran and Kiran, Bhoomi, Surabhi, and various documentary films.
- Colours of India, director
- Glimpses of the Oraons, Director.
- Triumph of the Spirit, director
- Surabhi Foundation Films, Director, & Producer
- Sambhav, kya? (9X), Chief Content and Script Head.
- Mano Ya Na Mano (Seasons 1 & 2), Content, and Script Head.
- Coordinated cross-location teams throughout pre- and post-production phases to ensure project success.
- Styled celebrities for various projects, enhancing visual appeal and audience engagement.
- Served as Creative Director for grassroots entrepreneurship show for Bank of Baroda on Aaj Tak.
- Led cross-functional teams to drive project completion within budget and deadlines.
- Spearheaded the development and launch of new productions or services.
Customer Success Specialist
Humanitech D.N.V. Group (HrTech Solutions)
Mumbai
01.2022 - 2023
- Managed HRTech and software development projects to enhance client success and drive strategic growth. (Times Group, Prefetti, UBL, UKG, Nestle, Coca-Cola, Piramal)
- Informed customers about billing procedures, processed payments, and facilitated payment options.
- Resolved customer issues promptly, promoting high satisfaction through knowledgeable service.
- Maintained professionalism under pressure, effectively diffusing tense situations.
- De-escalated customer concerns while ensuring a calm and friendly demeanor.
- Cultivated strong customer relationships to foster repeat business.
- Collaborated with sales team to identify customer needs and support product sales.
- Provided training and product support to enhance sales team performance.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Mithibai College
Mumbai, India05-1999
Bachelor of Arts -
Learners Academy
Mumbai, India04-1994
Skills
- Television and film direction
- Scriptwriting and story development
- Set and costume design
- Post-production management
- Voiceover for Television
- Team leadership and project management
- Client and channel liaison
- Pet care expertise
- Lifestyle styling
- Creative direction for events
- Time management skills
- Creative design principles
- Strategic planning
- Multitasking proficiency
- Supervision and leadership
- Critical thinking abilities
- Dependability and responsibility
- Customer relations management
- Project planning techniques
- Verbal communication skills
- Leadership capabilities
- Analytical thinking
Awards
- Best Debut Film Director, MIFF 2002, for A Life in Dance
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 02/22/76
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Creative Director
Freelancer
01.2023 - Current
Customer Success Specialist
Humanitech D.N.V. Group (HrTech Solutions)
01.2022 - 2023
Project Head
WINE CIRCLE (JUBEN WINES)
02.2021 - 03.2022
Concept Developer & Presenter
2TicketsPlzz (Online Film Video Blog)
03.2019 - 02.2021
Co-founder & Creative Director
ANANTARAL - Bohemian Lifestyle Pret Line
04.2017 - Current
Producer – Fiction
Colors Viacom18
09.2013 - 04.2017
Creative Head
Tata Capital Brand Jingles (Video)
03.2012 - 07.2013
Creative Head
Surabhi Living Heritage Pvt Ltd
01.2009 - 12.2013
Director, Producer, Creative Head
Cinema Vision India
01.2006 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Mithibai College
Bachelor of Arts -
Learners Academy
Similar Profiles
Michael BaahMichael Baah
Self-Employed Business Analyst at FreelancerSelf-Employed Business Analyst at Freelancer
Manisha PradhanManisha Pradhan
Visual Designer at FreelancerVisual Designer at Freelancer
Melina DadgarMelina Dadgar
Tutor (Online) at FreelancerTutor (Online) at Freelancer
Aditi JainAditi Jain
Tutor at FREELANCERTutor at FREELANCER
Shivam BhatShivam Bhat
Senior Consultant at EYSenior Consultant at EY