(For GST TODAY Business Magazine)

Ashish Hemrajani – The Visionary Behind India’s Biggest Ticketing Revolution

In India’s digital success stories, one name that consistently stands out is Ashish Hemrajani, the Founder & CEO of BookMyShow. His journey is a powerful example of innovation born from passion, resilience, and a relentless belief in the potential of the Indian entertainment industry. What started as a small idea in the late 1990s has today become India’s largest online ticketing platform, used by millions across the country.

Ashish Hemrajani’s entrepreneurial journey began with a spark of inspiration during a holiday in South Africa. A radio advertisement about ticket bookings sparked an idea about digital ticketing—something India had never seen at that time. He returned home with a vision: to bring entertainment bookings to the fingertips of millions. That spark laid the foundation for what would eventually become BookMyShow.

The Birth of BookMyShow

Launched in 1999 as Bigtree Entertainment, BookMyShow was far ahead of its time. India’s internet penetration was minimal, online payments were a challenge, and digital adoption was slow. Yet Ashish believed in the future of technology and entertainment.

The company faced its biggest challenge in the early 2000s when the dot-com bubble burst. Revenues fell, operations shrank, and survival looked difficult. Many startups shut down, but Ashish’s conviction kept the company alive. He rebuilt the business from scratch—cutting costs, working with a lean team, and focusing on long-term fundamentals.

This resilience proved crucial. When India’s digital wave finally hit, BookMyShow rose with it.

Transforming Entertainment Booking in India

BookMyShow transformed how Indians experience entertainment. Whether movies, concerts, sports events, comedy shows, or live performances—Ashish’s platform made booking seamless, secure, and enjoyable.

Key innovations under his leadership include:

• A clean and intuitive user interface
• Secure payment gateways
• Quick seat selection
• Real-time availability updates
• Loyalty programs and user experience enhancements
• Dedicated customer support

The platform evolved into a complete entertainment ecosystem, partnering with cinemas, event organizers, and production houses nationwide.

Surviving and Thriving After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic posed one of the biggest threats to BookMyShow. Cinemas were closed, events were cancelled, and revenue dropped drastically. For most businesses in the entertainment sector, this was a breaking point.

But Ashish Hemrajani chose to adapt rather than retreat. Under his leadership:

• BookMyShow shifted temporarily to BookMyShow Stream, offering pay-per-view digital entertainment.
• The company supported artists through virtual events, online concerts, and live streams.
• They helped event partners pivot to digital formats.
• The business restructured internally to remain sustainable.

This adaptability showcased Ashish’s resilience and strategic thinking.

A Leader Focused on Experience, Community & Culture

Ashish is known for building not just a successful company but a strong organizational culture. His values revolve around humility, commitment, and customer-first thinking.

He strongly believes in:

• Creating experiences, not just selling tickets
• Investing in long-term brand trust
• Empowering employees
• Supporting artists and creators

BookMyShow under Ashish is not merely a platform—it is a cultural bridge connecting audiences with performers.

Empowering India’s Entertainment Ecosystem

Under Ashish’s vision, BookMyShow expanded into large-scale event management. From Coldplay concerts and IPL matches to comedy festivals and theatre shows, BookMyShow became instrumental in shaping India’s live entertainment landscape.

He has consistently advocated for:

• Better infrastructure for events
• Standardized ticketing systems
• Transparent partnerships
• Support for local artists

His contributions go beyond business—they influence the entire entertainment ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Entertainment

As India moves deeper into the digital age, Ashish believes the future of entertainment is hybrid—combining physical experiences with digital innovations. BookMyShow continues to invest in:

• AI-powered personalization
• Global entertainment partnerships
• Premium live experiences
• Digital content distribution

With a strong brand, loyal user base, and forward-thinking leadership, BookMyShow is positioned for a dynamic future.

Conclusion

Ashish Hemrajani’s journey from a young entrepreneur with an idea to the CEO of India’s most iconic entertainment platform is a story of passion, endurance, and innovation. His ability to navigate crises, embrace change, and continually reinvent BookMyShow makes him a standout leader in India’s digital landscape.

From digital ticketing to shaping live entertainment culture, Ashish Hemrajani’s impact is immense—making him a perfect feature for GST TODAY Business Magazine.