India's creative economy needs business sense

Supriya Suri, a filmmaker and cultural entrepreneur, believes that India's creative industries, which include film, music, design, and more, need more than just talent to succeed.

She says that understanding markets, policy, and entrepreneurship is crucial for sustainability.

Suri, who has spent over 16 years building platforms that bridge art, culture, and industry, argues that creativity alone is not enough.

Young creators need to monetize their ideas and develop business awareness alongside their artistic skills.

She also emphasizes the importance of government investment in the creative sector, as it generates employment and shapes national identity.

Suri identifies a disconnect between creative education and industry realities, suggesting that film schools should integrate business aspects into their curricula.

She cautions against expecting instant monetization and stresses the importance of accessibility to distribution networks for independent and regional storytellers.

Looking ahead, Suri believes that Indian creators must stay rooted in local culture while meeting international quality standards.

Her upcoming initiative, Creative Economy South, aims to spotlight creative entrepreneurs and cultural enterprises from South India.