Savita Raj Hiremath: Woman who turned ideas into institutions & stories into legacies

For over 25 years, Savita Raj Hiremath has stood at the powerful intersection of advertising, marketing, media, cinema and social transformation.

A visionary entrepreneur with an instinctive understanding of audiences, she has created influential advertising campaigns, built communication platforms, produced path-breaking films and championed initiatives that gave visibility to voices often left unheard.

Her journey is not merely a story of professional success. It is the story of a woman who repeatedly transformed bold ideas into enduring cultural milestones.

THE ADVERTISING TRAILBLAZER

As Co-Founder of Ushakkaal Communications Ltd., a pioneering 360-degree advertising and communications agency, Savita helped build campaigns for leading Indian and international brands, including Amway, Suzuki, Swarovski, Schwarzkopf, Dabur and Hindustan Motors.

Under her leadership, the agency earned more than 160 advertising, communication and social-impact awards.

Her expertise extended far beyond creativity. With a deep command of brand strategy, marketing, media planning and media buying, she understood not only how to create a compelling message—but also how, where and when that message should reach its audience.

One of her landmark media achievements was the conceptualisation and promotion of Delhi Times, an initiative that helped rejuvenate The Times of India’s readership and cultural relevance in Delhi.

She also successfully curated and executed several prestigious Filmfare events, operating effortlessly at the meeting point of entertainment, glamour, media and brand engagement.

THE NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER

Savita Raj Hiremath made an indelible mark on Indian cinema as the producer of the iconic Khosla Ka Ghosla.

Made with conviction rather than convention, the film transformed an everyday middle-class struggle over property and dignity into one of Indian cinema’s most loved and enduring stories.

It went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

Today, Khosla Ka Ghosla is more than a successful film. It is a cultural reference point—a rare work that bridged the divide between meaningful cinema and mainstream entertainment.

Its success demonstrated Savita’s defining strength:

The ability to recognise a powerful story before the world recognises its potential.

The film’s continuing relevance has earned Savita and its celebrated actors an invitation to present its journey and legacy on stage at the prestigious Economic Times World Leaders Forum—a fitting recognition for a film that reshaped the possibilities of independent Hindi cinema.

She is now taking this landmark legacy forward with Khosla Ka Ghosla – Part 2, extending the franchise for a new generation while preserving the humour, honesty and middle-class soul that made the original unforgettable.

CINEMA WITH COURAGE

Savita continued her journey of differentiated storytelling with JHUND, starring Amitabh Bachchan and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nagraj Manjule.

Rooted in the lives of marginalised youth, the film used sport and cinema to speak about dignity, opportunity and social inclusion.

Through projects such as Khosla Ka Ghosla and JHUND, Savita has consistently demonstrated that socially meaningful cinema can also be emotionally powerful, accessible and commercially relevant.

COMMUNICATION FOR THE NATION

Savita’s command over mass communication has also taken her into some of India’s most significant social and political arenas.

She has contributed to specialised campaigns associated with national leaders, including Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Shri Narendra Modi, combining strategic messaging with a strong understanding of public sentiment.

She was also instrumental in creating India Unlimited, an ambitious musical initiative that brought together nearly 30 celebrated artists from across the country to spread the message of peace and unity through Vaishnav Jan To. The project was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

A VOICE FOR INCLUSION

Savita has used advertising and entertainment not merely to promote products, but also to promote purpose.

Her campaigns and initiatives have addressed important social concerns, including:

AIDS awareness, adoption of the girl child, support for the hearing and visually impaired, dignity for the underprivileged and opportunities for marginalised communities.

In 2020 she conceptualised and executed major elements of the T20 International Cricket Tournament for the Blind, including its opening and closing ceremonies, advertising campaign, anthem and music video.

The anthem received special appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described it as “The Anthem for the Blind.”

ALWAYS AHEAD OF THE CURVE

From traditional advertising to feature films, digital content, biopics and entertainment technology, Savita has continued to evolve with the changing media landscape.

As the driving force behind Tandav Film Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., she is developing films and stories with the potential to travel across languages, regions and international markets.

Her journey proves that longevity in the creative world does not come from following trends.

It comes from anticipating them, challenging them and occasionally creating them.

MILESTONES OF AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY

• Co-Founder and CEO, Tandav Film Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
• Over 25 years of leadership across advertising, marketing, media and cinema
• Co-Founder of Ushakkaal Communications Ltd.
• Winner of 160+ advertising, film and social-impact honours
• Conceptualised and promoted Delhi Times
• Produced the cult classic Khosla Ka Ghosla
• Winner of the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi
• Producer of JHUND, starring Amitabh Bachchan
• Associated with prominent national and political communication campaigns
• Creator of socially driven campaigns for inclusion and public awareness
• Led major communication and ceremonial initiatives for the 2017 T20 Cricket for the Blind
• Jury Member for international and national creative platforms, including the International Emmy Awards
• Recipient of multiple women achiever and industry recognitions
• Invited to the Economic Times World Leaders Forum to celebrate the legacy and continuing journey of Khosla Ka Ghosla
• Currently producing Khosla Ka Ghosla – Part 2 and developing a slate of ambitious Indian stories

THE LEGACY

Savita Raj Hiremath is not defined by a single film, campaign or award.

She is defined by her courage to back the unconventional, her ability to combine creativity with commerce and her determination to make every platform—advertising, cinema, sport or social communication—meaningful.

She has turned modest ideas into major movements, difficult stories into beloved cinema and professional success into social impact.

On her birthday, we celebrate not only her achievements, but also her rare ability to see possibilities where others see limitations.

“She did not wait for the industry to make space for her vision. She created the space—and then filled it with stories that India could call its own.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAVITA RAJ.

A creator of brands. A champion of meaningful cinema. A National Award-winning producer. A communicator with a conscience. And an icon whose finest milestone may still be the next one. Thank you for being part of our lives.