Ashish Hemrajani

Ashish Hemrajani
Born	Mumbai, India
Nationality	Indian
Education	Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
Occupation	Entrepreneur, CEO of BookMyShow
Known for	Founding BookMyShow, digital ticketing innovation

Ashish Hemrajani is an Indian entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of BookMyShow, India’s largest online ticketing platform for movies, events, and live entertainment. Recognized as a digital pioneer in the entertainment sector, Hemrajani revolutionized how Indians book tickets and experience events. His leadership has steered BookMyShow from a niche startup in 1999 to a household name operating across hundreds of Indian cities.

Early Life and Education

Ashish Hemrajani was born and raised in Mumbai, where he showed an early interest in technology and business. He earned his degree in Business Management from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS). After a brief stint in the media industry, his entrepreneurial instincts and exposure to the entertainment business inspired him to launch a venture that would redefine how Indians consume entertainment.

Founding BookMyShow

In 1999, Hemrajani co-founded BookMyShow along with friends Parikshit Dar and Rajesh Balpande. Initially envisioned as a movie ticketing platform, the company capitalized on the growing internet ecosystem to make entertainment accessible at the click of a button.

Despite India's limited internet penetration and weak payment infrastructure in the early 2000s, Hemrajani’s persistence helped establish BookMyShow as the go-to platform for ticketing. The company later expanded into concerts, sports, plays, and digital events.

Growth and Expansion

BookMyShow’s rise coincided with India’s digital revolution. Key achievements under Ashish Hemrajani’s leadership include:

• Building partnerships with major multiplex chains and event organizers
• Launching services in over 650 cities
• Serving over 50 million users
• Diversifying into live events, streaming (BookMyShow Stream), and global entertainment partnerships

Innovation and Technology

BookMyShow has consistently invested in product innovation:

• User-friendly mobile and web platforms
• Advanced seat selection and booking options
• Event discovery and recommendations
• Integration of payments and loyalty programs

It has also offered technology and marketing solutions to event organizers, helping scale India’s live event industry.

Leadership and Vision

Ashish Hemrajani is widely regarded as a customer-centric and visionary leader. His approach includes:

• Creating seamless digital experiences
• Encouraging team innovation and cultural inclusivity
• Diversifying entertainment access across cities and demographics

He also focuses on building a long-term sustainable business model, avoiding short-term gains for deeper user engagement.

Challenges and Resilience

BookMyShow has faced multiple challenges including:

• Convincing users to adopt online ticketing
• Navigating regulatory frameworks and content rights
• Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on live events

Under Hemrajani’s leadership, the company pivoted during the pandemic by launching digital events, content streaming, and expanding into tech services.

Impact and Industry Legacy

Ashish Hemrajani has played a critical role in shaping India’s entertainment economy. By digitizing ticketing, enabling event discovery, and simplifying access to live experiences, BookMyShow has transformed how Indians engage with entertainment.

Conclusion

Ashish Hemrajani exemplifies the modern Indian entrepreneur—visionary, resilient, and deeply in tune with evolving consumer needs. His journey with BookMyShow has redefined entertainment in India, making access to movies, sports, and concerts seamless and enjoyable. As the entertainment industry evolves, his leadership ensures BookMyShow continues to innovate and lead in both physical and digital entertainment experiences.