“Focus on learning the basic ropes of each and every subset of the entertainment industry. Be patient enough to endure the times of struggle as well, and should also implement a piecemeal approach to attain the pinnacle of success.”
Entrepreneurs Today reached out to Naman Mehra, an entrepreneur, writer, director and producer to understand the ins and outs of the entertainment industry.
Early Days
An alumnus of Delhi Public School, Azaad Nagar, Kanpur, Naman pursued his Bachelor of Commerce at the prestigious CSJM University. What got him into entrepreneurship was his desire to be independent, his business idea and creative expression.
Based out of Kanpur, Naman runs The National Tubing Company, which is India’s oldest manufacturer of street electrical poles. Despite being in the manufacturing business, his heart has always been in the entertainment industry.
Before Naman made a name for himself, things looked pretty different for him. He shares,
“For years, people have tried to put me into a box—labeling me with titles I didn’t ask for. Some called me too ambitious. Others said I was too outspoken. The risk-takers labeled me reckless, while the cautious called me calculative. But I realised that none of these labels define me. They reflect more about the people giving them than about who I am.”
Today, what sets him apart from his competitors is his willingness to challenge norms, desire to create solutions that truly help people and not just meet KPIs, and making decisions that align with his core values.
How it All Started
It was in 2019 that Naman finally decided to venture into the entertainment industry, debuting with Bala, shot in his hometown of Kanpur and the neighboring city of Lucknow. Since the very beginning, he has always made sure to provide a platform to talented individuals through well-organized auditions. Till now, he has featured stars such as Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar, Yami Gautam, and Seema Pahwa.
Another name in his portfolio is Yeh Sawaal Hi Kyun Banaya, which was released on Pocket Films, a prestigious YouTube channel with over four million subscribers. He says,
“It is quite fulfilling that I happen to be the only writer-director from Kanpur to get his short movie released on Pocket Films.”
About The National Tubing Company
Founded in 1952, The National Tubing Company, India’s oldest street electrical poles manufacturer and supplier, is known for the superior quality of its products. The product offerings range from steel tubular poles and brackets.
The product range is manufactured in compliance with Indian standards and is made of high-quality raw materials that resist corrosion, are highly durable and can withstand abrasion. Naman also reveals,
“Owing to an unrestrained infrastructural facility, we are capable of manufacturing our consignments in the minimum possible lead time. Moreover, we also ensure that before delivery, every product is duly tested so that no discrepancy occurs at the client’s end. Our ethical business practices, timely delivery approach and quality-conscious approach have made us one of the favored names in the national markets.”
Naman also acknowledges that he could not have done it alone, and it was under the guidance of his father, Mr.Sharad Mehra, that The National Tubing Company has been able to etch a name for itself in the industry.
Toil and Trouble
The journey has not been a cakewalk for Naman, and he has had his own share of challenges along the way. One of the major challenges he faces is recruiting the right talent for their team. He notes,
“Both things are difficult: first to find the right qualified person and then when you hire these kinds of people, the synergy effect is a hell of a task to manage.”
Naman tackled this by hiring dynamic individuals who would speak freely and have creative freedom in the company.
Another challenge was managing finances as startups are at the dual risk of overspending, which depletes budgets, or being overly cautious, which hinders proper expansion and innovation. He believes that if there is no one in the core team from a finance background, it’s crucial to hire someone who can make the right financial decisions. Naman also adds,
“Most of the startups fall victim to incorrect market research; they buy overpriced research over the internet, which ends up being worthless. The best way to handle it is to carry out market research on your own; personal involvement in market research makes it authentic and useful, and when the founders get the taste of the market, they are better at making decisions.”
Major Wins
Being nominated for the 40 Under 40 list, Naman looks forward to growing his venture even more. He talks about his achievements in the entertainment space and is immensely proud of the recognition he has received for his film Bala. For his contribution in the space, he has also received awards from the Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics. Today, he owes his success to the support he has received from his mother, Mrs. Sapna Mehra, and grandmother, Mrs. Kiran Mehra.
What Lies Ahead?
Within the next few years, Naman is looking forward to expanding his business. He also mentions,
“I also foresee myself plunging into the business of production. I wish to expand our business into the production of web series and serials.”
Moreover, Naman is actively enhancing his entrepreneurial acumen. He is currently engaged in short-term, non-credited certification programs from reputed institutions such as IIM Bangalore and the Indian School of Business.
The Takeaways
There is a lot Naman has learned along the way. One of the crucial learnings is to understand that having a great idea is not enough; one has to have resilience, strategy and the willingness to execute the plans.
Naman also believes that one must first try to build with what one already has. He also emphasises the importance of choosing your business partners carefully. Apart from acknowledging and listening to people, as everyone wants to matter, the lesson is to master the market to have a competitive edge. He asserts,
“You don’t need to be a mean, man-eating animal to survive in a competitive environment. Focus on your own natural strengths and back them up. Hard work, perseverance, self-belief and focus can help you face, survive and win against any competition.”
Finally, before signing off, he says,
“Entrepreneurship isn’t about a title, privilege, or owning shares. It’s about solving problems with a mindset driven by growth, purpose, and a desire to challenge the status quo. It’s for those who dare to push boundaries and understand that life happens for those who take action.”
