Kozhikode: As the founder and CEO of Civic Studios, a Mumbai- and London-based media company using storytelling to spark social reflection, Anushka Shah is redefining what it means to be a woman entrepreneur in the entertainment world.

Her projects — from 'Santosh' (2024), which premiered at Cannes and became the UK’s shortlisted Oscar entry for 2025, to 'Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust' (2025), an Indo-French-German animation that won the NETPAC Award at IFFR 2024 — have found global acclaim for blending heart with purpose.

Leading teams across continents, Shah has built a creative ecosystem where empathy and enterprise coexist — a rare combination in a business often defined by glamour and numbers.

In an exclusive conversation with Mathrubhumi, she spoke about leadership, hope, and the growing space for women shaping the future of entertainment. Excerpts from the interview:

1. As a female entrepreneur in the creative industry, where do you think lies the power of entertainment to bring about change?

At Civic Studios, I’ve always believed that entertainment is the most powerful way to inspire reflection and empathy. Take ‘Christmas Karma’, our upcoming musical set in London, directed by Gurinder Chadha — it’s vibrant, funny, and full of heart, yet it explores identity, immigration, and belonging in a way that feels organic. For us, the story must first entertain and emotionally engage; the social message should emerge naturally from the world and characters, never feel preachy 
2. What kind of stories attract you?

I’m drawn to stories that are deeply rooted in their cultural context but speak to something universal in terms of their social messaging. ‘Santosh’, for instance, follows a newly widowed police constable navigating caste and gender barriers in rural India — but at its core, it’s a story about justice and personal awakening that resonates anywhere. Similarly, ‘Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust’ uses animation and allegory to explore freedom and conformity in a way that transcends language and geography.
3. Is there a price to pay for telling stories with a purpose in today’s world?

Even though the industry is driven by commerce, it’s also an industry full of people passionate about telling stories, at whatever cost. The personal is political, and so telling stories with a purpose and a message for the world isn’t hard - it’s finding and developing projects that achieve the trifecta of creative, commerce, and impact that is sometimes difficult. You don’t want to lose one goal at the cost of another. 

4. What is your take on international collaborations?

Joining the UK Trade Delegation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed for me how vital Indo-UK creative exchange can be. Our projects — like ‘Christmas Karma’, a UK-set story with Indian creative roots — reflect that collaboration beautifully. These partnerships open up new pathways for co-production, talent sharing, and stories that blend the best of both cultures.

5. What’s the plan with the new climate vertical?

With our new Climate Media vertical, we want to tell stories that focus on hope and agency rather than despair. Children’s and family content is especially powerful because it can shape lifelong attitudes. We have various partnerships and content currently in development across schools, edtech, rural radio, a new Instagram handle, and a fund that incentivizes climate messaging through grants. We hope to lean on humor, imagination, and optimism to inspire everyday action. 

6. Did you face added woes as a woman entrepreneur in this industry? If yes, please narrate the experience

I’d say the challenges have been as much about perception as access. Early on, it sometimes felt like I had to over-prove that a studio led by a woman and focused on social impact could still deliver commercially strong work. However, those experiences pushed me to build a team and partnerships that genuinely believe purpose and profitability can coexist — and that’s been empowering.

7. Any message for budding female entrepreneurs?

To lean in on your strengths as a woman, and not try to play to the gallery, which is still largely a man's world! Empathy, emotional openness, and sensitivity to others' personal and professional goals are not just good values; they're very useful and often embodied by women, so I remind myself everyday too to not be afraid of my own feminism.

8. What is your mantra for running a successful business in the showbiz industry?

For me, it’s about trying to stay true to the why - why do we spend all this time and energy and effort if it's not to leave something better than when we started? The industry moves fast and trends shift constantly, so staying rooted in why you’re telling a story keeps you steady. We definitely don't always get it right, but we try to keep the positive impact mantra in mind.

In an industry driven by spectacle, Anushka Shah stands out for leading with substance — proving that empathy and enterprise can coexist beautifully. Her journey is a reminder that when women create with purpose, they don’t just tell stories — they change the narrative itself.