Behind the Scenes with Mayur Palekar: A Journey of Creativity and Leadership in Media industry

Meet Mayur Palekar, a dynamic and innovative leader in the media industry. With over two decades of experience in television and broadcast, Mayur has carved a niche for himself through his exceptional work in post-production, television, and broadcast. Currently serving as the Associate Director at ZEE5 India, Mayur's career trajectory is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and creativity.

Mayur began his illustrious career at B4U Television as a Promo Producer, where he honed his skills in creating engaging promotional content. He then moved to Zee Television Networks, further enhancing the overall look of various channels through his creative prowess in promo production and channel packaging.

In his role at Reliance Broadcast Network as the OAP Head, Mayur showcased his ability to conceptualize and create impactful launch campaigns and promos for new shows. His expertise in brand solutions and channel packaging made significant contributions to the success of Big Magic and other channels under the network.

Joining ZEE5 in 2013, Mayur quickly rose through the ranks, holding positions such as Senior Supervising Producer and now, Associate Director. His responsibilities include overseeing the creation of innovative promotional content, enhancing channel aesthetics, and coordinating with various departments to ensure seamless execution of projects.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mayur is known for his friendly and level-headed demeanor. Full of energy and enthusiasm, he is a team player who fosters a collaborative work environment, inspiring those around him to achieve their best.

Join Dr Anand Wadadekar in an exclusive interview, as he delves into an insightful conversation with Mayur, where he shares his experiences, challenges, and vision for the future of media and entertainment.

Mayur can be reached at mayurpalekar25@gmail.com | His LinkedIn Profile

1. Can you talk about your school life in terms of your studies, exams, scoring marks and extra-curricular activities? Can you tell about something which you did in school which is even today helping you as a person and a professional?

I would like to start by thanking my friend and classmate Anand for giving me the opportunity to do this interview. During my school years, I wasn't particularly strong in academics, but I excelled in extracurricular activities such as dance, drama, and even a bit in sports like football. Scoring well in exams was challenging for me, but thanks to my dedicated tuition teacher, I managed to achieve average marks. I was passionate about watching television, which I believe led me to pursue a career in the entertainment field. Today, I am proud to work for Zee5 OTT Platform, which boasts 56 million monthly active users and offers content in 12 different languages.

2. You’ve had an impressive journey in the media industry. Can you share a bit about how you got started and what inspired you to pursue a career in television and media production?

Yes, I was working while attending college simultaneously. My career began at B4U Movies as an assistant promo producer. Due to my hard work and passion, I became an individual producer within six months. I am proud to say I launched the show "Twice As Nice," which was formerly known as "Masala Mix." It feels incredible to have worked on the same types of videos I used to watch and admire in school.

I spent five years at B4U, working on movie and music promos for B4U Music and learning a lot. After that, I moved to Zee TV, where I started by producing Zee Smile promos. During my tenure, I worked on Zee TV international promos, Zee Cinema, and even did some shoots. While working for a music channel I was honoured by gold ProMax award won in the BDA category in 2011.  I gained practical knowledge and always had the support of my bosses, who trusted me and gave me opportunities to prove myself. I was with Zee for almost seven years before moving on to seize bigger opportunities.

I then worked as the OAP Head for Reliance's Big Magic channel for three years, followed by two years at MTUNES. Now, I am back with Zee, working on the future of the OTT platform, Zee5. Today, I am proud to work for Zee5 OTT Platform, which boasts 56 million monthly active users and offers content in 12 different languages.

3. What advice in terms of skills, attitude, would you give to fresh graduates looking to succeed in the media industry, especially in roles like promo producing and directing and other areas?

I’ve faced many challenges throughout my career, but I prefer to focus on the positive aspects and move forward. My advice to the current generation is to work hard towards your goals and persist, even when things get tough. It’s important not to give up easily. I’ve noticed that some newcomers today may not always take their work as seriously, possibly because they have easy access to resources and opportunities. However, it’s crucial to fully immerse yourself in your work and maintain a strong dedication. If you do that, no one can stop you from achieving your goals

I have a deep passion for my field, especially in promos, which requires us to continually evolve alongside the industry. This dynamic environment keeps us engaged and ensures that we stay updated with current trends. It’s crucial to adapt and innovate rather than sticking to outdated methods. This constant evolution helps prevent our work from becoming stale and ensures that we remain relevant and effective in our roles. As the industry transforms, we must embrace these changes to keep our content fresh and engaging, meeting the ever-evolving expectations of our audience.

4. You’ve seen the industry evolve over the years. What are some of the biggest changes you've noticed, and how do you think these changes have impacted the way content is produced and consumed?

Over the years, I’ve observed several major changes in the media industry. One of the most significant transformations has been the shift from traditional TV to digital and streaming platforms. This transition has not only changed how content is distributed but also how it is consumed. Audiences now have access to a vast array of content on-demand, which has raised the bar for both quality and engagement.

Another major change is the rise of social media and its impact on content promotion. Social media platforms have become essential tools for reaching and engaging audiences, providing new opportunities for targeted marketing and real-time feedback.

In terms of production, the advent of advanced technology and digital tools has revolutionized how we create content. From high-definition visuals to sophisticated editing software, these advancements have allowed us to produce content with higher production values and greater creative flexibility.

As someone deeply involved in promo production, I’ve learned that staying current with these industry shifts is crucial. The field of promos, in particular, requires constant adaptation to reflect new trends and technologies. By embracing these changes and continuously evolving, we ensure that our work remains relevant and impactful. This adaptability prevents our content from becoming outdated and keeps us at the forefront of industry developments.

5. You've led teams in various capacities throughout your career. What’s your approach to managing a creative team, and how do you ensure everyone stays motivated and on track?

My advice to fresh graduates aiming to succeed in the media industry is to cultivate both a strong work ethic and a willingness to adapt. From my experience, I've faced numerous challenges but always focused on the positive aspects and opportunities for growth. Persistence is key—don't be discouraged if you encounter difficulties or setbacks. Stay dedicated and keep working hard toward your goals, even when things seem tough.

It's also important to fully immerse yourself in your work. Nowadays, some newcomers may not take their roles as seriously, possibly due to the accessibility of resources. However, if you are committed and give your best effort, you'll be well-positioned to achieve your goals.

In roles like promo producing and directing, staying updated with industry trends is crucial. The media landscape is constantly evolving, with significant changes such as the shift from traditional TV to digital platforms, the rise of social media, and advancements in technology. Embracing these changes and adapting your skills accordingly is essential. For instance, in promo production, it’s vital to continuously innovate and avoid falling into the trap of outdated methods. This adaptability will help you stay relevant and produce content that resonates with contemporary audiences.

6. The media industry is known for its high-pressure environment. How do you handle tight deadlines and the stress that comes with producing quality content consistently? Can you share some of your strategies for managing stress and the activities you engage in to de-stress and recharge?

Managing a creative team is undoubtedly challenging, especially when dealing with various issues and conflicts that arise. To effectively handle these situations, it's important to remain focused and calm. Personally, I practice meditation every morning, which helps me maintain a clear and composed mindset.

Throughout my career, I've faced all kinds of pressure, but over time, I've learned to manage it without letting it affect me negatively. Having supportive bosses who trust my decisions has also been instrumental in my growth. A great leader doesn’t allow pressure to trickle down to the team. Instead, they take it in stride, distribute the workload effectively, and are always ready with solutions.

Adopting a "never say no to work" attitude has been crucial for me. While it's okay to adjust deadlines to meet realistic expectations, refusing work is not an option. This mindset has significantly contributed to my success. We also hold weekly meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to ensure everyone is aligned with our plans and goals.

Additionally, having contingency plans (Plan B and Plan C) in place is essential. This ensures that if someone falls sick or has an emergency, the team can still meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work. By fostering a collaborative environment, encouraging open communication, and maintaining flexibility, I ensure that my team stays motivated and on track.

7. Being a father, spouse, how has been your daily routine and how do you manage it in terms of family time and personal time? What advice do you give your child about life, career and success?

As a father of twins, Elakshi and Evaansh, I understand the importance of balancing family time with professional responsibilities. My wife, Dr. Rasika Mayur Palekar, works at Phoenix Hospitals in Borivali West, and we have a well-coordinated daily routine to manage our household efficiently.

Despite our busy schedules, I make sure to create time for engaging activities with my children. I enjoy making reels with them, which not only keeps them active but also helps them interact with current trends. Our reels have garnered a following of 12K on social media. People often ask how I find the time for these activities, and I always say, "You have to make time from time." If you constantly think you don't have time, you'll never find it. But if you decide to dedicate time to specific tasks, you'll definitely manage to do it.

Additionally, I stay involved in my children's education by attending their open houses and keeping track of their academic progress. Balancing various aspects of life allows me to ensure that I can give time to everyone important in my life. I also make it a point to meet my best friend every week, no matter how busy things get.

My advice to my children about life, career, and success is to maintain a strong work ethic, stay focused on their goals, and always make time for what matters. Balancing work and personal life is key to achieving success and happiness, and it’s important to approach life with a positive and proactive attitude.

(C) Dr Anand Wadadekar