TVF reshuffles leadership as originals chief quits after eleven years

MUMBAI: The Viral Fever is changing the guard. India’s most recognisable digital storytelling studio has hired three senior executives across its creative and corporate divisions, even as it bids farewell to the architect of some of its most beloved shows.

Shreyansh Pandey, head of TVF Originals and a foundational figure in the studio’s creative identity, is leaving after eleven years to launch his own content venture. His fingerprints are on some of the most-watched Indian web series of the past decade, including Gullak, Aspirants, Cubicles and Kota Factory.

Stepping into the creative vacuum is Nikhil Sachan, named assistant vice president of content programming and primary showrunner. An IIT and IIM alumnus, Sachan made the unusual leap from a vice presidency at Kotak Securities to creative writing, and has since built a solid reputation with shows such as Yeh Meri Family, UP65 and Home Shanti.

Joining the writing department is Vaibhav Suman, who takes over as head writer. Also an IIT graduate, Suman brings experience across regional cinema and web formats, with credits including the Pyaar Ka Punchnama franchise, Permanent Roommates and the high-grossing Punjabi comedy Carry On Jatta 2.

On the corporate side, Ishita Mookherjee comes in as assistant vice president of corporate communications and marketing, carrying more than twenty years of experience across brand strategy and private equity communication. She has previously held lead roles at True North Private Equity, Sony Pictures Networks India and GroupM, and has handled marquee properties including the IIFA Awards and high-profile international creator product launches in India.

Arunabh Kumar, founder of The Viral Fever, said building a strong, specialised leadership team is a primary goal as the studio diversifies into new business verticals. He added that the new hires bring fresh perspective and deep strategic expertise for the studio’s next chapter, and expressed support for Pandey’s entrepreneurial move, saying TVF looks forward to future collaboration with him.

Vijay Koshy, president of the network, framed the restructuring in broader terms. The additions, he said, are crucial as TVF transitions from a web-video pioneer into a diversified storytelling and brand ecosystem, one that must hold its own with global streaming platforms while managing rising production scale and institutional brand partnerships.

Pandey built the shows that made TVF a cultural institution. Now TVF must prove it can keep making them without him.