An interview with Rohan Gurram, Leader of Ikonic India, A transformative movement dedicated to empowering Indian musicians and creators
In an interview, Rohan Gurram, the visionary leader of Ikonic India, shares his insights on empowering Indian musicians and creators. Under his guidance, Ikonic India has become a transformative movement, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that amplifies artistic voices and nurtures talent.
Gurram discusses the challenges faced by artists today and the innovative strategies being implemented to support their growth in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Can you share the inspiration behind founding Dhandeel and how it aligns with your vision for empowering Indian musicians and creators?
Rohan Gurram: The inspiration behind Dhandeel came from recognizing the immense potential of Indian creators and musicians to succeed on a global scale, while also addressing the barriers preventing them from expanding. India’s Gen Z is growing rapidly, with digital consumption at an all-time high.
Dhandeel was created to bridge the funding gap and facilitate strategic growth through brand deals, upfront capital, and global marketing efforts, enabling creators to maximize their earnings and scale internationally.
How does Dhandeel support musicians and creators in navigating the challenges of the modern music industry?
Rohan Gurram: The biggest challenge for creators today is monetization and access to global markets. Dhandeel provides a dedicated brand deal marketplace and tailored funding solutions to help creators scale.
Our strategic brand partnerships and marketing initiatives open doors to high-value global audiences. Through our partnerships with international brands, creators can monetize their work more effectively and reach the right audience across the globe.
Can you discuss some of the key initiatives or programs that Ikonic India has implemented to uplift and empower artists?
Rohan Gurram: Ikonic India acts as a launchpad for Indian creators seeking to break into international markets. Through our partnership with Ikonic Global, we provide distribution, playlisting, and marketing support to ensure Indian talent is recognized globally.
Our initiatives focus on connecting artists with international brands and leveraging global platforms to drive audience engagement and revenue streams.
How do you approach building a community among musicians and creators, and what strategies do you use to foster collaboration?
Rohan Gurram: Community is central to our approach. We create ecosystems where collaboration and networking thrives – through initiatives like the Indian Entertainment Deelmakers Series, we bring together top Indian talent across music, film, and digital content in cities around the world.
Our platform also connects creators with brands, enabling the necessary partnerships that help scale their work and amplify their global presence.
What challenges do you see Indian musicians facing today, and how can initiatives like Ikonic India help address these issues?
Rohan Gurram: Indian musicians face challenges such as limited access to funding, lack of marketing support, and under-monetized royalties.
Dhandeel, in partnership with Ikonic India, solves these issues by providing upfront funding, global marketing expertise, and facilitating high-paying brand deals.
We also leverage global royalty arbitrage to ensure creators earn competitive revenue and access bigger opportunities.
Can you discuss any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are particularly excited about?
Rohan Gurram: We’re excited about DhanFund I, where we’ll be funding 10 Indian creators with access to both capital and strategic marketing support for their global careers.
Additionally, our growing collaborations with global brands and streaming platforms are helping us build a structured pipeline for Indian talent to break into Western markets and expand their brand deals internationally.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians and creators looking to make their mark in the industry?
Rohan Gurram: Stay independent, but seek the right strategic backing and do not be afraid to give equity up to a true value partner. Understand how to leverage your content and build a global audience beyond India.
Invest in marketing, secure brand partnerships, and position yourself to scale with international networks and platforms.
The global opportunity for Indian creators is unprecedented – reach your full potential with the right financial and strategic support.
Rohan Gurram’s dedication to empowering Indian artists through Ikonic India is inspiring. By fostering community, embracing technology, and addressing the holistic needs of creators, he is reshaping the future of the music industry.
Gurram’s vision invites everyone to participate in this transformative journey, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Indian creativity continues to thrive and resonate globally.
Are you an
Entrepreneur or Startup? Do you have a Success Story to Share? SugerMint would like to share your success story. We cover entrepreneur Stories, Startup News, Women entrepreneur stories, and Startup stories
|
Read Success story of Indian entrepreneurs & startups at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn