An Exclusive Interview with Sapna Malhotra, Producer and Cofounder of Alchemy Films
Sapna Malhotra, producer and cofounder of Alchemy Films, is a trailblazer redefining Indian entertainment by championing fresh narratives and diverse voices.
Transitioning from a successful fashion career, she now helms acclaimed TV and OTT projects, balancing creativity with business strategy. In this candid interview, Sapna shares her journey, creative ethos, and commitment to authentic, meaningful storytelling.
You’ve often described running a business as a passion—how did your creative instincts evolve from fashion design to running the business side of entertainment?
Sapna Malhotra: Fashion taught me how to dream big and execute with precision. When I moved into entertainment, I realized that the same instincts of visualizing something beautiful and then building the scaffolding to make it real, were just as relevant.
In fashion, I was styling stories through garments; in film, I’m shaping narratives through production. The shift wasn’t just about changing industries, it was about expanding my creative canvas.
Running a business, whether it’s a boutique or a production house, is about marrying vision with structure. That’s where my passion truly comes alive.
In an industry driven by collaboration, what’s your approach to building and nurturing creative teams at Alchemy Films?
Sapna Malhotra: At Alchemy, we don’t just build teams, we build trust. I look for people who bring not just talent, but heart.
Collaboration works best when everyone feels seen and heard, so I make it a point to create an environment where ideas flow freely and egos take a backseat.
We’ve grown by working with the same people across projects and to work collaboratively has helped us evolve into a close knit creative family. I believe in learning together, failing together, and celebrating together, that’s how magic happens on screen.
How do you balance artistic integrity with commercial viability in a competitive production landscape?
Sapna Malhotra: It’s a tightrope walk, no doubt. But I’ve learned that you don’t have to compromise one for the other. The key is clarity and knowing what story you want to tell and who you’re telling it to.
At Alchemy, we start with a strong emotional core and then build the commercial strategy around it. Whether it’s budgeting, casting, or platform negotiations, every decision is rooted in the story’s soul.
If the heart of the project is intact, the rest can be shaped to meet market realities without losing its essence.
Alchemy Films has carved a distinct voice—what guiding values or themes shape the kind of stories you choose to tell?
Sapna Malhotra: We’re drawn to stories that feel honest, human, and emotionally resonant. Whether it’s a quirky comedy or a layered drama, we ask ourselves, does this move us? Does it reflect something real? Our guiding values are authenticity, empathy, and simplicity.
We don’t chase trends, we chase truth. And we’re always looking for narratives that give space to underrepresented voices, especially women. If a story can spark a conversation or make someone feel seen, it’s worth telling.
As a female founder in both fashion and film, what’s your perspective on leadership and representation in India’s creative industries today?
Sapna Malhotra: Leadership, to me, is about listening, adapting, and lifting others up. Being a woman in two male dominated industries has taught me resilience and the importance of showing up with conviction.
I’ve had to assert my space, but I’ve also seen the landscape shift, more women are stepping into boardrooms, calling the shots, and shaping narratives. Representation isn’t just about numbers, it’s about influence.
And I believe women bring a unique emotional intelligence to leadership that’s transforming how stories are told and businesses are run.
Can you share any memorable experiences or challenges you’ve faced while producing films?
Sapna Malhotra: One of the most challenging yet unforgettable experiences was during the shoot of Kaafir for Zee5, starring Dia Mirza and Mohit Raina.
We were filming in Sangla and Kalpa, and on the very day our entire cast and crew landed, there were unexpected landslides—something completely out of anyone’s control. It was a moment of uncertainty, but also incredible teamwork.
As a unit, we decided to move forward with caution rather than delay the shoot. Given the tight schedule and limited access to certain locations, we had to think on our feet and adapt quickly.
It was a true test of resilience and collaboration, and looking back, it’s one of those moments that reinforced my belief in the power of a committed team.
Sapna Malhotra’s dynamic vision continues to inspire and influence the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment. Through Alchemy Films, she consistently brings powerful, relatable stories to screens while empowering new talent and perspectives.
As Sapna reflects on her achievements and ambitions, her unwavering focus on quality and inclusion stands out—ensuring her storytelling legacy will resonate for years to come.
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