iHeartPodcasts Taps Bollywood's Pooja Bhatt for Weekly Show (EXCLUSIVE)
iHeartMedia is betting big on Bollywood with the launch of “The Pooja Bhatt Show,” marking the first podcast under its new multi-language Asian slate developed in partnership with Mammoth Media Asia.
The weekly iHeartPodcast, hosted by the Indian actor, producer and director, will debut in late September with episodes dropping weekly. The show represents iHeartMedia’s strategic push into the Asian-Pacific market as Indian entertainment continues its global expansion.
Bhatt, who has been a fixture in Indian creative culture for over three decades, will use the platform to provide an insider’s look at the Bollywood machine. The show promises to “lift the hood” on the Indian film industry, featuring conversations with everyone from A-list directors and superstars to runners and background dancers.
“There are so many inspirational stories in the Indian film industry,” Bhatt said. “I want to shine a spotlight on the amazing people helping push our culture forward. From actors to directors to musicians to producers to stylists… I can’t wait to share the highs and lows of my journey, and share the riveting stories of the people who have inspired and shaped me.”
Bhatt burst onto the scene at age 17 in 1989, appearing in the TV film “Daddy” directed by her father Mahesh Bhatt. Over the decades, she has built a reputation for her authenticity, resilience and willingness to tackle controversial subjects without hesitation.
“We are so excited to launch our first podcast in this new Asian slate with Pooja,” said Will Pearson, president of iHeartPodcasts. “A true legend in the Indian creative scene, we know she’ll bring an exciting and entertaining perspective to the lineup.”
The show will be produced by Epilogue and distributed by iHeartPodcasts, available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.
Jonathan Serbin and Jay Faires of Mammoth Media Asia said: “The influence of Indian movies, music, and culture has been growing rapidly around the world. Pooja’s unique experience at the pinnacle of the industry for decades will be a treat to both Bollywood fans and those that wish to learn more about Indian cinema and creative culture, across the board.”
The announcement positions iHeartMedia to capitalize on the growing appetite for authentic Asian content as the company continues to expand its international footprint beyond its dominant U.S. market position, where it reaches 90% of Americans monthly through its broadcast radio assets alone.
The company recently expanded its Gen Z lineup with “The K-Factor With Beomhan,” a deep dive into the K-pop industry hosted by former trainee Beomhan.