DOING ODD JOBS

India's expansive entertainment industry has given rise to a bustling ecosystem of professionals. Some among them are off the beaten path. We spoke to four ultra-niche experts and their world is exciting, to be sure

- Farzana Patowari

Ever since the turn of the 20th century, India’s entertainment industry has evolved into a sociocultural behemoth unlike any other, attaching itself to everything from politics to social norms. Defined by a rich tapestry of film, music, television, and more, it is now a vast ocean of interconnected cogs that keep the wheels churning year over year. Interestingly, Bollywood alone employs over half a million individuals. And you probably think you know who these people are — the scriptwriters, background music scorer, directorial assistants, stylists, et al. But scratch above the surface and the entertainment industry will throw up professionals, you didn’t even blink to think existed. From a private chef, who prepares fresh rotis on set to a doctor moonlighting as a script consultant — here are four ultra-niche experts working their magic behind the screens.

ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER

Priyanka Khimani received a life-changing call at just 24-years-old to represent the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, and although Mangeshkar has since passed away, Khimani continues to represent her estate as the founder of Khimani & Associates, a Mumbai-based law firm recognised for its entertainment and intellectual property practice. “Before starting my legal career, I worked in peripheral roles such as modelling, advertising, and writing for TV shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi and Dus Ka Dum as a junior writer. However, I found it difficult to make a steady income, which led me to pursue a job at a law firm for financial stability,” she says.