Running two businesses across two completely different worlds - pharmaceuticals and entertainment - sounds like a recipe for burnout. But for Ajinkya Jadhav, the founder of Paparazzi Entertainment, it's less about hustle and more about discipline, curiosity, and knowing exactly where to spend his energy.
Away from boardrooms and film sets, Jadhav's idea of unwinding is refreshingly simple.
"To be very honest, during the week there isn't much time to unwind. My days are usually divided between the pharmaceutical business and Paparazzi Entertainment, so things can get quite hectic," he admits. "But whenever I get some free time, especially on weekends, I love watching movies."
Cinema, he says, has been a constant since childhood. "I've been a movie buff since childhood, so cinema has always been my escape. Watching a good film helps me recharge. Travel is another way I unwind. I genuinely enjoy discovering new countries and new experiences. Even planning a vacation gives me something exciting to look forward to."
Competition Isn't the Point - Growth Is
Ask Jadhav how he stays ahead in two fiercely competitive industries, and his answer isn't about outsmarting rivals - it's about outgrowing his own past self.
"I don't wake up every morning thinking about beating competitors. I wake up thinking about becoming better than I was yesterday," he says. "Both pharmaceuticals and entertainment are highly competitive industries, but I've learned that competition is not something you can control."
What is within his control, he explains, are the fundamentals: work ethic, relationships, innovation and consistency. "In pharmaceuticals, trust and long-term partnerships matter. In entertainment, creativity and adaptability matter. My approach has always been to focus on creating value rather than constantly looking over my shoulder. If you're continuously evolving, opportunities eventually find you."
Staying Curious in the Age of AI
Nowhere is that philosophy tested more than in the fast-moving world of AI-driven entertainment - a space Jadhav says demands constant learning just to keep up.
"The AI industry is probably moving faster than any industry I've seen. New tools, new workflows, and new possibilities emerge almost every week. If you stop learning, you become outdated very quickly. That's actually what excites me about this space," he says.
"Every day feels like you're discovering something new. Whether it's AI filmmaking, visual effects, music generation, or advertising, there is always something to learn. I believe curiosity is one of the most important qualities for anyone working in AI. The moment you think you know everything, you've already fallen behind."
The Myth of Multitasking
So how does one person run a pharmaceutical business and an entertainment company at the same time without dropping the ball? Jadhav is quick to dispel the usual assumptions.
"People often think multitasking means doing ten things at the same time. In reality, it's about managing priorities. I oversee businesses in two completely different sectors, pharmaceuticals and entertainment, so organisation becomes extremely important."
His method leans heavily on structure and trust in his team. "I rely on planning, delegation, and having strong teams around me. Some days I might spend the morning discussing pharmaceutical business strategies and the evening reviewing an advertising campaign or creating something myself. The key is being fully present in whatever you're doing at that moment."
What Actually Makes Him Happy
Strip away the titles and the deadlines, and what's left is someone who finds joy in fairly grounded places - travel, creation, and the people around him.
"Travel, without a doubt. I love exploring new countries, experiencing different cultures, and creating memories in places I've never been before. Travel gives me a fresh perspective and reminds me that there's a huge world beyond our daily routines," he says.
"Apart from that, seeing an idea turn into reality makes me incredibly happy. Whether it's launching a new product in an international market or seeing a film advertisement come alive, there is a special satisfaction in building something from scratch. And of course, spending quality time with loved ones is something I deeply value. At the end of the day, success is important, but experiences, memories, and meaningful relationships are what truly make me happy," Jadhav concludes.
