BookMyShow has revolutionized how India experiences entertainment. Gone are the days of standing in long queues to book movie tickets. With just a few clicks, you can now reserve seats for movies, concerts, plays, and sports events. This convenience is thanks to the visionary trio behind BookMyShow.
The Visionaries Behind the Venture
The brainchild of Ashish Hemrajani, Parikshit Dar, and Rajesh Balpande, BookMyShow was launched under the parent company Bigtree Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. in 1999. What began as a simple idea has now become India’s leading entertainment ticketing platform with a global footprint.
1. Ashish Hemrajani
Ashish, the CEO and co-founder, holds an MBA in Marketing from Sydenham College, Mumbai. He had a corporate job at J. Walter Thompson but gave it up to pursue entrepreneurship. His vision and resilience laid the foundation for BookMyShow’s phenomenal growth.
2. Parikshit Dar
Parikshit, an expert in technology, is the man behind the platform’s seamless backend. He’s been instrumental in building and maintaining BookMyShow’s digital infrastructure, ensuring a smooth user experience.
3. Rajesh Balpande
Rajesh brought financial acumen to the team, thanks to his background in investment banking. His insights helped the company stay financially sound while scaling operations.
From ₹25,000 to a ₹3,000 Crore Valuation
BookMyShow started with a capital of just ₹25,000. Over time, it expanded across 650+ cities in India, offering services through over 5,000 screens. In FY22 alone, its revenue surged to ₹976 crore from ₹277 crore the previous year. The platform has also entered global markets, now active in over five countries.
A major turning point came in 2017 when BookMyShow signed a ₹1,000 crore deal with PVR Cinemas to sell their unsold tickets online—dramatically increasing traffic and revenues.
The Origin Story
The idea for BookMyShow was born during Ashish Hemrajani’s random trip to South Africa in 1999. Inspired by how tickets were sold digitally there, he returned to India and convinced his friends Parikshit and Rajesh to build something similar. With support from their families, they set up their first office in Ashish’s bedroom.
Dominating the Ticketing Market
Despite facing stiff competition from platforms like Paytm, BookMyShow commands a dominant 70-75% market share in movie ticketing. Its easy-to-use interface, refund and cancellation features, and trusted service have made it a household name.
Beyond Tickets: Business Diversification
BookMyShow isn’t stopping at ticketing. The company has ventured into merchandising, allowing users to buy tees, hoodies, and movie-inspired accessories. It recently launched its brand campaign—“Entertainment Ki Nayi Bhasha”—to further cement its position in the entertainment ecosystem.
Major Investors Supporting Growth
BookMyShow’s journey has been supported by top investors:
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TPG Growth: A global investment firm focused on middle-market growth.
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Stripes Group: Specializes in internet and digital media investments.
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Network18: One of India’s largest media conglomerates.
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Accel Partners: A venture capital firm known for funding disruptive startups.
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SAIF Partners (now Elevation Capital): A leading VC firm with deep roots in India.
The Company’s Mission
BookMyShow aims to create a connected community of entertainment lovers by offering the best movie and event experiences through a simple, user-friendly platform.
Founder’s Advice to Future Entrepreneurs
Ashish Hemrajani emphasizes innovation and clarity of purpose. “Don’t follow the herd. Know why your idea matters and how it can disrupt the market,” he says.
Industry Recognition
BookMyShow has earned praise from marketing and advertising experts, including Russell Barrett of BBH India, who called it a brand at the heart of India’s entertainment landscape.
Wrapping Up
BookMyShow’s rise from a home-based startup to a ₹3,000 crore enterprise is an inspiring journey. It highlights the power of innovation, teamwork, and customer-centric thinking in transforming industries. Today, BookMyShow is not just an app—it’s a lifestyle companion for millions who love movies, music, and live events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When was BookMyShow founded?
BookMyShow was founded in 1999 by Ashish Hemrajani, Parikshit Dar, and Rajesh Balpande.
Q2. What inspired the creation of BookMyShow?
Ashish Hemrajani’s visit to South Africa, where he saw online ticketing, inspired the idea of BookMyShow.
Q3. What is the revenue model of BookMyShow?
The platform earns through ticket commissions, advertisements, paid promotions, and merchandising.
Q4. How large is BookMyShow’s market reach?
BookMyShow operates in 650+ Indian cities and several international markets, reaching over 30 million users.
Q5. Who are BookMyShow’s investors?
Its major investors include TPG Growth, Stripes Group, Accel, Elevation Capital (formerly SAIF Partners), and Network18.