10 Lessons from Singapore Entrepreneur on Building a Bollywood Media Dominion
How do you build a thriving Bollywood radio platform from the ground up and scale it into a global brand? What does it take for a media entrepreneur to spot an untapped market, embrace digital transformation and create a loyal community? Renuka Arora Bhagat, founder of Radio Masti 24x7, shares her journey on The Dream Catchers Show
When we think of Bollywood radio, we picture the lively stations of Mumbai — where legendary RJs spin the latest hits, blend nostalgia with entertainment and keep millions hooked.
But what does it take to build a Bollywood media dominion outside of India, where FM slots are scarce, digital disruption is constant and the South Asian diaspora craves a stronger cultural connection?
Renuka Arora Bhagat took on that challenge and rewrote the rules of Bollywood radio.
What started as a simple desire to hear Bollywood music in Singapore led her to launch Radio Masti 24x7, Southeast Asia’s first live Bollywood radio station. She didn’t just fill a gap. She built a thriving media platform by embracing digital transformation, engaging deeply with her audience and scaling beyond traditional broadcasting.
Renuka recently spoke about her inspiring journey on season 2 of The Dream Catchers Show with Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers Shalima Motial. She shared the bold decisions, hard lessons and game-changing strategies that have shaped her journey thus far.
Here are ten key takeaways from her playbook that every media entrepreneur can learn from.
1. See a Market Void? See How to Fill It
Great businesses start with a simple but powerful insight: spotting what’s missing.
For Renuka, that missing piece was crystal clear — Bollywood lovers outside India had no dedicated radio platform to call their own. Traditional FM stations played a mix of mainstream genres but largely ignored the South Asian diaspora’s deep connection to Bollywood music and culture. Renuka saw this gap and seized the opportunity.
We researched what international stations really do and structured our programming accordingly.
By creating a station that spoke directly to this audience — celebrating their nostalgia, language and love for Bollywood — she built more than just a business. She built a community.
Takeaway: The best businesses don’t follow trends — they fill gaps. Find the ignored audience, understand what they crave and build something that truly speaks to them.
2. Blend Expertise with Passion
Passion is a great starting point, but without the right expertise, it’s just a spark waiting to fizzle out. Too many people dive into passion projects without a plan, assuming their enthusiasm will carry them through.
I call myself an entrepreneur or a mediapreneur by chance, because it wasn’t planned. Nothing was planned.
Renuka didn’t start out in the media — she was a corporate professional who simply wanted to listen to Bollywood music in Singapore. But when she saw a gap in the market, she took a chance and built something far bigger than she had imagined.
Her journey proves that passion alone isn’t enough — it needs direction. She leveraged her business acumen, adaptability and deep understanding of her audience to create a sustainable platform. Whether it’s management, marketing or operations, entrepreneurs who apply their existing strengths while learning new skills set themselves up for long-term success.
Takeaway: Passion sparks the idea, but expertise keeps it alive. Success comes from pairing what you love with what you know and having a strategy to make it last.
3. Start Small and Scale Gradually
Many entrepreneurs dream of making a grand entrance, but Renuka’s journey proves that starting small — and scaling smart — is the real key to success.
Her story reminds us that steady, intentional growth usually beats a flashy launch. By listening to her audience and evolving strategically, she didn’t just build a business — she built a brand that could stand the test of time.
I was trying to be stable, understand how things work, getting my clients to stay; all right, I give you some discounts, but stay with us.
That growth wasn’t just about adding hours — it was about refining the content, understanding her audience and making sure every expansion step was sustainable. She focused on building engagement first, ensuring that when she did scale, she wasn’t just filling airtime — she was delivering value.
Takeaway: Growth isn’t about making a big splash but about building something that lasts. Start small, listen to your audience and scale with purpose, not just ambition.
4. The Way Ahead is Always Future-forward
Many businesses hesitate to embrace change, fearing the unknown. But Renuka’s story proves that the boldest moves often lead to the most significant breakthroughs. When faced with the sudden shutdown of her FM station, she didn’t retreat — she reinvented.
The world is going digital. Singapore’s talking digital. Hashtag digital nation. It’s the best time for us to go digital as well.
Rather than trying to hold onto the past, she saw where the industry was heading and made a decisive pivot. She didn’t just replicate Radio Masti online — she reimagined it. A mobile app, live streaming and interactive digital features turned it from a local station into a borderless, always-on experience for Bollywood fans worldwide.
Her transition wasn’t just about survival — it was about opportunity. By going digital, she wasn’t confined to radio waves anymore. She could reach listeners in ways traditional FM never could.
Takeaway: Don’t wait for disruption to force your hand. Adopt digital tools early, experiment with new platforms and future-proof your business before change becomes a necessity.
5. Think ‘Community At Every Step
Going digital wasn’t just a shift in platform for Renuka — it was a way to deepen connections with her audience. By embracing digital tools, she didn’t just broadcast content; she created an interactive space where listeners felt like part of a larger Bollywood-loving family.
Today, the media isn’t about passive consumption; it’s about conversation and connection. Successful brands don’t just attract audiences — they build communities that feel seen, heard and valued.
We wanted to have the India sound on a Singapore station. People should feel they have a home away from home.
Renuka took a leaf from this book and introduced call-ins, live requests and listener-driven segments, ensuring every interaction felt personal. During COVID-19, she took it even further — launching a visual platform to connect migrant workers with their families and idols, proving that engagement goes beyond entertainment.
Takeaway: Engagement fuels loyalty. Give your audience a voice, create experiences they can participate in and turn them into an active part of your brand’s journey.
6. Grow Bigger and Faster with Strategic Partnerships
Success doesn’t happen in isolation, and Renuka understood early on that collaboration was key to expanding her reach. Renuka wasn’t afraid to reach out, pitch ideas and build relationships that elevated Radio Masti beyond what she could have achieved alone.
The trust, the brand, the credibility I built over the years came handy.
By forging strong industry connections and staying attuned to her audience’s evolving tastes, Renuka expanded Radio Masti’s content offerings. She understood that growth wasn’t just about increasing airtime — it was about bringing in fresh, high-quality content that kept listeners engaged. These innovations enabled her with a stronger foothold in the competitive media landscape.
For entrepreneurs, strategic collaborations can be a game-changer. Whether it’s co-branding, media tie-ups or influencer partnerships, working with the right allies accelerates growth, unlocks new opportunities and strengthens your brand’s presence in a crowded market.
Takeaway: Growth isn’t just about what you build but about who you build it with. The right partnerships can open doors you never knew existed, amplify your reach and turn your brand into something far bigger than you could achieve alone. Don’t wait for opportunities — create them.
7. Stay Authentic, Adapt Smartly
Bollywood’s global appeal is undeniable, but Renuka knew success required more than just playing Hindi music — she had to make it feel personal. By blending Bollywood’s cultural essence with local preferences, she created a station that felt both nostalgic and relevant to Singapore’s diverse audience.
Clients really need to dig a little bit deeper when it comes to marketing and promoting campaigns.
She didn’t just broadcast music — she built a cultural bridge. From celebrating both Indian and Singaporean festivals to engaging local talent, every decision ensured that listeners felt seen, heard and connected.
There is a powerful lesson for brands here: authenticity wins. Today’s audiences crave real, meaningful experiences, not generic content. Businesses that honour their roots while evolving with their market build the strongest, most loyal communities.
Takeaway: Stay true to what makes you unique, but adapt to fit your audience. The brands that thrive are the ones that evolve without losing their identity.
8. Expand Beyond: The Power of Diversification
Renuka didn’t just build a radio station — she built an ecosystem.
From launching RJ training academies to hosting live events and forming media partnerships, she turned Radio Masti into a multi-faceted business that extended far beyond broadcasting.
Her journey highlights the importance of continuous evolution. She didn’t settle for just running a station — she expanded strategically, ensuring that Radio Masti wasn’t just a platform for music but a hub for engagement, learning and entertainment. This ability to diversify not only strengthened her brand but also created new revenue streams that ensured long-term sustainability.
We’ve just done a relaunch. We have got a chat room on the app now where people are having live conversations.
For entrepreneurs, diversification isn’t about distraction — it’s about building resilience. Exploring complementary offerings can add financial stability, strengthen brand credibility and create deeper connections with your audience.
Takeaway: Establish your core business first, then expand strategically. The more value you offer, the more ways your audience can connect with and invest in your brand.
9. Milestones Aren’t Accidents — They’re Earned
At one point, you feel you’ve made it; the next moment, you think, ‘What’s wrong with me?’
Success stories often highlight the big wins, but what they don’t show is the relentless grind behind them.
Renuka didn’t just wake up one day with a thriving radio station — she built it, one milestone at a time, through sheer determination. From launching Singapore’s first live Bollywood station to hosting record-breaking marathon shows, every achievement resulted from pushing through setbacks and staying the course.
That’s the reality of building something from the ground up. One day, you’re celebrating a win; the next, you question everything. But the people who succeed are the ones who keep going.
Takeaway: Keep pushing. The milestones that matter aren’t handed to you — they’re earned through persistence, adaptability and the grit to show up every single day.
10. Pass It On, Inspire Others
Renuka’s biggest legacy isn’t just the success of Radio Masti — it’s the doors she’s opened for others. She has shaped the next generation of industry leaders by sharing her journey, mentoring aspiring media professionals and proving that passion can turn into a thriving business.
I think for an entrepreneur, it’s important when you step in, one, you believe in yourself, and second, you are convinced about what you’re doing.
Her willingness to be open about her struggles and triumphs isn’t just inspiring — it’s transformative. She doesn’t just run a business; she’s created a roadmap for those looking to break into the media space. And that’s what true success looks like — not just making it, but helping others do the same.
Takeaway: Your success doesn’t end with you. Share your knowledge, mentor those coming up behind you and leave a legacy that outlasts your business. The best entrepreneurs don’t just build — they uplift.
So, it’s apparent that Renuka’s journey isn’t just about launching a Bollywood radio station. It’s about vision, resilience and reinvention.
From recognising an untapped market to embracing digital transformation, building a loyal community and expanding her brand beyond broadcasting, Renuka’s story is a blueprint for any entrepreneur looking to turn passion into a thriving business.
We leave those 80-hour jobs to work endlessly, and I don’t know for what. But that satisfaction, I wish that to you.
Success isn’t just about financial wins — it’s about impact. It’s about creating something that lasts, inspiring others to follow their own dreams, and proving that when you combine passion with strategy, the possibilities are limitless.
So, what’s the gap you see in the world? And more importantly — how are you going to fill it?
