Parul Goel, Territory Head of ZEE Europe talks to BizAsia on relaunching &TV & making ZEE the largest Asian network in UK/Europe
With the launch of &TV, ZEE Entertainment UK Limited has solidified its position as the largest Indian broadcaster across the UK and Europe, now offering an impressive portfolio of seven channels in the region. Reaching tens of millions of active viewers across a range of devices and platforms, ZEE’s presence is anchored by its robust streaming service, ZEE5, alongside a lineup of popular channels including ZEE TV, ZEE Cinema, ZEE Punjabi, ZEE One Germany, ZEE World (English), ZEE Magic in France, and the newly launched &TV.
With nearly 17 years of experience at ZEE UK, a global media and entertainment powerhouse and pioneer, Parul Goel has firmly established himself as a key leader in advancing India’s pioneering Media and Entertainment company, ZEE Entertainment, across markets in the UK and Europe. As the Territory Head and Chief Financial Officer, Goel has played an immensely significant role in positioning ZEE as one of the largest and fastest-growing Asian TV media and entertainment company, with an extensive portfolio of services in the UK and Europe. BizAsiaLive.com spoke with Goel about his accomplishments, the challenges faced in this dynamic industry, and embracing FAST (Free ad-supported streaming television) channels.
To begin, Parul, could you start by sharing the inspiring path that led you to the esteemed leadership position at ZEE Network in the UK and Europe and what were the defining moments and experiences have been instrumental in shaping your vision and impact within the organisation? I have seen it personally, no one could do it, but with your sincerity and never say die attitude, you did. How come you are always so happy in every situation, what keeps you going?
Wow, thank you. Honestly, ZEE is a once in a lifetime opportunity and like many others, I grew up watching ZEE. I can just say I am grateful and lots of gratitude. During my early years, watching cable TV was a luxury and we had lots of restrictions especially during school exams. Working with ZEE was a dream come true and then growing with ZEE in career, the biggest Indian entertainment Household brand which everyone knows, is like an honour.
The journey has been very enjoyable because there was a mountain high challenge many times but struggle throughout and learning at every step and nothing short of exhilarating. Because ZEE is such a brand and a product, it cannot be compromised or taken for granted at any time because millions of emotions are attached to it, whether it’s an audience or people associated with it.
I joined ZEE way back in 2007, and I consider myself a lowest denominator. I am still learning each day because in media and content, as we learn something every day. I am not afraid of anything because I never lie and try and find a growth path in all situations.
ZEE being a pioneer, I always wanted to keep that flag high, that’s when first time ever, we launched the first free HD Asian TV channel in the UK, first Bollywood channel in Germany, first Indian Food channel in the UK.
It began with my deep-seated passion for media and entertainment, which led me to grow and learn not just the finance job which I was handling but I did every small mundane job, that helped me learn how media functions. Not just finance, but sales, distribution, legal affairs, compliance, content and programming, content acquisition, business expansion, strategic marketing, and business planning, I have learnt and executed all. The true essence of entrepreneurial spirit and mindset can be nurtured within the visionary environment of ZEE. My business philosophy is elegantly simple yet remarkably effective: you invest 10, and I provide a stellar 20-30% net return. This isn’t just an offer; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, achieved through meticulously crafted strategies and unparalleled resourcefulness, with complete confidence and transparency.
I think, my commitment and keen eye for strategic growth soon caught the attention of senior leadership. A significant turning point was spearheading a critical project that improved our revenue streams while cutting costs—this project not only boosted our financial health but also earned me recognition and a promotion.
ZEE being a pioneer, I always wanted to keep that flag high, that’s when first time ever, we launched the first free HD Asian TV channel in the UK, first Bollywood channel in Germany, first Indian Food channel in the UK. first OTT platform (ditto tv), and now the first Indian FAST channels in the UK and many countries across Europe. We now have seven TV channels, a streaming app, reaching to more than tens of millions of active users within a span of two years. Achieving this milestone required immense dedication and relentless effort. It was far from an overnight success.
Another defining moment was when we faced a major market disruption. Instead of viewing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity.
With the team’s support and management guidance, I managed to turn around Europe’s business in the last three years. But the journey has just started, still a long way to go and entertain every single person who wants to consume Indian content, whether in any Indian language or in their own respective languages. We have our own globally most acclaimed programme, Jodha Akbar, just like America has ‘Friends’, of which millions of hours have already been watched across multiple languages globally.
The technology going forward will play a pivotal role in the vision which will ensure that the content reaches the right audience in a most effective and simple way.
Another defining moment was when we faced a major market disruption. Instead of viewing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity. My team and I worked tirelessly to adapt our strategies, pivoting to digital platforms and enhancing content distribution. This adaptability and foresight paid off, cementing my role in a leadership capacity.
The journey so far has been filled with challenges, many ups and downs, and learnings, but each step has been a testament to resilience, innovation, and the unwavering support of my team. Their dedication has been instrumental in driving ZEE TV’s success in the UK and Europe.
I stay positive and joyful, believing that a negative or unhappy person cannot bring happiness to others. I truly enjoy everything I do, and that passion drives me forward. My family is my greatest strength, and my mentors are my most inspiring source of guidance.
Parul, you work tirelessly round the clock; you’re always about let’s do it. What is your strategic vision in the coming years, and how do you plan to bring it to fruition? Could you outline the key initiatives and actions you will take to drive this vision forward in UK/ Europe?
My vision for ZEE UK in the coming years is to solidify our position as a global leader in media and entertainment. We aim to leverage fully tech-enabled content delivery capabilities, offering a one-stop shop for our audiences to access all the content they need in one place. All the while, we stay committed to our cultural roots of storytelling and continue to serve as an ambassador of Indian culture and reaching more than 75 million viewers across Europe in next few years, by doing:
Digital Transformation: Embrace and lead in digital innovation by expanding our presence across as many platforms and using innovative technology to enhance our viewer’s experience. We need to be agile, and we need to stay ahead of the curve and that will happen with the positive mindset and ability to deliver results with honesty and integrity.
Market Expansion: Strengthen our footprint by entering new countries/ markets in Europe and entertain mainstream audiences in their own language. This includes strategic partnerships, localisation of content, and tapping into regional markets with customised offerings such as we are already serving German audiences either German dubbed Indian content and English-speaking audiences with English dubbed and French speaking audiences with French dubbed Indian content. The aim is to serve and entertain as many localised and regional languages as we can in the region which has 700mn + people.
The dynamism of our Indian media industry. The constant evolution of content, from traditional films and TV shows to the rise of biggest digital platforms, kept me on my toes.
By focusing on these areas, we will not only sustain our current success but also pave the way for new opportunities and growth. Together, we will ensure ZEE UK continues to captivate audiences and remain at the forefront of the media and entertainment industry and emerge as a technology and content powerhouse.
You are an engineer, did EMBA, a finance professional by experience, what spark of inspiration kindled your journey into the realm of media and entertainment?
Like I have mentioned earlier, I grew up watching ZEE. And I am a small-town guy, coming from a humble background, It was a sheer passion and love for our Bollywood industry. It was a dream come true when I joined ZEE, and I am still grateful.
One thing I have learnt is, there is not even a single screw in any machine or a toy which is of no use, so, always ask why, the purpose? I follow this till date and I never hesitate.
First, the power of storytelling in Indian media. Growing up, I was captivated by Bollywood movies, daily soaps, and the sheer variety of narratives that reflected our India’s rich culture. I saw how these stories could captivate, inform, and transform people, and I wanted to be a part of that magic.
The dynamism of our Indian media industry. The constant evolution of content, from traditional films and TV shows to the rise of biggest digital platforms, kept me on my toes. I loved the idea of working in an industry that was always innovating and pushing creative boundaries.
It was this blend of passion for content, curiosity about the industry’s evolution, and a desire to make a difference that led me to this exciting and fulfilling career path.
Today, as content is travelling and reaching globally, it knows no boundaries, so I am very open minded in exploring any opportunity that can help taking entertainment to a next level, which I have already started working on.
Being passionate, I do go out and take my selfies and pictures with our billboards.
Could you shine a light on a notable achievement during your tenure with ZEE Network UK that fills you with particular pride? What stands out as a defining success in your journey with the organisation?
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Special Feature: The rise of ZEE TV in the UK
There are many, not one. And I must say, the best is yet to come.
Whether it’s signing up 16 sponsors on a reality show, or from just two TV channels last year, we are now seven channels across the platforms and our streaming app, in the continent, making us the largest Indian broadcaster in Europe, and partnering with other platforms and companies for expansion in other parts of the world as a strategic partner.
In this past year, we bravely ventured into the nascent realm of the FAST space, discerning a significant void therein. With agility, precision, and the unwavering trust of our partners, we have triumphed on all fronts. Now, we stand proudly as the preeminent purveyor of Indian content across Europe, spanning multiple platforms and more than four languages, reaching the hearts and minds of over 25 to 30 million active users with our content, which is specially curated and scheduled as per the region, like there is no one size fits all.
This achievement showed our ability to adapt and succeed in a new space, and it reinforced ZEE TV’s reputation as a global leader in entertainment. It was a testament to the hard work, creativity, and strategic planning of our team, and it is something I am incredibly proud of.
What valuable and transformative lessons have you gleaned from your diverse and dynamic experiences within the industry? Could you share the pivotal insights and profound wisdom that have significantly shaped your journey and perspective?
Content is King! Trust me, and all of us know this.
High-quality, engaging content is the bedrock of success. if we have a compelling storytelling that connects with audiences is irreplaceable. I certainly believe our Indian media industry has so much scope and potential and scope to grow and make big in western world, we have not utilised the full potential yet. We need to connect with the roots of the region and offer them nicely and lovingly our content and entertain them.
Secondly, Relationships Are Everything. Building and nurturing relationships with stakeholders, platform partners, and audiences is fundamental. Trust and collaboration often lead to opportunities and growth that purely transactional interactions might miss.
Thirdly, never lie with your audience, they know all. They are discerning and perceptive. Provide them with engaging and quality entertainment and be attentive to their diverse content needs. They are the heart and soul of your success, and by valuing their trust and preferences, they will reward you with unwavering loyalty and support.
Could you share the learnings that have significantly influenced and motivated you in your professional endeavours and most profound source of inspiration?
Perseverance and focus have been my greatest sources of inspiration throughout my career. I embody the philosophy of relentless pursuit—I do not stop until I achieve my goals. This mindset of manifesting thoughts into reality has driven me to accomplish what I set out to do.
My greatest inspiration comes from within—the belief that with perseverance and focus, anything can be achieved.
I never view anything as impossible. Instead, I believe everything is within reach. If I do not achieve it, someone else will, so the thought of failure or giving up never crosses my mind. This unwavering determination propels me forward.
I don’t chase after money. Instead, I focus on the work, striving to do it in the best possible way with utmost honesty. When you commit to excellence, the money inevitably follows.
I recognise that this relentless drive can also be a double-edged sword. It means I seldom pause, always pushing towards the next goal. This constant forward momentum might be seen as a weakness, but it also fuels my success.
One thing I have always avoided is negativity at any cost.
Any achievements are impossible for those who become complacent in their roles and lack the drive to grow, blame the economy or market and choosing instead to merely coast along.
My greatest inspiration comes from within—the belief that with perseverance and focus, anything can be achieved.
How do you ensure that ZEE UK remains pertinent to its audience in an increasingly dynamic and evolving media landscape, and what emerging trends do you foresee shaping the future of television and entertainment, particularly for South Asian audiences?
By simple thinking, by staying relevant which means constant engagement and constant touch and continually innovating. But again, thinking simple.
Whether it’s using new tech, exploring fresh content formats, or adopting novel distribution methods, innovation keeps audiences engaged and businesses competitive. Tailoring content to resonate with local audiences while keeping a global appeal is a delicate but essential balance.
And our Indian storytelling is marvellous, and we need to bring more of it in a very localised way to all mainstream audiences, by partnering and doing co-productions with UK and European production houses.
Our South Asian audiences have become very mature. If you notice, they consume content not just in one language, but a South Asian is consuming content in at-least 3-4 languages, e.g., a Gujarati speaking person is watching Gujarati content, Hindi content, and English content, in addition to various other international content dubbed in Either Hindi or English or even Gujarati. His/ her experience of consuming content and awareness is mind blowing and he/ she does not shy away in comparing Indian content with other international content. So, I would say, Indian content owners are facing the biggest challenge internationally to cater to their South Asian audiences.
Future of television is not going anywhere, Consumption of content is taking place on big screen TVs, and it will remain so. There are many ways to deliver/ distribute content to the audiences which is evolving to such a fast pace and normal people are struggling to adapt and it’s true. As a media and entertainment company, content and tech go hand in hand now and there are no two thoughts about it. Once you produce any content, then to ensure that it reaches your audiences is also equally important on a right device or a right platform wherever that audiences are consuming the content. I strongly feel there is a going to be a consolidation at global level in near future of South Asian content.
Today, if Netflix can dub or subtitle its content in 30 plus languages, what’s stopping us, Nothing.
And not just this, but there is an immense potential in producing or co-producing the content across various regions. Its all about sharing the various stories and then show it to the audience in their language.
How would you motivate our new generation of aspiring professionals aiming to build a successful career in the UK media and entertainment industry?
I really want to contribute to our society by creating more jobs in the industry.
First and foremost, be truthful, genuine, and honest. Audiences can spot insincerity instantly, so stay true to yourself. Commit fully to your craft and be prepared to give it your all—you’ll be amazed at the results. Never forget people who support you, have a belief in yourself, never hesitate, if a such and such can do it, you can do it, try, you can do it as well. Like in the UK, media entertainment and digital industry is approx. £50bn+, so, aim high. We need to keep working harder and enjoy all what we do.
The media landscape is ever-changing with new technologies and platforms emerging regularly. Embracing change and staying flexible is crucial for staying relevant and successful.
Dreams do come true, so please, dream big.
