'Women Are Reshaping Stories': Sapna Malhotra On Leading Change In Film, TV

Sapna Malhotra is what you would call a true-blue creative—a curious, bold spirit with an innate prowess for bringing meaningful stories to life. For years, she was a thriving fashion entrepreneur and stylist, crafting looks with depth, soul, and intention. Today, she is celebrated as a producer, channelling her skill and imaginative flair into creating powerful dialogues in film and television. She and her husband, Siddharth P Malhotra, are the founders of Alchemy Films, the production house behind numerous films and shows, including television favourites like Ichhapyaari Naagin to OTT projects like Tribhanga. 

With Siddharth's itch for creative storytelling and Sapna's strategic genius, they champion stories that are unique, authentic, and emotionally resonant; stories that are remembered; stories that matter. In an interview with SheThePeople, Sapna Malhotra discussed her journey transitioning from fashion to film and television, the challenges along the way, and the driving force behind her creative ethos. She reflected on her personal experiences as a woman in the entertainment industry and how they shaped her mission to create space for diverse voices, both on and off screen.

Sapna Malhotra In Conversation With SheThePeople

STP: Tell us about your background and professional journey. What drove the transition from fashion entrepreneurship to film?

Sapna: My professional journey has been anything but conventional, and that’s what makes it so fulfilling. I began in the fashion industry, where I spent over a decade running multi-designer luxury stores and styling for more than 30 television shows. It was a creatively rich time, full of hustle, glamour, and growth.

In 2017, when Siddharth (my husband) started Alchemy Films, I transitioned into the world of entertainment, a completely new terrain for me. I had no formal training in film or media, but I brought with me a strong sense of business, creativity, and the ability to build systems. Today, I handle operations, finances, platform negotiations, team building, you name it. While Siddharth helms the creative, I make sure our storytelling engine runs smoothly and sustainably.

STP: What were some professional and emotional challenges you faced while navigating the new phase in your career?

The shift was both intuitive and terrifying. I’ve always believed in evolving with purpose, and when Siddharth launched Alchemy Films, I saw an opportunity to challenge myself in a completely new domain. Emotionally, it was daunting as I was leaving behind a world I had mastered to enter one I didn’t fully understand.

Professionally, the learning curve was steep. I had to quickly grasp the nuances of production, contracts, platform dynamics, and people management in a completely new ecosystem. But with every challenge came growth. And over time, I realised that the core skills of entrepreneurship, adaptability, problem-solving, and people skills translate across industries.

STP: The technical side of the entertainment industry continues to be male-dominated. What have you observed about the gender dynamics, and did you personally face any biases or challenges?

Yes, the operational and technical side of the industry still has strong male representation, especially in leadership roles. There were moments where my capabilities were second-guessed or I had to assert my space in rooms dominated by men. But I chose not to be defined by those dynamics. I focused on delivering results, on being so effective that there was no room for doubt. That said, things are gradually changing.

More women are stepping into decision-making roles, leading production houses, running sets, and owning the business side of entertainment. It’s a slow shift, but an important one.

STP: What are your views on the “Female gaze”? How do you think women in film are making a difference to the way characters are portrayed on screen?

The “female gaze” emphasises the internal world, thoughts, and feelings of female characters. It’s really amazing that now, female characters are active participants in the narrative who drive the story forward. Scenes are framed to reflect their viewpoint and focus on their emotional journeys in a way that resonates deeply with women. It’s no longer about how they’re perceived, but how they feel, and that shift is both powerful and necessary.

Women are fundamentally reshaping the way stories are told and characters are built. Whether as writers, directors, producers, or even business heads, women bring emotional intelligence, sensitivity, and authenticity to storytelling.

Female characters are no longer just supporting the male arc; they’re layered, complex, flawed, and inspiring in their own right. The lens has shifted to include nuance, relatability, and real power dynamics, and women behind the scenes are the driving force behind that evolution.

STP: What has been the most fulfilling part of your career across these different industries?

The most fulfilling part of both my careers, fashion and film production, is the transformative power they offer. Whether through clothing or content, both allow me to be a storyteller and turn imagination into reality. They’ve given me platforms to inspire and connect with people, to build meaningful relationships, and to create impact. That ability to merge creativity with purpose is what truly drives me.