The Woman Behind the Stars: How Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia Built TOABH and Is Empowering the Next Generation of Talent
📝InterviewsSangeeta Sikdar Bhatia, co-founder of TOABH, shares how she built one of India’s leading talent management agencies, nurtured emerging talent, and is creating new opportunities for women in the evolving entertainment and influencer ecosystem.
The Indian Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry is expanding rapidly, with the sector valued at $38.6 billion in 2025 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% through 2035. Within this evolving landscape, the talent management and influencer marketing ecosystem is also booming, driven by the rise of digital creators, brand collaborations, and global opportunities for Indian talent.
At a time when International Women’s Day 2026 calls for accelerating action toward gender equity, women leaders are increasingly shaping the future of the entertainment industry. One such leader is Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia, co-founder of TOABH, one of India’s prominent talent management agencies. In this conversation with StartupTalky, she shares her journey of building TOABH into an ecosystem that nurtures talent, creates opportunities, and empowers women in entertainment.
StartupTalky: You co-founded TOABH in 2008 after working as a fashion stylist, when did you realize it would become more than just a talent agency?
Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia: The moment I realized we weren’t managing models, we were building careers. When talent started trusting us with their future, TOABH became more than an agency. It became an ecosystem.
StartupTalky: As a woman founder in a male-dominated entertainment industry, how have you navigated power dynamics, and what changes have you seen since 2008?
Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia: I didn’t wait for space, I built credibility. Consistent performance shifts power. Since 2008, women have moved from participants to decision-makers. Now we design the table.
StartupTalky: With many young women on your roster, what steps does TOABH take to protect and empower its models?
Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia: Protecting Young Women by Transparent contracts. Legal safeguards. Zero tolerance for misconduct. Financial literacy and negotiation training. At TOABH, empowerment means informed choice.
StartupTalky: In the spirit of International Women’s Day 2026, how is TOABH actively pushing for greater gender equity in the industry?
Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia: We are looking at making the agency more international market oriented, collaborating with other agencies n more tie ups with international agencies creating more opportunities for Indian talents abroad.
StartupTalky: What potential do you see in the next generation of women talent, and how is TOABH helping them enter the entertainment industry?
Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia: The future is in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Raw, authentic talent. We’re expanding regional scouting and structured development to decentralize opportunity.
StartupTalky: How does TOABH ensure brand collaborations position women talent in empowering ways?
Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia: We position women as achievers, not accessories. Every collaboration must protect dignity, elevate identity, and build long-term equity.
StartupTalky: Looking back to 2008, what advice would you give yourself, and what quality is essential for women entrepreneurs in this industry?
Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia: Trust your instinct. Stay strategically resilient. Vision, when disciplined, builds legacy.
Sakshi Jadhav