Ashtar Sayed

I, Ashtar Sayed, have produced, directed, and edited various films globally, focusing on simple stories. I love classic comics and India’s traditional Nautanki theater.

I am a seasoned Producer, Director, and Writer with over two decades of experience in advertising, filmmaking, and content production. At Pugmark Films Private Limited (2011-2025), I successfully transitioned from advertising to cinema, working with major brands like Sony and Coca-Cola and creating impactful narratives. My film Bijuka premiered at the SXSW Film Festival, earned multiple international awards, and was distributed globally by Galloping Films Australia, later acquired by HULU. In 2017, I produced Maatr, which marked Raveena Tandon's comeback and gained both critical acclaim and commercial success, with distributions secured through Reliance Entertainment, Star TV, and Amazon Prime. My latest film project, Rahu Ketu, is now in post-production, adding to the diverse creative portfolio I’ve built at Pugmark Films.

Earlier in my career, at Pugmark Films (2001-2011), I honed my technical expertise by collaborating with leading brands like Vodafone and Philips. I also served as a line producer for films shot in Dubai, including Trana Tea with Fawad Khan, Heartless by Shekhar Suman, and Ki and Ka by R. Balki. These opportunities helped me refine my production techniques and expand my industry network.

During my time with Zinc Sarl, Madagascar (2004-2006), I produced a documentary in collaboration with Madagascar's Ministry of Tourism, showcasing its cultural and natural heritage. I also worked on a presidential election campaign, creating engaging content for voters, and managed advertising projects for the national telecom and the Indian Ocean Games, further broadening my storytelling and project management skills.

As an Executive Producer at Numero Uno International (1999-2001), I oversaw film and television projects, managing budgets, coordinating production schedules, and ensuring creative goals were met. I focused on fostering collaboration and delivering high-quality content that resonated with audiences.

I studied Mathematics at St. Xavier’s College from June 1995 to June 1998, where I gained a strong academic foundation and analytical skills that have significantly shaped my career. The rigorous curriculum honed my problem-solving abilities and instilled a solid work ethic. During this time, I also began working at a young age, applying mathematical concepts in practical, real-world situations while managing my studies. This combination of education and early professional exposure prepared me to tackle diverse challenges throughout my career.