22 June,2026 10:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Prabhleen Kaur
Prabhleen Sandhu (Bora) still remembers the day she first picked up the book that would eventually become Made in India: A Titan Story. Five years later, the series has travelled from development rooms and boardroom discussions to one of the world's most visible billboards - Times Square, New York.
"It's been a very long journey," says the co-producer, recalling how acquiring the rights was only the first step. "When we bought the rights to the book, we wanted everyone associated with the story to be involved. It took time to get everyone on the same page. There were so many drafts, so many discussions, but gradually everybody came together and was happy with the final story. Karan Vyas and his team wrote a beautiful, heartwarming script. One of the first people to get on board was Jim, even before other pieces fell together."
The makers worked closely with Titan executives while recreating the company's history. Access to archives, photographs and factory records proved invaluable. "The Titan team helped us immensely. From the Hosur factory archives to old photographs, they guided us through what we could use and what would help tell the story authentically."
While the project did not involve direct interactions with the late Ratan Tata, Sandhu says the industrialist was aware of it. Noel Tata and the wider Tata ecosystem were supportive of the effort. One of her fondest memories remains the screening at Mumbai's NCPA. "There was such a lovely reaction. People who had been associated with the Tata group for years felt like they were reliving a part of their lives. Many had worked with Xerxes Desai and were emotional watching those moments on screen."
She credits veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who plays JRD Tata, for backing the project from the outset. "Jim [Sarbh] was always on board, and Naseer sir loved the story. He was thrilled about playing JRD." She also singles out casting director Yash Nagarkoti for assembling the ensemble. "The beauty of a show like this is the casting and he did a terrific job of making it."
The road to getting the show made wasn't always easy. "Many platforms weren't sure how to define the series. But Amazon MX Player backed us completely. Today, when people ask why Amazon MX, I tell them I love them for believing in the project. That's what it truly takes, faith. Titan too was under the Tata umbrella but the brand went through the grind to see the light of the day. How can a show about them have it easy. But the experience and the love is all so rewarding that none of the gruelling bits matter."
With Made in India finding global visibility, Sandhu is already looking ahead. Her company is building a slate of six series, including Billionaire, to be directed by Made in India director Robbie Grewal and starring Arjun Rampal, which is expected to go on floors shortly. Another untitled series is being developed with filmmaker Hansal Mehta. "We want to tell stories about people who gave their all to build something meaningful. That's what drew me from acting to producing, and that's the kind of storytelling we want to continue championing."
