Episode 236

Lead with Vision with Namit Malhotra | Win the Day
May 13, 2025
Namit Malhotra is the CEO of DNEG, an eight-time Academy Award-winning visual effects studio behind Inception, Interstellar, and Dune.
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In this episode of Win the Day:

"Your work is to discover your work, then with all your heart to give yourself to it." — Buddha

What does it take to turn a bold vision into a billion-dollar empire? 🧐

Namit Malhotra started with just one Apple Mac in a Mumbai garage. Today, he’s the Chairman and CEO of DNEG, one of the most dominant forces in visual entertainment. As a third-generation filmmaker, Namit’s relentless pursuit of innovation took his company, Prime Focus Limited, from humble beginnings to the National Stock Exchange of India—just 10 years later.

Under his leadership, DNEG has grown from 700 employees to over 10,000, earning eight Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects. His team has shaped some of Hollywood’s most groundbreaking films, including Inception, Interstellar, and The Dark Knight, cementing Christopher Nolan’s trust as his go-to visual effects partner.

Beyond VFX, Namit has made his mark as a film producer, backing Brahmastra and the upcoming two-part epic Ramayana, with a staggering $100 million budget. His strategic vision also secured a $250 million investment in 2021, fueling DNEG’s expansion into gaming and original content.

In this episode:
• The secret to winning at the highest level.
• How to thrive in high-pressure environments.
• Lessons from the world’s most visionary filmmakers.
• How to build a global powerhouse from a garage startup.

Let’s WIN THE DAY with Namit Malhotra!

Timestamps

00:00 Who is Namit Malhotra
1:29 Interview starts
2:27 The value of knowing your weaknesses
3:27 Developing the confidence to launch a business
5:51 Growing up in Mumbai
7:05 The seeds that made the business a success
9:09 Find your calling
10:25 Be curious to find your calling
12:41 Winning Academy Awards (can you handle the pressure of being #1?)
15:19 How Namit built his business to get listed on the stock exchange
18:57 Download your FREE Win the Day Action Plan
19:47 Getting the call to make Avatar
21:48 The genius of Christopher Nolan (and films like Interstellar)
24:41 Turning a director’s vision into a masterpiece
26:40 Start with impossible
27:33 The genius of Interstellar
31:00 Hans Zimmer
32:59 How to keep audiences excited
34:24 How to keep 10,000 staff happy, aligned, and motivated
36:06 Living for yourself or your kids
38:45 The hard truth about privilege — and how to make your life a massive success
42:44 Why someone else will take your dream (hint: they’re hungrier)
44:49 How DNEG made Mad Max in Australia
46:14 New film The Ramayan
48:00 Affirmation
48:58 Rocket Round

 

Resources / links mentioned:

🎯 Download your FREE Win the Day action plan

⚡ DNEG website

📷 DNEG Instagram

🌎 DNEG X

🔗 DNEG LinkedIn

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Inspiring quotes in this episode:
  • "I brought on board the three guys who taught me computer graphics, who were my teachers, to be my partners in building this little startup." — Namit Malhotra
  • "You not only have to be great at what you do, but you also have to know what you're not good at. Then surround yourself with people who can help compensate." — Namit Malhotra
  • "I had to make every mistake myself to learn it and step forward." — Namit Malhotra
  • "It's all about figuring out what your true calling is. Most people in today's time are confused because there are so many opportunities." — Namit Malhotra
  • "The danger of winning is that winning is a drug, and when you win it creates a whole new reality of pressure." — Namit Malhotra
  • "Before you receive, you’ve got to learn the art of giving." — Namit Malhotra
  • "You're going to be beaten by that kid who's hungrier." — Namit Malhotra
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