Manish Chaubey
Manish Chaubey (born 16 August 1985) is an Indian filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Roohdaar Films & Entertainment (ROOFe) — a creative house that integrates film production, public relations, artist management, digital marketing, and event management under one roof. With a career spanning technology, journalism, and the entertainment industry, Chaubey is widely recognized for his contributions to independent cinema and his role in shaping contemporary storytelling in India.
Early Life and Education
Manish Chaubey was born on 16 August 1985 in Delhi, India, and hails from the picturesque hill state of Uttarakhand. He was born and brought up in Delhi, where he completed his schooling and later graduated from the University of Delhi (DU). From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in cinema and theatre, drawn to storytelling, stagecraft, and performance.
During his school and college years, Chaubey actively participated in numerous full-length plays and theatre productions. His passion for dramatics led him to become President of the College Dramatics Society, honing his leadership skills and creative vision. These early experiences played a vital role in shaping his understanding of human emotions, visual storytelling, and character development. Following graduation, he pursued a career in technology as a software engineer, gaining insights into communication and management. However, his enduring passion for cinema eventually inspired his transition to filmmaking.
Career Beginnings: From IT to Cinema
After nearly a decade in the IT sector, Chaubey decided to follow his creative calling and moved to Mumbai to study filmmaking and direction. His early years in Mumbai were spent learning the craft of cinema through hands-on experience in production, direction, cinematography, and editing.
During this period, he worked with the ABP Group as a cameraman and reporter, developing a nuanced understanding of visual communication and journalistic storytelling. These experiences enriched his narrative approach, merging realism with artistry.
Transition to PR, Artist Management, and Events
Over time, Chaubey’s professional expertise expanded into public relations, artist management, and event strategy. He worked with leading PR firms and talent agencies in Mumbai, collaborating with top artists, production houses, and corporate clients. His strategic storytelling ability and communication acumen earned him recognition as a trusted figure in the entertainment and PR ecosystem.
This multifaceted experience laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial venture — blending artistic vision with business insight.
Founding of Roohdaar Films & Entertainment
In 2024, Manish co-founded Roohdaar Films & Entertainment (ROOFe) with Reeshma Radhakrrishnan, his creative partner who shared his passion for meaningful storytelling. The term “Roohdaar” comes from Urdu — “Rooh” meaning soul and “Daar” meaning the one who holds.
The name was inspired by the iconic character portrayed by the late Irrfan Khan in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider. The company’s philosophy centers around crafting soulful narratives that deeply connect with audiences.
ROOFe operates through two main divisions:
- Roohdaar Films: Dedicated to films, short films, documentaries, and ad production.
- Roohdaar Entertainment: Focused on PR, artist management, event production, and media strategy.
With teams in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, Roohdaar Films & Entertainment has gained prominence for its artistic integrity and professional excellence, reflecting Chaubey’s commitment to human-centered storytelling.
Mother of Many Hands
Under Manish’s creative supervision, Roohdaar Films launched its debut documentary, Mother of Many Hands, which portrays the life of a domestic worker and mother of three. Currently in post-production, the film captures resilience, dignity, and strength — emphasizing moral integrity and emotional endurance.
In his own words: “We didn’t just want to make a film. We wanted to honour a life — to give dignity to labour and humanity to stories that often go unseen.”
The film aligns with Roohdaar’s vision of creating cinema that moves, heals, and connects. It has generated significant buzz in independent film circles.
Professional Affiliations and Contributions
Chaubey is a member of:
- Mumbai Indie Film Society
- WIFPA (Western India Film & TV Producers’ Association)
- IFTDA (Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association)
Through these affiliations, he collaborates with creative professionals, advocates ethical filmmaking, and mentors emerging talent.
Philosophy and Vision
Manish believes cinema is a medium of empathy and transformation. His artistic philosophy centers on telling stories that resonate with truth, reflecting human struggles and triumphs. Across his work — from direction to PR — he emphasizes authenticity, compassion, and emotional depth.
Personal Life
Manish divides his time between Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. A private person, he keeps his family life out of the spotlight. Outside work, he enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring art and literature that celebrate India’s diversity.
Legacy and Future Plans
With over a decade of experience across technology, media, and cinema, Manish continues to grow as a filmmaker and mentor. Under ROOFe, he plans to expand into feature filmmaking, international collaborations, and global festivals. His upcoming projects include short films, branded content, and socially conscious documentaries that remain true to the Roohdaar philosophy.