Nivedita Basu's New Chapter: From K-Shows to Miller House's Curated Cocktails

Mumbai: For more than two decades, Nivedita Basu's name was synonymous with the heart of Indian television. As a creative powerhouse at Balaji Telefilms, she was instrumental in shaping the iconic 'K-Show' era, a period that defined television for a generation of viewers. She was at the helm of over 100 daily soaps, including cultural touchstones like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, crafting narratives that became part of India's collective memory.

However, as the media landscape evolved, so did Basu. She was an early mover into the digital space, playing a crucial role in building Ullu, one of India's first bold OTT platforms. She later founded Atrangi TV and Atrangi OTT, showcasing her knack for creating disruptive and compelling content. Her creative ventures didn’t stop there; she also launched Hari Om, India's first devotional app, further expanding her reach into new territories.

After a brief hiatus from the public eye, Nivedita is back, not just with a new project, but with a new philosophy. “People often asked where I had vanished,” Basu reflects. “The truth is, I wasn’t gone. I was reinventing.”

This reinvention has now materialized in the form of Miller House, a unique bar-cum-restaurant in Mumbai. Co-created with her long-time friend and partner, Udayann Shah, Miller House is a vibrant space that transcends the typical dining experience. Dressed in a chic retro-inspired design, it is envisioned as a cultural ecosystem that seamlessly blends media, art, and hospitality.

“With my name, Nivedita Basu, I couldn’t just open a restaurant,” she explains. “The idea was always larger—to build a cultural ecosystem. Miller House is a space where a five-year-old can attend a creative workshop and an eighty-year-old can share wisdom at a storytelling evening. I envision it evolving into a membership-driven cultural hub, a place where there’s always something to discover, to experience, and most importantly—to narrate. At Miller, there will always be a story to tell, not just food to eat.”

From crafting scripts for prime-time television to curating experiences at a prime destination, Basu's journey is a testament to her constant evolution. She is not resting on her laurels; her future plans include initiatives focused on eco-friendly packaging and sustainability-centric gatherings, hinting at a broader vision that connects her creative and entrepreneurial spirit to community and culture.

“Miller House is just the beginning,” she says with her characteristic confidence. "There are more stories to be told, and as time unfolds, you’ll see them take shape.”

From 'K-shows' to cocktails, Nivedita Basu is once again proving that reinvention is not just a powerful business strategy but a deeply personal and creative journey.