In the 78th episode of Jam With Sam, Sampath Iyengar speaks with Priyanka Khimani, founder and partner of Anand and Anand & Khimani, about her extraordinary journey from growing up in a chawl in Mahim to becoming a trailblazing lawyer representing India’s biggest entertainment and media personalities. Priyanka shares her experiences, challenges, and vision for the future of law and entrepreneurship.
A Mahim Girl with Big Dreams
Priyanka Khimani grew up in a chawl in Mahim, Mumbai, where her mother still resides. Her early years were shaped by humble beginnings, which she credits for toughening her up for life’s challenges. A diligent and creative student, Priyanka excelled in school, balancing academics with her passion for karate, earning a second-degree black belt and representing India in tournaments.
Her foray into writing began in her teens, crafting screenplays and theatre pieces. At just 15, she co-wrote a TV show, Tamanna House, on Zee TV, marking the start of her creative journey.
A Turn Towards Law: From Biotech to Courtrooms
Priyanka’s career path took an unexpected turn after earning a degree in biotechnology from Jai Hind College. While studying, she found herself disillusioned by the environment, but a summer trip to Boston introduced her to the booming field of patent law, combining her scientific background with a new-found interest in legal studies.
She joined Government Law College, Mumbai, and began her legal journey with Mulla and Mulla. Priyanka initially worked in commercial litigation, but her rich background in writing and entertainment opened doors to a niche market: entertainment law. She began bringing Bollywood and media clients into the firm, merging her creative past with her new profession.
Building a Legal Empire: Kimani & Associates
After gaining international exposure at Pepper Hamilton, a U.S.-based law firm, Priyanka returned to India. Feeling stifled by rigid hierarchies, she left her position at Mulla and Mulla and started her own practice, Khimani & Associates, almost accidentally. Her entertainment clients, including Bollywood celebrities and talent agencies, insisted on working with her, giving her fledgling firm a promising start.
Initially focused on entertainment law, the firm grew to offer services in intellectual property, corporate law, and beyond. Priyanka’s client-first approach and entrepreneurial spirit attracted high-profile clients, solidifying her reputation as one of the industry’s top lawyers.
Joining Forces: Anand and Anand & Khimani
In a historic merger, Priyanka partnered with Anand and Anand, one of India’s oldest and most respected intellectual property law firms. This unprecedented collaboration put her name on the door of a century-old institution, breaking age and gender stereotypes in the legal profession.
The partnership provided her boutique firm with the resources and bandwidth to handle larger cases while allowing her to retain her dynamic, client-centric approach. Today, Anand and Anand & Khimani represents a mix of corporate clients, Bollywood stars, and media professionals, further cementing Priyanka’s influence in the entertainment law space.
The Philosophy Behind the Success
Priyanka’s practice is guided by her belief in delivering tailored solutions for her clients, drawing parallels to the precision of choosing the right surgeon or celebrity endorsement. She emphasizes the importance of integrity, transparency, and hard work, encouraging younger lawyers to follow their passions while staying true to their values.
Her firm maintains a strong focus on empowering female lawyers, with a 9:1 female-to-male ratio, ensuring equal opportunities in an industry often criticized for gender imbalance.
A Future Beyond Law
Despite her achievements in law, Priyanka is far from done. She actively mentors startups, incubates, ventures and explores her entrepreneurial side. She hopes to venture into opportunities beyond the law, blending her creative and business acumen.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple: embrace failure, stay persistent, and build relationships that add value to your journey.
About Priyanka Khimani:
Priyanka Khimani is a celebrated entertainment lawyer, founder-partner at Anand and Anand & Khimani, and a creative powerhouse with roots in writing and theatre. Representing Bollywood’s biggest names, she has redefined entertainment law in India. Priyanka continues to inspire young professionals with her story of resilience and innovation.