Pratik Kumar Gaur - The Entrepreneurs of India Magazine

Pratik Gaur’s journey didn’t begin in a boardroom. It started on the move—literally. Being an army brat meant his childhood unfolded across cities, cultures, and classrooms. Constantly adapting to new environments gave him a rare mix of flexibility

and detachment that later became crucial in business. He grew up embracing uncertainty and celebrating variety—from changing schools to discovering local flavors in new towns. The exposure quietly built a resilient foundation. Though his early interests were rooted in entertainment—dance, acting, and stage performance—Pratik found himself failing more often than not in those pursuits. But where most would call it quits, he began to observe. That observation turned into an understanding. He started seeing the mechanics behind the scenes, not just the lights in front of the camera. This insight, paired with an ability to connect with people and a sharp creative eye, gave birth to CELEBISTAAN in 2017.

Founded while he was still in college, pursuing journalism in Noida, CELEBISTAAN began without money or space—just strong intent and clarity. “I had no resources, just the willpower and a vision,” Pratik says. Later, a small studio in Andheri West became their first physical base. From there, the business evolved. Today, Celebistaan stands as a powerhouse in influencer marketing and talent management.

Their work includes over 300 music videos shot across destinations like Dubai, Georgia, and Armenia, and collaborations with brands like Pepsi, Skechers, Nykaa, SUGAR, and Vivo.

Pratik believes in creating a backend system for creators—the kind of system he didn’t have when he began. It’s not about spotlighting celebrities; it’s about developing them. “The idea was always to give a chance to people who didn’t get one. That’s where the fire came from.”But the climb wasn’t without stumbles. In the beginning, gaining credibility was tough. Convincing both creators and brands to believe in a new agency wasn’t easy. Cash flow issues were another challenge. Brands often operate on payment cycles of 45 to 90 days, while creators want their share upfront. Balancing this became an everyday juggle. What helped? Relentless quality delivery, relationship building, and reputation earned through word of mouth.

One thing that changed his perspective deeply was his path toward spirituality. As his inner world expanded, so did his purpose. Now, every business decision he takes, every campaign Celebistaan undertakes—it's rooted in dharma. “I’ve come to believe that work should remove darkness from people’s lives, even if in a small way.”

Mistakes were part of the script too. One that stands out? Believing passion was enough. “You need systems. Passion can only take you so far. Without process, you burn out.” He also struggled with delegation in the beginning, trying to do everything alone. That approach nearly broke him until he started trusting his team.

When it comes to business truths, he doesn’t sugarcoat it. “It’s not always fair. People won’t always cheer for you even when you’re winning.” Still, he believes every failure deserves a celebration too. “Because in failure, you meet the real you.” His family didn’t quite understand the influencer world at first, but their emotional support never wavered. Today, his bond with his parents resembles more of a friendship. For families guiding young entrepreneurs, he urges openness, not judgment. Sometimes, just listening is enough.

The influencer marketing space, as per Pratik, is personal. “It’s not just about ads. It’s about stories. Every creator has one.” And that’s why no two campaigns feel the same. At Celebistaan, the pulse is real connection, not just conversions. When asked what he would say to those on the fence about starting something, his advice is simple: “Start before you feel ready. Clarity doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from doing.”