Mitul Shah is a Gujpreneur who has established his entrepreneurial foundation in the USA. Being a Gujarati, he thought of bringing Gujarati culture to the USA. And to his surprise, he received huge appreciation from people out there—be it Gujaratis, non-Gujaratis, and even foreign natives.  With the creation of Yash Entertainment and doing cultural events like Garba and Natak, people living abroad supported & enjoyed such hosting. Read more to explore the journey of Mitul Shah which is a mix of struggle and success in pioneering a strong position in the USA event industry setup.

From flipping burgers to flipping events

Mitul’s journey began in 1991, during Harshad Mehta’s stock market boom in India. By 1992, he had migrated to the USA with his family to start anew in a foreign land. Like many immigrants, the path was not easy. “When I first arrived, I worked at McDonald’s flipping burgers,” recalls Mitul. “It was a valuable experience, as it taught me how to be self-made and the importance of hard work.”

From there, Mitul transitioned to working for Checkers which is a popular fast food chain in the US. There he rose to the position of Director of Operations. His time in the food industry provided valuable insights into business operations, inventory management, and the inner workings of this service sector. All these experiences laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit, teaching him the value of hard work and the versatility needed to thrive.

Building a Community Platform—Yash Entertainment

In the early 2000s, Shah found a new calling—bringing together the Gujarati community in the USA through events. This was his first step to venture into event industry by collaborating with the Gujarat Samaj, launching a series of local shows. The success of his first major theatrical event, Kishan vs Kanhaiya featuring Paresh Rawal opened doors for larger opportunities. By 2019, he had hit a significant milestone, organizing a groundbreaking open-ground Garba in Toronto, drawing 9,000 attendees. This success fueled his desire to take Indian cultural events to a new level across the USA and Canada.

Mitul’s involvement in organizing cultural shows and Garbaevents allowed him to become a key figure in promoting Gujarati culture abroad. In 2018, after a brief break, Mitul returned to the event scene with a grand Garba event featuring Kinjal Dave. He soon became a national promoter, taking charge of large-scale events across the USA and Canada. By 2019, he had organized a national Garba tour with AishwaryaMajmudar, further establishing himself as a leader in the industry.

Challenges Behind the Glitz

While many see only the glamour of successful events, Shah is candid about the struggles behind the scenes. Managing logistics, from securing visas to handling unpredictable weather, is no easy feat. Especially in foreign countries where resources like labor and support teams are limited, events often depend on close-knit networks of friends and family.

Despite the hardships, Shah’s commitment to delivering authentic and memorable experiences for his audience has remained steadfast. His work as a national promoter involves ensuring that everything—from the artists’ arrival to their performance—runs smoothly. He’s quick to credit local promoters for their indispensable role in making each event a success.

Building a Global Gujarati Community

Mitul takes great pride in his role as a national promoter. He believes in empowering local promoters in different cities, allowing them to take charge of their respective communities. This decentralized approach ensures that each event resonates with the local audience, creating a strong sense of belonging and cultural pride.

Moreover, his team-building strategy is systemized and divided into three parts. One bringing the artists safely to their destination. Second the local promoters handling ticketing and arrangements. Third the artists themselves delivering a fantastic performance. It is this well-organized structure that has allowed him to grow and succeed on a national level.

Shah’s vision for Yash Entertainment extends beyond just hosting events. He believes in creating authentic cultural experiences that bring a slice of India to the diaspora. Thereby, in 2024 he became the first to host an open-ground Garba event in Toronto. This experience replicated the essence of India’s vibrant festival experience abroad. The response was overwhelming, with thousands of people attending and engaging in the cultural celebration.

Advice to Aspiring Event Promoters

Mitul offers valuable advice for those considering entering the event industry. He doesn’t shy away from navigating financial risks and rewards that come with the territory. He advises upcoming promoters to be cautious and prepared. As events, especially on an international scale require not just passion but also a clear plan. Hence, many new promoters lured by the perceived glamour fail to account for the enormous logistical and financial challenges. As Shah puts it—

“You don’t hit the lottery on your first try. It’s a business that demands your blood, sweat, and tears. It’s not as easy as it looks from the outside. You have to pick the right promoters and be ready to invest time, energy, and money. There’s always a risk, but with it comes the reward. Many new promoters faced huge financial losses in 2024 because they didn’t anticipate the challenges behind the scenes.”

He emphasizes that every failure is a learning opportunity, and the key to success lies in resilience. “Risk and reward go hand in hand,” he says, “but you have to be prepared for both.”

Conclusion

From a local promoter to a national figure in the event industry, Mitul Shah’s journey is inspiring. It is a tale of the fact that success is not a destination but a continuous journey of challenges, growth, and perseverance. Through his ventureshe brought artists closer to the Gujarati diaspora. And created lasting bonds within the community. Looking ahead, Shah and his team at Yash Entertainment are poised to continue their upward trajectory. Their goal is clear to create more iconic experiences in the years to come.

For Gujarati entrepreneurs looking to make their mark abroad, his story serves as an inspiring blueprint for turning dreams into reality. As he says, 

“Success doesn’t end, your challenges keep growing. Once you’re in, you’re in.”

Keep reading more such inspiring stories only on Gujpreneur.