Amazon Prime Video India’s head of originals, Aparna Purohit, is behind a killer slate of originals – think "Mirzapur", "The Family Man", "Mind the Malhotras" and "Four More Shots Please" – driving a new era in India's premium production.

If the outcry over new series "Tandav" has put her at the centre of a legal rollercoaster, accusations of irresponsibility, and some wild debate over, for instance, what constitutes an insult to India's police, it also speaks to the ability of the Amazon series ability to touch topics people care about.

The nine-episode political thriller, written by Gaurav Solanki and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, premiered in mid-January this year. Amazon has already apologised profusely for causing offence, and says the series has been edited accordingly.

Purohit told ContentAsia that her motivation is stories.

"I love stories," she said. "I love interacting with characters that are relatable, identifiable and with strong agency. I feel stories have great power – they  help connect people, cultures, values. They bind our history to the present and can guide us into the future. A good story leaves an indelible impression on the audiences and transports them away from their daily struggles and chaos, even if monetarily. This journey excites me. So nothing motivates me more than a compelling story and being able to reach it to the viewers."

What would you like people to say about you when you are not in the room?

"There goes a woman who never gives up! For her, every set back is a springboard for future success. She creates a safe  space where everyone can think and talk  unrestrained. She inspires her team to always give their best."

Are you now where you thought you would be when you were 20?

"At 20, I wanted to be independent. I wanted to come to Bombay and make films. It’s been a long journey, fraught with  ups and downs but I’m glad I didn’t give up. There’s still a long way to go but I’m glad I’ve found my path."