Behind every successful event are corporate emcees turning chaos into charm and silences into applause
Ever walked into a corporate event expecting another dreary convention, and left thinking, “Well, at least the sandwiches were better this time”? Most corporate gatherings follow the same predictable formula, such as keynote speech, panel discussion, PowerPoint slide deck, rinse and repeat. But elevate the right kind of corporate emcees, and suddenly it isn’t a seminar, it’s an experience. Hosting shifts from choreographed logistics to live‑wire energy. The emcee becomes your event’s emotional barometer; the ultimate the vibe-setter, the ice-breaker, the laughter-slayer, the moderator, and yes, the unexpected entertainer.
If corporate events were films, emcees are the surprise cameos that steal the show. These fourteen personalities have mastered walking the line between polished professionalism and unpredictable sparkle. From cricket‑savvy hosts to digital charmers to multilingual powerhouses, each one can turn a mundane business meeting into a pop‑up theatre.
So strap in as this deep-dive is about who they are, what makes them tick, and why companies as well as audiences keep booking them again and again.
1. Maniesh Paul – The King Of Crowd Chemistry and Corporate Emcees
From RJ to VJ to award-show anchor to Bollywood actor, Maniesh Paul wears all hats with showmanship and sass. He doesn’t need an introduction. Starting in 2002 with Sunday Tango on Star Plus, then rising to fame hosting Dance India Dance Li’l Masters, India’s Got Talent, Science of Stupid on National Geographic and Indian Idol and Nach Baliye later on, he has stacked up credibility and charisma across genres. (Image Courtesy: mid-day)
What sets him apart is his improv mastery, fearless audience banter, and theatrical timing. He’s not afraid to deliver pop culture references, crack jokes about Bollywood, or pull a mock‑dance on stage mid‑ceremony (see that legendary Akshay Kumar spoof from the Boroplus Awards 2011) . Reddit commentary points out he thrives in hosting universes where spontaneity rules . For a corporate crowd that expects structure, but secretly craves entertainment, Maniesh is the wild card who balances structure with surprise.
Why book him? Your event wants laughs that feel fresh, transitions that don’t drag, and energy that builds momentum rather than just tick boxes.
2. Anup Soni – The Gravitas Whisperer of All Corporate Emcees
Known best for the unflappable demeanour he brought to Crime Patrol, Anup Soni brings a weightiness rarely seen in corporate hosts. He is not explosive, but he is authoritative. Anup doesn’t host; he commands. Ideal for executive conferences, compliance forums, annual general meetings, or any event needing dashes of seriousness, clarity, and credibility. He is like that dependable Swiss watch; precise, reliable, and elegantly understated. (Image Courtesy: cinetown)
3. Aparshakti Khurana – The Multi‑Tool Master of Hosting
Imagine a host who has been a cricketer, lawyer, RJ, theatre performer, comedian, singer, and actor, that’s Aparshakti Khurana . He has hosted the Indian sports honours, Zee Cine Awards, IIFA Digital Awards, and more; balancing humour, spontaneity, and charm seamlessly. (Image Courtesy: dzcdn)
Once the Haryana Under‑19 captain, he brings a team‑player’s energy and a performer’s flair.
On the stage, he alternates comic relief, real-time audience engagement, and thoughtful banter. For events that combine youth appeal with professionalism, like brand launches, glittery award nights, or hybrid entertainment‑business formats, Aparshakti brings a masterful blend of edge and polish.
4. Diya Menon – The Bubbly Bridge Between Regional & Global
A versatile bilingual anchor fluent in English and Tamil, Diya Menon has carved her niche via MTV, DBS, and regional shows. She exudes warmth and authenticity, perfect for product-launches, fan‑access events, and interactive sessions where bringing the audience into the story matters. Diya isn’t about big stage theatrics; she is about relatable conversations, smart spontaneity, and inclusive engagement. (Image Courtesy: cloudinary)
5. Chaitra Vasudevan – The Elegant Animator of South Indian Glamour
Polish, poise, and regional resonance, that’s Chaitra Vasudevan’s forte. She primarily anchors in South India across award shows, celebrity nights, and film festivals. Chaitra is adept at integrating cultural depth with corporate messaging, making her a favorite for brands wanting sophistication with local flair. (Image Courtesy: digitaloceanspaces)
6. Aman Verma – The Elegant Corporate Emcee Fixture
With over 20 years in entertainment, Aman Verma channels calm assurance and veteran flair. He is a familiar face at product launches, gala dinners, and high-profile business events. His strength is in keeping things anchored in respectability while carrying off scripted segments and unscripted laughter with ease. Image Courtesy: liveindia)
7. Aakriti Anand – The Youthful Force With Polish
Aakriti is multilingual, media-trained, glamorous, and lively. With +1000 events across major Indian metros and a 5‑star rating, she bridges energy and professionalism. When your event needs youthful swag without sacrificing control, Aakriti delivers. Brands hosting launches or experiential marketing love how she commands attention while keeping pace with logistics. (Image Courtesy: cloudinary)
8. Gaurav Kapur – The Sports-Savvy Corporate Emcee and Storyteller
Famous as a host for IPL, Cricbuzz LIVE, and the sports universe’s conversational edge, Gaurav blends smart analysis with engaging casual flair. Reddit fans still call him “phenomenal” with interviews that feel natural, authentic, and inquisitive. He is the anchor who can easily navigate brands in the sports, media, or entertainment sectors, and make technical jargon enjoyable. (Image Courtesy: hindustantimes)
9. Kubbra Sait – The Rule‑Breaker That Breaks The Corporate Emcee Mould
Best known for her role in Sacred Games, Kubbra brings theatrical confidence, edgy presence, and a flair for unpredictability. Not your typical corporate emcee choice, but for tech summits, unconventional panels, creative brand showcases, and design events, she is a breath of fresh air. She brings aesthetic gut-punch and personality punch in equal measure. (Image Courtesy: IndiaToday)
10. Mandira Bedi – The Cricket-Pioneer With Corporate Cred
Mandira Bedi shattered norms when she hosted ICC World Cups and IPL seasons, often under scrutiny, always under spotlight. Her credentials include sport-based hosting, fashion-forward style, and bold presence. She has lent host power to over 100s of corporate events. Mandira blends star credibility with the ability to facilitate brand messaging gracefully, making her ideal for lifestyle, wellness, and sports-aligned corporate gigs. (Image Courtesy: India)
11. Vishal Rasquihna – The Quiet Uplifter
A rising name in business kavi sammelans, regional conferences, and motivational meetups. Not flashy, but dependable, he is the kind of host who gives structured warmth to in‑house conferences and sector-specific forums. If professionalism with linguistic comfort is key, Vishal delivers without stealing the limelight. (Image Courtesy: amazonaws)
12. Shibani Dhandekar – The Global Glam Corporate Emcee
An Australian-born Indian anchor who started in U.S. TV and then returned to India to host global brands like MTV Coke Studio, IPL pre- and post-shows, and even the ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony in 2019 with Andrew Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness. Shibani is stylish, confident, eloquent, and cosmopolitan; ideal for international corporate forums, high-profile brand launches, and tech/finance conferences that want an elegant yet energetic host. (Image Courtesy: wikimedia)
13. Sahil Khattar – The Digital‑Born Charmer
From radio to YouTube stardom (Being Indian) to hosting wrestling shows, cricket, and live award ceremonies, Sahil Khattar is the face of millennial hosting. With humour that is meme-friendly and crowd-work that actually works, he is one of the best corporate emcees for events with social media integration, youth demographics, or media-driven visibility. (Image Courtesy: toiimg)
14. Karan Wahi – The Charming Pivot from Sport to Screen
Once a U‑17 cricketer, now a television actor and red carpet host, Karan Wahi brings affable energy and performance flair. He has anchored Nach Baliye, Indian Telly Awards, fashion events, and TV panels. Karan balances audience engagement, improvisation, and playfulness, all while staying polished and brand-aligned. (Image Courtesy: pinimg)
Why Do These Corporate Emcees Really Matter?
We tend to underestimate what a great host can do for an event. But the reality is that a talented emcee has the power to totally reinvent how audiences experience your show, be it a brand launch, conference, or award ceremony. (Image Courtesy: Femina)
They Keep People Engaged: An amazing host isn’t merely the person who introduces speakers; they command attention. They draw the audience in, get them to laugh, get them to listen, and get them to stay off their phones. While they are on stage, people are listening, and not scrolling.
They Make Everything Flow: There are always last-minute changes in every event. A speaker is running late, a session overruns, something comes up. A good host makes those moments seem natural. They mark time discreetly without anyone noticing, and bring things along without making the room feel breathless.
They Subtly Boost the Brand: Nobody wants to hear cheesy sponsor name-drops. Great hosts get creative about tagging brand partners, integrating them into the event story, or even turning them into jokes, without diluting the message. It feels natural, not pushy.
They Create Moments That Stick: The appropriate host can ignite something memorable. It could be a humorous remark, an emotional anecdote, or a moment of silence that falls into place. These are the things people discuss afterward, post on Instagram, or show their teams.
They Set the Tone: Whatever you are looking for, energy, heat, humor, or inspiration, your host creates the atmosphere. They come out strong, they engage the room, and they recognize when to build up or bring things back down. That emotional chemistry can be everything.
Pro Tips For Booking Your Corporate Emcee
Finding the correct emcee isn’t so much about talent as it is about fit. Here are some easy but important things to remember before you book someone. (Image Courtesy: Indianexpress)
- Define the Tone Early: Ask the important questions, before you get a corporate emcee. Is your event fun and casual? A high-stakes business conference? Or something in between? Some hosts shine with humour and wit, others with elegance and poise. Choose someone whose natural energy reflects the vibe you are going for. If they have to force it, the audience will feel it.
- Talk Language and Delivery Style: Next comes the tone and style you are seeking. Every corporate emcee has a unique performance style, so don’t assume. If your function is English-only or needs a person who can alternate between Hindi and English (or other languages), specify in advance. Some emcees are fluent but not fluid and there is a difference when it comes to switching registers and styles mid-sentence.
- Check How They Handle Curveballs: You have to consider the chance of last minute scenes. No matter how much you prepare, things have their “uh-oh” moments. A panel overruns. A guest is stuck in traffic. Technology fails. You need a host who can remain calm, think quickly, and make the room feel at ease while plans are re-routed backstage. Ask how they deal with live adjustments or better still, request an example.
- Know Your Audience: Deliver what the audience needs. Because a young-professional crowd with lots of energy is very different from a room full of CXOs. Your host must be relatable to your audience. Think less in terms of age and more in terms of cultural signals, jokes that work well with that particular audience, and references that resonate.
- Be Clear on the Extras: Do you need them to hype up the event in advance? Post footage afterwards? Host a fireside chat or do red carpet interviews? A few hosts enjoy doing more than simply being on stage, but only if that is agreed upon beforehand. It works better for everyone and prevents last-minute disarray.
Final Thoughts
These fourteen corporate emcees aren’t just presenters, they are engagement architects. Whether your event is poised or playful, structured or script‑heavy, targeted or global, your choice of host sets the tone. From Maniesh Paul’s unpredictable spark to Anup Soni’s calm command, from Aparshakti’s all‑round comic‑glam energy to Shibani Dhandekar’s international polish, every one brings a distinct flavor.
Book the right emcee, and suddenly your overlong slide deck turns into a story people care about. Your scripted transitions feel alive. Even your sponsor segments feel seamless. And your audience leaves thinking, that wasn’t just an event; it was an experience.
If your event feels like it’s just going through the motions, maybe it’s time to bring in someone who can genuinely connect. Whether it’s a wedding host with timeless elegance or a corporate emcee who knows how to hold the room, the right voice can shift the entire energy.
At engage4more, we have worked closely with over 2,500 speakers, including monks motivational speakers, authors, and seasoned hosts and emcees. We help you find the right fit for your audience and your message. The process is smooth, the pricing fair, and we offer valuable additions like pre-event buzz, coverage via our social media handle, and even interactive quizzing to keep the momentum going long after the applause ends.
