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Category: eNews

  • Fantasy goes full audio as Pocket FM brings epic tales to your ears

    Fantasy goes full audio as Pocket FM brings epic tales to your ears

    MUMBAI: No dragons were harmed in the making of this story mostly because they now live in your ears. Fantasy, once the VFX-glutton of cinema and OTT, has found a sleeker, sound-based avatar and it’s booming on Pocket FM. Gone are the days when building a kingdom required a 300 million dollars budget and a green screen army. Today, all it takes is a mic, imagination, and the immersive magic of audio.

    Once restricted by the cost of spectacle, fantasy is now unbound. Voice acting, rich sound design and tight storytelling are transporting listeners to enchanted forests, post-apocalyptic wastelands, and mythological battlegrounds all without leaving their headphones. Pocket FM is leading the charge, transforming India’s epic sensibilities and global fantasy hunger into a streaming revolution.

    From interdimensional thrillers like Number Zero to modern mytho-sagas like Shoorveer, the app’s Hindi catalogue reads like a binge-list for fantasy junkies. Titles like Super Yoddha, Shivam, and Mahabali Mayank are giving traditional storytelling a tech-savvy twist. And in a major nostalgic coup, Pocket FM is reviving Shaktimaan India’s first superhero as an audio series for a whole new generation.

    But this isn’t just desi drama. Pocket FM’s English-language fantasy series are climbing charts across the US, UK and Latin America. Shows like My Vampire System, Jack’s Retribution, and God’s Eye are proving that the genre travels and how. Several of these series have surpassed 100 million plays, with some galloping past the 500 million mark.

    It’s a testament to fantasy’s enduring grip and audio’s new-age power. While video shackles creators with budgets, crews and camera gear, audio lets them run wild. One whisper can summon a war, one footstep can launch a saga. Creators can now build entire universes from dorm rooms or dining tables.

    As Rom-coms chase virality and thrillers flood OTT, fantasy is quietly flourishing in your pocket literally. And audio is doing what CGI never could: make it personal. With earbuds in and the real world tuned out, fantasy becomes not just a genre, but a feeling.

    The future of fantasy doesn’t just look good. It sounds epic.

  • Pocket FM gives global influencers a good earful

    Pocket FM gives global influencers a good earful

    MUMBAI: In a world drowning in digital noise, Pocket FM has found the ultimate Indian hack: an old-school ear-cleaning.

    The audio entertainment platform’s latest campaign, India, Kuch Acha Suno!, sees global influencers—yes, actual internet celebs—sitting cross-legged on Indian pavements getting their ears cleaned the desi way.

    Featuring familiar names like Brown Wanderers, Kyle Paul, Andy Evans aka The Aussie Bhai, Joshua Barnes, and Praveen, the phygital series follows these creators as they ditch algorithm fatigue and embrace an age-old Indian street tradition. What begins as comic relief soon turns meditative. With each cotton swab and tiny ear-spoon, the influencers shed unsolicited advice, performance anxiety, and motivational junk—only to pop in their earbuds and tune into Pocket FM for actual storytelling that soothes.

    “We live in probably the noisiest times. We are exposed to unsolicited advice, opinions, and noise from every direction,” said Pocket Entertainment head of brand marketing and communications, Vineet Singh. “The ‘roadside ear cleaners’ concept both metaphorically and literally holds a mirror to our lives, filled with noise we never signed up for. It takes forward our brand ideology  and adds a quirky and global twist to it. It further reinforces our message – Block out the chaos and listen to something that actually makes us feel better.”

    Shot on real streets with real reactions, the campaign is all texture and truth. It also clicked with audiences: over 900,000 video views in a week, a million-plus engagements, and a 37 per cent spike in app search trends.

    At a time when even influencers are crying burnout, India, Kuch Acha Suno! hits a universal nerve. Before you can hear something worthwhile, you might just need to clean the wax out—digital or otherwise.

  • Sachin Salian takes the marketing hot seat at Aurionpro

    Sachin Salian takes the marketing hot seat at Aurionpro

    MUMBAI: Advanced technical solutions provider Aurionpro has just made a power move in the marketing game—roping in Sachin Salian as its new chief marketing officer. With more than 22 years of globe-trotting experience in growth marketing, brand leadership, and digital transformation, Salian isn’t just bringing muscle—he’s bringing marketing mojo.

    From crafting campaigns for the likes of American Express and P&G to transforming banking brands at Intellect Design Arena, Salian’s track record reads like a digital playbook for success. At Intellect, he snagged multiple chairman’s excellence awards for market expansions and cutting-edge platform launches—making him the marketer’s equivalent of a hat-trick hero.

    An IIM Lucknow grad, Salian has worked the full B2B spectrum—from digital ads and SEO to product launches and partnerships. Now, he’s set to lead Aurionpro’s global marketing and brand strategy, with one mission: to build a future-ready, digital-first enterprise brand that turns heads and wins markets.

    “We’re excited to have Sachin lead our global marketing efforts as we take a bold step toward building a future-ready, digital-first enterprise brand,” the company said in a statement. “Sachin will spearhead our global marketing & brand strategy—to accelerate growth across key markets.”

    With stints at Infosys, Cognizant, and Netcore under his belt, Salian’s no stranger to the tech hustle. As Aurionpro ramps up its transformation drive, the CMO’s chair has just been handed to someone who knows how to turn data into demand—and strategy into sizzle

  • Ashok Namboodiri joins Revsportz as consulting editor to help supercharge global play

    Ashok Namboodiri joins Revsportz as consulting editor to help supercharge global play

    MUMBAI:  Ashok Namboodiri, who until recently led Zee’s international business, has joined Revsportz Global as consulting editor, the fast-growing sports media company confirmed today.

    The announcement was made by Boria Majumdar, founder &  editor in chief of Revsportz, who called Namboodiri “a very strong intellectual” and a long-time friend. 

    The two had kept in touch since Namboodiri’s tenure leading Zee’s international business from Dubai, and their recent meetings have sparked what Majumdar describes as a “smooth and natural” collaboration.

    Namboodiri’s resume reads like a media executive’s dream deck. From leading P&Ls at Zee Entertainment, Star India, and Raymond’s FMCG arm, to heading beverage verticals at Britannia and Tata PepsiCo JV NourishCo, he’s run the numbers and the narratives. Now, he steps into a more editorial and strategic role—ready to launch his own show, write regularly, and push Revsportz’s global game.

    “Over the next few weeks, you’ll hear a lot more from Ashok,” Majumdar teased, adding that the move signals ambitious international expansion for Revsportz.

    Namboodiri will contribute to the editorial voice, business direction and platform innovation at Revsportz—making it clear that the brand is playing to win, both on home turf and abroad.

    Revsportz just drew a powerful card in the media game. The duel for sports eyeballs is on.

  • Hello! makes a grand entrance in India with a desi twist on glamour

    Hello! makes a grand entrance in India with a desi twist on glamour

    MUMBAI: Say hello to the newest sparkle in India’s glossy galaxy. In a move that’s set to redefine celebrity journalism and luxury lifestyle reportage, the India Today Group has officially launched the Indian edition of the world-renowned Hello! magazine in partnership with HOLA! S.L.

    The Spanish-born magazine, beloved globally for its inside access to star-studded lives, royal soirées, dream homes, and haute couture, is now ready to charm Indian readers in both print and digital formats. From cover-to-cover glamour to Instagram-worthy exclusives, Hello! India promises to bring readers up close and personal with celebrities, fashion icons, and tastemakers with a touch of desi dazzle.

    Talking about the launch, India Today Group vice chairperson & executive editor-in-chief Kalli Purie said, “We are very excited to add HELLO! to our existing lifestyleportfolio. I am confident that Ruchika and Sakshi will use their vast experience to make Hello! a leading brand in India”

    “As Hola! completes 80 glorious years, we’re proud and delighted that Hello! India continues to be part of our story. We know that everyone who reads and connects with it will always find so much to celebrate,” said Hola S.L. Group and Hello! chairman Eduardo Sanchez Pérez.

    On the business front, India Today Group COO of lifestyle & luxury business Sakshi Kohli will lead the charge. A veteran of the group with more than 17 years of experience, Kohli has spearheaded other luxury titles like Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Brides Today.

    With a print edition, a strong digital presence, and marquee lifestyle events on the cards, Hello! India is poised to add a fresh, glossy glow to the country’s publishing landscape. So, whether it’s the latest red-carpet moment or a peek inside a palace, it’s time to say Hello! to a world of timeless glamour with an Indian soul.

  • Sushant Mohan snags top Zee digital gig

    Sushant Mohan snags top Zee digital gig

    MUMBAI: IndiaDotcom Digital, formerly Zee Digital, has plumped for Sushant S Mohan as its new chief editor and business manager. Mohan, a digital veteran since ’08, is tasked with giving Zee’s digital platforms a right proper shake-up, blending editorial gravitas with business brawn.

    He’s no stranger to the digital trenches, having previously steered DNA’s digital transformation as chief executive, and before that, cutting his teeth at Opera News, News18, BBC, Fever 104, Red FM, All India Radio and DD Prasar Bharti, amongst others. 

    Now, he’s promising to inject “fresh energy” and “innovation” into Zee’s digital offering, while also chasing those all-important revenue streams. 

    “It’s a privilege and an exciting challenge,” Mohan quipped, “to lead one of India’s most influential digital news platforms.” He aims to deliver “impactful journalism” with a “sharp focus” on the audience.

    Zee Media Corporation Ltd CEO  Karan Abhishek Singh reckons Mohan’s “rare blend of editorial acumen and business insights” will be just the ticket for IndiaDotcom Digital’s “new phase of growth.” The company is banking on him to keep the digital platforms “credible, relevant, and future-ready.”

    This appointment is part of IndiaDotcom Digital’s grand plan to become the “most innovative and impactful digital media platform” in India. Whether it will  manage to avoid the usual digital pitfalls remains to be seen, but with Mohan at the helm, it certainly is giving it a go.

  • Hungama Music pulls plug, India’s streaming scene shrinks

    Hungama Music pulls plug, India’s streaming scene shrinks

    MUMBAI: Another one bites the dust in India’s cut-throat music streaming scene. Hungama Music is throwing in the towel, announcing its service will be switched off from 15 April, leaving users’ downloaded tunes and libraries gathering digital dust. This follows the premature demise of Resso and Wynk Music, making it a proper hat-trick of Indian streaming services hitting the skids in just over a year.

    “Downloaded music and library content will no longer be available,” Hungama Music informed its users.

    Resso, owned by ByteDance, blamed “local market conditions” for its January 2024 exit, while Wynk Music, owned by Bharti Airtel, effectively rolled its users into Apple Music after a strategic partnership. 

    Despite India’s booming streaming appetite – second only to the US in terms of sheer volume – local players are finding it a right pickle to compete with the global giants. YouTube, with its 462 million users, remains the undisputed king, while Spotify’s global clout and Apple Music’s strategic tie-ups are proving too much for many to handle.

    Hungama Music, which ditched its freemium model for a subscription-only approach last year, clearly couldn’t keep up. Even a recent partnership with Virgin Music Group, aimed at boosting Indian regional music, wasn’t enough to save it from the digital graveyard.

    “It’s a proper David versus Goliath situation,” a source close to the Indian music scene quipped. “These global behemoths have the cash and the clout to snap up users, leaving local players struggling to get a look-in.”

    With only Gaana and JioSaavn left standing, the question now is whether they can survive the onslaught. Can they whip up subscription packages that are both tempting and wallet-friendly enough to keep punters from straying? Or will they too end up singing the blues? One thing is for certain, the Indian music streaming scene is proving to be a proper dogfight.

  • Moksha hits a high note with 360° spin on indie music revolution

    Moksha hits a high note with 360° spin on indie music revolution

    MUMBAI: From side hustle to centre stage India’s indie artists just got their encore. In a power-packed duet of vision and grit, Bobby Baskaran, Grammy voting member, global CMO, and co-founder of legendary rock band Moksha has teamed up with serial entrepreneur Richard Dudley to launch Moksha 360, a full-spectrum ecosystem designed to rewrite the rules of the independent music industry.

    This isn’t your typical music label reboot. Moksha 360 blends artist-first values with next-gen tech, offering a 360° solution that spans live concert promotion, artist management, and an XR/AI-powered content platform. Think of it as a backstage pass to creative control, brand-building, and global exposure without the fine print.

    Speaking about Moksha 360 Richard Dudley says, This isn’t just a business, it’s a response to years of watching talented artists struggle to find a way forward. Moksha 360 is designed to change that. We’re building an ecosystem where creativity meets opportunity, and where indie artists can finally access the infrastructure they deserve, without losing who they are.

    Speaking about Moksha 360 Bobby ‘Beebob’ Baskaran says, “For too long, independent artists have been told to treat their passion like a side hustle. Moksha 360 is about changing that narrative – proving that creative and financial success can coexist. We’re building a legacy that empowers artists to own their voice, build their brand, and navigate the music industry with confidence, both in India and on the global stage.”

    The trio of pillars propping up Moksha 360 reads like a wishlist for any unsigned artist. First, live concert promotion goes beyond the usual dive-bar circuit, curating everything from intimate showcases to large-scale global gigs. Then there’s Artist Management & Label Services, handling the heavy lifting from music production and PR to distribution, marketing, and long-term career strategy. Finally, the XR/AI Content Platform harnesses cutting-edge technology to boost discoverability, deepen fan engagement, and unlock digital monetisation, giving artists not just a voice, but a viable business model.

    The concept isn’t just future-forward, it’s already on the world stage. In February 2025, Baskaran and Dudley took Moksha 360 to the 67th Grammy Awards in LA, where they entered strategic talks with potential collaborators and content partners, placing India’s indie scene firmly in the global spotlight.

    By bridging artistry with opportunity, Moksha 360 aims to be more than a platform, it wants to be a movement. One where indie artists can plug in, turn up, and finally be heard on their own terms, and at full volume.

  • LTIMindtree and Google Cloud team up for AI-powered business makeovers

    LTIMindtree and Google Cloud team up for AI-powered business makeovers

    MUMBAI: LTIMindtree, the digital transformation firm, has announced a strategic alliance with Google Cloud, promising to inject a dose of agentic AI into businesses worldwide. Think of it as giving your company a digital shot of espresso, powered by Google’s Gemini models and a whole lot of cloud magic.

    This isn’t just a casual fling; it’s a full-blown partnership aimed at redefining the cloud landscape. LTIMindtree plans to whip up industry-specific solutions, creating a “green corridor” for AI-powered innovation. The company is talking market development initiatives, go-to-market strategies, and enough training to turn its workforce into AI whisperers.

    The collaboration will see LTIMindtree leverage Google Cloud’s Vertex AI to create bespoke solutions for the BFSI, manufacturing, hi-tech media and entertainment, retail, and CPG sectors. It’s aiming for rapid deployment and top-notch customer support, promising to maximise ROI while modernising infrastructure.

    LTIMindtree president global AI services, strategic deals, partnerships and whole time director Nachiket Deshpande said: “Our partnership with Google Cloud marks a significant milestone in our journey towards innovation and growth. By combining our strengths, we are poised to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and drive transformative change in the cloud ecosystem.”

    Google Cloud  president global partner organisation Kevin Ichhpurani added, “Generative AI has the power to increase business efficiencies and transform how organisations operate. With LTIMindtree’s expertise and Google Cloud’s leading AI technology, customers can deploy powerful solutions that solve industry challenges and significantly improve business performance.”

    LTIMindtree is setting up a dedicated team of AI aficionados to ensure a smooth ride, promising seamless implementation and consistent growth for its  clients. In essence, this partnership isn’t just about cloud computing; it’s about cloud conquering, with a dash of AI flair.

  • Digital media dethrones television as India’s M&E king, Ficci M&E report report reveals

    Digital media dethrones television as India’s M&E king, Ficci M&E report report reveals

    MUMBAI: India’s media and entertainment sector has hit a milestone, crossing the Rs 2.5 trillion mark in 2024, but it’s digital media that’s stealing the show, according to the latest FICCI-EY report. The digital realm, growing by a stonking 17 per cent, has officially overtaken television, which has held the crown for two decades. Think of it as a digital coup, a right royal shake-up.

    While the overall sector grew by a respectable 3.3 per cent, reaching Rs  2.5 trillion ($29.4 billion), growth has slowed compared to the previous year, thanks to a 2 per cent dip in subscription revenues and a global slump in animation and VFX outsourcing. Still, it’s a hefty contribution to India’s GDP, at a solid 0.73 per cent.

    Advertising revenues, however, are booming, surging by 8.1 per cent, driven by digital performance advertising and a surge in premium OOH media. “The digital revolution has not only transformed how content is created and consumed but has also redefined the very essence of the M&E industry,” said Ashish Pherwani, media & entertainment leader and partner at EY India, rather grandly.

    Kevin Vaz, chairman of FICCI’s media and entertainment committee, declared the industry is at a “defining moment,” predicting it will surpass Rs 3 trillion by 2027. “The future is brimming with untapped potential,” he said, sounding positively chuffed.

    Key takeaways? Digital advertising is booming, live events are back with a bang (up 15 per cent), and OOH media is getting a digital makeover. However, subscriptions are taking a bit of a hammering, and online gaming is struggling under the weight of a 28 per cent GST and illegal offshore competition. “The online gaming segment could struggle unless illegal offshore platforms are not curbed,” the report warns, a rather pointed observation.

    Looking ahead, the report predicts a 7.2 per cent growth in 2025, reaching Rs 2.7 trillion, and a 7 per cent CAGR to Rs  3.1 trillion by 2027. AI is tipped to play a major role, bringing efficiencies across content production and distribution. “Artificial intelligence will play a large role in bringing efficiencies,” the report states, sounding rather futuristic.

    In short, India’s M&E sector is in a state of flux, with digital leading the charge and traditional models facing a bit of a squeeze. But with a bit of innovation and a dash of good old-fashioned British grit, the industry is poised for further growth. Quite right, too.