ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Thums Up partners with Ranveer Brar for Toofani Biryani Hunt S2 on Disney+ Hotstar

    Thums Up partners with Ranveer Brar for Toofani Biryani Hunt S2 on Disney+ Hotstar

    Mumbai: Thums Up, a homegrown beverage brand from The Coca-Cola Company, has announced Toofani Biryani Hunt season two. A sequel to the successful first, this new chapter seeks to rekindle the taste for the perfect biryani pairing. With celebrity chef Ranveer Brar back at the helm, the upcoming edition is all set to deliver an exceptional culinary adventure.

    Conceptualised and created by Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks, join the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season two as the esteemed chef Ranveer Brar explores seven diverse regions — Hyderabad, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata — to understand the toofani origin of each biryani. Through its one-of-kind storytelling, the hunt brings alive the untold stories of 21 of the hottest biryani makers in the country with the chef uncovering the inspiration behind each hotspot. The indomitable combination of Thums Up, Biryani and Chef Brar aims to settle the age-old question of “Kaunsi Biryani hai Sabse Toofani?”

    Commenting on season two of Toofani Biryani Hunt, The Coca-Cola Company category head, sparkling flavours, India & Southwest Asia Sumeli Chatterjee said, “We’re excited to present ‘Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2,’ in partnership with Disney+ Hotstar, serving up a sizzling flavour expedition on screen. This season, we celebrate the crisp chill of Thums Up paired with a steaming plate of rich, smoky biryani. With Chef Ranveer Brar bringing his exceptional talent back on board, the journey is set to be more delicious than ever as we uncover the best of biryani from seven diverse regions across India.”

    On his exciting collaboration with the brand, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar said, “Biryani is not just a dish; it’s a journey through time and taste, rich with history and fragrant with tradition. I am elated to return for another season of the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt, as we uncover the history, legacy and bold flavours of biryani from various regions in India. Each episode is an adventure—seeking out the best biryani spots, learning their stories, and savoring the bold flavors that make this dish so beloved.”

    Speaking about the show, Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan added, “At Disney+ Hotstar’s CreativeWorks, we continue to leverage the power of storytelling and solve the complex marketing needs of advertisers who want to forge meaningful connections with their audiences. Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season 1 resonated well with our audiences and we are excited to bring in another season which exemplifies how we combine creativity and cultural relevance to craft memorable experiences. With season 2, we’re taking this journey with Thums Up to new heights, exploring the rich flavors and traditions that make biryani a dish close to every Indian’s heart.”

    Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season two is set to kick off with the pilot episode on 28 August 2024. This season promises a feast for the senses, the local pride for their culinary best and biryani fans across regions vouching that their biryani is most toofani.

  • Watcho partners with Fastway and Netplus

    Watcho partners with Fastway and Netplus

    Mumbai – Watcho has partnered with Fastway and Netplus to introduce a comprehensive entertainment bundle with seamless connectivity. This strategic collaboration marks a significant expansion of Watcho’s regional footprint and addresses the growing demand for integrated entertainment solutions.

    The newly launched bundle seamlessly combines Fastway’s IPTV services, Netplus’s high-speed internet, and Watcho’s extensive OTT content into a single, unified package. This holistic entertainment solution eliminates the need for multiple service providers and complex billing processes, offering customers a streamlined entertainment experience. Subscribers can access 500+ live TV channels, Including 100+ channels with popular regional content via IPTV Set-top-box, robust internet connectivity, and a diverse range of OTT content from top providers such as Hotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Chaupal, and many more, all under one Watcho subscription.

    The package features IPTV + Broadband Plans + Watcho OTT Bundles starting at Rs 598, providing an internet speed of 50 Mbps along with 500+ TV channels, a Catch-Up TV feature allowing users to access content up to 7 days, and content from 17 OTT apps. With this partnership, customers will benefit from simplified access to a wide array of entertainment through Watcho’s extensive content library and aggregated services from over 17 popular OTT platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, Sony Liv, Hungama Play, Chaupal, FanCode, Watcho Exclusives and many more, spanning genres like drama, romance, fantasy, and more.

    Dish TV India Ltd. CEO Manoj Dobhal said, “At Dish TV and Watcho, we always aim to deliver exceptional value and convenience to our customers. Our partnership with Fastway and Netplus embodies this commitment by offering a seamless bundle that integrates IPTV, high-speed internet, and extensive OTT content. This all-in-one solution simplifies access to diverse entertainment and enhances convenience for our customers across Punjab. We hope this package meets the increasing demand for integrated entertainment solutions, aligning with our mission to provide high-quality experiences while expanding our footprint and addressing a variety of entertainment needs with unmatched ease and efficiency.”

    Jujhar Group founder & chairman Gurdeep Singh commented, “We are excited about our partnership with Watcho. This launch represents a power-packed value proposition that both the brands proudly offer to its consumers. It delivers the most cost-effective and affordable form of entertainment. The brand is deeply committed to understanding and addressing the needs of its customers, consistently providing the best solutions tailored to enhance their viewing experience.”

    “The IPTV STB will also facilitate access to OTT content, powered by Watcho, thereby presenting a variety of premium regional and national content from top providers. We hope this collaboration will simplify access to quality content and set a new standard for convenience and innovation in the entertainment industry,” added Singh.

  • JioCinema to live-stream Paralympic Games Paris 2024

    JioCinema to live-stream Paralympic Games Paris 2024

    Mumbai: Coming on the heels of a historic presentation of Paris 2024, Viacom18 announced JioCinema will live-stream Paralympic Games Paris 2024, scheduled to take place in the French Capital from 28 August –8 September. In addition to live coverage of the event on JioCinema, Sports18 TV Network will also run daily highlights from the 12-day event. JioCinema will offer the best action across two concurrent feeds for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games giving viewers a comprehensive presentation of the marquee event.

    The announcement of Viacom18’s presentation of the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 comes just days after Viacom18 announced the most comprehensive Olympic presentation yet in India, amassing an unprecedented watch-time of over 1,500 crore minutes and over 17 crore viewers across platforms.

    “Our commitment to celebrating and taking the spirit of Olympic movement forward continues with the Paralympic Games presentation. The Paralympic movement in India has grown in eminence with the medal-winning feats of our athletes,” said Viacom18 Sports head of marketing Damyant Singh. “We are pleased to present the inspiring stories of the world’s best para-athletes with an enhanced and engaging viewing experience.”

    With 84 para-athletes, India will send its largest contingent to the Paralympic Games to date. Participating in 12 disciplines, India has four para-athletes who will go to Paris as defending champions: Sumit Antil (men’s javelin throw F64), Krishna Nagar (men’s badminton singles SH6), Manish Narwal (men’s shooting 50m pistol SH1) and Avani Lekhara (women’s 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1).

    The Indian contingent also includes World No. 1 women’s singles SH6 player Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan. The SH6 event will be staged at the Paralympics for the first time this edition. Tokyo 2020 was India’s most successful Paralympics with a record 19 medals including five gold, eight silver and six bronze Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal.

    Viewers will be able to catch the opening ceremony tonight, 11:30 PM IST and live action from the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 from 29 August noon onwards.

  • Bharti Airtel to shut down Wynk Music app: Report

    Bharti Airtel to shut down Wynk Music app: Report

    Mumbai: Bharti Airtel has decided to exit the music sector by shutting down its Wynk Music app according to media reports. Shortly after announcing a strategic partnership with Apple, the company will wind down Wynk Music over the next few months and integrate all current employees into other roles within the organisation.

    An Airtel spokesperson confirmed the closure, stating that Wynk Music will be discontinued in the coming months, and employees working on the app will be absorbed within the Airtel ecosystem.

    Since its launch in 2014, Wynk Music has built a significant user base with over 100 million subscribers. This move aligns with Airtel’s new focus on collaborating with Apple to enhance video and music streaming services. As part of this partnership, Airtel customers will have access to Apple Music, and Wynk Premium subscribers will receive special offers. Additionally, Apple TV+ will be accessible through Airtel’s Xstream service, further expanding its content offerings.

    With a diverse portfolio including Airtel Wynk, Airtel Thanks, and Xstream, Airtel serves more than 220 million active users and is aiming for continued growth in the competitive digital market.

  • ‘Call Me Bae’ series’ first track ‘Vekh Sohneyaa’ releases

    ‘Call Me Bae’ series’ first track ‘Vekh Sohneyaa’ releases

    Mumbai: Following the strong response to the trailer of Ananya Panday’s upcoming series Call Me Bae, the excitement continues with the release of its first track, ‘Vekh Sohneyaa’. The song, composed, written, and performed by Charan and Bombay the Artist, marks their debut on an OTT platform and sets the stage for Bae’s journey. Produced by Dishant, ‘Vekh Sohneyaa’ is set to attract listeners.

    The music video dazzles with its dynamic visuals, capturing Ananya a.k.a Bae as she steps into her new life in Mumbai. Amid the hustle and bustle, Bae learns more about herself through her close-knit friendships and her new beau. The video vividly brings to life Ananya’s portrayal of a young woman navigating the complexities of identity and romance, making it the perfect curtain-raiser for the series.

    “The love and enthusiasm for the trailer has been overwhelming and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to my character Bella and the series. From the moment I first heard ‘Vekh Sohneyaa,’ I’ve been hooked, it has truly captured my heart and been on repeat in my playlist. Big kudos to the music team for creating such a vibe that’s got everyone, including me, grooving!”, shared Ananya Panday.

    Singer, composer, and co-writer of the track, Charan added, “‘Vekh Sohneyaa’ is about the beauty of self-discovery and finding love in unexpected ways. We wanted to create an experience that mirrors the emotional journey of the series, captures the essence of Ananya’s character and the vibrant spirit of BomBae!”

    Lending her voice to Vekh Sohneyaa, singer, lyricist and composer Bombay the Artist, shared, “It’s been a fantastic experience bringing ‘Vekh Sohneyaa’ to life. The track pulls you into the world of Call Me Bae from its first note and is all about the vibrant vibes of BomBae and Bella’s journey – that is fast-paced yet soulful! I am thrilled for the audience to step into the world of Call Me Bae with this track.”

    Call Me Bae is a Dharmatic Entertainment production, with Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra as executive producers. The series is created by Ishita Moitra, who has co-written it alongside Samina Motlekar, and Rohit Nair. Directed by Collin D’Cunha, Call me Bae is the story of Bae, who upon being downsized from heiress to hustler, discovers that her most valuable assets aren’t her diamonds, but her street smarts and style. Broke but refusing to be broken, she navigates the newsrooms of Mumbai, finding beaus, behens, and her better self.

    This eight-part series stars Ananya Panday in the lead role, and features an ensemble cast including Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Mini Mathur. The series will premier exclusively on Prime Video in India and 240 countries and territories worldwide on 6 September.

  • Warehouse 47 partners with AVA Experience to launch a music festival

    Warehouse 47 partners with AVA Experience to launch a music festival

    Mumbai: Warehouse 47, a leader in immersive event design, has announced its first travel & luxury collaboration with AVA Experience to launch a groundbreaking music festival. Taking place on 7 & 8 September 2024, at the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg, this inaugural event sets a new benchmark for high-end travel experiences.

    Set against Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, this festival integrates the region’s natural splendour with an unparalleled blend of opulence and artistry. Guests will experience panoramic views and luxurious surroundings like never before which makes this worth visiting for the majestic setting.

    Featuring revolutionary stage designs and immersive lighting curated by Warehouse 47, the festival will transform the venue into a visual and sensory marvel, perfectly complementing the exquisite Kashmiri scenery. Warehouse 47 founder & Famous Studio MD Anant Roongta highlights this vision: “We are excited to partner with AVA Experience to bring a unique fusion of luxury and creativity to Kashmir. Our goal is to craft an event that not only celebrates the region’s beauty but also sets a new standard for high-end travel and entertainment.”

    Designed for connoisseurs of luxury, this members-only event merges sophisticated travel with world-class artistry, creating an exclusive atmosphere of refinement. Warehouse 47’s expertise in curating immersive environments will elevate this festival to a new level of grandeur making this an exclusive opulence.

    This collaboration between Warehouse 47 and AVA Experience exemplifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury and immersive design, ensuring every moment of the festival is as extraordinary as the surroundings.

    Warehouse 47 and AVA Experience invite you to be part of this transformative event, where elegance and creativity converge to redefine luxury travel.

    Book your slots on:

    https://insider.in/ava-festival-gulmarg-sep7-2024/event

  • Kanika Kapoor releases ‘Radha Radha’ bhajan celebrating Janmashtami

    Kanika Kapoor releases ‘Radha Radha’ bhajan celebrating Janmashtami

    Mumbai: On the festival of Janmashtami, singer Kanika Kapoor delights her fans with a devotional bhajan, ‘Radha Radha’. This beautiful bhajan, full of devotion and respect, is a tribute to the love between Lord Krishna and Radha.

    ‘Radha Radha’ expresses devotion and love, reflecting the timeless bond that has inspired millions across generations. Kanika Kapoor, known for her dance numbers releases a bhajan with deep emotion, making it a perfect song for the celebrations of Janmashtami.

    Speaking about the song, singer Kanika Kapoor said, “I’ve always wanted to explore the devotional side of music and finally with my own label I was able to do that effortlessly. Radha-Krishna bhajans are so full of love and devotion, and I felt it was the right time to bring that out through my voice. And honestly, I was really touched by the melody and couldn’t resist singing a bhajan. It is timeless and hope the listeners enjoy it as much too.”

    Whether you’re preparing for Janmashtami or simply seeking a moment of peace, ‘Radha Radha’ offers a melodic journey into the divine.

  • MobiKwik’s journey spotted on Bharat FinTech story streaming on Disney+ Hotstar

    MobiKwik’s journey spotted on Bharat FinTech story streaming on Disney+ Hotstar

    Mumbai: MobiKwik, a digital financial services platforms, is to be featured in the “Bharat Fintech Story” documentary series, produced by Edstead. This compelling series, now available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, highlights MobiKwik’s transformative impact on India’s financial ecosystem by empowering over 150 million people across the country with digital financial products and services.

    The Bharat Fintech Story is the first-of-its-kind docu-series spotlighting five fintech startups that are revolutionizing financial services in India. Among these trailblazers, MobiKwik’s journey is particularly notable, showcasing its evolution from a one-room home office to becoming the first fintech in India to achieve full-year profitability and now preparing for its debut on the stock exchange.

    The documentary delves into the story of MobiKwik’s founders, Bipin Preet Singh and Upasana Taku, and their mission to simplify digital payments and promote financial inclusion for millions of Indians. Through candid interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, viewers gain insight into the challenges, achievements, and milestones that have defined MobiKwik’s journey.

    One of the key highlights of the episode is MobiKwik’s relentless pursuit of bridging the digital divide, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. From simplifying everyday transactions, and effectively connecting merchants with users to offering seamless credit options, the docu-series showcases how MobiKwik continues to play a pivotal role in the financial lives of millions.

    “MobiKwik’s inclusion in this series is a testament to our commitment to driving financial inclusion and empowering every Indian with digital financial services,” said MobiKwik  co-founder and CFO Upasana Taku. “We are honored to share our story on such a prestigious platform and hope it inspires more entrepreneurs to create meaningful change in the world of fintech.”

    The episode also highlights MobiKwik’s diverse range of products, which serve the hinterlands of India, showcasing its impact in reaching and supporting underserved regions.

    The Bharat Fintech Story on Disney+ Hotstar is a must-watch for anyone interested in the dynamic world of fintech and the future of digital financial services in India.

  • If you get my psycho, then you’ll get my cute: Vaani Kapoor

    If you get my psycho, then you’ll get my cute: Vaani Kapoor

    Mumbai: Tinder, in partnership with Viacom18, is back with the fourth season of Tinder’s Swipe Ride. It’s a show that celebrates uninhibited and meaningful conversations about what Indian women want from their dating lives. The first episode this year features bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor and will premiere on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 on Tinder’s Youtube channel and stream exclusively on Viacom18’s OTT platform JioCinema.

    Popular content creator and actor, Kusha Kapila, takes the driver’s seat once again with a celebrity guest in the back. This time it is Vaani Kapoor who steps into the spotlight, bringing her vibrant energy and honest perspectives on love and relationships. Together they pick up a Tinder user, Panthi Shah, a 23-year-old marketing manager and aspiring model, who is on a quest to find romance. With a Tinder bio that reads “Pasta, puppies, and looking for a potential partner in crime,” Panthi is all set for a pottery date planned by her Tinder match, Yash, a graphic designer who shares her love for adventure. Notably, Tinder’s Year in Swipe report talks about how people are increasingly opting for more experiential dates. While coffee date remains the top activity in India, it is closely followed by concerts and festivals, stand-up, movie night, and arcade.

    On this Swipe Ride drive, the girl trio spills the tea on the magic of spontaneous first dates, setting healthy boundaries, self-expression, and how Shahrukh Khan remains the ultimate dream boy who bridges the gap between Gen Z, millennials and boomers.

    Kapoor shares, “As someone in the spotlight, dating can be challenging. People often approach me because of my fame, which can make it difficult to discern genuine intentions. I’m an idealist in love but a realist in life. Finding true chemistry is rare, and when you do, it’s important to seize it with both hands!”

    Tinder user Panthi shared her own dating adventures, revealing how going on 50 first dates this year has been a journey of self-discovery. Interestingly, Tinder’s Year in Swipe report on dating, reveals that singles are less concerned with where their relationship was heading, and more concerned with creating memorable experiences and opportunities – also known as N.A.T.O Dating (a.k.a. Not Attached To Outcomes). It is simply a way for daters to break free from societal pressures and timelines and enjoy ‘the plot’ of making connections and getting to know people.

    “This season of Swipe Ride is all about celebrating the empowered and authentic voices of today’s young women. From spontaneous adventures to unique date ideas, these young women are breaking the mold and embracing what they truly want in their dating journey. It’s been amazing to witness how they’re normalizing open, honest conversations about their desires and expectations. This season, we’re driving into the heart of what makes modern dating so exciting and real, and it’s been incredible to share these moments with them,” added Kusha Kapila.

    Vivek Mohan Sharma, Head –  Branded Content & MTV Properties Revenue, Viacom18 – “At Viacom18, we are dedicated to pioneering storytelling and forging powerful brand partnerships that create meaningful content. Our collaboration with Tinder exemplifies this commitment. The fourth season of Tinder’s Swipe Ride offers a vibrant exploration of the diverse dating journeys of young Indian women, highlighting their self-assurance and clarity in navigating their relationships. This partnership also underscores how we as Viacom18 add value by effectively engaging with the intended set of audiences.”

    “Swipe Ride entering its 4th fourth season is a significant milestone and a testimony of how this show resonates with our audience. It captures the diverse perspectives of young, GenZ Indian women and their dating journeys in a way that’s both relatable and empowering. Whether it’s owning their relationship goals or confidently putting themselves out there, young women daters are being transparent and open to new experiences, connections and possibilities. This show is a reflection of that IRL,” said Tinder India marketing director Anukool Kumar

    Co-created with film director Debbie Rao along with popular writer Supriya Joshi, Swipe Ride series is a product of the coming together of these women who like to call their own shots whether it’s in their personal life, careers, or their dating lives.

  • Prime Video launches a roundtable with ‘Angry Young Men’ Salim-Javed, hosted by Farah Khan

    Prime Video launches a roundtable with ‘Angry Young Men’ Salim-Javed, hosted by Farah Khan

    Mumbai: Prime Video dropped a special roundtable conversation with the legendary writer duo Salim-Javed, filled with lighthearted banter and heartwarming anecdotes as they reminisced about the good old days. The duo, whose creative partnership revolutionised Hindi cinema, were joined by their children who are accomplished film personalities and also the executive producers of the docuseries, Salman Khan, Zoya Akhtar, and Farhan Akhtar, along with director Namrata Rao and celebrated choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan, who was the lively host.

    This candid chat offers a fascinating glimpse into the duo’s journey, from their first encounter on the set of Sarhadi Lootera to their regular meetings by the sea, where many of their legendary ideas were born. Javed Akhtar humorously shared how their partnership began out of necessity, as both were struggling writers at the time.

    The conversation delved into their breakthrough moment with the film Zanjeer, which introduced audiences to the ‘Angry Young Man’ persona, forever linked with Amitabh Bachchan and marking a turning point in Indian cinema. As they reflected on this pivotal moment, Farah Khan kept the conversation dynamic, engaging the next generation—Salman, Zoya, and Farhan—who shared how growing up around these cinematic legends shaped their own careers.

    Namrata Rao, making her directorial debut with Angry Young Men, expressed her admiration for the duo’s work, even though she wasn’t from their generation. The docuseries, which revisits the iconic films penned by Salim-Javed, promises to offer a fresh perspective on their contributions to Hindi cinema.

    The roundtable wrapped up on a fun note with a quiz round filled with trivia about Salim-Javed’s iconic films, keeping everyone on their toes.

    Produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment, and Tiger Baby, Angry Young Men is executive produced by Salma Khan, Salman Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti. The three-part docuseries masterfully captures the personal and professional journey of Salim-Javed and is exclusively streaming on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide.