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Category: iWorld

  • Romantic OTT shows and audio series to binge this monsoon

    Romantic OTT shows and audio series to binge this monsoon

    Mumbai: Monsoon and romance have an undeniable connection, don’t they? What better way to celebrate this bond than by watching a fresh rom-com at a cinema near you? Ishq Vishk Rebound has hit theatres, offering its peppy love story. Before you immerse yourself in this cinematic treat, why not explore a treasure chest of the romance-centric OTT series and audio series available across various platforms?

    Here’s a list specially curated for die-hard romantics:

    Shaadi Ke Baad (Pocket FM)

    Arohi, who had experienced an incident worse than death for any girl, hadn’t even recovered from the trauma when she received another piece of news that shook her to the core. Her father and stepmother had decided on her marriage to a wealthy but physically challenged man without even consulting her. Although Arohi refused to marry him, her father and stepmother imposed a condition that forced her to reconsider her decision. What was that condition? What incident had occurred with Arohi? Tune into Shaadi Ke Baad, only on Pocket FM.

    Ishq Vishk Rebound (In theaters)

    Raghav, Sanya, and Sahir have been friends since childhood. As they age, Sanya falls for Sahir and Raghav concentrates on his love for writing. But as luck would have it, Sanya and Sahir break up and Raghav is left mending two broken hearts. At its heart ‘Ishq Vishk Rebound’ is a coming-of-age tale – that asks difficult taboo questions- Are rebound relationships a curse? Is there such a thing as a bro code? And is it not okay to kiss your best friend? ‘Coz what if they are your soul mate? Is it true love even if it just sticks to the rules and never breaks them?

    Pyaar, Yaar aur Dhoka (Pocket FM)

    Gungun’s life gets disrupted after she learns about the affair between her husband Pratham Saheb Zada and her sister Munmun. Gungun Mathur divorces her husband, and after five years of hard work, she returns as a big lawyer. Unknowingly, Saheb is his client. Will both of them come closer, or will Gungun ruin Saheb’s empire? To find out, listen to Pyaar Yaar Aur Dhoka on Pocket FM.

    Baarish (Jio Cinema)

    Sharman Joshi and Asha Negi star in this heartwarming tale of love set around monsoons. The web series follows Anuj, a wealthy business magnate, and Gauravi, a simple Maharashtrian girl. When the two opposite personalities cross paths, they never expect to become husband and wife. But, life has other plans, as circumstances lead them to get married. After spending time with each other, the two lost souls kindle a liking, and cupid strikes as they slowly fall in love. If you are in the mood for an old-school love story, Baarish is your go-to pick!

    Modern Love Mumbai (Amazon Prime Video)

    This collection presents six unique narratives set in Mumbai, each exploring the experiences of individuals navigating the challenges of life, love, and loss in the city. Directed by six renowned creators—Vishal Bhardwaj, Hansal Mehta, Nupur Ashthana, Dhruv Sehgal, Alankrita Shrivastava, and Shonali Bose—Modern Love offers a realistic portrayal of urban life, making it a recommended watch for audiences of all ages.

  • Cartoon Network confirms no plans to shut down network or studio amid rumours

    Cartoon Network confirms no plans to shut down network or studio amid rumours

    Mumbai: Recent speculation surrounding Cartoon Network’s future has prompted the network to address rumours head-on. Contrary to circulating misinformation, Cartoon Network has emphatically stated that neither the network nor its studio is shutting down.

    “Cartoon Network would like to clarify that there is no truth to the speculation that the network or the studio are shutting down,” affirmed a spokesperson. “With a number of recently announced greenlights, we remain committed to continually investing in innovative content that entertains and inspires our viewers across the globe.”

    This statement underscores Cartoon Network’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality animated entertainment while debunking unfounded rumours. As the network moves forward, it continues to focus on creating compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

  • Suniel Shetty looks for his “Sbooch” in the latest teaser

    Suniel Shetty looks for his “Sbooch” in the latest teaser

    Mumbai: Actor Suniel Shetty has left fans in a state of anticipation and wonder as he released a teaser showcasing the search for his missing “Sbooch.” No less than a mystery movie, this video has everyone at the edge of their seats.

    The one-minute teaser, released by the actor on his social media channel, shows him requesting his assistant to vigilantly guard his “Sbooch” as he leaves for his shot. But alas and behold! He returns to find his “Sbooch” missing, with his crew remaining silent as he questions them incessantly. The intriguing video has led to speculations about what is causing this upheaval on Suniel Shetty’s set and who has stolen his “Sbooch”.

  • Hoopr debuts the new single “Tora” by Sarry B

    Hoopr debuts the new single “Tora” by Sarry B

    Mumbai: Hoopr.ai, a music licensing platform, announces the release of its first single, “Tora,” by rising star Sarry B! “Tora” is a certified banger designed to captivate listeners with its impressive beats and catchy lyrics. Hailing from Delhi, Sarry B brings a sound to the music scene, seamlessly blending the rich cultural tapestry of Haryana with contemporary music styles.

    Sarry B, also known as Sarthak Bhatt, is notable in the regional music scene. Renowned for his powerful vocals and dynamic lyrical presence, he quickly makes waves with his unique blend of traditional Haryanvi sounds and modern influences. “Tora,” a Haryanvi slang term for “swag,” masterfully combines the rustic charm of Haryanvi vocals with modern production techniques, creating a track that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly innovative. The catchy melody and perfectly crafted lyrics showcase Sarry B’s musical prowess, pushing boundaries in the music industry and celebrating Haryanvi fusion music.

    “Tora” is performing exceptionally well. With encouraging response from social media listeners and creators, the song has crossed the over 500K views milestone across Instagram and YouTube, within 48 hours of its release.

    Hoopr.ai general manager Bhumika Shukla said, “Hoopr.ai’s mission is to empower creators by providing exceptional music that enhances their content. ‘Tora’ by Sarry B is a perfect example of how traditional sounds can be innovatively fused with modern styles to create something truly unique. It exemplifies the quality and diversity of music that Hoopr.ai offers. We are thrilled to support such a talented artist and bring his vibrant Haryanvi sound to a wider audience.”

    Hoopr.ai co-founder & CEO Gaurav Dagaonkar added, “Sarry B is a phenomenal talent, and ‘Tora’ is a testament to his ability to blend cultural richness with contemporary music. Hoopr.ai is proud to launch this track and excited to see how it resonates with listeners. The release of ‘Tora’ marks an important step for Hoopr.ai as we continue to innovate and provide diverse musical options. Our goal is to make music licensing simple and accessible for all creators, and ‘Tora’ showcases the kind of high-quality, boundary-pushing music we are committed to promoting.”

    With “Tora,” Sarry B continues to establish himself as an artist to watch. His ability to seamlessly blend Haryanvi roots with modern styles creates music with wide appeal. As “Tora” gains traction, it is evident that Sarry B’s star is on the rise, and there is great anticipation for his future works. “Tora” is an ideal addition to a variety of content, from travel vlogs to fashion videos. Visit Hoopr.ai to license “Tora” royalty-free for upcoming projects.

    Released only three days ago on YouTube, the song has already reached over 176K views and is generating strong search and play numbers across music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, and many others. “Tora” is extending beyond music streaming, taking over Instagram as well. Multiple influencers have created trendy content using the song, further propelling its popularity.

     

  • Felicity Games secures $700K pre-seed funding

    Felicity Games secures $700K pre-seed funding

    Mumbai: Felicity Games, a casual game developer and publisher, has secured a $700K pre-seed funding from DeVC, Visceral Capital and marquee angel investors including Kunal Shah of CRED, former Nazara CEO, Manish Agarwal, Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy of Swiggy and Google Cloud (APAC) head of gaming Sameer Pittalwala, among others.

    Felicity was founded in 2023 by ex-Swiggy executive Anurag Choudhary with an aim to become India’s leading mobile game publisher. In under a year, Felicity has launched over 10 game titles, which are played by more than a million monthly users across 14 geographies. The company will use the funds towards testing 10 more such games by March 2025. The company aims to scale revenue by 10x by the end of this year.

    The company’s success lies in rapidly prototyping and testing casual games in partnership with Indian game developers for commercial viability using a proprietary framework called ‘Pokhran’, and accordingly scaling only the successful ones.

    Felicity Games founder and CEO Anurag Choudhary said, “Given our cost and skill advantages, Felicity Games is well placed to build a multi-million dollar casual gaming business from India for the world.”

    “Felicity has a unique vision to mobilise the growing ecosystem of Indie developers with the capability of producing high-quality game prototypes at a fraction of the cost. Felicity combines an objective approach to commercial testing with iterations on non-conventional channels to drive risk-adjusted growth for new IPs, unlocking developer friendly publishing for the indie ecosystem” said founding member Divyanshi Chowdhary from DeVC.

    Felicity recently launched two titles ‘Seek & Find’, and ‘Nova Solitaire’ which are already unit economics positive in the US and other western markets with 100,000 plus downloads within a period of three months.

    Beyond game development and publishing, Felicity Games distinguishes itself through strategic partnerships with studios and brands to co-create compelling intellectual properties (IPs). This collaborative approach not only enriches the gaming ecosystem but also expands the company’s reach and influence within the industry.

  • IPRS champions copyright management at WIPO mentorship programme in Bangladesh

    IPRS champions copyright management at WIPO mentorship programme in Bangladesh

    Mumbai: The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd (IPRS) continues to lead in collective rights management and uphold creator rights across the sub-continent. Recognised for its role in establishing a sustainable revenue stream for Indian creators through royalties, IPRS has bolstered India’s global standing in rights management.

    Recently, IPRS participated in a significant event organised by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) in cooperation with the Copyright Office Bangladesh and supported by the Bangladesh Lyricist, Composers, and Performers Society (BLCPS). The national event, titled “Wipo Mentorship Program for CMOs Engaged in Copyright Management,” brought together international delegates from WIPO, CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers), and IPRS (The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd). The delegates addressed several topics and provided recommendations to participants through their detailed presentations.  

    Inaugurated by Copyright Registrar Md Daud Miah NDC (additional secretary), the day-long event then proceeded with five engaging sessions on five different and important topics, explaining the activities of the participating organisations.

    The inaugural topic was “WIPO’s activities in the area of collective management and new projects to support the growth and development of local CMOS,” conducted by WIPO program officer of copyright management division, copyright, and creative industries sector Miyuki Monroing.  The second topic, “CISAC’s roles and initiatives to seamlessly represent creators across the globe and ensure the royalties flow to authors effectively,” was addressed by CISAC regional director for Asia-Pacific Benjamin Ng.

    The third topic, titled “The role of local CMOs in building a creative ecosystem for creators and users: What can CMOs contribute to you,” highlighted the significance of CMOs in the music landscape of the country. IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam shared insights and best practices in rights and royalty management, showcasing IPRS’s path breaking journey in creator’s rights management and its pivotal role in the Indian music industry.

    IPRS’s participation at the WIPO mentorship programme highlights India’s strong bilateral relations with Bangladesh, particularly underscored by the IP Trade Treaty between the two nations. IPRS’s participation in this event signifies a step towards supporting Bangladesh in strengthening its intellectual property rights management mechanisms and fostering a robust society for creators.

    The interactions continued on day two at the copyright office Bangladesh, where a comprehensive action plan was formulated. IPRS actively participated in these discussions and endorsed its commitment to supporting BLCPS in its journey towards strengthening copyright management and creator rights in Bangladesh.

    Under the guidance of CISAC, IPRS has extended support to neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh, aiming to develop robust music rights management societies in these regions. Plans are also underway to engage with Sri Lanka, further advancing collective rights management practices across South Asia.

    “It was a great pleasure to host the  first of its’ kind – national mentorship program for the copyright management organisation in Dhaka, Bangladesh on the 4 & 5 June 2024 along with Bangladesh copyright office which was a resounding success with the participation and support from such esteemed organisations as WIPO, CISAC and IPRS, India.

    On behalf of BLCPS, the only Collective Management Organisation for music in Bangladesh, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rakesh Nigam and Surhit Bhattacharyya for their invaluable participation in the national mentorship program from IPRS, India.  Their insightful presentations and discussions on the journey of IPRS, India since its inception, were both eye-opening and encouraging to say the least. The experiences and knowledge shared by both have provided tremendous value to all the attendees and were pivotal in making the mentorship program a significant success.

    As the first and only CMO in Bangladesh for Music, BLCPS is eager to collaborate with IPRS India during these early days and in the days to follow. We believe that through our partnership, we can build a thriving ecosystem for music in Bangladesh that mirrors the remarkable success story of IPRS in India. We look forward to the opportunity of working closely with IPRS, India to achieve this shared vision”, said BLCPS CEO Hamin Ahmed.

    Commenting on IPRS’s participation and role, IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam said, “IPRS is proud to contribute to the WIPO Mentorship Programme, advocating for strong copyright management and creator rights. Our collaboration with Bangladesh underscores our commitment to fostering a sustainable music ecosystem in the region. By sharing our learnings and best practices, we aim to empower our neighbouring countries Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka and build a robust framework for intellectual property rights that supports and uplifts creators across borders.”

    Govt of India’s proactive measures in supporting the development of a robust copyright protection regime in the sub-continent have been instrumental in shaping IPRS’s meteoric success and establishing its pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and royalties of music creators. This commitment has not only elevated IPRS’s position but also contributed significantly to nurturing a sustainable music ecosystem in the region.

    As IPRS continues to advocate for collective rights management and support music creators across borders, it remains dedicated to fostering partnerships and initiatives that uphold the integrity and value of creative works in the global marketplace.
     

  • Indhu Radhakrishnan launches Culturati

    Indhu Radhakrishnan launches Culturati

    Mumbai: Pepper Media’s co-founder Indhu Radhakrishnan, has launched Culturati, a curated e-commerce platform dedicated to supporting traditional and indigenous Indian art and crafts. Backed by a team with over two decades of experience in digital media and storytelling, Culturati promises to bring the rich heritage of Indian artisans to a global audience.

    Culturati will feature a meticulously curated collection of traditional art and craft, each with its unique story and cultural significance. The platform aims to promote sustainability by working closely with artisans to ensure fair trade practices and the use of eco-friendly materials. By offering a platform and marketing support for these artisans, Culturati seeks to preserve traditional crafts and provide sustainable livelihoods for craftsmen across India.

    Radhakrishnan expressed her excitement about the launch, stating, “We are on a mission to make traditional cool again. Culturati is not just an e-commerce platform; it is a celebration of India’s rich artistic heritage. By bridging the gap between traditional artisans and global consumers, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that honors and preserves our cultural legacy.”

    Pepper Media, under Indhu Radhakrishnan’s leadership, has established itself as a powerhouse in digital media, renowned for its innovative storytelling and content creation. Leveraging this expertise, Culturati will present each artisan’s story, creating a deeper connection between the consumer and the craft. This emphasis on storytelling not only highlights the craftsmanship but also honors the cultural heritage and traditions behind each piece.

    Culturati aims to provide a seamless shopping experience, combining the authenticity of traditional crafts with the convenience of modern e-commerce. The platform will feature a diverse range of products, including art, décor, fashion jewelry, and more, all sourced from skilled artisans across India.

    Culturati invites everyone to explore the vibrant world of Indian crafts, support local artisans, and become a part of the journey to preserve India’s artistic heritage. For more information, visit www.culturati.in.

  • Amazon miniTV expands its robust content library with exciting international shows

    Amazon miniTV expands its robust content library with exciting international shows

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV has come up with its eclectic roster of international shows, offering unforgettable entertainment for July to captivate audiences. From soapy dramas to heart-pounding romances and laugh-out-loud comedy, each show will transport viewers to different corners of the world, bringing diverse cultures, emotions, settings, and adventures right to their screens. Available in original, and dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, under “miniTV Imported,” the exciting slate for this month features globally celebrated titles, including Gen Z, Almost Famous, My Deskmate, Girlfriend, and Still 17.

    Delve into the secrets of traditional Chinese medicine, and explore the complexities of life, family, and health with Gen Z, or sign up for a backstage pass into the high-stakes world of the music industry with Almost Famous, showcasing the unrelenting passion and grit of aspiring artists amidst a budding love story. My Deskmate offers a delightful journey back to the innocence and camaraderie of school days, highlighting the romance between an idol and his fan girl. Girlfriend explores the quirky love life of a woman hired to pretend she has a crush on a CEO, only for it to become her reality. Lastly, Still 17 presents a tale of the rediscovery and resilience of a woman who awakens from a coma finding herself emotionally stuck in her teenage years and navigating adulthood with a newfound perspective.

    Amazon miniTV head of content Amogh Dusad shared, “We are thrilled to unveil the July slate of international shows on Amazon miniTV, which underscores our commitment to meeting the growing demand for global content in local languages for free. Shows of Korean, Mandarin, and Turkish origins have struck a chord with Indian audiences for their unique storytelling and cultural richness. By presenting these international shows in Original, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, we aim to provide an immersive and inclusive viewing experience that transcends cultural boundaries and connects with viewers on a personal level.”    

    The international shows will stream in Original, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, exclusively on ‘Amazon miniTV Imported’ for free.

  • Yuvaa Partners With The Man Company for second season of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’

    Yuvaa Partners With The Man Company for second season of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’

    Mumbai: It was in 2023 when Yuvaa- a popular GenZ-driven media organisation introduced India’s first chat show on positive masculinity called Be A Man, Yaar. The unique and heartfelt conversations with some of the popular men from showbiz, including Naseeruddin Shah, Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal, and Zakir Khan, caught the attention of millions, starting the much-needed conversation around men, their emotions, and positive masculinity. Now, in association with The Man Company, a leading male grooming brand, Yuvaa is coming back with season two of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’, and this time, it is all about the ‘humanity’ behind masculinity.

    To celebrate men from different fields and backgrounds, the second season of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ will witness Media Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Yuvaa, Nikhil Taneja engaging in candid, honest, authentic conversations about what it means to be a boy, a man, and a human with: Javed Akhtar, Kartik Aaryan, Bhuvan Bam, Manish Malhotra, Rohan Bopanna, Dr Vikas Divyakirti, Gajraj Rao, Boman Irani, Imran Khan, Ankush Bahuguna, Viraj Ghelani, Aryan Pasha and Prateek Kuhad.

    The trailer of the show launched today on Yuvaa’s YouTube channel, and from 10th July, the show aims to delve deeper into the conversations around mental health, loneliness, male friendships, therapy, fatherhood, insecurities, and of course, healthy relationships with women.

    Yuvaa and The Man Company share a vision of redefining masculinity and fostering a culture of positive male identity. ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ aims to provide a platform for men to express their true selves, break free from societal stereotypes, and engage in meaningful dialogues that promote mental well-being and emotional health. The Man Company, with its dedication to holistic grooming and personal development, complements this mission by encouraging men to lead lives of authenticity and compassion. Together, they strive to inspire a generation of confident, empathetic, and proud men to be themselves.

    Expressing his thoughts behind bringing the second season of the critically acclaimed show ‘Be A Man, Yaar’, Nikhil Taneja said, “Season 1 of Be A Man, Yaar! got an enormous amount of love for creating a safe space on the internet for men in the entertainment industry to have vulnerable and authentic conversations. In Season 2, we have more men, more laughs, more love, more hugs and a lot more vulnerability by iconic men from entertainment to sports to fashion to education. Our guests reflect the diversity of our country and the many ways in which men can learn and be human. I’m thrilled that The Man Company partnered with us on the mission to make masculinity more wholesome.”

    The Man Company founder & MD Hitesh Dhingra also expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting their shared mission of promoting positive masculinity, emphasizing their goal of encouraging men to embrace their individuality and lead with authenticity and compassion. He said, “At The Man Company, we believe in empowering men to embrace their individuality and cultivate confidence inside and out through grooming and a constant dialogue that urges them to bring out the #GentlemanInYou. Our collaboration with ‘Be A Man, Yaar!’ aligns perfectly with our goal to redefine masculinity and inspire men to rise above stereotypes and lead with authenticity, compassion, and gentleness.”

    With a reach of over 150 million and mentions by over 450 celebrities and creators, the first season of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ featured candid conversations with notable figures like Vicky Kaushal, Karan Johar, Zakir Khan, and Naseeruddin Shah, exploring the concept of positive masculinity. Starring some unconventional discussions, the show became the flag bearer for positive communication for men around, bringing out their vulnerable emotions for the world to understand what it truly means to be a man!

    The extended unfiltered episodes will be available exclusively on Amazon Music.

  • Jazz Weekender returns for third edition in New Delhi

    Jazz Weekender returns for third edition in New Delhi

    Mumbai: After two standout editions, Jazz Weekender is thrilled to announce its return to the enchanting 1AQ in Mehrauli for its third edition. This year, the festival promises an even richer and more memorable experience under the canopy of the city’s most iconic Banyan tree.

    An unparalleled celebration of live music for the capital, Jazz Weekender’s previous editions galvanised the city’s music community with an impressive turnout of over 3000 attendees each time while featuring both global and local talent. This year, the festival will once again champion a diverse array of genres ranging from jazz to its adjacent styles like neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop, fusion, funk, and bossa nova.

    Highlights of the third edition:

    ●        Dates: 28-29 September 2024

    ●        Location: 1AQ, Mehrauli, New Delhi

    ●        Musical acts: A handpicked lineup featuring a blend of international and homegrown artists.

    ●        Additional attractions: A vibrant flea market, diverse culinary experiences, and exclusive cocktail pop-ups enhancing the weekend experience.

    Jazz Weekender’s past lineups have featured global sensations like Desmadre Orkestra, Cero Ismael, Tara Lily, and Trioritaët, alongside celebrated local acts such as Rhythm Shaw x Gino Banks, T.ill Apes, Tribemama Marykali, Kayan, NATE08, Sahil Vasudeva, and The Revisit Project. This year’s event promises to continue this tradition of excellence with a focus on boundary-pushing performances.

    Jazz Weekender is hosted and curated by boxout.fm, Wild City, Gatecrash, Jazz in India and Paytm Insider.

    Early Bird tickets are now on sale via Paytm Insider here.