ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Unicommerce to power Fabindia’s e-commerce operations

    Unicommerce to power Fabindia’s e-commerce operations

    Mumbai: Fabindia, India’s premier consumer lifestyle platform has partnered with Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms, to manage its growing business operations across online and offline channels and streamline its e-commerce supply chain. As an important channel for thousands of rural artisans across India, Fabindia continues to revolutionise traditional wear mixing it with modern urban tastes.

    Fabindia has deployed Unicommerce’s end-to-end technology stack including multi-channel order management, warehouse management system and omnichannel retail management system to streamline its order processing for its wide array of products listed on its own website, multiple marketplaces as well as across its 100 plus physical stores located in the country.

    Fabindia will use Unicommerce’s technology to seamlessly process orders from across online channels and physical stores. By enabling ship-from-store for orders placed on online platforms, Fabindia will be able to allocate the order to the store location nearest to the customer’s delivery address leading to faster deliveries to the end customers.

    The partnership will further enable Fabindia to synchronize inventory on an hourly basis so that no order is missed along with efficient management of returns from customers. This will further help the brand in enhancing the customers’ overall post-purchase experience.

    Currently, the brand manages a catalog of 1,75,000 items across channels, processing orders from across its 100-plus stores and four warehouses using Unicommerce’s platform.

    Speaking about the partnership, Fabindia chief of e-commerce Arun Naikar said, “With Unicommerce’s robust omnichannel technology, we are confident of seamlessly managing our rising e-commerce volumes across online and offline channels. I believe this is an important step towards building a strong technological foundation that will unlock our future growth.”

    Unicommerce MD & CEO Kapil Makhija commented, “We are focused on contributing towards India’s D2C and retail ecosystem as we continue to proactively design solutions for India’s leading enterprises. We are confident that Fabindia will benefit from the automated workflows offered by Unicommerce’s technology while catering to their rising order volumes and growing customer aspirations.”

    Unicommerce is India’s largest e-commerce enablement SaaS platform in the transaction processing layer, in terms of revenue for the financial year concluded March 2022. Its comprehensive product suite allows businesses to manage the entire post-purchase e-commerce operations effectively. The company has a growing client base, annual recurring revenue (ARR), and revenue growth. As of the quarter ending September 2023, Unicommerce has achieved a 750 million plus annual transaction run-rate, serving over 3500 customers, managing 8000 plus warehouses, and processing orders from 1900 plus stores through its platform.

  • “Our series depicts the true essence of the film industry”: Chunky Panday on Amazon miniTV’s Industry

    “Our series depicts the true essence of the film industry”: Chunky Panday on Amazon miniTV’s Industry

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released the slice-of-life drama series, Industry. Produced by The Viral Fever (TVF), the series takes viewers through the life of Aayush Verma, a young and ambitious screenwriter, as he tries to make his mark in the ever-changing film industry. The show beautifully captures the complexities of personal relationships, professional obstacles, love, and the constant balance between triumph and disappointment in showbiz. Aayush’s journey serves as a poignant reflection of the aspirations and hardships faced by countless individuals who come to the city of dreams to climb the ladder of success and stardom. Industry is brought to life by a talented star cast, including Gagan Arora, Asha Negi, and Chunky Panday, among others, in pivotal roles.

    Renowned actor Chunky Panday, who plays the role of Rakesh Raman in Industry, shares insights into his character, saying, “I portray the role of Rakesh Raman, a resourceful producer. In the past, I have personally encountered a few producers who resemble Rakesh. He is not only a producer but also a part-time broker and car dealer, who is willing to go to any lengths to secure opportunities. I believe, without a competent producer, the writer’s success is unattainable.”

    Chunky Panday further expressed his views about the series, saying, “The portrayal of the film industry in our series is refreshingly candid. It’s presented in an engaging and aesthetically pleasing manner, infused with a delightful blend of humor and emotions. TVF’s signature touch adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative. While most movies and shows showcase the glamorous facade of the industry, our series depicts the true essence of the film industry, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

    Industry is now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV.

  • Mythology OTT platform ‘Hari Om’ launches at Rs 36 per year

    Mythology OTT platform ‘Hari Om’ launches at Rs 36 per year

    Mumbai: Hari Om, premier destination for Indian heritage and religious content is all set to launch today. Hari Om bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, providing a platform to explore the rich tapestry of Indian culture and spirituality. It debuts with epic untold stories ‘Shri Tirupati Balaji’, ‘Chaya Grah Rahu Ketu’, ‘Maa Lakshmi’, ‘Mata Saraswati’, ‘Jai Jagannath’, and over 20 other mythological shows featuring a stellar cast and crew. These productions boast large-budget sets designed to transport viewers back to the golden age. Renowned actors such as Sharad Malhotra (Lord Krishna), Rati Pandey (Mata Saraswati), Yuktii Kapoor (Maa Lakshmi), Mrunal Jain (Rahu Ketu), and Vishal Karwal (Lord Vishnu) will be headlining these epic shows. Hari Om will be available to audience from today onwards at an affordable price of only Rs 36 per year

    The platform also offers both long and short-format ‘U’ rated series, catering to senior citizens, children, and young adults. Additionally, it features bhajans in both video and audio formats, curated animated content on mythology and same content can be heard in podcast format as well. The platform also includes live aartis from major temples, prasad booking, temple news, donation options, and many other exciting features.

    The app launches with two originals namely Shri Tirupati Balaji and Chaya Grah Rahu Ketu.

    Shri Tirupati Balaji: Starring Vishal Karwal, this series revolves around the religious story of Shri Hari Vishnu’s incarnation as Shrinivasan at Tirumala Hills.

    Chaya Grah Rahu Ketu: Featuring Mrunal Jain, this show tells the tale of the Asura Swarnbhanu, who becomes immortal by drinking Amrit and is subsequently punished by Lord Vishnu.

    Vishal Karwal who plays Lord Vishnu in Shri Tirupati Balaji said on the show, “It is a great honor to play the role of Lord Vishnu, an avatar of Shri Tirupati Balaji. Wearing the mukut and costume felt deeply spiritual.  The promos suggest the grand scale and spectacular storytelling”.

    Rati Pandey, who plays Goddess Mata Saraswati said on the show, “I am thrilled to portray Goddess Mata Saraswati. It’s an honor to play such an important character, and the experience has been incredibly rewarding.”

    Group SVP Nivedita Basu said, “We take great pride in launching India’s first mythological platform. This platform is special to us as it showcases our rich culture to the world. We aim to transport viewers to the golden age, experiencing religion and mythology in its purest forms. This platform will explore untold religious stories and delve into the detailed narratives of mythological characters whose stories have never been fully explored.”

    Hari Om is poised to become a one-stop destination for mythological content enthusiasts, blending entertainment, education, and cultural knowledge. The app is available on the Play Store, App Store, Google TV, Samsung TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Fire TV.

  • Experience the paranormal fun in ‘Jatt Nuu Chudail Takri’ on ZEE5 Global

    Experience the paranormal fun in ‘Jatt Nuu Chudail Takri’ on ZEE5 Global

    Mumbai: Get ready for the ultimate summer treat as ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, presents the supernatural comedy “Jatt Nuu Chudail Takri”. This must-watch family entertainer, featuring the stellar trio of Sargun, Gippy, and Roopi, is now available on the ZEE5 Global add-ons platform, Chaupal.

    The story revolves around Jatt Jallaludin, a man who jokingly believes that all wives are ‘chudails’ (witches). However, things take a wild turn when he falls in love with a real chudail, played by the lovely and fierce Sargun Mehta. They share a bond that goes back a hundred years; even in the afterlife, Sargun won’t let Gippy go. Trying to escape this supernatural mess, Gippy marries another woman, played by Roopi Gill. Over time, he falls deeply in love with her and becomes a changed man. This film brilliantly blends comedy, romance, and paranormal elements, making it a unique experience for the audience.

    Directed by Vikas Vashisht and penned by the talented Amberdeep Singh, this movie marks a significant milestone in Punjabi cinema. The gripping storyline, combined with exceptional performances and spectacular graphics, keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The film delves into themes of women supporting each other and the importance of mutual support in marriage, adding depth to its entertaining narrative.

    The movie’s soundtrack, especially the catchy “Haye Booh” track, has taken social media by storm, inspiring countless Instagram reels and posts. “Jatt Nuu Chudail Takri” has shattered box office records, and its popularity continues to soar even after its theatrical run. This film stands as a testament to the brilliance of Punjabi cinema, offering its rich entertainment to audiences worldwide, streaming on ZEE5 Global add-ons.

  • Celebrate World Music Day with Hungama Artist Aloud

    Celebrate World Music Day with Hungama Artist Aloud

    Mumbai: Mark your calendars for an extraordinary musical experience as LIFAFA takes the stage at Imperfecto Patio, Delhi NCR, on 28 June 2024. Presented by Hungama Digital Media Entertainment in partnership with SkillBox, this concert promises to be a night of innovative soundscapes and immersive performances starting at 8 pm.

    LIFAFA, the brainchild of Suryakant Sawhney, has been redefining what music from India can be with his avant-garde fusion of voice and vernacular into his sonic landscapes. This live performance is set to be a testament to his boundary-pushing artistry. Attendees can expect to be entranced by tracks like “Jaago,” which marries haunting vocals with lush instrumentation, and “Din Raat,” a piece that perfectly encapsulates LIFAFA’s signature style of blending the old with the new.

    The World Music Day Festival – season five, an annual celebration beginning on June 21st, continues its legacy of spotlighting diverse musical talents. This year, it brings LIFAFA’s groundbreaking music to the forefront, offering fans an evening that transcends traditional concert experiences.

    Hungama Digital Media SVP Soumini Paul said, “LIFAFA’s music is a refreshing departure from the norm, offering a truly unique auditory experience. This concert at Imperfecto Patio is a celebration of his innovative approach and the perfect way to enjoy the diverse sounds of World Music Day Festival – Season 5.”

    Secure your tickets now on SkillBox for an unforgettable night with LIFAFA at Imperfecto Patio, Delhi, on 28 June 2024, starting at 8 pm.

  • Snapchat announces new safety features designed to reinforce real friend connections

    Snapchat announces new safety features designed to reinforce real friend connections

    Mumbai: With a focus on fostering a safe and positive in-app experience, Snapchat has introduced a suite of new safety features all designed to strengthen and reinforce the real friend relationships that make Snapchat so unique. These new features aim to further safeguard teens and the broader community from online harms.

    To kick off an essential dialogue on teen online safety, Snapchat hosted a panel discussion featuring influential parents Tisca Chopra and Maria Goretti, actor and Snap Star Nitanshi Goel,  Aparajita Bharti, co-founder of Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) and Uthara Ganesh, head of public policy at Snap. The panel explored critical topics such as the importance of digital literacy, maximizing the use of available online resources, and maintaining open dialogues with teenagers at home.

    The evening concluded with the introduction of Snapchat’s new suite of tools, including 1) improved blocking capabilities 2) simplified location-sharing 3) enhanced friending protections and 4) expanded in-chat warnings. These expanded products build on Snapchat’s ongoing work to make it difficult for strangers to contact people.

    Snap Inc. head of public policy-South Asia  Uthara Ganesh added, “Snapchat has always been a unique space where you can truly be yourself and connect with your real friends. Young people across India love spending time on our platform, and we are dedicated to making it a safe and positive place for everyone, especially teens. Our newest safety features are all about supporting genuine friendships, empowering teens to make smart choices, and ensuring that every Snapchatter feels secure and confident while using our app.”

    Blocking improvements

    The platform has long offered tools for Snapchatters to easily block someone if they no longer wish to be in touch with them. Sometimes, bad actors create new accounts and continue to contact people who have blocked them. To prevent bullying and potential repeat harassment, we’re introducing improvements to our blocking tools: blocking a user will also now block new friend requests sent from other accounts created on the same device, to further limit outreach from other existing or new accounts created by the blocked account.

    Simplified location-sharing and additional reminders

    Snapchatters – including teens – are sent regular reminders to check their account security and privacy settings, and Snapchatters can only share their location with people they are friends with. Now we’re introducing more frequent reminders to make sure that Snapchatters are always up to date on which friends they’re sharing their location with on the Snap Map. We’re also introducing simplified location-sharing, making it faster and easier for Snapchatters to customize which of their friends can see their location.

    Enhanced friending protections

    Previously Snapchat had announced teens will not be suggested in Quick Add or Search unless they have multiple mutual connections in common with the other person. The platform is now adding new friending safeguards that make it much harder for strangers to find and add teens. We will prevent delivery of a friend request altogether when teens send or receive a friend request from someone they don’t have mutual friends with, and that person also has a history of accessing Snapchat in locations often associated with scamming activity. This applies regardless of whether the friend request was sent out by the teen, or sent to the teen from the suspected bad actor.

    This feature is currently available in a select few countries and will be introduced in a more localized form in India soon.

    Expanded in-app warnings

    Snapchat has introduced a pop-up warning when a teen receives a message from someone they don’t already share mutual friends with or have in their contacts. The message informs teens of the potential risk so they can carefully consider if they want to be in contact, and reminds them to only connect with people they trust.

    Now the platform is expanding these in-app warnings to incorporate new and advanced signals. Teens will now see a warning message if they receive a chat from someone who has been blocked or reported by others, or is from a region where the teen’s network isn’t typically located – signs that the person may be a scammer. This feature will be made available in the US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, Nordics, and parts of Europe.  

    Further commenting on Snapchat’s safety features, Tisca Chopra, actor, author & celebrity mom, said, “With teenagers spending so much time online, ensuring a safe digital environment is crucial today. I make it a point to stay informed about my daughter’s digital activities without being too intrusive. I appreciate Snapchat’s focus on safety through its platform design, demonstrating a commitment to protecting young users. By fostering a secure space, Snapchat helps our teenagers interact with confidence and peace of mind. This thoughtful approach also encourages open conversations between parents and their teenagers about responsible digital behaviour, essential for navigating the digital landscape safely.”

    Maria Goretti, actor, TV host & celebrity mom, added, “Our teens are at a sensitive age, and it’s important for us as parents to understand their digital lives while ensuring they know their boundaries. My teenagers use Snapchat regularly, and it’s comforting to know they are in a safe environment. Snapchat’s proactive stance on user safety reassures me that my teens can connect with their real friends in a positive space. Their genuine commitment to protecting users is something every parent can appreciate.”

    These new tools build on the platform’s ongoing commitment to help Snapchatters communicate with their close friends in an environment that prioritizes their safety, privacy, and well-being.

  • Times Network celebrates Digit Magazine’s 23rd anniversary with AI-Q launch

    Times Network celebrates Digit Magazine’s 23rd anniversary with AI-Q launch

    Mumbai:  Times Network broadcast and digital network commemorates Digit magazine’s 23rd anniversary with the launch of a groundbreaking AI offering, Digit’s AI-Q (AI Quotient), the first standardized measure of AI performance for consumer electronics in the publishing industry. Recognized as the go-to destination for consumer technology since 2001, Digit was recently acquired by Times Network, bolstering its continued investment in its digital publishing business, which already reaches over 110 million monthly active users and garners more than 1 billion monthly video views.

    Powering its commitment to innovation with the latest technological advancements, in-depth testing, and analysis, Digit’s AI-Q (AI Quotient), is a proprietary scoring system that evaluates the AI capabilities of various devices including smartphones, laptops, televisions, etc. The AI-Q score enables users to understand the AI specifications in their gadgets, helping them make informed decisions. The AI Quotient is derived from an extensive testing process involving 80 AI and Computer Vision tests executed on the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) of devices. These tests cover various aspects such as Object Recognition/Classification, Semantic Segmentation, Parallel Object Recognition, Optical Character Recognition, Object Tracking, Image & Video Processing, Face Recognition, Camera Scene Detection, Natural Language Processing, and more. The stringent benchmarking process examines over 180 different aspects of AI performance, including speed, accuracy, and initialization time, ensuring a thorough and holistic evaluation.

    Commenting on this technological breakthrough, Digital, Times Network president & COO Rohit Chadda said, “We acquired Digit as part of our strategic growth initiatives and are poised to drive it into its next phase of growth. AI-Q is truly a groundbreaking innovation of our time and sets a new benchmark showcasing Digit’s thought leadership in the Technology industry. With the rise of Generative AI and its integration into all kinds of devices, Digit empowers users to understand the true AI capabilities of their gadgets. Our stringent benchmarking process, involving 80 models and more than 180 aspects of AI performance, ensures a comprehensive evaluation of speed, accuracy, and initialization time.”

    As part of its continuous effort to empower consumers with the latest information, Digit.in has introduced Digi-AI-zed, a new segment on its website. This dedicated section will serve as a comprehensive source for all AI-related news and reviews, catering to both users and industry leaders seeking the latest advancements in AI technology.

  • SuperGaming introduces 4v4 Team Deathmatch in Indus Battle Royale

    SuperGaming introduces 4v4 Team Deathmatch in Indus Battle Royale

    Mumbai: SuperGaming, an Indian game developer based in Pune, has announced the launch of Team Deathmatch (TDM) mode for its upcoming homegrown game, Indus Battle Royale. This latest gameplay feature follows Indus’ recent feat of surpassing 11 million pre-registrations on the Google Play Store for Android.

    The TDM mode introduces a 4v4 gameplay experience set in the brand-new map called Saaplok. Unlike the traditional battle royale format, TDM offers an adrenaline-pumping environment where players will respawn after getting eliminated, ensuring continuous action and engagement. The first squad to collectively reach 50 kills will be declared the winner.

    Additionally, weapon sway, crosshair centering, and muzzle VFX have all been reworked for a more dynamic and immersive experience. To further enhance player satisfaction, achievements and kill confirmations have been visually revamped, while a brand-new UI widget called “ferrofluids” has been introduced. This innovative widget not only accurately conveys the direction, intensity, and count of weapon fire and self-inflicted damage, but also boasts a stylish design unlike anything seen in the genre.

    Sharing his enthusiasm for the latest gameplay mode addition to Indus Battle Royale, SuperGaming CEO and co-founder Roby John stated, “We are thrilled to introduce the Team Deathmatch mode in Indus Battle Royale. With TDM, players can expect a pulse-pounding experience that combines fast-paced action with strategic gameplay. The support from our community has fueled our development efforts, and we are confident that our players will embrace TDM and the new dimension that it brings to the game.”

    Players can expect a complete audio overhaul, featuring dynamic voice lines, impactful interior reverb during combat, and a thrilling new endgame track complete with unique sound effects for victory and defeat. Weapon handling has also received a significant upgrade, with gun responsiveness now visible during sliding maneuvers and while firing.

    To intensify combat, TDM will offer four pre-made weapon load-outs for players to choose from. Catering to various playstyles, these load-outs will prevent any single weapon or combination from becoming overpowered, bringing balance and a competitive edge to the gameplay.

    The weapon load-outs for Indus Battle Royale TDM will be as follows:

    1   A27 Locust (assault rifle) & Judgement (handgun)

    2   Devastator (light machine gun) & R4-FTR (handgun)

    3   V – Fury (submachine gun) & Kismet CS10 (shotgun)

    4   Tempest CFA (submachine gun) & Vigil SR-14 (semi-automatic sniper rifle)

    The addition of TDM will cater to both casual players seeking fast-paced action and competitive gamers looking for team-based challenges, or even for squads looking for a quick warm up prior to a battle royale match. It will not only diversify gameplay within the Indus universe but also broaden the game’s appeal to a wider gaming community eager for multiplayer modes.

    The game is currently in closed beta and gamers eager to experience it firsthand can head over to www.indusbeta.com and sign up to join the official waitlist. Once on the list, users will receive a direct link to download and play the game as soon as they are whitelisted.

  • “Tinder’s mission is to keep the magic of human connection alive:” Anukool Kumar

    “Tinder’s mission is to keep the magic of human connection alive:” Anukool Kumar

    Mumbai: This Pride month, Tinder, the popular dating app, is taking significant steps to support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in India. In collaboration with Gaysi Family, a queer-owned and queer-run media platform, Tinder has launched its first Queer Dating Starter Pack. This visual checklist is designed to assist young, first-time queer daters on Tinder by providing essential guidance on self-discovery, dating etiquette, consent, safety and boundaries, and self-care. This initiative builds upon the LetsTalkGender.in guide and glossary that Tinder introduced in 2022, offering a comprehensive resource that integrates the new checklist for quick, reliable support as users navigate their dating experiences.

    In addition to this valuable resource, Tinder has announced the return of Queer Made Weekend, a pride festival. This event was dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and amplifying businesses and products made, owned, and run by India’s LGBTQIA+ community. Tinder Queer Made Weekend took place on 8 June 2024 at Jio World Drive in Mumbai and from 15 to 16 June 2024 at DLF Promenade in Delhi.

    Indiantelevision caught up with Tinder India marketing director Anukool Kumar and shared insights on his journey from engineering to marketing, highlighting how his technical background had enhanced his creative problem-solving skills in marketing. He discussed how trends like the demand for authentic connections shaped Tinder’s strategies, exemplified by the “You Up” campaign. Emphasizing adaptability and user-centric approaches, Anukool underscored the importance of staying relevant to Gen Z’s evolving interests and values. His entrepreneurial experience informed his innovative marketing tactics at Tinder, focusing on user engagement, differentiation, and trust and safety. Anukool also elaborated on initiatives like Queer Made Weekend and the Queer Dating Starter Pack, reflecting Tinder’s commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Edited excerpt

    On your transition from engineering to marketing and inspiring this career shift

    I always felt destined to be a marketeer, but engineering happened by chance as I enjoyed logical thinking, analytical work, and IT at that time. However, being an engineer has actually made me a better marketeer. I’ve been able to leverage the analytical and problem-solving skills honed in engineering to tackle marketing challenges creatively. This creative problem-solving mindset, common in engineering, translates well into developing innovative marketing strategies. Additionally, engineering provided me with a deep understanding of product features and benefits, which aids in crafting compelling marketing messages. Overall, I always had a desire for more creative expression, an interest in understanding and influencing consumer behaviour, and the goal of having a broader impact on the company’s success by reaching wider audiences.

    On recent market trend that influencing Tinder’s marketing strategy

    A recent market trend influencing Tinder’s marketing strategy is the growing emphasis on authentic connections and meaningful interactions. In response, Tinder launched the “You Up” campaign as a part of the brand’s global message “It Starts with A Swipe” inspired by this new generation and how uniquely they look at themselves and their dating lives. The campaign celebrates the endless possibilities of moments and experiences on Tinder. It is a reflection of how dating has become more fluid and how young daters increasingly embrace their authentic selves on the Tinder app and IRL. For them ‘You Up?’ is about putting themselves out there and seeking the kind of connections they want, on their own terms. Young adults reclaim the idea of ‘you up?’ culturally associated with ‘provocative/suggestive’ dating behaviour and instead define it as a positive call to action for putting yourself out there and all the adventure it can the experiences, the adrenaline, the chemistry and the excitement. The film was released on 20 December 2022, across YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.

    The campaign beautifully illustrates the endless possibilities that Tinder delivers and reflects Gen Z’s desire to express and connect on the issues that matter to them most, with 63 per cent of Tinder users wanting to connect with someone that aligns with their values. The film follows a female protagonist who’s not afraid to navigate through diverse experiences and puts herself out there for all the experiences that come her way, whether it be a fun karaoke night, a long drive, or just meeting someone over dinner. By being open to possibilities, she is able to explore her individuality with endless new adventures that await at every turn with Tinder.

    1 Tinder In app Survey among Tinder users aged 18-24 in UK, US, AU. Data was collected between 10/18/22 – 10/28/22.

    On integrating emerging market trends into Tinder’s marketing campaigns

    Tinder evolves as our core target audience evolves (from Millennials to Gen Z), and our goal is to always stay relevant and offer the best experience to them, following their habits, behaviours and evolving trends. Our campaigns revolve around our users, keeping their interests and insights at the heart of everything we do, whether it is interests such as food, music, travel or pop-culture trends. Last year, we also collaborated with DOT., the Gen-Z actor from Netflix’s The Archies film, to spotlight Incognito Mode, a feature which offers Tinder subscribers the ability to maintain full control over their visibility while engaging with the Tinder app in this film. Our recent campaigns, “It Starts With a Swipe,” and “You Up” were inspired by this new generation of daters and how uniquely they look at themselves and their dating lives. Our goal is to bring more spontaneity into people’s lives and to open up a whole new world of possibilities with others.

    For our ongoing Swipe Ride Series which completed its 3rd season last year, we collaborated with influencers and celebrities who are strong female icons such as Kusha Kapila, Swara Bhaskar, Rashmika Mandanna, Pooja Bhatt, Uorfi Javed, Zeenat Aman, Janhvi Kapoor and more to celebrate meaningful conversations about what Indian women truly want from their dating lives and normalise conversations around female desire, body positivity, self-care.

    On experience as an entrepreneur influencing your approach to marketing at companies like OkCupid and Tinder

    My experience as an entrepreneur has significantly influenced my approach to marketing as I’ve learnt to be adaptable, resourceful, and innovative, which are crucial traits in the dynamic field of marketing. This entrepreneurial mindset allows me to quickly identify market opportunities and pivot strategies to stay ahead of trends.

    Moreover, my entrepreneurial background instilled in me a results-oriented mindset, constantly measuring and analyzing the effectiveness of marketing initiatives to optimize performance and drive growth. This blend of creativity, user focus, and data analysis that shaped my entrepreneurial experiences has been key in crafting successful marketing strategies for these dating platforms.

    On ensuring that Tinder’s marketing strategies resonate with the diverse user base in India

    Tinder’s mission is to keep the magic of human connection alive. We’re focused on promoting realness, respect, and relevancy amongst our users. The power of marketing lies in the connection we make with our target audiences in Tinder’s case it’s Gen-Z and how they see themselves as part of the brand. More than half of all Tinder users across the globe are 18-25 years old and they are all about vibing, meeting up and being their authentic selves. GenZ are digital natives and our priority is to talk to them in their language and be where they are having these conversations. They’re also incredibly intentional in both who they choose to date and how they choose to date and are looking for casual activities and shared experiences to get to know each other and make their first dates count.

    On key challenges that you face as the head of marketing at Tinder and overcome them

    Some of the key challenges include maintaining user engagement, differentiating Tinder in a competitive market, and navigating Trust & Safety concerns. User engagement means how we are agile as a marketeer, and build on trends. Talking about differentiation, Tinder’s Queer Made Weekend is a great example. It is one of the most significant inclusive initiatives we’ve committed to for three consecutive years in partnership with the Gaysi Family. It began as a digital space for 100+ LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and business owners in 2021 and expanded to an in-person event in Delhi in 2022, with further expansion to both Delhi and Mumbai in 2023 and again this year. Before Tinder’s Queer Made Weekend, cities in India had never seen such a vibrant collection of queer businesses.

    Additionally, addressing T&S concerns is paramount. In 2021, we launched LetsTalkConsent in partnership with Yuvva and Pink Legal as an ongoing conversation on consent education. Every year, we’ve reintroduced conversations on consent through various initiatives. These include offline workshops across 9 colleges and a 90-minute self-learning online course on Coursera. Through education and intervention, we believe that we can make Tinder the safest way to meet new people and ensure that dating is both fun and safe for everyone.

    On inspiring the launch of Queer Made in partnership with Little Black Book and Gaysi Family

    In 2021, Tinder launched Queer Made in partnership with Little Black Book and Gaysi Family, to provide a digital space for over 100+ LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and business owners. It is a space dedicated to celebrating, supporting and amplifying businesses and products made, owned and/or run by India’s LGBTQIA+ community. The aim was to empower entrepreneurial voices, foster discovery, and inspire users in-app and online to deepen their allyship, a commitment that continues today. The initiative expanded IRL in 2022, where Tinder organised a two-day festival, Queer Made Weekend in Delhi, with over 30 LGBTQIA+ owned businesses from categories such as Fashion, Art, Merch, Home Decor etc., from across India and 10+ home-grown musicians among many more. Last year, Tinder expanded the festival to Delhi and Mumbai, with a footfall of 30k+.

    On collaboration influencing public perception of your brand, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community

    Tinder welcomes everyone, and we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to make a meaningful connection with someone new, no matter who they are. We’ve been at the forefront of pioneering inclusive features and campaigns that ensure our users can be their authentic selves on our platform. With each passing year, Tinder’s Queer Made Weekend has grown significantly, attracting an overwhelming turnout and strong support from both the community and allies. The festival has showcased a diverse array of queer-owned businesses and creative expressions, with performances by home-grown artists adding vibrancy and energy to the events. Year after year, we are inspired by stories of resilience and creativity. As a strong ally, Tinder’s vision is to help users create meaningful connections and provide a space where they can be their authentic selves.

    On Queer Dating Starter Pack aiming to support first-time queer daters in navigating various dating scenarios

    The Queer Dating Starter Pack, curated by Gaysi Family with insights from The QKnit, addresses common concerns of first-time queer daters by focusing on themes like self-discovery, dating etiquette, consent, safety, boundaries, and self-care. It covers essential topics such as readiness to date, exploring one’s identity, understanding and setting boundaries, and practising consent and self-care, all based on real-life experiences of the queer community, resulting in a resource that is both authentic and practical for first-time queer daters.  Building on the LetsTalkGender.in guide and glossary launched by Tinder in 2022, the new checklist integrates with this resource, providing quick check-ins as they navigate their dating firsts on Tinder with confidence and clarity. 

  • NODWIN Gaming announces BGMS Season 3

    NODWIN Gaming announces BGMS Season 3

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s gaming and esports company has announced the highly anticipated third edition of India’s premier esports event – BGMI Masters Series (BGMS). The tournament will be televised live on India’s leading sports broadcaster Star Sports for the third consecutive year.  

    BGMS Season 3 will witness India’s top 24 teams competing in one of the nation’s biggest Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) tournaments scheduled from July 19 to August 11.

    Sharing his enthusiasm, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee expressed, “Being the biggest esports IP in India, BGMS has been a cornerstone of esports action in the country since its inception two years ago. This edition marks a significant milestone for us as BGMS returns to a major sports TV network like Star Sports, for the third time, offering unparalleled visibility to esports talent & associated brands on mainstream television. Our team has always strived to deliver top-tier esports experiences and will leave no stone unturned in leveraging our years of expertise in the production and broadcast space to bring the best of the best esports action on television once again. Together, with the incredible team at Star Sports, we are committed to cementing esports’ status as a mainstream sport amongst the masses, and eagerly anticipate an exciting season ahead.”

    The tournament has continued its association with TVS Raider, the sporty commuter motorcycle from TVS Motor Company as the Official Mobility Partner, and Philips OneBlade, the male grooming product of Philips India as the competition’s Official Styling Partner.

    “We are thrilled to announce the third season in partnership with a plethora of remarkable brands, who share our collective vision to nurture esports talent across the country. The involvement and support of leading brands highlights the growing youth base of this new-age sport, and how BGMS is positioned to reach out and capture the largest market share of this growing audience.”  he further added.

    The previous season of BGMS garnered a remarkable viewership on the Star Sports Network, underscoring its growing popularity and appeal amongst audiences throughout the nation. As the tournament returns for a third consecutive year on Star Sports, it reaffirms its position as a linchpin of India’s esports calendar.

    “Star Sports has always been committed to bringing the best of sports entertainment to its viewers. The rapid rise of esports in the country has made it an exciting addition to our portfolio, tapping into a wide demographic of tech-savvy younger generations. Having accumulated monumental viewership for the past two seasons, BGMS has not only helped us showcase the best of esports action but also to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports in India. With the invaluable support of NODWIN Gaming, we look forward to another high-octane season this year, offering unparalleled BGMI action to our viewers,” said Star Sports Network head of marketing Vikram Passi.

    NODWIN Gaming, alongside each of the partner brands, will play a pivotal role in making BGMS Season 3, a premium esports experience for fans across the nation, setting new benchmarks in Indian esports.