ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Time to play pure with Ranveer Singh in BGMI

    Time to play pure with Ranveer Singh in BGMI

    Mumbai: Gaming has evolved beyond mere entertainment; it is a vibrant community. BGMI offers an immersive experience as Ranveer Singh returns to the battlegrounds with style and swag! Prepare to elevate your game as the powerhouse takes center stage in BGMI. It is time to play pure!

    Every gamer needs the right look for the lobby in BGMI, and the ‘Ranveer Swag Crate’ has you covered! Enhance your experience with exclusive gear designed to make you stand out in the Battlegrounds. Unlock the all-new Ranveer Singh special skins and finish your enemies with style!

    Unleash your inner IGL with the RS special voice pack, featuring Ranveer Singh’s dialogues! Rank push with your squad, have fun with friends, and rush for that chicken dinner! Bring on the swag with the RS helmet, backpack, parachute and stun your enemies with the grenade skin.

    Use UC’s to open the crate & get epic rewards at milestone spins. Do not miss this final opportunity to bring the charisma and style of the powerhouse to your BGMI gameplay. Grab the crate today and dominate the battlegrounds.

  • Catch Prabhas in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ in theaters and enjoy ‘Chanakya’ and ‘Bridgerton’ on OTT

    Catch Prabhas in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ in theaters and enjoy ‘Chanakya’ and ‘Bridgerton’ on OTT

    Mumbai: As June begins, it brings forth a plethora of choices for fans of historic and period dramas. So whether you’re drawn to epic adventures, historical dramas, or gripping sagas of ancient wisdom, this month offers an abundance of captivating narratives to explore and enjoy. From Kalki 2898 AD in theaters, Bridgerton Season to Chanakya, an audio series on Pocket FM, there’s a lot of variety for consumers – stay tuned!

    Here’s a list of film, OTT series, and audio series to lookout for:

    Kalki 2898 AD (In theaters)

    An upcoming Indian epic sci-fi action film, set in a post-apocalyptic world in 2898 AD, depicts a modern avatar of Vishnu, the Hindu god, protecting the world from evil. Written and directed by Nag Ashwin, it stars Prabhas in the lead role, alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani, forming part of The Kalki Cinematic Universe.

    Chanakya (Pocket FM)

    2600 years ago the land of India became synonymous with a name that changed its destiny forever. The name was ‘Chanakya’. A great teacher who was happy performing his duties, until the day his very existence was questioned. That day he decided to free India from the clutches of an evil empire and did so by conquering King Dhanananda and establishing the Great Mauryan Empire under the reign of King Chandragupta Maurya. Chanakya is not just a story but a deep dive into the prowess of Chanakya that made impossible, possible!

    Bridgerton (Netflix)

    Set against the backdrop of the Regency era, the eight close-knit siblings of the noble and powerful Bridgerton family – Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth – navigate London high society in search of love, surrounded by friends and rivals alike. The next part of Season 3 will be live from 13th June 2024.

    The New Avatar (Pocket FM)

    A brave prince, Daksh is betrayed and brutally murdered by his own fiancee, Chinai. Things take a turn post Daksh’s death when Chinai is given the title of the Queen of the kingdom. Nobody knows the real reason behind Daksh’s murder. Daksh’s body may have died but his soul is seeking justice for what happened to him. In order to find out what happened, Daksh’s soul lands in a young boy’s body who lives with his helpless and poor mother. Now Daksh not only needs justice as a prince but also as a helpless young boy. What happens next? Does Daksh find out the truth behind his murder? Does he succeed in helping the little boy and his mother? Tune into The New Avatar only on Pocket FM to know more.

    The Crown (Netflix)

    A historical drama television series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, consists of six seasons spanning almost six decades, beginning shortly before the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten in 1947 and ending with the 2005 wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.

  • “The people there were really warm, and the food was absolutely lip-smacking”: Hina Khan

    “The people there were really warm, and the food was absolutely lip-smacking”: Hina Khan

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released the bromance dramedy Namacool, which has been basking in praise from audiences across that country ever since its release. Set in the bustling city of Lucknow, the series follows Mayank and Piyush, two best friends who yearn for fame as they enter their second year of college, unintentionally inviting an emotional rollercoaster as they embark on a quest to discover the true essence of manhood. Their lives spiral into a world of uncertainty, crime, and deceit when fate leads them to encounter new friends, enemies, and love interests. With numerous unexpected twists and turns, viewers will be hooked to the series from start to finish as this hilarious story unfolds.

    Hina Khan, who plays Rubiya, discusses her character in the series, stating, “I play the character of Rubiya, wife of the dean. She is the eye candy for every boy in the college. Rubiya is the main mystery of the show. She does not just plot her husband’s murder but uses this young boy from the college to help her. Rubiya is a mixture of sweet and spicy, basically one of those ‘masala’ characters in the show who turns out to be the shocking mystery element.”

    Furthermore, Hina also shares her experience of shooting for the series in the city of Nawabs – Lucknow, saying, “It was a lovely experience shooting in Lucknow. I absolutely loved my stay in the city! The people there were really warm, and the food was absolutely lip-smacking! I enjoyed trying out all the local delicacies that the cast and crew made me try. Overall, it was a great experience shooting there!”

    Directed by Ritam Shrivastava and written by Shantanu Srivastava, this seven-episode series features a talented cast, including Hina Khan, Abhinav Sharma, Aaron Koul, Abhishek Bajaj, Anushka Kaushik, Faisal Malik, and Aadil Khan in pivotal roles. Namacool is now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, or download the app from Play Store.

  • Riyadh Air & Singapore Airlines sign strategic agreement to establish commercial partnership

    Riyadh Air & Singapore Airlines sign strategic agreement to establish commercial partnership

    Mumbai: Riyadh Air and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new partnership between the two airlines.

    The agreement was inked by Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas and Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong on the sidelines of the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on 2 June 2024.

    Under the MoU, the carriers will explore opportunities for interline connectivity on each other’s services, subject to regulatory approval. They will also work on other potential areas of commercial cooperation, including codeshare arrangements, reciprocal benefits for their frequent flyer programme members, cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation as a precursor to a deeper, long-term, strategic partnership.

    These will potentially offer Riyadh Air’s guests access to SIA’s network in South East Asia and the South West Pacific region, and SIA’s customers greater access to the Middle East region through Riyadh Air’s network.

    Riyadh Air is a new airline based in Saudi Arabia, and it is expected to commence commercial operations in 2025, offering customers travel options to and from the Middle East.

    Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said: “Our strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines unlocks significant benefits for our future guests as it grows our network in partnership with the World’s Best Airline. We see huge potential for strong connectivity in South East Asia and both Australia and New Zealand through the award-winning hub at Singapore Changi Airport, while also providing opportunities for westbound passengers to connect across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region on Riyadh Air. This relationship is a meaningful and deep cooperation that starts with a wide-ranging codeshare agreement and is expected to include a broad range of areas including digital and technology, loyalty and cargo.”

    Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “This win-win strategic partnership with Riyadh Air will enable us to offer even more options, enhanced connectivity, and greater benefits to our customers. Together, we can facilitate the growth of passenger travel between Saudi Arabia and Singapore, and beyond, via our respective networks, supporting both tourism and business links. The MoU will also allow us to find ways to work together to enhance customer experience and cargo services, and harness digital tools and solutions, potentially bringing greater benefits to both airlines in the future.”

  • “Artium is worlds’ first outcome driven Music Education platform:” Ashish & Vivek

    “Artium is worlds’ first outcome driven Music Education platform:” Ashish & Vivek

    Mumbai: Artium Academy is one of India’s leading music learning and community platforms, offering 1:1 live online music classes and interactive masterclasses from some of India’s biggest music icons. Its performance-based courses, designed and certified by industry legends like Sonu Nigam, K S Chithra, Shubha Mudgal, Aruna Sairam, Louis Banks, and others, are delivered using proprietary technology that includes AI-enabled practice studios and a robust performance platform. With hundreds of certified teachers and thousands of paid learners worldwide, Artium is at the forefront of redefining music education.

    Artium Originals, the academy’s in-house music label, has produced and released over 35 songs since its inception in September 2022. In partnership with Global Music Junction and Warner Music India, Artium Originals identifies and nurtures the academy’s in-house talent, providing artists with a platform for content creation, artist management, revenue generation, digital monetization, branding, and sponsorships. By helping artists reach national and global audiences, Artium Originals is putting the academy’s talent on the map.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Artium Academy CEO & founder Ashish Joshi and Artium Originals CEO & co-founder Vivek Raicha where they shared more insights on Artium Academy befitting aspiring musicians and a lot more…

    Edited excerpts

    On Artium Academy benefitting aspiring musicians

    Artium is worlds’ first outcome driven Music Education platform. Artium offers performance driven structured Music education program, designed by the Maestros of Indian Music industry, which streamlines the journey of a music aspirant from learning to creating to monetisation.

    1. Learn: Artium offers globally standardised performance driven music education program to give a well rounded musical grooming to our learners. We are building AI based assessment and prescription tools to aide efficient learning and performing, thereby offering qualitative pedagogy.

    2. Create: Talented & aspiring learners from our cohort of learners & teachers get an opportunity to launch themselves as Artists through our creative & collaborative tools financed by Artium.

    3. Monetize/Distribute: These creators/artists are signed through our Music label and get an opportunity to monetize/distribute their music content through our digital distribution partnerships, live show opportunities & brand partnerships.

    On integration of technology shaping the future of music learning experiences

    We believe that India, because of its size and geography, will leapfrog using technology to offer best-in-class music education. Even if build physical infrastructure to offer offline classes, our Technology will allow us to deliver a Phygital experience to our learners giving them an elevated learning experience. Artium has built an indigenous and propriety technology platform evangelizing the Music education space. Artium has built a bespoke video conferencing platform embedded with learning tools like Tanpura, metronome, Tabla, instrument tuner etc in form of a comprehensive Practice studio. Artium offers P2P socket technology to ensure that all these learning tools offer seamless and zero-lag sound quality while delivering live lessons in the class. Our patent-pending technology for keyboard/piano live classes allows, both the teachers and students, to see each others’keyboards on their respective dashboards along with the notations and chord sheets providing an immersive and almost in-person class experience. Our AI-based assessment and prescription tools help our learners practice well between their classes and stay up-to-date with their lessons. Our scientifically devised learning graphs allows the users to have comprehensive assessment on various Musical parameters on their fashboards. These assessments allow the users to calibrate learning paths with their teachers from time to time.  

    On contributing to the quality of education provided by Artium

    To differentiate ourselves as India’s first performance-driven, globally standardised, Music education platform and to build the depth of pedagogy, it was important for us to get industry stalwarts like Sonu Nigam, KS Chithra, Aruna Sairam, Shubha Mudgal, Louiz Banks, Raju Singh, Ananth Vaidyanathan, Anish Pradhan & Gino Banks on our Academic board. These legends have been serving as Faculty heads on the board and are involved in designing the curriculum, conducting Masterclasses, inducting teachers, certifying our students, judging our Artium SuperStar show, creating brand films etc. Their deep integration into our Ecosystem and their belief in Artium’s vision inspires us to provide uncompromised and superior-quality Music education for Indians globally.

    On any plans for launching offline centers to give opportunities for more upcoming musicians

    Yes, in order to have a deeper and more effective reach globally, we are going Omnichannel. We have just rolled out our first offline centre in Chennai and we are in the process of rolling out a few more company-owned offline centers in Southern India.We intend to launch around 40 such centers in the next 2 years pan India. We will start with India and then expand globally.

    On your future plans for aspiring talents in the music industry

    By virtue of being the Biggest Music education platform for Indians globally, we have the privilege of nurturing and nourishing some of the best talents who will be making a mark in the music industry. In order to give them a platform to launch themselves in the industry, we launched a platform called “Artium Originals” last year, where we releasedaround 50+ Originals tracks with more than 31 of our creators. To fast-track their musical journey further, we will be launching our Music Label soon. Through our Music Label, we will be giving a unique opportunity to not only release their own singles/albums, but collaborate with Industry stalwarts. This opportunity will help them in their journey to become Music stars/creators/influencers of the future. 

  • “The Indian e-commerce landscape has undergone a phenomenal shift since Boldfit’s inception”: Pallav Bihani

    “The Indian e-commerce landscape has undergone a phenomenal shift since Boldfit’s inception”: Pallav Bihani

    Mumbai: Boldfit, a leading name in health and fitness apparel, equipment, and supplements, is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with Blinkit, India’s premier quick commerce platform. This collaboration ensures that Boldfit’s premium products are now accessible for rapid 10-minute delivery across many cities in India, revolutionising the way fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers access their essential products.

    25-year-old Pallav Bihani is the founder & CEO at Boldfit. Bihani was born and brought up in the city of Bengaluru. His childhood years involved education and fun with friends in a world minus tech and complexities. He attended the prestigious Bishop Cotton Boys School in Bangalore, where he was groomed by some of the most amazing teachers and principals, which shaped his personality and helped him become the humble-yet-extremely confident person he is today.

    Even though he was never an extraordinary achiever or topper in school, it did not stop Pallav from being an ambitious guy who had a keen interest in entrepreneurship. So, from a young age he would write and sell music CDs and video games to his classmates and neighbours. Also, computers, tech &gadgets, etc. used to fascinate him; people would often call him to fix their computers and home gadgets and he would do a great job at it. Thus he had his early-age hands-on experience in the world of computers and tech, but little did he know back then that several years later, he would use the knowledge of technology and digital to sell his (company’s) products through the internet!

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Bihani where he shares more on his journey, key lessons during hardships, marketing strategies and more…

    Edited excerpts

    On your early days in Bangalore and your upbringing shaping your entrepreneurial spirit

    I have been a cricket fanatic since childhood. Growing up, I followed the sport and played it too. But right before my board exams, I suffered a slip disc. Which was a defining moment, in me getting serious about fitness. I hit the gym like no other, immersed myself with the community, gaining knowledge about products, supplements and everything around it. It’s here that I identified a massive opportunity to build a brand that matched expectations for fitness enthusiasts across the country. Quality products with a significant value and price advantage. And thus began my journey with Boldfit in December, 2018.

    On the key lessons you learned from your stint in the family business at Sasvat Group, and how did they prepare you for launching Boldfit

    Family businesses emphasise building strong relationships. This skill is crucial in the startup world, and at Boldfit it helped secure partnerships, recruit talent, and build a strong community. The learnings provided a strong foundation for launching Boldfit. They allowed me to navigate the market strategically, build a strong network, and make sound financial decisions.

    On managing the diverse responsibilitiesat Boldfit

    Boldfit started with 5 employees. Delivering products that maximised value for fitness enthusiasts across the country. Five years hence, we’re now a team of over 50 across various verticals, each bringing in their area of expertise to the overall business. We have people who have worked on some of the largest e-commerce platforms & major sports brands, helping build Boldfit into a fitness and sports major in India.

    On describing your approach to product development and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of Boldfit’s products

    The idea is to consistently create products for sports enthusiasts and athletes alike, which provide an incremental advantage with superior fabric, technology, functionality and design. Our product design philosophy is backed by serious research and testing, which helps solve problems for the average fitness enthusiast. From moisture management to odour-free mechanisms, durable build to convenience, our range of accessories & apparel are designed to help the community push boundaries on the daily.

    On marketing strategies have been most effective for Boldfit in gaining and retaining customers

    We leverage social media platforms to build a strong community within the fitness universe. It allows us to understand our audience’s needs and tailor our offerings accordingly. Utilising a mix of organic and paid social media campaigns, along with tactical influencer marketing, we’ve been instrumental in reaching new audiences while delighting our existing. We’re constantly innovating and identifying channels and trends to stay ahead of the curve. This includes staying updated on the latest around all things fitness, and tailoring our content accordingly. Our focus remains on building a loyal customer base through exceptional service, a strong identity, and a commitment to delivering on experience.

    On the Indian e-commerce landscape changing since you started Boldfit

    The Indian e-commerce landscape has undergone a phenomenal shift since Boldfit’s inception. The growth of internet penetration, particularly on mobile phones, has been a game-changer. This accessibility opened doors for new e-commerce categories like fitness and wellness, perfectly aligning with Boldfit’s mission. The emergence of faster and more affordable delivery options has revolutionised online shopping. Our recent partnership with Blinkit, delivering our products within 10 minutes, is a testament to this evolution. This convenience is essential for Boldfit, ensuring customers receive fitness products quickly and efficiently. The growing focus on digital payments like UPI has streamlined online transactions, making it easier for customers to purchase Boldfit products and services.

    Boldfit is well-positioned to capitalise on these trends by leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience and offer innovative fitness solutions through its e-commerce platforms.

  • Message for the members of the fourth estate from the desk of Dr Subhash Chandra

    Message for the members of the fourth estate from the desk of Dr Subhash Chandra

    Mumbai: Media is considered the fourth pillar of democracy but faces increasing pressure from the Governing Class, whether the legislature, executive, corporations and more. There are structured attempts by them to align the media to achieve their agenda. Governments exert pressure on media through advertising influence or the use of state machinery to threaten so that the press can be prevented from publishing factual information.

    Zee Media’s flagship channel – Zee News, recently faced an alarming incident of  Governmental suppression of the media’s independence. On 23  May 2024 an interview of chief minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal was conducted by a senior journalist of Zee News.  Post the interview, the independent editorial team at Zee Media decided not to telecast it,  keeping in mind some objectionable content in the interaction. Some portions of the interview

    were telecasted as well but the spokesperson of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) kept insisting that  “Zee News must publish the entire interview else it will face consequences like withdrawal of advertising (which was substantial on a monthly basis) by Punjab Government at the least”. I wondered, what else will they do to penalise/prosecute our freedom.

    I discovered soon that the Government of Punjab forced a blackout across the state,  leveraging a monopoly of a particular Multiple System Operator (MSO). The blackout was forced, not only for Zee News but also for Zee PHH & Zee Delhi NCR. The state government also extended the blackout of Zee Entertainment channels. To add further AAP withdrew all the spokespersons from participating in debates held by Zee Media’s news channels.  Unfortunately, none of our fellow News networks raised any voice. Zee group neither could provide true news nor it could entertain its loyal viewers of Punjab for a good 8 days.  Zee fought this battle independently and got the channels restored by seeking justice through a legal approach.

    This is a real-time and live example of political parties suppressing us as a fourth state. Today it is Zee, while tomorrow it can be any other news channel, news publication or platform.

    On 3 May 2024, which is celebrated annually as World Press Freedom Day, I released a video message, expressing my thoughts and views on freedom of the press. This video went viral within a short frame of time. The media fraternity appreciated this step. Most of them were even shocked yet noticed this bold statement of mine. As a result, my office received 54 press interview requests. Hence, I took yet another proactive step and conducted a Media-Meet Press Conference, leading to a constructive round of conversation with the senior members of the media fraternity.  

    The after-effects of the viral video led to various speculations and the governing class demanded explanation. Zee Media could not only explain the reason (As mentioned above) but added that it was not directed to any particular party or person(s). This step worked in favour of the fourth estate since Zee Media got an assurance from the system that post elections, they will work with/in the new Government and make efforts to improve the ranking of India from the current 159th position amongst 180 nations. I was told that the mentioned rating has been low for two decades and the respective governments did not attend to this issue.

    Unfortunately, many of the news channels, newspapers, social media and digital platforms have started accepting the pressure as part of life, instead of resisting or voicing out their disagreement. This is one reason why India ranks 159th out of 180 in terms of press freedom. The natural blame gets inclined towards the Government, but the media itself is equally responsible.

    These incidences are not isolated. Various organisations/people in the governing class  (political, bureaucracy, corporations and others with money mussels) have historically employed numerous tactics to suppress media organisations, from leveraging advertising revenue to exerting pressure through corporate avenues and the use of investigating agencies. Despite these challenges, Zee Media’s news channels and platforms have steadfastly upheld its credibility and commitment to public interest journalism.

    I not only recognise but also take pride in the importance of a free press in a democratic society and condemn any attempts to stifle journalistic freedom. The governing class has forgotten the defeat of Mrs. Indira Gandhi post-emergency era. One of the major reasons for her own team’s atrocities did not come to light or her notice; was because the same team had suppressed the media. If she knew about those horrific things, she would have never let it happen to people, hence I believe that media’s freedom is essential for the senior/top leadership of the Government of the day. Zee Media’s news channels and platforms will continue to focus on public interest stories, bringing crucial information to the forefront regardless of external pressures.

    I would like to reinforce Zee Media’s Commitment towards strengthening the Fourth Estate: Despite these challenges, Zee Media remains committed to delivering unbiased and credible news focused on public interest.

    I urge all stakeholders, including our viewers and regulatory bodies, to recognize and stand against these threats to press freedom. Free and independent media is crucial for the health of our beloved Country in terms of its economy, social structure, protection of weaker people in society, reduction of corruption and finally democracy. I and my team are ready to pay a price or face any consequences, to keep fulfilling our ‘Dharma’  towards our readers/viewers.

    Zee Media has always aimed to set an example for other media organizations through its work practices and core values. Key pointers that highlight its commitment are as follows:

    •Boldly inform about the truth to the government.

    •Intensify their focus on public issues, whether or not they are seen as government criticism.

    •Utilize their nationwide network to expose any government trying to exert undue pressure,  turning it into a campaign across the country, provided all of us are together.

    •Always provide training to journalists on handling pressure and maintaining integrity under duress.

    •If necessary, file lawsuits as public interest litigation for violating press freedom and seek legal remedies. 

  • AniMela brings Indian animation to the global stage at Annecy 2024

    AniMela brings Indian animation to the global stage at Annecy 2024

    Mumbai: AniMela, an initiative of the Aniverse & Visual Arts Foundation, is all set to elevate Indian animation on the global stage at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2024. For the first time in the history of animation, Indian animation will be showcased at NAMASTE MIFA, an exclusive India Pitch Event at MIFA (Marché International du Film d’Animation) in Annecy, considered the Mecca of the animation world.

    Besides the above, MIFA will also have an Indian Pavilion organized by the Govt of Karnataka, ABAI and K Tech Innovation Hub which will showcase the best from the Indian animation and VFX industry. 

    The four projects that will be showcased are:

    •    Hide & Seek, a short film by Krishna Chandran
    •    Rising Tides, a short film by Pari Satarkar
    •    Lala, a series by Isha Mangalmurti & Shreeya Wagh
    •    Table for One, a series by Debjyoti Saha & Dhruv Sehgal

    The above projects, which were part of the International MIFA Campus in India at AniMela 2024, received mentorship from experts from Annecy Festival during a 4-day workshop and were exhibited at the IMC (International MIFA Campus) event during the AniMela Festival in January 2024. The International MIFA Campus was supported by the French Institut in India and Rubika, Pune.

    Launched in early 2023, with the support of the Government of India and in partnership with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (AIAFF), AniMela is India’s first international Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and XR (AVGC-XR) Festival which aims to empower emerging Indian artists, developers, animators, storytellers, producers, and filmmakers.

    Speaking on the initiative, AniMela co-founder  Kireet Khurana said, “With the super successful launch of AniMela in February 2023 and an unprecedented selection of 6 Indian projects at the prestigious MIFA Pitch and Namaste MIFA, 2024 is turning out to be a momentous year for the Indian Animation Industry, where we would be showcasing the best Indian films. I am quite confident that we would be in a position to keep the spirit and the momentum aligned at the 2nd edition of AniMela in 2025.”  

    Highlighting the importance of Indian animation at Annecy, Assemblage Entertainment CEO  Arjun Madhavan said, “The Indian animation industry has demonstrated significant resilience and growth despite facing global challenges.  The focus on high-quality, culturally rich content and international collaborations is enhancing India’s global presence and therefore there is an utmost need to create and harness such festivals according to the likes of discerning audiences who are always eager in spending to watch such festivals.”

    “Platforms like MIFA and AniMela significantly contribute to the narrative of Indian animation by providing exposure, facilitating learning, fostering collaborations, opening market access, building recognition, and garnering support. These benefits collectively help Indian animation advance on the global stage, ensuring growth and success.” added, Zebu Animation Studios creative director Veerendra Patil.

    MIFA participant and well-known actor-writer, Dhruv Sehgal said, “The future of Indian animation is promising if our writing can meet international standards. Animation communities like MIFA and AniMela provide networking opportunities, financial and creative support, and opportunities to showcase work on international platforms like Annecy. In essence, they’re building bridges.”

    The other highlights from Brand India at Annecy Festival scheduled for June 2024 are:

    MIFA Pitch:  Each year, the Annecy International Animation Film Market (MIFA), selects projects from around the world, to showcase the best original animation projects in development. In another major feat for Indian animation, this year, at the MIFA Pitch, four out of the 41 shortlisted projects from across the world are Indian projects.

    •    Hide & Seek by Krishna Chandran NAIR (shortfilm)
    •    Rising Tides by Pari SATARKAR (shortfilm)
    •    Mangal – The Holy Beast by Triparna MAITI (feature)
    •    Mr. Bagwan by Alfredo Gerard KUTTIKATT (TV series)

    Indian Film Selections at Annecy:

    This year, we also have three Indian films in competition at the film festival.

    •    15 Years of Studio Eeksaurus “The Seed” by Suresh Eriyat
    •    Basha by Paul Anirban
    •    Maatitel by Govinda Saoin

    Indian Juror: While Indian creators are showcasing their projects, we also have the presence of an Indian Juror Nina Sabnani, a National award-winning animation filmmaker, illustrator and among India’s leading educators on this year’s jury for TV and Commissioned Films at Annecy 2024.

    Besides the above, MIFA will also have an Indian Pavilion this year which will showcase the best from the Indian animation and VFX industry.

    Aniverse Visual Art Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded by Kireet Khurana, Archana Trasy, Anne Doshi, Neha Jain, Tehzeeb Khurana and Anita Karnik to promote and develop Animation and other Visual Arts (like VFX, XR, Gaming & Comics).

  • “Developing a unique niche has been a journey of self-discovery and experimentation”: Saurav Haldar

    “Developing a unique niche has been a journey of self-discovery and experimentation”: Saurav Haldar

    Mumbai: With the cricket season in full swing, Saurav Haldar’s content has become even more relevant and engaging. He has a knack for infusing humor into his takes on the Indian Premier League (IPL), providing fans with a refreshing and entertaining perspective. Haldar’s content strategy revolves around understanding his audience’s preferences and delivering content that is both entertaining and insightful. He leverages the latest trends and matches them with his unique style, ensuring that his posts are always fresh and engaging. From funny memes to reflective analysis, Haldar’s content is a perfect blend that keeps fans coming back for more.

    Content creators like Haldar play a crucial role in the modern cricketing landscape. They bridge the gap between traditional sports media and the digital world, providing fans with a constant stream of engaging content. His humorous take on cricket not only entertains but also fosters a deeper connection among cricket enthusiasts.

    Recently, he achieved a remarkable feat by qualifying in the top 10 from over 500 participants in the Star Sports Dream Job Campaign. This achievement highlights his exceptional ability to connect with cricket fans and create content that resonates deeply with them.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Haldar to discuss his unique take on the sport and the strategies behind his engaging content.

    Edited excerpts

    On sharing your experience on making it to the top 10 in the Star Sports Dream Job Campaign and what you learned from it

    Making it to the top ten in the Star Sports Dream Job Campaign was extremely amazing. There were about 500 people competing, each issue we faced during the campaign made me think deeply about how to connect with the audience. One difficult task was filming Voxpop content in Ahmedabad’s burning weather. It was difficult to talk to people and capture their comments on camera on such short notice, as the temperature rose by the hour. However, going through these challenges taught me to be determined even when things were difficult. And it was a pleasure to collaborate with and learn from other talented participants. Overall, the campaign was an amazing experience that fueled my passion for sports anchoring and content creation.

    On developing your unique style and persona, often being referred to as the “Majnu Bhai of cricket”

    Developing a unique niche has been a journey of self-discovery and experimentation. I’ve always been passionate about both cricket and Bollywood, so naturally, I was always inclined towards blending the two in my content. The idea of infusing cricket with humor and also the most beloved Bollywood characters like Majnu Bhai resonated with me, and I decided to incorporate that into my videos. Through mimicry and comedic elements, I found a way to entertain and engage in a way that felt authentic to me. Over time, as I continued to refine my content and explore different avenues of creativity, the persona of the “Majnu Bhai of cricket” began to take shape. It’s a fusion of my love for both cricket and Bollywood, and it’s something that has resonated with my audience, earning me that endearing nickname.

    On ensuring your content stands out in a crowded space

    In a space full of talented content creators, standing out requires a combination of authenticity, consistency, and innovation. Firstly, I stay true to myself and my passion for cricket, which resonates with my audience on a personal level. This authenticity helps me build a genuine connection with my viewers, fostering loyalty and engagement. Secondly, consistency is key. I strive to maintain a regular posting schedule, ensuring that my audience knows when to expect new content from me. This helps me stay relevant and top-of-mind amidst the noise of social media. Finally, innovation is crucial for staying ahead of the curve. I’m always experimenting with different formats, collaborating with other creators, and staying abreast of emerging trends in content creation. By constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of creativity, I ensure that my content remains fresh, engaging, and distinctive in a crowded space.

    On any tips or advice for aspiring content creators who want to focus on cricket or sports in general

    Get right into the game. Watch matches, study players, and really get to know the sport inside out. The more you love it, the more your passion will shine through in your content. And don’t be afraid to be yourself. Find your own unique style that makes you stand out from the crowd, whether it’s being funny, analytical, or a great storyteller. Stay consistent too. Keep putting out good content regularly, even if you face challenges along the way. And never stop learning and trying new things. The world of content creation is always evolving, so stay curious and keep growing. But most importantly, remember to have fun! Creating content should be a journey that brings you joy, so enjoy every moment of it!

  • JioCinema and Deutsche Welle collaborate to bring exclusive content: “Megacity Mindset” series

    JioCinema and Deutsche Welle collaborate to bring exclusive content: “Megacity Mindset” series

    Mumbai: JioCinema, India’s leading digital entertainment platform, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) for the launch of “Megacity Mindset”, an inspiring five-part series showcasing remarkable individuals across India’s vibrant and influential cities.

    Created by documentary filmmakers Naomi Phillips and Akanksha Saxena (DW), “Megacity Mindset” explores the unique stories and mindsets driving success and innovation in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Each episode features exceptional individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and made a significant impact on their cities.

    Commenting on the launch, Daniel Schulz and Jaya Oberoi from DW‘s Asia Distribution Team, said, “Megacity Mindset” is a powerful up-close narrative, filled with endearing insights into the lives of extraordinary people who have embraced the city’s attitude – to call their own. The protagonists have allowed us proximity to see facets of their lives, combined with lasting impressions and statements that hopefully leave an imprint on the viewers. We are thrilled to partner with Jiocinema, to distribute this docuseries to reach India’s diverse audience who are interested in both entertainment, as well as informative content. At DW, we remain dedicated to focusing on thought-provoking stories that continue to inspire curious minds.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Viacom18 head – Branded Content Vivek Mohan Sharma said “We are excited to join forces with Deutsche Welle to present ‘Megacity Mindset’ which offers an intimate and compelling look into the lives of remarkable individuals who have adopted and thrived in the spirit of their cities. This collaboration with us at JioCinema allows us to bring a series rich with heartfelt insights and personal stories from India’s most dynamic cities to our audience. At Viacom18, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of content with offerings that not only entertain but also enlighten. ‘Megacity Mindset’ showcases the diverse talents and groundbreaking ideas shaping the future of India.”

    In Mumbai, Bollywood star and casting director Abhishek Banerjee shares his journey in the entertainment industry, offering insights into the dedication required to thrive in this competitive metropolis.

    Moving to Delhi, the series highlights pilot and high-flyer Capt. Zoya Agarwal, who is breaking barriers and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

    In Chennai, Tamil star rapper Arivu represents the ethos of excellence with his boundary-breaking music and powerful lyrics that resonate with audiences worldwide.

    Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, showcases the innovative spirit through virtual human Kyra, who is revolutionizing connectivity both online and in real life.

    Lastly, “Megacity Mindset” takes viewers to Kolkata, where poet-writer Karuna Ezara Parikh and emerging talents redefine the city’s cultural landscape through creativity and passion.

    Each episode of “Megacity Mindset” offers a compelling narrative of resilience, ambition, and creativity, showcasing diverse talents and perspectives that drive these megacities.

    Join us on this captivating journey as we explore the essence of success and the transformative power of mindset in India’s dynamic urban landscapes.

    “Megacity Mindset” is produced by DW and is exclusively available for streaming on JioCinema.