ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Ankkit Gupta transitions to JioStar in brand role from Disney Star India

    Ankkit Gupta transitions to JioStar in brand role from Disney Star India

    MUMBAI: JioStar has appointed Ankkit Gupta as a part of the team that oversees  brand and marketing strategy for JioHotstar and JioStar platforms.

    Gupta has made the transition to Jiostar from  Disney Star, where he served as senior manager of brand and marketing strategy for over seven years. During his tenure, he spearheaded several major campaigns, including National Geographic’s ‘One for Change’ sustainability initiative, which reached 50 million viewers across digital platforms. He also led network amplification for IPL 2023 and the release of Avatar 2.

    At Disney+ Hotstar, where he previously served as senior manager of commercial and procurement, Gupta was instrumental in the platform’s India launch, securing over 600 titles across Hindi and English content. His media career spans roles at Network18 Media, where he managed key advertiser relationships, and Reliance Broadcast Network, where he developed radio programming strategies.

    In his new role, Gupta will oversee brand development and marketing initiatives across JioStar’s expanding digital entertainment portfolio.

  • Klugklug expands globally as demand for data-driven influencer marketing rises

    Klugklug expands globally as demand for data-driven influencer marketing rises

    MUMBAI : Influencer marketing is evolving fast, & data-driven strategies are leading the charge. Klugklug, a cutting-edge Saas platform, is scaling new heights globally to meet the surging demand. Now in its third year, it has already made waves across India, southeast Asia, & the middle east, redefining how brands connect with influencers.

    Klugklug’s platform analyses over 300 million influencers across 150+ countries and 160+ languages, covering Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok (outside India), Snapchat, & LinkedIn. The company has helped businesses cut marketing inefficiencies by providing insights into influencer credibility, engagement, & audience demographics.

    “Many brands have relied on superficial metrics for influencer selection, leading to wasted budgets. Our approach brings transparency & validation, enabling brands to make informed decisions,” said Klugklug co-founder & CEO Kalyan Kumar.

    As part of its expansion, Klugklug is focusing on growth in south Asia, southeast Asia, Mena, & Latin America, with key targets including Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

  • Stent maker SMT announces leadership appointments

    Stent maker SMT announces leadership appointments

    MUMBAI: Cardiovascular medical device manufacturer Sahajanand Medical Technologies (SMT) has appointed Bhargav Kotadia as chief executive officer and Jose Calle Gordo as chairman, effective 1 April 2025.
    Kotadia succeeds Ganesh Sabat, who is stepping down after 12 years at the helm. Company founder Dhirajlal Kotadia will transition to chairman emeritus, whilst continuing to provide strategic guidance.

    The incoming chief executive has been closely involved with SMT’s strategic direction for the past 12 years. “Our goal remains clear: to innovate, expand, and make a meaningful impact in global cardiovascular care,” said Kotadia.

    Gordo, the newly appointed chairman, expressed confidence in the leadership change: “Bhargav’s deep understanding of the industry, combined with his strategic vision, will drive SMT’s continued growth and leadership in cardiovascular technologies.”

    SMT, which operates in more than 80 countries, specialises in drug-eluting stents and structural heart disease solutions. The company is known for pioneering biodegradable polymers in cardiovascular treatments.

  • Walk a hero’s path with Bata’s Marvel-ous new collection

    Walk a hero’s path with Bata’s Marvel-ous new collection

    MUMBAI: When it comes to superheroes, it’s not just about saving the day, sometimes it’s about looking good while doing it! Bata has teamed up with Marvel to unleash a limited-edition footwear collection just in time for the release of Captain America: Brave New World in India. The collaboration promises to bring Marvel’s iconic heroes to your feet, adding a dash of superhero flair to every step.

    The collection, featuring Bubblegummers, Floatz, and North Star, has something for every age group. Young fans can embrace their inner superhero with Bubblegummers and Floatz, showcasing playful designs like Captain America’s shield and wings, perfect for little feet making big impressions. Meanwhile, Marvel aficionados can slip into North Star sneakers, which blend bold, vibrant designs with the fearless spirit of Marvel’s most legendary characters.

    With prices starting at Rs 1,499, this collection brings the Marvel universe within reach, offering comfort, durability, and a touch of superhero energy for your everyday look. Whether you’re a Marvel veteran or a fresh recruit, stepping into these shoes is a chance to express your fandom in style.

    The Bata x Marvel collection is available now at select Bata stores and online at bata.com.

  • Boat turns up the volume with Nirvana X

    Boat turns up the volume with Nirvana X

    MUMBAI: Boat has turned up the volume with its latest tws earbuds, Nirvana X, engineered to redefine immersive audio. Packed with Hi-res ldac technology, dual drivers, AI-powered quad mics, and ultra-low latency gaming mode, these earbuds promise a premium experience without breaking the bank.

    Boat has teamed up with Knowles Corporation, a leading name in high-performance audio components, to equip Nirvana X with Hifi Balanced Armature (BA) drivers. This ensures deep bass, crisp highs, and an all-encompassing soundscape that takes listening to the next level.

    Nirvana X boasts dual dynamic 10mm drivers alongside Knowles BA drivers, offering studio-quality audio whether you’re streaming music, tuning into podcasts, or watching your favourite films. For audiophiles, Sony’s Ldac technology ensures Hi-res playback, delivering rich, distortion-free sound across all frequencies.

    Nirvana X ensures effortless connectivity and convenience with its smart features. Multi-point connectivity allows users to switch seamlessly between two devices, making it easy to take a call on a smartphone while staying connected to a laptop. In-ear detection automatically pauses music when an earbud is removed and resumes playback when inserted, ensuring a smooth listening experience. Meanwhile, quad mics with AI Enx technology effectively filter out background noise, delivering crystal-clear call quality even in the busiest environments.

    With up to 40 hours of playtime, Nirvana X is designed for all-day entertainment, work marathons, and endless gaming sessions. Google fast pair ensures an instant connection, so you’re never left waiting. For gaming enthusiasts, beast mode offers ultra-low 60ms latency, syncing visuals and sound for a competitive edge.

    With the Boat hearables app, users can customise Eq settings, remap touch controls, and enable Ota updates, keeping their earbuds always ahead of the curve.

    At Rs 2,799, Nirvana X delivers premium audio at an unbeatable price. Available in four striking colours—galactic red, smokey amethyst, mist blue, and cosmic onyx, the earbuds can be purchased via Boat’s official website, Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, and offline stores.

  • Solitario Lab-Grown Diamonds secures $3.6 million pre-IPO funding

    Solitario Lab-Grown Diamonds secures $3.6 million pre-IPO funding

    MUMBAI: The future of diamonds is brighter, and it’s not coming from the mines. Solitario Lab-Grown Diamonds, co-founded by jewellery industry veteran Ricky Vasandani and Indian cinema actor Vivek Oberoi, has successfully raised $3.6 million in a pre-IPO funding round, valuing the company at $18.3 million (Rs. 150 crore).

    The funding attracted marquee investors, including Neeraj Gupta (Meru Cabs founder), Mauritius-based FPI Investi Global, Vicco Group, and Seema Manish Nuwal (Solar Industries promoter). A roster of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, including Amit Agarwal, Rajesh Singla, Garima Theti, and Sandeep Singh, also participated in the round. Socradamus Capital Private Ltd acted as the book running lead manager for the transaction.

    Solitario is rewriting the jewellery rulebook, proving that lab-grown diamonds are not just sustainable but also luxurious and desirable. The company offers an exquisite range of diamond jewellery, including necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants.

    Their financial growth is as dazzling as their diamonds—revenues soared from Rs 24.3 crore in FY 2023 to Rs 52 crore in FY 2024. And they are just getting started.

    Vasandani shared his excitement, stating, “This investment validates our vision of creating beautiful, sustainable jewellery that doesn’t compromise our planet’s future. The funds will accelerate our expansion plans and strengthen our position in the growing lab-grown diamond market. Solitario is not only creating jewellery but also crafting a legacy of environmental responsibility and exceptional craftsmanship.”

    Solitario already shines across 18 stores in 10 major Indian cities and an international presence in Dubai, Malaysia, and Spain with 38 outlets. The brand has also forged an exclusive partnership with PNG to launch stores in seven more cities.

    The company operates a state-of-the-art 30,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Surat, employing over 300 people. With these robust foundations, Solitario is set to expand its retail network domestically and internationally, enhance branding and marketing, develop a broader product portfolio, and boost manufacturing capabilities.

    In a milestone moment, Solitario recently became the first lab-grown diamond brand to be showcased on the Burj Khalifa, reinforcing its global appeal.

    The Indian gem and jewellery market is expected to grow from $43 billion in 2021 to $91 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, the lab-grown diamond market, currently valued at $250 million in 2023, is projected to hit $1.2 billion by 2033. Solitario aims to capture a significant share of this booming market, targeting Rs. 500 crore in revenue by 2028.

    Solitario’s collection features over 500 unique designs, ranging from everyday elegance to high-end luxury. Their diamonds boast the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, but with a 40-50 per cent lower price tag and a guilt-free, sustainable footprint.

    As consumers increasingly seek eco-conscious luxury, Solitario is positioned as the go-to brand for those who want the sparkle without the environmental strain.

  • Instant Loan vs Personal Loan: Which is Better?

    Instant Loan vs Personal Loan: Which is Better?

    Choosing the right funding option is tricky when you need funds to handle an emergency or fulfil a dream. Personal Loans and instant loans are the most common options to choose from. You must understand the differences between the two and decide which one best fits your needs. Let’s understand what a Personal Loan is and how it differs from an instant loan. Accordingly, you can make an informed choice for your financial well-being.

    What is an Instant Loan?

    Instant loan is an unsecured funding option that primarily aims to provide quick funds for emergencies. They provide fast and hassle-free funds through a website or Instant Loan app. These funding options are excellent for those who need money urgently. It’s wise to borrow them for quick financial needs like home renovation, vehicle repair, or last-minute wedding expenses.

    Key Features

    ●  Approval depends on your income and risk profile.     
    ●  Get instant funds without extensive documentation or formalities.    
    ●  You may choose a repayment period according to your EMI affordability.    
    ●  An instant loan does not require any security.

    Pros and Cons of Instant Loans

    Let’s look at the pros and cons of instant loans:

    Pros:

    ●  No collateral is necessary to qualify for an instant loan.    
    ●  Quicker funding access without office  visits or documentation.    
    ●  Those with a good credit history find it easier to get approved.    
    ●  Lenient eligibility criteria make them easily accessible.    
    ●  The quick loan process makes them instantly available.    
    ●  You can receive cash within 48 hours of applying.

    Cons:

    ●  Strict eligibility criteria you must fulfil.    
    ●  Conducting enough research is essential to compare the loan products.    
    ●  Interest rates are competitive due to instant availability and no collateral requirement.

    What is a Personal Loan?

    A personal loan is a short-term funding option that lets you borrow money from a financial institution or NBFC, including for a wedding, education, home renovation, or travel plan. Obtaining these unsecured loans is easy without providing any guarantor, security, or collateral.

    Key Features

    ●  Personal Loans are approved based on your creditworthiness and repayment capacity.    
    ●  You can use the funds for various planned and unplanned purposes.    
    ●  The repayment tenure is flexible, ranging from a few months to a few years.    
    ●  Many loan providers offer quick disbursement within 48 hours.    
    ●  Factors like your financial profile, income, DTI ratio, and repayment capacity determine the size of your loan sanction.

    Pros and Cons of Personal Loans

    Let’s look at the pros and cons of Personal Loans:

    Pros:

    ●  A well-established source to borrow funds.     
    ●  Dealing with a trusted NBFC ensures peace of mind.     
    ●  You can borrow a loan amount according to your needs and repayment capacity.    
    ●  An EMI calculator helps you choose a repayment tenure with affordable EMIs.    
    ●  You don’t need to pledge an asset as collateral.    
    ●  You can use the loan amount for various purposes, including a foreign trip, wedding, education, etc.    
    ●  Easily accessible through a Personal Loan app.

    Cons:

    ●  Due to their unsecured nature, the interest rate is higher than that of secured loan options.    
    ●  Comparing the loan offers is essential due to the high competition in the loan market.     
    ●  Making a solid repayment plan is vital, as missing the EMIs may reduce the credit score.

    Difference Between Personal Loans and Instant Loans

    Let’s understand a few points of difference between Personal Loans and instant loans:

    Parameter Instant Loans Personal Loans
    Eligibility Based on credit history, income, and other criteria Requires detailed assessment, including age, employment status, work experience, and income
    Repayment Tenure Short-term Ranging from a few months to a few years
    Application 100% paperless and digital Offline or online through a loan app or website
    Loan Processing Quick approval, minimal formalities Detailed evaluation process
    Disbursal Directly to the bank account within a few hours May take up to two days for disbursal to the bank account
    Loan Amount Smaller loan sanctions Higher loan amount according to your income and repayment capacity

    When Should You Take an Instant Loan?

    Consider taking an instant loan if you need quick access to funds for urgent expenses. It is more appropriate for sudden expenses, such as urgent vehicle repairs, spontaneous travel plans, last-minute wedding expenses, etc.

    When Should You Take a Personal Loan?

    A Personal Loan is an ideal option if you need a bigger sum and want to repay it over a longer tenure. It is more appropriate for planned expenses, such as going on a vacation, renovating the house, buying gadgets, or consolidating debt.

    Stepwise Procedure to Apply for a Personal Loan Online

    Follow these steps to apply for an instant Personal Loan through reliable apps like Hero FinCorp.

    ●  Install the loan app from the Play Store    
    ●  Choose the loan amount and preferred EMI     
    ●  Enter the required details     
    ●  Complete your KYC process     
    ●  Input your bank account details    
    ●  Get real-time approval of the loan    
    ●  Digitally sign e-Mandate and loan agreement    
    ●  Receive the loan amount in your account within 48 hours

    Choosing between an instant loan and a Personal Loan depends on your financial requirements and preferences. An instant loan is an appropriate option if you need a small loan amount quickly for an emergency. However, a Personal Loan is more suitable for larger loans and longer repayment terms. Evaluate your situation carefully and select an option that best aligns with your goals. The Hero FinCorp Personal Loan app can help you apply for a loan of Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 Lakh. The interest rates are competitive and repayment tenures are flexible.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. The content is based on research and opinions available at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we do not claim to be exhaustive or definitive. Readers are advised to independently verify any details mentioned here, such as specifications, features, and availability, before making any decisions. Hero FinCorp does not take responsibility for any discrepancies, inaccuracies, or changes that may occur after the publication of this blog. The choice to rely on the information presented herein is at the reader’s discretion, and we recommend consulting official sources and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the featured products.

  • Travel Smart: Hero FinCorp’s Instant Personal Loan for When You Face Fund Shortages

    Travel Smart: Hero FinCorp’s Instant Personal Loan for When You Face Fund Shortages

    Everyone dreams of travelling the world, exploring diverse places, meeting new people, experiencing unique cultures, and savouring different cuisines. However, financial constraints often stand in the way of turning these travel dreams into reality. An instant Personal Loan from Hero FinCorp ensures you receive the funds quickly to turn your travel dreams into reality.

    Whether you wish to go on a romantic getaway, a vacation with friends or family, or a cultural trip, apply for an instant loan of Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 Lakh at Hero FinCorp to explore your dream destination without any financial strain.

    Continue reading to learn how these loans let you travel smart when facing financial shortages while planning a trip.

    What is an Instant Loan?

    An instant loan is an unsecured Personal Loan that can be borrowed, including travel expenses. It provides the necessary funds to support your domestic or international travel, whether for personal leisure or business needs. The loan amount can be utilised for a range of travel-related costs, such as airfare, accommodation, sightseeing, entry fees, and activities. Instead of dipping into your savings, you can opt for an instant Personal Loan to make your travel plans a reality with ease.

    Benefits of Borrowing a Personal Loan for Travel

    Here are the top reasons why an instant Personal Loan is beneficial for your travel plans:

    ●  Financial Freedom: With funds from an instant loan, you can take your family to a foreign destination of their choice. You don’t need to dig into your savings to cover the necessary holiday expenses. The loan pays for the travel costs now, which you can repay later in instalments. With this financial arrangement, you barely feel the pinch of exhausting your savings at a time.

    ●  Competitive Interest Rates: Hero FinCorp offers interest rates starting from 1.58% per month. Your final interest rate will depend on your credit score, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, job stability, income regularity, and overall repayment capacity.

    ●  Easily Affordable EMIs: With flexible repayment terms of 12 to 36 months, you can choose a tenure with easily affordable EMIs. The monthly instalments depend on the loan amount you borrow, the interest rate, and the loan tenure you select. The longer the tenure, the smaller the EMIs, and vice versa. Use a Personal Loan Calculator to calculate the EMIs and opt for a tenure with budget-friendly EMIs.

    ●  No Collateral Requirement: Instant loan from Hero FinCorp is unsecured. That means you don’t need to pledge collateral as security.

    ●  Instant Approval and Quick Disbursal: NBFC offering online application facilities, you can apply for a Personal Loan online without any office visits or paperwork. With a few minutes of verification, you receive instant loan approval and a loan offer. Once you accept the loan offer, the NBFC completes the formalities and disburses your approved loan amount directly into your bank account.

    Tips to Choose the Right Personal Loan Plan for Your Travel Aspirations

    Follow these steps to choose the right Personal Loan plan:

    ●  Assess Your Budget: Research and calculate the travel expenses to determine your loan amount. Avoid over-borrowing to reduce your loan cost and minimise financial stress. 
    ●  Check Your Credit Score: Your credit score is crucial in determining your interest rate. Therefore, check it before applying to ensure it is good enough to attract reasonable interest rates.  
    ●  Evaluate Loan Terms and Fees: In addition to the interest rate, evaluate other loan terms, including processing fees, late payment penalties, foreclosure or prepayment charges, etc. 
    ●  Check Eligibility Criteria: Simple eligibility criteria make a Personal Loan easily accessible. Check and fulfil the NBFC’s eligibility conditions before applying to avoid rejection.

    Steps to Apply for a Personal Loan Online

    The online loan procedure lets you apply for an instant loan from the convenience of your home. All you need to do is fill in a few necessary details in an online application form. Follow these steps to apply:

    Step 1: Visit the Hero FinCorp website or download the loan app 
    Step 2: Go to the Personal Loan page and click ‘Apply Now’ 
    Step 3: Enter your mobile number and verify with the OTP received 
    Step 4: Choose the loan amount you need 
    Step 5: Verify your KYC details to check income eligibility 
    Step 6: Click ‘Submit’ to complete your application

    An instant Personal Loan offers an easy funding option to finance your dream vacation. Whether you wish to explore a hill station or enjoy on a beach, a Personal Loan from Hero FinCorp can facilitate the funds to create lifetime memories.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. The content is based on research and opinions available at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we do not claim to be exhaustive or definitive. Readers are advised to independently verify any details mentioned here, such as specifications, features, and availability, before making any decisions. Hero FinCorp does not take responsibility for any discrepancies, inaccuracies, or changes that may occur after the publication of this blog. The choice to rely on the information presented herein is at the reader’s discretion, and we recommend consulting official sources and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the featured products.

  • Fashion TV makes magical luxury home deal with Merlin group for Kolkata

    Fashion TV makes magical luxury home deal with Merlin group for Kolkata

    MUMBAI: In a fashionable move, Kolkata-based developer Merlin group has announced a partnership with Fashion TV (FTV) to launch the city’s first branded luxury residential project, F Residences, in Rajarhat-New Town.

    The Rs 900 crore development aims to bring international luxury living standards to eastern India, comparable to high-end residences across Asia and Europe, according to Merlin Group managing director Saket Mohta. Fashion TV will provide technical expertise for an undisclosed licensing fee.

    “The key driver for this association is aspiration, not margins. Kolkata’s homeowners are increasingly seeking globally inspired designs and amenities,” said Mohta, noting this marks Merlin’s first branded luxury venture.

    Fashion TV India managing director Kashiff Khan confirmed the company’s exclusive partnership with Merlin in Kolkata, whilst revealing ongoing discussions for projects in Ranchi and Guwahati. FTV currently has twelve residential developments under construction across India, alongside franchise partnerships in twenty product categories.

    The first phase will comprise 880 units featuring a two-tier swimming pool, standalone clubhouse and rooftop Cloud Forest. 

    Merlin Group, which has delivered over 150 projects across India and Sri Lanka, including the World Trade Center Kolkata, plans to develop 20 million square feet of residential and commercial space in upcoming projects.

  • How Nita Ambani is quietly developing India’s M&E, sports and arts domains

    How Nita Ambani is quietly developing India’s M&E, sports and arts domains

    MUMBAI: JioStar India chairperson Nita Ambani says she can’t wait for the merger between Viacom18 and Disney and Reliance Industries to overall take Indian culture and entertainment to the world.

    Speaking to Haslinda Amin on her show Latitude under Bloomberg News, Nita Ambani highlighted: “We have to wait for the magic to happen to take Indian entertainment to the world through our streaming services as we look at putting India on the world map through this merger,” she said.

    Nita was otherwise pretty kicked about the fact that she had been given the mantle to head the media side of the Reliance business.  “It’s a new chapter. It’s a new beginning. And I am ready to take on new challenges and am very excited,” she told Amin.

    She confessed to the news host that even though she fell in love with cricket, she was not fully conversant with the intricacies of the sport. “I started reading about cricket,” she revealed. “I started talking to any cricketer that would have a conversation with me. It took me sometime to pick up and talk to all the boys of cricket. I spoke to Sachin, who is known as the god of cricket and I would ask him such embarrassing questions.But today it feels good, my son Akash is leading the Mumbai Indians cricket team. But what fills my heart  with joy Is the Women’s Premier League .”

    Nita disclosed that Indian girls go through so much to get to where they are. “Right from seeking permission from their parents who are not willing to let them follow their dreams,” she explained. Financial issues, Once you are injured you have lost your career.It takes them hours to reach their training centre. They have no sporting  gear, sometimes no shoes, when they tell you these stories, they are truly inspirational. We feel a shift in parents opinion towards sports, that they can have a career,”

    “It’s a dream of 1.4 billion to see the Olympics in India,” said Nita. “ I believe once sport takes over the transformation will be seen not only In the lives of the youth but also on the economy of our country. India is one of the biggest centres for digital usage. The Tokyo Olympics had the highest amount of digital engagement from India and one third of the viewership of the Olympic channel comes from India, India as a sporting market is huge,” she spelt out.

    Nita Ambani then highlighted the role that women are going to play in the country going forward. As well as how art (rural and urban)  entertainment,  and culture are now being given a thrust as more and more foreign acts are performing at the excellent infrastructure that has been put in place at the cultural centre which has been named after her in Mumbai:

    Nita told Haslinda, that she began as a teacher. “India has a great history and if we take that legacy and nurture it, and it is cherished for generations to come, that would be our vision to shine the spotlight on India,” she said.