ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Rajiee Shinde returns as CEO to lead PTC Entertainment’s next chapter

    Rajiee Shinde returns as CEO to lead PTC Entertainment’s next chapter

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, comeback! Rajiee M. Shinde, one of Indian media’s most formidable forces, is back in the director’s chair at PTC Entertainment. Effective 1 August 2025, she takes charge as chief executive officer, reporting directly to Sukhbir Singh Badal, the promoter of PTC Network. And yes, this isn’t just a reunion; it’s a reinvention.

    Known for her razor-sharp programming instincts and a CV that reads like a greatest hits album, Shinde helped catapult PTC Punjabi to the No. 1 spot during her earlier nine-year stint from 2008 to 2018. Now, she’s back for the sequel with a vision that’s bolder, more global, and unmistakably desi.

    A Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award winner, Shinde brings with her over two decades of experience across content, music and entertainment businesses. She previously launched Showbox for IN10 Media, headed Epic Channel India as president, and helmed ETC Punjabi at Zee, where she pioneered India’s first Punjabi music channel. In recent years, she’s led Sai Mehar Media and served as CEO of Wild Music Records.

    Her new innings at PTC will involve scaling up original programming, unlocking new digital strategies, and tapping into international viewership all while keeping the core audience firmly at heart. She will operate out of both Mohali and Gurugram.

    “Rajiee’s return marks an exciting new chapter for PTC Entertainment,” said a source close to the network. “She brings not just leadership but legacy and she’s already proven that she knows how to win audiences across borders and platforms.”

    Shinde’s appointment also signals PTC’s intent to double down on regional content with global ambition, at a time when vernacular storytelling is commanding centre stage in Indian entertainment. From boardrooms to backlots, she’s set to steer the brand through a new era of digital disruption, international expansion, and audience-first content innovation.

    And if her track record is anything to go by, she’s not just holding the mic, she’s about to drop it.

  • Swiggy announces the transition of its board towards an independent structure

    Swiggy announces the transition of its board towards an independent structure

    MUMBAI: Swiggy Ltd (NSE: SWIGGY | BSE: 544285 ), has announced the appointment of Faraz Khalid, CEO of noon, as an independent director on its board; subject to shareholder approval. The company also announced the resignation of Sumer Juneja and Anand Daniel, non-executive and non-independent directors; who were representatives of key investors Softbank and Accel respectively on its Board.

    Swiggy founder and group CEO Sriharsha Majet said, “Faraz is among the most visionary leaders in e-commerce, bringing extensive expertise in integrating advanced technology, scaling operations, and delivering superior customer experiences. With his joining our Board, our independent directors (led by our Chairperson) represent four pillars of strategic governance. They bring a wide array of experience across established companies and startups, and marry business and financial acumen with fiduciary expertise. We are confident that their foresight and diversity shall be vital in guiding Swiggy on its next leg of growth.”

    Faraz Khalid is the CEO of noon, the Middle East’s leading consumer commerce platform. Under his leadership, Noon has evolved into an ecommerce, quick commerce and food delivery platform. He previously co-founded Namshi, helping establish it as a regional fashion leader. Faraz is recognized for his strategic vision and innovation in shaping the region’s digital economy.

    Non-independent directors Sumer Juneja and Anand Daniel are stepping back from board representation following a period of significant progress and value-creation at Swiggy. This transition reflects their confidence in the company’s strategic direction, executive leadership, and governance framework.

    With this natural progression after Swiggy’s successful IPO last year, the board has made significant strides towards an independent structure, aligning with best practices for publicly listed companies.

    Kripalu said, “We are delighted to welcome Faraz to the Board and look forward to leveraging his considerable experience at noon. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Sumer and Anand for their invaluable contributions. Both have been associated with Swiggy since the early days, and their confidence and counsel have been instrumental in helping the management team build Swiggy into one of India’s most beloved consumer internet brands. The refreshed Board structure underscores Swiggy’s commitment to enhancing Board independence as part of the long-term roadmap towards stronger corporate governance, transparency, and value creation for all shareholders.”

  • Organic Tattva launches its campaign titled ‘Har Maa Ka Vishwas’

    Organic Tattva launches its campaign titled ‘Har Maa Ka Vishwas’

    Mumbai: Organic Tattva has launched its latest campaign titled ‘Har Maa Ka Vishwas’, featuring actor and wellness icon Kareena Kapoor Khan. The campaign has been conceptualised and executed by one of the leading advertising agencies, Eggfirst Advertising and Design Ltd.

    The campaign highlights the deep trust every mother places in the choices she makes for her family, especially when it comes to food. The campaign brings alive this emotional connection through Kareena Kapoor Khan. She embodies the modern-day Indian woman who is aware, confident, and committed to purity.

    The campaign includes a series of four TVCs, led by the flagship film ‘Har Maa Ka Vishwas’, supported by three thematic films built around the thought: ‘Switch to Purity, Switch to Organic Tattva.’ These TVCs focus on everyday food essentials like dal, rice, and sprouts, and build a strong case for choosing organic in the daily lives of Indian households.

    With a strategic rollout across digital, social media and other channels, the campaign has been designed to reach and resonate with audiences across urban and semi-urban India.

    Eggfirst founder & MD, Ravikant Banka said, “At Eggfirst, we aim to build purposeful stories that strike a chord. This campaign captures a mother’s instinctive choice for her family’s health. It’s not just an ad; it’s a reflection of what Organic Tattva stands for.”

    Organic Tattva director Kriti Mehrotra said, “At Organic Tattva, we don’t just sell food, we honour every mother’s instinct to choose right. With Kareena Kapoor Khan, ‘Har Maa Ka Vishwas’ becomes a heartfelt promise from our kitchen to yours.” 
     

  • Duolingo English Test launches digital campaign with Neeraj Chopra

    Duolingo English Test launches digital campaign with Neeraj Chopra

    MUMBAI: The Duolingo English Test (DET), a global leader in digital English proficiency assessment, has launched a new digital campaign featuring Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra, aimed at inspiring young Indian learners to pursue their global education goals with focus and determination. Centered around the powerful message “Dream. Practice. Win,” the campaign celebrates the shared journey of athletes and learners who strive to achieve excellence through consistent effort and unwavering discipline.

    Conceptualised and produced by Kulfi Collective, the campaign kicked off with a hero film starring Neeraj Chopra and Duolingo’s iconic mascot, Duo, together in the training field. As they train together, the film gently reminds viewers that first attempts are rarely perfect. What truly matters is showing up every day and putting in the work. No dream goes global without practice and determination.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by @studyabroadwithdet

     

    As one of India’s most celebrated global athletes, Neeraj Chopra embodies the qualities of perseverance, focus and quiet confidence, values that deeply resonate with learners preparing for high-stakes exams like the DET. His journey of going abroad to train and preparing for years before achieving global recognition closely reflects the path of Indian students aiming to study overseas. Like Neeraj, these students often push past setbacks and step outside their comfort zones in pursuit of something bigger. The campaign draws this parallel to highlight the values of discipline, resilience and self-belief that define both journeys. It serves as a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight but it always begins with showing up.

    “This campaign is deeply rooted in the belief that progress comes from showing up, again and again, even when it’s hard,” said Duolingo English Test India market lead, Tara Kapur. “Neeraj’s journey perfectly captures the mindset of DET learners, ambitious, focused and determined to go global. Through this collaboration, we’re proud to highlight how the Duolingo English Test supports that spirit with an accessible, affordable and modern path to international education.”

    Kulfi Collective account director, Pourush Turel said, “It was an exciting collaboration with a true blue Olympian. We wanted to draw powerful parallels to the journey of an athlete and that of a young student preparing to study abroad. Both these journeys demand determination, relentless practice and stepping out of our comfort zones. With Neeraj, Duolingo and the Duolingo English Test, we found the perfect balance of inspiration and relatability. This campaign brings that narrative to life in a way that feels honest, culturally rooted, and deeply relevant to young India.”

    Kicking off the campaign was a playful reel released last week, where Neeraj is seen hurling Duo like a javelin, throwing him past all known records and all the way to the moon. A light-hearted take on breaking records, the reel was a perfect blend of organic conversations and DET’s quirky take, serving as a teaser for the campaign film that followed. Another key highlight of this collaboration was a special meet-and-greet and fireside chat with Neeraj Chopra and Duolingo English Test takers. Recounting his experience of moving abroad for training, Neeraj spoke about the challenges he faced and offered advice to students on how to navigate the changes that come with making such a big life decision.

    The Duolingo English Test continues to break traditional barriers and democratise access to global education. With over 5,900 institutions worldwide including top universities in the USA and Canada accepting DET, Indian students are increasingly choosing it for its convenience and modern test experience. The test is fully online, costs only USD $70 (approx. ₹6,000) and provides results within 48 hours, making it one of the most accessible and student-friendly English proficiency tests available today.

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  • Parle-G celebrates the evolution of motherhood into friendship

    Parle-G celebrates the evolution of motherhood into friendship

    MUMBAI: This Friendship Day, Parle-G has released its deeply moving Mother-Daughter film, a tribute to the beautiful evolution of one of life’s most powerful relationships. Through the story of a mother and her daughter, the film gently reminds us that sometimes our oldest relationships become our strongest friendships.

    Parle-G’s campaign this year is a call to pause and reflect on the unsung friendships in our lives, the bonds that weren’t chosen, but were always there.

    “Friendship isn’t just about who we laugh with, it’s also about those who quietly stand by us through every step of life,” said Mayank Shah, Vice President at Parle Products. “Through this film, we honour not just our bonds with friends, but the deeper bonds of companionship with those who are our silent pillars of support—our mothers, sisters, mentors—who’ve moulded us with love and care. Parle-G has always celebrated core emotions, which is the brand’s strength. The fact that we understand and empathise with our near and dear ones comes through naturally in this well-crafted film.”

    “This film reflects a generational shift in parenting. When we were growing up, parents were stern, often authoritarian figures. Their word was law. You listened, obeyed, and rarely questioned. But today’s parents are different. There’s a softer, more empathetic approach. They make the effort to understand their children’s world, to meet them where they are, and to build trust through friendship. That change in perspective lies at the heart of our film.”, said Thought Blurb Communications founder & chief creative officer, Vinod Kunj.

    When we are young, mothers are our first teachers, protectors, and disciplinarians. They make the rules, guide us, feed us, and with every Parle-G dunked in milk, they pass on tiny bits of wisdom. But with time, some things change.

    This film captures that emotional journey with incredible simplicity and honesty. Of going from dependency to deep connection, from mother and daughter to lifelong confidantes. “Today’s mother isn’t just parenting, she’s growing with her teen. She’s evolving, unlearning, listening, and effortlessly stepping into the role of a friend. And what’s beautiful is, it’s mutual. It’s a relationship I know intimately – as a daughter and as the mother of a teen. This film is a celebration of the quiet, unspoken friendship that so many mothers and daughters share today.”, said Thought Blurb Communications national creative director, Renu Somani.

    This Friendship Day, join Parle-G in celebrating the friendships that don’t begin in a playground, but in a kitchen, at a dining table, or in the quiet corners of a busy home. Because the journey from “Ma” to “best friend” is one of life’s most beautiful transitions. And like Parle-G, it’s a bond of a lifetime.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Parle-G (@officialparleg)

     

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Kedaara Capital ropes in Unilever veteran Nitin Paranjpe as chief mentor and operating partner

    Kedaara Capital ropes in Unilever veteran Nitin Paranjpe as chief mentor and operating partner

    MUMBAI: Private equity firm Kedaara Capital has appointed Nitin Paranjpe as chief mentor and operating partner, tapping into the expertise of one of the most seasoned executives in India’s consumer goods sector.
    Paranjpe, who spent nearly four decades at Unilever, brings formidable leadership experience across operations, transformation, and global category management. 

    He began his career at the Anglo-Dutch FMCG giant in 1987 and went on to serve as CEO of Hindustan Unilever from 2008 to 2013—one of its youngest ever—and later held senior global roles including president of home care, president of foods and refreshment, and chief operating officer.

    During his tenure, Paranjpe spearheaded multiple high-impact initiatives, from doubling business performance at HUL, to leading large-scale integrations and driving digitisation at Unilever globally. Most recently, he served as chief people and transformation officer at Unilever, where he led one of the group’s most ambitious restructurings in two decades.

    In his new role, Paranjpe will work closely with Kedaara’s sector teams—especially in consumer and allied verticals—providing operational insight on both existing and prospective investments. He will also advise Kedaara’s senior leadership on strategic initiatives across the firm.

    Paranjpe currently serves as non-executive chairman of HUL, and sits on the boards of global firms including Heineken and Infosys, further underlining the stature he brings to the table.

    His appointment signals Kedaara’s intent to deepen operational value creation as a key lever in its investment thesis across India’s high-growth consumer landscape.

  • Shiv Raheja takes charge of e-commerce and quick commerce at Society Tea

    Shiv Raheja takes charge of e-commerce and quick commerce at Society Tea

    MUMBAI: Shiv Raheja has been elevated to head of digital marketing – e-commerce and quick commerce at Society Tea, marking a significant milestone in his nearly six-year journey with the Mumbai-based FMCG brand.
    Raheja, who joined the company in November 2019, has steadily climbed the ranks from digital marketing manager to senior manager – digital and e-commerce, and now assumes full leadership of the brand’s digital commerce and growth strategies.

    With a decade-plus track record across high-growth sectors like FMCG, OTT and retail, Raheja has worked with marquee companies including Nature’s Basket, Hotstar and Gold’s Gym. At Hotstar, he was instrumental in converting blue-chip brands like Apple, Reliance Jio and Bajaj Auto into digital-first advertisers, while also bringing LIC onboard for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

    Known for his innovative integration campaigns and knack for driving customer acquisition at scale, Raheja is now tasked with accelerating Society Tea’s digital revenue and strengthening its footprint across e-commerce and q-commerce platforms.

    Raheja’s appointment comes as Society Tea looks to sharpen its focus on digital-first distribution in a rapidly evolving tea and beverages market.

  • Divya Dixit takes the reins at Recz as CEO

    Divya Dixit takes the reins at Recz as CEO

    MUMBAI: Serial growth specialist and former AltBalaji, Z5 and Google Appscale mentor Divya Dixit has taken over as chief executive officer of Recz, a luxury-focused consumertech and social networking platform that recently rolled out its beta version.

    Announcing her new role on LinkedIn, Dixit invited users to “make a profile, play with it, and share brutally honest feedback.” She’s promised to helm Recz with “obsession-worthy execution” and build not just a product but a brand that’s “loved and lived.”

    With over two decades of experience across entertainment, telecom, OTT, and gaming, Dixit has previously held senior roles at AltBalaji (senior vice president, marketing and revenue), Z5, LeEco, and Tata Docomo. She’s also been an advisor to startups in blockchain, metaverse, OTT, and music tech, while currently consulting for One Health Assist.

    As Recz eyes scale in the niche but rising luxury digital segment, Dixit’s entry signals an aggressive play for user growth, community building, and monetisation. Whether Recz becomes the next app obsession may depend on how sharply it can execute under her leadership — and how quickly it tunes in to user vibes

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Kitkat and Spotify launch new campaign with Ayushmann Khurrana

    Kitkat and Spotify launch new campaign with Ayushmann Khurrana

    MUMBAI: Kitkat and Spotify have come together to help consumers ‘Break the Loop’ and break free from their monotonous playlists. Featuring Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, Kitakat’s new campaign is inviting people to break out of their usual Spotify playlists and discover fresh tracks, genres and moods, turning everyday music breaks into moments of discovery.

    The film, conceptualised by Leo Burnett, brings alive Kitkat’s core message of meaningful, refreshing breaks in a modern, digital context. With specially designed KitKat packs, every break becomes a playful moment of discovery. Just scan the pack to unlock personalized Spotify tracks based on your listening behavior, serving you fresh music you’ve never heard before.

    Speaking about the campaign, Nestlé India head, confectionery business, Gopichandar Jagatheesan said, “Kitkat breaks have always been about taking a meaningful pause. With ‘Break the Loop,’ we’re extending that idea to the digital world, teaming up with Spotify to give consumers a light-hearted, relatable reason to pause their day and refresh not just their mood, but their songs too.”

    Spotify India director of sales – CPG & Auto, Sanketh Garimella said “Spotify playlists are designed to encourage the discovery of new music for listeners, and our personalized playlists tap into different moods and moments of the consumer. Kitkat’s new campaign is a great example of how those who listen to their favorite songs over and over again, every day, can easily find new music they’ll love on Spotify, with playlists curated just for them.”

    The campaign kicks off with a digital-first film across YouTube and Meta platforms, supported by a multi-touchpoint rollout including outdoor media, Spotify in-app audio advertising and engaging social content.

     (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Coca-Cola India Foundation recaps ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign in Puri

    Coca-Cola India Foundation recaps ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign in Puri

    MUMBAI– The Coca-Cola India Foundation, Anandana has unveiled a new video spotlighting its recent Used PET Bottle-Free initiative. This initiative was part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, which promotes responsible plastic waste collection, segregation, and recycling at various events. The effort was carried out in collaboration with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Puri Municipality, District Administration Puri, the Odisha Development Management Programme (ODMP), and the Y4D Foundation.

    The newly released video highlights the on-ground activation that mobilized nearly 200 volunteers, deployed 200 dustbins, and installed 10 collection kiosks along the Yatra route. Featuring voices from Coca-Cola India, ODMP, and the Y4D Foundation, along with a Safai Saathi, the video underscores the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change.

    “The recent Puri event brought with it immense scale, and the responsibility to manage its impact with care,” said Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia Senior Director – ESG Value Creation & Commercialisation, Saloni Goel. “Every element of this initiative was designed in alignment with the city’s needs and built on the principle of collective action. This was an opportunity to contribute to the larger purpose, and to do it with intent.”

    Odisha Development Management Programme (ODMP) vice chairman Pradeep Kumar added, “This year, just like the last, we witnessed even better cooperation from the government and the municipality. The Safai Sathis we engaged experienced economic development, having gained employment during the Puri event.”

    “This kind of awareness initiative went beyond just speeches or pamphlets, we implemented a mechanism on the ground,” said Y4D Foundation president Praful Nikam. “With dedicated cleanliness drives, daily waste collection, and motivating engaging the public and managing waste, we were able to create a system that was both sustainable and impactful.”

    “When we cleaned up the waste, others noticed and followed,” said Shantilika Pradhan, a Safai Saathi engaged in the initiative. “People saw us using the dustbins which motivated them to do the same. That’s how change began, by setting an example.”

    These collective efforts reflect a shared responsibility to environmental stewardship and demonstrate how collaboration between civic bodies, corporate partners, and local communities can drive meaningful change.