Category: MAM

Tesla drives into India: Mumbai showroom opens with high-priced model Y

MUMBAI: Mumbai played host to a pivotal moment in India’s electric vehicle narrative on Tuesday as Tesla officially inaugurated its first showroom, a sleek 4,000 sq ft experience centre at the upscale Maker Maxity Mall in Bandra Kurla complex (BKC).1 The much-anticipated debut marks the EV behemoth’s initial physical foray into one of the globe’s burgeoning EV markets, kicking off its Indian journey with the Model Y SUV.

The Model Y, imported as completely built units (CBUs) from Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, comes with a rather hefty price tag for Indian consumers: the rear-wheel drive variant is listed at Rs 60 lakh, while the long-range version will set buyers back Rs 68 lakh.2 These figures significantly eclipse Tesla’s base pricing in established markets such as the US ($44,900), China (263,500 yuan), and Germany (45,970 euros), largely due to India’s substantial import duties. Customs documentation revealed each Model Y arrived at Mumbai port declared at Rs 27.7 lakh ($31,988), attracting over Rs 21 lakh in import duties, aligning with India’s 70 per cent tariff on fully-built vehicles priced under $40,000.

Beyond the showroom, which is strategically located near Apple’s flagship store, Tesla has imported nearly $1 million worth of Supercharger infrastructure and accessories from the US and China, earmarked for installation around Mumbai to support early adopters. The company is also establishing a dedicated service centre in Kurla West for after-sales support.

The long-term play for India appears clear. Tesla already boasts a registered office in Bengaluru and an engineering hub in Pune. Maharashtra deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, underscored this broader vision, hailing Tesla’s arrival as more than a mere commercial venture.

“This is not just the inauguration of an experience centre but a statement that Tesla has arrived, a statement that it has arrived in the right city and state, that is Mumbai, Maharashtra. Mumbai stands for innovation and sustainability. Tesla is not just a car and car company but stands for innovation and sustainability,” Fadnavis declared.

Tesla had teased its entry on its India-specific X handle with a coming coon” post, hinting at a July 2025 debut.

July 15, 2025
Kuwahara hits the high note as new CEO of Nippon TV Music

MUMBAI: From Death Note to chart notes Nippon TV Music has a new maestro at the helm. In a strategic move that harmonises anime excellence with music publishing prowess, Nippon Television Music Corporation has appointed Kako Kuwahara as its new president and CEO. She takes the baton from Akihiro Shimizu, who now heads Tipness Co. Ltd., another Nippon Television Holdings subsidiary.

Kuwahara’s appointment signals a dynamic new chapter for the Tokyo-based music publisher, which plays a vital role in exporting Japan’s most iconic soundtracks and character IPs across the globe. With a portfolio boasting anime heavyweights like Hunter×Hunter, Death Note, The Apothecary Diaries, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Nippon TV Music is a key player in delivering Japan’s pop culture to the world, one theme song at a time.

Having led international and anime business strategies at Nippon TV, Kuwahara was instrumental in globalising recent anime hits. Under her leadership, the company aims to further amplify its presence through collaborations with sub-publishers and creators worldwide. She will report to Nippon TV Holdings senior operating officer Keiichi Sawa.

“While Nippon TV is already a global powerhouse in Japanese entertainment, we at Nippon TV Music aim to further elevate our presence through the music we produce,” Kuwahara said. “With anime, films, dramas and variety shows, and Japan’s incredible music creators, we want to craft characters and songs that speak to the world.”

Founded in 1969, Nippon TV Music operates in two main verticals: music and character business. It manages theme music and scores for major shows, supervises copyright and master recordings, and nurtures rising artists. On the character front, it handles international merchandising and game adaptations for titles like Anpanman and Lupin the Third.

With Kuwahara now composing the next act, Nippon TV Music’s mission is clear keep the beats rolling and the fandom growing across continents.

(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.)

July 15, 2025
Ola Electric posts Rs 428 crore Q1 loss despite doubling its revenue

MUMBAI: It’s been a quarter of high voltage and higher losses at Ola Electric. Despite clocking a robust revenue of Rs 896 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2025 more than double from Rs 428 crore in Q1 last year, the EV unicorn reported a net consolidated loss of Rs 428 crore, widening from Rs 347 crore a year ago.

The red flags come despite steady momentum on the top line. Ola’s revenue from operations stood at Rs 828 crore, and other income added Rs 68 crore. Segment-wise, automotive sales accounted for Rs 826 crore of the operating revenue, while cell manufacturing remained a minor contributor at Rs 3 crore.

On the cost side, it was a heavy ride. Total expenses ballooned to Rs 1,065 crore, up from Rs 1,849 crore in Q1 FY24. Material costs alone stood at Rs 441 crore, while employee benefits and other expenses amounted to Rs 451 crore. Ola also booked Rs 259 crore towards depreciation and finance costs.

While the company has notched gains in market presence and brand recall, the earnings sheet paints a more complex picture. Ola’s net loss before tax stood at Rs 428 crore, matching its loss for Q4 FY25. There was no exceptional income or tax expense this time, but the company had previously reversed Rs 23 crore of production-linked incentives.

Ola, which debuted on the stock exchanges in August 2024 after a Rs 5,275 crore IPO, still has Rs 2,594 crore of those funds unutilised. According to filings, Rs 2,563 crore is parked in fixed deposits, and Rs 31 crore remains in monitoring accounts. The company had earmarked Rs 1,228 crore for battery cell production, Rs 800 crore for debt repayment, Rs 1,600 crore for R&D, and Rs 350 crore for organic growth.

While the EV major faces scrutiny from regulatory bodies such as the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and the National Stock Exchange over complaints and data discrepancies, management has expressed confidence that these will have no material impact on financials.

Despite negative operational cash flow of Rs 143 crore in Q1, the company is optimistic. It recently secured board approval to raise Rs 1,700 crore via non-convertible debentures to bolster liquidity and growth plans.

Ola Electric chairman and managing director Bhavish Aggarwal noted that the group continues to assess its operations as a going concern, factoring in expected cash inflows, credit lines, and product rollouts.

For Ola Electric, the road ahead may be steep but with big ambitions in the EV and battery space, it’s not shifting gears just yet.

(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.)

July 15, 2025
Theblurr brings on Sainath Saraban as co-founder and chief creative officer

MUMBAI: Theblurr has announced the appointment of Sainath Saraban as co-founder and CCO. With a legacy of bold storytelling and a globally attuned creative lens, Sainath will lead Theblurr’s creative vision across markets, helping brands cut through noise with ideas rooted in insight, craft, and outcomes.

Sai brings over two decades of creative leadership, having worked across India, the USA, LATAM, S.E. Asia, Europe, and Africa. His portfolio spans some of the world’s most respected brands including Pepsi, Bacardi, Coca-Cola, Nike, Levi’s, Amazon, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard with standout work like the iconic ‘Aaj kuch Toofani karte hai’ campaign for Thums Up.

From his early days at JWT and McCann to becoming National Creative Director at Leo Burnett India, and later founding Simple Creative Inc. and Studio Simple in the U.S., Sai has continuously bridged cultural nuance with big-brand storytelling. His work as a Global Creative Director with Hewlett-Packard demonstrates that great ideas can travel globally while staying locally relevant.

“Sai is not just a creative leader—he’s a global storyteller who speaks the language of culture, technology, and human truth,” said Theblurr co-founder & CEO Shamsuddin Jasani. “At Theblurr, where we combine AI with human intelligence, he will be key in driving creative excellence with speed and purpose.”

Commenting on his appointment, Sai said, “Theblurr is the kind of agency I’ve always wanted to build a creative playground fueled by technology and purpose. From campaign thinking to platform storytelling, I’m excited to create work that is culturally alive, globally scalable, and commercially impactful.”

(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.)

July 15, 2025
Deltin doubles down on glam, gourmet and game nights

MUMBAI: What happens in Goa, no longer stays in Goa. Especially when it comes draped in couture, dances to live sax beats, and comes with a side of high-stakes poker. Deltin, India’s luxury gaming and entertainment behemoth, isn’t just raising the stakes on the casino floor, it’s reimagining the entire table.

In this no-holds-barred freewheel chat with Indiantelevision.com, Arindam Basu, vice president – marketing at Delta Corp Ltd., lays all his cards on the table. He lifts the velvet rope on Deltin’s five year brand playbook, where casino chips meet curated sips, and loyalty is measured in luxury, not just points. Basu charts how Deltin is doubling down on experience, elegance and edge and reshaping what it means to be India’s most indulgent entertainment brand.

From immersive experiences and celeb sightings to chef’s table soirées and ultra-personalised service, the brand is scripting a new playbook for modern indulgence. And no, there’s not a roulette cliché in sight.

“We’re not flipping the table. We’re laying out a richer, more exciting spread,” says Basu. “Deltin has always stood for more than just gaming, it’s a sensorial experience stitched together with luxury, lifestyle, and storytelling.”

While Deltin’s legacy in gaming is rock-solid (pun intended), the brand’s real gamble is in redefining how India consumes luxury. Over 150 curated events were hosted across its properties in 2024 alone, think poker tournaments, themed nights, live shows, and immersive acts, all carefully engineered to feel like you’ve stepped into a Netflix-worthy set.

And the numbers speak louder than jackpots. “We’ve hosted guests from 45 countries, all at once, on Deltin Royale. That’s not just a party, that’s a world record,” he shares, referencing one of their most talked-about moments in recent times.

Today’s premium Indian traveller isn’t just looking for chandeliers and marble floors. They crave experiences tailored with the precision of a Swiss watch and Deltin’s playing to that beat.

“We’re moving from generic to hyper-personal,” Basu commented. “From remembering your favourite drink to adjusting your suite’s ambience before you walk in, our service is data-backed but delivered with a human touch.”

It’s a loyalty programme, but without the discount stickers. Instead of freebies, loyal patrons get exclusive access to VIP gaming floors, concierge services, and even surprise celebrity chats. It’s indulgent, but intimate.

And driving this personal touch is the recently launched DeltinOne app, India’s first mobile app for a casino loyalty programme. Think of it as your digital valet: concierge, offers, services, and updates, all in one place.

Despite murmurs of a dip in tourist buzz, Deltin remains bullish on Goa. With improved air and road connectivity, marquee events like Sunburn and the G20, and year-round footfall, the state continues to be a luxe playground for affluent Indians and international guests.

Plus, with only two states, Goa and Sikkim, legally allowing casino gaming, Deltin’s stronghold on India’s gaming map remains unchallenged.

“Goa is no longer seasonal,” Basu explains. “It’s a weekend retreat, a culture hub, and a playground for curated entertainment. That makes it perfect for our brand of high-end hospitality.”

While many brands are chasing eyeballs with fleeting creator content, Deltin is doubling down on real-world wow. “Experiential marketing is not just our ace, it’s our DNA,” he says. From the Deltin Star Weekend to the Mega Play series, the brand has made experience the hero of its storytelling.

But they’re no strangers to content either. Influencers, celebs, and creators are frequently part of the larger Deltin experience, not as brand billboards, but as storytellers embedded into the narrative.

Think bigger ships, bolder events, and deeper roots. Deltin is soon replacing one of its offshore vessels with a grander, more immersive casino experience. Add to that a 440-room luxury hotel under construction in Goa, and you’ve got a brand that’s going full throttle on becoming India’s ultimate leisure destination.

And when asked whether they’re more blackjack or poker-faced in their marketing, the response is swift and sharp: “We’re customer-faced. Always.”

In a world of fleeting filters and short-form dopamine hits, Deltin is building something different, an indulgent escape that’s equal parts drama, detail, and decadence. The dice may be rolling, but the direction is clear. All bets are on brand India’s next luxury export.

(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.)

July 15, 2025
Mukesh Sharma appointed CEO of Bright Outdoor Media

MUMBAI: Bright Outdoor Media Ltd has announced the appointment of Mukesh Sharma as its new chief executive officer. Sharma, a seasoned professional with a strong background in the media industry, is expected to spearhead the company’s strategic growth, focusing on expanding revenue, strengthening profitability, and identifying new opportunities within the dynamic advertising and media landscape.

Bright Outdoor promoter Yogesh Lakhani expressed his pleasure in welcoming Sharma, highlighting his impressive track record and expertise in driving growth, building robust business ecosystems, and delivering stakeholder value.

Sharma previously served as business head at Mid-day Infomedia Ltd, where he gained valuable experience in leading media operations. His appointment is poised to play a crucial role in elevating Bright Outdoor Media’s brand in the competitive out-of-home (OOH) media sector, signalling a move towards a “brighter, bolder future” for the company.

July 14, 2025
Rohit Shaw boards Havas Media Network as senior vice president

MUMBAI: Rohit Shaw has rejoined Havas Media Network as a senior vice president, a significant move for the integrated marketing strategist. Starting this July, Shaw will be part of Arena Media, focusing on agency relations and key client management.

Shaw’s return to Havas follows a year as senior vice president at Bharat Media & Entertainment group (BMEG), where he spearheaded national planning and strategy, driving client growth and revenue. Before that, he spent two years as a strategic client lead consultant at Havas Media group.

His extensive career includes a three-year tenure as senior marketing manager – consumer marketing strategist at Dabur India Ltd, where he managed marketing strategy and media deployment for multiple successful brands. Prior to Dabur, Shaw was the senior manager and head of media marketing at Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd., overseeing marketing communications for Domino’s India and providing strategic recommendations based on market intelligence

Shaw’s agency experience also includes roles at GroupM, where he was an associate director of business and business group head, managing media requirements for brands like Paytm and Dabur. He also served as a business group head at Dentsu Aegis Network, handling accounts for Microsoft, Nokia, and General Motors.

Early in his career, he worked as a media planner for Emami Ltd, managing brands such as Boroplus and Navratna, and held an assistant manager position in business development at Consim Info Pvt Ltd.

Shaw’s appointment is expected to bolster Havas Media Network’s client engagement and strategic capabilities, leveraging his deep understanding of digital marketing, media planning, and consumer behaviour.

July 14, 2025
Aman Kishore appointed head of marketing at Bits Pilani Digital

MUMBAI: Bits Pilani Digital, the online education arm of India’s esteemed Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, has announced the appointment of Aman Kishore as its new head of marketing. Kishore, a seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in integrated marketing and communication, steps into the role with immediate effect, having joined in April 2025.

His extensive career spans a diverse portfolio of leading brands, including Samsung Mobiles, BMW, Mini Honda, Lufthansa, Nestle, Vodafone, Dabur, Walmart, Singapore Red Cross, and Mundi Pharma. At Bits Pilani Digital, Kishore will leverage his expertise in integrated campaigns, digital strategy, media integration, and performance marketing to expand the institution’s legacy to a wider audience.

Before this latest assignment, Kishore served as integrated campaign lead at Cheil India, where he spearheaded marketing efforts for Samsung Mobiles’ innovative A-series, M-series, and F-series, focusing on GenZ engagement through digital, influencer, and social content. He also led the Samsung CSR initiative, ‘Solve for Tomorrow.

His prior experience includes a notable four-year tenure as deputy general manager at The Times Of India, where he managed business development, revenue growth, and P&L for a unit responsible for marquee events such as the Literature Festival and Global Music Festival – Life in Colour. He also held significant roles at Serviceplan India, overseeing integrated media for BMW, MINI, and Lufthansa, and at Ogilvy & Mather, where he led business and strategy for clients like Honda Jazz and Vodafone.

Kishore’s appointment signals Bits Pilani Digital’s commitment to robust marketing and a content-driven approach as it expands its digital offerings in data science and artificial intelligence. He brings a proven track record of developing communication solutions that deliver business goals, fostering consumer insights, and mentoring teams, all while maintaining a keen focus on technology and digital innovation.

July 14, 2025
Blissclub launches AirMelt collection

MUMBAI: Blissclub has announced the launch of its latest collection – AirMelt. Engineered for comfort, flexibility, and all-day wear, the collection introduces a new fabric innovation that supports Indian women through every part of their day, from work to leisure.

Developed using a premium polyester-spandex blend, AirMelt is characterised by its featherlight feel and four-way stretch. The material also offers sweat-wicking capabilities, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor movement. Blissclub has adopted fibre-stage dyeing techniques for this collection, resulting in colours that are long-lasting and resistant to fading.

The inclusive range features silhouettes tailored for Indian body types, including flare pants with invisible pockets, cuffed joggers, shorts, crop tees, apple-hem tees, and zippered jackets. The designs aim to provide functional versatility while offering easy styling options for everyday wardrobes.

“AirMelt is the result of months of research, material testing and design iteration,” said Blissclub founder & CEO Minu Margeret. “Every detail was carefully considered to ensure the garments move with you and feel like second skin. We wanted to create pieces that allow women to go about their day without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. At Blissclub, we have always believed in designing for how Indian women actually live and move, and AirMelt is our response to that. It brings together thoughtful construction, everyday performance and unmatched softness in a way that feels seamless. Our goal is to create clothing that doesn’t just look good but feels effortless to wear and adapts to your day.”

July 14, 2025
Plush and Instamart join forces

MUMBAI: No more last-minute period hacks! Plush has partnered with Instamart to redefine period care with a breakthrough solution, Plush’s Seamless Period Panty. Combining innovation, convenience, and comfort, this game-changing product is transforming the disposable period panty space with a seamless, undie-like design – nothing like the bulky, diaper-like options out there. Now, with just a tap, Plush Period Panties arrive in 10 minutes via Instamart, making period care effortless, and eliminating the need for last-minute makeshift fixes that women have relied on for generations.

Their latest ad film takes a quirky, relatable spin on period prep struggles, capturing a classic jugaad moment where an older sister creatively layers multiple pads as a DIY leak-proofing hack, only to be stopped by her younger sister, who effortlessly orders a Plush Seamless Period Panty in a snap. This collaboration is a call to move beyond outdated solutions and embrace the future of period care.

“For years, period care has been about adjustments and compromises. At Plush, we set out to change that,” said Plush co-founder Prince Kapoor. “Our Seamless Period Panty redefines period care – blending innovation, style, and superior leak protection for ultimate comfort. Periods come with enough worries, but finding the right care shouldn’t be one of them. Teaming up with Instamart ensures just that.”

July 14, 2025