Category: MAM

  • Disrptve blends AI and art for Sarab Khanijou’s ‘DHUN’

    Disrptve blends AI and art for Sarab Khanijou’s ‘DHUN’

    MUMBAI: When couture met code, creativity found a new rhythm. Disrptve Communications, the new-age marketing agency known for fusing art and technology, has unveiled DHUN, a melody in motion for designer Sarab Khanijou, an AI-crafted storytelling asset that turns luxury fashion into digital poetry.

    The project reimagines couture’s tactile artistry through the lens of generative AI while preserving the emotion and craftsmanship at its heart. Using a custom-built photo capture system, Disrptve’s tech team meticulously documented every sequin, stitch, and fold from Khanijou’s collection. These high-resolution captures trained bespoke AI models (LoRAs), enabling lifelike recreations that reflect rhythm, motion, and elegance.

    From there, the creative team composed mood-driven visual sequences inspired by DHUN’s themes of heritage and fluidity. With tools like Flux and advanced inpainting, they redefined how couture can be experienced, not just seen.

    “It’s more than digital enhancement, it’s a new form of storytelling,” said Disrptve Communications chief business officer Chetan Chopra. “AI here doesn’t replace creativity; it refines it.”

    Designer Sarab Khanijou, initially hesitant about merging couture and AI, was ultimately impressed. “Seeing the final visuals, I knew I made the right choice. Disrptve brought a contemporary flavour to traditional design,” he said.

    With DHUN, Disrptve Communications is setting the tone for a future where creativity and AI move in harmony, one handcrafted pixel at a time.

     

  • Tata Comm kicks off Real Madrid fan drive in India

    Tata Comm kicks off Real Madrid fan drive in India

    MUMBAI: Game on for Indian Madridistas! Tata Communications, Real Madrid CF, and Footballerista have joined forces to launch the Madridista Premium loyalty programme in India, promising to bring fans closer than ever to the world-famous club.

    The partnership, unveiled in Mumbai and Madrid, aims to engage over 22 million Indian supporters and 11 official fan clubs, a clear nod to India’s growing football fandom. Through Madridista Premium, Indian fans can now enjoy exclusive club content, curated merchandise, and digital experiences that capture the spirit of Santiago Bernabéu, all from the comfort of home.

    Tata Communications will power the digital backbone of the programme using its Move technology to create an always-connected, interactive fan experience. Footballerista, the customer-facing partner, will curate front-end engagement and campaigns to make joining the Madridista movement easy and exciting.

    “This partnership isn’t just about digital innovation, it’s connecting Real Madrid to its Indian fanbase that goes beyond traditional fandom,” said Real Madrid’s institutional relations director Emilio Butrageño.

    Tata Communications Move vice president and global head Marco Bijvelds added, “Our technology is designed to break down barriers and create connections. We’re building a stage for Real Madrid’s fan experience in India, making supporters feel even more connected to their beloved team.”

    For India’s passionate football community, this isn’t just a programme, it’s a passport to Madrid’s magic.

     

  • Blyp parks it smart with Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz win

    Blyp parks it smart with Zee TV’s IdeaBaaz win

    MUMBAI: Talk about finding the perfect spot! Blyp, India’s smart parking pioneer, has parked itself firmly in the spotlight after featuring on Zee TV and ZEE5’s entrepreneurial show IdeaBaaz. The startup not only wowed audiences with its innovation but also drove home fresh funding of Rs 50 lakh from titan investor Sandesh Sharda.

    Formerly known as ParkMate, Blyp is on a mission to make India’s parking woes a thing of the past. Its quick parking app promises to help users find, book, and park in just two minutes, turning one of urban India’s biggest daily headaches into a seamless experience.

    Appearing in the fourth episode of IdeaBaaz (aired on 2 November), co-founders Dhananjaya Bharadwaj and Abhimanyu Singh shared how the company is reimagining the way India parks, with a focus on speed, safety, and sustainability. The show, which celebrates visionary startups, gave Blyp a national stage to showcase how technology can transform everyday life.

    The Rs 50 lakh investment forms part of Blyp’s ongoing bridge round following its pre-series A funding. The capital will fuel tech upgrades, city expansions, and partnerships with malls, corporates, and institutions across India.

    “Being featured on IdeaBaaz is a proud moment for our entire team,” said Bharadwaj. “With our new funding, we aim to accelerate our expansion and bring faster, more sustainable parking experiences to millions.”

    COO Abhimanyu Singh added, “Our goal is to make parking effortless, from eliminating manual payments to enabling digital-first smart city ecosystems.”

    Already active across Delhi NCR and several smart cities, Blyp is driving India toward a future where finding parking is as simple as a tap, no honking, circling, or stress required.

     

  • One million Indians make fitness a habit with cult

    One million Indians make fitness a habit with cult

    MUMBAI: India just got a little fitter! cult, the fitness and wellness platform from Curefit, has announced that one million members have successfully built lasting fitness habits through its programmes, a remarkable feat in a country where only 0.6 per cent of the population actively engages in fitness activities.

    At the heart of this achievement lies cult’s 3 by 4 framework, which defines habit formation as exercising at least three days a week for four consecutive weeks. Miss a session, and the cycle resets, making consistency the ultimate test. Backed by a seven-year study of 1.5 lakh members, the data revealed that users who complete this 3 by 4 cycle are three times more likely to stay active long-term.

    Interestingly, most achievers were between 25 and 34 years old, with men and women forming habits at nearly the same rate. More than half (58 per cent) built habits within the first month of joining.

    To make the process engaging, cult introduced features like ‘cult Ninja’, a gamified multiplayer challenge that keeps members motivated through levels, leaderboards and positive reinforcement. Trainers celebrate milestones, while streaks, nudges and flexible access across gyms, sports centres and online classes help users stay consistent, anytime, anywhere.

    “Our vision is to make fitness an achievable daily habit,” said cult CEO Naresh Krishnaswamy. “In a country where fitness isn’t a natural priority, we’ve built an environment that helps people stay committed. This milestone proves that with the right approach, fitness can become a way of life.”

    With offerings like cult Pro, cult Elite, cult LUX, cult PLAY, and partnerships with Gold’s Gym and Fitness First, the platform caters to every kind of fitness enthusiast, from beginners to pros.

    As cult continues to innovate and expand its ecosystem, one thing is clear, India’s fitness story is no longer a sprint, but a sustained, community-powered marathon.

     

  • Billboard hits the right note with India debut

    Billboard hits the right note with India debut

    MUMBAI: The world’s most recognised music media brand is striking a new chord with the launch of Billboard India, in partnership with Other Side Ventures Pvt. Ltd., backed by media advisor Priyanka Khimani. The move marks Billboard’s entry into one of the world’s most vibrant and fast-evolving music markets.

    Set to go live in early 2026, Billboard India will bring the brand’s signature offerings to the subcontinent, from its iconic charts, lists and music awards to exclusive editorial features, interviews, merchandise and events. The platform aims to celebrate India’s sonic diversity, spotlighting both the glitz of Hindi cinema soundtracks and the pulse of the indie scene making waves across streaming platforms worldwide.

    Priyanka Khimani, the driving force behind the partnership, said the venture will provide “one unifying voice to measure and highlight the incredible growth and success of India’s music industry,” adding that Billboard India aims to be “a world-class experience powered by data, celebrating talent with pride and prestige.”

    Echoing her enthusiasm, Billboard CEO Mike Van said, “India’s music scene is one of the most dynamic and culturally rich in the world. With Billboard India, we’re thrilled to recognise its extraordinary diversity while connecting the country’s thriving music community to our global stage.”

    Based in Mumbai, Billboard India’s editorial team will be announced soon, setting the stage for a high-decibel debut that promises to amplify India’s music to the world.

     

  • Experian rolls out Grameen Score for rural India

    Experian rolls out Grameen Score for rural India

    MUMBAI: Scoring big in Bharat! Experian Credit Information Company of India has unveiled the Grameen Score, a fresh credit scoring model designed to make borrowing easier and fairer for India’s rural population. The move aims to bridge the gap between financial institutions and millions of rural consumers who have long remained outside the formal credit net.

    Aligned with the Government of India’s push for financial inclusion and the Reserve Bank of India’s efforts to widen access to credit, the Grameen Score helps lenders assess rural borrowers more accurately and responsibly.

    Developed with a deep understanding of India’s villages, the model considers unique rural financial patterns such as repayment behaviour on small loans, the types of credit typically used in villages and even migration trends between towns and cities. The score ranges from 300 to 900, making it simple for lenders and borrowers alike to understand.

    The Grameen Score particularly shines a spotlight on women entrepreneurs and self-help groups, helping them secure fairer loans and build stronger financial identities. For lenders, it translates into faster, data-driven decisions and a clearer picture of repayment capability.

    Commenting on the launch, Experian Credit Information Company of India  chairman Manish Jain said, “The Experian Grameen Score aligns with India’s agenda of inclusive growth. By helping institutions assess credit risk more effectively in rural areas, we are improving access to finance and building a more resilient and transparent credit ecosystem.”

    He added that the score reflects Experian’s philosophy of “innovation with purpose”, using data and analytics to enable responsible rural lending and sustainable growth.

    With this initiative, Experian aims to turn financial dreams in India’s heartlands into reality, one score at a time.

  • Notice & District turn popcorn into crowned glory

    Notice & District turn popcorn into crowned glory

    MUMBAI: What happens when cinema meets design? You get a popcorn bucket that wears a crown. In a spectacular fusion of creativity and fandom, District and Notice, the design-led experimental object brand, have joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind collectible for the 10-year anniversary launch of Bahubali: The Epic. The collaboration celebrates not just the film’s grand return but the fans who made it legendary.

    The idea was born when District suggested reimagining the iconic crown of Bahubali, a symbol of power, legacy, and cinematic grandeur. Notice took that spark and transformed it into an elevated design experience that turns an everyday popcorn bucket into a work of art.

    The result, a bucket crowned with a sculpted topper, blending functionality with fandom and turning a regular movie snack into a keepsake worthy of royalty.

    Crafted by Notice’s team of designers, engineers, and makers, each limited-edition piece reflects meticulous craftsmanship, every curve and contour designed to feel as intentional as it is iconic.

    “Rather than just create merchandise, we wanted to design a moment,” said the team at Notice. “A simple act like eating popcorn becomes a connection to Bahubali’s epic spirit.”

    Available exclusively at Miraj Cinemas, Mumbai, during the film’s release, this limited-edition collaboration stands as a love letter to storytelling, scale, and design that makes even the smallest gestures feel monumental.

  • WolfzHowl names VAN Sharma to lead StraTech drive

    WolfzHowl names VAN Sharma to lead StraTech drive

    MUMBAI: WolfzHowl has brought on board Eswara VAN Sharma as consulting director – StraTech and brand orchestration for India and ASEAN, marking a key leadership addition to power its next phase of growth.

    In his new role, VAN will lead brand strategy, client success, and business growth, advancing WolfzHowl’s signature StraTech movement, which merges behavioural insight with technology to build future-ready brands.

    At its core, StraTech blends culture, behavioural science, data, and AI to help brands forge meaningful connections across every stage of the marketing funnel.

    VAN’s global career spans marketing, innovation, and strategy across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with stints at major brands including Mondelez, Emirates, Samsung, and ExxonMobil.

    Commenting on the appointment, WolfzHowl India founder and partner & head of strategy WolfzHowl Global Kalyan Ram Challapalli said, “As we enter a new chapter of strategic growth, we need seasoned leaders to scale and strengthen our StraTech vision. VAN’s experience, integrity, and collaborative leadership make him the perfect catalyst for this journey.”

    Reflecting on his new role, VAN Sharma said, “It’s rare to find a space that unites behavioural science, technology, and brand building so seamlessly. I’m excited to help orchestrate this convergence at WolfzHowl and shape what we proudly call StraTech.”

    Based in Bengaluru, VAN will also support WolfzHowl’s expansion across Southeast Asia and Australia, working closely with the global leadership team to amplify the consultancy’s innovation-led brand.

  • Warner Music strikes a new note with CFO hire

    Warner Music strikes a new note with CFO hire

    MUMBAI: Warner Music India has hit a high note in its leadership line-up, naming Vikram Kulkarni as its new chief financial officer. The appointment underscores the company’s push to amplify its business strategy and deepen collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.

    Armed with over 17 years of experience across finance, strategy, and governance, Vikram brings a sharp understanding of balancing numbers with creative ambition. Before joining Warner Music, he served as finance controller at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he partnered with India and South Asia leadership to drive sustainable growth. He has also held key roles at Ernst & Young and Welspun Group, honing expertise in financial reporting, audit, tax, and business performance management.

    “I’m honoured to join Warner Music India during such a dynamic time for the music industry,” said Vikram Kulkarni. “The company’s artist-first vision and commitment to creative growth inspire me. I look forward to building strong financial foundations that fuel innovation and long-term success.”

    Warner Music India & SAARC managing director Jay Mehta added, “Vikram brings the perfect mix of financial insight and leadership. His strategic perspective will be vital as we continue expanding Warner Music’s presence and impact across India and South Asia.”

    With Kulkarni now in the mix, Warner Music India looks set to fine-tune its rhythm of growth, blending business precision with creative passion in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.

     

  • TechnoSport races ahead with Myntra M-Now launch

    TechnoSport races ahead with Myntra M-Now launch

    MUMBAI: TechnoSport is breaking a sweat in all the right ways. The homegrown activewear brand has made its debut on Myntra’s M-Now, the fashion platform’s hyper-speed delivery service, bringing performance wear to your doorstep in just 30 minutes.

    Currently live across Bengaluru, with expansion plans for Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune, the move marks a bold stride in TechnoSport’s mission to make premium-quality activewear both affordable and instantly accessible.

    The brand is kicking off its M-Now journey with 10 plus styles, priced at an average of Rs 430, combining comfort, performance, and value. The launch is part of TechnoSport’s larger omni-channel expansion, which includes rapid delivery via Myntra and soon, its own website.

    TechnoSport’s foray into quick commerce has already shown impressive results, the brand has clocked nearly 60 per cent volume growth over the past six months. With consumers increasingly turning to Q-commerce for impulse fitness buys, the segment is expected to contribute 15–20 per cent of the brand’s overall revenue in the near future.

    “We are thrilled to launch TechnoSport on M-Now,” said TechnoSport CEO Puspen Maity. “Activewear is often an impulse purchase tied to lifestyle goals. Q-commerce bridges that gap between intent and action, allowing us to meet consumers’ expectations for instant gratification while keeping performance and quality at the core.”

    By merging speed with style, TechnoSport is sprinting ahead in India’s booming activewear race, and with this launch, it’s proving that in fitness and fashion alike, timing is everything.