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Category: News Headline

  • 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.

  • Hindi cinema shines bright at Filmfare’s 70th night

    Hindi cinema shines bright at Filmfare’s 70th night

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, nostalgia! The 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism turned Ahmedabad into the heart of Hindi cinema, where stars, stories and songs collided in a night of pure cinematic magic. The telecast of the unforgettable evening airs on 9 November at 9 pm across Zee TV, Zing and Zest, promising fans a front-row seat to the glamour, grandeur and golden memories.

    Hosted by the ever-charismatic Shah Rukh Khan, joined by Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul, the ceremony was a dazzling blend of celebration and emotion. The event honoured not just the brightest stars but the creative minds behind the camera, directors, writers, musicians and technicians, all of whom keep Indian cinema’s soul alive.

    One of the night’s most goosebump-inducing moments came when SRK and Kajol brought back the magic of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, leaving the audience awash in nostalgia. Adding a heartfelt touch, Abhishek Bachchan paid tribute to his legendary father with a dynamic medley of Amitabh Bachchan classics, from Khaike Paan Banaras Wala to Jumma Chumma.

    The evening’s rhythm soared higher with Akshay Kumar’s powerhouse performance of timeless hits and Kriti Sanon’s glamorous homage to Zeenat Aman, who, along with Shyam Benegal, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Ananya Panday brought Gujarat’s vibrant culture to life, while Siddhant Chaturvedi saluted Hindi cinema’s dance icons with electrifying energy.

    Taking the celebration sky-high, a stunning drone show lit up Ahmedabad’s skyline, tracing the evolution of Hindi cinema through the decades. A nostalgic ‘Cine Icon Awards’ segment revisited legends like Bimal Roy, Sridevi, Dilip Kumar, Nutan, and Amitabh Bachchan, right up to the 1990s icons SRK, Kajol and Karan Johar.

    The telecast also captures intimate moments, from the audience joining SRK to wish Big B a happy birthday to Ravi Kishan and Abhishek Bachchan winning their first-ever Filmfare trophies.

    So, polish that popcorn bowl and prepare for an unforgettable evening. The 70th Filmfare Awards 2025 promises everything Hindi cinema stands for, emotion, entertainment and eternal magic, on 9 November at 9 pm only on Zee TV, Zing and Zest.

     

  • BIG FM brings Ramayana to life with AI twist

    BIG FM brings Ramayana to life with AI twist

    MUMBAI: What happens when age-old wisdom meets artificial intelligence? You get a Ramayana retelling fit for the reel world. BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, has launched ‘BIG Ramayana’, an AI-powered audio-video series that brings the timeless legend of Lord Ram to today’s screens and streams. Narrated by acclaimed actor Saurabh Raaj Jain, the series transforms the classic epic into bite-sized, visually rich reels, a perfect blend of mythology and modernity.

    The first episode premiered on 20 October 2025, alongside the launch of the BIG Ramayana Anthem, a soulful ode to dharma, devotion, and destiny. Designed for digital-first audiences, the project combines AI-enhanced reels, audio dramas, podcasts, celebrity capsules, RJ specials, and trivia segments, giving the Ramayana a dynamic, cross-platform presence.

    “At BIG FM, storytelling is in our DNA,” said BIG FM CEO Sunil Kumaran. “BIG Ramayana represents our belief that when tradition meets innovation, it creates something powerful and lasting. It’s about connecting today’s youth to stories that have defined generations.”

    Echoing the sentiment, chief marketing & product officer Atul Razdan added, “We wanted to make mythology matter again for Gen Z. With AI and creative storytelling, BIG Ramayana lets audiences rediscover these timeless tales in formats they truly relate to.”

    Listeners can catch AI-enhanced episodes on BIG FM’s social media platforms and tune in to radio broadcasts Monday to Friday at 8 am and 9 pm. The show also streams on Spotify, JioSaavn, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Prime Music, and Gaana, proving that even an ancient epic can find its rhythm in a new digital dhun.

     

  • Hyderabad levels up as Comic Con and DreamHack unite for epic pop fest

    Hyderabad levels up as Comic Con and DreamHack unite for epic pop fest

    MUMBAI: Heroes, gamers, and dreamers assembled Hyderabad just turned into a real-life multiverse. The Maruti Suzuki Arena Hyderabad Comic Con, powered by Crunchyroll and paired with Dreamhack India, transformed Hitex Exhibition Centre into the capital of cool from 31 October to 2 November.

    Over 40,000 fans including 400-plus cosplayers descended on the venue for three packed days celebrating everything from anime and comics to esports and AR-fuelled fun. Organised by Comic Con India under Nodwin Gaming, the event fused nostalgia and next-gen tech in equal measure.

    Comic lovers geeked out with Mike Costa, writer and executive producer of Lucifer, and J. Gonzo, the artist behind striking covers for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghost Rider. Joining them were 17 homegrown comic creators, 9 performers, and 80 exhibitors, ensuring every corner buzzed with creative energy.

    Maruti Suzuki kept things fast and fun with a reflex challenge and display zone, while Crunchyroll’s booth had anime fans grooving to a non-stop playlist. Android Land’s Panfest drew BGMI warriors into live open lobbies, where digital battles matched the on-ground adrenaline.

    Meanwhile, Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle blended the old with the new, offering fans a VR-powered dive into India’s mythological universes. The Running Man Rage Room let visitors smash their stress away, while the Predator Badlands Zone and Zootopia 2 Zone kept the high-octane vibes going.

    Adding star power, DreamHack India celebrated its sixth anniversary with a gamer’s paradise of retro titles, KO Fight Night, chess blitz tournaments, and BYOD arenas. KMR YoshiKiller claimed victory in Tekken 8, pocketing Rs 1 lakh, while JLQ Hallmark took home Rs 40,000 as the Super Smash Bros champ.

    The cosplay highlight came with the Hyderabad qualifiers for the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026, where Pracheta Banerjee bagged the city crown and Rs 50,000, earning a spot in the national finals.

    Gaming icons like Scout, Kaashvi, Ghatak, and Trace God met fans at packed meet-and-greet zones powered by Revenant Esports, while Red Bull athletes and Godlike creators including Jonathan, V3nom, Zgod, Sharkshe, and Payal lit up the Red Bull Tetris National Finals. Even childhood favourite Rob (Harun Robert) of M.A.D. fame joined the party.

    Performers such as Syed Bashaar, Vivek Muralidharan, Karan Singh, Celinedee Matahari, and Kayden Sharma brought music, magic, and mischief to the stage, turning the convention into a festival of pure fandom.

    Reflecting on the success, Comic Con India CEO Shefali Johnson said, “Hyderabad’s energy was phenomenal, people of all ages came together to celebrate pop culture. From Shinchan to Ironman, fans showed up in full spirit.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & MD Akshat Rathee added, “We’ve once again brought pop culture and gaming together like never before. The enthusiasm from Hyderabad fuels us to make every season bigger and bolder.”

    With the capes folded and controllers powered down, Comic Con India now heads east with its first-ever Guwahati edition on 22–23 November 2025 proving that India’s pop culture universe is only getting larger, louder, and infinitely more legendary.

     

  • 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.

  • Word Play Returns as Sahitya Aaj Tak Turns Delhi into a Lit Fest

    Word Play Returns as Sahitya Aaj Tak Turns Delhi into a Lit Fest

    MUMBAI: Delhi’s about to get a serious case of literary fever and no one’s complaining. The India Today Group organized and much-loved Sahitya Aaj Tak is back from 21 to 23 November 2025, transforming the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium into a buzzing playground of poetry, prose and performance.

    Now in its latest edition, the three-day fiesta promises to be a heady mix of words, wisdom and rhythm, with over 30 celebrated voices from literature, music and performance coming together to make language sing again.

    This year’s line-up reads like a who’s who of India’s creative scene Piyush Mishra, Kumar Vishwas, Imran Pratapgarhi, Varsha Singh Dhanoa, Malini Awasthi, Neha Kakkar, Namita Dubey, Manoj Muntashir, and Jasbir Jassi each bringing their unique flavour of expression to Delhi’s cultural calendar.

    From soulful shayari to pop beats, Sahitya Aaj Tak 2025 is where a verse meets a voice and rhythm meets reason. Whether you’re there for Kumar Vishwas’s philosophical masterpiece Apne Apne Ram (which will feature across all three days), or Neha Kakkar’s chart-topping energy, the event promises moments that move the heart as much as they make you hum.

    Adding a contemplative layer are thematic sessions like Jeewan Ki Jagrukta: Kitni Zaruri…, delving into mindfulness and awareness in today’s whirlwind life. Another highlight, Rahgeer Live…, brings together poetic voices like Marham, Deveshi Sahgal, and Rahgir, blending verse and melody into one mesmerising flow.

    As always, the festival’s magic lies in its ability to make literature feel alive not confined to dusty pages or late-night screens, but performed, sung, debated and celebrated. With folk icon Malini Awasthi, Punjabi powerhouse Jasbir Jassi, and Hargun Kaur adding melody to the mix, it’s a feast for the senses as much as the soul.

    Registration for the festival is now open on sahitya.aajtak.in.

    So mark your calendars and charge your creative batteries because for three days this November, Delhi won’t just speak, it’ll rhyme, sing and soar.

     

  • 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.

     

  • Zee Sports joins hands with UPKL for 3 Years

    Zee Sports joins hands with UPKL for 3 Years

    MUMBAI: Zee Sports is making a power play in India’s sporting landscape. The network has entered into a three-year strategic partnership with Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), becoming the exclusive broadcast and digital partner for the state’s flagship Kabaddi property.

    The collaboration, the first of its kind for a state-level sports IP, will bring the next three UPKL seasons to TV audiences on Zee Sports and to digital viewers via Zee5, expanding the league’s footprint across India.

    With the addition of four new franchises, UPKL now boasts 12 teams representing key cities across Uttar Pradesh. The partnership marks a pivotal step in UPKL’s evolution from a regional league to a nationally recognised sports enterprise focused on nurturing grassroots talent.

    “At Zee Sports, we believe in championing India’s own sporting heritage,” said Zee Sports business head Bavesh Janavlekar. “Through our vast TV network and Zee5’s digital ecosystem, this partnership will help Kabaddi get the scale and storytelling it truly deserves.”

    Echoing the sentiment, SJ Uplift Kabaddi founder and director Sambhav Jain said, “This collaboration transforms UPKL from a promising local initiative into a nationwide platform for players and fans alike. With season 2, we’re taking Kabaddi from local stadiums to living rooms across India.”

    The three-year deal will cover seasons 2, 3 and 4 of UPKL. The upcoming season 2 kicks off on December 25, 2025, in Noida, featuring 71 matches over 19 days, with live Hindi telecasts capturing the sport’s traditional spirit.

    With this move, Zee Sports and UPKL are set to turn a regional game into a national sensation, one raid at a time.