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Category: News Headline

  • Order in the court Kajol returns with fiercer fight in The Trial Season 2

    Order in the court Kajol returns with fiercer fight in The Trial Season 2

    MUMBAI: Justice may be blind, but this courtroom is about to see fireworks. The much-awaited trailer of The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha Season 2 has dropped, and Kajol’s return as Noyonika Sengupta promises a performance that is more fiery, vulnerable, and emotionally charged than ever before.

    Directed by Umesh Bist and produced by Banijay Asia, the new chapter premieres 19 September 2025 on JioHotstar. It picks up after Season 1, where Noyonika, once a timid housewife, re-entered law following her husband’s corruption scandal. Now she stands transformed into a razor-sharp lawyer and resolute mother yet Season 2 unravels her world piece by piece.

    Her husband Rajiv’s political ambitions (played by Jisshu Sengupta) threaten to tear the family apart, the law firm she depends on is riddled with rivalries, and a tangled love triangle clouds her judgement. In the dock is Noyonika herself torn between duty and desire, trust and truth.

    The series boasts a formidable cast, including Sonali Kulkarni, Sheeba Chaddha, Alyy Khan, Kubbra Sait, Gaurav Pandey, and Karanvir Sharma. Kajol teased, “This season is darker, deeper, and more personal. Noyonika isn’t just fighting in court, she’s fighting to keep her world from collapsing.”

    Bist revealed that Season 2 deliberately raises the stakes, balancing the intensity of legal duels with Noyonika’s internal unraveling. “It’s a layered story about power, identity, and the personal cost of standing up for oneself especially as a woman,” he said.

    Backing the show’s cinematic ambition, Alok Jain of JioStar positioned it as part of a bold content universe that challenges ideas of choice and identity, while Sushant Sreeram highlighted how international adaptations like The Trial (based on CBS Studios’ The Good Wife) are reimagined for Indian audiences. Banijay Asia CEO Deepak Dhar promised “a gripping ride with higher stakes, more intense emotions, and powerful performances.”

    Jisshu Sengupta added that Rajiv’s arc would shake viewers: “His ambitions have grown, but so has the cost. It’s love, regret, resentment and redemption colliding at once.”

    The original U.S. series The Good Wife, created by Robert and Michelle King, set the global bar for courtroom drama. Now, its Indian counterpart seems poised to go beyond the gavel blending betrayal, ambition, and raw humanity into a season that could very well be Kajol’s fiercest role yet.

    Order in the court: judgment day arrives 19 September.

  • Thermocool unwraps sleek new logo and packaging in brand refresh

    Thermocool unwraps sleek new logo and packaging in brand refresh

    New Delhi: The home appliances giant has unveiled a fresh logo, modernised visual identity and sleek new packaging as part of a complete rebrand aimed at connecting with young, design-conscious Indian consumers.

    The refreshed look is set to deliver consistency both online and in-store, with packaging crafted to appeal to a generation that prizes not only performance but also aesthetics and lifestyle representation.

    “This rebranding marks a significant milestone in our brand’s legacy… it brings our brand home with the aspirations of a new generation of consumers,” said Thermocool, director of operations, Tushar Gupta.

    Echoing the sentiment, director of sales & marketing, Tanuj Gupta added, “Today, consumers don’t just want more from the brands that they invite into their lives; they want not just functionality, but purpose and design that speaks to their lifestyle. It’s more than the next logo update or packaging redesign; it’s about reframing how Thermocool interacts with its consumers. From shelf presentation to product experience, we are dedicated to delivering clever design, exceptional performance, and a brand that embodies the principle of contemporary living.”

    The brand refresh will roll out across multiple channels, underscoring Thermocool’s bid to stand out in a crowded marketplace while reinforcing its promise of clever design, strong performance and contemporary living.

     

  • Priyanka Khimani, WoMI host global music leaders at Soho House

    Priyanka Khimani, WoMI host global music leaders at Soho House

    MUMBAI: Call it a power chord with purpose. On 21 August, Priyanka Khimani, one of India’s most influential entertainment lawyers and founder of Women of Music India (WoMI), hosted the second edition of the Global Music Leaders Reception at Soho House, Mumbai. The evening, backed by tech disruptor Nothing, pulled together a rare mix of executives, artists and innovators from across the world to tune into conversations about music, creativity and cultural exchange.

    What began in 2024 as a pioneering experiment has swiftly become one of the industry’s most sought-after, invitation-only gatherings. Conceived by Khimani and WoMI, the event aimed to spotlight India’s cultural heft on the world stage while bridging business and artistry.

    “India is no longer just participating in the global conversation but we are also helping shape it,” said Khimani, also a prominent advocate for artists’ rights. “Through Women of Music India, I want to ensure that women, especially, are at the forefront of that change. This evening is where those conversations begin, and where lasting partnerships are born.”

    Soho House, with its reputation as Mumbai’s creative hub, provided a fitting backdrop for the night, which blended dialogue with performance. Rising folk-fusion voice Mansa Jimmy, indie star Mali, and emerging acts Twinkle Agarwal and Akanksha Sethi lit up the stage, reminding guests that culture ultimately begins with the artist.

    The guest list had global flair: Jasleen Royal, Raftaar, Natania Lalwani and Roc Nation’s Andrew Gold rubbed shoulders with Universal Music execs and India’s indie stars.

    Nothing’s presence as cultural partner was no accident. Founded in London in 2020, the brand’s design-driven tech ethos chimed neatly with the evening’s celebration of innovation and artistry.

    By the close, the Global Music Leaders Reception had once again proved its role as more than a cocktail party. It was a bridge between India and the international music community, and a sign of how cultural capital is increasingly flowing both ways. 
     

  • Anuja Trivedi named chief strategy and marketing officer as Shemaroo eyes next phase

    Anuja Trivedi named chief strategy and marketing officer as Shemaroo eyes next phase

    MUMBAI: Shemaroo Entertainment has expanded the remit of Anuja Trivedi, elevating her to chief strategy and marketing officer (CSMO). In addition to leading marketing, she will now head the central strategy team, cementing the company’s sharper focus on long-term growth, integrated brand positioning and closer consumer alignment.

    Since joining as chief marketing officer in 2023, Trivedi has driven brand growth and boosted visibility for Shemaroo’s TV, OTT and digital platforms. In her expanded role, she will spearhead strategic initiatives and work with cross-functional leaders to unlock synergies across the group’s diverse business verticals.

    She brings broad experience spanning strategy, revenue and content, with stints at Disney Star, World Gold Council (WGC), McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley and PwC. At Disney Star, she shaped content strategy for TV and digital, driving Disney+ Hotstar subscriptions and improving TV market share in key genres.

    “Anuja’s role expansion comes at a time when we are sharpening our strategic priorities to stay ahead in an evolving media and entertainment ecosystem,” said chief executive of Shemaroo, Hiren Gada. “Her deep understanding of consumer behavior, market dynamics, and business transformation will be instrumental as we move into our next phase of growth.”

    Chief operating officer of Shemaroo, Arghya Chakravarty added, “Over the last two years, Anuja has been instrumental in shaping Shemaroo’s brand story. Her expanded role reflects our belief in her ability to bridge strategy with execution, drive cross-functional alignment, and keep the consumer at the center of all decisions.”

    With Trivedi’s new mandate, the brand is amplifying its bet on strategy-led brand building and future-ready planning as it caters to the changing tastes of Indian and global audiences.

  • Planet Marathi founder faces FIR after Bombay HC order on forgery

    Planet Marathi founder faces FIR after Bombay HC order on forgery

    MUMBAI: The drama has moved off-screen and into the courtroom Planet Marathi’s founder Akshay Bardapurkar now faces a real-life script of forgery, fraud, and financial conspiracy after the Bombay High Court ordered the registration of an FIR against him and three others.

    A Bench of Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ashwin Ankhad, ruling on Criminal Writ Petition No. 4170 of 2025 filed by former partner Soumya Vilekar, directed Mulund Police to book Bardapurkar, casting director Manali Dixit, notary Dodha Doulat Ahire, and Dhaval Shah.

    At the heart of the case is a forged partnership deed dated 3 October 2023, allegedly bearing Vilekar’s signature, photograph, and a fake notarisation. She claims she never signed the document, which was used to approach Axis Bank, Deutsche Bank, and others to secure loans and dispose of intellectual property, all without her knowledge.

    Vilekar maintains that her only valid exit was through a Deed of Admission-cum-Retirement dated 15 January 2024, and accuses Bardapurkar of fabricating the earlier deed to siphon funds. She says she was left battling multiple litigations originally aimed at the company, exposing her to reputational and financial harm.

    “This is not merely forged paperwork, it’s a premeditated act of fraud and conspiracy,” Vilekar said, adding that Bardapurkar had diverted company funds for personal expenses and unauthorised purposes.

    The fallout for Planet Marathi has been severe. Its offices have remained shut for months, the app has ceased operations, and employees have resigned en masse. The company is also facing NCLT liquidation proceedings, while Bardapurkar himself is entangled in multiple legal battles:

    . Rs 87 lakh cheque bounce case filed by Aayush Shah

    . Rs 20 lakh dishonour case filed by Mausam Shah

    . Personal insolvency proceedings by Verse

    . Several Section 138 NI Act cases across Mumbai, Pune, and beyond

    The High Court’s intervention comes after Vilekar alleged that Mulund Police failed to act despite her submitting documentary evidence. The ruling marks another twist in a saga that has seen Planet Marathi, once touted as a Marathi OTT disruptor, now teetering between financial collapse and criminal scrutiny.

    As the courtroom script unfolds, Bardapurkar, once celebrated as a cultural entrepreneur now finds himself at the centre of a story where the plot revolves around liabilities, litigation, and law enforcement.

  • Eastern’s new campaign stirs Kerala’s age-old love affair with sambar

    Eastern’s new campaign stirs Kerala’s age-old love affair with sambar

    MUMBAI: Now here’s some food for thought: Eastern, Kerala’s leading spice and masala brand, is stirring the pot with its new campaign “Sambar Poru” (Battle of Sambar). The playful film celebrates the state’s age-old love affair with sambar, a dish that comes in as many variations as Kerala has districts.

    The brand’s consumer research revealed two camps of loyalists: those who swear by the classic balanced version, and those who prefer the punchier kayampodi (asafoetida-heavy) profile. Rather than choosing sides, the brand is embracing both, spotlighting its Sambar Powder and Thani Nadan Sambar Powder.

    The TVC brings this to life through a light-hearted culinary face-off between a mother and daughter, each defending her sambar style. As relatives gather and the son-in-law plays the enthusiastic referee, both sambars win equal love.

    “Kerala’s love for sambar is as nuanced and diverse as the state itself- shaped by tradition and generations of homegrown recipes,” said Girish Nair, CEO of eastern business unit. “This campaign is a tribute to the regional pride and varied choices we see in kitchens across the state.”

    Elango M, vice president of FCB India added, “From the length and breadth of Kerala, there are different types of Sambar! It’s a very versatile dish, so in our campaign, the task was to show that Eastern caters to different preferences. So, we created the ‘Battle of Sambar’ as the creative device [sic].”

    Running from 21 August to 15 September across TV, radio, cinema, digital and on-ground activations, the campaign promises to keep Kerala talking and tasting.

  • Shraddha Kapoor fronts Eureka Forbes’ ‘Chakachak Clean’ campaign

    Shraddha Kapoor fronts Eureka Forbes’ ‘Chakachak Clean’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Eureka Forbes, one of India’s most  trusted names in home health and hygiene, has roped in the Stree 2 actor to front its latest ‘Chakachak Clean’ campaign. The spotlight is on the Forbes Smartclean Robotic Vacuum Cleaner: a sleek device promising 99.9% dirt removal, hard-to-reach corner coverage, pet hair pick-up, and even wet mopping, all at the tap of a phone.

    In the campaign film, Kapoor personifies the brand’s vision of modern, effortless living: vibrant, fuss-free, and, of course, chakachak. Much like the robotic cleaner, she glides with ease, showing how keeping a home spotless no longer needs to feel like a chore.

    “Cleanliness in Indian homes has often been seen as a chore, but with Shraddha Kapoor and Forbes Smartclean, we are reframing it as effortless, essential, and empowering,” said Eureka Forbes, chief growth officer, Anurag Kumar. “The Forbes Smartclean robotic vacuum cleaner is a powerful device that delivers the highest level of clean- Chakachak Clean, in every home.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Kapoor added, “With innovations like the Forbes Smartclean Robotics range, which blends intelligent technology with effortless convenience, Eureka Forbes is redefining the future of home hygiene.”

     

  • Game on as Sportz Interactive’s Hackathon scores with GenAI fan tech

    Game on as Sportz Interactive’s Hackathon scores with GenAI fan tech

    MUMBAI: Whistles, cheers, and a whole lot of code Sportz Interactive (SI) turned its Mumbai HQ into a digital stadium as the final of its 2025 Hackathon kicked off with innovations that could change how fans watch, play, and engage with sport. In just 48 hours, 17 teams pulled off a blitz of GenAI-fuelled creations, with five standout groups making it to the finale. The line-up of ideas read like a wishlist for sports fans: an AI-powered content management system that cuts costs and boosts speed, a design and calendar assistant that converts live sports data into campaign-ready graphics, and a GenAI “factory” that transforms plain text into mini-games within minutes.

    Not to be outdone, another team showcased an intelligent cricket coverage platform delivering real-time analysis, while a plug-and-play trivia widget promised to keep digital audiences hooked with personalised, context-aware questions fuelled by SI’s proprietary sports data.

    The finale itself felt more like a festival than a boardroom. SI’s in-house band, The SIgnature, opened the day with live renditions of crowd favourites before the coding stars took the field.

    A judging panel featuring Jake Lush McCrum (CEO, Rajasthan Royals), Binda Dey (Group CMO, Knight Riders Sports), sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru, and Nikhil Raghavan (Partner, Marathon Edge) joined SI’s top brass Arvind Iyengar (Chairman) and Siddharth Raman (CEO) in picking the winners.

    “This year’s Hackathon was a clear signal that GenAI is the MVP of the future of fan engagement,” said Raman, adding that the showcased solutions were “a direct look at how sports organisations can connect with audiences in smarter, more meaningful ways.”

    For SI, the event wasn’t just about innovation in theory, it was about testing how AI, sport, and storytelling can collide to create the next era of immersive fan experiences. Judging by the energy in the room, it looks like the future of fandom just got its own highlight reel.

  • Say cheese as Go joins Super Dancer 5 to celebrate mums and kids

    Say cheese as Go joins Super Dancer 5 to celebrate mums and kids

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, cheddar! India’s beloved dairy darling Go Cheese has found its perfect dance partner in Super Dancer Chapter 5, Sony Entertainment Television’s homegrown reality blockbuster. The association, announced mid-season, promises a mix of cheesy indulgence and heartfelt family entertainment.

    Premiering 19 July, the fifth chapter of the hit franchise has already been trending with its unique theme celebrating the bond between mothers and children, a narrative that fits like mozzarella on pizza with Go Cheese’s family-first ethos. Just as mums are the ultimate cheerleaders for their kids on stage, Go Cheese champions everyday family moments at the dining table.

    The season is packed with high-octane performances, emotional narratives, and pint-sized prodigies who have already gathered fan armies on social media. Now, with Go Cheese in the mix, viewers can expect branded challenges, snackable content, and clever product integrations designed to showcase how cheese can transform both family meals and living-room celebrations.

    “Go Cheese has always been about bringing families together through taste and shared moments. Our association with Super Dancer Chapter 5 is a natural extension of our bond with modern families, especially mothers who nurture talent and celebrate uniqueness,” said Parag Milk Foods Ltd executive director Akshali Shah.

    The partnership also highlights Go Cheese’s ongoing mission to stay relevant in pop culture through engaging storytelling. From Sonyliv streams to living-room screens across India, the collaboration makes sure the brand is as much a part of the evening as the applause, the tears, and the dance-floor thrills.

    For audiences, it’s a season where twirls meet tangy cheese slices, and every performance promises not just a standing ovation but a slice of something deliciously familiar.

  • Suppandi scores big as CIBIL marks 25 years with comic twist

    Suppandi scores big as CIBIL marks 25 years with comic twist

    MUMBAI: Who knew a credit score could be comic gold? As Transunion CIBIL celebrates 25 years of building India’s credit backbone, it has teamed up with Amar Chitra Katha’s Tinkle to launch ‘CIBIL Ki Kahaniyan’, where everyone’s favourite dim-witted genius Suppandi moonlights as a financial literacy guru.

    The special comic sees Suppandi joined by Simran, his finance-savvy friend, and MyCIBIL, a personification of the credit score itself. Together, the trio use humour to unravel how credit works, why scores matter, and how responsible borrowing can shape futures. With nostalgia for grown-ups and fun for first-time earners, the campaign turns credit literacy into light reading.

    The comic book is just one part of a larger silver jubilee push. The outreach spans print, social media, and a multi-city radio campaign, all tied together by the tagline: “Sahi CIBIL Score, Badhaaye Khushi Ka Score”. The message is clear: a healthy score isn’t just a number, it’s a ticket to dreams, from a first home to higher education.

    And CIBIL’s track record is as impressive as its storytelling makeover. In 25 years, the bureau has partnered with 7,000 plus institutions, with over 164 million Indians self-monitoring their credit scores as of July 2025. Across two decades, more than 700 million individuals have gained access to formal credit, alongside 36 million commercial entities and 85 million active microfinance borrowers.

    Perhaps most striking is the gender shift: in just 10 years, 118 million women have entered the formal credit system, fuelling financial independence across households. Younger borrowers are also surging, thanks to targeted outreach and digital onboarding.

    “This milestone is not just about time, it’s about trust,” said Transunion CIBIL MD & CEO Bhavesh Jain who called the campaign a way to blend progress with personal stories of resilience and aspiration.

    Meanwhile, Tinkle editor-in-chief Gayathri Chandrasekaran admits her own team now checks their CIBIL scores after crafting the comic: “Suppandi was the perfect pick to make finance fun.”

    For a nation where finance often feels intimidating, Suppandi’s misadventures may just make credit confidence the next household story.