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Category: News Headline

  • Namma Desha, Namma Hemme: Colors Kannada observes I-Day with cultural campaign

    Namma Desha, Namma Hemme: Colors Kannada observes I-Day with cultural campaign

    MUMBAI: Colors Kannada turned this Independence Day into a state-wide celebration of culture, pride and patriotism with its campaign “Namma Desha, Namma Hemme” (Our Country, Our Pride).

    For the second year running, Karnataka’s acclaimed general entertainment channel (GEC) went beyond the screen, sending its artists back to their roots. From schools in Mysuru to temples in Mangaluru, flag-hoisting in Bidar to cultural activities in Kodagu, the initiative united communities across all 31 districts.

    Artists including Bigg Boss Kannada fame Trivikram, Bhavya Gowda, Manoj Kumar, Shilpa Kamath, Sukrutha Nag and many more took centre stage in their hometowns, weaving together tradition, performance and local pride.

    “For us, Independence Day is not just a celebration, but a reminder of what binds us together as a nation. With Namma Desha, Namma Hemme, we wanted to go beyond the screen and truly connect with people across every district of Karnataka,” said a Colors Kannada spokesperson. “With Namma Desha, Namma Hemme, we wanted to go beyond the screen and truly connect with people across every district of Karnataka. This campaign is a reflection of Colors Kannada’s deep cultural rootedness taking our artists back to the communities they come from, sharing in their pride, and celebrating our unity in diversity. The overwhelming response reinforces that when entertainment is rooted in culture and community, it creates lasting impact.”

    And the numbers echo that sentiment. The campaign drew 5 million views on Colors Kannada’s social platforms, while on-ground celebrations reached over 1 lakh viewers and 30,000 households. On Instagram alone, the six promos pulled in a cool 13k–18k views each.

    By mixing patriotism with local flavour, the GEC once again proved that Independence Day isn’t just about hoisting the flag, it’s about hoisting community spirit too.
     

  • Taapsee Pannu gives Yakult’s gut-feeling rebrand a healthy new boost

    Taapsee Pannu gives Yakult’s gut-feeling rebrand a healthy new boost

    New Delhi: Talk about going with your gut! Yakult has signed Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu as its new brand ambassador, fuelling a bold rebranding push with a big target: double-digit annual growth right through to 2030.

    The probiotic giant, known for its tiny bottles packed with billions of “good bacteria”, has come a long way since it first arrived in India in 2008. Now available in nearly 700 cities, Yakult has turned digestive health into a household conversation, thanks to its iconic “Yakult Ladies”, who deliver door-to-door while educating families about gut wellness.

    Pannu, whose family are long-time Yakult drinkers, says the partnership feels personal. “My family has been enjoying Yakult for years, especially my mom, and I’ve seen first-hand how small, consistent habits can make a big difference. I truly believe that good health starts in the gut, and Yakult is such an easy, tasty way to include that in our daily routine…” she said.

    Yakult Danone India’s managing director, Eiji Amano, is betting on that simplicity. “India has shown remarkable growth potential for Yakult over the last 17 years. From a nascent category in 2008 to a rapidly expanding market today, Yakult has continuously won consumer trust,” he noted.

    “Our next milestone of achieving double-digit growth every year until 2030 reflects the growing demand for probiotics and the confidence we have in the Indian market,” added Amano.

    Beyond the buzzwords and witty marketing, Yakult banks on real science. Yakult contains over 6.5 billion ‘Lactobacillus casei Shirota’ probiotics per bottle, clinically proven to boost digestion and nutrient absorption. “It is a daily catalyst that improves the effectiveness of our diet by enhancing the absorption of nutrients in the gut,” explained Dr Neerja Hajela, the company’s chief science officer (CSO).

    With India’s probiotics drink market projected to balloon from Rs 1,348.8 million in 2024 to nearly Rs 5,778.9 million by 2033, Yakult clearly sees fertile ground. Taku Otsuka, the brand’s director – sales, PR & marketing noted the brand will keep innovating with marketing, on-ground activities, and consumer outreach to make probiotics as normal as a morning cup of chai.

    And in a country embracing health-conscious living like never before, Yakult’s new chapter, with Taapsee Pannu leading the charge, may just prove that good vibes (and good health) really do come from within. 

  • Parle rules the roost as Britannia bags snack crown in Brand Footprint 2025

    Parle rules the roost as Britannia bags snack crown in Brand Footprint 2025

    MUMBAI: Looks like Parle still has India eating out of its hand. The biscuit-to-snack giant has once again topped the charts as the most chosen in-home FMCG brand, retaining its #1 spot for the 13th year running with a whopping 8,605 million Consumer Reach Points (CRPs), according to Worldpanel by Numerator’s Brand Footprint India 2025. Right on its heels was Britannia at 8,241m CRPs, while dairy heavyweight Amul secured third place with 6,517m CRPs. Clinic Plus held steady at #4, but the real climber was Surf Excel, which finally scrubbed its way into the Top 5 in-home brands with 3,438m CRPs, rising from #8 in 2023 to #5 this year.

    Haldiram’s pulled off a masala move, breaking into the Top 10 in-home list for the first time, climbing from #19 in 2023 to #10 this year with 2,513m CRPs. Other standout performers included Balaji, which expanded its rural snack pack reach adding 10 million shoppers ( plus 22 per cent CRP growth), and Godrej Expert Crème, which boosted its shopper base by 15 million (plus 37 per cent CRP growth).

    When it comes to out-of-home (OOH) snacking, Britannia kept its crown with 655m CRPs, but it was Balaji that made the biggest crunch, jumping to #2 with 510m CRPs, followed by Haldiram’s (460m), Cadbury (458m), and Parle (299m). Amul also rose to #6, riding a creamy plus 19 per cent CRP growth.

    While FMCG brand choices in India grew in 2024, the pace was slower, dragged by a food and beverage sector slowdown. Yet, India continues to outpace global averages: 60:40 odds of growth here, compared to 50:50 worldwide. Interestingly, smaller brands are punching above their weight, showing higher CRP growth, while big players slow down.

    “Growth comes from expanding the shopper base, whether through innovation, new formats or deeper rural reach. India remains a vibrant market with challenger brands steadily gaining ground,” said Worldpanel by Numerator MD for South Asia K. Ramakrishnan.

    With 414 brands across foods, home care, beauty, beverages and dairy in the study, the 2025 report confirms what Indians have always known whether at home or out, their brand loyalties are built bite by bite.

  • Ruralshores takes the Singhal route to global growth with new Group CEO

    Ruralshores takes the Singhal route to global growth with new Group CEO

    MUMBAI: From villages to boardrooms, Ruralshores is ready to go big and it has found its navigator. The rural outsourcing pioneer has appointed Tarun Singhal as group CEO of Ruralshores Integrated Business, signalling a bold new phase of AI-led transformation and global expansion. The company, already the world’s largest rural digital operations firm, employs over 3,500 colleagues across 14 centres nationwide. With Singhal at the helm, the focus sharpens on scaling Ruralshores’ “Scalable Workforce-as-a-Service” model, a unique blend of tech, talent and social impact designed to deliver value for global clients while empowering rural youth.

    Singhal arrives with heavyweight credentials, having driven digital transformation and international client growth at HCL and Sopra Steria. A recognised voice in Gen-AI strategy and digital innovation, he brings both gravitas and energy to a company that has long championed the marriage of cutting-edge tech with grassroots opportunity.

    “This is not just a transition, it is a launchpad,” said Ruralshores co-founder and director Murali Vullaganti hailing the appointment as a turning point in Ruralshores’ journey.

    For his part, Singhal painted a vision of rural India powering global digital ambitions: “Teams are geared up to revolutionise rural operations with AI-enabled, ESG-supported, data-driven services, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. We’re set to transform work in complex, underserved environments, harnessing rural India’s exceptional talent.”

    With its unique dual promise reducing costs for startups and enterprises while maximising social impact Ruralshores is betting that its rural workforce model can be scaled into a global movement. And with Singhal now in the driver’s seat, the road ahead looks set to be both inclusive and innovative.

  • Bigg Boss 19 gets a full house of sponsors before drama even begins

    Bigg Boss 19 gets a full house of sponsors before drama even begins

    MUMBAI: Before a single fight erupts or a tear is shed, Bigg Boss 19 has already pulled off its first big win, a full house of nine heavyweight sponsors, proving its unmatched pull in India’s reality TV arena. Premiering Sunday, 24 August 2025, across JioHotstar (9 pm) and Colors (10.30 pm), the Salman Khan-hosted show enters its 19th season with the theme “Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar”, where for the first time in the franchise’s history housemates hold the power to make decisions. The Parliament-inspired house promises a cocktail of people politics, power plays and unpredictable twists, all with unfiltered consequences.

    On the advertiser side, the line-up is as eclectic as the show’s contestants: Vaseline, Appy Fizz, Danube Properties, Flipkart, Citroën, Silver Coin Atta, Manforce, Lakmé Peach Milk, and Haier. From FMCG giants to auto brands, the mix underscores the show’s rare ability to capture consumer attention across categories.

    “Bigg Boss remains the top choice for brands seeking unparalleled reach,” said JioStar head of revenue for entertainment Mahesh Shetty adding that its seamless integrations deliver “unmatched value for both audiences and advertisers.”

    Returning sponsor Vaseline is back as co-presenting partner, with HUL’s Pratik Ved calling the association “a platform to showcase its upgraded product portfolio while staying India’s official skincare partner.” Meanwhile, Appy Fizz’s Nadia Chauhan dubbed the show “culturally relevant rocket fuel” for brand engagement, while Danube Group’s Rizwan Sajan highlighted last season’s “record-breaking global viewership” as reason to double down.

    Auto major Citroën, rolling out its India 2.0 strategy, sees the show’s raw energy as the perfect match for its refreshed product line-up, with Citroën MD Shailesh Hazela saying it allows the brand to “embed itself into the rhythm of Indian lives.”

    With 18 years of dominance, a 24×7 live feed, and its enduring power to spark conversation across 240 plus countries via JioHotstar, Bigg Boss 19 isn’t just a show, it’s India’s biggest pop culture juggernaut. And this year, the nation’s “gharwalas” get the gavel.

  • Chhota Bheem maker calls on fresh voices to script big kids’ adventures

    Chhota Bheem maker calls on fresh voices to script big kids’ adventures

    MUMBAI: Move over capes and crowns, the new heroes of kids’ TV might just be holding pens, not swords. Green Gold Animation, the studio that gave India its most famous toon icon Chhota Bheem, has opened a nationwide hunt for aspiring writers to help script its next big animated adventure. The initiative, starting 1 September 2025, invites early-career writers from every corner of India students, aspiring screenwriters, and first-timers with a flair for children’s stories. Experience in animation isn’t a prerequisite; what matters most is an ear for how kids speak, laugh, and dream today.

    Selected participants will get paid collaborations with Green Gold’s development team, working hand-in-hand with writers, animators, producers, and directors. They’ll also receive mentorship from seasoned professionals inside the studio, an industry break that could see their words come to life on screen.

    “For nearly two decades, our characters have grown up with India’s children,” said Green Gold Animation founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka. “But kids’ stories evolve with every new generation. Today’s children are curious, expressive, and connected, and we want stories that reflect that shift. With this initiative, we’re opening the door to new voices who can make kids laugh, think, and see themselves on screen.”

    The contest will be conducted virtually, making it accessible to storytellers nationwide. Interested participants can write to careers@greengold.tv to register. Once signed up, they’ll receive a creative brief setting out the direction of the upcoming show.

    Green Gold, which has shaped India’s animation landscape with Chhota Bheem and a host of other beloved characters, is framing this as more than a talent drive, it’s about building a pipeline for inclusive, future-facing storytelling. For the next generation of creators, this could be the chance to script their own fairy-tale beginning.

  • Evo changes hands as Sony exits and Nodwin takes control

    Evo changes hands as Sony exits and Nodwin takes control

    MUMBAI: The Evolution Championship Series (Evo), the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game festival, has entered new ownership and struck fresh partnerships that will steer its future through 2028 and beyond.

    Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has sold its stake in Evo to Nodwin Gaming, backed by Sony Group Corporation, while signing on as a global sponsor until 2028. SIE will continue to support the fighting game community via PlayStation Tournaments and new products in development.

    “When SIE acquired Evo alongside RTS in 2021, our goal was to spotlight fighting game fans on a global stage,” said SIE svp and head of global partner development & relations Phil Rosenberg. “As we transition to sponsor, Evo’s momentum has never been stronger, with expansion into new regions.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee said: “Evo was built on authenticity and passion. We will honour that legacy while opening the door for a new generation.”

    Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya, already a global partner, is investing in RTS, Evo’s co-owner and operator, and extending its deal through 2027. RTS chief executive Stuart Saw said the tie-up would “drive real transformation in the fighting game community through new opportunities, deeper connections and meaningful growth.”

    Evo’s global pull is surging. Its Las Vegas flagship drew players from more than 60 countries across 16 titles on a 14-acre floor, backed by brands including Chipotle, AT&T, PlayStation, Red Bull and Under Armour. Evo Japan at Tokyo Big Sight drew around 30,000, making it the largest in-person fighting game tournament in the country’s history.

    The festival will debut in Europe at the Palais des Expos in Nice, France, from October 10-12, with record registrations, and expand to Singapore in 2027.

    “Evo is accelerating from hosting renowned events to serving as a nexus point for fighting game culture worldwide,” said Evo general manager Rick Thiher.

  • Azmat Jagmag exits Warner Bros. Discovery

    Azmat Jagmag exits Warner Bros. Discovery

    MUMBAI: After nearly three years shaping pop culture moments at Warner Bros Discovery, Azmat Jagmag has called time on her stint at the media giant.

    Jagmag, who joined in 2021 as head of marketing for south Asia before taking over as partnerships and solutions marketing head for INSEAK, led some of the company’s most ambitious regional pushes. She oversaw the India launch of discovery+, spearheaded the scale-up of Max across South East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan with over 15 telecom and MVPD partners, and drove social and marketing campaigns that turned viral from Mumbai to Los Angeles.

    Before WBD, Jagmag founded Masala Chai, a content-marketing outfit that launched indie music label Jjust Music and helped reposition Puja Entertainment as a modern studio. Earlier, at Zee Entertainment, she spent over a decade leading brand and marketing strategy, pushing Zee TV and Zee Anmol to leadership positions and driving campaigns that bagged multiple industry awards.

    Across her 18-year career, she has launched and scaled some of India’s most recognisable media brands, from SonyLiv to Cartoon Network. Recognised by Google as a leading woman in new-age media, she also co-authored a brand case study for IIM Ahmedabad.

    As she signs off from WBD, Jagmag says the journey has been about turning “logic to magic”—a mantra that has defined her career across broadcast, DTC, movies and music. The next chapter, she teases, is already in the works.

  • Rajya Sabha clears sweeping ban on online money gaming despite opposition uproar

    Rajya Sabha clears sweeping ban on online money gaming despite opposition uproar

    NEW DELHI: The Indian parliament on Friday pushed through a controversial law banning the operation, facilitation and advertising of online money games, amid noisy opposition protests over the lack of debate.

    The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025—passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha a day after clearing the Lok Sabha—makes online money gaming punishable with up to three years in prison and fines of as much as Rs 1 crore. Offences will be cognisable and non-bailable.

    Tabling the bill, electronics and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw likened money-gaming addiction to drug abuse and accused powerful vested interests of fuelling terror finance through gaming platforms. He said roughly 45 crore Indians had lost money online, with annual losses pegged at Rs 20,000 crore.

    The legislation bans all forms of online betting and gambling—from fantasy sports and poker to rummy, lotteries and other card games—and bars banks and payment providers from processing related transactions. 

    Advertising such services will invite up to two years’ jail and fines of Rs 50 lakh, while facilitating payments could mean three years in prison and Rs 1 crore in penalties. Repeat offenders face enhanced sentences of up to five years and Rs 2 crore in fines.

    Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the government for forcing the bill through without discussion, even as union minister Kiren Rijiju said protests made a debate impossible.

    Vaishnaw stressed the bill distinguishes between harmful money games and esports. Speaking to ANI, he said the government aims to “promote and encourage the good parts” of online gaming, and to make India a hub for development through the planned Indian Institute of Creative Technologies.

    Prime minister Narendra Modi, addressing an NDA meeting, hailed the online gaming ban as a reform with “far-reaching impact”, while accusing the opposition of reducing the monsoon session to disruption.

    NDTV reported that the government will also act against “big people” attempting to sway opinion through media and social media campaigns against the ban.

  • Yiota Pagoulatos takes charge of communications at International Emmy Awards

    Yiota Pagoulatos takes charge of communications at International Emmy Awards

    NEW YORK: Yiota Pagoulatos has been appointed director of communications and partnerships at the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the body that runs the International Emmy Awards. She  took up the role in New York this month.

    The move caps eight years running Pink Orchid International, her boutique consultancy advising global media and entertainment firms on executive messaging, thought leadership and visibility. Her clients ranged from China’s CCTV and India’s DocuBay to Korea’s Something Special and the Mongolian National Film Council. She also fronted campaigns and partnerships at global markets including Mipcom Cannes, Banff, ATF Singapore and the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film.

    Earlier, Pagoulatos spent nine years at Reed Midem, rising from coordinator to sales director. She handled sponsorships and content launches for clients including Lionsgate, DreamWorks, MGM, Miramax and Starz, managing multimillion-euro accounts and delivering high-profile premieres such as Power and The Book of Negroes.

    Her new brief at the Academy brings her back to the heart of international television, with a focus on growing the Emmys’ global partnerships and communications footprint.