Category: News Headline

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.

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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 Gandhi appointed revenue head at moneycontrol.com

MUMBAI: The city has seen a significant move in the digital media landscape with Rohit Gandhi taking up the role of vice president and revenue head at moneycontrol.com. Commencing July, Gandhi has overseen the crucial display, branded content, IPs, and video revenue streams for the financial news platform.

Gandhi transitions to moneycontrol.com from HT Digital Streams, where he served as revenue head for digital business for over two years. In that capacity, he was responsible for the digital monetisation of a diverse portfolio, including hindustantimes.com, livemint.com, livehindustan.com, and various specialist portals.

His extensive background in digital revenue generation also includes an eight-month stint as revenue head for LCS business at MX Player. Prior to that, Gandhi spent four years as national sales head at Network 18 Digital, overseeing revenue for cnbctv18.com and Moneycontrol, encompassing display, content marketing, branded video content, native ad solutions, and programmatic sales.

Earlier in his career, Gandhi was digital monetisation director at Condé Nast India, where he drove revenue strategy across titles like Vogue and GQ. He also held the position of national revenue head for The Hindu Group’s digital properties and was the national head for content marketing and native advertising at Times Internet Ltd, focusing on the “Demand Plus” business for economictimes.com and its B2B verticals.
Gandhi’s appointment underscores moneycontrol.com’s strategic focus on strengthening its diverse revenue channels in the competitive digital media market.

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
Sushil Khanna takes top CEO spot at Shaf Broadcast

MUMBAI: Shaf Broadcast Pvt Ltd has announced the appointment of Sushil Khanna as its new chief executive officer. Khanna steps into the full-time role this month, bringing a wealth of experience in broadcast technology, archive solutions, and AI services.

Khanna joins Shaf Broadcast from Prime Focus Technologies, where he served as a senior consultant for two years. Before that, he was the international business development manager for MEMNON, covering the APAC and MENA regions for over four years. His extensive background also includes a significant tenure as global chief operating officer at MediaGuru for nearly nine years, demonstrating his versatile leadership and strategic partnership acumen.

His appointment is expected to bolster Shaf Broadcast’s position in the evolving broadcast technology landscape, with a focus on business development, team management, and system integration.

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
Old Hindi TV shows make a comeback to light up primetime again

MUMBAI: Ready for a trip down Tele‑vision Lane? Indian TV networks are reaching for the rewind button, dusting off iconic serials from the 90s and 2000s and re-hashing them with a modern twist. From crime procedurals to kitchen politics, old favourites are back to reclaim viewer loyalty, and early signs suggest it’s working. From Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and CID to Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, broadcasters are betting big on nostalgia to revive TRPs. These revamped shows began dropping between December 2024 and July 2025 CID 2 returned last December, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 4 launched in June, and Kyunki 2 is all set to make its grand comeback come 29 July.

Why the flashback fix? For starters, the 25–45 age group grew up with these shows, making them more than just content, they’re memories. Channels are cashing in on this emotional bond to draw back viewers amid the OTT onslaught. Legacy titles offer not just a TRP rescue but a cost-efficient revival strategy complete with ready sets, familiar faces, and low marketing spends. As a source at Star India put it, it’s a smart way to “mitigate screen fragmentation.” Plus, the pandemic proved nostalgia’s power when Ramayan and Mahabharat re-aired, they smashed viewership ratings records, outpacing even fresh content.

Ormax Media head of business development for streaming, TV & brands Keerat Grewal said: “Over the past three to four years, shows with strong protagonists such as Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein, and Kumkum Bhagya, have managed to sustain high viewership even across multiple leaps. This has been largely driven by the strong emotional equity their lead characters hold. The shows have skillfully introduced a new generation of characters who inherit familiar personality traits while addressing more contemporary issues, allowing the audience to feel a sense of continuity and evolution.

“The growing preference for shows with known characters and familiar storylines is not just a trend – it’s deeply rooted in how the human brain works. Neuroscience research shows that nostalgia and familiarity activate the brain’s reward centers, triggering comfort, trust, and emotional safety. Audiences are neurologically wired to return to content that evokes positive memories or past emotional resonance. That’s precisely what the return of a show like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi will tap into.”

Based on Ormax’s extensive tracking in the HGEC category, we know that the Kyunki brand still holds strong equity among viewers today. This is reflected in the exceptional performance of the show’s new promo on our proprietary awareness tracker Ormax Showbuzz. Within just two days of the promo’s release, the show has recorded unaided awareness levels typically seen only after three to four weeks of sustained marketing in this genre. The data underscores the power of nostalgia, combined with trusted storytelling and iconic characters, to drive early interest and engagement.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000–2008) is set to return with Smriti Irani reprising her iconic role of Tulsi on Star Plus. CID (1998–2018) made its way back in December 2024 with most of the original cast. Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 4 debuted in June 2025, introducing a next-gen romance against a familiar emotional backdrop. Also making a play for comeback glory: Shaktimaan, slated for an audio reboot and a blockbuster film starring Allu Arjun; Aahat, the spooky staple now re-airing nightly; and evergreen titles like Khichdi, Office Office, Shrimaan Shrimati and Ramayan, all back on air or rumoured to be.

A JioStar spokesperson said, “Bringing back a show like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is not just hinged on nostalgia, it is a strategic storytelling move designed for today’s viewers. At Star Plus, we see legacy IPs as powerful cultural assets that can be reimagined to reflect today’s evolving values. By blending familiarity with freshness, we aim to bring together households, unite generations, spark new conversations and reaffirm the enduring relevance of stories rooted in family, identity, and resilience.”

A source at Balaji Telefilms revealed that the decision to bring back Kyunki wasn’t an easy one. The creator Ekta Kapoor initially resisted, reportedly saying, “You can’t compete with nostalgia. Why shake it up?”

One of the reasons she said yes, sources close to her say, is the creative challenge to make it connect with today’s evolved audience and make an impact by tackling issues which don’t find their way into the current roster of shows on air. (On a lighter note, it will give Balaji Telefilms an opportunity to take the show past a record-breaking 2,000 episodes; remember, it was taken abruptly off-air in its 1,833rd episode).

The clincher for the channel and OTT was not just ratings, it was legacy. Internal research commissioned had once shown that Kyunki helped amplify women’s voices in Indian homes. It tackled domestic abuse, ageism, and marital consent long before these were TV buzzwords.

The reboot, sources said, is less about chasing numbers and more about “reclaiming the power to reach millions and change mindsets.”

Sources familiar with the strategy at Star noted that Kyunki’s return serves both sentiment and business. “Broadcast reach is still far greater than OTT,” one executive explained. “Advertisers too have bought into the show because of its familiarity, going by the sponsors who have been tied up: Procter & Gamble (a classic soap advertiser), Colgate and Fortune Oil.”

They added that older viewers with their own families who first watched shows such as Kyunki as youngsters or young adults or are now settled, have disposable income, and more free time. “This group is now reachable again especially in slots like 10:30 pm,” said she.

With Kyunki, CID and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain leading the charge, the revival roster is far from done. Insiders suggest shows like Naagin, FIR, and Shrimaan Shrimati could be next in line. Meanwhile, connected TVs and Fast (free ad-supported streaming TV) channels are helping extend the reach of these classics into smaller towns and rural households, where smart TVs and budget broadband are becoming the norm.

Indian TV isn’t stuck in a time loop, it’s cleverly remixing the past. This wave of strategic nostalgia blends cultural memory with broadcast savvy, reminding us that some stories never really go out of style. In fact, they just get retold with better twists, lighting, cast and production values.

July 14, 2025
Den Networks Q1 profit jumps 41 per cent to Rs 508 million despite flat sales

MUMBAI: Den Networks may have seen revenues tread water this quarter, but profits took the express lane. Den Networks has posted a standalone profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 508.2 million for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, marking a 41 per cent year-on-year jump from Rs 359.3 million in the same period last year even as total revenue growth stayed modest at just 6 per cent.

According to the company’s unaudited financials approved by the board of directors on 14 July 2025, total income for the quarter stood at Rs 3,150.8 million, up from Rs 2,959.6 million in Q1 FY24. This includes revenue from operations at Rs 2,456.1 million and other income largely investment returns at Rs 694.8 million.

Cost-consciousness appears to have paid off. Total expenses declined 3.5 per cent sequentially to Rs 2,566.1 million. Notably, Den reduced its placement fees from Rs 484.1 million in Q4 FY25 to Rs 361.3 million this quarter. Content costs held steady at Rs 1,487.9 million.

While finance costs remained negligible at Rs 5.5 million, a sharper tax outgo up 113 per cent year-on-year to Rs 76.6 million chipped at the bottom line, although it didn’t stop PAT from soaring past Rs 500 million. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at Rs 1.07, up from Rs 0.75 in Q1 FY24.

Den’s consolidated results which include its 24 subsidiaries and five associate entities also painted a strong picture. Consolidated PAT stood at Rs 536.4 million, while total income was pegged at Rs 3,119.5 million. The group’s broadband business, however, saw a dip in revenue to Rs 104.6 million from Rs 121.2 million a year ago.

The cable distribution segment continues to be the mainstay, accounting for Rs 2,353.1 million of gross revenue this quarter. Interestingly, other income (largely interest and investment income) surpassed Rs 700 million on the consolidated books, nearly 23 per cent of total income.

Even as broadband and cable network operations posted minor operating losses, the group’s strong treasury returns and cost containment measures seem to have steadied the ship.

Den Networks, now a part of the Reliance Industries-backed media ecosystem, continues to operate with healthy cash reserves. As of June 30, 2025, total consolidated assets stood at Rs 42,246.3 million, up from Rs 40,084.5 million in Q1 FY24, signalling long-term stability despite a flattish top line.

For now, while India’s cable industry battles disruption from OTT and broadband wars, Den’s Q1 scorecard shows that fiscal discipline and high-yield investments can still keep the books in the black.

July 14, 2025
Romeo S3 lands on TV with a bang

MUMBAI: Get ready for some high-octane drama as All Time Movies, one of the leading Hindi movie channels in the HSM space, rolls out the world television premiere of Romeo S3 this Saturday, 19 July at 7 pm.

The action-romance thriller stars Thakur Anoop Singh, hot off his turn as the warrior king in Dharmarakshak Mahaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj – Chapter 1, and Palak Tiwari, who grabbed eyeballs in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. Together, the duo sizzles on screen with a punchy plot packed with power moves, simmering romance, and edge-of-seat action.

With a content vault boasting names like RRR, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Attack, Krack, Acharya, Arya 2, and Chatrapathi, All Time Movies continues to serve up crowd-pleasers for India’s entertainment-hungry heartland.

“Romeo S3 is an ideal movie for HSM TV audiences. It is the right mix of action, thriller and romance that families can get together and watch. With this Premiere, we are determined to augment our channel’s growth trajectory even further. We continue to grow the distribution network to give us width, along with providing the viewer the best possible viewership experience. We stay committed to the Hindi Movie viewer and our business partners,” says ‘All Time Movies’ M.D. & Promoter, Akshay Gada.

‘All Time Movies’ has delivered exponential growth over the last year and with the World Television Premiere of Romeo S3, we’re excited at the prospect of growing our viewership base significantly. We will leverage the property for our topline and to build on brand ‘A.T.M,” says C.O.O. Siddharth Chopra.

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