ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Aqua Plumbings taps Ogilvy to rebrand bathware with flair, finesse and a splash of storytelling

    Aqua Plumbings taps Ogilvy to rebrand bathware with flair, finesse and a splash of storytelling

    MUMBAI: There’s more to the bathroom these days than soap and solitude.

    For Aqua Plumbings, it’s a canvas for design, elegance and daily rituals—one that now gets a sharp creative partner in Ogilvy.

    The Mumbai-based bath solutions brand has officially partnered with the ad giant to reshape how India sees and experiences its bathroom fixtures.

    The collaboration marks a push by Aqua Plumbings to deepen its brand narrative in the booming bathware space, where design has gone from function to lifestyle statement. With Ogilvy, part of the WPP Group, Aqua Plumbings aims to elevate its two distinct brands—Plumber Bathware and Aquini—with strategic storytelling that blends luxury, design and consumer aspiration.

    “At Aqua Plumbings, we’ve always focused on quality, innovation, and understanding our customer’s evolving aspirations. Partnering with Ogilvy gives us the opportunity to take that story further—with clarity, creativity, and consistency”, said Aqua Plumbings Pvt. Ltd ED Sudhir Chaudhary.

    Aqua Plumbings operates through two verticals. Plumber Bathware, the flagship range, champions design, water efficiency and smart living—offering taps, showers and accessories with features like motor-driven, sensor-controlled fittings. At the upper end, Aquini caters to India’s ultra-luxury bath segment with sanitaryware and faucets built with high-end materials and European craftsmanship.

    Rooted in European design standards and tailored to Indian expectations, Aqua Plumbings has built its identity on precision, sustainability and form-meets-function. Its push to redefine how Indian consumers perceive bath spaces mirrors a broader shift in how interior luxury is being consumed in the country.

    Ogilvy Delhi (north) president & head of office Prakash Nair added, “This partnership brings together two companies with a shared belief in craft—whether in product or communication. We’re excited to work alongside Aqua Plumbings to build a brand presence that’s both culturally resonant and category-defining”.

    The campaign will aim to build enduring narratives around bathware’s evolution in India, balancing utility with an aesthetic that appeals to the growing tribe of home-upgraders and interior purists.

    As more Indians aspire to have spa-like bathrooms in their homes, Aqua Plumbings and Ogilvy have set their sights on making taps and tiles as much about aspiration as application.

  • Sai Abishek takes charge of kids content at Warner Bros Discovery India

    Sai Abishek takes charge of kids content at Warner Bros Discovery India

    MUMBAI: It’s official. After weeks of radio silence from Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), the reshuffle at the top of its kids content division in India has finally surfaced — and via LinkedIn, no less.

    Sai Abishek, who already wears a formidable hat as head of content across original commissions, programming strategy, acquisitions and more, has now added factual entertainment, lifestyle & kids, South Asia to his growing remit at WBD.

    The move confirms Indiantelevision.com’s earlier report on the departure of Uttam Pal Singh, the long-serving head of WBD’s kids cluster in South Asia, which includes Cartoon Network, Pogo and Discovery Kids. At the time, WBD kept mum — neither confirming nor denying Singh’s exit. (https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/people/kids-cluster-head-uttam-pal-singh-departs-from-warner-bros-discovery-250605).

    Abishek updated his LinkedIn profile earlier today, cheerfully noting his expanded role. Meanwhile, Singh’s profile still lists him as head of kids cluster, South Asia — though it’s likely just a matter of time before that too changes.

    At Indiantelevision.com, we don’t do guesswork — just verified, on-the-record reportage. Let the other B2B trade portals peddle speculation.

  • Sun TV says old family dispute has no link to company operations

    Sun TV says old family dispute has no link to company operations

    MUMBAI: When the sun shines too brightly, even shadows make headlines. Sun TV Network Limited has issued a firm clarification following a series of media reports that resurfaced a decades-old personal matter involving its promoter and a family member. The company has categorically stated that the issue in question dating back 22 years to when the network was still a private limited company is personal in nature and has no bearing on the broadcaster’s operations or governance.

    In a formal stock exchange disclosure dated 20 June 2025, Sun TV dismissed the coverage as “incorrect, misleading, speculative and defamatory,” adding that all relevant corporate actions had been legally vetted and found compliant before the company’s public listing.

    “The matters alleged in the articles do not have any bearing on the business of the company or its day-to-day functioning,” the statement reads. Sun TV also stressed that the issue pertains solely to the promoter’s personal life and should not be conflated with the affairs of the listed entity.

    With this rebuttal, Sun TV seeks to put a lid on what it sees as media overreach, as the broadcaster continues to focus on its expansive entertainment footprint across South India. For now, the channel has chosen not to fuel the drama, leaving the theatrics to its primetime soaps.

  • News18 India trumps Aaj Tak again, scores hat-trick as Hindi news leader on TV and Youtube

    News18 India trumps Aaj Tak again, scores hat-trick as Hindi news leader on TV and Youtube

    MUMBAI: In a media landscape where loyalties shift as fast as breaking headlines, News18 India has held its ground with the firmness of an anchor desk in a newsroom earthquake. While rivals fought for airwaves and eyeballs, the channel calmly claimed its crown—again. For the third consecutive year, News18 India has retained its title as the undisputed champion of the Hindi news genre, outpacing legacy player Aaj Tak both on television and in the digital trenches.

    As per BARC data (Week 23’22 – 22’25, 24 Hrs, All Days | HSM | NCCS All 15+), News18 India clocked a formidable 7.89 crore AMA’000s. In contrast, Aaj Tak lagged behind with 7.36 crore AMA’000s, marking yet another year where the latter failed to catch up.

    In a world where TRPs can turn erratic, these numbers scream consistency—and point to a widening gap in viewer allegiance.

    The digital showdown wasn’t any different. On Youtube, News18 India has not just edged ahead—it has sprinted past. As of May 2025, the channel amassed 3.4 billion views, while Aaj Tak struggled with 1.04 billion, according to Playboard data. That’s more than a three x lead—enough to make any digital head turn.

    News18 India retained its top position in the Hindi news genre for three consecutive years while its competitor, Aaj Tak, struggles to keep pace. With its commitment to delivering crisp, accurate, and credible journalism, News18 India continues to win the trust and loyalty of millions across the nation.

    At the heart of this success is a battalion of familiar faces and trusted voices. Anchors like Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra bring the noise—and the nuance—day after day. Their programming style blends punch with perspective, helping the channel hold sway over a viewership that’s both vast and vocal.

    Backed by a robust reporting network, News18 India maintains coverage that cuts across regions and realities. Whether it’s national elections or local skirmishes, the channel’s ground game has helped shape its top-tier status.

  • Let’s Move +1 puts a fresh spin on Olympic Day with a call to move together

    Let’s Move +1 puts a fresh spin on Olympic Day with a call to move together

    MUMBAI: Pair up, power up Olympic Day is going two-for-one this year. This 23 June, the International Olympic Committee’s global movement campaign Let’s Move returns with a twist, Let’s Move +1, a call for Indians to embrace the power of paired play. In partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and the Reliance Foundation, the campaign encourages citizens to take a step, then bring a sibling, friend or colleague along for the next one.

    The idea? Moving together means staying motivated and the impact could be national. Over 50 sports venues across India will offer free paired sessions in cricket, padel, badminton, pickleball and more. No strings, just your +1.

    Backed by data from the World Health Organization that shows 50 per cent of Indian adults and a staggering 81 per cent of youth globally fail to meet activity recommendations, Let’s Move +1 taps into sport’s lesser-known benefit social wellbeing. Whether it’s a post-work pickleball match or skipping at school, shared movement builds community and fights loneliness, a growing global concern.

    Schools, too, are stepping in. Through the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) run in Chandigarh, Odisha and Assam more than 12 million children will take part in yoga, kho-kho, dance, arts, and Olympic-themed activities. The programme has already reached 10 million students, driving inclusivity and activity hand in hand.

    Olympic gold medallist and IOC Athletes’ Commission member Abhinav Bindra captured the spirit, “Let’s Move +1 reminds us that sport is not just about strength, it’s about support, connection, and joy.”

    The Reliance Foundation will host a special Olympic Day celebration for 1,450 schoolchildren, joined by archery Olympians Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das. “Sport has shown me the value of having someone in your corner,” said Kumari, a four-time Olympian. “Now, I want to be that person for someone else.”

    Launched in 2023, Let’s Move has already engaged 20 million people in India. With this year’s edition, the campaign doubles down on inclusivity and doubles the fun. Because sometimes, all it takes to get moving is someone to move with.

  • NDTV India picks Rohit Vishwakarma as managing editor to reboot its newsroom with vision, vigour and vernacular punch

    NDTV India picks Rohit Vishwakarma as managing editor to reboot its newsroom with vision, vigour and vernacular punch

    MUMBAI: There’s a long way from a village in Chhattisgarh to the power corridors of Indian media, and Rohit Vishwakarma has walked every dusty mile of it. The man who once grew up in a place untouched by the sound of trains now boards the editorial engine of NDTV India—this time as its managing editor. With a newsroom built on trust, and a landscape that’s anything but calm, Vishwakarma isn’t just filling a chair. He’s bringing a toolkit of disruption, language flair and sharp ground instincts to reinvent how India’s stories are told.

    NDTV India confirmed Vishwakarma’s appointment, marking a key moment in its editorial reset. The channel plans to double down on ‘bold editorial leadership, original thinking, and future-facing journalism’. The move is being seen as both a strategic homecoming and a calculated leap forward.

    With over 21 years in broadcast and digital media, Vishwakarma is no stranger to reinvention. His career began at Star News and since then, he has steered editorial strategy at India TV, Aaj Tak, TV9, NDTV 24×7, and Editorji, before launching RTV News Network in 2023 as its editorial director. At just 36, he became the youngest managing editor of a national news channel back in 2019.

    The man has worn many hats—and languages. He has led editorial teams across Hindi, English, Marathi, and Telugu, flipping the script on linguistic silos. As the first non-Marathi editor to take TV9 Marathi to the number one spot, he smashed regional glass ceilings. He repeated that success in Telugu-speaking markets—cementing his fluency in both language and audience.

    From primetime war rooms to dusty election trails in Saharanpur and Bulandshahr, Vishwakarma’s nose for news has always pointed to ground truth. He is known for shows like Wah Cricket, Fund Ka Funda, and Third Degree, which broke the clutter before ‘disruption’ was fashionable. His election programming—Dilli Ke Dil Mein Kya Hai and Uncensored—offered both raw energy and viewer stickiness. His reporting during the lumpy skin disease outbreak drew praise for its urgency and empathy, putting rural pain on the national radar.

    In the digital jungle, he made early moves. At Editorji, he led app-first content strategies. At RTV, he rolled out an AI-powered multilingual news platform where users could curate news playlists and interact with content—turning passive consumption into active engagement. His editorial team accurately predicted the 2024 Andhra Pradesh election results in a large-scale ground survey, pulling over one lakh live viewers.

    “News can no longer afford to speak from a pedestal. It has to speak from the ground up, and it must do so with honesty, humility, and purpose”, Vishwakarma said. “NDTV has always stood for credibility. My goal is to build on that trust and take it to a generation that demands transparency, participation, and truth without filters”.

    NDTV CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal called it a “homecoming and a leap forward”, adding, “His work speaks to the kind of newsroom we are building—grounded, bold, and built for a new India”.

    With Vishwakarma’s appointment, NDTV India appears to be stacking its newsroom with a new wave of editorial leaders who blend traditional rigour with a pulse on modern media. The goal? Stories that don’t just break news—but break new ground.

  • Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    MUMBAI: There’s nothing like a good spreadsheet to keep things in order—and Navneet Khandelwal knows how to balance more than just the books. The seasoned finance leader, who has spent the better part of 25 years navigating the numbers behind India’s IT services boom, has now taken the financial reins at healthcare tech firm Citiustech.

    His new title? Chief financial officer—and the job comes with no shortage of decimal points or strategic decisions.

    Citiustech confirmed Khandelwal’s appointment this week, signalling a sharper focus on fiscal rigour and operational clarity. As CFO, he now leads the company’s global finance, legal, and compliance functions—areas that have grown increasingly complex with Citiustech’s expanding global footprint.

    Navneet brings deep expertise in financial management, controllership, accounting, business process transformation, mergers & acquisitions, acquisition integration, and investor relations.

    Khandelwal started his career at Wipro Technologies and remained there for 16 years, rising through the ranks across audit, controllership, and business finance, eventually serving as VP – finance. He then served as CFO at several major firms, including ITC Infotech, Microland, and Zensar Technologies—both listed and unlisted—adding depth to his financial repertoire.

    Known for transforming processes without breaking the flow, Khandelwal has consistently led initiatives focused on strategic growth and performance efficiency. He has built finance teams from the ground up and led merger integrations with a steady hand.

    The appointment comes as healthcare IT companies face rising compliance expectations, global expansion challenges, and pressure to deliver value in a shifting regulatory climate. With Khandelwal on board, Citiustech seems to be hedging its bets on someone who doesn’t just crunch numbers—but also knows how to navigate them with purpose.

  • Hush Puppies laces up comfort with Vir Das in new ‘Ease Please’ campaign

    Hush Puppies laces up comfort with Vir Das in new ‘Ease Please’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Hush Puppies, the global comfort-first footwear brand retailed in India by Bata, is giving workwear a cheeky upgrade with its new campaign ‘Ease Please’, fronted by comedian and actor Vir Das. A new collection of office sneakers blends the cushy swagger of a sneaker with the sleek polish of formal shoes.

    The campaign is a sartorial nudge to overworked professionals—ditch the grind, not your style. The message is clear: success doesn’t need to pinch. And with Hush Puppies’ signature Zero G tech and ultra-light soles, these kicks prove you can race at your own pace.

    The playful campaign film taps into that familiar work-life blur with a message that lands gently but firmly—when you feel good in your shoes, you think better on your feet. Das walks the talk, literally, as the brand’s iconic Basset Hound trails him through moments of laid-back genius.

    “With Ease Please campaign, we want to inspire a refreshing take on modern work culture—where feeling good, staying confident, and being effortlessly stylish coexist. Hush Puppies has always stood for ease and sophistication, and with Vir Das bringing this thought to life, we’re excited to offer footwear that supports people in every step of their journey,” said Bata India head of marketing, Deepika Deepti.

    Das added, “Ease Please’ for me is a mindset. We often get so caught up in chasing goals that we forget to enjoy the ride. Hush Puppies brings a fresh perspective, proving that style and comfort can go hand in hand. I love how the office sneakers let me transition effortlessly through my day—whether I’m on stage, traveling, or just taking it easy.”

    Crafted for all-day comfort with classic Oxford silhouettes and sleek uppers, the new range is available at select Bata stores, Hush Puppies EBOs, and online at Bata.com. With this launch, Hush Puppies isn’t just putting sneakers in the boardroom—it’s putting ease at the centre of ambition.

  • Lucien Laviscount returns as face of Tommy Hilfiger SS25 watch line

    Lucien Laviscount returns as face of Tommy Hilfiger SS25 watch line

    MUMBAI: Tick, style, tock. Tommy Hilfiger is giving timepieces a dose of star power and this one comes with a British accent and signature smirk. Actor and Tommy Family brand ambassador Lucien Laviscount is once again the face of Tommy Hilfiger’s Spring Summer 2025 watch campaign. Following his Fall 2024 debut, Laviscount continues to bring “effortless cool and natural charisma” to the brand’s evolving vision of American classic-meets-modern swag.

    “It’s chic, elegant and hits all the right notes,” Laviscount said, waxing lyrical on the collection. “That’s pure Tommy through and through.” He’s not wrong.

    The SS25 men’s lineup hits the fast lane with the Bank, a motorsport-inspired model featuring a red aluminium pusher guard and an integrated silicone strap for peak performance. It’s style with speed on the wrist. Meanwhile, the TH85 Carbon Chronograph leans into the luxe lane with enamel dials, sub-dials, monograms, and Cordura straps that scream sport-meets-slick.

    Not to be outdone, the women’s range plays with poise and punch. From tank-shaped silhouettes with sculpted metal bracelets and sunray dials, to crystal-dotted “boyfriend watches” with sport-luxe vibes, these watches are all about timelessness with a wink.

    The SS25 collection is available across India via Titan World, Helios, Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Tommy Hilfiger stores and other premium outlets. And of course, it’s all over Instagram.

    Whether you’re racing against deadlines or fashionably late to everything, these timepieces make every second count with Lucien Laviscount, quite literally, in your corner.

  • Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    MUMBAI: Karan Johar’s latest role doesn’t come with a megaphone or a film set—it comes with a mirror. The renowned Hindi cinema filmmaker has been named the official brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, India’s first immersive platform designed to help brides-to-be navigate the emotional terrain of marriage beyond the glitz of the big day.

    The announcement marked a unique crossover of cinema, self-reflection and ceremonial celebration. The Bridal Retreat, conceptualised by E-Factor Experiences Limited, aims to offer brides a five-day wellness-infused journey with movement therapy, communication coaching, identity workshops and cultural reflection sessions. The idea is simple: prep for the vows, yes, but start with a vow to oneself.

    “I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes”, said Johar. “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride”.

    Johar’s involvement brings cultural cachet and emotional heft to the project. Known for his cinematic takes on love, longing, and personal evolution, the partnership aligns with his interest in identity and introspection—this time, off-screen.

    The first-of-its-kind initiative is led by co-founders Manika Garg and Sonali Thakore, and will span key Indian metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa through 2025. Participation is capped to ensure each bride receives one-on-one guidance and deep personal engagement.

    E-Factor Experiences MD Samit Garg explained the intent behind the venture, “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self”.

    Designed to create meaningful change, the retreat will feature thought leaders from fashion, mental health, storytelling, and relationship coaching. It aims to offer not only tips for trousseau but tools for transformation.

    What started as an elevated bridal experience is quickly shaping into a social movement. The Bridal Retreat signals a shift from choreographed dances and couture fittings to inner clarity and emotional grounding. As Johar puts it, the real story starts not at the altar but within.