Category: News Headline

  • Zee TV rolls out ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’ with a heartwarming mohalla moment

    Zee TV rolls out ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’ with a heartwarming mohalla moment

    MUMBAI: Zee TV has unveiled a refreshed brand identity with its new campaign ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’, celebrating the power of connection, community and collective resilience.

    Rooted in the emotionally resonant tagline “Saath aane se baat banti hai”, the campaign serves as a love letter to the everyday stories that unite India — the bonds that go beyond biology, and the strength found in shared joys and struggles.

    The campaign’s flagship brand film centres on an army officer called away on duty days before his daughter’s wedding. In his absence, the entire neighbourhood rallies behind the family, orchestrating every detail — from Genda Phool decor to the sound of the dholak — creating a wedding as heartfelt as any kin could imagine. On his return, the officer is overcome with emotion, his wife gently saying, “Itna bada parivaar hai, aaram se ho gaya.”

    Set in the vibrant alleys of Faridabad, the film is as much a cultural portrait as it is a brand message — complete with sangeet nights, Boondi Ladoos, rooftop camaraderie and the unmistakable warmth of North Indian mohallas. It features a mix of beloved Zee TV artists like Devansh, Vasudha, Neel, Riddhi, Reet and Raghav, further grounding the story in familiarity and shared nostalgia.

    The channel’s content slate is also getting a viewer-first refresh. Shows like Saru, which follows a village girl chasing big-city dreams, and the upcoming Tumm Se Tumm Tak, a mature love story that challenges age-based norms, reflect Zee’s push toward storytelling that feels personal, progressive, and rooted.

    With Aapka Apna ZEE, the network isn’t just rebranding — it’s re-bonding with audiences, one shared story at a time.

    Speaking about the logo transformation and content lineup, Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “As we deepen our connection with viewers, our content palette grows richer, more diverse, and more reflective of contemporary India. ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’ reflects our dedication to genuine storytelling. We carefully created this brand film to authentically capture the Indian cultural fabric, ensuring every detail, from landscapes to rituals, it mirrors the lived experiences of our viewers. While the film draws inspiration from North Indian culture, the emotions and relationships it portrays are universally relatable. We are building a content ecosystem that’s rooted in cultural familiarity but speaks to today’s sensibilities. We want to reflect not just who our viewers are today, but who they’re becoming, navigating new family dynamics, career ambitions, and social transformations with resilience and hope.”

    The campaign was unveiled with great impact during the telecast of the 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, where all seven versions of the brand film premiered simultaneously across ZEE’s channels and digital platforms, allowing viewers to experience one powerful idea through seven unique regional voices, all at once.

    With ‘Aapka Apna ZEE’, the network emerges as a companion that reflects every home, every voice, and every lived emotion. A brand that belongs to its audience, because it speaks their language, shares their values, and grows with them.

     

  • DriveX shifts gears with Vipin Yadav as head of marketing

    DriveX shifts gears with Vipin Yadav as head of marketing

    MUMBAI: Marketing in the fast lane, DriveX puts Vipin Yadav in the driver’s seat. DriveX Mobility, the TVS Motor Company–backed disruptor in India’s booming pre-owned two-wheeler market, has turbocharged its leadership by appointing Vipin Yadav as Vice President and head of marketing. With over 17 years of experience building consumer brands, Yadav’s arrival signals a clear intent: to take the DriveX brand from showroom to stardom.

    In his new role, Yadav will spearhead omnichannel marketing, brand strategy, digital innovation and customer engagement key ingredients in DriveX’s vision to scale up to 500 outlets by 2027.

    Before hitching a ride with DriveX, Yadav was the marketing director at Hisense India and head of marketing at Toshiba TV. But his longest and perhaps most high-octane stint was with OPPO India, where he played a pivotal role in building the brand’s identity and accelerating market share during its growth sprint.

    “This is more than marketing. It’s about reimagining trust in a segment that’s ripe for disruption,” said Yadav. “DriveX isn’t just selling refurbished two-wheelers. It’s crafting a bold new mobility experience and I’m here to make sure India hears that story.”

    Known for balancing creativity with data, Yadav has contributed to marketing forums and jury panels, while also sharing his insights at institutions like IIT Delhi and Symbiosis Pune. He holds dual MBAs in Marketing from International Management Institute (Europe) and the Indian Institute of Planning & Management, alongside a Bachelor’s in Commerce from the University of Delhi.

    Welcoming him aboard, DriveX founder & director Narain Karthikeyan said, “Vipin understands the pulse of Indian consumers and knows how to convert insight into impact. His leadership will be crucial as we scale operations and deepen our connect with riders across the country.”

    With the Indian mobility space revving up, Yadav’s entry at DriveX feels less like a pitstop and more like a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre one that’s aimed squarely at pole position.
     

  • Machaxi aces $1.5m fund  raise from Padukone and Nithin Kamath’s Rainmatter

    Machaxi aces $1.5m fund raise from Padukone and Nithin Kamath’s Rainmatter

    BENGALURU:  Machaxi, a Bengaluru-based grassroots sports-tech startup, has netted $1.5 million in fresh funding to power its AI-driven badminton coaching revolution. The round was led by Rainmatter, the investment arm of Nithin Kamath’s Zerodha, and featured a rousing smash from Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone himself.

    The funding will fuel Machaxi’s expansion into Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai, while laying the groundwork for over 1,000 tech-enabled coaching centres over the next four years, in partnership with the Padukone School of Badminton. At the heart of this initiative: an AI-led training system built to bring consistency, performance tracking and scalability to India’s fractured coaching landscape.

    “I’ve always believed the future of Indian badminton lies in structured grassroots development,” said Padukone. “Machaxi’s AI vision ensures quality without compromise — no matter where you’re from.”

    The startup’s tech doesn’t aim to replace human coaches but to empower them — standardising training methods, flagging performance gaps, and ensuring even remote centres can tap into world-class insights.

    Machaxi co-founder Pratish Raj said, “This partnership is a big step forward in our mission to make quality sports coaching accessible to everyone in India. With the support of Rainmatter and the visionary backing of Padukone, we’re working toward a future where every aspiring athlete no matter where they come from can train with consistency, purpose, and access to world-class infrastructure. Our AI powered model is built to ensure that potential is discovered and nurtured, not overlooked. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this shift in grassroots sports.”

    The playbook is timely. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global AI-in-sports market is set to grow from $1.03 billion in 2024 to $2.61 billion by 2030. Machaxi aims to ride that wave straight into India’s heartland, transforming courts and communities alike.

    Founded in 2022, Machaxi has made a name blending on-ground grit with digital smarts — and now, it’s game on for India’s next gen of champions.

    (Pictured Above (L-R)-Nithin Kamath,  Ashish Anand, Tushar Raj, Prakash Padukone, Pratish Raj, and Dilip Kumar)

  • Zee Tamil unveils new identity with heartwarming campaign on togetherness

    Zee Tamil unveils new identity with heartwarming campaign on togetherness

    MUMBAI: In a stirring rebrand that leans into emotion over ornament, Zee Tamil has unveiled its new identity and ethos ‘Ullathil Oruvarai Ungal Zee Tamil’ reaffirming its place not just on television sets, but in the hearts of Tamil households. With its latest brand campaign, the channel swaps spectacle for sentiment, tapping into the emotional truths of Tamil Nadu’s everyday lives.

    The new brand film is a love letter to community. At its heart is a poignant tale of an army father, called away just before his daughter’s wedding. In his absence, the entire neighbourhood steps up like family decorating, planning, and celebrating. The moment he returns to find the festivities perfectly intact is not just a plot point, it’s a collective sigh of relief, a testament to the strength of togetherness.

    Set against an evocative score, the film features beloved Zee Tamil artists and characters in a narrative stitched together by rituals, resilience, and that signature Tamil warmth.

    Zee South cluster head Siju Prabhakar noted, “This isn’t just a new identity, it’s an emotional reaffirmation. Zee Tamil has always been a part of the household, but with ‘Ullathil Oruvarai’, we hope to be a part of people’s inner worlds too. We’re telling stories that feel lived-in, not just viewed.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd CMO Kartik Mahadev added, “The larger ‘Aapka Apna Zee’ campaign echoes the heartbeat of the many Indias that make up our nation. Each of the seven brand films, including Zee Tamil’s, is rooted in the rituals, rhythms, and raw emotions of its region. From the rains in Kerala to an army village in Telangana, we’re reflecting the truths people carry in their hearts.”

    The refreshed Zee Tamil identity isn’t a surface-level makeover, it’s a deeper realignment with the spirit of the land it serves. With stories that don’t just entertain but embrace, Zee Tamil is writing a new chapter, one where the screen feels like a mirror, and the message is clear: we’re one of you.

    And in a time when connection matters more than ever, Zee Tamil isn’t just broadcasting, it’s belonging.

  • Siddhartha Vachaspati resigns as sales leader from P&G

    Siddhartha Vachaspati resigns as sales leader from P&G

    MUMBAI: Siddhartha Vachaspati, one of Procter & Gamble’s most seasoned sales leaders, is set to exit the company on 30 June 2025, drawing curtains on a 21-year tenure that saw him helm P&G’s Rs 1,200 crore health care business and lead a 1,000-strong sales force across India.

    Known for his deep command over FMCG, OTC, and pharma markets, Vachaspati’s career has been a masterclass in commercial leadership – spanning P&L ownership, trade marketing, GTM strategies, and post-M&A transitions for global giants like P&G, Unilever, Henkel Spic, and Gillette.

    With a résumé that criss-crosses India, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, he’s navigated everything from general trade to e-commerce, pharmacy to military channels, and key accounts to B2B.

    The company confirmed his resignation to the Bombay stock exchange through a regulatory filing, adding that Vachaspati will be moving on to pursue interests outside P&G. As he signs off, he leaves behind a legacy of scale, strategy, and shopper smarts – a sales playbook few can rival.

  • Tenon FM elevates Ankur Sachdev to CEO as it eyes next-gen growth

    Tenon FM elevates Ankur Sachdev to CEO as it eyes next-gen growth

    MUMBAI: Tenon Group has named Ankur Sachdev as the new chief executive officer of Tenon FM, its facility management arm, in a leadership move that signals a sharper focus on tech, scale, and bottom-line muscle.

    A Tenon veteran since 2008, Ankur brings nearly two decades of experience in FM and security services, having risen through the ranks after his start at Peregrine Guarding, the group’s flagship security venture. Prior to that, he held roles at Sodexo FM India and is an MBA by training.

    Ankur now takes the wheel at a pivotal juncture as Tenon FM pushes for deeper digital integration, client-centric innovation, and international expansion. His remit includes beefing up operational efficiency, strengthening the P&L, and leading the charge across both domestic and overseas markets.

    Commenting on the appointment, Tenon Group global chairman Major Manjit Rajain said, “Ankur has played a pivotal role in the Group’s journey, and his elevation reflects our commitment to nurturing leadership that truly understands our DNA. His deep industry expertise, unwavering focus on operational excellence, and proven track record of securing and retaining marquee clients make him the ideal leader to steer Tenon FM into its next phase of growth.”

    He further added that this leadership move reaffirms Tenon Group’s commitment to innovation, continuity, and excellence in integrated service delivery.

    Reflecting on his appointment, Sachdev said, “It is an honour to lead Tenon FM during such a transformative period for the facility management industry. I look forward to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, fostering strong client relationships, and driving sustainable, profitable growth across India and global markets.”

    With presence across India, the UK, Singapore, and Germany, Tenon FM is positioning itself as a future-ready player in integrated services—and Ankur’s elevation is a clear play to make that ambition real.

  • Frooti makes web series debut with TTT’s friendship tale Yaar Log!

    Frooti makes web series debut with TTT’s friendship tale Yaar Log!

    MUMBAI: One sip, one script, and a lot of feels. Parle Agro’s beloved mango drink, Frooti, just made a bold new move from supermarket shelves to streaming screens with the launch of Yaar Log!, an original six-part web series produced by Collective Artists Network’s Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT).

    This isn’t just product placement, it’s Parle Agro’s first leap into long-form branded storytelling, and it’s all about friendships that feel as familiar and fizzy as the iconic yellow drink. The show follows a tight-knit group of friends who begin to unravel emotionally when their glue, a core member ironically nicknamed ‘Frooti’ announces he’s moving abroad. What follows is equal parts heartache and hilarity, with Frooti (the drink) making cameo after cameo in fridge raids, meltdowns, and tender goodbyes.

    Yaar Log! marks the first time Frooti has been woven into a narrative format. Known for its association with fun and youth culture, the drink is cleverly used as a metaphor for comfort and continuity, the friend who never leaves, even when others do.

    “Frooti has always been more than just a beverage, it’s been part of our memories and mischief,” said Parle Agro joint managing director and CMO Nadia Chauhan. “Yaar Log! is about deepening that emotional bond not through ads, but through stories that stick.”

    The series premiered on 20 May on TTT’s YouTube and Instagram, with new episodes dropping weekly.

    According to TTT Founder & CEO Anuj Gosalia Yaar Log! is a tribute to friendships that shift with time but stay rooted in shared rituals. “It’s for every group chat that’s gone quiet after one friend moved away. And it’s for the bottles of Frooti that stayed in the fridge like a promise.”

    With its mix of humour, nostalgia and refreshingly real moments, Yaar Log! positions Frooti not just as a drink, but as a bottled-up feeling sweet, fizzy and always by your side.

    And just like that, Frooti’s gone from chilling in your fridge… to warming your heart.

  • Dave & Buster’s levels up the city’s fun quotient

    Dave & Buster’s levels up the city’s fun quotient

     MUMBAI: Roll the dice, raise a toast, and get your game face on, Dave & Buster’s is all set to serve up Mumbai’s most eclectic indoor experience yet. After making waves in Bangalore, the global entertainment dining chain is gearing up for its second Indian outing, this time in the bustling heart of Andheri West, with a brand-new venue at Infinity Mall, launching this June.

    Spanning 27,000 sq. ft., the flagship Koramangala location quickly became one of Bangalore’s buzziest hangouts. Now, the Malpani Group, the masterminds behind Dave & Buster’s India and creators of theme park giants like Imagicaa is taking the fun up a notch, as Mumbai becomes the next playground for its high-octane mix of food, drinks, and arcade madness.

    Staying true to its global philosophy of “Eat. Drink. Play. Watch.”, the new outlet promises a vibrant, immersive venue where diners can bite into global flavours, sip on inventive cocktails, and play everything from vintage arcade games to modern digital challenges. Think loaded nachos and joystick duels, burgers with a side of buzzer-beaters all under one neon-lit roof.

    “Following the phenomenal success in Bangalore, Mumbai was the obvious next destination,” said Malpani Group director Shreya Malpani. “We’re not just opening another venue, we’re creating a city-wide hotspot where culture meets competition and celebration meets social energy.”

    With the backing of Malpani Group’s legacy in delivering entertainment that sticks from theme parks to now upscale indoor gaming the Mumbai launch is part of a larger game plan to turn metro venues into multi-sensory entertainment hubs.

    Whether you’re in it for the food, the flippers, or the full-throttle fun, one thing’s for sure: Dave & Buster’s is about to make Mumbai play like never before.

  • Balaji Telefilms merger proposal for  ALT Digital and Marinating Films with itself gets NCLT sanction

    Balaji Telefilms merger proposal for ALT Digital and Marinating Films with itself gets NCLT sanction

    MUMBAI:  Balaji Telefilms has received the green light from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, for its Composite Scheme of Arrangement that merges its wholly owned subsidiaries — Alt Digital Media Entertainment and Marinating Films — into the parent company. The appointed date for the merger has been set as 1 April 2024.

    The scheme, sanctioned under sections 230–232 of the Companies Act, aims to simplify the group structure, slash redundancies, and boost operating efficiency across its content empire — from streaming platform ALTT to reality show production and IP development.

    According to the tribunal’s order, the merged entity will benefit from economies of scale, unified cash flow management, and enhanced resource optimisation — all under the Balaji banner, which is already listed on NSE and BSE. No shares will be issued, given the transferor companies are fully owned by the transferee.
    The consolidation brings together:

    * Alt Digital, home to subscription-based OTT content under the ALTT brand;
    * Marinating Films, known for unscripted and event IP;
    * and Balaji Telefilms, India’s leading producer of Hindi and regional TV content.

    The merger was approved by shareholders at an April 2025 meeting and has cleared all statutory hurdles, including SEBI, BSE, NSE and tax authorities. The company has also settled creditor objections and responded to pending GST disputes, with all liabilities transferring to Balaji Telefilms post-merger.

    In short, Balaji is scripting a cleaner, leaner, and meaner future — bringing its IP under one tent to better play the platform and profit game. The final step? Filing the certified order with the Registrar of Companies, which will trigger the scheme’s effective date.

    More drama, less duplication — just the way Ekta Kapoor likes it.

  • Tanishq shines bright with Diamonds Do Good honour in Las Vegas

    Tanishq shines bright with Diamonds Do Good honour in Las Vegas

    MUMBAI: Tanishq and Mia by Tanishq, the jewellery jewels in the Tata crown, have clinched the prestigious Diamonds Do Good Purpose-Driven Business Leadership Award at the 2025 ceremony held in Las Vegas. The glittering accolade was collected by Titan Co chief executive -jewellery division Ajoy Chawla on behalf of both brands.

    Hosted by the Diamonds Do Good Foundation, the awards shine a spotlight on leaders in the natural diamond industry who are setting the global standard for responsible luxury. Tanishq and Mia were lauded for embedding ethics, traceability, sustainability, and community upliftment deep into their supply chain — proving that doing good and doing well can indeed go hand in hand.

    Central to this honour is Titan’s Supplier Engagement Protocol (TSEP), a 4P framework covering Place, People, Process, and Planet — with third-party audits and full compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). The brands also advocate gold exchange to reduce mining impact and have established artisan parks to provide safe, clean and dignified workspaces for India’s legendary karigars.

    The brands were especially recognised for:
    * Championing full traceability in diamond sourcing
    * Uplifting India’s artisan communities
    * Driving sustainability from mine to market
    * Redefining responsible luxury in the global South

    In his acceptance speech, Chawla  invoked Tata patriarch Jamsetji Tata, quoting: “In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in business but is, in fact, the very purpose of its existence.” He  added, “Tanishq is the living expression of that belief — every piece we design is a tribute to the values of those who wear it, and the hands that shape it.”

    This win underscores the Tata Group’s commitment to purpose before profit — and Tanishq’s promise that the journey to ‘being good’ is as enduring as the sparkle of a well-cut diamond.