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Category: News Headline

  • Mumbai Falcons race into cricket with SoBo franchise and Rs 82 crore play for India’s sporting future

    Mumbai Falcons race into cricket with SoBo franchise and Rs 82 crore play for India’s sporting future

    MUMBAI: They’ve dominated global circuits at 300 km/h.

    Now they’re padding up for the pitch.

    Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, known for flying India’s flag high in international motorsport, has switched gears with the launch of SoBo Mumbai Falcons, their new T20 franchise under the Mumbai Cricket Association’s T20 Mumbai League.

    Announced in Mumbai on 3 June, the Rs 82 crore franchise unveiling wasn’t just about the new jersey or the team anthem. It marked a bold crossover between two of India’s biggest sporting passions—cricket and racing—with a shared focus on science, data, and talent development.

    The occasion also saw the debut of ‘Agla Star – One in a Billion Hunt’, a national athlete development programme targeting India’s next sporting icons—not just in cricket but across disciplines. Lending gravitas to the vision, Kapil Dev has joined the SoBo Mumbai Falcons in an advisory and ambassadorial capacity.

    “We’re not here to be just another cricket team. We’re here to build something deeper, something more future-focused. The same dedication that built champions in racing is now being brought into cricket”, said the Mumbai Falcons leadership.

    Founded in 2019, Mumbai Falcons became the first Indian team to win an FIA-accredited international racing championship. Their focus on performance science has shaped careers of motorsport prodigies like Kimi Antonelli, Arthur Leclerc, and Oliver Bearman. In 2024, they clinched the Formula Regional Middle East title and secured second place in Formula 4 middle east.

    Now, the Falcons are extending that high-performance blueprint to the cricketing crease. The SoBo Mumbai Falcons will blend the instincts of gully cricket with a precision-led, data-first culture usually reserved for pit lanes.

    The initiative signals a new chapter in Indian sports—where cricket isn’t just about sixes and sledges, but also systems and strategy. From anthem to academy, the SoBo Falcons promise to be more than a team; they aim to become an institution for sporting excellence.

  • Kumar P V steps into VKC’s top sales role as chief sales officer to lace up expansion across channels

    Kumar P V steps into VKC’s top sales role as chief sales officer to lace up expansion across channels

    MUMBAI: In a move aimed at tightening its grip on the Indian footwear market, VKC has appointed Kumar P V as chief sales officer, tasking him with leading the company’s Channel One business operations. The portfolio spans General Trade, B2B online platforms, and institutional channels.

    With over two and a half decades of sales and marketing experience, Kumar takes the reins at a time when VKC is actively pushing for deeper market penetration and sustained top-line growth. His mandate includes expanding the brand’s footprint across untapped regions, sharpening customer engagement strategies, and boosting productivity across VKC’s distribution channels.

    Kumar previously held leadership positions at some of India’s most recognised names. His career features roles at Cavinkare, Cholayil (Medimix), P&G, Henkel, and Reckitt Benckiser. Most recently, he served as chief sales officer at a fast-growing startup, where he navigated volatile business terrain with a strong hand on sales targets and operational metrics.

    “With Kumar’s appointment, we are doubling down on our growth ambitions for Channel One”, said a VKC spokesperson. “His proven leadership across diverse industries is perfectly suited to scale our operations and deepen customer trust”.

    Kumar’s background also includes extensive work in trade marketing, distribution strategy, and category development across FMCG, personal care, food, snacks, beverages, and OTC pharma.

    As VKC eyes a stronger hold on India’s competitive footwear market, Kumar’s entry signals a fresh drive to outpace rivals on shelf space, sales volume, and supply-chain finesse.

  • Fancode nets Uefa broadcast rights for Women’s Euro 2025 and U21 Men’s Championship

    Fancode nets Uefa broadcast rights for Women’s Euro 2025 and U21 Men’s Championship

    MUMBAI: Football fans in India won’t have to squint at dodgy links or wake up to spoilers anymore—Fancode has clinched exclusive broadcast and digital rights for two of Uefa’s most anticipated tournaments: the Uefa Women’s Euro 2025 and the Uefa U21 Men’s Championship 2025.

    The Uefa Women’s Euro will run from 2 July to 27 July with 31 matches on the card, showcasing elite athletes like Alexia Putellas, Lauren James, Keira Walsh, Ada Hegerberg, Aitana Bonmatí, and Kadidiatou Diani. With eight-time winners Germany, defending champions England, and continental heavyweights like Sweden, France, and the Netherlands vying for glory, the tournament promises fireworks.

    Fancode co-founder Yannick Colaco commented, “The growth of women’s football globally has been phenomenal, and Indian fans have embraced it with passion. We are proud to bring Uefa Women’s EURO 2025 to our platform, continuing our commitment to making world-class women’s sport accessible to fans across India”.

    But the summer of football doesn’t stop there. The Uefa U21 Men’s Championship—scheduled from 11-28 June—will also be streamed live on Fancode. Known as the launchpad for greats like Andrea Pirlo, Mesut Özil, Juan Mata, and Thiago Alcântara, the tournament now features rising stars including Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG), and Rico Lewis (Manchester City).

    Colaco added, “These are tournaments with massive international following, and now Indian fans can watch all the action seamlessly, live and exclusive on Fancode. It’s part of our vision to make top-tier global football more accessible than ever before”.

    Uefa’s marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein endorsed the partnership, “We are pleased to partner with Fancode as the home of the upcoming Uefa Women’s Euro & Uefa Under-21 Championship in the Indian sub-continent region. Football fans will be able to enjoy extensive and the highest quality coverage of Uefa Women’s Euro 2025 & Uefa Under-21 Championship 2025, with all matches broadcast on Fancode’s digital platform”.

    Fancode has previously brought Indian audiences major women’s tournaments including the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 and the Barclays FA Women’s Super League. Their focus on building visibility for women’s sport continues with this latest move.

    Fans can tune in via Fancode’s mobile app, website, TV apps like Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Jio STB, or platforms including Tata Play Binge, WatchO, Playbox, and Sundirectgo. Matches will also be broadcast on Tata Play Fancode Sports (Channel 475), Jio TV+, and Prime Video Channels.

  • Hubble makes the world spin in style at Miss World 2025

    Hubble makes the world spin in style at Miss World 2025

    MUMBAI: Move over moon landings, Hubble Entertainment just delivered a spectacle that lit up Hyderabad with stars of a different kind. As the official event management partner of the 72nd Miss World Festival, Hubble Entertainment turned Telangana’s capital into a shimmering stage for global glamour, cultural pageantry, and purpose-driven celebration. With over 108 countries represented, and 21 days of cultural extravaganza, the Mumbai-based experiential powerhouse proved that when it comes to world-class event production, India’s got more than just the moves.

    From the regal opening ceremony to the resplendent Grand Finale, Hubble’s creative compass was tuned to both precision and pizzazz. Every segment be it cultural showcases, philanthropic engagements, or media galas unfolded with storytelling flair and immaculate execution, earning nods from the Miss World Organisation, international delegates, and domestic dignitaries alike.

    The show wasn’t just beauty and sequins. It was strategy, scale, and seamlessness. The festival served as a canvas for Hubble to blend India’s cultural heritage, Telangana’s famed hospitality, and global production standards into an unforgettable experience.

    Hubble Entertainment co-founder and managing partner Hafiz Khan said, “This wasn’t just about hosting a pageant, it was about showcasing India’s capacity to create global experiences rooted in our own cultural richness. Being entrusted with this festival was humbling, and we’re proud to have helped put Hyderabad and Telangana firmly on the global events map.”

    Hubble Entertainment is no stranger to grandeur. Known for delivering high-voltage brand activations, award shows, concerts, and celebrity-led experiences, the agency has built a reputation for storytelling with scale. But Miss World 2025 marked a new high: not just a successful execution, but an immersive narrative that blended tradition, hospitality, and wow-factor in equal measure.

    With Hyderabad’s skyline as the backdrop and over 100 delegates in the spotlight, Hubble didn’t just manage an event, it orchestrated a global moment. And the world was watching.

  • Jonty Rhodes joins Vig-Gunjal’s Upurfit as investor and brand face, dives into India’s fitness startup race

    Jonty Rhodes joins Vig-Gunjal’s Upurfit as investor and brand face, dives into India’s fitness startup race

    MUMBAI: It’s not every day that one of cricket’s most agile fielders jumps into the startup arena—feet first. But Jonty Rhodes, the South African dynamo whose name is etched in every highlight reel from the ’90s, has added a fresh title to his career scorecard: strategic investor and brand ambassador for Upurfit, a rising Indian sports and fitness brand.

    Based in Mumbai and launched in 2023, Upurfit is angling for a slice of India’s booming sports wellness market, projected to touch $40 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 19 per cent, according to a joint Deloitte-Google report. With its range of performance, recovery, and hygiene-focused products, the brand promises clean ingredients and results that speak to the everyday athlete.

    What drew Rhodes to the brand wasn’t the glitter of celebrity endorsement. “What struck me about Upurfit was the clarity of its mission. When Vikram and Munish first approached me, it wasn’t about signing up a celebrity endorsement. Their focus was on product relevance, clean ingredients, and true performance. My family and I tried the products ourselves, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be part of this journey. I’m excited to support Upurfit not just as a face, but as a strategic investor committed to building value”, he said.

    For co-founders Munish Vig and Vikram Gunjal, the association is more than a high-profile endorsement. It’s a hands-on alliance.

    “For us, Jonty isn’t just a cricketing icon. He represents resilience, commitment, and performance. He’s the ideal mentor and gospeller for a brand like ours that is built for the athlete in every Indian. His belief in our products and now in our mission is a huge validation of what we’re building”, said Gunjal.

    Vig added, “The turning point for us was Jonty’s feedback. He shared detailed insights on what athletes and fitness enthusiasts truly need, and his perspective has already shaped our upcoming product roadmap. His involvement goes far beyond brand value. It’s product leadership and strategic insight in action”.

    Upurfit is now doubling down on building products that combine science, simplicity, and performance. With a cricketing legend on board and a homegrown ethos at heart, the brand seems primed to take a firm stance in India’s increasingly health-conscious ecosystem.

  • IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    MUMBAI: Forget layovers, Indigo’s new flights to Europe are taking off with sass, speed and a social media splash. On 1 July 2025, Indigo will launch its first-ever non-stop service from Mumbai to Manchester, followed swiftly by a Mumbai–Amsterdam route on 2 July. This bold expansion into Europe isn’t just a milestone for the airline, it’s a full-throttle rebrand as a global player, now powered by Dreamliners and digital dazzle.

    The airline’s entry into long-haul territory marks a pivotal leap from being India’s favourite low-cost carrier to a serious contender in premium international travel. Both routes will operate thrice a week on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, complete with complimentary hot meals and beverages, giving flyers a taste of comfort at 35,000 feet.

    But what really took off faster than a takeoff roll? Indigo’s viral tweet:
    “We’ll be in Manchester on 1st July. Anyone wants anything?”

    That off-the-cuff one-liner triggered a runway-wide brand fest. Over 25 top Indian brands joined the banter Durex asked for “a safe trip”, India Gate Foods wanted tulips, Taco Bell craved “Manchester masala”, and Blinkit cheekily offered to deliver in 10 minutes. From masalas to masala marketing, the tweet thread became a masterclass in brand engagement, reaching millions online.

    The new routes are now open for booking on the GoIndigo site, app, and through authorised travel partners. And while the Dreamliner promises a smooth ride, it’s IndiGo’s social media chops that are landing the biggest applause.

    With over 400 aircraft in its fleet and more than 2,200 daily flights, IndiGo continues to dominate Indian skies. Now, with a growing footprint that connects over 90 domestic and 40 international destinations, including two of Europe’s iconic cities, the airline is ready to go intercontinental without losing its irreverent edge.

    As IndiGo’s slogan suggests, it’s not just India by IndiGo anymore, it’s the world.

  • Scripted for success Alisha Sharma joins The Script Room as ECD

    Scripted for success Alisha Sharma joins The Script Room as ECD

    With a decade-long résumé that reads like a highlight reel of Indian advertising, Alisha has helped build brands like Spotify, Pepsico’s Lays and Doritos, Amazon, Asian Paints and MP Tourism. From crafting Spotify’s signature Indian tone of voice to rolling out mega-hits like “There’s a Playlist for That” and “Life Kate Mazze Se”, Alisha’s storytelling is anything but on shuffle. Her work has earned nods at the Cannes Lions, One Show, Spikes Asia, Clio Awards and Effies India and she’s judged at the Young Director Awards at Cannes, too.

    In her own words, “You know you’re in the right room when conversations spark ideas and story stays at the centre. I wasn’t just looking for a change, I was waiting for the right place. Now I’m here, excited to shape this room into a house full of stories.”

    That “room” was founded by Rajesh Ramaswamy and Ayyappan Raj, who’ve built a reputation for carving out space in the industry for unapologetically narrative-driven work. Speaking on the hire, Rajesh said, “We really love the way she thinks, it’s a joy to watch her work.” Ayyappan added, “She joins at the perfect time. We’re six years in, and with her, the next phase will be even more exciting. She’s brilliant and everyone already loves her.”

    As The Script Room continues to stake its claim as the go-to shop for fresh, compelling storytelling, Alisha’s arrival feels like the beginning of a new genre part drama, part blockbuster, and all heart. Keep your popcorn ready.

  • Deal or dil Pankaj Tripathi says you’ll still drive off in a Hyundai

    Deal or dil Pankaj Tripathi says you’ll still drive off in a Hyundai

    MUMBAI: What happens when your heart wants the features and your wallet loves the discounts? According to Hyundai Motor India Limited’s latest campaign, you win either way because “Listen to your Dil or the Deals. You will bring home a Hyundai!”

    Featuring Hyundai’s new brand ambassador Pankaj Tripathi, the campaign is a delightful spin on the everyday car-buying dilemma. Set in a friendly neighbourhood and packed with Tripathi’s trademark wit, the TVC sees the actor cheekily flaunt his Hyundai Exter’s smart features, playfully questioning whether his neighbour’s car matches up or at the very least, came with better deals. Spoiler: it didn’t.

    Backed by Hyundai’s core values of trust, innovation, and value, the campaign aims to connect with both the head and the heart. “It’s more than a tagline, it’s a celebration of Hyundai’s promise to offer feature-packed, reliable vehicles that delight customers,” said HMIL vertical head of marketing Virat Khullar. Launched well ahead of the festive season, the initiative strategically seeks to influence intent and early consideration in a crowded market.

    The 360-degree campaign will hit TV, print, digital, and radio, and reach even deeper with regional TVCs in seven Indian languages Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu.

    While the humour keeps things light, the message is serious: whether you’re wooed by your dil or lured by a great deal, a Hyundai is always the right choice. Because behind every Hyundai is not just an engine but a promise of care, technology, and trust that goes the distance.

  • Criminal Justice scores a killer debut with record OTT opening

    Criminal Justice scores a killer debut with record OTT opening

    MUMBAI: It’s official, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter has taken the law into its own hands… and the top spot on India’s OTT charts. According to audience estimates for the week of May 26 to June 1, 2025, the gripping legal drama clocked an explosive 8.4 million viewers, making it the biggest OTT original opening of the year across pay and freemium platforms.

    The numbers don’t just hold court, they rule. This marks the best opening for any original on JioStar (previously Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema) since January 2023, making it a rare case of a sequel delivering more punch than its predecessors.

    Backed by a tight script, returning fan-favourite characters, and a family-centric twist on its signature justice narrative, the show has managed to strike the perfect balance between suspense and sentiment. And clearly, audiences across India are here for it.

    In a landscape brimming with crime thrillers and family dramas, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter has carved out its niche by fusing both genres with legal intrigue and numbers suggest the strategy is working. With 8.4 million Indians tuning in to at least one episode, it’s not just a courtroom drama; it’s a cultural phenomenon in the making.

    Gavel down, this verdict is unanimous: Criminal Justice is 2025’s hottest trial yet.

  • Sethi in Stone as SPJ True Realtyy Builds Sales Game Plan

    Sethi in Stone as SPJ True Realtyy Builds Sales Game Plan

    MUMBAI: When it comes to selling spaces, SPJ True Realtyy is laying down a strong foundation starting with its leadership. In a move set to turbocharge its growth ambitions, the Gurugram-based developer has roped in real estate heavyweight Jashanpreet Singh Sethi as senior vice president & head of sales.

    With over 13 years of experience chiselled across India’s leading realty players DLF, Mahindra Lifespaces, M3M, and Omaxe Sethi’s name is as familiar in boardrooms as it is on sales dashboards. His track record? A portfolio of market-expanding strategies and consistently robust revenue deliveries.

    At SPJ True Realtyy, he’ll be entrusted with scaling high-performance teams, driving aggressive revenue targets, and sharpening the brand’s residential and commercial sales playbook. “I’m here to build for the long game, with customer-centricity at the heart of every move,” said Sethi. “The aim is to power SPJ’s growth through data-led strategy, sustainable relationships, and a future-first mindset.”

    Welcoming him on board SPJ True Realtyy executive president Praveen Raina said, “Sethi’s entry brings strategic sharpness and agility to our sales engine. With his sectoral know-how and customer engagement finesse, we expect to deepen our market presence while staying true to our value-driven development ethos.”

    Sethi’s appointment comes at a pivotal juncture for SPJ True Realtyy as it doubles down on expanding across both residential and commercial verticals. With a leadership mindset anchored in performance, the brand is clearly setting the tone for a more ambitious, strategically sound phase brick by brilliant brick.