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Category: News Headline

  • Studds rides high on 50 years of trust

    Studds rides high on 50 years of trust

    MUMBAI: Half a century on the road, and Studds still has its visor on the future. Celebrating five decades of safety, style and innovation, Studds Accessories Ltd. has launched a powerful new brand film that captures the spirit of trust the brand has built, helmet by helmet, since 1975.

    Shot against the breathtaking backdrop of Ladakh, the film is a visual ode to resilience and evolution, tracing how Studds has grown in sync with India’s ever-changing two-wheeler culture. Conceptualised and executed by Continu Media co-founder and director Rudraksh Vashist and produced by Tanya Dudeja, the cinematic piece combines stunning visuals with heartfelt storytelling. It showcases how Studds’ helmets have become more than just protective gear, they’re companions for every kind of rider, from daily commuters to mountain explorers.

    “Over the last 50 years, Studds has been the preferred choice for safety and reliability. We’ve evolved with changing times while bringing global standards to India,” said Studds Accessories Ltd managing director Sidharth Bhushan Khurana. “This film celebrates our journey and reinforces our commitment to innovation and customer trust.”

    Set to premiere across digital platforms, the film portrays riders across lifestyles and generations, reinforcing the message that a Studds helmet doesn’t just protect, it powers passion and purpose on the open road.

    With a legacy built on 7.4 million helmets sold last fiscal and global presence across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Studds continues to prove that while trends change, trust never goes out of style.

  • Only Distrib Steals the Show with a Bold and Diverse MIPCOM Line-Up

    Only Distrib Steals the Show with a Bold and Diverse MIPCOM Line-Up

    MUMBAI: MIPCOM 2025 just got a little more daring and a lot more diverse. Only Distrib is heading to Cannes armed with over 100 hours of brand-new programming that promises to both provoke thought and spark conversation across genres like documentary, factual entertainment, and lifestyle.

    The distributor’s slate features stories that range from the spine-chilling to the socially daring. Among the biggest head-turners is Vanished: Victoria Charlton Investigates (12×21’), a gripping true-crime series led by the popular Youtuber and investigator Victoria Charlton, who reopens cold cases of mysterious disappearances.

    Wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to Animals Inside Out: Attack & Defense (2×52’), a visually stunning exploration of nature’s most ingenious survival tactics. Meanwhile, Hope (6×52’) steps into climate storytelling with a dose of optimism, examining tangible ways humanity can fight climate change.

    And then there’s the show that’s sure to get people talking Hey, Check Out My Penis (1×45’). Bold, unflinching, and unashamedly topical, the documentary dissects the modern-day phenomenon of unsolicited explicit images with honesty and nuance, promising an intelligent take on a taboo subject.

    Beyond its ready-to-air slate, Only Distrib is also inviting co-production and pre-sale partners to join in on projects still in development and production. One such title, Fletcher Street produced for France Télévisions’ 25 Nuances de Doc tells the moving story of an 18-year-old African American man who finds purpose and peace among Philadelphia’s community of Black cowboys, bonding with his first horse as he reclaims his sense of belonging.

    Only Distrib head of sales and acquisitions Laurène Voilliot summed up the ambition behind the line-up: “Our goal is to bring compelling, original voices and high-quality productions to the international market. This year’s MIPCOM marks a major step forward in both the volume and diversity of our catalogue.”

    With a line-up that ranges from gripping investigations to cultural reckonings, Only Distrib seems poised to make more than just a splash at MIPCOM, it’s bringing waves of originality to global storytelling.

    Would you like me to make the headline a bit more playful (for instance, “Only Distrib Goes All In at MIPCOM with a Reel Bold Slate”)?

  • Birla Opus Paints colours Diwali with love

    Birla Opus Paints colours Diwali with love

    MUMBAI: Looks like this Diwali isn’t getting cancelled, only coloured brighter! Birla Opus Paints has unwrapped the festive season with a touching new digital film that turns the spotlight from fireworks to family.

    Titled Kya iss baar Diwali cancel?, the film beautifully brings alive Birla Opus Paints’ philosophy, Duniya ko rang do, reminding viewers that the true sparkle of Diwali lies not in lights or rituals, but in the warmth of togetherness.

    The story follows a retired couple excitedly prepping their home for their son’s visit. When plans suddenly change and he cancels, disappointment threatens to dim their joy. But the father chooses to celebrate anyway, painting their home in his son’s favourite colour. As the couple light up their freshly painted house, they rediscover that love itself can illuminate any festival.

    Birla Opus Paints head of marketing Inderpreet Singh said, “What makes festivals memorable are the emotions behind the preparations, the anticipation, and the joy of being together. Our film celebrates this essence of togetherness and the role of colours in bringing people closer.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Leo South Asia chief creative officer Sachin Kamble added, “Diwali isn’t about grandeur; it’s about the relationships that colour our lives. In the Birla Opus world, colour doesn’t just beautify walls, it builds bonds.”

    Launched under Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, Birla Opus Paints continues to paint the town with emotion, crafting stories that prove when it comes to celebrating love and family, no festival is ever truly cancelled.

  • India orders streaming giants to make content accessible for disabled viewers

    India orders streaming giants to make content accessible for disabled viewers

    NEW DELHI: India’s streaming platforms face a shake-up. The ministry of information and broadcasting has issued draft guidelines forcing OTT services to make their content accessible to people with hearing and visual impairments. The clock is ticking: platforms have six months to comply with the first phase, and two years to retrofit their entire libraries.

    The regulations, published on 7th October, mark the government’s most aggressive push yet to enforce disability rights in the digital sphere. Every new release must carry at least one accessibility feature—closed captioning for the deaf, audio descriptions for the blind, or Indian Sign Language interpretation. No exceptions for Bollywood blockbusters or binge-worthy series.

    The ministry is demanding 30 per cent of existing content be made accessible within a year, rising to 60 per cent after 18 months. The endgame? Full compliance across every title, from prestige dramas to reality shows, within 24 months. Platforms must also rewire their interfaces to work with assistive technologies and plaster accessibility indicators—(AD), (CC), (ISL)—on everything from trailers to thumbnails.

    The rules stem from the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which the government has been nudging OTT platforms to follow since an advisory in April. India ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008, but enforcement has lagged. Now the ministry wants quarterly reports tracking progress, with a joint secretary-led committee poised to police compliance.

    Live streams, podcasts and clips under ten minutes get a pass. But for everything else, the message is clear: subtitle it, describe it, sign it—or face scrutiny. The consultation period ends on 22 October.

    For India’s 26.8m disabled citizens—and the streamers courting them—the game just changed.

  • Uber hits the road with Motorhomes in more cities

    Uber hits the road with Motorhomes in more cities

    MUMBAI: Buckle up for a new kind of road trip. After cruising through Delhi NCR with a sold-out pilot, Uber is taking its Intercity Motorhomes experience to Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune. The limited-edition offering, which lets riders book caravan-style vehicles for outstation getaways, opens bookings on 13 October, with rides starting 15 October.

    Initially launched in August to promote premium outstation travel, the Delhi pilot saw 100 per cent occupancy throughout its run, prompting the expansion. Each Motorhome comes loaded with road-trip luxuries, a TV, microwave, mini-fridge, and even a lavatory, offering up to five passengers a lounge-on-wheels experience complete with a driver and helper.

    “Uber Intercity has become a preferred choice for dependable and comfortable travel between cities,” said Uber India and South Asia director – consumer growth Shiva Shailendran. “With the success of Motorhomes and expansion to new cities, we’re strengthening Intercity’s position as the go-to for long-distance travel.”

    The festive season, known for weddings, holidays, and spontaneous getaways, makes this expansion timely. Riders can book trips through Uber Reserve, add stops, track rides, and access 24 by 7 support, though early booking is advised given the surge in demand.

    With over 3,000 intercity routes now under its belt, Uber continues to steer India’s outstation travel scene into a smoother, smarter future, one comfortable kilometre at a time.

  • Hybrid’s Work Culture Gets a Great Upgrade with GPTW Certification

    Hybrid’s Work Culture Gets a Great Upgrade with GPTW Certification

    MUMBAI: Looks like Hybrid Adtech just got a workplace upgrade no software patch required. The adtech company has officially been certified by Great Place To Work, the global benchmark for workplace culture, cementing its reputation as a people-first organisation that’s as driven by passion as it is by performance.

    The certification, based entirely on employee feedback, highlights Hybrid’s success in creating a culture where collaboration, trust, and innovation thrive. A majority of its workforce vouched for an environment that encourages growth not just in KPIs and conversions, but in careers and confidence.

    Hybrid INSEA CEO Shreyas Sathe called the recognition a milestone moment. “Earning the Great Place To Work Certification validates our efforts in building a workplace where innovation and people go hand in hand. Our employees are our biggest strength,” he said, underscoring the company’s belief that culture and creativity are intertwined.

    Echoing that sentiment, Hybrid country head for India Gandharv Sachdeva said, “At Hybrid, people are at the centre of everything we do. This certification reflects the trust, transparency, and teamwork that define our culture. We’re proud to be creating not just a successful business, but a space where everyone belongs.”

    Hybrid’s culture isn’t built on buzzwords, it’s reinforced by initiatives that empower employees to grow both professionally and personally. From skill development and wellness programmes to collaborative opportunities across teams, the company continues to invest in its people as much as in its tech.

    According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at Certified workplaces. Employees in such organisations also report higher job satisfaction, fairer pay, and better access to advancement opportunities, all signs of a workplace where people genuinely look forward to Mondays.

    With its new badge of honour, Hybrid Adtech has proven that being a “great place to work” isn’t just about perks and policies, it’s about people who power possibilities.

    Would you like me to make the headline slightly more playful (for example, using a pun like “Hybrid Works Wonders with Great Place to Work Win”)?
     

  • AI writes the next scene in storytelling

    AI writes the next scene in storytelling

    MUMBAI: From scripts to circuits, storytelling just got smarter. At FICCI Frames 2025, the stage buzzed with ideas as tech titans from Jiohotstar, Meta, and Google explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way India watches, interacts, and connects with stories.

    In a session titled “The AI-Powered Media Revolution: From Personalisation to Interactive Storytelling,” the panel featured Jiohotstar chief product officer Bharath Ram, Meta India group director – finserv, media, travel and services Shweta Bajpai, and Google India head of industry for tech, media & telecom Siddharth Shekhar, moderated by NDTV Entertainment editor Abira Dhar

    Bharath Ram highlighted how Jiohotstar’s India-built AI is revolutionising both content and advertising. “The biggest advantage of developing AI solutions in India is the ability to iterate fast, learn fast, and build products rooted in local sensibilities,” he said, adding that Jiohotstar’s vast catalogue, from Special Ops to Bigg Boss, provides fertile ground for AI-driven insights.

    “Our AI helps us decode what truly captures viewers’ imagination and connects brands to audiences more meaningfully,” he explained, noting that smarter prediction models are already enabling advertisers to reach the right audience at the right moment.

    Taking storytelling beyond the screen, Bharath also spoke about the rise of fandom participation, where viewers don’t just watch content, they live it. “People want to be part of the story. The future lies in building interactive experiences that let fans express their passion,” he said, hinting at Jiohotstar’s plans to boost audience engagement across its entertainment properties.

    The discussion painted a vivid picture of a media landscape in motion, one where AI transforms viewers into collaborators, and platforms like Jiohotstar, Meta, and Google are scripting a new era of personalised, participatory entertainment.

    Because in the age of AI, the story doesn’t just unfold, it evolves with you.

  • Lotus White Glow gel crème shines in new campaign

    Lotus White Glow gel crème shines in new campaign

    MUMBAI: Glow with the flow, Lotus White Glow steps into the spotlight. Lotus Herbals, India’s leading natural skincare brand, has unveiled a sparkling new campaign for its iconic White Glow gel crème, marking 15 years of innovation. India’s first-ever gel plus crème formula, White Glow has long been a cult favourite, trusted across generations for its lightweight, non-sticky texture and powerful brightening benefits.

    The refreshed campaign highlights niacinamide, the star ingredient that has been part of the formulation from the beginning, along with herbal extracts of saxifraga, milk enzymes, and grapes. Clinically proven to reduce dark spots, sun tan, and restore glow from within, the gel crème offers a practical, modern solution for today’s youthful, ingredient-conscious consumers.

    At the heart of the campaign is a relatable story: a young woman struggling to take the perfect selfie due to persistent dark spots. Enter White Glow gel crème, helping her regain confidence with radiant, even-toned skin. Emerging talent Heer Achchra brings the narrative to life with natural charm and relatable energy, embodying the confident, skincare-savvy consumer of today.

    The multi-platform campaign will run across television, OTT, digital, social media, and out-of-home, including co-powered sponsorship on West Bengal’s popular show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Zee5 integrations, and a pan-India CTV campaign on Jio Star. In-store POP activations across India will ensure strong on-ground visibility.

    Lotus Herbals CMD Nitin Passi said, “We are delighted to unveil our new campaign for the path-breaking Lotus White Glow gel crème. With refreshed packaging and renewed focus on niacinamide, we are proud to present this trusted formulation to a new generation. At Lotus Herbals, we evolve with our consumers, and this campaign ensures White Glow continues to shine across generations.”

    With this refreshed campaign, Lotus White Glow gel crème continues to cement its place as a go-to skincare essential for radiant, selfie-ready skin, proving that great glow never goes out of style. 
     

  • Breaking youth drug codes with Mathrubhumi’s parent-focused campaign

    Breaking youth drug codes with Mathrubhumi’s parent-focused campaign

    MUMBAI: When it comes to tackling substance abuse, Mathrubhumi is proving that knowledge is the ultimate weapon. The media house’s latest anti-drug campaign, featuring youth icon Roshan Mathew, isn’t about moralising or over-dramatising, it’s about arming parents with the tools they need to spot trouble before it escalates.

    Titled simply yet powerfully, the campaign takes a realistic, engaging approach to the complex issue of youth drug use. It dives straight into the world parents rarely see, decoding the slang, secret codes, and even the pricing of substances that school-going children might encounter. By blending hard facts with practical guidance on monitoring financial transactions and recognising behavioural red flags, the initiative goes beyond typical warnings.

    “We aim to go beyond mere warnings and public appeals. The goal of this campaign is to arm parents with the specific knowledge they need to win this fight,” said Mathrubhumi managing director M.V. Shreyams Kumar. The approach shifts the focus from scaring young people to equipping the adults closest to them parents, families, and teachers with actionable insight.

    Maitri Advertising managing director Raju Menon of which conceptualised the short film, emphasised the strategy behind the realism. “While most anti-drug campaigns target the users themselves, we wanted to speak to those most likely to identify the issue early. Sure, kids might adapt their slang after seeing this, but at least we give parents a headstart.”

    The short film’s reception has been electric, sparking conversations across social media and in households alike. Its appeal lies in its authenticity: instead of bombarding viewers with fear-inducing images or exaggerated scenarios, it presents knowledge in a digestible, relatable format. Parents are shown not just what to look for, but how to interpret subtle signals from behaviour, conversations, and even financial patterns, a roadmap for proactive engagement.

    By leveraging Roshan Mathew’s relatability among the youth, the campaign bridges the generational gap. It reminds parents that influencing children about the dangers of drugs isn’t about confrontation, it’s about connection, awareness, and timely action. Every code word decoded, every price point revealed, and every practical tip shared is a small but crucial victory in the fight against substance abuse.

    Mathrubhumi’s initiative stands out for transforming anti-drug messaging from abstract warnings into tangible, everyday tools for parents. It’s a campaign that proves education and awareness can be both accessible and compelling, encouraging adults to step into the roles they’re naturally equipped for guides, protectors, and early responders. In a world where quick fixes and shortcuts often dominate, Mathrubhumi reminds us that vigilance, knowledge, and parental involvement remain the most effective measures.

    With this campaign, the message is crystal clear: the first line of defence against youth drug abuse isn’t law enforcement or peer pressure, it’s informed, attentive parents, ready to decode the hidden signals before it’s too late.

  • Shambhavi Mishra named head of marketing at Gourmet

    Shambhavi Mishra named head of marketing at Gourmet

    MUMBAI: Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd. has promoted Shambhavi Mishra to head of marketing, tasking her with steering the company’s entire portfolio of global dining brands in India, including P.F. Chang’s, Pizzaexpress, and Chili’s American Grill & Bar.

    Mishra, who has spent the past two years driving digital-first campaigns and consumer engagement for Pizzaexpress and Chili’s, now oversees brand strategy across all outlets, aiming to strengthen market presence and cultural relevance in India’s fast-evolving dining scene.

    Prior to Gourmet, she was AVP – marketing at Impresario Handmade Restaurants, shaping strategy for Social, antisocial, Smoke House Deli, Boss Burger, Lucknowee, and Hungli across more than 47 locations. Her tenure at Social redefined F&B marketing through community-building, culture-first partnerships, and high-profile collaborations with Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, Tinder, Bumble, Budweiser, Absolut, Flipkart, and global IPs like Game of Thrones and Stranger Things. She also created original experiences such as Fresh Cuts, Satrangi Mela, Culture Chutney, and Deluxe Thali.

    Mishra is recognised not only for her strategic acumen and digital-first thinking but also for championing initiatives around women’s safety, gender inclusivity, and diversity, embedding values into both workplace culture and consumer experiences.

    An alumna of ISB and MICA, with a foundational degree from the Institute of Technology & Management, she is widely regarded as one of India’s most dynamic voices in F&B marketing, known for marrying creativity with measurable business impact.

    Gourmet Investments’ elevation of Mishra signals a sharpened focus on strategic marketing, brand storytelling, and cultural resonance across India’s competitive dining landscape.