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Category: News Headline

  • Asian Paints Sharad Shamman turns 40

    Asian Paints Sharad Shamman turns 40

    MUMBAI: Kolkata’s iconic taxi has just been given the ride of its life, thanks to ‘Asian Paints Sharad Shamman,’ which this year celebrates 40 colourful years of Pujo pride. Marking the milestone, Asian Paints has unveiled ‘Choltey Choltey Chollish,’ a cinematic campaign and travelling installation that transforms the city’s beloved yellow cab into a rolling time machine. The film zips through four decades of Durga Pujo, blending nostalgia and newness in equal measure.

    The journey begins in the 1980s, with bamboo pandals and radio melodies, cruises into the ’90s with the rise of themes, steers into the 2000s spotlight of global attention and social messaging, and finally parks in today’s world of AR, VR and digital-first celebrations. Each era is splashed across the taxi’s changing surface: hand-painted motifs and designs shining in royale glitz, capturing the essence of Kolkata’s creativity.

    Music, too, gets a seatbelt moment. From retro tunes to modern beats, every decade’s soundtrack weaves into the storytelling, making the cab not just a carrier of memories but a jukebox of Pujo.

    “Festivals mirror their times, showing how societies evolve,” said Asian Paints, md & ceo, Amit Syngle. “With ‘Choltey Choltey Chollish,’ we wanted to honour 40 years of artistry while resonating with today’s generation. The yellow taxi embodies that timeless journey.”

    Ogilvy North, chief creative officer, Sujoy Roy added, “This is more than a tribute. It’s a love letter to Kolkata: its traditions, its imagination and the enduring spirit of Pujo.”

    With its stylised visuals, vibrant music and a fresh, youthful tone, the campaign doesn’t just celebrate ‘Sharad Shamman,’ it reaffirms Asian Paints’ place as Pujo’s unofficial custodian, turning art, culture and community into a living, moving canvas.

    Because in Kolkata, even a cab ride can feel like a festival.

  • Shandi Global stirs India with chickpea-based Chanza, targets 10 million dollars in ’25

    Shandi Global stirs India with chickpea-based Chanza, targets 10 million dollars in ’25

    MUMBAI: Call it chickpeas with a twist. Singapore-based food-tech innovator Shandi Global has landed in India with its flagship product Chanza: a protein-packed, plant-based alternative to meat and paneer that’s already winning fans abroad.

    Made entirely from whole chickpeas: no soy, gluten, or artificial binders in sight. Chanza cooks, tastes, and feels like soft, fibrous chunks of meat. From curries to kebabs, stir-fries to tandoori, it’s designed to slip seamlessly into India’s kitchen classics while packing a nutritional punch.

    The India launch marks Shandi Global’s biggest bet yet. The company has doubled its revenue every year, growing from 0.6 million dollars in 2023 to over 2.5 million dollars in 2025. With India now in its sights, it’s eyeing a bold leap to 10 million plus dollars revenue in 2025.

    “Protein deficiency is a massive issue here, and we want to change that,” said Shandi Global, co-founder, Dr. Gaurav Sharma. “Our vision is simple: Protein for All, Without Compromise.” His fellow co-founder, Dr Reena Sharma, added that the move was “both personal and purposeful,” aiming to fuse nutrition, fitness, and sustainability in everyday Indian diets.

    The rollout will start with restaurants, corporates, and institutions, before hitting retail shelves in metro cities by 2026. Partnerships with gyms and wellness communities are also planned to anchor Chanza firmly in India’s growing fitness culture.

    Shandi Global’s portfolio abroad already includes plant-based meats, protein soups, and drinks under brands like Forever, Sprouty, and Proty. New snacks, cookies, and ready-to-eat meals are in the works, powered by its proprietary Canatein/Sproutin technology.

    Recognition has followed too: at the ‘Vegan India Conference 2025’ in Mumbai, the company bagged the ‘Protein Innovation Icon of the Year Award’, presented by former mp Maneka Gandhi in the presence of  cj D.Y. Chandrachud.

    With India joining its global expansion map alongside Thailand, Canada, and Australia, Shandi Global isn’t just selling another plant-based product, it’s planting the seed for a protein revolution.

  • Nippon TV bets on female-driven crime and comedy for global conquest

    Nippon TV bets on female-driven crime and comedy for global conquest

    CANNES: Japan’s Nippon TV is rolling the dice on two female-fronted scripted formats as it muscles into the lucrative international content market ahead of Mipcom 2025.

    The broadcaster unveiled Murderous Encounter, a dark romantic thriller about journalists investigating serial killings, and The Reluctant Preacher, a sharp comedy following an unmotivated teacher’s transformation. Both feature strong female protagonists battling personal demons whilst tackling crime and injustice.

    “We are confident that these stories can be successfully localised, captivating audiences in any market,” said Nippon TV head of international sales, content business and distribution Sayako Aoki.

    The Japanese giant is riding high on format success. Its drama Mother holds the record for most adaptations of an Asian series globally, with local versions spanning 11 countries from Turkey to Saudi Arabia. Nearly 90 per cent of Nippon TV’s content intellectual property is owned in-house, giving it hefty margins on international sales.

    Murderous Encounter follows two journalists whose professional rivalry turns romantic whilst investigating the Horus Eye Murders. As their relationship deepens, suspicion mounts that one might be the serial killer they’re hunting. The producers behind hits My Lover’s Secret and Your Turn to Kill are banking on their signature twist-heavy storytelling to hook global audiences.

    The Reluctant Preacher centres on a demotivated teacher assigned to a problem class who unexpectedly becomes a passionate educator delivering bold sermons. The comedy-drama ranked number one in its Japanese time slot among children and second among teenagers. Netflix has already snapped up global streaming rights.

    Both series have clocked over 2 million views on advertising-supported video platforms, signalling strong domestic appetite. The move underscores Japanese broadcasters’ growing confidence in exporting homegrown content as global streaming wars intensify demand for fresh formats.

    Nippon TV’s aggressive international push includes launching Gyokuro Studio for unscripted formats and establishing a Los Angeles business office targeting US and Latin American markets. The company owns streaming giant Hulu in Japan, giving it additional leverage in content distribution deals.

  • Short and sweet, One Take Media launches Vertigo TV for micro-dramas

    Short and sweet, One Take Media launches Vertigo TV for micro-dramas

    MUMBAI: Two minutes to drama, sixty to closure storytelling just got a major speed boost. Mumbai-based One Take Media has taken a bold leap into India’s streaming wars with the launch of Vertigo TV App, a first-of-its-kind platform dedicated to vertical, short-form dramas. The app introduces Indian audiences to a global bingeing trend micro-dramas that wrap up entire story arcs in 40 to 60 episodes, with each instalment lasting barely two minutes.

    In an era where Gen Z and millennials live by the swipe, Vertigo TV is built for the thumb and not the remote. It’s mobile-first, snackable, and designed for those who want their narratives as fast-paced as their feeds.

    “Vertigo TV App isn’t just a platform; it’s a movement redefining storytelling,” said One Take Media Founder & CEO Anil Khera. “Today’s viewers want rich narratives—and they want them fast. We’re bringing gripping Korean, Chinese and international micro-dramas to India in a way that feels fresh, addictive and mobile-native.”

    Micro-dramas, sometimes called mini-dramas or vertical dramas have exploded in Asia. By 2024, short-form videos made up over 60 per cent of all video consumption among 18–34-year-olds in Asia-Pacific, according to industry reports. In China alone, the micro-drama market was worth 5.3 billion dollars in 2023, growing at an impressive 18 per cent CAGR.

    Vertigo TV aims to replicate that boom in India with its SVOD model priced at Rs 499 per year, available on both Android and iOS.
    Why it clicks

    ●    Hook in 10 seconds: Every drama is crafted to capture attention instantly.

    ●    Mobile-optimised vertical format: Designed for on-the-go, one-hand viewing.

    ●    Global stories, local touch: Content spans Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Hindi, and English originals, complete with subtitles.

    ●    Binge without guilt: An entire show can be polished off during a commute, lunch break, or workout.

    ●    High replay value: Short arcs make rewatching and sharing irresistible.

    India’s OTT space has long been dominated by long-format web series and films. Vertigo TV flips the script by going short, vertical and international. With storytelling now tailored to India’s growing smartphone-first population, it offers a fresh alternative to the clutter of big-screen bingeing.

    For viewers tired of endless episodes, cliffhangers that drag for months, or padded narratives, Vertigo TV offers a micro-dose of high-stakes drama with cinematic quality. It may well spark India’s own micro-drama revolution.

    As Khera summed it up: “This is entertainment reimagined for the attention economy quick, powerful, and always within reach.

  • Technosport flexes festive fit with Durga Pujo film and Bengal expansion

    Technosport flexes festive fit with Durga Pujo film and Bengal expansion

    MUMBAI: Pujo just got a wardrobe workout. Technosport, India’s fastest-growing activewear brand, has draped itself in festive spirit with the launch of its Durga Pujo campaign, ‘Fit for Pujo’, while simultaneously flexing its retail muscle in Bengal.

    The campaign, unveiled on Mahalaya, stars acclaimed Bengali actor Bhaswar Chatterjee, whose presence adds a homegrown touch of authenticity. Through poetic visuals and a lyrical voiceover, the film celebrates autumn’s first whispers, the joy of new clothes, and the season of light and renewal. It ties these cultural cues neatly with Technosport’s promise of stylish, performance-driven activewear.

    “Pujo is not just about new clothes, it’s about preparing for a season of energy, joy, and fresh beginnings,” said Technosport, head of marketing, Patralika Agrawal. “With ‘Fit for Pujo,’ we wanted to capture that spirit, making activewear feel as festive as it is functional.”

    The campaign launch coincides with two new exclusive brand outlets opening in Kolkata’s Mani Square Mall and Asansol’s Sentrum Mall, bringing Technosport’s nationwide tally to 21 stores. With Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBO) revenues doubling year-on-year and an 83 per cent conversion rate on footfalls, the brand is confidently striding towards its Rs 600 crore revenue goal for FY 2025–26.

    By weaving Bhaswar Chatterjee’s cultural resonance into the narrative and making a strategic push in the East, Technosport is betting big on Pujo as more than just a festival. It’s the season to dress, renew and move.

  • Betting racket whacked for Rs 307 crore as ED strikes in Dubai

    Betting racket whacked for Rs 307 crore as ED strikes in Dubai

    NEW DELHI: India’s financial crimes enforcers have seized Dubai property and domestic bank deposits worth Rs 307 crore in a crackdown on an online betting operation centred around the Fairplay platform, according to a PTI report. 

    The Enforcement Directorate froze land, villas and flats in the Gulf emirate alongside Indian bank accounts under anti-money laundering laws, the agency said on Monday. The haul represents one of the largest asset seizures in India’s escalating war against illegal online gambling.

    The probe stems from a complaint filed by Viacom18 Media with Mumbai Police’s cyber wing, alleging the betting platform had inflicted revenue losses exceeding Rs 100 crore through violations of information technology and copyright laws.

    Investigators subsequently bundled together multiple cases against Fairplay and its associates for illegal online betting operations. The web of connected entities suggests a sophisticated money-laundering network spanning domestic and international jurisdictions.

    The seizures underscore how Indian authorities are pursuing betting operators’ offshore assets with increasing vigour. Dubai has emerged as a favoured destination for parking proceeds from India’s booming but largely illegal online gambling sector.

    The Fairplay case highlights the complex interplay between broadcasting rights violations and betting operations, with platforms allegedly using pirated content to drive traffic to gambling sites.
    India’s regulatory crackdown on online betting has intensified as authorities grapple with the sector’s explosive growth and its links to money laundering and tax evasion.

  • Atrangii hires veteran producer to spearhead content blitz

    Atrangii hires veteran producer to spearhead content blitz

    MUMBAI: Atrangii and Hari Om OTT have recruited  Vidyuth Bhandary as executive vice-president for content and studios, as the streaming platforms gear up for an aggressive expansion push.

    The appointment brings nearly three decades of media muscle to the homegrown platforms. Bhandary previously ran studios at Dice Media, where he masterminded OTT content development and production. His cv spans heavyweight roles at Times Internet/MX Media, FremantleMedia, Star India and Big FM, with credits including top-rated international format shows and blockbuster Indian streaming content.

    In his new perch, Bhandary will commandeer content teams across both platforms whilst heading up their newly-minted studio division. His brief includes turbo-charging Atrangii’s fiction and non-fiction pipeline and crafting devotional stories for Hari Om. The studio arm will churn out original intellectual property for third-party OTT services, television and films.

    “We’re in a phase of aggressive growth, expanding our footprint and cementing our leadership,” said Vibhu Agarwal, founder of both platforms. “Vidyuth’s appointment is a key step—his experience will help strengthen our in-house content engine and accelerate our plans to build a world-class studio ecosystem.”
    The hire signals Atrangii’s intent to muscle in on India’s crowded streaming battleground. Bhandary pledged to forge fresh content partnerships whilst building “a multi-year roadmap” for both domestic and international markets.

    “My goal is to help build a strong in-house content slate, while also developing a full-fledged studio setup,” he said. “I look forward to expanding into new markets, genres and achieving the vision set by the management.”
    The move underscores how Indian streaming services are doubling down on original content to differentiate themselves in an increasingly saturated market.

  • Bajaj Auto ropes in marketing chief to rev up brands

    Bajaj Auto ropes in marketing chief to rev up brands

    PUNEL:  India’s third-largest motorcycle maker has hired Kia India’s head of marketing and public relations to spearhead its marketing as well as kick start its sports bike brands further, as competition intensifies in the premium two-wheeler segment.

    Shakti Upadhyay has joined Bajaj Auto as vice president for brands. His first task will be to take charge of the company’s sports motorcycle portfolio including the once-dominant Pulsar and premium Dominar ranges. The appointment comes as Bajaj battles declining market share in key segments whilst rivals like TVS Suzuki and  Honda gain ground.

    Upadhyay spent over seven years at Kia India, where he orchestrated the south Korean carmaker’s transformation from unknown challenger to household name. Under his stewardship, Kia launched the Seltos compact SUV, Sonet sub-compact SUV, and Carnival MPV, helping the brand capture nearly 4 per cent of India’s passenger car market within five years.

    His track record includes award-winning campaigns that blended “bold positioning with emotional storytelling.” At Samsung Electronics, where he spent eight years before Kia, Upadhyay led marketing for consumer durables including premium television ranges.

    Bajaj’s hire signals urgency in revitalising brands that once dominated Indian roads. The Pulsar, launched in 2001, pioneered the performance motorcycle segment but has faced intensifying competition from Honda, and TVS Motor.  Dominar, positioned as a touring motorcycle, has struggled to gain traction since its 2016 launch.

    The Pune-based company’s motorcycle business has faced headwinds as consumers increasingly favour electric vehicles and premium brands. Bajaj’s domestic motorcycle sales fell eight per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2024, whilst competitors expanded market share.

    “Bajaj has always stood for innovation, performance, and a strong challenger spirit,” Upadhyay said in a LinkedIn post announcing his appointment. He emphasised plans to deepen “brand love” and drive “global ambition” for the motorcycle portfolio.

    The marketing veteran’s mandate extends beyond just the domestic market.  Bajaj exports motorcycles to over 70 countries, with international sales contributing roughly 40 per cent of total volumes. The company has a particularly strong presence in Africa and Latin America through partnerships and local assembly operations.

    Upadhyay’s appointment reflects broader industry trends as traditional automotive companies hire  talent from successful challengers. His experience launching new brands in competitive markets could prove valuable as Bajaj seeks to reinvent mature product lines whilst expanding into electric vehicles.

    The company faces particular challenges in the 125-250cc segment even as electric vehicle startups like Ola Electric and Ather Energy have begun encroaching on urban commuter segments traditionally dominated by conventional motorcycles.

    Industry analysts suggest Bajaj’s brand revival efforts will need to balance heritage appeal with contemporary relevance, particularly among younger consumers who increasingly view motorcycles as lifestyle statements rather than purely utilitarian transport.

  • AB InBev taps Netflix for global beer marketing blitz

    AB InBev taps Netflix for global beer marketing blitz

    MUMBAI: The world’s largest brewer has struck a sweeping marketing deal with Netflix that will see AB InBev’s beer brands woven into the streaming giant’s programming and live events across dozens of countries.

    The partnership, announced today, marks an unusually broad collaboration between the Belgian-Brazilian brewing behemoth and the entertainment platform. AB InBev will integrate its portfolio—including Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois—into Netflix content ranging from British crime series The Gentlemen to South Korean cooking competition Culinary Class Wars.

    AB InBev global chief marketing officer Marcel Marcondes described streaming as “an occasion where beer and entertainment come together,” arguing the deal would create “deeper experiences with consumers” during culturally significant viewing moments.

    The arrangement extends beyond traditional product placement. AB InBev brands will feature in co-marketing campaigns, limited-edition packaging tied to specific shows, and digital promotions. The brewer will also advertise during Netflix’s live NFL Christmas games next year and collaborate on coverage of the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

    Netflix has already tested the waters with AB InBev properties. Mexican beer brand Cerveza Victoria recently sponsored the streaming service’s broadcast of the Canelo Álvarez-Terence Crawford boxing match.

    “The popularity of our titles allows us to pierce the cultural zeitgeist in ways few others can,” said Netflix chief marketing officer Marian Lee. The streaming service has increasingly courted advertising revenue as subscriber growth plateaus in mature markets.

    The deal reflects AB InBev’s push to reach younger consumers who increasingly favour experiences over traditional advertising. The brewer has faced headwinds in key markets, with American beer consumption declining and competition intensifying from craft breweries and hard seltzers.

    For Netflix, the partnership offers a blue-chip sponsor as it expands into live programming and seeks to monetise its global reach more effectively. The platform has secured rights to major sporting events, including NFL games and professional wrestling, as it competes with traditional broadcasters for advertising dollars.
    The companies declined to disclose financial terms of the multi-year agreement. AB InBev operates in nearly 50 countries whilst Netflix boasts over 270 million subscribers worldwide.

    Industry analysts suggest such partnerships may become more common as traditional advertising models fragment. Brewers face particular challenges reaching audiences through conventional channels as younger consumers increasingly “cord-cut” from traditional television.

    The collaboration will roll out across AB InBev’s international portfolio, with regional brands like Brasil’s Antarctica and Europe’s Leffe expected to feature in locally relevant Netflix content. Both companies emphasised the deal’s global scope distinguishes it from previous entertainment industry tie-ups.

  • TRAI gives smaller cable operators a break on mandatory audits

    TRAI gives smaller cable operators a break on mandatory audits

    NEW DELHI: India’s telecom regulator has proposed easing compliance burdens on smaller cable television operators whilst tightening audit procedures for the rest of the industry under draft amendments released on 22  September. 

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plans to make annual system audits optional for distribution platform operators (DPOs) serving fewer than 30,000 active subscribers. The move follows complaints from smaller operators about the disproportionate cost of mandatory audits, which can consume a significant share of their revenues.

    The proposed draft Telecommunications  (Broadcasting And Cable) Services Interconnection  (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment ) Regulations, 2025 state  that larger operators would still face stricter requirements. They must complete audits for the preceding financial year and share reports with broadcasters by 30 September each year, replacing the current calendar year framework.

    The draft also introduces new provisions for infrastructure sharing between operators. Where multiple DPOs share encoding equipment, the infrastructure provider would insert watermark logos at the encoder level whilst individual operators add their logos through set-top boxes. However, TRAI proposes limiting screen clutter by allowing only two logos—the broadcaster’s and the last-mile distributor’s—to appear simultaneously.

    The regulator has addressed longstanding industry disputes over audit challenges. Under new procedures, broadcasters questioning audit reports must cite specific discrepancies with evidence within 30 days. If unsatisfied with auditor responses, they can request special audits but must bear the costs.

    “The audit of systems is necessary to ensure that the systems deployed by a DPO are addressable as per regulatory requirements,” TRAI stated in its explanatory memorandum. “Proper and accurate subscription reports are very important as the settlement of charges between service providers is based on such reports.”
    The draft regulations also mandate that auditors provide independence certificates confirming they have no conflicts of interest with the entities being audited.

    Industry stakeholders have until 6 October to submit comments on the proposals. The amendments are scheduled to take effect from 1st April 2026.

    The move reflects TRAI’s broader effort to reduce regulatory burden on smaller operators whilst maintaining oversight of the Rs 70,000 crore broadcasting and cable services sector. The authority previously made certain compliance requirements optional for operators with fewer than 30,000 subscribers in quality-of-service regulations issued in July 2024.

    However, some industry players have criticised the proposals. Broadcaster associations argue that exempting smaller operators from mandatory audits could increase under-reporting of subscriber numbers, whilst some cable operators contend that even the revised procedures remain too burdensome.

    The draft comes as India’s television distribution industry grapples with declining subscriber bases and increased competition from digital platforms. Many smaller operators have struggled with compliance costs, particularly annual audit fees that can range from Rs 50,000 to several lakhs depending on system complexity.
    TRAI’s proposals also address technical requirements for infrastructure sharing arrangements, mandating separate data instances for each operator using shared subscriber management and conditional access systems to prevent cross-contamination of subscriber data.

    The regulator emphasised that the 30,000-subscriber threshold for audit exemptions would be reviewed periodically based on market conditions.