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Category: News Headline

  • Sony Pictures locks in media veteran for five-year run

    Sony Pictures locks in media veteran for five-year run

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has secured Gaurav Banerjee as managing director and chief executive officer until August 2029, cementing a five-year tenure that shareholders rubber-stamped at the company’s annual general meeting on 25 August.

    The appointment, effective since August 2024, regularises Banerjee’s position after he joined as an additional director the same month. He stepped into the hot seat last year, replacing NP Singh in a changing of the guard at India’s entertainment behemoth.

    Shareholders also waved through the elevation of general counsel Ritesh Khosla and chief financial officer Sibaji Biswas to whole-time director roles, with five-year terms kicking in from December 2024 and February 2025 respectively. The trio’s appointments follow the Companies Act’s stringent governance requirements, with statutory filings confirming none hold shares in the company or maintain family ties with existing board members.

    The moves come as Sony Pictures Networks India, which trades under the Culver Max Entertainment banner, seeks to fortify its leadership team amid intensifying competition in India’s Rs 1.8 trillion media and entertainment sector. The company operates a stable of 28 television channels spanning genres from news to entertainment, alongside its streaming platform SonyLiv.

    Financial results for FY24 underscore the scale of Banerjee’s mandate: the company clocked revenues of Rs 6,511 crore with net profit hitting Rs 840 crore. Subscription income of Rs 3,206 crore marginally outpaced advertising revenues of Rs 2,825 crore, reflecting the industry’s ongoing pivot towards direct-pay models as traditional advertising faces headwinds.  For Banerjee, the extended tenure offers breathing room to execute long-term strategy in a market where rivals are splashing billions on content and technology.

  • AI gets a brand new story as marketers debate data, trust and creativity

    AI gets a brand new story as marketers debate data, trust and creativity

    MUMBAI: When machines meet marketing, sparks and questions fly. That was the mood at the 3rd India Brand Summit 2025 during a lively session titled AI Powered Branding: Reimagining Storytelling and Personalisation.

    Moderated by Publicis Groupe India CEO for digital technology business Amaresh Godbole the panel brought together industry voices grappling with the fine line between automation, personalisation, and authenticity.

    Tata Cliq CTO and Tata digital,VP for synergy tech Suman Guha opened with a reality check: while AI unlocks precision, data overload is a growing challenge. “Brands need to strike the right balance, AI can suggest, but it cannot substitute judgement. The winning formula lies in combining AI-driven insights with human empathy,” he said.

    Adding a regulatory lens ASCI CEO & secretary general Manisha Kapoor stressed the urgency of maintaining consumer trust. “When personalisation borders on intrusion, the line between relevance and manipulation blurs. Ethical guardrails are essential if AI-led branding is to build, not break, relationships,” she warned.

    Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals head of digital transformation Akhil Duggal noted that AI is most effective when it complements not dictates brand building. “We’re using AI to decode consumer intent, but the human narrative must lead. Consumers don’t remember algorithms; they remember stories.”

    From the BFSI perspective Fino Payments Bank head of marketing Prashant Choudhari pointed out the stakes are higher in financial services. “Trust is currency. AI can personalise offers, but one misstep erodes credibility. The challenge is scaling innovation while keeping the customer relationship sacred.”

    Mediasmart chief growth officer Nikhil Kumar highlighted how AI is revolutionising programmatic advertising. “Real-time personalisation is not the future, it’s already here. But effectiveness depends on transparency. If users feel misled, personalisation backfires into alienation.”

    Bringing in the social tech angle Explurger vice president Jwala Kumar underlined AI’s role in experiential storytelling. “Travel and lifestyle brands are leveraging AI to make every interaction feel personal. But authenticity is non-negotiable, people will spot the difference between engineered intimacy and genuine connection.”

    As the discussion unfolded, a common thread emerged: AI can supercharge scale, speed, and segmentation, but the secret sauce remains human creativity. Technology may tailor the message, but culture, trust, and empathy define whether it lands.

    By the end, Godbole summed it up neatly: “AI isn’t replacing storytellers, it’s arming them with sharper tools. The brands that thrive will be those that wield AI with responsibility, respect, and imagination.”

    The session closed with consensus that 2025 is not about AI versus humans, but AI with humans, a collaboration where algorithms analyse and humans empathise, together shaping the next chapter of branding.

  • SSEN bids for FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, pledges free streaming for fans

    SSEN bids for FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, pledges free streaming for fans

    MUMBAI: Shrachi Sports Entertainment Network (SSEN), a dedicated sports OTT platform, has placed a bid for the broadcasting rights of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, valued at roughly 2 million dollars (Rs 18-20 crore). If successful, SSEN intends to stream both tournaments entirely free to viewers in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives.

    The bid signals a shift in sports broadcasting strategy, prioritising accessibility over subscription revenue. “This is more than a business move. It is a commitment to inclusivity and reshaping football consumption in the region. By offering the FIFA World Cup free to fans, we are democratising access and laying the foundation for a long-term legacy,” said SSEN chairman Tamal Ghosal.

    SSEN already streams marquee events including the Calcutta Football League and the I-League, and is the first Indian platform to cover the Women’s Bundesliga and the German Handball Bundesliga. The network’s move positions India as an emerging hub in the global football narrative while placing fan access at the centre of its strategy.

  • Anymind banks on avatars to fast-track brand live streaming

    Anymind banks on avatars to fast-track brand live streaming

    MUMBAI: Talk about putting your money where your face is. Anymind group is banking on avatars to give live commerce a fresh facelift.

    The company has rolled out its new ‘Avatar Bank’ on Anylive, its AI-powered live commerce platform. Think of it as a ready-to-wear wardrobe, but for digital hosts: brands can now dip into a library of pre-made AI avatars instead of spending time and money creating one from scratch.

    The appeal? Speed and savings. With avatars off the shelf, brands can launch streams in just a week, making live commerce campaigns quicker, leaner and far less of a production headache. For brands juggling multiple campaigns, that’s as close to plug-and-play as it gets.

    Anylive isn’t just about pretty faces either. The platform can deliver content in multiple languages, run streams around the clock, and crunch data from both human and AI-led sessions to help brands fine-tune scripts and performances. The Avatar Bank slips neatly into this ecosystem, letting businesses mix and match, use custom avatars for premium projects, or pick from the bank when speed matters.

    Anymind Group, ceo and co-founder, Kosuke Sogo said the feature has already gained traction in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. “This update makes it easier than ever for brands to incorporate AI avatars into their live commerce efforts. We will expand our lineup to give brands more choice, helping them achieve maximum results with minimal effort,” he said.

    For a world hungry for faster campaigns, the message is clear: avatars aren’t just virtual, they’re virtually indispensable.

  • Toto taps into style with season-inspired basins, faucets and sleek WCs

    Toto taps into style with season-inspired basins, faucets and sleek WCs

    MUMBAI: Flush with ideas. Toto is giving India’s bathrooms a seasonal makeover. The Japanese bathroom giant has expanded its India portfolio with a stylish new line-up of basins, faucets and water-efficient WCs, blending artistry, technology and sustainability in one seamless flow.

    Taking inspiration from nature’s four seasons, the brand’s latest basins arrive in striking hues: forest green for spring, mandarin orange for summer, scarlet red for autumn and ash blue for winter. Beyond looks, each piece is glazed with Toto’s ‘cofiontect’ finish, keeping surfaces fresher and easier to clean.

    Adding sparkle to sinks, new faucets in rose gold and graphite finishes bring a luxe touch. Crafted with PVD technology for durability, they pair design finesse with responsibility, manufactured using processes that recycle up to 90 per cent of wastewater.

    Completing the collection is a new WC range featuring sleek concealed models in square and round shapes. With Toto’s ‘tornado flush’ technology and dual-flush options as low as 3 litres, these bowls are designed to save water without skimping on comfort.

    “Indian consumers want more than just functionality; they want bathrooms that are stylish, sustainable and enjoyable,” said Toto India, managing director, Shiozawa Kazuyuki. “These launches combine design and innovation to make every experience thoughtful.”

    For Toto, which has been redefining bathrooms globally for over a century, this expansion cements its Indian journey with products that are as refined as they are responsible, proving once again that the future of luxury is sustainable.

  • Kamat Hotels plants flags in Himalayan foothills and tech hub

    Kamat Hotels plants flags in Himalayan foothills and tech hub

    MUMBAI:  Kamat Hotels (India) Limited has thrown open the doors to two contrasting properties that capture India’s dual identity: a wellness sanctuary beneath the snow-capped Himalayas and a sleek business hotel in the country’s tech capital.

    The hospitality chain unveiled The Orchid Rishivan Hotel in Rishikesh and IRA by Orchid Hotel in Hyderabad on Sunday, adding 117 rooms to its expanding empire and planting its flag firmly in both India’s spiritual heartland and its commercial nerve centres.

    In Rishikesh, where the Ganges rushes down from sacred peaks, the 54-room Orchid Rishivan Hotel promises to marry ancient mysticism with modern luxury. Guests can stretch into sunrise yoga sessions beside a centuries-old Shivling temple, then retreat to a state-of-the-art spa surrounded by whispering forests. The property operates under a revenue-sharing model and caters to the booming wellness tourism market, complete with conference facilities for corporate retreats and intimate wedding venues.

    Orchid RishiVan Hotel

    Some 1,500 kilometres south, the 63-room IRA by Orchid Hotel stakes its claim in Hyderabad’s bustling business district. The leased property targets the city’s army of technocrats and deal-makers with contemporary rooms and dining that blends authentic Hyderabadi spices with international flavours.

    “We are tapping into the rising demand for wellness tourism and destination weddings, while Hyderabad positions us to serve a thriving corporate market,” said executive director Vishal Vithal Kamat. His father, executive chairman and managing director Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, described the openings as highlighting the group’s “dual focus” between eco-luxury and metropolitan hospitality.

    The launches underscore Kamat Hotels’ strategy to capture both ends of India’s travel spectrum: spiritual seekers fleeing urban chaos and business travelers powering the country’s economic engine. With wellness tourism surging and corporate travel rebounding post-pandemic, the group is betting that India’s contradictions—ancient and modern, spiritual and commercial—can fuel profitable growth.

  • Siyaram’s ‘Devo’ hands PR mandate to Vigor Media after multi-agency pitch

    Siyaram’s ‘Devo’ hands PR mandate to Vigor Media after multi-agency pitch

    MUMBAI: Siyaram’s is tailoring a new chapter in Indian menswear and it has chosen Vigor Media Worldwide to stitch the narrative together.

    The premium men’s occasion wear brand ‘Devo,’ launched by textile giant Siyaram’s, has awarded its public relations mandate to Vigor Media after a competitive multi-agency pitch. The win signals Vigor Media’s growing reputation for strategic storytelling and brand-building in the fashion and lifestyle space.

    Backed by the four-decade legacy of Siyaram’s, ‘Devo’ is positioning itself as the go-to label for contemporary Indian men who want to blend tradition with modern flair. From sherwanis and Jodhpuri suits to tuxedos, Indo-western ensembles, and curated accessories, the brand promises to dress men for everything from intimate poojas to big, fat weddings.

    Under the mandate, Vigor Media will spearhead a 360 degree PR strategy, from media outreach and influencer engagement to digital amplification, with the goal of establishing ‘Devo’ as not just another fashion label, but a fresh style statement in Indian ethnic and fusion wear.

    Expressing confidence in the partnership, Siyaram’s, executive director, Gaurav Poddar said, “With Devo, we are expanding our legacy into ethnic fashion that reflects the confidence and sophistication of today’s Indian man. We believe Vigor Media Worldwide will play a pivotal role in elevating Devo’s brand journey across the country.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Vigor Media Worldwide, founder, Nikhil Singhal added, “Devo is not just a new label. it’s a strategic extension of a legacy brand into a high-growth fashion category. Our team is excited to craft compelling stories that highlight the brand’s unique offerings while shaping its narrative as modern yet rooted in Indian culture.”

    With India’s ethnic and fusion wear market booming, fuelled by rising incomes, millennial tastes, and a renewed love for tradition. Devo’s entry looks well-timed. And with Vigor Media now helming its story, the brand seems set to make a stylish mark on celebrations across the country.

  • Republic TV loses veteran operations chief after eight-year stint

    Republic TV loses veteran operations chief after eight-year stint

    NEW DELHI: Hersh Bhandari, chief operating officer of Republic Media Network, has called time on his eight-year tenure at the news broadcaster, announcing his departure in a LinkedIn post that urged colleagues to “ignore all rumours” about his next move.

    The media veteran, who has spent three decades climbing the ranks of India’s television industry, said he was taking a “small break to reinvent myself and gear up for the next adventure.”

    His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Republic TV, where Bhandari served as both chief operating officer for the broader network and chief executive officer of Republic World since December 2018.
    In his farewell message, Bhandari thanked Arnab Goswami and the editorial team for their “intensity and support”, while crediting his time at Republic with teaching him strategic thinking and leadership skills. He described the experience as helping him learn “great entrepreneur lessons” and draw “inspiration from colleagues every single day.”

    Bhandari’s career spans some of India’s most prominent media houses, including a six-year stint at Times Network, where he served as vice-president of sales and national revenue head for Times Now. Before joining Republic, he spent nearly two years as national revenue head at TV Today Network.

    His media journey began in the 1990s with a marketing role at Star TV Network, after cutting his teeth in the clothing industry with a seven-year tenure at Pepe Jeans London. At Times Network, he also held senior positions at Zoom, serving as vice-president and national head for four years.

    The executive, who describes himself as an “avid enthusiast of sports and music,” has built a reputation for driving growth across people and media operations. His LinkedIn profile carries the motto: “No matter how far down we may be, we are never too far down to come back.”

    Republic Media Network has not yet announced a replacement for Bhandari’s role. The news comes as India’s television news sector continues to face intense competition and evolving viewer preferences in the digital age.

  • Khele Sanand season three kicks off with bigger goals and stronger community spirit

    Khele Sanand season three kicks off with bigger goals and stronger community spirit

    MUMBAI: Game, set, match! Sanand is playing for keeps. Khele Sanand, Gujarat’s buzzing grassroots sports movement, is back for season 3, and it’s bigger, bolder, and brimming with community pride.

    Launched with fanfare at Sanskardham campus, the Vijayi Bharat foundation’s flagship league was inaugurated by international kho kho stars Pratik Waikar and Nirmala Bhati. What began in 2023 with just 2,500 students has now surged into a powerhouse involving over 7,000 young athletes from more than 120 schools.

    The numbers tell the story of its rise: a 400 per cent jump in girls’ participation in kho kho, a 39 per cent spike in team registrations, and the involvement of 150 volunteers handling everything from refereeing to hospitality. Backing from 20 village sarpanchs and local businesses has stitched together a genuine community effort, making Khele Sanand much more than a sports league, it’s a movement.

    “This is not just a league, it’s a platform that instils teamwork, discipline and resilience,” said Bhati, calling the initiative a bridge between raw talent and bigger opportunities. Waikar agreed and added, “Khele Sanand nurtures ambition and builds belief. It’s giving rural and urban youth alike a chance to compete in a structured, professional environment.”

    Season 3 raises the stakes with new venues, expanded formats and enhanced coaching, running through to April 2026. The finale promises not only medals and trophies, but also a celebration of resilience, teamwork and the spirit of participation.

    With each season, Khele Sanand proves that sport isn’t just about winning games, it’s about winning communities.

  • Spykar’s new podcast stitches heritage with ambition in ‘It’s in our jeans’

    Spykar’s new podcast stitches heritage with ambition in ‘It’s in our jeans’

    MUMBAI: All sewn up, Spykar is threading stories, not just jeans. India’s homegrown denim label has unzipped a new chapter in storytelling with the launch of its podcast, ‘It’s in our jeans/genes.’ The series promises conversations as textured as a vintage denim jacket, spotlighting change makers who are stitching heritage into modern ambition.

    The debut episode features the dynamic Suta sisters: Sujata and Taniya. The brand has reimagined the saree for today’s generation while empowering more than 17,000 artisans across India. True to the show’s theme, the duo even paired denim with sarees in a playful diy experiment, blending tradition with trend in one seamless drape.

    “Fashion is about more than denim, it’s about identity and the stories that connect us,” said Spykar Lifestyles, co-founder and ceo, Sanjay Vakharia. “The Suta sisters embody the balance of heritage and modernity, reflecting the ambition of a new India that thinks global while staying rooted.”

    For Sujata and Taniya, the podcast felt like a natural fit. “Suta has always been about effortless, joyful sarees and supporting artisans. Spykar’s podcast celebrates the same values: authenticity, storytelling, and pride in taking Indian traditions to the world,” they shared.

    With more episodes lined up across technology, food, music, and start-ups, ‘It’s in our jeans/genes’ aims to inspire students, entrepreneurs, and dreamers alike. Available on Spotify, Youtube, Apple podcasts and more, the series cements Spykar’s role not just as India’s denim favourite, but also as a storyteller for a new India: authentic, ambitious, and global.