Category: Television

  • Sarvesh Shashi launches ABC Studios

    Sarvesh Shashi launches ABC Studios

    Mumbai: Sarvesh Shashi introduced ABC Studios, a venture set to bridge the gap between the entertainment industries of the North and South. ABC Studios is redefining how artist management, brand partnerships, and content creation come together, creating a seamless platform that integrates all three.

    Shashi shared, “I’m thrilled to introduce ABC Studios, a culmination of my team’s dedication and vision. Our name represents the harmony of Artist, Brand, and Content. We’re working towards being a one-stop entertainment solution especially for the south of India, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between exceptional talent and esteemed brands & production houses.” He further added, “ABC Studios is committed to unlocking the full potential of talent and stories, managing artists across entertainment, music, and sports, and producing exceptional content,”. 

  • Warner Bros Discovery celebrates World Animation Day

    Warner Bros Discovery celebrates World Animation Day

    Mumbai: This World Animation Day, Warner Bros Discovery’s kids’ entertainment channels—Cartoon Network, Pogo, and Discovery Kids—are highlighting India’s animation industry and the popularity of homegrown animated series, including ‘Chhota Bheem,’ ‘Bandbudh Aur Budbak,’ ‘Little Singham,’ and ‘Fukrey Boyzz.’

    During his 115th Mann Ki Baat address, prime minister Narendra Modi spotlighted Pogo’s ‘Chhota Bheem,’ created by Green Gold Animation. The prime minister stated, “You would remember those days when ‘Chhota Bheem’ began to air on TV. Children can never forget it; there was so much excitement about ‘Chhota Bheem.’ You will be amazed to know that today ‘Dholakpur’s drum’ is not only limited to India but also attracts children from other countries.”

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Pogo TV (@pogotvin)

    In response to the Prime Minister’s message, Warner Bros. Discovery supports India’s animation industry with investments in new homegrown shows and collaborations with Indian animation artists and studios such as Green Gold Animation, Reliance Animation, Ele Animations, and Toonz Media. A testament to Warner Bros Discovery and Pogo’s fan-first strategy is the popularity of its recent animated series, ‘Jay Jagannath.’

  • FEI launches predictor game for Longines FEI Jumping World Cup

    FEI launches predictor game for Longines FEI Jumping World Cup

    Mumbai: Sportz Interactive has partnered with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to launch a pre-event predictor game for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup series, enhancing interaction for show jumping fans worldwide. The game is now live on the FEI’s website, initially available for the Western European and North American leagues.

    Fans can answer five questions for each event, with three questions remaining the same throughout the series and two randomly selected from a pool of options, creating a dynamic experience for participants before every event.

    The FEI is the governing body for equestrian sports, overseeing disciplines like show jumping, dressage, and eventing. The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup is an annual series showcasing top athletes and horses competing for points in qualifiers leading up to the prestigious final in Basel, Switzerland, in April 2025.

    The predictor game aims to deepen fan engagement by allowing them to predict outcomes of key events. It will provide insights for the FEI to understand fan interests and shape future experiences. Longines’ sponsorship enhances brand visibility, connecting the watchmaker with the global equestrian audience.

    FEI commercial director Ralph Straus said, “We’re excited to offer our fans a unique opportunity to engage with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup like never before. This predictor game, developed by Sportz Interactive, not only enhances their experience by getting them involved in the action, but also strengthens the relationship between our sport and its global audience.”

    “Partnering with the FEI to deliver this innovative predictor game is a proud moment for us. This collaboration allows us to bring our expertise in fan engagement to the world of equestrian sports, and we’re confident that the game will elevate how fans connect with the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup,” said Sportz Interactive director – head of UK/EU operations Alex Chamberlen.

    Marketing efforts for the predictor game will be led by Sportz Interactive’s Fanalytics team, who will promote the game across various social media platforms to maximise reach and participation.

  • GNT celebrates Diwali with culturally enriching programs and festive specials

    GNT celebrates Diwali with culturally enriching programs and festive specials

    Mumbai: Good News Today (GNT) is set to light up Diwali celebrations with an array of culturally enriching programs designed to add a festive touch to the season. As a key destination for brands and viewers during Diwali, GNT is curating a week-long lineup of positive and engaging programming that promises to enhance the festival’s spirit.  

    The channel’s special Diwali lineup will feature shows recognising achievers from various fields, with stories highlighting individuals whose contributions have made a positive impact on others. Viewers can also tune in for a live Deepawali Puja, where respected pandits will guide rituals that bring the festival’s traditional essence to homes across India.  

    Adding to the festive atmosphere, GNT will host a Kavi Sammelan, with poets reciting verses related to Diwali, immersing the audience in the joy of the festival. The channel’s “Shopping ke Sathi” series will offer expert advice on the best Diwali shopping destinations across major cities. The segment “Kaise Karen Maa Laxmi ko Prasanna” will present zodiac-based tips from pandits, guiding viewers on attracting prosperity during the festive season.  

    GNT will also provide live coverage of the Diwali celebrations at the newly constructed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, including reports from the Deepotsav at Saryu Ghat, giving viewers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival. Additionally, the channel will feature programs focusing on economic forecasts for the coming year, addressing viewers’ financial well-being.  

    Leading up to Dhanteras, GNT will air a daily series exploring various aspects of the festival, from shopping recommendations to the historical significance of Dhanteras, culminating in a live puja that brings the festival’s traditions to life. Through this diverse programming, GNT aims to elevate the Diwali experience for its audience while providing brands with an ideal platform to connect with viewers celebrating the festival.  

  • “Mirzapur: The Film” to hit theatres in 2026

    “Mirzapur: The Film” to hit theatres in 2026

    Mumbai: Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment have announced a monumental leap for one of India’s most popular streaming series, as “Mirzapur: The Film” is set to debut in theatres in 2026. Building on the massive success of Mirzapur Season 3, the upcoming movie will expand the celebrated crime thriller universe and bring its iconic characters to the big screen for the first time. Created by Puneet Krishna and directed by Gurmmeet Singh, the film will showcase fan-favourite roles, including Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal), and Munna Tripathi (Divyenndu), along with Abhishek Banerjee reprising his role as the Compounder.  

    The highly-anticipated film will be released nationwide in theatres, with a global streaming debut on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories eight weeks after its theatrical release. This expansion from the award-winning OTT franchise to a theatrical film marks a first-of-its-kind venture for the Mirzapur universe, promising an immersive cinematic experience for its loyal fanbase.  

    Talking about the franchise’s evolution, Prime Video India, director of content licensing, Manish Menghani expressed his excitement: “With its nuanced characters, unforgettable dialogues, and riveting storyline, Mirzapur has established itself as one of the most-loved franchises among audiences of today’s era. We take pride in crafting tailored content that reflects the diverse tastes of our viewers and are committed to backing local stories that resonate deeply and engage on a personal level, allowing them to connect with narratives that are both authentic and immersive. As Mirzapur continues to garner widespread acclaim, we are ecstatic to expand this franchise into theatres, offering fans a thrilling cinematic experience. In collaboration with our long-standing partner that shares our creative vision, Excel Entertainment, this ambitious announcement marks a new exciting chapter in the world of Mirzapur as we embark on this new journey.”

    Excel Entertainment, producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar shared, “It is a landmark milestone for us to bring the quintessential Mirzapur experience to our audiences, yet again, but this time on the big screen. Over the course of three successful seasons, this acclaimed franchise has struck all the right chords with fans through its powerful storytelling and memorable characters – from the likes of Kaleen Bhaiya, Guddu Bhaiya, and Munna Bhaiya, to name a few. We believe that adapting such a treasured series into a film will undoubtedly make for an even more engrossing watch, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the world of Mirzapur like never before. We are stoked to collaborate with Prime Video, once again, and look forward to delivering a grand cinematic experience, which will truly live up to the expectations of our dedicated fanbase.”

    The theatrical adaptation aims to provide a larger-than-life experience that goes beyond the small screen, allowing viewers to delve deeper into the crime thriller universe that has captivated millions. With its intense narrative and gripping performances, “Mirzapur: The Film” is set to elevate the cinematic journey, catering to both long-time fans and new audiences alike.  

  • Zee Mundo lauched as a Fast service in Latin America

    Zee Mundo lauched as a Fast service in Latin America

    MUMBAI: Prerparense, chicos. Aqui vamos!

    In English that translates into “get ready boys. Here we come!” That’s exactly the mood at Zee Entertainment Enterprises. The entertainment television  network has moved into the Latin American market for the second time with the launch of Zee Mundo. A free advertising supported channel (Fast), it is the second such channel that the Punit Goenka-led company has introduced  in the region – the first being Zee BollyWorld.

    Zee Mundo carries a mix of Spanish-dubbed Indian content ranging from popular Indian films to series. The Fast service is available on LG Electronics north America, Xiaomi Technology, Freebie TV and Wisp TV. The distribution of the channel was facilitated by Amagi.

    Making this announcement on Linkedin, Zee EVP head of partnerships Akhilesh Gupta said that the launch will only help strengthen the network’s presence in the Latam region and that team couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.

    Zee Mundo – which was launched in 2016 as a pay TV service – was earlier available off Dish Latino, Sky and several cable networks  in Latin America as a linear subscription service at a price of $4.99 per month. 
     

  • Tech Mahindra ropes in Sumit Kumar Popli as TME head

    Tech Mahindra ropes in Sumit Kumar Popli as TME head

    MUMBAI: There’s a new leader at the top of the technology, media & entertainment (TME) vertical in Tech Mahindra. The global technology solutions and digital solutions firm has appointed Sumit Kumar Popli as the president and strategic business unit head for TME from 19 October. He will be based in the Bay area, according to his Linkedin profile.

    With over a score and five years of global experience in driving enterepreneurial success and transforming large businesses across various industries, including TMT, retail & CPG, life sciences & healthcare, travel & transportation, and manufacturing, his charter at Tech Mahindra  includes fostering partnerships and leveraging its service offerings to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of clients in the TME business.

    Prior to his latest elevation, Popli spent over 22 years at TCS and served as the vice-president and global head of the hardware & consumer technology industry (computer platforms) where he played a pivotal role in the exponential growth of the business unit. In 2022,  Sumit became a managing director at Deloitte in the TMT Industry, where he dedicated over two years to expanding its operate and technology services offerings within the TMT and private equity industry.

    Tech Mahindra has been in pursuit of developing and providing AI solutions to the media industry globally.  The company’s digital solutions for the sector includes  include performance marketing, campaign analytics, SEO, email marketing, content management, and creative services. Its video engineering services span the entire content supply chain from planning and pre-production through to distribution and monetisation across platforms like OTT, satellite, cable, and terrestrial, including ATSC 3.0 and IPTV.  TechMahindra’s cloud gaming platform allows users to play games across all devices –  mobile, desktop, consoles, STBs and smart TVs. This is a strategic solution for OTT,  payTV and telecom operators managing subscriber churn and low engagement.
     

  • Diamond States Summit Uttarakhand edition culminates on a hopeful note

    Diamond States Summit Uttarakhand edition culminates on a hopeful note

    Mumbai: News18 India successfully organised the Uttarakhand edition of the Diamond States Summit in Dehradun, following the widely praised events in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. The summit provided a platform for meaningful discussions aimed at shaping a brighter future for Uttarakhand.

    It brought together prominent leaders, policymakers, and industry figures from across the nation, including Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, minister of agriculture & rural development Ganesh Joshi, finance & urban development minister Prem Chand Aggarwal, minister of women empowerment & child development Rekha Arya, minister of animal husbandry, fisheries, skill development & employment Saurabh Bahuguna, Uttarakhand’s former chief minister Harish Rawat, Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar, principal secretary to CM R.K. Sudhanshu, and IPS-ADGP, special principal secretary, sports & youth welfare Amit Sinha, among others.

    Dhami, stated, “The Congress only works to spread confusion and oppose good schemes like Agniveer, which offers better opportunities to soldiers. Our double engine government is focused on understanding the state’s needs and delivering real development. Despite natural disasters, we are committed to rebuilding Uttarakhand and making life easier for the people, especially women, with initiatives like 30 per cent reservation.”

    Joshi, said, “From a soldier’s duty to a leader’s journey, my family and I have always served the people. The struggles I faced made me who I am, and Uttarakhand’s vision remains strong. Today, we honor our martyrs and build a state that upholds their sacrifice.”

    Aggarwal, emphasised, “The Congress had 60 years in power, yet they never conducted a caste census—so why the need now? On the issue of ‘spit jihad,’ let it be clear that anyone engaging in such practices will not be tolerated. Our government is taking strict action. While we welcome people to come and work in Uttarakhand, we will not allow any instability to take root in our state.”

    Bahuguna, expressed “Carrying forward the legacy of my grandfather and father is both an honor and a challenge. My focus remains on serving the people of Uttarakhand, not seeking the limelight. The faith our people have in BJP and PM Modi inspires every effort we put forth.”

    Rawat, remarked, “In politics, there are wins and losses, but it’s troubling to lose even after winning. Haryana’s politics has shifted from development to divisions based on caste and religion. The time will come when people stop enjoying slogans and start focusing on real issues. The caste census is necessary as a one-time experiment to understand the true economic conditions of different communities and address their problems.”

    The event wrapped up on a hopeful note, outlining an ambitious and progressive vision for Uttarakhand’s future. It offered a crucial forum for thought leaders, policymakers, and specialists to engage in meaningful discussions, fostering collective efforts toward advancing the state’s growth and development.

  • Unlock financial prosperity With ET Now and ET Swadesh’s Diwali programming

    Unlock financial prosperity With ET Now and ET Swadesh’s Diwali programming

    Mumbai: Ushering in a season of happiness and prosperity, ET Now and ET Now Swadesh have unveiled a specially curated Diwali programming. The exclusive week-long line-up of interactive and engaging content, themed ‘Samvat 2081-Review, Revise, Rise’ on ET NOW and ‘Samvat 2081 – Ye Diwali Samruddhi Wali’ on ET NOW Swadesh, is aimed at guiding viewers toward financial prosperity.

    Committed to India’s growth story, both channels promise viewers week long programming packed with expert insights and interactive shows to help them review their portfolio, revise their strategy, and rise with India during this auspicious period of Samvat 2081.

    Diwali special programming on ET Now includes:

    1    Investment Gurus: Investors Hiren Ved (Director & CIO, Alchemy Capital), Viktor Shvets (Global Strategist, The FII View), Neelkanth Mishra (Chief Economist,  Axis Capital), Manish Chokhani (Director, Enam Group), Ravi Dharamshi (Founder & CIO, ValueQuest Investment Advisors), Ramdeo Agarwal (Chairman, Motilal Oswal Group) and market veteran Madhusudan Kela, will deep dive into investment philosophies and perspectives on the current market. Each episode airing at 9:20 am and 10 am will delve into investment strategies for the year ahead in Samvat 2081.

    2    Consumption Pulse: This segment will capture India’s consumption story, drawing attention to the festive sales trends across sectors, highlighting the significance of a consumption-driven economy. Through exclusive interviews, this segment, airing at 10:20 am everyday will provide a snapshot of the broader implications that await investors. The panellists include Amar Sheth (MD, Group Shaman), Vinkesh Gulati, (Vice President – Automotive Skills Development Council – India and Former President FADA), and Amit Kumar Sinha, (MD & CEO, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd).

    3    ‘FUND’tastic Managers: This dynamic show takes viewers inside the world of India’s top mutual fund managers, offering exclusive insights into their strategies for high returns. Airing at 12:15 pm every day, industry experts Harsha Upadhyaya (CIO, Kotak MF), Sailesh Bhan (CIO – Equity Investments, Nippon), Mahesh Patil (CIO, Birla MF), and Rajeev Thakkar (CIO, PPFAS) will provide actionable advice for navigating risks.

    4    Wizards Of Wealth: A series spotlighting India’s top wealth architects as they navigate complex markets and manage high-net-worth portfolios for India’s elite. Airing daily at 12:45 pm, the show features prominent wealth managers Anup Maheshwari (Co-Founder & CIO, 360 One Wealth), Feroze Azeez (Deputy CEO, Anand Rathi Wealth), Ashish Shankar (MD & CEO, Motilal Oswal Wealth), and Vikas Khemani (Founder, Carnelian Asset Management).

    5    The Money Show: Focused on guiding first-time investors, this show airing every day at 5 pm helps viewers to begin their investment journey with special segments like ‘Gruhlaxmi to DhanLaxmi’, ‘Clean Your Portfolio’, ‘Diwali Darbar’  featuring Anushka Rathod and Arun Kumar (Funds India), Niranjan Awasthi (Head – product & Marketing, Edelweiss AMC), Sahil Kapoor (Head of products and market strategy, DSP Mutual Fund), Harsha Upadhyaya (CFA, Kotak Mahindra AMC), Trideep Bhattacharya (CIO, Edelweiss MF), Ashish Gupta (CIO, Axis MF) amongst others.

    6    Commodity Central: Commodity Central, airing on October 29 at 4:30 pm, delves into the evolving global commodities landscape for the new Samvat. From oil and precious metals to agricultural goods, experts Sehul Bhatt, (Director- Research, CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics), Anindya Banerjee, (Vice President – Currency Derivatives & Interest Rate Derivatives, Kotak Securities) and Ramesh Varakhedkar, (Head of Commodities, ICICI Securities) will analyze market trends and the key commodities to watch this year.

    7    ET NOW Realty Reckoner: This comprehensive real estate guide airing on October 30 at 4:30 pm covers topics exploring realty trends, residential and commercial properties, REITs, taxation and more. Featuring Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group, this show will help viewers plan their real estate portfolios.  

    ET NOW SWADESH’s special Diwalis programming includes,  

    1    Top 10 Investment Policies by Nikunj Dalmia: Join Nikunj Dalmia, Editor-in-Chief, ET NOW and ET NOW SWADESH, as he unveils his top 10 investment mantras in this show on October 29 at 12:30 pm. As a veteran journalist and market expert, Dalmia will empower investors with insights to enhance their portfolios this Diwali.

    2    Diwali Darbar: A roundtable featuring top CIOs Harsha Upadhyay (CIO, Kotak AMC), Trideep Bhattacharya (CIO, Edelweiss MF), and Anish Tawakaly (ICICI MF), will discuss investment strategies for Samvat 2081. The segment airing on October 29 at 12:30 p.m will offer deep insights into market expectations and portfolio adjustments for the new financial year.

    3    Diwali Discount on Shares: Airing on October 30 at 12:30 pm, this is a special segment focusing on stocks trading at attractive valuations. Experts Sunny Agrawal (Head – Retail Fundamental Desk, SBI Securities) and Gaurang Shah (Head Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services) will share their research-based insights, helping investors spot key opportunities in the market this Diwali.

    4    Rocket Share: In this exciting segment airing on October 31 at 12:30 pm, market experts Mayuresh Joshi, Abhishek Agarwal, and Vivek Karwa (CEO, Vridhi Investment) will present their top 3 stock picks for Samvat 2081, catering to short, medium, and long-term investors aiming for stellar returns.

    5    Ye Diwali Samruddhi Wali – Grihalaxmi Se Dhanlaxmi: Focusing on women’s financial freedom, this segment airing on November 1 at 4 pm will have expert Aayushi Dholakia, as she shares insights into women’s journey towards achieving financial independence, empowering viewers with actionable advice on managing finances effectively.

    On 1 November 2024, ET Now and ET Now Swadesh will air a special Muhurat Trading Session from 5-7 PM to celebrate the new Hindu calendar year. Featuring live market analysis and strategies, the session will include insights from experts Ramesh Damani, Sunil Singhania (Founder, Abakkus Asset Manager LLP), Nilesh Shah (MD & CEO, Kotak MF), Vijay Kedia, Harsha Upadhyaya (CIO, Kotak AMC), Sunil Subramanium along with chartists Kunal Bothra and Nooresh Merani. The show will blend the auspiciousness of Diwali with expert financial advice, focusing on market trends and investment opportunities for the year ahead.

  • Gallant Sports to surpass Rs 100 crore revenue mark

    Gallant Sports to surpass Rs 100 crore revenue mark

    Mumbai: Gallant Sports, a pioneer in India’s sports infrastructure, is set to surpass the ₹100 crore revenue milestone in the 2024-25 financial year, becoming the first company in the country’s sports field construction sector to achieve this. This growth aligns with the company’s vision to lead in sports infrastructure development, providing advanced solutions and supporting emerging athletic talent.

    Gallant aims to create a world-class infrastructure that benefits athletes and communities. The company offers comprehensive solutions covering construction, manufacturing, and maintenance, utilizing advanced sports maintenance equipment. Its projects prioritize sustainability and long-term playability, focusing on developing future sports champions in India.

    To enhance sports infrastructure, Gallant has introduced five new products tailored for urban and rural facilities. These include high-performance TPE/PP tiles with anti-skid features, a honeycomb design for improved slip resistance, and the world’s first 30×60 cm sports tile with elastic rubber supports for better surface friction. The company also launched a 100 per cent recyclable turf that is lightweight and safer for athletes, promoting sustainability in sports. Additionally, Gallant introduced Gallant Track, a Full PUR system running track known for its durability and low maintenance.

    Furthermore, Gallant is collaborating with leading sports management institutes to develop a training program for skilled labor in installation, civil works, and maintenance. This initiative aims to elevate the industry by ensuring a qualified workforce to meet the growing demand for sports infrastructure.

    The company has seen significant growth due to rising demand for premium, injury-free sports facilities that cater to athletes and promote social inclusion. These facilities provide safe, high-quality spaces for all ages, encouraging healthier lifestyles and community engagement.

    Gallant Sports CEO Nasir Ali stated, “At Gallant Sports, our mission goes beyond just building world-class sports infrastructure; we are shaping the future of sports in India. We believe that by offering sustainable, cutting-edge facilities, we are not only creating opportunities for athletes to excel but also fostering healthier, more inclusive communities across the country. Our recent collaborations with global leaders like Domo Grass, Belgium, and our ongoing discussions with top-tier shoe companies for sustainable rubber granules are testaments to our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. As we prepare to cross the ₹100 crore revenue mark, our focus remains on delivering excellence at every level—whether through our advanced sports tiles, 100% recyclable turf, or premium running tracks. Gallant Sports is here to make a lasting impact, ensuring that India becomes a global sports powerhouse while promoting a culture of sports for all.”

    Gallant’s expansion has been bolstered by partnerships with sports associations, educational institutions, and corporate bodies. These collaborations have been vital to the company’s growth, allowing it to enter new markets. Recently, Gallant announced a partnership with Domo Grass from Belgium to enhance its product offerings. The company is also in discussions with a major global shoe manufacturer to develop sustainable rubber granules, highlighting its focus on environmentally friendly innovations.

    To support its goals, Gallant plans to establish manufacturing facilities for sports tiles, athletics tracks, and jogging tracks in India through various international collaborations. This move aims to improve production efficiency and meet the increasing demand for high-quality sports infrastructure nationwide.