ITV

Category: Television

  • Sun TV appoints three new independent directors

    Sun TV appoints three new independent directors

    MUMBAI: Leading south Indian TV network Sun TV  has made changes to its board of directors following the completion of terms by three previous members. As per an official release posted on the Bombay stock exchange, the company has announced the appointment of Mandalapu Harinarayanan Harshavardhan, Ravivenkatesh Pragadish Karthik, and Jagadeesan Gayathri as additional non-executive independent directors, effective 7 October 2024.

    Their engagements  are set for five-year terms, pending shareholder approval. Harshavardhan, a media entrepreneur, will contribute with his diverse background in the construction and hospitality sectors. Meanwhile, Karthik, with experience in mechanical engineering and stints at leading US companies like Tesla,  brings a technical edge to the board. Finally, Gayathri, an advocate by profession, completes the trio with her legal expertise.

    This restructuring also includes a reconstitution of several key committees, with these new directors playing pivotal roles across audit, remuneration, and stakeholder relations. 

    The new appointments are expected to enhance the company’s strategic vision as it builds on its continued financial success.
     

  • OML Entertainment announces Preranaa Khatri as chief business officer

    OML Entertainment announces Preranaa Khatri as chief business officer

    Mumbai: OML Entertainment, a full-service creative and entertainment business network has appointed Preranaa Khatri as chief business officer (CBO). With nearly two decades of experience in content strategy, creator management, and revenue optimisation, Preranaa is well-suited to drive OML’s continued growth. She previously worked at OML in 2016, leading initiatives that boosted the company’s market presence and revenue.

    In her new role, Preranaa will report to CEO Tusharr Kumar and focus on expanding OML’s advertising, branded content, and long-form production businesses, while growing its influencer marketing platform, Hypothesis, and strengthening its talent roster. This marks a key chapter in OML’s future-ready transformation.

    “I’m looking forward to driving growth at OML with Preranaa. Her extensive experience, strategic insight, and proven leadership skills will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in the media & entertainment industry. She’s one of the most empathetic leaders I’ve had the opportunity to work with, and I can’t think of anyone better to build our teams with,” said OML Entertainment CEO Tusharr Kumar.

    OML’s new CBO Preranaa Khatri expressed her excitement, saying, “I am thrilled to be back at OML, a company that has always been close to my heart. I look forward to working with the talented team here to explore new opportunities and drive growth in the content and creator space. Together, we will continue to create impactful and engaging experiences for all our stakeholders.”

    Preranaa’s passion and experience in media and entertainment make her a formidable addition to OML’s leadership team. Most recently, she was an independent consultant focusing on strategic partnerships, revenue growth and GTM strategies for brands and agencies. Of note has been her work for a Global Olympic Sponsor’s Athlete Partnership Program in the lead-up to the recently concluded Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and 2024 Summer Paralympics.

  • Pinku Biswas, Founder of Ayanaa Cinematics Honoured with Prestigious International Award for Excellence in Film and Animation Production

    Pinku Biswas, Founder of Ayanaa Cinematics Honoured with Prestigious International Award for Excellence in Film and Animation Production

    Mumbai: In a grand event graced by dignitaries from across Asia and the Middle East, Director-Producer Pinku Biswas, the creative force behind Ayanaa Cinematics, was awarded an international accolade for leading one of the fastest-growing animation and film production company in South Asia. The award was presented during the prestigious Indo-Arab Leaders Summit in Dubai, UAE, recognising Ayanaa Cinematics’ rapid ascent and significant contributions to the global media and entertainment landscape.

    Ayanaa Cinematics has built a stellar reputation in the media and entertainment industry by specialising in the creation, development, and production of intellectual properties (IPs). Their diverse portfolio includes TV commercials, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and films. The company’s end-to-end production services range from concept creation, development, and pre-production to post-production, visual effects (VFX), and CGI, catering to a wide array of industry needs.

    Under Biswas’s leadership, Ayanaa Cinematics has produced several notable projects that have earned significant acclaim. Among these are the popular historical series ‘Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji Maharaj,’ aired on Zee Network, and ‘Prince Jai & Dumdaar Viru’, a children’s animated series on Sony Network. Both productions have garnered widespread viewership and recognition for their high-quality storytelling and production values.

    Another standout production from Ayanaa Cinematics is ‘Phir Subah Hogi’, a television series focused on girls’ education and women’s empowerment, which became a massive hit during its prime-time slot on Doordarshan National. The series not only captivated audiences but also sparked important conversations about social issues.

    During the award ceremony, Biswas expressed his gratitude for the recognition, attributing Ayanaa Cinematics’ success to the dedication and creativity of his team. He also emphasized the importance of global collaborations in enhancing the company’s future prospects.

    With an impressive track record and growing global footprint, Ayanaa Cinematics is now venturing into international co-production projects. The company is collaborating with international production houses, further expanding its reach and influence on the global stage. As Ayanaa Cinematics continues to push creative boundaries and explore new horizons through international partnerships, the future looks bright for the company. With its commitment to innovation and quality, Ayanaa Cinematics is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of cinema and animation.

  • DD Sports, Fancode to broadcast two-match bilateral series between India and Germany

    DD Sports, Fancode to broadcast two-match bilateral series between India and Germany

    Mumbai: DD Sports, the key public sports broadcaster in the country, along with FanCode will broadcast the highly anticipated two-match bilateral hockey series between the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and the Germany Men’s Hockey Team, scheduled to take place on 23 and 24 October 2024 at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

    FanCode and DD Sports’ combined reach will mean that hockey action will be accessible to fans in every corner of the country, with interest around the game at an all-time high after India’s successful Olympic campaign where the men’s team finished with a bronze medal. Germany ended their campaign with a silver medal.

    Hockey India president Dr Dilip Tirkey enthusiastically said, “We have had a fruitful partnership with FanCode through the Hockey India National Championships. They have played a vital role in making hockey more accessible to sports fans nationwide. With India vs. Germany Test Series set to be streamed on their platform alongside telecast on DD Sports, one of the largest sports channels in India, this partnership will provide a significant boost to our mission of reaching a wider audience.”

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added, “We are thrilled to associate with FanCode and DD Sports for the two-match bilateral series. We are confident that this will enhance the viewing experience for passionate hockey fans in India and contribute significantly to our larger vision of making the sport accessible and visible across India.”

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco said, “We are proud to extend our partnership with Hockey India with the bilateral series between India and Germany. The series showcases the best of international hockey, and we’re excited to bring the action to hockey enthusiasts in India.”

    As part of Hockey India’s vision to promote the sport across the country, this series marks the return of men’s international hockey to the national capital after a decade, with the last match played in January 2014 during the Hero Hockey World League Final – Men’s Round 4.

    Having successfully hosted the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi, Hockey India has expanded its efforts beyond Odisha to grow hockey’s presence in India. The organization is also gearing up to host the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar, in November 2024.

  • JetSynthesys announces first franchise ownership for GEPL season two

    JetSynthesys announces first franchise ownership for GEPL season two

    Mumbai: JetSynthesys, a digital entertainment and tech company, has announced the first franchise ownership for season two of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL). Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Curefoods founder Ankit Nagori, and Accel partner Prashanth Prakash will co-own the Bengaluru franchise.

    Last year’s tournament drew 200,000 registrations and selected the top 64 players for eight teams. The final showdown took place in JetSynthesys’ Real Cricket video game, streamed on JioCinema, with over 1.1 million minutes viewed and a reach of 70 million-plus.

    JetSynthesys CEO and founder Rajan Navani expressed his enthusiasm about these developments, “We are thrilled to welcome Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashant Prakash to the GEPL family. Their involvement is a testament to the growing recognition of e-cricket as a mainstream sport. With an expanded team format and new league guidelines, we are set to elevate the competitive spirit and excitement to new heights globally.”

    The new team owners also shared their excitement about joining the league.

    Kamath remarked, “The gaming industry is incredibly exciting right now, especially with how fast things are moving in India. We’ve reached a point where we’re not just participating in global gaming—we’re creating esportable games for the world. Real Cricket is a prime example of that. Partnering with Rajan and JetSynthesys for the Global e-Cricket Premier League is a good opportunity to help foster and inspire young talent in this dynamic space. I’m keen to see what we can achieve together and to play a role in shaping the future of esports in India.”

    Nagori added, “I’m truly passionate about the video gaming industry and excited about the vision JetSynthesys has for taking cricket to the world as India’s premier esport. This is my way of giving back and supporting the next generation of gamers. I believe in their potential, and I’m here to help them shine in a space that’s evolving so quickly. Together, I believe we can turn gaming into the next big contributor to India GDP, and also a fulfilling career for many talented individuals.”

    Prakash stated, “I’m thrilled to be part of the Global e-Cricket Premier League and to contribute to the growth of esports in India. This partnership with JetSynthesys aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation and my belief in the potential of cricket as a global esport. Together, we can create a vibrant ecosystem that empowers aspiring gamers and showcases their talent on an international stage.”

    GEPL CEO & league commissioner Rohit Potphode enthused on the occasion, “We’re excited to welcome Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashant Prakash as our franchise team owners for this thrilling season. This year, the league promises to be bigger than ever, uniting players, franchise owners, fans, and sponsors to create immense value and deliver unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.”

    This year’s upgrades aim to boost competition within GEPL while creating jobs in esports sectors like event management, broadcasting, and talent management. The league offers competitive salaries to top players, turning their passion for gaming into viable careers as they compete for the title of ‘e-Cricket Icon’ on a global stage.

    With the GEPL S2 finals set for January 2025, the tournament continues to blend cricket, gaming, esports, and entertainment, offering a platform for emerging esports talent to showcase their skills in eCricket.

  • Bigg Boss Tamil season eight kicks off on Star Vijay

    Bigg Boss Tamil season eight kicks off on Star Vijay

    Mumbai: The much anticipated Bigg Boss Tamil season eight premiered on 6 October 2024, featuring 14 sponsors across various categories. Presented by Nandu White Dhothis and powered by KAG Tiles and A23 Rummy, the season is also co-presented by Cadbury 5 Star, with support from associate sponsors like Kaleesuwari, Haier, and Cera Sanitaryware.

    The show continues to offer brands a prime platform to reach a wide audience. Vijay Sethupathi’s debut as the new host has generated excitement, with the teaser promo gaining over 10 million views in 24 hours.

    “Bigg Boss Tamil is a marquee show which continues to captivate millions across Tamil Nadu and beyond. For brands and advertisers who are keen on making a lasting impression amongst consumers, there is no better TV show than this one. Year-on-year, Bigg Boss Tamil has demonstrated its ability to deliver significant value to sponsors and advertisers and the eighth season is poised to elevate the entertainment experience to new heights. The grand launch yesterday, set the stage for what promises to be a remarkable and engaging season,” said Disney Star’s head of entertainment, ad sales & strategy, Dev Shenoy.

    Nandu Brand MD V. S. Gadigachalam shared his enthusiasm about securing the title sponsorship: “We are excited to be the title sponsor of the popular Tamil TV show, Bigg Boss season eight on Star Vijay. This brand integration offers us an opportunity to showcase our product range and unique features to our customers. Our association with Bigg Boss season 8 opens up new avenues for our brand, allowing us to explore innovative ideas and showcase different styles with our entire NANDU 100 per cent cotton dhothis range. As a show that connects with people on a daily basis, we are super excited to be an integral part of the show.”

    Head Digital Works (A23)  VP – marketing Gunnidhi Sareen expressed his thoughts on the collaboration, stating: “We are happy to collaborate with Bigg Boss Tamil for the second time. This association is an organic fit for A23, given the increasing visibility and engagement of reality TV in regional languages. Bigg Boss Tamil is all about showcasing one’s skill to win the game, which perfectly aligns with A23’s focus on skill-based gaming. The show’s popularity will yet again help us build meaningful relationships with audiences in key geographies to further strengthen our presence in the market.”  

    Himalaya Wellness media manager Pratheep Kumar shared his excitement about the partnership: “Coming from Tamil Nadu, I have seen Bigg Boss evolve into a household name over the years. I have witnessed viewers across age groups discussing the happenings in the house during social conversations. We at Himalaya are excited to associate with Bigg Boss Tamil for the first time to launch our new aloe vera face wash campaign. Through this association, we hope to address the need for skincare, both, inside with the BB Housemates and outside with the Tamil Nadu audience as well.”

    Bigg Boss Tamil season eight introduces amnen vs women competition, adding a new twist to the show. With fresh contestants, new rules, and Vijay Sethupathi as the host, the season promises drama and intense competition. It airs daily at 9:30 pm on Star Vijay and streams 24×7 on Disney+ Hotstar.

  • India Global Forum appoints Uday Karan Verma as president – business relations

    India Global Forum appoints Uday Karan Verma as president – business relations

    Mumbai: India Global Forum (IGF) has expanded its international presence by appointing Uday Karan Verma, a senior executive from BBC India, as president – business relations. With over seven years at BBC India, most recently as country manager, Verma has significant experience in developing business opportunities and strategic alliances. His appointment supports IGF’s growth strategy and ongoing efforts to enhance its global influence.

    India Global Forum founder and chairman Manoj Ladwa said: “This is an exciting time for both India and IGF. I’m delighted to welcome Uday to our amazing team, where  his vast experience in fostering business relationships will help drive forward our vision  of unlocking limitless opportunities.”

    Uday Karan Verma has more than two decades of experience across top brands, including BBC, Network18, and ESPN Star Sports. At BBC, he played a pivotal role in launching BBC StoryWorks and led successful initiatives such as BBC Golf Connect and BBC Sportswomen of the year, showcasing his leadership in revenue, content, and strategic vision.

    On his new role, Verma said: “I’m thrilled to join IGF, a platform that brilliantly showcases India’s story on the global stage. IGF’s mission to unlock India’s immense potential aligns with my passion for driving meaningful growth and partnerships.”

    “As a member of this dynamic team, I hope to unlock many new opportunities to shape  impactful global dialogues, fostering innovation and sustainable growth across markets  and industries,” he added.

  • News18 Lokmat Agenda Maharashtra 2024 ends on a high note

    News18 Lokmat Agenda Maharashtra 2024 ends on a high note

    Mumbai: News18 Lokmat’s much-anticipated event, Agenda Maharashtra 2024, brought together some of the most influential people in state politics. Ahead of the election season in Maharashtra, the event addressed key issues like women empowerment, agriculture, industrial growth, and the progress of Maharashtra in diverse sectors.

    The event kicked off with a thought-provoking panel discussion on ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana and women empowerment, featuring esteemed panellists Aditi Tatkare, Dr Neelam Gorhe, Praniti Shinde, Rohini Khadse, and Chinmayee Sumeet. The discussion focused on important issues faced by women in Maharashtra today, with panellists highlighting the need of robust initiatives and policies aimed at elevating women and ensuring equality, safety, and prosperity.

    Following the panel discussion, a dynamic session featured prominent state leaders such as Ambadas Danve, Pravin Darekar, Uday Samant, Pasha Patel, and Bacchu Kadu. These leaders shared their insights, showcasing progress in their respective fields, highlighting achievements, and outlining their visions for Maharashtra’s development. The discussions covered various sectors, from education and agriculture to economic growth and infrastructure, providing valuable perspectives on the roadmap for the state’s future.

    The event concluded with an engaging series of one-on-one interactions featuring political figures like Nana Patole, Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Aaditya Thackeray, Supriya Sule, and Shrikant Shinde. Their discussions centered on vital topics such as economic policies, social welfare, governance, and youth engagement, ensuring that the audience had a clearer understanding of the political landscape.

    News18 Lokmat Agenda Maharashtra was a resounding success, offering perspective of various leaders’ vision of Maharashtra.

  • Celebrate Autumn with Sony BBC Earth’s new infotainment lineup

    Celebrate Autumn with Sony BBC Earth’s new infotainment lineup

    Mumbai: With the onset of autumn and festive spirit, Sony BBC Earth has brought a new lineup of infotainment shows.

    Catch the premieres of two exciting shows on Sony BBC Earth this October, airing Monday to Friday.

    Inside the Factory returns for its eighth season on 7 October 2024, at 1:00 pm, offering a look into the manufacturing of everyday items like jeans, bath bombs, and jellybeans. Hosted by Greg Wallace and Cherry Healey, the show explores the science and history behind household products.

    On 21 October 2024, at 9:00 pm, Mammals debuts, taking viewers into the diverse world of mammals, from the tiny Etruscan shrew to the blue whale, highlighting their adaptability in extreme environments.

  • Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Aap Ki Adalat: Actresses like Hema Malini are goddesses

    Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Aap Ki Adalat: Actresses like Hema Malini are goddesses

    Mumbai: In a recent episode of Rajat Sharma’s India TV show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, BJP leader and chief of Kalki Peeth – Acharya Pramod Krishnam expressed his views on female actors, stating, “for me, all female actors like Monica Bedi, or Hema Malini, or Rati Agnihotri are Devis (goddesses).” He asserted that Monica Bedi, who was arrested with gangster Abu Salem, “did not commit any crime and yet she suffered more punishment than the terrorist.”

    Reflecting on his early career in the Mumbai film industry 40 years ago, he noted, “Actor toh sabhi banna chahte hain, kuch ban patey hain, kuch nahin ban patey hain.” He confirmed investing family money in films, stating, “Yes, I did not become a faqeer (mendicant) today. I was a faqeer since childhood.” He reminisced about his lyric-writing, saying, “Not tried… I wrote several lyrics,” including a song sung by Kishore Kumar.

    It is to be noted that actor Monica Bedi and terrorist Abu Salem were arrested by Interpol in Portugal in 2002, where they served prison sentences for entering the country using forged documents. Two years later, a Portugal court cleared their extradition to India for Abu Salem to face trial in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Both of them were handed over to India in 2005. Monica Bedi was convicted of passport forgery by an Indian court in 2006. In 2010, the Supreme Court upheld her conviction but reduced her prison term to the period that she had already served.

    When asked about female actors visiting his ashram, he stated, “Main in sab mein Devi Ka Darshan Karta Hoon,” referencing the belief that “Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, Tatra Ramantey Devata.” On Monica Bedi’s situation, he reiterated, “Monica Bedi ne koi gunaah nahin kiya… Monica Bedi ko Monica Bedi hone ka privilege mat do. Lekin Monica Bedi ko Monica Bedi hone ki sazaa bhi mat do.”

    Acharya described his ashram as sacred, highlighting Lord Vishnu’s prophesied Kalki incarnation and recalled Hema Malini’s desire to perform a dance drama there. He also addressed the disruption by then UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, stating, “On 6 November 2016 night, Akhilesh Yadav’s government clamped restrictions… His own tent (government) got uprooted, and till today, he is yet to come back to power.”