ITV

Category: Television

  • Seven shows to watch on Sony BBC Earth as the channel turns seven

    Seven shows to watch on Sony BBC Earth as the channel turns seven

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth is one of the most loved factual entertainment channels that makes viewers feel alive through its breathtaking shows and world-class documentaries. With a content library that ranges from natural history to science and engineering, travel and adventure to people and culture, the channel has something in store for everyone. As Sony BBC Earth celebrates its seventh anniversary, we bring to you a list of must-watch shows on the channel.

    Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure: The show takes viewers on a culinary voyage with actor Joanna Lumley as she unravels the mysteries of staple spices. From the remote Banda Islands to the picturesque landscapes of Jordan, Lumley’s journey delves into the rich history and cultural significance of spices that have shaped civilizations for centuries.

    Chasing Monsters: Watch fishing enthusiast and adventurer Cyril Chauquet seek out dangerous creatures in remote corners of the planet.

    Lonely Planet – Stressbuster: Amidst the chaos of modern life, Lonely Planet’s exploration of unconventional stress-relief methods across Asia brings in solace. From adrenaline-pumping activities to serene retreats, it highlights unique ways to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

    Deadly 60: Steve Backshall takes on a thrilling quest to uncover the world’s deadliest creatures. Across six continents, the extraordinary diversity of wildlife is portrayed as Backshall navigates through treacherous landscapes in pursuit of nature’s most formidable predators.

    One Cup, A Thousand Stories: Delve into the captivating tale of tea, from its humble origins in China to its global influence on culture and sustainability. Through stunning visuals and gripping narratives, people can explore the landscapes and traditions that define the world’s favorite beverage.

    Planet Earth II: Captured with ultra-high-definition detail, Planet Earth II takes viewers through the jungles, mountains, deserts, islands, grasslands and cities of the world. It uncovers the extreme forces that shape life in each of these iconic landscapes and the extraordinary survival techniques.

    Earth’s Great Rivers: The show takes viewers on an epic river voyage down the Amazon, Nile, and Mississippi, uncovering the hidden treasures and astonishing wildlife. Through cutting-edge technology and breathtaking cinematography, they can experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of these legendary waterways.

    So, what are you waiting for? Tune in to Sony BBC Earth for a captivating lineup of adventures to ignite your imagination and inspire your sense of wonder.

  • “We have manifested Royal Stag BoomBox with a vision to create the original sound of today’s generation”: Ishwindar Singh

    “We have manifested Royal Stag BoomBox with a vision to create the original sound of today’s generation”: Ishwindar Singh

    Mumbai: For many years, music has been a key consumer engagement pillar for the brand. Today, the youth tilts towards exploring exciting new forms of music. Contemporary genres such as hip-hop are becoming increasingly popular among the youth of the country, while Bollywood melodies remain integral to their cultural milieu. Royal Stag BoomBox intends to stir the imagination of this generation, blending music they have inherited, Bollywood scores, with the genre that speaks to them, Hip Hop. This mix will have the swag and emotional heft of Hindi cinema’s best compositions and the throbbing vibe and vigor of hip-hop.

    Leading a new cultural movement and catering to the interests of the young generation, Generation Large, Royal Stag BoomBox this year is slated to be bigger and better. Building on the exceptional success of the inaugural edition–which saw a footfall of 45,000 people across five cities–the property endeavors to enhance and build its impact across two engaging formats-

     .  The In-studio format: A unique phygital music concept featuring three original Melody x Hip Hop music tracks that will be released as singles and videos across platforms.

      . The On-ground format: This format will travel to four of India’s biggest youth hubs offering marquee musical performances with interactive physical activations.

    This year, the experiential music festival is bringing back headliners Badshah and Armaan Malik. Joining them are popular artists Neeti Mohan, Nikhita Gandhi (Melody), Dino James, DeeMC, and Ikka (Hip-Hop) and DJ Ali Merchant. The property will be travelling to four popular youth hubs in India, followed by the release of original songs.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Pernod Richard India’s general manager – marketing Ishwindar Singh, where he shared insights on the creation of Royal Stag BoomBox music property.

    Edited excerpts

    On the purpose behind the creation of the Royal Stag BoomBox music property     

    Seagram’s Royal Stag is one of the oldest flagship brands of Pernod Ricard India, inspiring the youth of India through its philosophy of “It’s Our Life. We Live It Large”. Aimed at the young, daring, confident, progressive, and inspiring individuals who embody self-belief, Royal Stag likes to communicate with music as one of its key engagement pillars.

    We have manifested Royal Stag BoomBox with a vision to create the original sound of today’s generation, Generation Large. The platform audaciously brings together two distinct genres of the music industry, the melody of Bollywood and the gully vibe of hip-hop, creating a new soundscape. By tapping into newer cities, which are excellent youth hubs, the brand is diversifying its marketing initiatives and connecting with its target audience on a deeper level.

    On catering to the tastes and preferences of today’s youth, particularly the Gen Z demographic

    Contemporary genres such as hip-hop are becoming more popular amongst the youth, while Bollywood melodies remain integral to their cultural milieu. Royal Stag BoomBox intends to stir the imagination of this generation, blending music they have inherited, Bollywood scores, with the emerging genre that speaks to them, hip-hop. They tilt towards exploring exciting new forms of music, and this is where Royal Stag BoomBox comes in.

    On Royal Stag BoomBox aiming to connect with the passion pillars of the youth

    Royal Stag BoomBox aims to connect with the youth by offering a larger-than-life experience, focusing on music. This involves curating experiences that genuinely resonate with the tastes and preferences of the youth demographic. We have identified and collaborated with popular musicians such as Badshah, Armaan Malik, Neeti Mohan, Nikhita Gandhi, Dino James, Ikka, Dee MC and Ali Merchant for the property this year, who have a strong following among the youth. By associating with these artists, we aim to build a deeper connect with our audiences, particularly in the Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

    On some of the key learnings from the inaugural edition

    In the inaugural edition, Royal Stag BoomBox manifested itself in two unique, engaging formats – the on-ground format and the in-studio format. With the on-ground format, the festival witnessed a footfall of over 50K across multiple cities, generating 180 Mn+ digital views & 13 Mn+ social interactions. Meanwhile, the original songs emerging from season 1’s in-studio format, Pehle Jaisi Baat Nahi Ft. Dino James X Jasleen Royal, Hoodie Ft. Bali X Nikhita Gandhi, Mohabbat Ft. Amit Trivedi X SlowCheeta and Imtihaan Ft. EPR X Neeti Mohan, garnered close to 70 Mn+ views across multiple OTT.

    The immense success of the inaugural edition compelled us to bring back Royal Stag BoomBox for its second season. This year, the on-ground format will travel to four of India’s biggest youth hubs—Bhubaneswar, Indore, Jaipur and Pune, offering marquee musical performances with interactive phygital activations like Insta-live sessions, art showcases, AR/VR installations, AI-based engagement, selfie-booths etc, which will create a festive feel at the venue. Meanwhile, the in-studio format which were very successful last year will be further enhanced with three new original Melody x Hip Hop music tracks that will be released as singles and videos across platforms later in the year.  

    On planning to leverage the presence of headliners like Badshah and Armaan Malik, along with other popular artists

    With a platform like Royal Stag BoomBox, where some of India’s best musicians come together to collaborate, the artists will always play a crucial role in amplifying the events’ impact and elevate the engagement with our target audience. While they help draw in an enthusiastic crowd at each of the on-ground festivals, the artists’ fan bases often extend beyond the immediate geographical location of the event, and we can see the impact in culture celebrating conversations in social media also. The headliner acts are often catalysts to elevate the experiences to another level, drive strong audience engagement and drive very strong youth reach and make Royal Stag Boombox a experience that lingers on long after the event is over.

    On the brand’s long-term vision for Royal Stag BoomBox

    We are looking at continuing our focus on building music as a key passion & engagement pillar with the youth through Royal Stag BoomBox. We look forward to expanding our presence in youth culture, both through physical and digital intervention, especially where cultural energy thrives. We will continue to forge new partnerships with a mix of culture shaping artists across our focus genres, ensuring that our platform resonates with its unique amalgamation of diverse musical tastes and experiences. Through these collaborations and immersive experiences, we aim to deepen our connection with the target audience, fostering a community that shares our passion for music and experience the ‘Live It Large’ philosophy.
     

  • Akshay Kumar presents the story of ‘World’s Tallest Statue’ in History TV18’s upcoming documentary

    Akshay Kumar presents the story of ‘World’s Tallest Statue’ in History TV18’s upcoming documentary

    Mumbai: History TV18 has announced the premiere of its new documentary, ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ on 8 March at 8 p.m. Presented by actor Akshay Kumar, the 40-minute documentary celebrates the spirit of unity that binds the nation together and pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of united India, who led the integration of 562 fragmented princely states into one nation post-independence.

    The documentary also features insights from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, had envisioned this project.

    The documentary follows a step-by-step journey of the making of the Statue of Unity. From 2013, when the then chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi announced his intention to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and laid the foundation stone in Kevadia (Gujarat), to completing the tallest statue in the world at 182 meters, a number that represented total constituencies in Gujarat’s State Legislative Assembly.

    Among other lesser-known facts revealed in the documentary, PM Narendra Modi shares a unique initiative he undertook to procure iron for the statue, where over six lakh villages donated an old iron farming tool each, echoing Sardar Patel’s call to farmers during the fight for independence. Soil from all parts of the country was similarly used to bring the statue together, symbolizing unity in its creation.

    As the film progresses, the team behind the Statue of Unity takes the audience on an awe-inspiring journey. They delve into its ideation, construction, and the opportunities it created for the locals, as Kevadia transformed into Ekta Nagar.

    The documentary features success and upliftment stories of locals who have benefitted from the project, with their town becoming a major tourist destination.

    The documentary progresses with a tour of some remarkable tourist attractions in the vicinity of the Statue of Unity, adorned with the beauty of flora and fauna. With stunning visuals, sleek graphics and never-heard-before stories, the documentary puts the focus on the bustling tourist destination that has seen footfalls up to 50,000 in a single day, becoming a beacon of light for the locals and a modern marvel of pride for New India.

    “Being part of ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ has been an incredibly humbling experience for me. It’s about honouring the great spirit of unity that resonates within every Indian. Sardar Patel’s vision and leadership continue to inspire us, reminding us of the strength that comes from our unity as a nation. I hope this documentary serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and the power of coming together for a common purpose,” says Actor Akshay Kumar, the presenter of the documentary.

    Aanand L Rai, the director of the documentary adds, “Revolutions are created by people when they come together for a bigger purpose, guided by visionaries who lead and inspire. Sardar Patel was one such visionary who advocated the significance of unity in the process of nation-building. The film reflects on the legacy of the pioneer of united India and showcases the inspiring transformation of Gujarat’s humble Kevadia into an international tourist destination.”

    ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ premieres on History TV18 on 8 March 2024 at 8 p.m. It will also be made available on the factual entertainment leader’s YouTube channel.

  • TuneCore grant expands to South India

    TuneCore grant expands to South India

    Mumbai: TuneCore, the leading development partner for self-releasing artists—owned by Paris-based Believe, one of the world’s leading digital music companies—has announced the third edition of the TuneCore Grant program. The latest edition will provide endowments of INR 100,000 each to four independent artists who perform in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam respectively. Artists can send in their entry via the TuneCore India website between 1 March and 31 March 2024.

    Artists can enter by submitting a single to be judged by a panel of industry experts consisting of Sam C.S (music composer), Ghibran (music composer), Neha Nair (singer/songwriter) and Padmanaban N.S. (Head of Artist and Label Partnerships).

    The TuneCore Grant was first launched in 2022 to provide financial support for rising independent artists to help further their careers. Since its inception, nearly 300 artists have participated in the program, submitting singles for consideration for the previous two editions.

    Discussing the growth of the program and this year’s focus on South India, TuneCore South Asia head  Akhila Shankar, said, “We’ve seen a burgeoning independent music scene emerging from the South with more artists choosing to create music in their native tongue. This is both worth celebrating and amplifying. With TuneCore Grant Punjabi we saw that the program directly led to a 40% increase in the number of TuneCore artists releasing music in the language. With each edition of the Grant, we hope to encourage more artists to release independently, express themselves in their language of choice, and contribute to India’s robust, diverse culture.”

    TuneCore artists in India release music in more than 25 local languages. The four languages selected for this edition of the grant represent some of the fastest growing languages in terms of number of releases per year.

    TuneCore VP International Tash Shah added, “At TuneCore, our international strategy thrives on fostering vibrant local music ecosystems around the world. The expansion of the TuneCore Grant to South India exemplifies this commitment. We believe financial empowerment at the grassroots level unlocks their creative potential.”

    Believe India & South Asia managing director Vivek Raina said, “Believe is committed to fostering local communities and artists singing in their local languages. As the independent music scene across the 5 southern states grows, we are committed to supporting artists at various stages through our network of services and programs”. 

  • Insights and Innovations unveiled at YES BANK and CNBC-TV18’s Growth Summit in Bengaluru

    Insights and Innovations unveiled at YES BANK and CNBC-TV18’s Growth Summit in Bengaluru

    Mumbai: The third edition of YES BANK and CNBC-TV18’s – The Growth Summit: A vision to a $10 Trillion Economy, in association with Max Life Insurance, was held in Taj Westend, Bengaluru on February 28, 2024. The summit brought policymakers, industry leaders, startup founders, pioneering innovators, and a diverse array of experts under one roof to engage in meaningful discussions around India’s economic advancement Central to the summit’s discussions was the government’s ambitious 25-year plan aimed at positioning India as the world’s third-largest economy with a GDP of $10 trillion.

    In his opening remarks at the Summit, YES BANK managing director & CEO Prashant Kumar said, “The Bengaluru chapter of The Growth Summit was centred on leveraging Karnataka’s industrial and technical expertise to propel India towards its $10 trillion mark. It calls for the collective involvement of business leaders. With over 40 unicorns and IT exports soaring, Karnataka is not merely a hub, but a nucleus of innovation. From electronic design to biotechnology, its diverse sectors thrive under a conducive policy framework. The collaborative efforts of ISRO, private enterprises, and the state have propelled us forward, fueling our ascent towards a $10 trillion economy. Now, as global businesses seek refuge from China, India beckons as the premier destination. Let us seize this moment to sculpt a future where India shines as a global powerhouse of technology and manufacturing.”

    During his address, Mr. Kumar announced the launch of ‘Yes Private’ in Bengaluru, which is the Bank’s newest market offering that aims to partner HNI Business owners and C-Suite executives in their endeavour to leverage the opportunities on the road towards a $10 trillion Indian economy.

    The event kicked off with a thought-provoking discussion on ‘Ushering in India’s Techade’ in conversation with RBI Innovation Hub CEO Rajesh Bansal, who stated, “As I see it, this decade marks a pivotal moment for India’s growth trajectory. While I may not witness it firsthand, I firmly believe that the young generation, will recognize this as the turning point. Over the past decade, we’ve laid the groundwork with digital infrastructure, making us unique among 1.3 billion nations. With 12 million transactions daily, our payment and ID systems are the backbone of individual and business transactions. Now, with the right steps, we stand at the precipice of a quantum leap in technology adoption, inching closer to our $10 trillion economy vision. Our foundational layers of technology position us uniquely, setting us apart globally. Key advancements like BharatQR and our ONDC initiative illustrate our commitment to staying ahead.”

    The event continued with another stimulating discussion on ‘Preparing India for Global Leadership’ in conversation with Aarin Capital and 3one4 Capital chairman Mohandas Pai said “India is truly incredible, boasting a PPP GDP of $12.2 trillion and a nominal GDP of $3.45 trillion. What sets us apart is our unique PPP multiple of 3×3, surpassing even China’s sixfold difference between nominal and PPP GDP. While countries like China and the US lead in nominal figures, India’s true value often goes unrecognised. To bridge this gap, we must focus on three key pillars: human capital, financial capital, and innovation. Despite graduating millions annually, only 28% of our youth aged 18 to 23 are currently engaged in the workforce. It’s imperative we harness our vast potential and invest wisely for a brighter, more prosperous future.”

    Subsequently, panel discussion on the topic ‘Digital Transformation Strategies Driving Future Growth’ with Mr. Gaurav Singh Kushwaha (CEO & Founder, Bluestone.com); Akash Sinha(CEO & Co-Founder Cashfree); Mr. Mathew Chandy (MD, Duroflex Private Limited); and Harsh Jain (Co-Founder, Groww) gave further insights into India’s rise as a digital hub.

    The panel discussion was followed by a special address by Max Life Insurance COO Manu Lavanya. He said, “India’s digital journey over the past decade, has been nothing short of revolutionary, marked by transformative initiatives like UPI and Aadhar. The integration of the larger Bharat digital stack within the insurance sector holds immense promise for driving access and inclusivity. By leveraging digital as a channel, we will not only streamline processes but also make significant strides towards extending insurance coverage to every corner of the nation. This convergence isn’t merely about innovation; it’s about empowerment. It’s about ensuring that every Indian, regardless of their location or background, has the opportunity to safeguard their financial well-being with ease. As we embrace this symbiotic relationship between digitization, AI and insurance, we have a tremendous opportunity to unite efforts and realize IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’. Role of AI and digital will be pivotal in creating customer centric micro-products enabled by straight through Underwriting with vernacular journeys that appeal to the Non-Urban consumer base, making the vision of “Insurance for All” a reality.”

    The evening continued with an engaging panel discussion on ‘Nurturing the Green Shoots of Innovation’, with insights from industry experts Mr. Dhiraj Agarwal(CEO & Co-founder, Campus Sutra); Mr. Hrishi Gandhi (President Finance and Chief Business Officer, Newspace); Mr. Raj Shah(Co-founder and Director, WeHear Innovations Pvt Ltd) and Mr. Manish Kumar(Founder, KredX)

    Taking the evening towards its end, an enticing conversation between CNBC-TV18 anchor Mugdha Kalra and celebrity chef Ranveer Brar. He said “I think what changed after COVID is that a lot of people who didn’t believe they could cook started cooking. These people who earlier didn’t believe in the power of the food and restaurant industry have now changed. The people who earlier refused loans to restaurants believing that it’s not a money-making business now are gaining confidence. That’s why you see a lot of food businesses today, because the belief is now coming from MBA graduates who are finding food to be a viable, durable, and profitable venture. I think that’s something that has changed and deserves to be addressed here”.

    Concluding the summit was a final thought-provoking session conducted by Neuroscientist & founder Kumaar Bagrodia, NeuroLeap on ‘The Neuroscience of Investing’.

  • NDTV Food Awards 2024: Shining a spotlight on India’s culinary stars

    NDTV Food Awards 2024: Shining a spotlight on India’s culinary stars

    Mumbai: The NDTV Food Awards 2024, a celebration of culinary excellence, recently concluded with much fanfare, showcasing the finest talents and innovations in India’s dynamic food industry. Hosted by renowned food author Kunal Vijayakar, the event celebrated exceptional achievements in various categories, recognizing the outstanding contributions made by chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary establishments. India’s diverse and rich F&B scene was celebrated at the NDTV Food Awards, showcasing the country’s rich culture across fine dining, cafes, bakeries, and breweries.

    The evening commenced with two insightful panel discussions, exploring topics such as the vision of a circular food system and the celebration of India’s culinary traditions. Moderated by NDTV anchors Gargi Rawat and Ambika Singh Kahma, these discussions featured esteemed panelists who shared their expertise and insights on sustainable practices and cultural significance in food.

    The winners of the NDTV Food Awards 2024 were selected by a distinguished jury panel comprising top chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, and influencers from across the country. Led by Chairman Kunal Vijayakar, renowned food writer, author, actor, and TV presenter, the jury ensured a fair, transparent, and credible selection process.

    Some of the notable winners of the NDTV Food Awards 2024 include:

    Best Fine Dining Restaurant: Indian Accent, New Delhi

    Best Cafe and Casual Dining Restaurant: Olly, Gurugram

    Best Cocktail Bar and Lounge: Whisky Samba, Gurugram

    Best Bakery and Patisserie: The Big Chill Cakery, Khan Market, Delhi

    Best New Restaurant: Inja, The Manor, Delhi

    Best Beer Brewery: Windmills Craftworks, Bengaluru

    Best Earth-Friendly Restaurant: Farmlore, Bengaluru

    Chef of the Year: Hussain Shahzad

    Rising Star Chef of the Year: Shubham Thakur

    Best Mixologist of the Year: Varun Sharma

    Best Restaurateur of the Year: Zorawar Kalra

    Excellence In Beverage Industry: Yangdup Lama

    Living Legend: Nakul Anand

    NDTV Food Awards Hall of Fame: Chef Imtiaz Qureshi

    Best Nutrition and Wellness Award: Herbalife India Private Limited

    The NDTV Food Awards 2024 showcased the best of Indian cuisine, highlighting innovation, creativity, and dedication within the food industry. The event will be broadcast on NDTV 24×7, NDTV MPCG, and NDTV Rajasthan on 9 March 2024, allowing viewers to witness the celebration of culinary excellence.

     

  • “Traditional media in India is also experiencing a steady growth”: Kevin Vaz

    “Traditional media in India is also experiencing a steady growth”: Kevin Vaz

    Mumbai: Viacom18 CEO- Broadcast entertainment Kevin Vaz reflected on the Media & Entertainment sector, both on a global scale and within the Indian context at FICCI frames 2024 event. He said, “In 2023, our industry witnessed a remarkable era of content creation, with over 200,000 hours of content produced annually. Indian content has transcended international boundaries, captivating audiences in more than 160 countries and topping streaming charts on global platforms. In 2023, Indian content bagged not one but two Oscars for the best song and the best documentary respectively. Indian music talent has bagged 3 Grammys recently. 2 Indians (Vir Das And Ekta Kapoor) won the prestigious International Emmy’s awards. This shift indicates a new era where local flavors and stories are embraced by audiences worldwide, showcasing the universal appeal of Indian stories and our storytelling.

    The integration of digital technologies in the Indian M&E industry is at a scale without parallel amongst the comity of nations. Driven by accessible and affordable internet, with Commercial 5G services rollout propelling the growth of India M&E, we must recognise the virtuous cycle of investments in creativity that drive the expansion of affordable internet in India. We can be proud of the fact that Indian companies, Indian creators, Indian producers, are at the forefront of the digital content revolution, be it in films, music or gaming.

    Platforms like JioCinema have revolutionized sports viewership in India, offering accessible and affordable access to live matches like the IPL. This goes to show the importance of internet accessibility in driving the growth of the M&E industry. Unlike other industries, M&E has caught the digital transformation wave early and stand ready to reap the benefits with supportive developments in the all-critical triad of infrastructure readiness, consumer market growth, and enabling public policies.

    The surge in digital media is forecasted to propel the M&E sector’s growth to a 10% annual rate, reaching INR 3 Trillion by 2026. Technological innovations have brought with it a paradigm shift in consumer preferences. Consumers now demand more personalised, interactive, and immersive content. This creates another facet to the growth of the entire digital media segment, including online curated content, digital advertising, online gaming, to name a few. Each of us need to reflect on how these preferences will change the way we think about the future of M&E, and the business models that are most suited to respond. To navigate the future, all of us at various intersections of the industry need to adopt innovative strategies and create engaging content across multiple platforms, leverage big data analytics, collaborate with global partners, and explore new revenue streams.

    Despite this digital boom, traditional media in India is also experiencing a steady growth, showcasing India’s diverse media consumption habits. While this might appear to be a paradox when viewed through a singular global lens, this is the truth of India – a market of AND, not OR.

    As we reflect on the journey of 2023, it becomes clear that it was a year marked by both challenges and triumphs. The first half was subdued, with modest growth rates across various segments of the industry. However, as raw material prices stabilized and marquee events like the ICC Cricket World Cup and Assembly Elections unfolded, we witnessed a significant uptick in the second half. And while the M&E industry is estimated to grow at 10% CAGR through the next few years led by digital, traditional mediums such as Television and print are also poised to grow.

    This growth underscores the enduring appeal of linear TV, particularly among established advertisers who value its unmatched brand-building capabilities at scale. It’s essential to acknowledge the continued significance of traditional media, including television, print, and outdoor advertising, in reaching diverse audience segments, especially in regional markets.

    The road ahead for the industry is brimming with possibilities and challenges alike. The integration of artificial intelligence promises to reshape the landscape of content creation, distribution, and consumption. Particularly generative AI, which is now an inexorable part of M&E supply chains. Advances in generative AI, while still relatively nascent, have produced an explosion of possibilities in the creative sector. It has ushered in a new dimension to the creative process, allowing the industry to explore uncharted territories of creativity and push the boundaries of productivity.

    As AI technologies continue to evolve, they offer unprecedented opportunities for personalized experiences and targeted advertising. However, this next-gen transformation also presents challenges such as data privacy concerns, reskilling and the need for ethical considerations – concerns that the industry and government together need to explore and address.

    Amidst these dynamics, the industry must also address the pressing need for stronger intellectual property rights protection to safeguard the integrity of our creative ecosystem. The proliferation of digital platforms and content creation tools has exponentially increased the avenues for creative expression, yet it has also heightened the risk of copyright infringement. Strengthening our IPR laws is essential to foster a conducive environment for innovation and creativity while ensuring fair compensation for content creators. The National Intellectual Rights (IPR) Policy, established in 2016, is due for review. This presents an occasion for all of us to engage on how we think about monetisation, commercialisation of content as well as the protections required for it, in a fast-evolving technological environment.

    The road ahead encompasses both opportunities and challenges in equal measure. As we navigate this complex landscape, as stakeholders of this vibrant sector, we must all remember that at the heart of it, our industry is about our consumers in a very human sense – their emotions, relationships, talents – their stories. All of us here today are simply facilitators – connecting stories to audiences and audiences to stories.

    As we begin FICCI Frames 2024, I look forward to the next three days filled with enlightening discussions, insightful sessions, and meaningful collaborations. Let us seize this opportunity to chart a course towards a future that embraces innovation, leverages technology, and upholds the timeless values of creativity and expression.

    Finally, I’d like to express my gratitude and admiration for Leena Jaisani and her team for putting FICCI Frames 2024 together. This is the 24th edition of India’s biggest media and entertainment symposium and it just keeps getting bigger and better. So kudos to the team for scaling this up consistently!” he concluded. 

  • Women’s Day special: Distinguished female characters that are redefining Indian television

    Women’s Day special: Distinguished female characters that are redefining Indian television

    Mumbai: In a landscape where women were often portrayed as dependent and helpless, television brings forth a new wave of inspiration through its empowering female characters. From Pushpa’s resilience to Vandana’s strength, from Yuvika’s bold leadership to Nandini’s fearless spirit, or be it Kavya’s resolve to balance her professional and personal life and excel in both, these women are more than just characters, inspiring us with their tales of determination and bravery.

    On the occasion of Women’s Day, here’s a look at their compelling narratives as they challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and pave the way for a new era of empowerment on our television screens.

    Pushpa, played by Karuna Pandey in Sony SAB’s ‘Pushpa Impossible’

    Pushpa is a guiding force for women, standing up for their respect and dignity. She’s extremely committed to her work life and juggles her family and job smoothly. She’s a role model, showing how to chase dreams while staying true to yourself. Despite many problems, Pushpa’s journey proves that women can manage both work and family and succeed in all parts of life.

    Vandana, played by Pariva Pranati in Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey’

    Vandana inspires women to confront social challenges and maintain family harmony. Her courage sets her apart, serving as a pillar of support for her loved ones. She exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity, offering strength and stability to her family. Vandana stands as a strength of hope, showing that with determination, women can navigate life’s obstacles while nurturing those around them.

    Yuvika, played by Anjali Tatrari in Sony SAB’s ‘Vanshaj’

    Yuvika is a young leader who inspires women with her capability and respect for elders, building confidence and inner strength to make her place in a male-dominated family business. She breaks the stereotypes and proves that women can run family businesses as well, with her strong beliefs in life, leaving a lasting impact on society.

    Nandini, played by Meera Deosthale on Sony Entertainment Television’s ‘Kuch Reet Jagat Ki Aisi Hai’

    Nandini is a kind-hearted girl, who cherishes her family, culture, and traditions. Yet, what truly sets her apart is her strong stand against customs that disrespect women and their self-respect, and she will be seen raising her voice against the dowry system, prevalent in the country. Fearlessly, she challenges this kureet, making her an empowering character for other women.

    Kavya, played by Sumbul Touqeer Khan on Sony Entertainment Television’s ‘Kavya – Ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon’

    Kavya, an IAS officer, adeptly juggles her professional duties with her personal life, all while managing the affairs of the country. As a woman in this position, she encounters unique challenges but navigates them gracefully and with determination. Demonstrating an exceptional ability to balance her work and personal responsibilities, Kavya showcases strength and resilience; her journey serves as an inspiration to women in leadership roles.

  • South United Football Club Marks AFC Women’s Football Day with a spectacular celebration

    South United Football Club Marks AFC Women’s Football Day with a spectacular celebration

    Mumbai: South United Football Club (SUFC), which competes in the highest league in the state of Karnataka and recently launched as many as three training centres in Pune, celebrated the AFC Women’s Football Day at the Ganga Legends Sports Complex in Bavdhan here with great enthusiasm on 2 March 2024. The occasion was observed with a sense of fostering community spirit and a strong focus on women in football. Preeti Maske, renowned Ultra Cyclist and holder of five Guinness World Records was the chief guest at the event and addressed the excited crowd who were present.

    The chief guest, Preeti Maske, said, “It is a great initiative by South United Football Club to celebrate this occasion and promote fitness and sports among women. It was good to see so many young girls participating in all the activities conducted here with their parents. I urge more parents to push their children to take up sports, and clubs like South United are a perfect place for them to start.”

    The event, hosted at the Club’s state-of-the-art training facility in Bavdhan, received overwhelming participation and welcomed talented girls of the SUFC Academy, their families, as well as relatives of the SUFC Academy players. Ganga Legends Society members and Mai Bal Bhavan (NGO for the Visually Impaired) also joined in the celebrations to promote health and wellness among women.

    “We are thrilled to have played a part in celebrating AFC Women’s Football Day, showcasing the immense talent and passion that exists within our community”, said South United Football Club CMO & COO Prerana Dhawan. “As an organisation deeply committed to promoting gender equality and social inclusion, South United Football Club remains dedicated to creating opportunities for women to excel in football and beyond. Through initiatives like AFC Women’s Football Day, the Club hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes and foster a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.”, she added.

    Highlighting the day’s excitement were eight engaging and fun events, meticulously planned by SUFC coaches that brought together girls and women in spirited competition, competing with and against each other.

    This celebration stands as a testament to SUFC’s commitment to nurturing talent, encouraging inclusivity, promoting women’s football, and creating a vibrant community through the beautiful game.

  • Animax now available on Tata Play Binge

    Animax now available on Tata Play Binge

    Mumbai: Anime fans now have a new destination to access popular Japanese anime content with Tata Play Binge’s latest partnership with Asia’s leading Japanese anime network, Animax. This comes at an opportune time when India’s palette has been growing for anime content, where viewers are not only emerging as a vibrant fan community but are also showcasing increased interest in Japanese culture and cuisine. Tata Play Binge subscribers will now be enjoying anime content at the touch of a button, through this partnership.

    Animax is currently one of the best destination for the best anime content from Japan and features world-class animated content including web series, movies, and much more for viewers to discover and explore. Animax will take viewers on an unparalleled journey into the world of anime with new and popular titles. Additionally, they will get to enjoy fan favorite anime blockbusters like Kuroko’s Basketball, Yashahime: Half Demon Princess, Black Clover, Naruto, Haikyu!! and others. Titles loved by Tweens like Y School Heroes will also be available to reach across different age groups.

    Subscribers also get to explore exclusive titles like Fruits Basket, Rent-a-Girlfriend, Orient, Black Clover, Naruto and numerous others. The platform will bring multiple hours of fresh programming to global anime enthusiasts’ providing access to the most exciting content.  

    Commenting on the new partnership, Tata Play’s chief commercial and content officer, Pallavi Puri, said, “The growing affinity of Indian viewers towards newer content genres, like K-dramas, sports, gaming and others is reassuring, as it opens up many opportunities for content curators like us. With Animax’s support, we are adding another genre to our growing bouquet of content spread – anime. Tata Play Binge viewers will now have a huge selection of popular anime content available to them at one place. With its vast mix of popular OTT apps and a wide range of content offerings, Tata Play Binge ensures that viewers derive maximum value from their subscription.”

    Talking about this partnership, KC Global Media co-founder, CEO and president George Chien, which owns the Animax network said, “We are thrilled to announce another strategic launch in India, working with Tata Play to launch Animax for the legion of passion anime fans. With its broad scope and all-embracing approach to content delivery, Tata Play is an ideal partner for us to expand and connect our worldwide archive of Japanese anime tiles to more anime fans across their platform, while sharing this beloved genre to new viewers as well.”

    Animax will join other popular OTT platforms on Tata Play Binge like Disney+ Hotstar, Apple TV+, ZEE5, Fuse+, Hallmark, MX Player, PTC Play, Lionsgate Play, Aha, VROTT, STAGE, Sun NXT, ReelDrama, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, iStream, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, FanCode, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, EPIC ON, Travelxp, DocuBay, ShortsTV, Playflix, KliKK along with Gaming. Content from all these platforms is available to the viewers of Tata Play Binge through a single subscription and a single user interface.

    Additionally, Netflix can be availed as a combo pack with DTH channels for all Tata Play DTH subscriber whereas Amazon Prime Video content can be accessed as an add-on by all Tata Play Binge subscribers, who also have the DTH connection. Viewers can enjoy all 30 apps on smartphones, large-screen connected devices through LG, Samsung and Android smart TV’s, desktop, laptop, Tablets, Tata Play edition of the Amazon FireTV Stick and www.TataplayBinge.com.