ITV

Category: Television

  • DHL delivers again, extends Mumbai Indians partnership for fifth year running

    DHL delivers again, extends Mumbai Indians partnership for fifth year running

    MUMBAI: DHL Express is staying on the pitch with Mumbai Indians for another season, renewing its sponsorship for a fifth consecutive year. Announced on April 24, the extended partnership reaffirms DHL’s place as the ‘team behind the team’—supporting the IPL giants across men’s, women’s, and international circuits.

    The global logistics major will continue as principal sponsor of the Mumbai Indians in India, while also backing MI Cape Town in South Africa’s SA20 league and the Mumbai Indians Women’s Team. The alliance underlines DHL’s global sports portfolio, which already includes Formula 1, MotoGP, and the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

    “We are proud to extend our partnership with Mumbai Indians once again. Our partnership is built on shared values of excellence, speed, passion, and teamwork,” said DHL Express SVP – south Asia R.S. Subramanian.

    This season, the duo is also reuniting for the “Six for a Cause” campaign. For every six hit by a Mumbai Indians player, DHL will plant six trees with sustainability partners SankalpTaru Foundation and Sashakt Foundation. Last season, the initiative saw 133 sixes translate to nearly 800 trees.

    DHL will also double down on fan engagement with an expanded ‘Unstoppable’ campaign. Originally launched to spotlight women athletes and entrepreneurs, the campaign will now include interactive digital activations and on-ground experiences with the MI men’s team.

    “DHL Express is proud to engage with millions of cricket fans across India through our partnership with Mumbai Indians,” said DHL Express India VP – sales & marketing Sandeep Juneja. “Their legacy of success and drive for excellence, perfectly embody DHL’s commitment to delivering excellence while connecting people, improving lives across the world.”

    The Mumbai Indians spokesperson added, “Mumbai Indians and DHL Express share a common vision of excellence… We look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to create exceptional experiences for our global fan base and stakeholders.”

    With another season underway and more sixes ready to fly, DHL isn’t just shipping parcels—it’s sending a message of purpose, partnership, and powerful cricket.

  • Honda Racing India revs up for ARRC 2025 with two teen riders and big podium dreams

    Honda Racing India revs up for ARRC 2025 with two teen riders and big podium dreams

    MUMBAI: The tarmac’s heating up in Thailand and so is India’s motorsport ambition. Idemitsu Honda Racing India has touched down at the Chang International Circuit for the season opener of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC), scheduled from 25-27 April.

    With two teenage riders in the saddle and high hopes in the pit lane, Honda’s move signals more than just another racing season—it’s a full-throttle statement on India’s growing presence in international motorsport.

    Representing Honda India in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class are 19-year-old Kavin Samaar Quintal and 18-year-old Johann Reeves Emmanuel. Kavin returns with ARRC experience under his helmet, while Johann makes his championship debut after cutting his teeth in the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup and the 2024 Thailand Talent Cup.

    “Having raced in the previous season of the ARRC, I have gained invaluable experience and insights into what it takes to compete at this level. In 2025, I am determined to take all my learnings, sharpen my skills further, and aim for a strong finish in the top 10 rankings,” said Quintal.

    Emmanuel added, “Being a part of the 2025 ARRC is a huge opportunity for me… I will give it my all to secure a place in the top 10 rankings, and I am truly grateful to Honda Racing India for believing in me.”

    The ARRC calendar spans six rounds this season, with stops in Malaysia (30 May–1 June), Japan (July), Indonesia (August), and a December finale back in Thailand. One round’s venue remains under wraps.

    Honda’s broader vision is clear: nurture Indian racers for the global stage while flexing its engineering muscle across Asia’s toughest tracks. The strategy blends talent development with brand ambition—bolstering the ‘Make in India’ mission while pushing Indian motorsport beyond the domestic grid.

    With two determined teens, a fine-tuned fleet, and an open throttle, Honda Racing India is chasing speed, success, and a shot at the podium.

  • Pragati Ghorpade bids adieu to IndiaCast UK after 12-year innings

    Pragati Ghorpade bids adieu to IndiaCast UK after 12-year innings

    MUMBAI: Pragati Ghorpade, the long-serving head of operations at IndiaCast UK, has stepped down after a 12-year run that saw her rise from a temporary maternity cover role to becoming an influential figure in the company’s international playbook.

    A software whiz turned media multitasker, Pragati brought analytical flair to the business of broadcasting. Her journey at IndiaCast—a joint venture between TV18 and Viacom18—has been marked by relentless adaptability, strategic nous, and an ability to build bridges between tech and television.

    Starting off as an associate director, she soon took charge of operations, where she helped steer everything from high-stakes campaign rollouts to on-ground events and glitzy local productions. Under her watch, shows like Antakshari, NRI Hadsa, and Desi Beat Season 5 not only struck a chord with diaspora audiences but also turned IndiaCast UK into a vibrant hub of regional storytelling.

    Beyond the screen, her contributions shaped marketing strategy, streamlined operations, and ensured the IndiaCast brand remained top-of-mind in a fiercely competitive UK market.

    Her departure follows the exit of other seniors like UK boss Govind Shahi.

  • Tips hits the high notes with Rs 16,656 lakh annual profit and major reappointments

    Tips hits the high notes with Rs 16,656 lakh annual profit and major reappointments

    MUMBAI: When the music plays at Tips, it’s more than just melody, it’s money, momentum, and management moves. On April 23, 2025, the board of Tips Music Limited (formerly Tips Industries Limited) struck a high chord, approving robust financial results and announcing key leadership reappointments in what was a blockbuster boardroom session.

    The company posted an impressive net profit of Rs 16,656.15 lakh for the year ended March 31, 2025, a 31 per cent jump over the previous year’s Rs 12,716.70 lakh. Total income surged to Rs 32,967.96 lakh from Rs 25,595.82 lakh in FY24, riding on strong revenues from operations totalling Rs 31,068.73 lakh, up from Rs 24,158.07 lakh.

    Tips also declared and disbursed dividends totalling Rs 7 per share across three quarters, resulting in a Rs 8,948.21 lakh payout to shareholders. Meanwhile, the company executed a buyback of 5.95 lakh equity shares at Rs 625 per share, worth Rs 3,718.75 lakh, showcasing confidence in its valuation and balance sheet.

    In leadership harmony, the board re-appointed Kumar Taurani as chairman and managing director for a further three-year term starting 1 June 2025. Known for building one of India’s most vibrant music catalogues and guiding the company through decades of transformation, Kumar Taurani remains central to TIPS’ continued growth.

    Joining him in the encore are Ramesh Taurani and Girish Taurani, reappointed as executive directors. The trio brings over 100 years of collective experience in the entertainment business, a fact that resonates with the company’s sustained success in a competitive media landscape.

    The board also greenlit appointments of M/s. Grant Thornton Bharat LLP and Maheshwari & Co. as internal auditors, and M/s. NL Bhatia & Associates as secretarial auditors for a five-year term. These moves reinforce the company’s governance framework as it tunes up for its next growth phase.

    The quarter ended March 2025 alone saw profits of Rs 3,061.13 lakh, with a total comprehensive income of Rs 3,063.46 lakh. Earnings per share (EPS) stood at Rs 13.02 for FY25 compared to Rs 9.90 the previous year. The company continues to operate in a single segment Audio/Video Products with music licensing, royalty income, and digital content driving performance.

    Tips has also settled a long-pending dispute with Wynk, recognising Rs 1,200 lakh in revenue during the year following consent terms filed with the Bombay High Court another legal note wrapped with commercial finesse.

    From emotional ballads to bold boardroom decisions, Tips Music is orchestrating a growth symphony with strategic foresight, family-led leadership, and consistent financial crescendos. With Rs 33,940.28 lakh in total assets and a sharp focus on shareholder value, the beat goes on.

  • wTVision’s robotic dog cam debuts in IPL 2025, capturing hearts and highlights

    wTVision’s robotic dog cam debuts in IPL 2025, capturing hearts and highlights

    MUMBAI: Broadcast technology firm wTVision, in collaboration with the BCCI and technical partner Omnicam, has introduced a robotic pet camera system in the form of a dog during IPL 2025. Making its first appearance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during the Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals match, the camera brings a new dimension to live sports production.

    The initiative was designed to enhance audience engagement by offering a more relatable and emotionally resonant experience. The dog-shaped robot interacts in real time with players, umpires and fans—performing gestures like handshakes, jumps, and heart signs—adding warmth and novelty to the matchday broadcast.

    The camera is built with a custom stabilised gimbal, remote pan-tilt system, and RF video technology, all housed in a compact 3D-printed frame. This ensures smooth footage, even on uneven terrain, without compromising broadcast quality.

    The response has been overwhelmingly positive. A video of the robotic camera has garnered over 5.8 million views, 560,000 likes, and 72,000 shares across social media platforms. Fans have praised the addition as “heartwarming” and “a standout feature of the season.” 
     

    The BCCI has further encouraged viewer participation by inviting suggestions for naming the robotic dog.

    wTVision Solutions founder & director Divyajot Ahluwalia said: “To see this technology live during one of the most-watched sporting events globally is a proud moment for us. We’re committed to using smart technology to bring fans closer to the game in meaningful, engaging ways.”

    Known for its work in live graphics, AI-driven production, and advanced camera systems, wTVision continues to push the boundaries of sports broadcasting. With this launch, the company reaffirms its focus on innovation that combines storytelling, technology, and audience connection.

  • GEPL goes prime time: JioStar to air Season 2 of e-Cricket league with 34 knockout clashes

    GEPL goes prime time: JioStar to air Season 2 of e-Cricket league with 34 knockout clashes

    MUMBAI: Cricket, consoles and crores: JetSynthesys is bowling a bouncer into India’s primetime schedule. The company announced that season two of its Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) will air live on JioStar’s linear and OTT platforms. For the first time ever, the esports league will hit national television, blending the thrill of gaming with the theatrics of traditional sport.

    GEPL Season 2 promises an adrenaline spike with 34 high-octane matches slated from 27 April to 2 May. The broadcast window runs 11 am to 8 pm daily, across Star Sports and JioHotstar. In this edition, the prize pool jumps to Rs 3.05 crore – a bump up from Rs 2.51 crore in the previous season. Player interest has surged as well, with registration numbers skyrocketing from two lakh to 9.1 lakh.

    Powered by Real Cricket™ and featuring a team-based format, the league will stage its matches in Bengaluru. According to organisers, this year marks a watershed moment in India’s esports evolution.

    “GEPL is a high-energy league that mirrors the scale and professionalism of traditional sports. Our partnership with JioStar is a milestone; cementing our place on India’s biggest broadcast stage,” said JetSynthesys founder & CEO Rajan Navani.

    CEO & league commissioner Rohit Potphode added, “With Season 2, we’ve sharpened our vision for GEPL that enables player growth, team development, and fan engagement at scale. Our presence on JioStar, across both streaming and TV, is strategic in expanding our reach and delivering a premier sports entertainment experience to millions of Indians.”

    JioStar head of content – sports Siddharth Sharma remarked, “GEPL is a perfect example of innovation in sport, and we are committed to help it reach its full potential.”

    As esports flexes its muscle on mainstream platforms, GEPL’s arrival on national broadcast is a sign of the times – a spectacle merging cricket’s legacy with the future of competitive play.

  • Meri Bhavya Life premieres on Colors to flip the script on body image and self-worth

    Meri Bhavya Life premieres on Colors to flip the script on body image and self-worth

    MUMBAI: In a television space where makeovers often masquerade as empowerment, Colors is putting its weight behind something meatier. Its new family drama, Meri Bhavya Life, premiering 30 April 2025 at 7 p.m., centres on Bhavya—a confident, plus-size architect who isn’t looking to be fixed, just respected.

    Set against the backdrop of a judgmental society obsessed with inches and abs, the series stars Prisha Dhatwalia as Bhavya and Karan Vohra as Rishank, a six-pack-sporting fitness freak with deep-rooted biases. But this is no makeover tale—it’s a defiant call to shift the lens from the waistline to the mind.

    “Mota hona badi bimaari hai, ya motape ke aage na dekh paana?” asks the show’s tagline, setting the tone for a story that challenges convention. Bhavya isn’t shrinking to fit expectations—she’s designing her own narrative, one where ambition, dignity, and love aren’t weight-dependent.

    “This is not a makeover story, it’s a wake-up call,” said Dhatwalia. “She doesn’t beg for love or bend to fit in. Through Bhavya, we’re calling out every rishta rejection, every backhanded compliment, every ‘you’d be so pretty if…’ that plus-size women have been swallowing for years. There couldn’t have been a better launchpad than Colors.”

    Vohra admitted, “Rishank isn’t your typical hero. He’s fit, opinionated, and buys into the ‘looks are everything’ mindset. He’s flawed, and he’s got a long way to go. But that’s what makes him real. Meri Bhavya Life is a mirror to our world—it challenges every stereotype in the book.”

    As Bhavya and Rishank’s lives clash and slowly intertwine, the show delves deep into the meaning of worth and love in a world built on superficial standards. With drama, heart, and plenty of social bite, Meri Bhavya Life looks set to stir more than just primetime ratings.

  • Star Utsav snatches crown from Dangal in FTA showdown

    Star Utsav snatches crown from Dangal in FTA showdown

    MUMBAI: Star Utsav has stormed back into the Free-to-Air (FTA) arena, snatching the No. 1 spot from long-time leader Dangal and catapulting itself to fourth place overall across the Hindi-speaking market, both pay and FTA, in urban and rural India.

    Having rejoined DD Free Dish on 1 April, Star Utsav wasted no time making its presence felt—reaching 111 million viewers within just 11 days of its comeback.  The channel says it managed to get 102 GRPs against Dangal’s 97 in BARC week 14 HSM U+R.

    With heavy-hitters like RadhaKrishn, Rabba Ve, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, the channel seems to have found its old rhythm and then some.

    “Star Utsav has risen to become the new  no1 FTA channel, ushering in a transformative era in Hindi entertainment. This is just the beginning of a revolution in FTA television, reshaping India’s viewing habits for the future,” said the network’s advertising sales team in a post on Linkedin.

    The timing couldn’t be better. With rising data costs, patchy rural internet, and pricey pay-TV packs, FTA TV is looking more attractive than ever. Add to that a boom in electrification and cheaper TV sets, and it’s a recipe for ratings gold.

    The return of legacy FTA giants—Star Utsav, Sony Pal, Colors Rishtey and Zee Anmol—has breathed new life into DD Free Dish, Prasar Bharati’s free DTH service. As per the FICCI-EY report, FTA homes are set to rise from 49 million in 2024 to 57 million by 2030. And with ad revenues already north of Rs 2,000 crore, there’s more than just eyeballs at stake.

    Star Utsav’s re-entry has shaken up the pecking order—and with more homes plugging in every year, the FTA slugfest has only just begun.

  • NDTV Marathi turns one and kicks off anniversary with power-packed Manch in Mumbai

    NDTV Marathi turns one and kicks off anniversary with power-packed Manch in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: NDTV Marathi isn’t just blowing out a birthday candle—it’s lighting a bonfire of ideas. As it marks one year of programming, the channel is launching the inaugural edition of its flagship event, NDTV Marathi Manch – Celebrating Unstoppable Maharashtra, on 23 April 2025, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

    This isn’t your average panel parade. The conclave aligns with two key milestones—the 100 year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the 100-day mark of the current Maharashtra government. A timely intersection of past, present, and what’s coming next.

    The event will feature a heavyweight guest list: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Cabinet minister Ashish Shelar, and Civil Aviation minister Murlidhar Mohol. With political muscle and public attention locked in, the conclave aims to provoke, inspire, and perhaps even unsettle.

    The NDTV Marathi Manch 2025 promises a mix of keynotes, fireside chats, and panel punch-ups tackling everything from digital innovation to climate chaos, startup culture to rural growth. It will also dig into Maharashtra’s evolving identity in a world that’s moving faster than Mumbai traffic.

    The goal?

    Build a stage where the state’s dynamic youth, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and cultural voices meet not just to talk, but to roadmap a “Viksit Bharat”.

    “NDTV Marathi Manch will not only spark crucial statewide conversations but will also contribute significantly to shaping the narrative for tomorrow’s Maharashtra,” the channel said in its announcement.

    As NDTV Marathi completes its first lap, it’s doubling down on what made the ride matter: fearless storytelling, regional pulse, and giving the mic to those who move the state forward. The Manch isn’t just an event—it’s a statement.

     

  • Abby Awards ropes in Francesco Poletti to judge young creative mavericks

    Abby Awards ropes in Francesco Poletti to judge young creative mavericks

    MUMBAI: The Ad Club has brought Italian flair to Goafest 2025, appointing Le Pub Publicis Italy CCO Francesco Poletti as international jury chair for the Abby Awards powered by One Show. Poletti will oversee judging in the Young Maverick Abby category, promising an exciting touch of creativity seasoned with his signature boldness.

    Currently Le Pub Publicis Italy’s CCO, Poletti previously showcased his creative prowess at VMLY&R and Jung von Matt. His quick rise at VMLY&R to the CCO role within two years marked him as a standout creative force.

    Known for notable campaigns for global brands like Barilla, Heineken, and Netflix, Poletti’s award cabinet boasts multiple Cannes Lions, including Grand Prix wins, along with several coveted Pencils from D&AD and One Show. His iconic ‘Rocking Mamas’ campaign for Rolling Stone continues to resonate globally.

    The Abby Awards, a cornerstone of Goafest, India’s premier advertising festival, will run from 21-23 May 2025, at the plush Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon. This annual event is a joint effort by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club.

    With Poletti leading the creative charge, Abby Awards 2025 promises to spotlight groundbreaking ideas from India’s freshest advertising talents.