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Category: GECs

  • India’s M&E sector tipped for third place, Vaz declares at FICCI Frames curtain raiser

    India’s M&E sector tipped for third place, Vaz declares at FICCI Frames curtain raiser

    MUMBAI: JioStar chief executive officer -entertainment business TV & digital and chairperson of the Ficci media and entertainment committee Kevin Vaz, kicked off the Ficci Frames curtain raiser with a bullish assessment of the nation’s entertainment sector, predicting it will be the third largest globally by 2028. He unveiled the 25th edition of the Ficci IEY M&E Report 2025, the industry’s official bible, amidst a flurry of industry heavyweights.

    “We are not an ‘OR’ market, but an ‘AND’ market,” Vaz declared, emphasising the co-existence of television and digital platforms. “Television will grow from 190 million households in 2024 to 214 million households by 2026, while digital platforms continue to soar.” A rather tidy bit of growth, one might say.

    He highlighted India’s global clout, citing Cannes and Oscar wins, and its emergence as a VFX powerhouse. Southern cinema, he noted, has reached “unprecedented heights,” showcasing some rather grand storytelling.

    Sports, particularly the IPL, is driving content consumption like a runaway train. “IPL 2025…it will be exciting to see how it reaches new heights and break records across both TV and digital platforms once again,” Vaz quipped, clearly anticipating a right royal viewership bonanza. He reported the 2024 IPL reached 525 million viewers on TV and a staggering 550-600 million on streaming platforms.

    OTT, he asserted, is set to become a “major force,” while television remains the “bedrock,” commanding over 30 per cent of the market. A rather sturdy foundation, then.

    Vaz welcomed industry luminaries including Sylvie Forbin, Gaurav Dwivedi, Ashish Pherwani, Arjun Nohwar and Munjal Shroff. He also plugged the Best Animated Frames (BAF) Awards, adding a touch of animated flair to the proceedings.

    “Let’s celebrate our achievements and the exciting opportunities ahead,” Vaz concluded, urging attendees to engage in discussions that would “propel the Indian M&E sector to the global stage.”

  • Tech Maven Kinnari Dave gets business head role at Shemaroo

    Tech Maven Kinnari Dave gets business head role at Shemaroo

    MUMBAI: Tech and product evangelist Kinnari Dave has bagged the business head role at  Shemaroo Entertainment after a steady three-year climb through the ranks.

    The digital diva, who previously served as deputy vice president of product and innovation, has been handed the keys to the kingdom just as the entertainment giant battles fierce headwinds in the streaming wars.

    Dave’s elevation comes after nearly six years with the legacy entertainment powerhouse, where she’s been busy transforming dusty catalogues into digital gold. 

    Before joining Shemaroo’s executive ranks, Dave spent over four years as product head at Hungama, another entertainment platform that was once the darling of the pre-Netflix era. Her digital pedigree stretches back to 2013 when she was part of the startup team at Indus OS, India’s homegrown mobile operating system that dared to challenge Google’s Android dominance.

    The tech veteran’s career has taken her through the trenches of mobile gaming at Mobile2win and even a stint flogging digital cameras for Olympus—back when people still bought dedicated devices to take holiday snaps.

    Dave’s promotion signals Shemaroo’s doubling down on digital transformation as traditional entertainment companies scramble to remain relevant in an increasingly crowded streaming marketplace. With skills spanning from AWS architecture to the nebulous realms of Web3 and generative AI, Dave represents Shemaroo’s bet on a tech-first future.

  • CID goes to toon town: Sony YAY! brings teenage sleuths to the small screen

    CID goes to toon town: Sony YAY! brings teenage sleuths to the small screen

    MUMBAI: Move over Inspector Pradyuman, there’s a new investigative squad in town – and they’ve barely finished their homework in their high school notebooks! Sony Yay! is set to unleash its animated blockbuster CID Squad on 17 March, giving India’s beloved crime franchise a cheeky teenage makeover.

    In a plot twist that would make even Dr Salunkhe raise an eyebrow, the series transforms our favourite sleuths into a band of tech-savvy teenagers. Gone are the days of Daya, darwaza todo! – this new Daya is more likely to break firewalls than doors, reimagined as a gutsy young coder with a knack for digital detective work.

    The fresh-faced crew includes 16-year-old Abhijeet, whose sharp memory would put a supercomputer to shame, and young Fredricks bringing the laughs while keeping the team’s spirits high. Meanwhile, Inspector Pradyuman, now a sprightly 25-year-old, leads this band of teenage crime-fighters with the same signature style – just with fewer grey hairs.

    “This isn’t your grandmother’s CID,” quips  Sony’s kids and animation business head. Ambesh Tiwari. “We’re targeting the first Cartoon Network generation who’ve grown up to be parents. They get animation, and they’re ready for something revolutionary.”

    Ambesh Tiwari

    The series, produced by Toonz Animation with a dash of European flair from Ireland’s Telegael studio and music composers  Gigi Meroni and Saveiro Rapezzi, promises to tackle thoroughly modern mysteries. 

    Forget about missing jewels – these young detectives are cracking cases involving self-driving cars and artificial intelligence, with a helping hand from Dr Salunkhe, now re-imagined as a mechanical wizard running a scrap shop.

    With 26 episodes in the bag, each running 22 minutes, the show will hit the screen in six Indian languages – Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bangla, and Marathi.

    “Think of it as ‘Sherlock Holmes meets Teen Titans’, but with a distinctly desi flavour,” Tiwari says with a grin, adding that the audience for the show is going to cross national boundaries and go way beyond India.  

    “The intent is to create a global property which will be syndicated across the world, with India being a sizable market. It may even be acquired by a major OTT platform where primarily adults will watch it. CID is a massive IP, and we want to take it forward in a new format.” 

    He reveals that CID Squad  is only the first step that Sony is taking in its animation journey in India; the idea is to create many more properties once it  turns out to be hit that it is expected to become.  
     
    “Look at Pixar – its IPs like Toy Story have thrived for decades. Animation requires one major global hit, and it can generate revenue for 20 to 30 years. CID Squad is our first step towards creating such properties. The investment in this project is substantial, but we expect to recover it soon,” he elucidates. 

    Sponsors have already hitched on the CID Squad  van and are taking a ride with inspector Pradyuman’s  investigating crew: Quickheal and PediaSure are a couple of the brand names that have popped up on the promo as co-powered by partners. 

    And if you’re still wondering whether this new squad can fill the original team’s shoes, Sony Yay! is quite sure they can and is betting big on it. After all, when you’ve got teenage detectives, cutting-edge tech, and a dash of nostalgia, who needs a broken door?

  • Zeel CEO Punit Goenka’s wife and son help increase promoter stake in the firm

    Zeel CEO Punit Goenka’s wife and son help increase promoter stake in the firm

    MUMBAI: He has been saying that the promoters are keen to increase their shareholding, so confident are they of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd’s (Zeel’s) prospects.  And the family of Zeel CEO Punit Goenka is backing him to the hilt, if one goes by a Reuters report which said that the family has acquired 0.29 per cent Zeel shares at a price of Rs 27 crore. The company disclosed this to the stock exchanges through a regulatory filing on Thursday.

    Goenka’s wife Shreyasi bought 13,83,500 securities worth around Rs 13.46 crore (0.14 per cent of shareholding), while Goenka’s son Udayan bought 14,15,450 securities also worth around Rs 13.46 crore (0.15 per cent of shareholding). Earlier, the promoter family held  3.99 per cent stake in Zeel. The promoter shareholding has now increased to 4.28 per cent following the share purchase, the Reuters report stated.

    (Picture courtesy: Shreyasi Jain Goenka’s  Facebook account)

  • JioHotstar’s divine stream sets records with Mahashivratri spectacle

    JioHotstar’s divine stream sets records with Mahashivratri spectacle

    MUMBAI: Faith met the future as JioHotstar’s Mahashivratri: The Divine Night drew millions into a 15-hour spiritual odyssey, blending tradition with technology on an unprecedented scale. With 3.9 crore views and 21.8 crore minutes of watch time, the live-streamed spectacle turned smartphones into temples, allowing devotees to experience rituals, mythology, music, and meditation from the comfort of their homes.

    More than just a broadcast, JioHotstar’s multi-stream format brought viewers into the heart of India’s grandest celebrations. Over 20 live aartis from revered Jyotirlingas, spiritual discourses from Isha Yoga Centre and Art of Living, and soul-stirring performances by Sona Mohapatra and rapper Narci created an immersive, interactive experience. Fans could switch between temple feeds, listen to mythological narratives, or engage in real-time chanting and live Q&A sessions—transforming passive viewing into active participation.

    JioStar CEO-sports Sanjog Gupta called it a game-changer in digital storytelling. “JioHotstar is redefining live-streaming by making shared cultural moments more immersive. Mahashivratri: The Divine Night proved that technology can deepen our collective experience of faith. And this is just the beginning.”

    Brands, too, found their place in this sacred digital gathering, with JK Super Cement, Country Delight, Nirma Advanced Detergent, and Denver tapping into the high-engagement potential of live-streamed cultural events. With Mahashivratri: The Divine Night, JioHotstar has unlocked a new frontier where tradition meets technology, proving that devotion, like digital experiences, has no boundaries. 

  • Zindagi DTH celebrates women’s month with iconic female-led dramas

    Zindagi DTH celebrates women’s month with iconic female-led dramas

    MUMBAI: March isn’t just another month—it’s a time to celebrate resilience, strength, and the captivating stories of women who dare to defy norms. And what better way to do that than with an electrifying lineup of women-led dramas? Zindagi DTH is rolling out an unforgettable selection of shows under the theme Mein Aur Meri Dastaan, featuring powerhouse performances, gripping narratives, and female protagonists who refuse to fade into the background.

    Leading the charge is Pani Jaisa Pyaar, a drama that dives deep into love, sacrifice, and destiny. Starring Saba Qamar, Mikaal Zulfiqar, and Ahsan Khan, this poignant tale follows Sana, a young woman torn between societal expectations and personal dreams. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as her journey of resilience and heartbreak unfolds on 18 March 2025.

    For those who love a good mix of heartbreak and hope, the fan-favourite Mere Humsafar makes a grand return. Starring Hania Aamir and Farhan Saeed, this tearjerker follows Hala, a woman navigating life’s challenges while searching for her place in the world. Prepare to be mesmerised as the drama airs on 16 March 2025, in Zindagi’s Jashn-e-Superstar slot.

    Adding some lighthearted yet thought-provoking drama to the mix is Kuch Ankahi, featuring the dynamic duo Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas. This modern drama balances career struggles, relationships, and the evolving role of women in society, all while maintaining a refreshing touch of humour. Available for streaming from 9 March 2025, this is one comeback you won’t want to miss.

    Talking about her role in Mere Humsafar, Aamir shared, “Playing Hala has been an emotional and thrilling journey. Her resilience, strength, and ability to find hope in the darkest times mirror the spirit of so many women around the world. I’m honoured to be part of a story that continues to resonate with audiences and celebrate perseverance.”

    But that’s not all. The celebration of women continues with even more riveting dramas: Inkar, starring Yumna Zaidi and Imran Ashraf, streaming from 15 March 2025; Baaghi, led by the unstoppable Saba Qamar, airing on 22 March 2025; and Ayesha, starring Yasra Rizvi and Sarmad Khoosat, hitting screens on 9 and 23 March 2025.

    Catch all these iconic dramas exclusively on Zindagi DTH or head over to Zindagi’s Youtube channel for a binge-worthy experience. This women’s month, brace yourself for powerful stories that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of women.

  • Punit Goenka: “I am focused on bringing back the original Zee way of working, with 20 per cent margins”

    Punit Goenka: “I am focused on bringing back the original Zee way of working, with 20 per cent margins”

    MUMBAI: Punit Goenka, chief executive of Zee Entertainment, has weathered a storm of challenges during his five-year tenure at the helm of the once-dominant Indian media powerhouse. From offloading stakes to resolve debt issues and battling with major shareholder Invesco, to the spectacular collapse of the Sony merger and facing scrutiny from market regulator SEBI, Goenka’s career has resembled something of a corporate soap opera – perhaps befitting for a man who runs a television empire.

    Despite seeing the company’s value plummet from Rs 40,000 crore to less than Rs 10,000 crore and losing his board position, the embattled executive remains undeterred in his mission to revive the struggling media giant, in an interview he gave to the BusinessLine newspaper.

    “I have always treated myself as a professional promoter,” said Goenka, explaining his continued dedication despite now holding less than four per cent stake in the company. “I could have just sat at home and enjoyed my dividends,” he quipped, though one imagines those dividends are considerably smaller these days.

    Reflecting on past decisions, Goenka acknowledged he might have approached Zee’s digital transformation differently. “I would have probably invested in Zee5 in a more staggered manner,” he admitted, suggesting his “entrepreneurial mindset” may have led to over-investment in anticipation of the ill-fated Sony merger.

    Despite industry challenges, Goenka reports having increased EBITDA margins from 10 per cent to 16 per cent over the past year – “60 per cent growth in profitability is not a small task,” he noted, with the subtle pride of a man who would very much like to keep his job. 

    “The industry is bound to grow at 10 per cent CAGR. It may happen in six months or it may take a year or so more. But it is bound to happen. And this market is going to be television AND digital. It will not be an OR market,” he said.

    When questioned about competing with deep-pocketed rivals like Netflix and Jio, Goenka maintained that Zee’s strategy focuses on ideas rather than extravagant budgets. “Fortunately for me, I don’t need deep pockets,” he claimed, in what might be the understatement of the year given the company’s current market position.

    As for his future strategy, Goenka aims to position Zee as a “content and tech company” while targeting a return to 20 per cent profit margins. “Even today, at 16 per cent, I can confidently say that we are amongst the best in class on margins, compared to anyone else in the industry. FY25 was a year to get our cost optimisation in place. Before that, we were scaling the company for a merger. In that situation, a lot of our costs got inflated. Plus, we had one-time costs of the merger itself. So in FY25, we spent the first six to eight  months trying to prune all the costs and bring it back to the original Zee way of working, which we have successfully done, and now our focus is purely on growth.” 

    Whether he can successfully navigate the company back to its former prominence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – in the entertainment business, everyone loves a comeback story.

  • JioStar names Purnajit Gupta as executive director of human resources – entertainment

    JioStar names Purnajit Gupta as executive director of human resources – entertainment

    MUMBAI: Purnajit Gupta has joined JioStar as executive director of human resources for its entertainment business, encompassing television, studio and digital operations in Mumbai.

    Gupta shifted from Disney Star India, where he served as executive director of HR for sports and regional networks. Prior to Disney, he held senior HR roles at Star TV Network for nearly six years, rising to vice president of HR for Star Sports.

    His previous experience includes leadership positions at Abbott India as director of HR, Piramal Healthcare as general manager of HR, and brief stints at Diageo India and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.

  • Zee gets thumbs up on ESG from S&P; leads media sector in ESG rankings

    Zee gets thumbs up on ESG from S&P; leads media sector in ESG rankings

    MUMBAI: Even as certain government bodies are investigating Zee Entertainment for lack of transparency and for misuse of corporate funds in India, a global rating provider S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment has given it a score of 44, placing it among the top 10 per cent of global media companies and well above the industry average of 20. 

    Ironical is it not? A prophet is not recognised in his own country, but is venerated elsewhere.

    The Indian media powerhouse recorded a 16-point improvement from 2023, reaching the 93rd percentile in the global media, movies and  entertainment sector. The company achieved top marks in transparency and reporting, whilst scoring above the 90th percentile in business ethics, cybersecurity, labour practices, and customer relations.

    “Sustainable growth remains key to driving long-term success”, said Zee CEO Punit Goenka,  emphasising the company’s focus on environmental sustainability and governance frameworks.

    The assessment evaluated Zee’s management of material ESG risks through company disclosures, stakeholder analysis, and detailed corporate engagement. The score reflects Zee’s enhanced commitment to responsible business practices as it seeks to maintain its position as a leading entertainment provider in Asia’s third-largest economy.

     

  • Prime minister Modi chairs celeb laden Waves advisory panel meeting

    Prime minister Modi chairs celeb laden Waves advisory panel meeting

    MUMBAI: It’s happening. It’s not. It’s postponed. It’s not. With all the confusion going around prime minister Narendra Modi’s  pet project to promote India as a cultural and entertainment capital, Waves, he has decided to take the bull by the horns by himself.

    He had a meeting with the Waves advisory board on 7 February with minister Ashwni Vaishnaw in attendance. The meeting was conducted under the umbrella of Meity. Among those included in the video call figured: Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Anupam Kher, Ted Sarandos, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Shekar Kapur, Anand Mahindra, Hema Malini, Chiranjeevi, Mithun Chakravarty, Ekta Kapoor and many other celebrities.

    Let’s hope, some consensus was arrived at this time to avoid the embarrassments that two date changes have brought to Waves, to the ministry of information and broadcasting and to the country as a whole. .