Mumbai: News24 has brought in Mayur Aggarwal as vice president of sales.
In his role, Aggarwal will be responsible for leading the company’s sales efforts, developing and executing effective sales strategies, and driving revenue growth.
Aggarwal has an experience of over 17 years. Prior to this, he has been in various roles at Zee Media, NDTV, Zee Entertainment & Times Television.
Mumbai: Zee Marathi announces the comeback of one of its chat shows “Khupte Tithe Gupte” after a hiatus of 10 years. The much-loved show is all set to mark its return with a game-changing element: “a special chair”. Avdhoot Gupte will be seen hosting the show and astounding the guests seated in this chair by posing probing questions that are designed to unsettle them.
With a stellar lineup of celebrities, the show will feature prominent politician Raj Thackeray and versatile actor Shreyas Talpade as its inaugural guests. The show’s tagline, ‘Ata Khupnaar Nahi Tochnar’ (It will not only prick but also poke you), promises an engaging experience for both guests and viewers alike.
Speaking about the comeback of the show, ZEEL chief growth officer-Ad sales Ashish Sehgal said, “Khupte Tithe Gupte is an iconic talk show in the Marathi entertainment industry. As such, I am delighted at its return on Zee Marathi on popular demand from both viewers as well as advertisers. With a superlative line-up of celebrity guests in this season, I am confident that it will continue to earn the love of audiences and maintain its legacy as the foremost chat show in the industry. I am also extremely pleased to once again welcome Cotton King as the Presenting sponsor for Khupte Tithe Gupte, which has been associated with the show since its very first season.”
Talking about the show, ZEEL chief cluster officer – North, West and premium channels Amit Shah said, “Zee Marathi has a long-standing legacy in Maharashtra, creating IPs that resonate deeply with our viewers. We take pride in being a brand that consistently delivers impactful content offerings. We are glad to bring one of our most-watched shows “Khupte Tithe Gupte,” after a decade. The talk show stirred conversations and high engagement for the channel 10 years ago and we are overwhelmed by the immediate response being received on its return. This season has been crafted with utmost dedication, pouring our heart and soul into every aspect, be it the impressive guestlist or innovative elements like introducing the “Chair.” With this show, we aim to continue creating memorable moments for our viewers and reinforce Zee Marathi’s position as the ultimate destination for exceptional content.”
Zee Marathi has consistently delivered a well-balanced content mix earning the appreciation of sponsors. The return of this show has been met with overwhelming support from brands that stands as a testament to the program and channel’s equity. With the launch of Season 3, brands have once again demonstrated their enthusiasm towards the show.
Cotton King director Kaushik Marathe said, “Cotton King has been associated with Zee Marathi for the last 15 years. In fact, we started our TV campaigns with Zee Marathi. Khupte Tithe Gupte was and remains the most awaited show on Marathi TV because of its format and its host Avdhoot Gupte. The flamboyance and bindaas attitude that Avdhoot Gupte brings to the table adds a spark to the show! Cotton King was associated with the first season of Khupte Tithe Gupte which led to the brand growing leaps and bounds through the exposure received on this show. We hope that Khupte Tithe Gupte witnesses’ success as it is coming back after a very long time.”
Anuroop Wiwaha Sanstha managing director Dr. Gauri Kanitkar said, “Anuroop and Zee Marathi have a longstanding connection that spans over a decade. Throughout this time, both brands have progressed in unison and have held a significant influence over the Marathi community. Programs such as ‘Khupte Tithe Gupte’ hold a special place in our hearts. The show not only provides delightful entertainment but also delves into the personal development, ideology, and transformation of the guest participant. Being associated with a show that offers meaningful content to the audience brings us great joy, and we extend our best wishes to Zee Marathi for its continued success!”
Mumbai: – adidas, the official kit sponsor of the Indian cricket team, has unveiled the new national team jerseys to be worn across all three formats of the game. The new kit will be debuted by the India Men’s team during the upcoming World Test Championship Final and then worn by the Men, Women & Youth teams across upcoming ODI, T20 & Test fixtures.
adidas confirmed their partnership with the BCCI, marking a new era in Indian cricket. With the exclusive rights for designing and manufacturing jerseys, kits, and other merchandise for Indian Men’s, Women’s, and U-19 teams, the new partnership gives adidas the opportunity to bring their innovative designs and expertise to cricket on the biggest stage.
The Indian jersey showcases the rich heritage and craftsmanship of India. The new ODI jersey represents the raw power, fierce beauty, and undeniable strength of India’s national animal – the tiger. The intricate design adorning the fabric is weaved using the traditional ikat pattern, bringing to life the tiger’s stripes and capturing the aura of Indian cricket.
For the first time, the authentic T20, Test & ODI jerseys to be worn by the Indian Cricket Team have been made with 100 per cent recycled materials. It also features adidas’ HEAT.RDY – an innovative lightweight fabric that maximizes airflow to keep the players cool while performing.
To bring to life the new designs adidas have launched a 360-marketing campaign across digital, social, print and OOH platforms. Created by India’s newest indie agency – Fundamental- the campaign features a short film starring Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Smriti Mandhana, Renuka Singh Thakur alongside passionate fans all attempting to answer a seemingly simple question – “What does the Indian cricket team jersey mean to you?”. Shot across the country, the film depicts the unwavering love and unmatched pride for the jersey that every fan and player feel. The film will be complemented by a range of striking portrait photography that showcases the top national players proudly revealing the new jerseys.
Commenting on the partnership and the iconic team India jerseys, adidas India GM Neelendra Singh said, “Our partnership with the BCCI is testament to our strong core belief underpinning ‘Impossible Is Nothing’ We are proud to present the new Indian cricket team jerseys and look forward to seeing our players create iconic moments in the 3 stripes. Through our partnership with the BCCI, we look forward to providing access and the opportunity to all cricket fans to proudly don the colours of their beloved team. Our aim is to redefine the landscape of jersey culture in India.”
adidas India senior director Sunil Gupta celebrated this moment and shared, “At adidas, we are committed to providing our athletes with the most innovative & best-in-class products to help them perform at the highest level. The campaign is based on a simple insight that while it’s hard to describe your feelings for the team India jersey, when you wear it as a player or a fan, you feel just one thing, Impossible Is Nothing!”
The jerseys will be available at three price points: Rs 4999- match jersey, Rs 2999- replica jersey and Rs 999- fan jersey. Through these multiple price points, adidas aims to revolutionise the jersey culture in India by making them affordable and accessible to every cricket fan in the country, as they cheer for the team they love.
Mumbai: Sony YAY!’s The Giant Wheel Festival in Mumbai, opened the first weekend with an astounding turnout of close to 5,000 people. The event is expected to witness a footfall of over 10,000 people through the week, until its finale on 11 June.
The festival is a ticket to celebrate the endless excitement and adventure with the YAY! toons, for its audiences through an immersive interaction with their favourite YAY! toons and engage in fun thematic experiences that are planned at the event. Not just this, audiences also get to meet and interact with popular celebs like Karishma Kapoor, Kishwar Merchant, Mahi Vij etc., along with their favourite superhero – Spiderman.
With such a great response for the Giant Wheel Festival at the Dublin Square Phoenix Marketcity – Mumbai, the first weekend of the festival proved to be a great success.
Sony YAY! marketing, communications & OAP head Sujoy Roy Bardhan said, “We curated The Giant Wheel Festival with an objective to further build the experience of ‘Happyverse’ for kids. With kids and families turning up in overwhelming numbers to experience the festival, we are looking forward to having the same excitement through the coming weekend.”
Phoenix Malls VP – marketing Mayank Lalpuriya stated, “We are thrilled with the response we received on the first weekend of The Giant Wheel Festival. At Phoenix Marketcity, our constant endeavor is to create unparalleled experiences for children and families. It brings us great joy to collaborate with Sony YAY! on this immersive and exciting project.”
Mumbai: Star Gold is thrilled to present the World TV Premiere of Yash Raj Films’ record-breaking blockbuster Pathaan, on 18 June at 8 pm. The action thriller produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Siddharth Anand is the fourth instalment in the fabled YRF’s Spy Universe, featuring the country’s biggest superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.
Indian RAW agent “Pathaan” (Khan) gets to know of a major impending attack against India, mounted by a mercenary group led by a former RAW agent Jim (Abraham) who has turned rogue after he was wronged by his own people. An agent, Rubai (Padukone) becomes a part of the mission and has her loyalties questioned at several junctures. With the doomsday clock ticking away, Pathaan must fight multiple betrayals as he takes on Jim.
Speaking about the World TV Premiere, Khan said, “Pathaan has received tremendous love from all over the world, and it would be just fantastic to reach out now to an even wider audience as the film premieres on Star Gold on 18 June, 8pm (IST). Pathaan is a complete entertainment package that never lets the pace down. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the secret agent with John and Deepika as my frenemies.”
Talking about Pathaan and the response it received, Padukone said, “With Pathaan, we set out to make a film with love. Breaking records was never the intention. The response since, has been beyond overwhelming. And now we’re thrilled that the film will have its World TV Premiere on Star Gold on 18 June at 8pm (IST).”
Abraham, who plays a rogue agent in the film, said, “Pathaan is a roller coaster ride for the audience, and has excellent production values and music. I had a blast playing the antagonist, who had no qualms about his ruthless revenge plans. It was delightful to be a co-star with SRK and Deepika. I’m excited for its TV Premiere on 18 June at 8pm (IST) where audiences can watch the movie with their family.”
Anand was thrilled with the film’s success, said, “A film with YRF is always special, and I am eternally grateful that the film has garnered so much love from the audience. Now I look forward to the biggest medium to reach audiences with the TV Premiere of Pathaan on Star Gold on 18 June at 8pm (IST).”
“Pathaan has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping storyline and exceptional performances. As the highest-grossing Hindi movie of all time, it has left a lasting impression on the audience. We are thrilled to bring the World TV Premiere of Pathaan to our viewers on Star Gold, offering them the opportunity to experience this blockbuster in the comfort of their own homes. This action-packed extravaganza promises to be a complete entertainment package for the entire family, showcasing the unparalleled talent and captivating entertainment that Pathaan has to offer,” said a Star Gold spokesperson. “We have seen an excellent advertiser response for the Blockbuster World TV Premieres on the channel. We are quite excited to see a high level of advertiser interest to be associated with Pathaan given its strong star cast, box office performance and avenues for brand engagement,” he added.
Pathaan’s World TV Premiere on Star Gold promises to be a complete entertainment package for the entire family, so don’t miss the chance to catch this all-time blockbuster.
Mumbai: As the media landscape across the globe stares at uncertainties that come with disruptive technologies such as generative AI and ChatGPT, India’s Network18 group, that runs a clutch of news channels, digital platforms among others, is seeking to utilise the opportunity to transform itself into a media-tech conglomerate.
The group is now turning over a new leaf. Some of its tech focused digital first products such as Moneycontrol and Firstpost are already breaking the mould.
Network18 now wants to replicate the same for its other platforms such as CNBCTV18 and News18 channels.
In the last few months, the group has made significant progress in unifying its digital and broadcast teams across editorial, business and operations.
As part of this process, the group’s broadcast and digital news operations are being converged, keeping technology at the core of it. From story planning to content consumption on any and every device, the company’s goal is to deliver a top-class experience and conceptualise solutions that will enrich the story-telling experience, paint a picture of audiences in granular detail and help customers to attain maximum value.
Hiring Diverse Talent
With some recent appointments, Network18 has marked a departure from regular practices of recruiting talent from the same Industry. The company is building its tech strength by roping in resources from diverse sectors such as big tech, startups etc.
A few months ago, it hired 5paisa Capital’s Ankit Fitkariwala to add new dimensions to Moneycontrol, one of the leading finance platforms globally both in terms of subscribers and users.
Last week, Network18 announced the appointment of Sunil Sharma as chief product & technology officer.
In this new role, Sharma will lead the group’s digital technology initiatives, including tech architecture, content, data and monetisation management tools, software and product engineering for all general and business news brands under the group’s umbrella.
He will focus on disruptive technologies such as generative AI to improve processes, develop audiences, localise stories and distribute content efficiently.
Sharma brings with him over two decades of ‘Big Tech’ experience in software product development across sectors such as telecom, retail, media streaming and EdTech businesses. Prior to joining Network18, Sharma was vice president of Engineering at Byju’s, where he spearheaded customer experience and customer support technology initiatives. Before that, he served at Amazon for over seven years, making notable contributions in retail, logistics, and Prime Video.
“Everything we do, every step we take should push the company towards a tech and product-driven play. We don’t have to leapfrog just the competition but also extend and enhance the news category with digital led technology and product play. Hiring of diverse talent is a step in this direction. We have a much more diversified talent pool than any other media company and we’ll continue to invest and build on this,” said a top executive at Network18.
Mumbai: Over the last three decades, Zee TV has introduced viewers to some exciting non-fiction formats like Antakshari, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Dance India Dance, and India’s Best Dramebaaz. These properties have not only emerged as immensely popular, talent-based reality television franchises, but they continue to rule the audience’s hearts and enjoy a robust following even in the current context. After the raging success of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs last year, Zee TV’s longest-running, iconic, and by far the most prestigious singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is back to give the nation’s aspiring singers an opportunity to present their melodious voices and build an extraordinary career in the world of music.
So, if you are 15 years and above and think you have what it takes to become the next big singing sensation by participating in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2023, then all you need to do is send your audition clips to this WhatsApp number – 8850690758 / 8850626157 or give a missed call on 9930000323.
The show, in its previous seasons, has been instrumental in discovering some of the finest gems of India’s music fraternity including Shreya Ghoshal, Kunal Ganjawala, Kamal Khan, Amanat Ali, Raja Hassan, Sanjeevani and Bela Shende amongst many others. And this year again, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2023 is all set to give a platform to some of India’s finest singing talent identified by the most discerning ears of the music industry. This season, the channel will try to scour every corner of the country, in search of the most exceptional voices. So, make sure you register and ensure that your voice is heard!
Viewers can look forward to witnessing the emergence of some truly exceptional individuals whose impeccable vocal skills will enthrall the audience. But participation will only be possible for the contestants in the age group of 15 years and above.
Mumbai: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Sony Pictures Networks India has taken the opportunity to highlight the significance of sustainability efforts in the M&E space through a social media post.
Here’s a glimpse of SPNI’s eco-action undertaken for an upcoming show being filmed at the locales of Manali, where SPNI partnered with Pradeep Sangwan and his team at Healing Himalayas to reduce their footprint by segregating waste and reducing food wastage. For this shoot, the crew was successful in diverting over 1350 kgs of waste from landfills and the usage of over 10,000 plastic bottles was mitigated. The initiative also got on-board artists including Neena Gupta, Ratna Pathak Shah among others to share their sentiments on the media and entertainment industry’s step towards Zero Waste Production.
With a goal to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill, SPNI has implemented a comprehensive waste management approach for both the organisation as well as its content production teams. In Mumbai, SPNI is associated with G.A.M.E (Greening Advertising Media Entertainment) as the sustainability consulting partner, as part of the initiative for the various shows filmed in the city.
Mumbai: Taking the legacy of recognising commendable work in various sectors like corporate, education, health & wellness, and real estate & Infrastructure to the international platform, Lokmat Media Group has announced the first edition of ‘Lokmat International Awards’ in Dubai. The group is a leading media company with interests in a diversified portfolio of publishing, broadcast, digital, entertainment, and community building. Lokmat Media Group publishes India’s number one Marathi daily Lokmat, Lokmat Samachar, and Lokmat Times with a combined readership of 2.56 cr (source: All India, total readership, IRS 2019, Q4).
After successful, innovative and ground-breaking events in India, Lokmat intends to widen its horizon by going international and this year Lokmat hosted the first ever Lokmat International Awards in Dubai spread over two days of 28 and 29 May 2023 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.
The grand launch of the first edition witnessed the presence of eminent personalities as the guest of honour which includes Maharashtra cabinet minister for forests & cultural affairs, Sudhir Mungantiwar; Lokmat Media Group editor-in-chief Rajendra Darda; Danube Group, Dubai chairman Rizwan Sajan; Dubai Sports City partner Abdul Rahman Falaknaz; Maharashtra State Minority Commission Ex. Chairman(Cabinet minister Status) president, BJP transport cell president, All India Sufi Board Haji Arfat Shaikh; Al Adil Group chairman Dhananjay Datar; Nikai Group (UAE) chairman Paras Shahdadpuri; Mulk International (UAE) chairman Shaji Ul Mulk; NB Ventures (UAE) MD Neelesh Bhatnagar; Siroya Jewellers LLP (UAE) Chandraprakash Siroya and Aries Group (UAE) founder & chairman Sohan Roy.
Speaking at the launch of Lokmat International awards, Lokmat media group editor-in-chief Rajendra Darda said, “Lokmat media group is always committed to recognizing and encouraging good work in various fields. It’s our responsibility to give a push to such work for the betterment of our society and nation. After many successful events in India, we took this platform to an international level. And I am excited to announce the very well execution of the first edition of Lokmat International awards on the centenary birth anniversary of my father late Jawaharlal Darda ji”
The evening became more mesmerising with the red-carpet entry of Bollywood actress Nushrratt Bharuccha; Marathi Actor, Swapnil Joshi, Marathi actress, Prarthana Behere, and the performance of well know singer Ali Quli Mirza.
During the interview at the Lokmat international awards platform, Bollywood actress Nushrratt Bharuccha generously talked about her career journey and said, “To start with something, we all need a platform and an opportunity to showcase our ability. My story is as similar as to others. I always try to do justice to every single opportunity I get believing it could be my last opportunity. And that gives me the strength to perform so well.”
The awards were given under four categories which are corporate excellence, real estate, and infrastructure, education, and health & wellness.
Mumbai: Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor has said, he will consider retiring from politics “either in 2024 or after five or six years”.
Replying to questions in Rajat Sharma’s show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, which telecasted on 3 June on India TV, Tharoor said, “I am not the kind of politician who will stay in politics till the end. When you start feeling that you are not able to bring a big difference in people’s lives, then I would like to either watch cricket, read books or spend time with grandchildren. When that time comes, I will decide. Maybe in 2024 or five to six years later. I have already made up my mind.”
On whether he would accept some leaders’ proposal to become the Congress CM candidate in Kerala, Shashi Tharoor replied: “I will examine all options. The people of Thiruvananthapuram have reposed their trust in me and I will not betray them. If I have to become a candidate, I will have to serve them. About the second prospect, if I get a chance to lead the party and bring some changes in my state, it will be a good conclusion to my political journey (yatra). But to decide on that, I need time, and obviously, I will have to listen to my party’s opinion. I will have to listen to other people’s opinions too, and then I will take a decision.”
On Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks in the US about India’s domestic issues, Shashi Tharoor said, personally he would never like to speak about India’s domestic issues in foreign lands, but, at the same time, he sought to defend Rahul Gandhi by saying that Rahul never sought foreign help to solve domestic issues.
“He (Rahul) never said that. The allegation is incorrect. Rahul Gandhi Ji said, our democracy has so many challenges. At the same time, he also said, it is the responsibility of ours, not others, to solve them. You must understand that if India remains democratic, it will be beneficial for the whole world. But he never asked outsiders to come and help us.”
The Congress MP said, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who first mentioned India’s domestic issues on foreign shores. Tharoor said, “I have been saying since years, India’s foreign policy is not Congress’ or BJP’s foreign policy. Our foreign policy is based on India’s interests. In the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, I said in this spirit. Look, we can have political differences, but they end on our country’s borders. Our differences must not reach outside. But it is also a fact that BJP and Modi Saheb broke this policy first. Modi Saheb had said in foreign lands that nothing has been working good in our country till now and those who governed our country badly for 60 years never created a sense of pride so that people could say that they are Indians. Modi Saheb started giving this type of speeches in foreign lands. I was surprised. Never did our Prime Ministers spoke about Indian politics in foreign land. Modi Ji started all this.”
Tharoor also said that no Indian politician should criticize our Prime Minister abroad. He said, “I want to tell this, I never levelled personal allegation against anybody, neither against Modi Saheb nor against anybody else. But in our democracy, we have to give respect to a position, because people have elected our Prime Minister. Till the time, that person occupies the position of Prime Minister, he must be given respect. We can be political adversaries here in India, but when we go abroad, he is our Prime Minister. I never criticize him abroad.”
Sunanda Pushkar’s death
After a long time, Shashi Tharoor spoke on the legal problems he had to face after the mysterious death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar in a hotel in 2014. Tharoor was exonerated from all charges, including abetment to suicide, by a Delhi trial court in 2021.
Tharoor said, “I never speak personally about politicians, but I have two or three persons in mind, whom I will never forgive. They knew it was a lie, and yet they continued telling lies. It’s not possible to forgive.”
The Congress MP spoke about his relationship with Sunanda Pushkar. He said: “It was a relationship of love. Naturally. Look at the arrangement, between a Kashmiri Pandit and a Keralite. We married after falling in love, but some people tried to make political use of her death. I had to go to courts for many years, and at last the judge threw out the case saying “it is all ‘bakwas’, there is no evidence of suicide, no evidence of murder. The judge discharged me saying there is no case at all. The case must end.”
Shashi Tharoor said, “Imagine how one would feel. Those who know me personally, know I cannot attack anybody. I never raised my hand even on a child. Her two brothers, and the only son, they were all with me and told me, we know it can’t happen. But outsiders, who never knew us, found a political opportunity. In early stages of our politics, such attacks or remarks against anybody’s personal life was never considered appropriate. Nobody used to comment on other politician’s private life. So many people knew about Vajpayee Saheb’s private life. They used to talk among themselves but never used the media. But I think, nowadays our culture has changed, and that too, for the worse.”
On his reported differences with Sunanda Pushkar before her death, Tharoor said, “If you read her tweets, you will know, it was not so. She had some mental issues. One day, she used to write a loving tweet and the next day, something else. She was never a bad girl, she was mentally ill. (Woh bilkul bhi buri ladki nahin thi, beemar ladki thi.) One should have some sympathy for her. I said in Parliament, when the bill relating to mental health was brought, that you can offer sympathy to a person who has a broken leg, but there is no sympathy to a person who has a mental breakdown. This is very sad.”