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  • RCB turns over a green leaf against Rajasthan Royals in eco-powered Sunday showdown

    RCB turns over a green leaf against Rajasthan Royals in eco-powered Sunday showdown

    MUMBAI: In a game that usually thrives on red-hot intensity, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are cooling it down with a splash of green. When they clash with Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, 13 April, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, RCB will don their now-iconic green jerseys — not just for style points, but as a bold statement in favour of sustainability.

    Made entirely from recycled fabric, these jerseys aren’t just sweat-wicking—they’re conscience-tapping. It’s not a fashion choice, it’s a climate call-to-action.

    “Our green jerseys are more than just a symbol; they are a call to action… sustainability is a natural priority for us,” said RCB COO Rajesh Menon underscoring the team’s mission to leverage sport as a platform for environmental change.

    As a carbon neutral T20 franchise, the team tracks its emissions across operations through rigorous carbon audits. This includes calculating emissions from diesel generators, fan travel, team accommodations, and even stadium waste.

    The result?

    A franchise with a data-backed roadmap to go carbon positive.

    To offset emissions, RCB has rolled out a host of initiatives: solar-powered lighting, wind energy, waste segregation, and a focused shift away from conventional power sources.

    And it’s not just about kilowatts and compost bins. The team has invested in green schools, lake rejuvenation projects, and encourages fans to take a pledge to conserve energy, transforming supporters into sustainability soldiers.

    So when RCB steps out in green this weekend, they won’t just be chasing a win. They’ll be chasing a legacy.

    And who knows?

    Maybe the scoreboard isn’t the only thing worth watching.

     

  • John Malone steps down from Warner Bros Discovery board, takes up chair emeritus role

    John Malone steps down from Warner Bros Discovery board, takes up chair emeritus role

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has announced that media veteran John C Malone will not seek re-election to its board at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. Instead, he will step into the role of chair emeritus, a move that keeps him close to the action but without the formalities of a board seat. He has been associated with Discovery since 2008 and is an independent director of WBD. 

    Malone, a titan of the cable and media world, has long been a strategic force behind the company. WBD boss David Zaslav was effusive in his praise, calling him “one of the most brilliant strategic minds our industry has ever known” and crediting him with helping to steer Discovery and, later, Warner Bros. Discovery through an era of rapid transformation.

    “John’s insights have been invaluable. He has shaped our strategy, helped us tackle industry-defining challenges and seize game-changing opportunities,” said Zaslav. “I look forward to continuing this journey with him.”

    Board chair Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr echoed the sentiment, calling Malone “instrumental” in guiding WBD’s strategy through an evolving media landscape.

    For his part, Malone remains bullish on the company’s future. “The board and management team have made WBD more resilient, agile and positioned for profitable growth,” he said. “I look forward to staying involved—not just as a significant shareholder but as a trusted voice as the company explores strategic and structural opportunities ahead.”

    Malone’s departure makes room for Anton Levy, who WBD plans to nominate for election. Post-meeting, the board will have 13 members, 12 of them independent.  

    Malone meanwhile continues as chairman of the board and interim chief executive officer of Liberty Media Corp and Liberty Broadband Corp, and chairman of the board of Liberty Global.

  • Playr hits a merchandising hat-trick with CSK, GT, and SRH in 2025 season

    Playr hits a merchandising hat-trick with CSK, GT, and SRH in 2025 season

    MUMBAI: Cricket isn’t just a sport in India—it’s a fashion statement, a religion, and a billion-dollar billboard. And in the latest power play off the field, sportswear brand Playr has clean-bowled the merchandise game by partnering with not one, but three IPL giants—Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad—for the 2025 season.

    Announced from Mumbai this April, the move marks a stylish innings for Playr as it becomes the official merchandise partner for these fan-favourite franchises. The brand, powered by Icorets Private Limited, now manages production, marketing and sales of the teams’ official threads—both online and offline.

    The result? A merchandise frenzy that’s already racked up over 30,000 units in off-take just weeks into launch. And if early traction is anything to go by, Playr is not just riding the wave—it’s building the surfboard.

    “This is a momentous milestone for Playr,” said Playr founder and Icorets director Ravi Kukreja. “Partnering with three of the heavy-lifters CSK, GT and SRH will help us build advanced added values further delivering the fans experience.”

    From yellow army diehards in Chennai to the orange brigade in Hyderabad and the blue-and-gold crowd in Gujarat, the goal is clear: make premium fanwear accessible across every pin code—and beyond. With an omni-channel strategy stretching from top-tier retail outlets to lightning-fast Q-commerce platforms, Playr is swinging for maximum retail impact.

    And for those shopping from the sofa, official gear is available globally via their website: https://Playr.in.

    So, next time you see a CSK jersey at your local grocery store or a GT cap on a flight to Dubai, don’t be surprised. That’s Playr’s grand plan in motion—turning cricket into couture, one delivery at a time.

  • Zee5 enters Kannada originals with eerie thriller Ayyana Mane

    Zee5 enters Kannada originals with eerie thriller Ayyana Mane

    MUMBAI: Zee5, is making its much-anticipated Kannada original debut with Ayyana Mane—a gripping supernatural crime drama that unravels dark family secrets hidden behind ancestral doors.

    Directed by Ramesh Indira and produced by Shruthi Naidu Productions, the seven-episode mini-series stars Kushee Ravi, Akshya Nayak, and Manasi Sudheer. Set in the 1990s in the mist-laden hills of Chikmagalur, the story follows Jaji (played by Ravi), a newlywed bride who enters her husband’s ancestral home, unaware of the chilling history that awaits her.

    The Ayyana Mane household has seen three mysterious deaths—each one a daughter-in-law, each one linked to the family’s powerful deity, Kondayya. When Jaji arrives, what begins as a hopeful new chapter soon turns into a descent into fear, where whispers of curses and eerie coincidences blur the line between reality and superstition. With the help of the loyal maid Taayavva and police officer Mahanthesh, Jaji begins to piece together a horrifying puzzle—one that might cost her life.

    Zee5 spokesperson shared, “Kannada cinema has a rich legacy of storytelling, with audiences deeply connected to stories that blend culture, mystery, and emotion. Ayyana Mane is a perfect example of this—a crime drama infused with supernatural suspense, set in the breathtaking yet enigmatic town of Chikmagalur, where mist-covered hills and age-old traditions create the perfect backdrop for an eerie mystery. The show’s authentic locations, high-tech visuals, and immersive storytelling bring the haunting atmosphere to life, making it a truly amazing experience. We’re excited to expand our regional content slate with such interesting shows and Ayyana Mane is just the beginning of what’s to come for Kannada viewers on Zee5.”

    Director Indira stated, “With Ayyana Mane, I wanted to create more than just a mystery; I wanted to take the audience on a journey where fear, faith, and family secrets intertwine. This story is deeply rooted in Kannada culture, exploring the weight of traditions, the power of belief, and the darkness that sometimes hides within the familiar. The eerie ’90s setting adds to the tension, making the house feel like a character with secrets. Working with such a talented cast, especially Ravi, Nayak, Sudheer and producer Shruti Janardhana Naidu, who has brought this vision to life in the most haunting way. I hope Ayyana Mane keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and makes them question how much of what we fear is real and how much is created by those around us.”

    Ravi reflected, “Stepping into Jaji’s world felt like walking into a beautifully woven nightmare—one where every corner hides a secret, and every shadow whispers a warning! She starts off as an innocent, loving wife, deeply respectful of traditions, but as eerie events unfold, her quiet curiosity becomes her greatest strength—and possibly her biggest danger. Playing her was an intense experience, as she’s caught between fear, faith, and the desperate need to survive. Ayyana Mane isn’t just a mystery; it’s an emotional rollercoaster, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience its chilling secrets firsthand!”

     

  • TV9 Marathi surfs on to DD Free Dish; expands reach

    TV9 Marathi surfs on to DD Free Dish; expands reach

    MUMBAI: TV9 Marathi has become the first Marathi news channel to launch on DD Free Dish, India’s largest free-to-air direct-to-home platform. This strategic move significantly broadens the channel’s viewership, delivering Marathi news to millions of additional households across Maharashtra.

    “At TV9, we have already created many firsts in the industry. While certain organisations may adopt controversial methods to grow viewership, here is another meaningful first from TV9 Network: TV9 Marathi is the first regional language news channel available on DD Free Dish. We are glad that we will now be able to reach the vast DD Free Dish audience, that has been so far deprived of TV9 Marathi,” said TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das.

    TV9 Marathi has consistently led the Marathi news genre for three consecutive years, according to BARC data, claimed TV9 in a press release. The channel’s innovative programming and in-depth reporting have established it as a primary source of news for viewers in Maharashtra. The move to DD Free Dish further solidifies this position.

    TV9 Marathi business head Bhushan Khot highlighted: “TV9 Marathi has been a dominant leader for three years and has become the one and only choice of viewers; hence, we have a new brand positioning that suits our aggressive style of news reporting and presentation and our entire approach as a fearless brand. The brand positioning of TV9 Marathi, Ekmev (one and only), reaffirms the fact that TV9 Marathi is the ultimate news destination for viewers in Maharashtra.” 

    TV9 managing editor Umesh Kumawat added:  “TV9 Marathi will now, give the viewers of DD Free Dish an opportunity to watch Maharashtra’s Ekamev of Marathi news. TV9 Marathi has been a trendsetter in the Marathi news genre and has brought a key shift in news presentation, which the competition has often tried to follow. From common people to decision-makers, all rely on TV9 Marathi for news breaks and updates, which shows the kind of trust the brand has built over the years.”

  • Castrol hits the gas as title sponsor of The Valley Run – Summer 2025

    Castrol hits the gas as title sponsor of The Valley Run – Summer 2025

    MUMBAI: Castrol is back at full throttle and taking the fast lane to Aamby Valley. The lubricants giant has once again donned the crown of title sponsor for The Valley Run – Summer Edition 2025, turning the heat up on one of India’s most anticipated drag-racing festivals.

    From 11-13 April, the Aamby Valley airstrip will ditch its sleepy luxury vibes and transform into a rev-happy, tyre-burning arena of adrenaline. With over 700 racers and 17,000 speed junkies expected to descend on the strip, this 14 edition of The Valley Run promises a cocktail of nitro-powered chaos — drag races, drifting, stunting, mud drags, and a parade of superbikes and supercars that’ll make your neck snap just trying to follow them.

    Castrol India plans to showcase its full performance arsenal at the event — Castrol Power1, Castrol Edge, and the Castrol Autocare range — all lined up and gleaming under the sun like well-oiled gladiators. But this isn’t just a product showcase. It’s a horsepower-heavy carnival.

    The Castrol Performance Pitstop will be the epicentre of cool, featuring dyno testing sessions and a hands-on tuner workshop for those who treat torque curves like sacred scripture. And for the aspiring daredevils, there’s the Drag Racing School, fronted by none other than international drag racing icon Rickey Gadson.

    The weekend’s crescendo?

    A face-off between Gadson and the fastest local dragster — now that’s the showdown we didn’t know we needed.

    “We’re happy to continue our association with The Valley Run after a debut as title sponsor in the 2024 winter edition. The event’s energy, precision, and passion for performance closely reflects Castrol’s DNA. With Castrol Edge and Power1 igniting machines on the track, this allows us to engage with India’s growing motorsports community in a truly meaningful way”, said Castrol India Limited VP – marketing Rohit Talwar.

    This ongoing partnership is no flash in the pan. It’s part of Castrol’s wider revved-up mission: fuelling India’s motorsports dreams, nurturing garage-grown talent, and pushing machines — and humans — to the absolute edge.

  • Glenn Maxwell pads up for business in India with Drive Fitt innings

    Glenn Maxwell pads up for business in India with Drive Fitt innings

    MUMBAI: It wasn’t a cricket pitch, but a business pitch that bowled over Glenn Maxwell this time. The swashbuckling Aussie didn’t just swing for the fences—he signed the dotted line, launching his first-ever business venture in India. Known for turning matches on their head, Maxwell is now turning heads with his sharp business move by joining Drive Fitt, a sports club brand that’s looking to fuse cricket, fitness, and recovery into one high-octane offering.

    So, what made the big show jump from the crease into the boardroom?

    Hint: it’s not just about protein shakes and treadmills.

    It’s about a sweaty love affair with cricket, high-performance training, and the magic of muscle recovery—served with a side of cutting-edge tech.

    Maxwell has officially invested in Drive Fitt, a membership-based sports club rooted in cricket, fitness and recovery. Designed with bleeding-edge tech and elite-level sports science, Drive Fitt promises to redefine how India trains, recovers, and plays.

    “This marks Maxwell’s first investment in an Indian venture”, the company announced on 10 April in New Delhi, noting the Australian all-rounder’s enthusiasm for the brand’s vision and its crack team of founders. With a passion for cricket and a growing obsession with recovery (thanks to an injury-laden yet adrenaline-charged career), Maxwell found the concept a no-brainer.

    “For Maxwell, investing is about backing the right people,” the release read. “And he believes the team’s vision and dedication will make Drive Fitt successful in India.”

    Let’s not forget—this isn’t Maxwell’s first dance with India. His long-standing relationship with the country through the IPL made him the poster boy for foreign players who just get it. That insider knowledge, the hustle of international T20s, and his athlete-first mindset made him the perfect poster boy for a cricket-meets-fitness brand.

    “Joining the Drive Fitt team is exciting for me,” said Maxwell. “Cricket, fitness, and recovery have been essential to my journey, and this concept brings them together uniquely and innovatively. I’m looking forward to contributing my experience and helping shape a space that supports athletes at every level.”

    Drive Fitt, co-founded by actress Preity Zinta, cricketer Shubman Gill, and entrepreneurs Mark Sellar, Deke Smith, and Vikram Aditya Bhatia, is already swinging for the fences. With Maxwell on board, they hope to knock it right out of the park.

    “Having Glenn join us at Drive Fitt is truly special,” said Zinta. “I’ve always admired his forward-thinking, athlete-first mindset which seamlessly aligns with our vision.”

    Gill, too, couldn’t hide his excitement, “Having Glenn on board brings immense value to our shared vision. His global experience and commitment to fitness and recovery make him an ideal partner.”

    Behind the flashy headlines and star-studded quotes lies a serious plan. Maxwell won’t be a mere cheque-writing mascot. He’s expected to dive into training methodology, content development, and player development, while helping shape a fitness ecosystem tailored for pros and amateurs alike.

    Drive Fitt, for those keeping score, is on a mission to help every aspiring cricketer train like a pro. With Maxwell’s brain (and brawn) in the mix, the startup may just bowl over India’s fitness scene.

    “It’s incredibly exciting to have Glenn support what we’re building,” said co-founders Sellar and Smith. “He brings not just experience and credibility, but also a deep understanding of what athletes genuinely need.”

    “We are thrilled to welcome Glenn Maxwell to the Drive Fitt family,” added CEO Vikram Aditya Bhatia. “His passion for the game and first-hand experience with elite-level training and recovery make him an invaluable partner.”

  • Dettol goes ‘Bindaas’ as Neel Salekar and Collective go all-in on Marathi

    Dettol goes ‘Bindaas’ as Neel Salekar and Collective go all-in on Marathi

    MUMBAI: If Mumbai’s spirit had a middle name, it would be ‘Bindaas’. And now, that bindaas-ness is scrubbing up nicely in a bar of soap. In a mash-up that’s as spicy as a vada pav with extra thecha, content creator-turned-entrepreneur Neel Salekar and the talent behemoth Collective Artists Network have launched Marathi Minded — a cultural cannonball aiming straight at Maharashtra’s heart.

    The new-age creative agency, backed by Salekar’s 2.9 million Instagram followers and the muscle of Collective, promises to do more than just dish out ads. Marathi Minded wants to turn brand storytelling into a regional block party — one meme, one rap track, one qawwali at a time.

    And they’ve kicked things off with a soap that packs a punch — Dettol. Their first campaign, ‘12 Taas Bindaas!’, is a no-nonsense, hyper-local blitz that repositions the humble soap bar as your 12-hour swagger shield. It’s hygiene, yes, but with swagger. Think confidence, energy, and that ‘bring-it-on’ attitude that says, “Aye, I’m sorted.”

    “With ‘12 Taas Bindaas!’, we are excited to take a hyper-local approach that truly resonates with Maharashtra’s vibrant culture. Partnering with Marathi Minded has allowed us to craft a campaign that goes beyond hygiene – it’s about confidence, energy, and living life with a ‘Bindaas’ spirit. We believe this initiative will strengthen our bond with Marathi consumers in a meaningful way,” said Reckitt regional marketing director – health south Asia, Kanika Kalra.

    Forget bland pan-India pitches. This is storytelling that eats misal for breakfast. From college kids dodging potholes in Dadar to families doing Ganpati visarjan in style, ‘12 Taas Bindaas!’ captures the Marathi hustle like never before.

    Salekar — known for his comic timing, musical chops (remember ‘Jinklo’ with D’evil?), and the odd qawwali face-off in Shehensha-E-Qawwali — now wears the CEO hat, though the swag hasn’t faded. With Marathi Minded, he’s bottled the vibe of the state and sold it as brand strategy.

    “I’m beyond excited to have partnered with Collective Artists Network to co-create an initiative that truly celebrates the heart of Marathi culture. Being a part of the process from the ground up has been such a learning experience – blending tradition and rooted cultural insights with actionable inputs for brands to talk to Marathi youth. Marathi Minded will be a universe of content, branded communication in a fresh and dynamic pot-boiler of this critical Indian state and its people not only in India but spread across the world”, said Salekar.

    The campaign also roped in four regional content creators, each bringing in a different flavour from across Maharashtra — because nothing says ‘authentic’ like accents and idioms from every galli.

    Collective Artists Network co-founder Dhruv Chitgopekar summed it up, “With Marathi Minded, we’re shaping a cultural movement powered by authenticity, creativity, and real resonance. Neel represents the new wave of creator-entrepreneurs who understand the pulse of their audience and can translate that into powerful brand narratives. Our work with Dettol is a great example of how national brands can tap into regional energy with heart and relevance. Regional storytelling is not just the future of advertising – it’s the heartbeat of a truly connected India.”

    And that heartbeat is thumping loud and proud. Whether it’s history, food, culture, fashion, sport or straight-up satire, Marathi Minded is gunning for the throne of regional relevance. Brands, take notes — this isn’t your average agency. It’s a full-blown, content-fuelled cultural juggernaut.

    As Salekar puts it, this is just the trailer. The full blockbuster? Coming soon, with subtitles in Marathi.

  • Kshema swings for six with Punjab Kings in quirky insurance ad blitz

    Kshema swings for six with Punjab Kings in quirky insurance ad blitz

    MUMBAI: Cricket meets crop cover in Kshema General Insurance’s latest innings—and it’s anything but a straight bat. In a punchy new campaign titled Shreyas Ki Yojana, the insurer teams up with IPL side Punjab Kings to bowl over Indian audiences with insurance awareness, laced with locker-room banter and rural relevance.

    Unveiled ahead of the 2025 IPL season, the ad stars captain Shreyas Iyer, pace ace Arshdeep Singh and the flamboyant Shashank Singh. The three trade sledges over Shreyas’ dream of becoming a farmer, only to land on a surprisingly sound game plan: crop insurance. The film delivers its message with the finesse of a cover drive and the timing of a match-winning six.

    The ad opens in the PBKS locker room, where Iyer flips through an agriculture magazine and casually declares his post-retirement plans. Cue a cheeky back-and-forth with Arshdeep and Shashank, poking fun at the unpredictability of farming—until Iyer whips out his phone and drops the mic (and the app): Kshema General Insurance.

    “Sirf Beeman Nahi, Kshema”, he declares, in what’s already being called the campaign’s new catchphrase. A split-screen follows, showing the cricketers on one side and Kshema’s offerings on the other: expansive crop coverage, affordable premiums, smooth claims, and service that doesn’t ghost you mid-season.

    “We believe awareness and preparation are the keys to protection, irrespective of the field. Cricket, with its following in India, is one the most effective vehicles to take this message across the country which is why we chose to leverage our partner Punjab Kings’ strong connection with its roots to aid our outreach. I hope the star-power of Shreyas, Arshdeep, and Shashank will act as a catalyst in increasing awareness about insurance and its effectiveness in mitigating economic hardships,” said Kshema General Insurance Limited CMO Bhaskar Thakur.

    The campaign, conceptualised by Dentsu Creative Webchutney and produced by Shaded Feathers, is helmed by director Dhruv Grover and will run throughout the IPL season on digital platforms and traditional media. It’s part of a broader blitz aimed at making insurance less about jargon and more about impact.

    To sweeten the deal, Kshema also rolled out its ‘Kshema Secure Hands’ contest. Fans who guess the PBKS player crowned ‘Secure Hands of the Match’ stand a chance to win match tickets and exclusive merch. Insurance has never looked this fun—or this interactive.

  • Digit.in logs in at number one, leaving tech rivals in the digital dust

    Digit.in logs in at number one, leaving tech rivals in the digital dust

    MUMBAI: Digit.in, the Times Network’s power-packed tech platform, has rocketed to the top of ComScore’s charts with 10.1 million unique users in February 2025. The site has not only dethroned digital giants like TOI Gadgets Now (9.1 million) and NDTV Gadgets 360 (6.5 million), but also thrown shade on legacy players like 91Mobiles (6.4 million).

    It’s not just clicks and scrolls. Digit.in is winning the eyeballs game across screens. On Playboard’s video metrics, it pulled an eyebrow-raising 4.24 million views in Feb 2025, wiping the floor with Gizbot (2.19 million), Mysmartprice (1.28 million), and NDTV Gadgets 360 (0.82 million). On Instagram? Over 25 million views in just three months. That’s not buzz – that’s a content thunderstorm.

    At the core of this digital blitzkrieg is something called the Digit Test Labs, where gadgets are grilled across 100+ performance parameters. It’s not just shiny screens and PR fluff – Digit serves hard truths. If your new smartphone gets a bad score here, it probably deserves it.

    At the heart of Digit’s growth and commitment, is the Digit Test Labs – where technology meets trust. As your reliable technology navigator, Digit ensures that every gadget and device is rigorously tested across more than 100 parameters, from performance and design to durability and real-world usability. These exhaustive tests translate into honest, transparent, data-backed scores and ratings that simplify complex specs and help readers make confident, well-informed buying decisions.

    What’s more? Digit is no one-trick-pony. The brand’s print magazine still rocks a 5.2 lakh monthly readership. That makes it the only tech outlet straddling both digital and print like a boss. Each issue brings deep dives, reviews, and interviews with the kind of people who actually make tech tick.

    As part of its future roadmap, Digit plans to dial things up with a next-gen test lab dedicated to home appliances, adding to its existing roster of gadget reviews. So whether it’s a fridge, phone, or fancy air fryer, Digit wants to be your go-to tech consigliere.

    The message is clear: if you want substance over clickbait, skip the gimmicks and get your fix where the specs speak louder than the hype.