Category: People

  • ZEE joins forces with Curativity

    ZEE joins forces with Curativity

    Mumbai: In keeping with its mantra of consumer-centricity, ZEE has embraced an innovative marketing approach that has begun to yield rich dividends in terms of viewer engagement and consumer love. This unique strategy that ZEE calls ‘Winning Moments’ aims to retain and acquire new audiences by embedding culturally relevant sentiments into the network’s content, fostering a sense of community and fuelling meaningful conversations across both TV and digital platforms. Taking this approach a step further, ZEE recently collaborated with its creative partner Curativity to actively create and deploy curated content moments into the daily soaps across the network’s general entertainment channels that resonate deeply with viewers, enhancing relatability, engagement and topical relevance.

    ZEE’s robust social media community enjoys a staggering 191 million followers and subscribers, fuelling 18.4 mn organic interactions and 3.5 bn organic monthly video views, amplifying the reach of these conversations led by the network’s key protagonists who hold significant influence and credibility in the minds of the audience.

    Here’s a look at some of the winning moments ZEE crafted across its shows in partnership with Curativity. Zee Tamil’s Sandhya Ragam reimagined the traditional Seervarisai custom, where instead of the ubiquitous display of jewellery, gold, and other valuables that are offered by the bride’s side of the family to the groom’s family, the protagonist’s family chose to showcase her medals, certificates, and trophies. This powerful gesture emphasised valuing daughters for their true potential and accomplishments, rather than material possessions. Watch the moment at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/njWvVfjSPJGb9BQi/ The impact of this moment was profound, with its reach on Facebook being 15 times the average performance.

    Similarly, the evocative #MaaKaVote campaign , launched on Mother’s Day and timed with the election season in India, encouraged moms to vote for themselves and learn to prioritize their own aspirations amidst their ceaseless duties, promoting the idea of self-care. The campaign resonated deeply, achieving 12 million in organic reach and 0.5 million engagements for the #MaaKaVote film. Zee Marathi landed an important message on the occasion of the Vat Savitri festival where married women tie a thread around a tree trunk as a marker of new beginnings. As a part of an interesting conversation #JuneyBandhNaveBandh , the protagonist of Punha Kartavya Aahe was encouraged to untie the old threads of her previous marriage as a metaphor to letting go of the past  before embarking on the journey of her second. Meanwhile, the #PalakChuka initiative by the same show acknowledged that even parents are navigating their roles as father or mother for the very first time and are bound to make mistakes. The campaign promotes the idea that, just as children are forgiven for their mistakes, parents too should recognize their imperfections without self-reproach, fostering a healthier, more forgiving approach to parenting.

    ZEE CMO – content SBU Kartik Mahadev said, “At ZEE, we believe in the power of everyday innovation in storytelling that compounds to positively impact society, nurture relationships and inspire change. Today, our characters are more than just fictional personas. They reflect the evolving aspirations of our viewers, taking on vocations such as bankers, bakers, entrepreneurs, and teachers, embracing life 2.0 with vigour and resilience. They are the original influencers, deeply engaging with audiences across multiple regions and languages, connecting with millions on TV and social media daily. Our collaboration with Curativity has enabled us to craft moments in our content that align perfectly with this vision, helping us not only engage but also connect deeply with our viewers on relatable themes. By fostering a sense of community among viewers deeply invested in our content and characters, we open up meaningful conversations and enable deeper connections with the audiences.”

    Curativity co-founder Amer Jaleel said, “Curating creative and cultural solutions for Zee TV has been one of the most enriching journeys for Curativity. Our platform has independent regional talent that can think in the ethnic nuances needed for original language content. This vertical is being developed by Curativity for both content brands as well as consumer brands and happens to be one of the pillars of our platform. With the team at Zee, the curated independents of Curativity Rupesh, Ketan, Niranjana and their teams are actively feeding in-content ideas that the Zee creative teams are incorporating into the show and building on social media. It’s an extremely interesting exercise for us and we’re thankful that the platform is being leveraged for innovative forays as this!”

  • Hari Om strengthens leadership team with new appointments

    Hari Om strengthens leadership team with new appointments

    Mumbai: Hari Om, an Indian mythology OTT platform, has added two senior leaders to its team: Sanjeev Agrawal as business head and Reitu Shharma as script head. These appointments aim to strengthen the leadership team and expand the platform’s offerings. Sanjeev Agrawal will lead business strategy, planning, and development, while Reitu Shharma will oversee concept development and research on religious texts to ensure content authenticity and quality.

    Sanjeev Agrawal brings over 15 years of experience across media, telecom, retail, and financial sectors. His previous roles include managing revenue and client relationships at Amagi Media, establishing geo-targeting for Zee TV and Zee Cinema, and founding ‘The Wise Monkey,’ a financial services company.

    Reitu Shharma has over a decade of experience in content development, research, and writing. Her work includes projects like Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman, Veer Shalibhdra, Swaraj, and feature film Sarabjit. Her extensive research on over 200 temples and deep understanding of India’s cultural heritage enhance her new role.

    Speaking on the new appointments SVP group Nivedita Basu shared, “We are thrilled to welcome Sanjeev Agrawal and Reitu Shharma to our team. Their extensive experience and unique insights will be invaluable as we continue to expand our platform and offer high-quality content that celebrates India’s heritage and spirituality.”

    Sanjeev Agrawal shared his enthusiasm about the new role, stating, “I am excited to join Hari Om and look forward to contributing to the growth and success of this unique platform. With my experience in business strategy and development, I am eager to help Hari Om reach new heights.”

    Reitu Shharma added, “I am thrilled to work with such a distinguished team at Hari Om. The opportunity to create content that resonates with audiences and preserves our rich cultural heritage is a dream come true. I am committed to bringing my best and contributing to the platform’s success.”

    Head of content Angira Vats said, “With Sanjeev Agrawal’s strategic expertise and Reitu Shharma ‘s profound knowledge of Indian mythology, we are building a powerhouse team that will be pivotal in delivering content that not only entertains but also enlightens our audience with the richness of India’s cultural heritage.”

    Hari Om remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate and preserve Indian heritage and spirituality. With Angira Vats leading the content team, the platform is poised to continue its journey of innovation and excellence, offering viewers a rich tapestry of Indian mythology and religious content.

  • Sony Pictures Networks India announces leadership reshuffle

    Sony Pictures Networks India announces leadership reshuffle

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced three leadership changes, highlighting the company’s focus on growth and operational efficiency. These appointments are crucial for SPNI’s progress, with each leader bringing relevant expertise and new perspectives to their roles.

    Nachiket Pantvaidya, an industry veteran with a rich and diverse career spanning multiple leading media companies, is now taking over as the business head of Sony Entertainment Television (SET). This marks his third stint with SPNI. While he joins SET, he will also continue to manage his role as general manager at Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP). Nachiket has consistently demonstrated strategic prowess and leadership in his previous roles at SPNI, including managing P&L for SET, developing iconic franchises, and boosting advertising and distribution revenues. His broader role will enable him to leverage his extensive expertise to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences across both platforms.

    Ajay Bhalwankar, who has been with SPNI since 2014, currently heads its Marathi channel. He previously served as the chief creative director for SPNI’s flagship general entertainment channel, Sony Entertainment Television (SET). Under his leadership, Sony Marathi has seen significant growth, delivering high-quality, engaging content that resonates with Marathi audiences. Ajay’s strategic vision has enabled Sony Marathi to carve a niche in the crowded Marathi GEC market. His emphasis on progressive and relatable content has helped the channel capture a nine per cent market share. Moving forward, Ajay will additionally spearhead Sony SAB as its business head. With his experience and creative acumen, Ajay is well-positioned to bring fresh and engaging content to Sony SAB’s diverse audience, further strengthening the channel’s reputation for quality entertainment.

    Tushar Shah is the business head of English, Bengali, and infotainment channels and the chief marketing officer (CMO) at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI). He oversees prominent channels such as Sony PIX, Sony AATH, and Sony BBC Earth. With nearly 18 years of experience across two tenures at SPNI, Tushar has driven significant growth and profitability and enhanced viewership. His strategic leadership has also been crucial in the successful reach and expansion of Sony AATH in West Bengal. Going forward, Tushar will additionally oversee Sony MAX, Sony MAX HD, Sony MAX 2, Sony WAH and Sony PAL. His expertise will fuel further innovation across these channels, enhancing their market presence.

  • Vikas Sharma joins Locomotive Global Media as head of film projects

    Vikas Sharma joins Locomotive Global Media as head of film projects

    Mumbai: Locomotive Global Media, an international production company based in Mumbai, bolsters its leadership team with the appointment of Vikas Sharma as head of film projects. In his new role, Vikas will oversee the development, acquisitions and business for the nascent film division at the company.  

    Vikas brings along with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise gained from his experience, stretching over a decade in the media and entertainment industry. Before joining Locomotive Global Media, Vikas served as an associate producer at Bandra West Pictures for eight years, where he worked closely with renowned director Raja Krishna Menon. Vikas holds a postgraduate degree in Business Management from the University of California, Los Angeles.

    Locomotive Global Inc. co-founder and managing partner Sunder Aaron said, “We are thrilled to have Vikas Sharma join the Locomotive Global Media family. His vision for storytelling, combined with a deep understanding of both Indian and international markets, aligns perfectly with our mission to produce compelling, world-class content. Vikas brings his unique creative perspective to each project that is married with a keen commercial understanding of what works in the Indian market. We trust that he will be able to deliver stories and narratives that not only resonate deeply with Indian audiences but also capture the imagination of viewers worldwide.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Sharma said, “I am deeply grateful to Sunder for this opportunity and his confidence in me. Together, we are focused on crafting content with both Indian and global appeal that importantly also ensures profitability. As India embraces its moment on the world stage demonstrated by non-mainstream films like ‘Kill’, ‘All We Imagine as Light’, and even ‘Monkey Man’, we’re excited to invest time and resources in film projects that are aligned with the company’s global objectives and brand ethos while helping to establish Locomotive Global Media as a leading boutique studio. We are particularly excited about projects in the horror and thriller genre that possess an elevated approach to their storytelling.”

    Vikas Sharma will report into Sunder Aaron of Locomotive Global Media. He is based out of Mumbai and his appointment is with immediate effect. 

  • Poran Malani joins Creativeland Asia as group CEO

    Poran Malani joins Creativeland Asia as group CEO

    Mumbai: In an official statement, the global media conglomerate Creativeland Asia, announced the appointment of industry veteran Poran Malani as its group CEO.  

    Malani joins Creativeland Asia with over three decades of experience in Media and Advertising across India, Europe, LATAM, the US, and Far East Asia. He, in the past, has been instrumental in building some of the biggest brands globally, including having built and scaled two major agency networks worldwide.

    “We are happy to have Poran join the Creativeland family and lead the group’s growth and vision across our network of businesses. His formidable experience in the business will allow us to scale and service the industry across the board” said Creativeland Asia Group C. Sajan Raj Kurup, Founder and chairman,.

    The group has offices across India, London and its affiliates in Hollywood, and will see Malani take on the mantle of overseeing the business and formulating synergies across the various group entities.

    “Creativeland Asia is the largest independent agency in India. I am looking forward to this new role at the group across its various companies, especially given its formidable presence in publishing, feature films and talent management along with highly advanced AI-driven Martech solutions. My goal is to further build this impressive entertainment ecosystem and bring more unique opportunities for brands to connect with consumers. It is about time India had its own network!” said Creativeland Asia Group CEO Poran Malani.

  • Bhakti Kandalkar joins ProducerBazaar as content syndication head

    Bhakti Kandalkar joins ProducerBazaar as content syndication head

    Mumbai: ProducerBazaar, a platform in decentralised intellectual property rights (IPR) management, analysis, and trading, has announced the appointment of Bhakti Kandalkar as content syndication head. Bhakti brings with her over two decades of extensive experience in the media industry as a content strategist, further strengthening Producer Bazaar’s leadership team.

    Bhakti Kandalkar is a recognised name in the media industry with exceptional expertise in content strategy and planning. She has held prestigious positions, including global content lead as director of content strategy and planning at ZEE5, where she led platform content strategy and curated a diverse range of global content. Bhakti’s career is marked by her strategic vision, leadership, and deep understanding of the media landscape, helping major media houses secure premium content and drive viewership. Her skills include content creation, acquisition, syndication, market analysis, trend identification, team leadership, negotiation, business planning, budget planning and platform planning and promotions.

    At ProducerBazaar, Bhakti will leverage her extensive experience to drive the syndication business, expand the platform’s reach, and forge new partnerships within the media and entertainment industry. Additionally, she will head international syndication and trade content through ProducerBazaar globally, ensuring that the right content is placed on the right platform. Under her leadership, ProducerBazaar will enhance its global licensing operations, offering verified and certified content, and making it more accessible to international buyers.

    ProducerBazaar’s approach is not just about aggregation, syndication, and licensing; it’s about implementing a 21st-century content strategy that sustains subscribers and enhances creators with planned outcomes. The platform aims to revolutionise the IPR management space, ensuring that the story of Indian regional films scales effectively with great content by identifying, acknowledging, and acquiring it proficiently.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Bhakti Kandalkar to our team. Her vast experience and deep understanding of the media industry will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our platform. Her expertise in the media industry will undoubtedly contribute to our mission of revolutionizing the IPR management space,” said ProducerBazaar founder & CEO GK Tirunavukarasu.

  • Nitish Sharma appointed business head for Hindi Entertainment Channel at Sun TV Network

    Nitish Sharma appointed business head for Hindi Entertainment Channel at Sun TV Network

    Mumbai: Nitish Sharma has recently been appointed as the business head for the Hindi Entertainment Channel (GEC) at Sun TV Network. Before joining Sun TV, Sharma spent over three years at ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, where he held the positions of chief channel officer and business head for Zee Anmol and Big Magic. His tenure at ZEE began in 2021 when he took on the role of business head for Big Magic.

    Sharma’s career also includes notable positions at Star Sports, Aditya Birla Group, and Sony Pictures Networks India. In his new role at Sun TV Network, Sharma will report directly to Aparna Bhonsle, who joined the company in June.

  • Neeraj Vyas to move on from Sony Pictures Networks India

    Neeraj Vyas to move on from Sony Pictures Networks India

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced that Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, PAL, and Sony MAX Movie Cluster – business head Neeraj Vyas, will be leaving the company effective 31 August 2024. After an illustrious career spanning close to three decades, Neeraj has decided to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey.

    Neeraj Vyas has been instrumental in shaping several key businesses at SPNI, including the flagship general entertainment channels (GECs), Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, Sony PAL, and the Hindi movies cluster. His journey with SPNI began in sales for Sony Entertainment Television (SET), and he swiftly rose to the position of national sales head for the channel in 2005. Within five years, he was appointed Executive Vice President for Sony MIX, the network’s Hindi music channel, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision.

    In 2011, Neeraj took on the responsibility for Sony MAX, followed by Sony SAB and Sony PAL in 2017, and Sony Entertainment Television in 2023. Under his guidance, Sony SAB was successfully repositioned as a premium entertainment brand, achieving significant growth through a revitalized programming line-up and content strategy. His leadership has been a source of inspiration for many in the industry.

    N.P. Singh said, “Neeraj Vyas’s journey with Sony Pictures Networks India has been remarkable. His vision and leadership have been pivotal in transforming our entertainment channels into market leaders. Neeraj has an innate ability to understand the pulse of the audience and create content that resonates deeply with viewers. On a personal level, Neeraj’s passion for excellence and his innovative spirit have always inspired those around him. His departure marks the end of an era for us, but we are excited about the new ventures he will undertake. Neeraj leaves behind a legacy of success, and we wish him all the best as he embarks on his entrepreneurial journey.”

    Neeraj Vyas said, “My time at Sony Pictures Networks India has been an incredible journey filled with learning, growth, and countless memorable moments. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities to lead dynamic teams and work on groundbreaking projects. As I move on to explore new entrepreneurial ventures, I carry with me the invaluable experiences and relationships built over the years. I am excited for what lies ahead and remain confident that the teams at SPNI will continue to achieve great heights.”

  • Ritesh Khosla appointed as SPNI’s general counsel

    Ritesh Khosla appointed as SPNI’s general counsel

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced that Ritesh Khosla has been appointed as the new general counsel, effective 1 September 2024. He succeeds Ashok Nambissan, who is retiring after a distinguished career with the company.

    Ritesh began his career as a practising lawyer in a law firm before joining SPNI, where he steadily advanced, serving as deputy general counsel for the past six years. With over two decades of experience, his expertise includes mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures (JVs), regulatory frameworks, compliance, corporate governance, complex litigation, and intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and enforcement.

    In his new role, Ritesh will oversee SPNI’s corporate relations, legal and regulatory affairs, secretarial and standards & practices functions. He will provide risks and legal guidance, manage the company’s legal risks, and serve as the company’s Ombudsperson. He will report directly to the managing director & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India.

    Aside from his core duties, Ritesh will lead initiatives to enhance SPNI’s compliance framework, especially in digital and intellectual property rights. He will also strengthen the company’s legal infrastructure in international markets and oversee SPNI’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aligning them with legal and ethical standards. Ritesh’s dedication to mentoring and developing emerging legal talent within the organization is a testament to his commitment to the company’s future.

    Ritesh is known for his strategic thinking and decisive legal skills, which he brings to the table with a commercial mindset for problem-solving and risk mitigation. He has consistently shown leadership in complex legal situations, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and compliance efforts.

    Reflecting on his appointment, Ritesh Khosla said, “I am deeply honoured to become General Counsel at SPNI. My journey here has been incredibly enriching, and I am eager to continue working with our talented team. This role offers a unique opportunity to build on the strong legal foundation established under Ashok Nambissan’s leadership. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of legal and ethical conduct and advancing SPNI’s mission to deliver exceptional content and experiences to our audiences.”

  • Prodapt appoints Manish Vyas as MD & CEO

    Prodapt appoints Manish Vyas as MD & CEO

    Mumbai: Prodapt, a provider of consulting, engineering and transformation services for the telecom and technology industry, announced the appointment of Manish Vyas as MD and chief executive officer (CEO).

    Manish joined Prodapt as executive director earlier this year, bringing with him over 23 years of experience at Tech Mahindra. He brings a deep understanding of building scaled businesses in the CMT industry, having led multiple lines of global businesses.

    Prodapt founder and chairman Vedant Jhaver said: “The Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Manish Vyas as CEO and MD of Prodapt. Manish steps into a strong Prodapt platform and a recognised leader in the CMT space. I have worked closely with Manish over the past few months and witnessed his strategic thinking, focus on talent development, and customer-centric mindset. I am sure Manish will drive our business to achieve scale and further propel Prodapt’s offerings and capabilities to becoming AI-first and AI-at-core.”

    Vedant also extended gratitude to Harsha Kumar for his leadership and contributions over the past eight years: “I want to thank Harsha for his exceptional leadership and the many milestones Prodapt has achieved under his guidance. Harsha will be transitioning to an advisory role at Prodapt, continuing to support the Board.”

    Manish Vyas shared his excitement upon his appointment: “Prodapt is a unique and world-class company with thousands of highly talented and proud Prodaptians. I am honoured and grateful to Vedant and the Prodapt board for this incredible opportunity to be part of this remarkable institution. Along with Prodapt’s brilliant leadership teams, we are committed to becoming the most customer-centric and innovative company powered by an AI-first approach. I also want to extend my appreciation to the Prodapt ecosystem partners as we continue our mission to build disruptive solutions for our esteemed customers.”