ITV

Category: TV Shows

  • Gail blows away competition with ‘Hawa Badlo’, wins big at afaqs! Marketers Excellence Awards

    Gail blows away competition with ‘Hawa Badlo’, wins big at afaqs! Marketers Excellence Awards

    MUMBAI: When the air gets murky, Gail (India) Ltd knows how to clear the smog – not just from the skies but also in the marketing world. The public sector gas major bagged the ‘Best Content Marketing Campaign – Content’ award at the afaqs! Marketers Excellence Awards 2025 for its evocative and socially charged ‘Hawa Badlo’ campaign.

    The award ceremony, held on 14  June at The Westin, Goregaon in Mumbai, spotlighted the country’s most impactful marketing initiatives. Gail’s victory comes hot on the heels of another recognition: its ‘Hawa Badlo: Reconnect To Roots’ campaign was recently honoured at vIDEA 2025 – The Video Media Awards & Summit in Gurgaon.

    The ‘Hawa Badlo’ campaign, a long-running initiative from Gail, goes beyond a puff of publicity. It urges citizens to swap passive concern for active participation in tackling air pollution. Its latest chapter, ‘Reconnect To Roots’, spins a nostalgic yarn that reintroduces age-old Indian sustainability practices as contemporary environmental solutions.

    Whether it’s yoga, upcycling, or the art of composting, the campaign nudges Indians to rediscover their eco-conscious DNA. The campaign invites people to explore organic living, waste minimisation, and support for local economies — not through fear or guilt, but cultural pride and grounded wisdom.

    “Hawa Badlo: Reconnect To Roots is an impactful reminder of India’s rich culture and ecological heritage…” the campaign proclaims, with an emphasis on reviving practices that have been buried under urban chaos and modern habits.

    One of its central themes is yoga — not the Instagrammed version with headstands and hashtags, but its original form as a union of self and nature. “Rooted in the Sanskrit word meaning ‘to unite’,” the campaign notes, yoga symbolises a philosophy of balance, harmony, and environmental oneness.

    With back-to-back wins, Gail seems to be leading a breath of fresh air in both the environmental and advertising space. The ‘Hawa Badlo’ campaign has not only inspired conversations but continues to build momentum by weaving purpose into content, and culture into calls for change.

  • JioHotstar and RBI unlock India’s financial pulse with docuseries timed to 90-year milestone

    JioHotstar and RBI unlock India’s financial pulse with docuseries timed to 90-year milestone

    MUMBAI: Money may talk, but the Reserve Bank of India is finally telling its own story—on screen. JioHotstar, in collaboration with the RBI, has premiered a five-part docuseries titled RBI Unlocked: Beyond the Rupee, diving deep into the institution that keeps India’s ₹ economy ticking.

    Launched on 3 June 2025, and produced by Chalkboard Entertainment, the series coincides with the 90 anniversary of the central bank. For the first time, viewers get unprecedented access to high-security gold vaults, printing presses, war rooms, and the inner sanctums of financial decision-making.

    “At the heart of this initiative is a unique collaboration brought to life through JioHotstar”, noted the release. The series explores how the RBI influences inflation, interest rates, and currency control while navigating national and global economic tremors.

    The docuseries also chronicles pivotal moments in the bank’s history, including the 1991 pledging of gold, the economic liberalisation wave, and the RBI’s bio-bubble approach during the Covid-19 crisis. These events are brought to life through interviews with past and present RBI governors, the financial services and economic affairs secretaries, and prominent economists.

    Through archival footage and dramatic recreations, RBI Unlocked peels back the layers of policy, power, and public perception. The storytelling style maintains JioHotstar’s reputation for rooted, issue-based content with wide reach.

    RBI Unlocked: Beyond the Rupee is now streaming on JioHotstar, offering 1.4 billion Indians a rare glimpse into the gears that power their everyday financial realities.

  • From cradle to kitchen Foodxp serves up postpartum comfort on a plate

    From cradle to kitchen Foodxp serves up postpartum comfort on a plate

    MUMBAI: Move over fancy plating and fast food postpartum plates are having a moment. Foodxp, the food and lifestyle entertainment channel, is set to debut a refreshingly grounded culinary series titled Diapers to Delight, spotlighting the often-overlooked world of postpartum nourishment. Premiering 26 May at 9:00 PM IST, the show will air across India, Bangladesh, the US, and the UAE, bringing heartfelt recipes and ancient Ayurvedic wisdom to modern screens.

    Hosted by chef Deepa Chauhan, the series features 15 plus carefully curated dishes designed to nurture new mothers from the protein-packed Gond ke laddoo to warming Raab and Moringa soup. The recipes are as practical as they are healing, tapping into traditional Indian kitchens to serve dishes that comfort both body and spirit.

    “Diapers to Delight isn’t your typical food show. While most focus on street snacks or fancy plating, this one asks a question we often forget: what should a new mom eat after childbirth? With warmth, wisdom, and a dash of spice, it serves up answers rooted in care and tradition,” says Foodxp creative director Geetika Jain.

    At a time when fast-paced living has edged out age-old practices, the show aims to reclaim the kitchen as a space of support, healing, and family wisdom not just for Indian audiences, but also for diaspora families seeking cultural reconnection through food.

    To take its mission further, Foodxp is launching a free digital companion recipe book, featuring all the dishes from the show. It’s a small but meaningful step in helping new mothers and caregivers whip up recovery-friendly meals with ease.

    “When I had my children, I wish I had access to something like this. Through this show, I hope to make that journey easier for other women,” shares chef Deepa Chauhan.

    So whether you’re a first-time parent, a curious caregiver, or someone who just loves a good bowl of warm, healing food mark your calendars. Diapers to Delight is not just cooking; it’s caring served hot.

  • Muscle & Strength India flexes its franchise muscle with health and fitness award win

    Muscle & Strength India flexes its franchise muscle with health and fitness award win

    MUMBAI: Supplements met success as Muscle & Strength India walked off with the ‘Upcoming Franchisor of the Year – Health & Fitness’ award at the Franchise Awards 2025. Held at Delhi’s Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, the awards marked their 20 year of recognising excellence in Indian franchising.

    With more than 1,000 fitness supplements across 42+ brands, the company has steadily grown its footprint through a robust franchisee network. From protein powders to wellness stacks, the brand caters to a growing health-conscious demographic seeking authenticity and value.

    Founder Praveen Chirania said, “We wish to dedicate this award with our incredible staff & franchisees, who share our vision and are driven by the same pursuit of excellence… We are also elated that our commitment in the industry has been recognised”.

    Currently operating in multiple cities, the brand is aiming for aggressive franchise-led expansion, leveraging its existing reputation for genuine, affordable products and customer-focused innovation.

    CMO Akhil Mahajan added, “This recognition is not just an honour, but a reflection of the positive impact we’re making in the industry”.

    The Franchise Awards are among India’s most prominent platforms for recognising scalable business models. With a record turnout of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry veterans this year, the event placed a spotlight on brands driving meaningful growth in niche sectors.

    Muscle & Strength India now plans to diversify its portfolio with product variants aimed at specific wellness categories, tapping into the ever-expanding Indian nutraceutical market.

  • ‘Solo Leveling’ dominates Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 with record 51 million global votes

    ‘Solo Leveling’ dominates Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 with record 51 million global votes

    MUMBAI: The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 closed on a thunderous note in Tokyo, as Solo Leveling bagged Anime of the Year amid a record-breaking 51 million votes from fans across the globe. Held at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, the event marked the ninth edition of anime’s biggest global celebration, honouring the studios, creators, and performers driving the genre’s cultural dominance.

    Voice actress Sally Amaki and TV personality Jon Kabira returned to host the show for the third consecutive year, setting the tone for an evening filled with fanfare and fervour. Global icons like Kacey Musgraves, Finn Wolfhard, J Balvin, Chloe Kim, and Rina Sawayama presented awards across 30+ categories, joined by anime royalty including Kanata Hongo, Dean Fujioka, and Mayu Matsuoka.

    Attack on Titan was conferred the first-ever Global Impact Award, recognising the anime’s decade-long influence on storytelling and fandom. Director Yuichiro Hayashi of MAPPA accepted the honour on behalf of the entire creative team.

    Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini said, “Fans form deep emotional connections to anime. These are not just series, films or songs, but rather works of art that help define the identity of anime fans. With an incredible 51 million votes this year, the 2025 Anime Awards are celebrating the creators in Japan who have captured the hearts of fans and are powering anime’s prominence in global pop culture”.

    Live performances electrified the show. Creepy Nuts delivered the viral opening theme ‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born’ from Mashle: Magic and Muscles and ‘Otonoke’ from Dan Da Dan. Rock icons Flow performed ‘Days’ for Eureka Seven’s 20 anniversary. Lisa lit up the stage with fan favourites from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

    Winners included:

    ●    Anime of the Year: Solo Leveling

    ●    Film of the Year: Look Back

    ●    Best Continuing Series: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc

    ●    Best Director: Keiichiro Saito (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)

    ●    Best Main Character: Sung Jinwoo (Solo Leveling)

    ●    Best Japanese Voice Artist: Aoi Yuki (Maomao – The Apothecary Diaries)

    ●    Best Hindi Voice Artist: Lohit Sharma (Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2)

    Notably, countries like Canada and Chile broke into the top 10 voting nations for the first time, alongside India, Brazil, and the U.S. Crunchyroll will make the full show available as video-on-demand across Youtube, Twitch, Sony Pictures Core, and Sony Group Corp’s global platforms.

    Sony Music Solutions Inc. and Dempsey Productions co-produced the show.

  • Balaji Telefilms scores digital hat-trick as ‘KULL’ tops streaming charts with 3.1 million viewers

    Balaji Telefilms scores digital hat-trick as ‘KULL’ tops streaming charts with 3.1 million viewers

    MUMBAI: In a digital content world where hype often overshadows heart, Balaji Telefilms has quietly delivered a streaming hat-trick. Its latest series KULL has emerged as India’s number one most-watched original web series for the week, clocking 3.1 million viewers, according to the Ormax OTT Audience Report. The political family drama has not only sustained but gained momentum since launch, outperforming a high-budget Netflix series with a similar theme.

    KULL’s rise has come without celebrity pull or excessive marketing muscle. Instead, its layered storytelling, morally grey characters and complex emotional arcs have found favour with audiences hungry for substance. The series follows two earlier digital triumphs for Balaji — Power of Paanch and Dus June Ki Raat — both JioCinema originals that tapped into youth angst and dark drama with equal finesse.

    “At Balaji, we’ve always believed that the core of a great show is not its scale, but its soul. Audiences today are willing to experiment with stories as long as they reflect emotional honesty, cultural relevance, and narrative ambition – with KULL, we didn’t just create another series; we created a world where every character felt real, every conflict had weight, and every moment resonated. The reactions and numbers validate what we’ve instinctively known — that good storytelling always finds its audience”, said Balaji Telefilms head – digital originals Aparna Ramachandran.

    She added, “Our vision going forward is to keep experimenting with formats, genres, and narratives that challenge convention while staying rooted in what makes a story truly memorable. The digital space is vast and evolving, but our north star remains unchanged — to tell stories that matter”.

    JioHotstar head of Hindi special Vivek Srivastava echoed the sentiment, “Kull was always destined to be a hit — and now the frenzy is real. A gripping tale of power, betrayal, and family at war — the battle for the throne has never been this ruthless. Haven’t streamed it yet? Now’s the time. Now streaming on Jio Hotstar!”

    Balaji’s triple win reaffirms its status as a key architect of India’s digital entertainment wave. As audiences evolve, Balaji seems poised to keep pace — not with loud launches, but with loud applause.

  • Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

    Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

    MUMBAI: It wasn’t just the stars who shone this time, the fans had the final curtain call. The 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, presented by Maruti Suzuki, turned Mumbai’s NSCI Dome into a pulsating celebration of Indian cinema, where fandom met flair and the purple carpet shimmered with both glamour and gratitude.

    This wasn’t your usual awards night. It was fantertainment, as Zee dubbed it, a grand ode not only to the cinematic hits of the past year but to the people who made them resonate: the audience. With a stage set for celebration, the night transformed into a carnival of charisma, dance, drama and dazzling recognition.

    The purple carpet looked straight out of a Bollywood dream. Kartik Aaryan oozed old-school charm in an all-grey ensemble, while Ananya Panday stunned in a crisp white saree. Rashmika Mandanna and Tamannaah Bhatia set the black-dress bar high, joined by head-turners like Sharvari, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vaani Kapoor, and Shanaya Kapoor. From Tiger Shroff’s street-smart swag to Bobby Deol’s white-suited flair, the fashion parade was nothing short of fabulous.

    And when the lights dimmed, the drama dialled up. Kartik kicked off the performances with Bhool Bhulaiyaa energy, while Ananya, Tamannaah, and Tiger kept the heat alive with high-octane dance numbers. Sharvari, Rasha Thadani, Jacqueline, and Vaani followed suit, bringing a fresh mix of grace and groove. The lively trio of Vikrant Massey, Aparshakti Khurana, and Ravi Kishan took hosting duties to entertaining new highs with sharp humour and seamless banter.

    But the night wasn’t just about razzle-dazzle. It was about recognition with heart, honouring not just the big names but also the behind-the-scenes powerhouses: directors, technicians, debutantes, and everyone who made magic on screen in 2024. And for the first time, the event truly acknowledged the power of the public those who clap, stream, binge, rewatch, and believe in cinema.

    The 23rd edition also delivered poignant moments: fan tributes, heartfelt speeches, and curtain calls that brought cinema’s emotional pulse to the forefront. In a world obsessed with box office numbers, this night was a reminder that cinema is, at its core, about connection.

    So if you missed the magic, don’t worry Zee Cinema, Zee Tv and Zee5 are where the show goes on. Because when cinema’s brightest gather and fans take the spotlight, it’s not just an awards show, it’s a love letter to the stories that bring us together.

  • Edstead premieres ‘Molecules of Hope’ to spotlight India’s healthcare changemakers

    Edstead premieres ‘Molecules of Hope’ to spotlight India’s healthcare changemakers

    MUMBAI: In an evocative blend of insight and emotion, Edstead, the research-first documentary studio, has launched Molecules of Hope, a three-part series that uncovers the beating heart of India’s healthcare transformation. The series, which premiered today, journeys through the stories of Entod Pharmaceuticals, UE Lifesciences, and Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services—three organisations pushing boundaries across medicine, technology, and accessibility.

    From research labs to rural clinics, the series captures real-world impact with unvarnished intimacy. Each episode offers a deep dive into the work of companies breaking barriers—whether it’s driving cutting-edge ophthalmic research, delivering early breast cancer detection in underserved areas, or building hospital networks for the Bharat hinterland. Through authentic storytelling and carefully curated narratives, Edstead showcases the layered realities behind the headlines—where innovation, human intent, and systemic change meet.

    “India’s healthcare sector stands at a critical inflection point, and we saw a powerful opportunity to document this transformation through purposeful, human-centered storytelling”, said Edstead founder Shekhar Bhattacharjee. “This series is not just about science or systems; it’s about the people at the heart of progress. By collaborating with organisations driving real change, we’ve been able to craft narratives that resonate deeply and reflect the tangible impact unfolding across the country.”

    Molecules of Hope emerges at a time when India’s healthcare ecosystem is being rewritten—not just by large hospitals or pharma giants, but by lean startups, community health pioneers, and tech-led disruptors. Edstead’s production not only elevates these voices but also bridges storytelling with purpose, turning brand impact into cultural narrative.

    Through a mix of moving imagery, lived testimonials, and context-rich reporting, the series positions Edstead at the forefront of meaningful branded content. As healthcare becomes more decentralised, inclusive, and technologically driven, Molecules of Hope captures the unsung moments and unlikely heroes shaping this new era.

    The series is now streaming across Edstead’s digital platforms and partner channels.

  • Business Today to host jury meet for India’s most sustainable companies on 16 May

    Business Today to host jury meet for India’s most sustainable companies on 16 May

    MUMBAI: With the world watching corporate India’s green game, Business Today has announced the jury for the inaugural edition of BT India’s Most Sustainable Companies – Summit & Awards. The jury meet will be held on 16 May to evaluate the country’s ESG front-runners ahead of the grand ceremony in June.

    Chaired by State Bank of India former Chairman Rajnish Kumar, the jury features a high-calibre mix of financial, regulatory, and sustainability expertise. Among them:

    1    Reserve Bank of India former ED Deepali Pant

    2    CareEdge Group MD & group CEO Mehul Pandya

    3    HDFC Trustee Company Ltd chairman of the Board Vimal Bhandari

    4    Deutsche Bank Group MD & head of ESG – Asia Pacific Kamran Khan

    5    Corporate advisor Srinath Sridharan

    6    IIFM director K Ravichandran

    The awards, which will be handed out on 6 June in New Delhi, will celebrate Indian companies that have hardwired environmental, social and governance values into their business models. Companies will be recognised not just for adopting ESG checklists, but for delivering measurable impact through sustainability-led growth.

    Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, Bhupender Yadav, will attend the summit as Chief Guest, adding policy weight to a platform that aims to bridge business ambition with climate action.

    From carbon cuts and circular economy experiments to social equity frameworks and governance overhauls, the awards will spotlight companies leading by example. Business Today’s initiative signals an urgent and necessary shift: that the age of box-ticking sustainability is over, and real accountability is now the benchmark.