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  • WolfzHowl names VAN Sharma to lead StraTech drive

    WolfzHowl names VAN Sharma to lead StraTech drive

    MUMBAI: WolfzHowl has brought on board Eswara VAN Sharma as consulting director – StraTech and brand orchestration for India and ASEAN, marking a key leadership addition to power its next phase of growth.

    In his new role, VAN will lead brand strategy, client success, and business growth, advancing WolfzHowl’s signature StraTech movement, which merges behavioural insight with technology to build future-ready brands.

    At its core, StraTech blends culture, behavioural science, data, and AI to help brands forge meaningful connections across every stage of the marketing funnel.

    VAN’s global career spans marketing, innovation, and strategy across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with stints at major brands including Mondelez, Emirates, Samsung, and ExxonMobil.

    Commenting on the appointment, WolfzHowl India founder and partner & head of strategy WolfzHowl Global Kalyan Ram Challapalli said, “As we enter a new chapter of strategic growth, we need seasoned leaders to scale and strengthen our StraTech vision. VAN’s experience, integrity, and collaborative leadership make him the perfect catalyst for this journey.”

    Reflecting on his new role, VAN Sharma said, “It’s rare to find a space that unites behavioural science, technology, and brand building so seamlessly. I’m excited to help orchestrate this convergence at WolfzHowl and shape what we proudly call StraTech.”

    Based in Bengaluru, VAN will also support WolfzHowl’s expansion across Southeast Asia and Australia, working closely with the global leadership team to amplify the consultancy’s innovation-led brand.

  • Word Play Returns as Sahitya Aaj Tak Turns Delhi into a Lit Fest

    Word Play Returns as Sahitya Aaj Tak Turns Delhi into a Lit Fest

    MUMBAI: Delhi’s about to get a serious case of literary fever and no one’s complaining. The India Today Group organized and much-loved Sahitya Aaj Tak is back from 21 to 23 November 2025, transforming the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium into a buzzing playground of poetry, prose and performance.

    Now in its latest edition, the three-day fiesta promises to be a heady mix of words, wisdom and rhythm, with over 30 celebrated voices from literature, music and performance coming together to make language sing again.

    This year’s line-up reads like a who’s who of India’s creative scene Piyush Mishra, Kumar Vishwas, Imran Pratapgarhi, Varsha Singh Dhanoa, Malini Awasthi, Neha Kakkar, Namita Dubey, Manoj Muntashir, and Jasbir Jassi each bringing their unique flavour of expression to Delhi’s cultural calendar.

    From soulful shayari to pop beats, Sahitya Aaj Tak 2025 is where a verse meets a voice and rhythm meets reason. Whether you’re there for Kumar Vishwas’s philosophical masterpiece Apne Apne Ram (which will feature across all three days), or Neha Kakkar’s chart-topping energy, the event promises moments that move the heart as much as they make you hum.

    Adding a contemplative layer are thematic sessions like Jeewan Ki Jagrukta: Kitni Zaruri…, delving into mindfulness and awareness in today’s whirlwind life. Another highlight, Rahgeer Live…, brings together poetic voices like Marham, Deveshi Sahgal, and Rahgir, blending verse and melody into one mesmerising flow.

    As always, the festival’s magic lies in its ability to make literature feel alive not confined to dusty pages or late-night screens, but performed, sung, debated and celebrated. With folk icon Malini Awasthi, Punjabi powerhouse Jasbir Jassi, and Hargun Kaur adding melody to the mix, it’s a feast for the senses as much as the soul.

    Registration for the festival is now open on sahitya.aajtak.in.

    So mark your calendars and charge your creative batteries because for three days this November, Delhi won’t just speak, it’ll rhyme, sing and soar.

     

  • Warner Music strikes a new note with CFO hire

    Warner Music strikes a new note with CFO hire

    MUMBAI: Warner Music India has hit a high note in its leadership line-up, naming Vikram Kulkarni as its new chief financial officer. The appointment underscores the company’s push to amplify its business strategy and deepen collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.

    Armed with over 17 years of experience across finance, strategy, and governance, Vikram brings a sharp understanding of balancing numbers with creative ambition. Before joining Warner Music, he served as finance controller at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he partnered with India and South Asia leadership to drive sustainable growth. He has also held key roles at Ernst & Young and Welspun Group, honing expertise in financial reporting, audit, tax, and business performance management.

    “I’m honoured to join Warner Music India during such a dynamic time for the music industry,” said Vikram Kulkarni. “The company’s artist-first vision and commitment to creative growth inspire me. I look forward to building strong financial foundations that fuel innovation and long-term success.”

    Warner Music India & SAARC managing director Jay Mehta added, “Vikram brings the perfect mix of financial insight and leadership. His strategic perspective will be vital as we continue expanding Warner Music’s presence and impact across India and South Asia.”

    With Kulkarni now in the mix, Warner Music India looks set to fine-tune its rhythm of growth, blending business precision with creative passion in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.

     

  • Zee Sports joins hands with UPKL for 3 Years

    Zee Sports joins hands with UPKL for 3 Years

    MUMBAI: Zee Sports is making a power play in India’s sporting landscape. The network has entered into a three-year strategic partnership with Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), becoming the exclusive broadcast and digital partner for the state’s flagship Kabaddi property.

    The collaboration, the first of its kind for a state-level sports IP, will bring the next three UPKL seasons to TV audiences on Zee Sports and to digital viewers via Zee5, expanding the league’s footprint across India.

    With the addition of four new franchises, UPKL now boasts 12 teams representing key cities across Uttar Pradesh. The partnership marks a pivotal step in UPKL’s evolution from a regional league to a nationally recognised sports enterprise focused on nurturing grassroots talent.

    “At Zee Sports, we believe in championing India’s own sporting heritage,” said Zee Sports business head Bavesh Janavlekar. “Through our vast TV network and Zee5’s digital ecosystem, this partnership will help Kabaddi get the scale and storytelling it truly deserves.”

    Echoing the sentiment, SJ Uplift Kabaddi founder and director Sambhav Jain said, “This collaboration transforms UPKL from a promising local initiative into a nationwide platform for players and fans alike. With season 2, we’re taking Kabaddi from local stadiums to living rooms across India.”

    The three-year deal will cover seasons 2, 3 and 4 of UPKL. The upcoming season 2 kicks off on December 25, 2025, in Noida, featuring 71 matches over 19 days, with live Hindi telecasts capturing the sport’s traditional spirit.

    With this move, Zee Sports and UPKL are set to turn a regional game into a national sensation, one raid at a time.

     

     

  • TechnoSport races ahead with Myntra M-Now launch

    TechnoSport races ahead with Myntra M-Now launch

    MUMBAI: TechnoSport is breaking a sweat in all the right ways. The homegrown activewear brand has made its debut on Myntra’s M-Now, the fashion platform’s hyper-speed delivery service, bringing performance wear to your doorstep in just 30 minutes.

    Currently live across Bengaluru, with expansion plans for Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune, the move marks a bold stride in TechnoSport’s mission to make premium-quality activewear both affordable and instantly accessible.

    The brand is kicking off its M-Now journey with 10 plus styles, priced at an average of Rs 430, combining comfort, performance, and value. The launch is part of TechnoSport’s larger omni-channel expansion, which includes rapid delivery via Myntra and soon, its own website.

    TechnoSport’s foray into quick commerce has already shown impressive results, the brand has clocked nearly 60 per cent volume growth over the past six months. With consumers increasingly turning to Q-commerce for impulse fitness buys, the segment is expected to contribute 15–20 per cent of the brand’s overall revenue in the near future.

    “We are thrilled to launch TechnoSport on M-Now,” said TechnoSport CEO Puspen Maity. “Activewear is often an impulse purchase tied to lifestyle goals. Q-commerce bridges that gap between intent and action, allowing us to meet consumers’ expectations for instant gratification while keeping performance and quality at the core.”

    By merging speed with style, TechnoSport is sprinting ahead in India’s booming activewear race, and with this launch, it’s proving that in fitness and fashion alike, timing is everything.

     

  • India’s TV distributors scramble to meet year-end audit deadline

    India’s TV distributors scramble to meet year-end audit deadline

    NEW DELHI: India’s television distribution platforms will have to race against the clock. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has fired a warning shot at cable, DTH and IPTV operators who haven’t completed their mandatory annual audits for 2025—and the deadline is looming.

    In a notice dated 31 October, joint adviser Sapna Sharma laid down the law: get audited by 31 December or face financial penalties. The warning follows a regulatory review that found many distribution platform operators have simply skipped their legally required system audits this year.

    The interconnection regulations, first notified in March 2017 and amended six times since, are crystal clear. Every TV distributor must audit their systems once per calendar year using an empanelled auditor or the state-run Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd. Miss that deadline and the financial disincentives kick in automatically.

    The regulator’s patience appears to be wearing thin. Multi-system operators, IPTV platforms, direct-to-home services and headend-in-the-sky operators have just two months to sort themselves out. The audit process isn’t quick either—it must include a final report from the auditor, meaning operators who dawdle now risk running out of time altogether.

    The message from TRAI is unambiguous: comply or pay up. With 2025 ticking away, India’s TV distributors have nowhere left to hide.

  • Lionsgate roars louder as Hollywood meets Hyderabad in 2026

    Lionsgate roars louder as Hollywood meets Hyderabad in 2026

    MUMBAI: Hollywood’s roaring lion just found its desi accent. Lionsgate Play, the premium streaming platform that’s redefined Hollywood for Indian screens, is entering 2026 with a bang and a hundred more. The platform has announced a record-breaking slate of 100 plus premieres across languages, cementing its claim as India’s “Home for Action” while widening its cinematic jungle to embrace regional storytelling.

    In just five years, Lionsgate Play has grown from a niche Hollywood service into a full-blown entertainment powerhouse now reaching over 40 million viewers through a vast distribution network that stretches from metros to mini-screens. Its latest evolution? A blend of blockbuster swagger and local soul.

    2025 was the turning point. With audiences increasingly vibing to Southern storytelling, Lionsgate Play turned its camera beyond Los Angeles, premiering Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam titles like Dakshina, Eleven, Soothravakyam, and Racharikam. The result was pure box-office streaming energy, a 40 per cent surge in consumption, even as the global industry reeled from the Hollywood strikes of 2024.

    And now, 2026 promises an even bolder leap. The platform’s upcoming lineup is stacked like never before, a global-meets-local buffet of spectacle and storytelling.

    The Hollywood big guns are back: From Gerard Butler’s Greenland: Migration to Angelina Jolie’s Kiss of the Spider Woman, and from Mutiny to The Rivals of Amziah King, the slate packs serious star wattage with the likes of Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, and Matthew McConaughey.

    The South stays strong: Building on its regional momentum, Lionsgate Play is rolling out 25 plus Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada titles, ensuring that cinematic flavour flows from both sides of the equator.

    The Hindi turn: The streamer is also going desi in Delhi expanding into Hindi originals with a curated mix of crime thrillers, horror comedies, and game shows, each designed to tap India’s ever-evolving taste for drama with a twist.

    And the classics never fade: In between the new, Lionsgate Play is doubling down on its cult collection. Think Sherlock meets Spider-Man, Rambo joins Men in Black, and Charlie Chaplin shares screen space with Jumanji and Anaconda. A line-up tailor-made for every mood, every generation.

    “Our journey so far has been defined by bold storytelling and a deep understanding of what today’s audience seeks quality, variety, and authenticity,” said Lionsgate Play Asia president Rohit Jain. “2026 marks a turning point. We’re scaling our stories, deepening regional connections, and making premium global entertainment more inclusive and accessible than ever before.”

    With its expanding footprint and its eye firmly on cultural inclusivity, Lionsgate Play is no longer just Hollywood’s Indian outpost, it’s a full-fledged entertainment ecosystem where Los Angeles meets Lucknow, and where cinematic worlds collide, connect, and click ‘Play’.

  • Generali Central embraces ‘Here now’ to celebrate new beginnings

    Generali Central embraces ‘Here now’ to celebrate new beginnings

    MUMBAI: In a heartfelt nod to life’s fresh starts, Generali Central Insurance (GCI) and Generali Central Life Insurance (GCLI) have launched “Here now,” their first joint brand campaign since rebranding earlier this year. The campaign marks a milestone moment after the Central Bank of India became a joint venture partner with the Generali Group, uniting both life and non-life businesses under one strong identity.

    Built on the belief that the future begins in the present, “Here now” celebrates everyday courage, from a family unlocking the door to their first home, to an entrepreneur reigniting an old dream. It’s a campaign that reminds people to embrace new beginnings with confidence, knowing their lifetime partner stands beside them.

    “‘Here now’ is a celebration of new beginnings: those brave, hopeful moments when people choose to move forward with intention,” said GCI chief marketing customer & impact officer Ruchika Malhan Varma.“Every new chapter deserves a partner who’s truly present.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Geetanjali Chugh Kothari, Chief Marketing Officer at GCLI, added, “Life insurance is deeply personal — it’s about the people you love and the life you’re building. With ‘Here Now,’ we wanted to connect with people on a human level and celebrate the everyday moments that make life meaningful.”

    Created by VML India with media duties handled by Dentsu Media India, the campaign draws on Generali’s global design language: the iconic red wings and bold ‘Here now’ lock-up, to symbolise presence, partnership, and protection.

    The nationwide rollout spans nine languages across TV, digital, print, outdoor, and social media, with clever integrations across Uber, Swiggy, and the Mumbai Metro. To reach millions of viewers, the campaign will also feature during India’s t20 ODI cricket matches, alongside prime-time favourites like Kaun Banega Crorepati.

     

  • Anita Dongre shines in Beverly Hills

    Anita Dongre shines in Beverly Hills

    MUMBAI: Anita Dongre has brought a touch of Rajasthan to Rodeo Drive country. The celebrated Indian designer has opened her 3,000 square feet  flagship boutique on Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, becoming the first Indian designer to debut a store in this iconic fashion district.

    This new outpost is Dongre’s fourth international store after New York and Dubai, a milestone that underscores her mission of “taking India to the world.”

    Co-hosted by Mindy Kaling and Poorna Jagannathan, the launch saw a gathering of South Asian trailblazers from Hollywood and fashion, including Jay Shetty, Payal Kadakia, Richa Moorjani, Deepica Mutyala, and Nidhi Sunil, among others. Together, they celebrated a designer who has long woven culture, craftsmanship, and conscience into couture.

    The store itself feels like a serene slice of Rajasthan, its hand-painted Pichhwai walls, embroidered cushions, and bespoke wallpaper handcrafted by Indian artisans. Every corner reflects Dongre’s signature balance of mindful luxury and timeless artistry.

    At the centre stands a striking elephant matriarch and calf installation from The Great Elephant Migration, an art movement supporting sustainability and indigenous craft communities. Made from invasive lantana weeds, the sculptures are both art and activism, a fitting metaphor for Dongre’s eco-conscious vision.

    “Every creation we make is touched by the hands of skilled women artisans whose stories inspire our work,” said Dongre. “Bringing their artistry to Beverly Hills isn’t just about fashion, it’s about giving India’s craftspeople the global platform they deserve.”

    Rooted in Rajasthan yet globally resonant, Dongre continues to redefine what modern Indian luxury looks like: authentic, ethical, and exquisitely made. With her Beverly Hills store, she adds another glittering thread to her international legacy.

  • BharatPe brings Shilpi Kapoor on board

    BharatPe brings Shilpi Kapoor on board

    MUMBAI: BharatPe has roped in seasoned marketer Shilpi Kapoor as its new head of marketing, marking a strategic move as the fintech player sharpens its brand play and digital growth strategy.

    With over two decades of experience across powerhouse brands, Kapoor joins BharatPe from Airtel Payments Bank, where she served as chief marketing officer and helped position it as one of India’s leading digital financial institutions. Her standout contributions included creating the ‘Safe second account’ category and scaling the bank’s active user base to over 100 million.

    Before Airtel, Kapoor made her mark at American Express, Renault, Godfrey Phillips, Bharti Airtel, and Coca-Cola, driving some of the most memorable brand stories in recent years. From leading Amex’s ‘Don’t Live Life Without It’ campaign to launching Renault KWID into India’s fast lane, her track record reflects a flair for insight-led, high-impact marketing.

    At BharatPe, Kapoor will oversee brand strategy, integrated marketing, and digital engagement across the company’s growing portfolio.

    BharatPe CEO Nalin Negi said, “We are building a digital-first financial ecosystem that merchants and consumers can trust. Shilpi’s expertise in scaling iconic brands will help us deepen engagement and drive our next phase of growth.”

    Sharing her excitement, Kapoor said, “BharatPe has been a game-changer for digital commerce in India. My goal is to strengthen its brand trust and cultural relevance while empowering millions of merchants and consumers nationwide.”

    Her appointment underscores BharatPe’s focus on consumer-centric storytelling and brand-led growth, as the fintech firm gears up to expand its footprint in India’s rapidly evolving digital finance landscape.

    With Kapoor at the helm of marketing, BharatPe seems ready to add a fresh coat of brand brilliance to its growth story.