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  • Truecaller names Athul Prabhu product director for ads business

    Truecaller names Athul Prabhu product director for ads business

    MUMBAI: Truecaller has tapped Athul Prabhu as product director for its advertising arm, a move aimed at supercharging the company’s biggest growth engine.

    Prabhu, an ad-tech veteran with stints at Glance, TikTok, Viacom18 and Nielsen, will shape the product vision and strategy for Truecaller Ads. At Glance, he built the lock-screen app’s ad-tech infrastructure from scratch, enabling global monetisation through programmatic and direct sales.

    The appointment comes as Truecaller Ads, delivering more than 5 billion daily impressions and used by over 10,000 brands, cements its reputation as one of the world’s largest mobile advertising platforms. Hemant Arora, vice-president of the global ads business, said Prabhu’s remit will be to design a diversified suite of AI- and data-led products tuned to local markets.

    Prabhu, an IIT Kanpur graduate with an MBA from ISB Hyderabad, called the platform “uniquely positioned to redefine the future of trusted communication and digital advertising”, citing its reach and user trust as rare assets for brands.

    Advertising accounts for the lion’s share of Truecaller’s growth, and the company is betting Prabhu can turn scale into sharper monetisation.

  • News broadcasters press Sitharaman for GST relief on ads and credits

    News broadcasters press Sitharaman for GST relief on ads and credits

    NEW DELHI: India’s news broadcasters have taken their tax fight to the top. The News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), led by president Rajat Sharma, has written to finance minister and GST Council chair Nirmala Sitharaman, warning that the current goods and services tax regime is throttling the financial health of television and digital news outlets.

    In its 28 August representation, NBDA said the system of taxing advertising sales at the point of invoicing, rather than when payments are actually received, is crippling cash flow. Broadcasters, it noted, are often left waiting months for money from government departments, state agencies, PSUs and even the government’s own ad-buying arm DAVP. Yet GST has to be coughed up immediately, leaving newsrooms to carry the burden of taxes on income not yet in hand.

    The association also demanded a rethink of Section 17(5) of the GST Act, which denies input tax credit on everyday operational spends such as vehicle hire, catering, employee insurance and even routine services like beauty treatments required for on-air talent. NBDA argues these restrictions make little sense for an industry that runs on people, mobility and presentation.

    Sharma said the relief sought is not a handout but a rational correction. “The changes will align taxation with actual revenue flow and remove arbitrary blocks on legitimate business costs,” the letter states.

    The news business, already squeezed by weak advertising growth, digital disruption and rising costs, says it can ill afford such tax distortions. NBDA’s blunt message to North Block: fix the GST rules, or risk further erosion of an industry vital to India’s democracy.

  • Variety hits the right note with launch of Variety India this November

    Variety hits the right note with launch of Variety India this November

    MUMBAI: Call it a blockbuster plot twist: Variety, the world’s number one entertainment news brand, is setting the stage for its India debut. Teaming up with Thursday Tales Publishing Pvt Ltd (TTPPL), helmed by industry veterans Sarita A. Tanwar and Gautam Thakker, Variety India is all set to roll out this November.

    For over 120 years, Variety has been the vital read across Hollywood and beyond, covering film, TV, theatre, streaming, and pop culture in more than 84 countries. Now, with India’s film and entertainment industry booming, the brand is bringing its trusted voice to one of the world’s most dynamic storytelling hubs.

    “India is one of the world’s largest markets for movies, television and digital media. The launch of Variety India will add great depth and dimension to our global coverage,” said Variety, Co-Editors-in-Chief, Cynthia Little and Ramin Setoodeh.

    The new edition will debut in English, with plans to expand into regional languages soon. At the helm is Sarita A. Tanwar, acclaimed editor with stints at Mid-Day, Bombay Times, and DNA. “To bring Variety to India is not just a strategic decision, it’s a passionate one,” she said. “This brand has always been my go-to for Hollywood news, and India deserves a voice just as reliable.”

    Adding to this, EveryMedia Technologies, TTPPL, ceo-founder, Gautam B. Thakker, called it “a timely opportunity,” noting that the move would connect India’s creative pulse to the global stage.

    With Variety India headquartered in Mumbai, the publication promises to amplify the country’s diverse entertainment voices while plugging directly into the international conversation. 

  • Kabaddi gets a new tune as Sportz Interactive drops AI-powered anthems

    Kabaddi gets a new tune as Sportz Interactive drops AI-powered anthems

    MUMBAI: When kabaddi meets cadence and AI meets attitude, you know sport is getting a remix. Sportz Interactive (SI), the sports tech and fan engagement powerhouse, has rolled out three fresh team anthems for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, each crafted with speed, style, and a splash of artificial intelligence.

    For the Bengal Warriorz, SI and Capri Sports unleashed Tashan Toofani, a swagger-heavy anthem designed for Gen Z. Beyond penning the lyrics, the team leaned on AI to stitch together the soundtrack, create futuristic player avatars and layer in visuals dripping with fashion, music, and sport, a cultural cocktail tailored for the next wave of kabaddi fans.

    If Bengal got bold, Gujarat got fast. The Giants’ rallying cry, Garjega Gujarat, was turned around in just five days, a record sprint that combined SI’s in-house hustle with AI-powered fan-generated animations. Proof, perhaps, that an anthem doesn’t need months to roar if tech is tuned right.

    Meanwhile, the UP Yoddhas went cinematic. Their anthem, produced with a lean crew but boosted by AI workflows, captured the team’s gritty, battle-ready persona without compromising on authenticity or polish. It showed how smart tools can strip away inefficiencies while keeping the heart of the story intact.

    “These three productions reflect the versatility of our teams and the immense potential of AI to transform how sports franchises connect with their fans,” said Sportz Interactive SVP for leagues, teams & federations Chintan Shah. “Whether it’s ultra-fast delivery, fresh visual styles, or smarter workflows, we’re proud to be pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sports storytelling.”

    With Pro Kabaddi Season 12 set to storm the mats from 29 August 2025, fans of the Warriorz, Giants and Yoddhas won’t just cheer their heroes on the court, they’ll sing along to anthems built at the intersection of creativity, code and culture. Because in this league, it’s not just about points and tackles, but also about the soundtrack of sporting passion.

  • South Side Story hits the right notes as Red FM fest dazzles Delhi crowd

    South Side Story hits the right notes as Red FM fest dazzles Delhi crowd

    MUMBAI: When Carnatic ragas meet hip-hop beats and an Onam Sadhya feeds thousands, you know Delhi has been treated to more than just a music festival. 93.5 Red FM’s South Side Story returned for its 7th edition at KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium, drawing over 12,000 attendees for a two-day cultural feast of sound, flavour, and art.

    Day one was a blend of heritage and innovation. Carnatic maestro TM Krishna struck a soulful opening chord, followed by Job Kurian’s indie charm and the fresh energy of Aattam & Bhadra Rajin. Padma Bhushan awardee Shobana stole the spotlight with her first-ever North India stage performance, a dazzling fusion of Bharatanatyam and cinematic artistry. The evening closed with Avial’s trademark Carnatic rock anthems that had the crowd chanting for more.

    If tradition led the way on day one, day two was about shaking things up. All-women hip-hop collective Wild Wild Women turned up the swagger, Sooraj Santhosh brought his melodic warmth, Thaikkudam Bridge electrified the stage, and the Raghu Dixit Project delivered a high-voltage finale. Beyond the music, audiences tucked into a grand 20-plus dish Onam Sadhya and explored food pop-ups from Mahabelly, Naivedyam, Dakshin Canteen and more. With 60–65 per cent of attendees from southern states and a strong turnout from northern India, the festival lived up to its promise of being a cultural bridge.

    “South Side Story is more than just a music festival, it’s a vibrant celebration of art, culture, literature, cuisine, and community,” said Red FM and Magic FM Director & COO Nisha Narayanan. “It was uplifting to see such a diverse audience immersed in the South’s spirit at our 7th edition. At Red FM, we don’t just host events, we curate experiences that inspire, connect and resonate long after the final note.”

    With partners ranging from Royal Enfield and Bank of Maharashtra to Oxford Bookstore and Kerala Literature Festival, the event became a pan-cultural showcase. From ragas to rap, sambar to rock, South Side Story once again proved that Delhi can handle the heat and the spice of the South.
     

  • Paisabazaar opens doors to credit with first retail store in Gurugram

    Paisabazaar opens doors to credit with first retail store in Gurugram

    MUMBAI: Credit just got a shopfront makeover. Paisabazaar, India’s largest credit marketplace and free credit score platform, has stepped off the screen and onto the street with the launch of its first-ever retail store in Gurugram. This brick-and-mortar debut marks the fintech’s bold push to blend face-to-face financial advice with its tech-driven backbone.

    Over the next few weeks, the lender will expand with two more stores in Delhi and Noida before rolling out an ambitious 100 outlets across Mumbai, Delhi/NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and other metros. These hubs won’t just sell loans but will serve as financial pitstops for every kind of borrower from first-time credit seekers to small business owners offering guidance on personal loans, home loans, business loans and credit cards. For those less comfortable navigating apps, Paisabazaar’s physical presence promises hand-holding, personalised solutions and a friendlier gateway into the world of credit.

    “The retail store is a new business model for us, one that combines the comfort of a physical interaction and a technology-led seamless experience,” said Paisabazaar CEO Santosh Agarwal. “Our physical presence will help us both scale our business and deepen consumer trust.” The initiative aligns with the fintech’s larger goal of bridging the digital–physical divide and building a hybrid model that caters to millions of Indians who want the reassurance of a handshake alongside a loan approval. In a country where credit literacy still has miles to go, Paisabazaar’s retail foray may well prove to be credit where it’s due.

  • Disney Channel celebrates Doraemon’s birthday with Dora cakes & movie marathon

    Disney Channel celebrates Doraemon’s birthday with Dora cakes & movie marathon

    MUMBAI: Talk about a purr-fect party! Disney Channel India is rolling out the blue carpet for one of television’s most beloved characters: Doraemon. In the run-up to its birthday on 3 September, the channel has kicked off a week-long celebration that blends on-air specials, digital fun, and even edible treats.

    From 1–7 September, evenings on Disney Channel will turn into Doraemon time, with special movies airing daily from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The channel itself is getting a makeover too, donning Doraemon’s trademark look so fans feel like they’re stepping right into his world. Adding to the fun, viewers can share birthday wishes for Doraemon, with a chance to see their greetings featured on air.

    The celebrations don’t stop at the TV screen. On social media, influencer-led activities and curated compilations of Doraemon’s most heart-warming moments are set to keep fans smiling all week.

    And in a sweet twist, Disney Channel has teamed up with The Teal Baking Co. to whip up wholesome versions of Doraemon’s favourite snack Dora cakes. Lucky fans will get surprise deliveries of these kid-friendly treats, making the celebrations both magical and delicious.

    Beloved for his futuristic gadgets, quick fixes and his unshakable bond with Nobita, Doraemon continues to be one of India’s most cherished TV icons. This birthday, Disney Channel’s grand tribute promises plenty of nostalgia, joy, and of course, blue-hued magic for fans of all ages.
     

  • Delhi’s Loya Qissa welcomes Mexico’s Aruba bar takeover

    Delhi’s Loya Qissa welcomes Mexico’s Aruba bar takeover

    MUMBAI: When Delhi’s iconic Loya says “cheers” it does so with stories. Its much-loved bar takeover series, Qissa, is back. This time shaking things up with a spirited cross-continental collaboration.

    Flying in from Tijuana, Mexico, the celebrated Aruba day drink bar, ranked No. 22 in North America’s 50 best bars 2025, is stepping behind Loya’s counter. At the helm is Frida González, Aruba’s co-owner and one of the brightest forces in Baja California’s cocktail culture.

    González is known for crafting ingredient-forward drinks that are as vibrant as they are honest, championing a style that feels playful yet deeply rooted in Mexico’s northwest coast. Under her watch, the takeover promises a sun-drenched menu echoing Aruba’s signature ‘daytime conviviality’: fresh, bold, and layered with Baja narratives.

    Think zesty pours brimming with Mexican flavours, inventive techniques, and a dash of storytelling, all served against Loya’s backdrop of north Indian artistry and flavour. 

    After its showcase at Loya, Taj Palace, New Delhi,  this edition of Qissa won’t stop there. The collaboration will pack its shakers and journey to Mumbai’s The Taj Mahal Palace, and Bengaluru’s Taj West End carrying a dialogue of craft and culture across three cities.

  • Sportskeeda CTO Sankalp Sharma exits after 10 years at the helm

    Sportskeeda CTO Sankalp Sharma exits after 10 years at the helm

    MUMBAI: You can’t spell Sportskeeda without code. And for the last decade, Sankalp Sharma has been the man behind the machine, the chief technology officer who took a broken codebase, a skeletal team, and a laundry list of experiments, and turned it into a battle-hardened platform serving millions of sports fans worldwide. Now, after 10 years and 7 months, Sharma is moving on, leaving behind a tech legacy etched into the site’s DNA.

    Sharma’s tenure has been one of audacious scale. From six hot codebases and a dozen services, his lean team engineered a system that now handles a billion API calls a day with near-million concurrency. As CTO since December 2020 (after stints as VP of technology and tech lead), he not only scaled from “0 to 1, 1 to 10, and on to 100” but also reshaped how Sportskeeda approached experimentation, reliability, and growth.

    Reflecting on his philosophy, Sharma describes his approach as “going wide, going deep, and going around” spotting unnoticed patterns, rolling up his sleeves to refine systems, and navigating future goals through the fog of war. Along the way, he fostered a culture of curiosity, killed fluff projects early, and championed open-source contributions. His earlier career saw roles at Essencemediacom, Mindshare, VML, Foxymoron, TCS, and even a freelance stint helping startups and Fortune 500 companies alike.

    From one-click deployments to site reliability engineering, from streamlining legacy microservices to mentoring LGBTQIA+ professionals and startup founders, Sharma’s playbook has been as much about people as it was about platforms. As Sportskeeda now looks ahead to its next growth chapter, it does so with a tech foundation built on Sharma’s decade-long vision of harmony amid chaos.

     

  • Perform ace’s Connect X bags exclusive Indian sneaker festival

    Perform ace’s Connect X bags exclusive Indian sneaker festival

    MUMBAI:  Talk about making the right move. Perform ace’s connect X has just bagged the exclusive rights to the Indian sneaker festival (ISF): a coup that cements its place at the heart of India’s booming streetwear and sneaker scene.

    Billed as the country’s biggest celebration of sneakers, music and lifestyle, ISF has already become the holy ground for sneakerheads, collectors, and culture vultures. With connect X stepping in, the festival is gearing up to scale bigger heights, blending ‘phygital’ experiences to make sure India’s street style has a truly global strut.

    So, what makes ISF such a cultural heavyweight? Think more than just shoes. The festival brings together limited-edition drops, exclusive showcases from global and local brands, high-octane music acts, and interactive zones with sneaker-trading pits, graffiti walls, customisation booths, flea markets and more.

    This year, Grammy-winning rapper 21 Savage headlined the event: a watershed moment for India’s music-meets-streetwear scene. Past years have seen homegrown favourites like Seedhe Maut and Wazir tearing up the stage, proving ISF is as much about beats as it is about kicks.

    A spokesperson from Perform ace put it simply, “Sneakers and streetwear aren’t just products, they’re identity, creativity and culture. With ISF under the PerformAce banner, we’re creating a platform that lets India’s youth connect, collaborate and celebrate on a global scale.”