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  • Chhota Bheem maker calls on fresh voices to script big kids’ adventures

    Chhota Bheem maker calls on fresh voices to script big kids’ adventures

    MUMBAI: Move over capes and crowns, the new heroes of kids’ TV might just be holding pens, not swords. Green Gold Animation, the studio that gave India its most famous toon icon Chhota Bheem, has opened a nationwide hunt for aspiring writers to help script its next big animated adventure. The initiative, starting 1 September 2025, invites early-career writers from every corner of India students, aspiring screenwriters, and first-timers with a flair for children’s stories. Experience in animation isn’t a prerequisite; what matters most is an ear for how kids speak, laugh, and dream today.

    Selected participants will get paid collaborations with Green Gold’s development team, working hand-in-hand with writers, animators, producers, and directors. They’ll also receive mentorship from seasoned professionals inside the studio, an industry break that could see their words come to life on screen.

    “For nearly two decades, our characters have grown up with India’s children,” said Green Gold Animation founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka. “But kids’ stories evolve with every new generation. Today’s children are curious, expressive, and connected, and we want stories that reflect that shift. With this initiative, we’re opening the door to new voices who can make kids laugh, think, and see themselves on screen.”

    The contest will be conducted virtually, making it accessible to storytellers nationwide. Interested participants can write to careers@greengold.tv to register. Once signed up, they’ll receive a creative brief setting out the direction of the upcoming show.

    Green Gold, which has shaped India’s animation landscape with Chhota Bheem and a host of other beloved characters, is framing this as more than a talent drive, it’s about building a pipeline for inclusive, future-facing storytelling. For the next generation of creators, this could be the chance to script their own fairy-tale beginning.

  • KathaVersse Media Network appoints Ravi Luthria as Chief Revenue Officer

    KathaVersse Media Network appoints Ravi Luthria as Chief Revenue Officer

    KathaVersse, the content IP company on a mission to build a “Marvel for Bharat”, has appointed Ravi Luthria as its Chief Revenue Officer.

    An IIM Lucknow alum and former Head of Videos at Pocket FM–US, Ravi is a seasoned strategic and entrepreneurial leader with over 20 years of cross-industry experience spanning content, FMCG, marketing, and content-tech. He has successfully led multi-crore P&L mandates, scaled content businesses, and built high-performance teams in India, the U.S., and beyond.

    With deep expertise in branded content IPs, IP monetization and scaling, and emerging technologies such as Generative AI, Ravi is known for combining big-picture vision with disciplined execution. 
    In his new role, Ravi will drive KathaVersse’s revenue engine, monetize Digital Commentary — the company’s flagship non-fiction platform with a 1.1M+ community and 120M+ monthly views — and lead its services division KVGYAPAAN. 

    Positioned as a Video-as-a-Service (VaaS) brand, KVGYAPAAN delivers high-impact, platform-optimized video campaigns for brands, social media content creation and strategy for brands including the high quality Micro Dramas for Micro Drama OTT’s and more. 

    With an ambition to become one of India’s largest IP companies, Ravi’s focus will be on integrating IPs with advertiser partnerships in innovative, ROI-driven ways — addressing a market where Indian youth now spend 3.5–4 hours daily consuming video content.

    “What impressed me most about KathaVersse is the absolute clarity and scale of their IP ambition. The founding team is already well on their way to making this vision a reality,” said Ravi.

    Aakash Kumar, CEO of KathaVersse, added: “Ravi is one of the most important additions to our core team — a game-changer for IP monetization and scaling. His content business expertise makes him the perfect fit for our next growth phase, as we gear up to launch 10+ universe- and format-driven long-form IPs over the next 15 months.”

    For partnerships and brand enquiries: connect with Ravi Luthria on LinkedIn. 
     

  • Top Retirement Plans for Salaried and Self-Employed Professionals in 2025

    Top Retirement Plans for Salaried and Self-Employed Professionals in 2025

    Retirement planning supports a structured financial approach for salaried and self-employed individuals. It allows individuals to prepare for future income needs after their active working years end. Planning early may help individuals set up regular income options. Various pension and annuity plans are available in 2025 for individuals with different financial goals. Also, many plans offer options such as immediate payouts or deferred income structures. This article explains the top retirement plans for salaried and self-employed professionals in 2025. 

    Retirement Plans for Salaried and Self-Employed Professionals 

    The retirement plan for salaried and self-employed professionals in 2025 is as follows: 

    National Pension System (NPS)  

    The National Pension System is a voluntary scheme managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It is available to salaried employees, government staff, and self-employed persons. Individuals contribute to their pension account regularly during their working years. At retirement, some part of the accumulated fund can be withdrawn as a lump sum, and the remaining portion may be used to buy an annuity plan. Contributions made under NPS are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80CCD. 

    Public Provident Fund (PPF)  

    The Public Provident Fund is a long-term savings scheme supported by the Government of India. It is available to both salaried and self-employed individuals. The scheme has a 15-year lock-in period, and contributions earn interest at a rate decided by the Ministry of Finance every quarter. The interest earned and the maturity amount are exempt from income tax. Individuals can contribute a fixed amount every year, and partial withdrawals are allowed after 6 years of opening the PPF account. 

    Annuity Plans  

    Annuity plans are available through life insurance companies and can be suitable for those nearing retirement. Individuals invest a lump sum amount, and the insurer provides regular payouts for life or a fixed duration. Annuity options include immediate annuity, deferred annuity, and joint life annuity. These plans do not allow the withdrawal of the principal amount but offer fixed income during the post-retirement period. An annuity plan can be helpful for self-employed individuals who want a predictable payout pattern. 

    Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS)  

    The Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme is designed for individuals aged 60 years and above. It is available through banks and post offices. The scheme allows a one-time investment, and interest is paid quarterly. The interest rate is reviewed every quarter by the Ministry of Finance. SCSS has a tenure of five years and may be extended by three more years. The SCSS can be suitable for retirees who seek regular interest income in their retirement years. 

    Life Insurance Retirement Plans  

    Many life insurance providers offer pension or retirement-focused insurance policies. This plan combines savings with life coverage, and both salaried and self-employed individuals can buy life insurance retirement plans. This plan usually involves regular premiums or a one-time payment. On maturity, a part of the amount can be paid to the policyholder as a lump sum, while the rest is used to offer periodic income. Many life insurance retirement plans offer deferred annuity or immediate annuity options, based on the policyholder’s age and preference. 

    Atal Pension Yojana (APY)  

    Atal Pension Yojana is a government-backed pension scheme mainly aimed at unorganised sector workers. However, any Indian citizen between 18 and 40 years of age may join. People who enrol for this yojana can receive monthly pension benefits after reaching the age of 60. The contribution amount depends on the chosen monthly pension and the age of entry. 

    Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF)  

    The Voluntary Provident Fund is an extension of the Employees’ Provident Fund. It allows salaried employees to contribute a higher percentage of their salary beyond the mandatory EPF amount. The interest rate is usually similar to EPF. Additionally, it offers tax benefits under Section 80C, and the maturity amount is tax-exempt if certain conditions are met. VPF may suit those who want to increase long-term savings through payroll deductions. 

    Retirement-Linked Mutual Funds 

    Retirement-linked mutual funds are designed to support long-term retirement planning objectives. These funds typically follow equity or hybrid investment strategies and are suited for long-term goals. They may include lock-in periods and step-down strategies that gradually reduce equity exposure as the investor nears retirement. These funds are available to both salaried and self-employed individuals. Retirement-linked mutual funds provide flexibility in contribution amounts and allow investment through systematic investment plans (SIPs). 

    Conclusion 

    Retirement planning is an important part of long-term financial preparation. Choosing a plan with suitable annuity features may support future income after regular employment ends. Retirement products vary in structure and may include options for single life or joint life annuity, immediate or deferred income. Understanding how these options work helps individuals select plans that match their financial goals. It is important to review the terms of each policy carefully before making a decision. All information should be read directly from the official website of the provider for an accurate understanding. 

    Disclaimer: The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional or legal advice. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information. 

  • Evo changes hands as Sony exits and Nodwin takes control

    Evo changes hands as Sony exits and Nodwin takes control

    MUMBAI: The Evolution Championship Series (Evo), the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game festival, has entered new ownership and struck fresh partnerships that will steer its future through 2028 and beyond.

    Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has sold its stake in Evo to Nodwin Gaming, backed by Sony Group Corporation, while signing on as a global sponsor until 2028. SIE will continue to support the fighting game community via PlayStation Tournaments and new products in development.

    “When SIE acquired Evo alongside RTS in 2021, our goal was to spotlight fighting game fans on a global stage,” said SIE svp and head of global partner development & relations Phil Rosenberg. “As we transition to sponsor, Evo’s momentum has never been stronger, with expansion into new regions.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee said: “Evo was built on authenticity and passion. We will honour that legacy while opening the door for a new generation.”

    Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya, already a global partner, is investing in RTS, Evo’s co-owner and operator, and extending its deal through 2027. RTS chief executive Stuart Saw said the tie-up would “drive real transformation in the fighting game community through new opportunities, deeper connections and meaningful growth.”

    Evo’s global pull is surging. Its Las Vegas flagship drew players from more than 60 countries across 16 titles on a 14-acre floor, backed by brands including Chipotle, AT&T, PlayStation, Red Bull and Under Armour. Evo Japan at Tokyo Big Sight drew around 30,000, making it the largest in-person fighting game tournament in the country’s history.

    The festival will debut in Europe at the Palais des Expos in Nice, France, from October 10-12, with record registrations, and expand to Singapore in 2027.

    “Evo is accelerating from hosting renowned events to serving as a nexus point for fighting game culture worldwide,” said Evo general manager Rick Thiher.

  • Azmat Jagmag exits Warner Bros. Discovery

    Azmat Jagmag exits Warner Bros. Discovery

    MUMBAI: After nearly three years shaping pop culture moments at Warner Bros Discovery, Azmat Jagmag has called time on her stint at the media giant.

    Jagmag, who joined in 2021 as head of marketing for south Asia before taking over as partnerships and solutions marketing head for INSEAK, led some of the company’s most ambitious regional pushes. She oversaw the India launch of discovery+, spearheaded the scale-up of Max across South East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan with over 15 telecom and MVPD partners, and drove social and marketing campaigns that turned viral from Mumbai to Los Angeles.

    Before WBD, Jagmag founded Masala Chai, a content-marketing outfit that launched indie music label Jjust Music and helped reposition Puja Entertainment as a modern studio. Earlier, at Zee Entertainment, she spent over a decade leading brand and marketing strategy, pushing Zee TV and Zee Anmol to leadership positions and driving campaigns that bagged multiple industry awards.

    Across her 18-year career, she has launched and scaled some of India’s most recognisable media brands, from SonyLiv to Cartoon Network. Recognised by Google as a leading woman in new-age media, she also co-authored a brand case study for IIM Ahmedabad.

    As she signs off from WBD, Jagmag says the journey has been about turning “logic to magic”—a mantra that has defined her career across broadcast, DTC, movies and music. The next chapter, she teases, is already in the works.

  • Rajya Sabha clears sweeping ban on online money gaming despite opposition uproar

    Rajya Sabha clears sweeping ban on online money gaming despite opposition uproar

    NEW DELHI: The Indian parliament on Friday pushed through a controversial law banning the operation, facilitation and advertising of online money games, amid noisy opposition protests over the lack of debate.

    The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025—passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha a day after clearing the Lok Sabha—makes online money gaming punishable with up to three years in prison and fines of as much as Rs 1 crore. Offences will be cognisable and non-bailable.

    Tabling the bill, electronics and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw likened money-gaming addiction to drug abuse and accused powerful vested interests of fuelling terror finance through gaming platforms. He said roughly 45 crore Indians had lost money online, with annual losses pegged at Rs 20,000 crore.

    The legislation bans all forms of online betting and gambling—from fantasy sports and poker to rummy, lotteries and other card games—and bars banks and payment providers from processing related transactions. 

    Advertising such services will invite up to two years’ jail and fines of Rs 50 lakh, while facilitating payments could mean three years in prison and Rs 1 crore in penalties. Repeat offenders face enhanced sentences of up to five years and Rs 2 crore in fines.

    Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the government for forcing the bill through without discussion, even as union minister Kiren Rijiju said protests made a debate impossible.

    Vaishnaw stressed the bill distinguishes between harmful money games and esports. Speaking to ANI, he said the government aims to “promote and encourage the good parts” of online gaming, and to make India a hub for development through the planned Indian Institute of Creative Technologies.

    Prime minister Narendra Modi, addressing an NDA meeting, hailed the online gaming ban as a reform with “far-reaching impact”, while accusing the opposition of reducing the monsoon session to disruption.

    NDTV reported that the government will also act against “big people” attempting to sway opinion through media and social media campaigns against the ban.

  • Yiota Pagoulatos takes charge of communications at International Emmy Awards

    Yiota Pagoulatos takes charge of communications at International Emmy Awards

    NEW YORK: Yiota Pagoulatos has been appointed director of communications and partnerships at the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the body that runs the International Emmy Awards. She  took up the role in New York this month.

    The move caps eight years running Pink Orchid International, her boutique consultancy advising global media and entertainment firms on executive messaging, thought leadership and visibility. Her clients ranged from China’s CCTV and India’s DocuBay to Korea’s Something Special and the Mongolian National Film Council. She also fronted campaigns and partnerships at global markets including Mipcom Cannes, Banff, ATF Singapore and the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film.

    Earlier, Pagoulatos spent nine years at Reed Midem, rising from coordinator to sales director. She handled sponsorships and content launches for clients including Lionsgate, DreamWorks, MGM, Miramax and Starz, managing multimillion-euro accounts and delivering high-profile premieres such as Power and The Book of Negroes.

    Her new brief at the Academy brings her back to the heart of international television, with a focus on growing the Emmys’ global partnerships and communications footprint.

  • Young Indian western classical vocalist strikes gold in Tokyo classical competition

    Young Indian western classical vocalist strikes gold in Tokyo classical competition

    MUMBAI: The daughter of a streaming aggregator boss has just delivered a performance to remember. Vanshi Mudaliar, the 12-year-old daughter of Avinash Mudaliar, co-founder and chief executive of OTTPlay, claimed the gold prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards in Tokyo on 20 August, performing live at the world-renowned Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

    The victory follows her silver medal at Vienna’s International Arts Festival in 2024, making her one of the youngest Indian musicians to secure consecutive top honours across Europe and Asia in Western classical music competitions—a field historically dominated by European, American and Russian performers.

    “Her victory at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall marks a breakthrough moment for Indian talent on the international classical music circuit,” says her father, clearly basking in paternal pride.

    The competition attracted global participants, with winners selected through online auditions before the most exceptional performers were invited to Tokyo for three days of live performances. Vanshi took the stage on the final day, 20 August.

    Her success stems from five years of intensive training under Rahel Shekatkar at Rahel Music Academy in Pune—a 150-kilometre journey from the family’s Mumbai base that has proved worthwhile. Despite the distance, this student-teacher partnership has now produced two major international victories.

    Shekatkar’s academy has established itself as a premier destination for western classical vocal training in India. Vanshi’s achievements demonstrate the quality of musical education available domestically, bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions.

    At just 12, Vanshi has carved out a unique position in India’s musical landscape through her dedication to Western classical music—a genre demanding exceptional technical precision, vocal control and interpretive skills. Her journey from Mumbai to Vienna to Tokyo illustrates the global recognition Indian artists can achieve in traditional western art forms.

    With two major international victories already secured, Vanshi represents a new generation of Indian classical musicians making their mark globally, opening doors for other young artists and highlighting the importance of nurturing musical talent early.

  • Reliance Animation and dubbing platform Rian ink MoU to bridge language gaps in entertainment

    Reliance Animation and dubbing platform Rian ink MoU to bridge language gaps in entertainment

    MUMBAI: Reliance Animation, one of India’s leading animation studios, has struck a global alliance with Rian, an AI-human multilingual dubbing and localisation platform, in a deal that could reshape the way stories travel across borders.

    The partnership brings together Reliance’s strength in creating original, culturally rooted content and Rian’s cutting-edge language technology. The tie-up promises to take Indian characters—such as Reliance’s popular Little Singham—to overseas markets while bringing international titles into India with linguistic and cultural precision.

    ““This is more than a partnership, it’s a cultural gateway,” said Anand Shiralkar, founder and chief executive of Rian. “ With Reliance Animation’s storytelling legacy and Rian’s multilingual dubbing capabilities, Indian IPs can now reach audiences in every corner of the globe, while international creators can instantly connect with Reliance’s massive 6 million strong viewer base in India. Together, we’re making stories travel further, faster, and more authentically than ever before.”

    Tejonidhi Bhandare, chief executive of Reliance Animation, said the venture would expand the reach of its “world-class content with an Indian soul”. He added, “ This is a win for creators, a win for audiences, and a bold step for the industry. ”

    The firms frame the alliance as more than a business play. By marrying storytelling with technology, they hope to foster a freer, more authentic flow of content between India and the world, laying the foundations for the next decade of global entertainment exchange.

  • KBC S17 onboards Godrej’s Locks & Architectural Solutions as official safety partner

    KBC S17 onboards Godrej’s Locks & Architectural Solutions as official safety partner

    MUMBAI: Locks & Architectural Solutions, a Godrej Enterprises Group company, has once again teamed up with Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) as the show’s Official Safety Partner for Season 17. This marks the brand’s second consecutive association with the nation’s most-watched quiz show, hosted by none other than Amitabh Bachchan.

    Locks and Architectural Solutions, a part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has consistently set industry standards in the field of locks through continuous innovation, introducing products such as India’s first ‘Made in India’ digital lock, cutting-edge postmodern biometric and connected digital locks and even a lock with the 1st patented dual motion technology in the world.

    The collaboration goes beyond on-screen visibility. Each episode’s winner will take home not just prize money, but also a sleek digital lock, presented by Bachchan himself.

    “Kaun Banega Crorepati is a show that embodies trust and empowerment, values that align perfectly with our mission,” said Shyam Motwani, Business Head, Locks & Architectural Solutions on the partnership. “Through this partnership, we aim to inspire

    Indian families second time to embrace modern safety solutions that combine Godrej’s legacy of trust with the power of technology showcased through our iconic new product range, GSL D1 integration.”

    With features like biometric access, RFID, and app-enabled control, the brand’s new range, including the GSL D1 integration, aims to redefine what “safe” means in the digital age.

    “Viewers are invited to engage with the brand across social media platforms and explore its innovative product range at stores nationwide. Whether upgrading home security or learning more about digital safety, this partnership encourages every Indian to take a step toward a smarter, safer future,” added Motwani.

    This association marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of home safety in India, where tradition meets technology, and trust meets transformation.