ITV

Blog

  • Mumbai seat battle heats up as CNN-News18 Town Hall hits the city

    Mumbai seat battle heats up as CNN-News18 Town Hall hits the city

    MUMBAI: When Mumbai talks politics, it doesn’t whisper, it shouts over traffic, cuts through the monsoon, and spills into cinema halls. On 13 August 2025, CNN-News18 Town Hall plants itself right in the middle of this noise with its Mumbai edition, themed “Ballot, BMC, and the Battle for Mumbai”. The agenda? Put the city’s future in the spotlight just weeks before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the first in eight years.

    Fresh from its Defence Edition, the Town Hall returns with a mix of political heavyweights, millennial ministers, and a hindi movie hitmaker. The line-up reads like Mumbai’s own blockbuster bill: Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister, will spar over civic priorities; Eknath Shinde, deputy CM, headlines “The Undisputed Sena-pati”; Aaditya Thackeray tackles whether Mumbai’s future is “regional” or global; and cabinet millennials Aditi Tatkare, Nitesh Rane, and Yogesh Kadam step up for “The Millennial Ministers” panel.

    And because Mumbai is never far from a film reel, filmmaker Mohit Suri will bring a cinematic interlude, delving into “Love, Loss and Legacy” after his latest success. Expect politics and pop culture to collide as only Mumbai can manage.

    “This edition is more relevant than ever,” says CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob. “With the upcoming BMC elections, these conversations are crucial for shaping the city’s vision.” CEO Smriti Mehra calls it a continuation of the channel’s mission to spotlight local concerns while sparking national conversations fitting for a network that’s been India’s No. 1 English news channel for over 3 years.

    The event will broadcast live from 4 pm on CNN-News18 and stream on its Youtube channel, inviting citizens to join in from home. But for Mumbai’s political stage, the message is clear: the curtain’s up, the lights are on, and the city’s future is up for debate.
     

  • India’s ice queens rise in Pocket FM’s ‘Sound of Courage’

    India’s ice queens rise in Pocket FM’s ‘Sound of Courage’

    MUMBAI: In a world flooded with noise, opinions, and clutter, Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, is on a mission to inspire the nation through meaningful narratives. The latest chapter in its widely loved ‘India, Kuch Acha Suno’ campaign spotlights the incredible true story of the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team — a tale of grit, belief, and breaking barriers.

    Despite family resistance, societal pressure, and being mocked for playing “men’s sport,” each player faced her own challenges but never gave up. They eventually went to represent India and won a historic bronze at the Asia Cup. Their incredible journey – from frozen lakes in Ladakh to the international podium – now comes alive in ‘Sound of Courage’, a brand film launched by Pocket FM, as part of its campaign ‘India, Kuch Acha Suno!’.

    Set against the stark and stunning landscape of Ladakh, the film documents how these women braved societal resistance, inadequate gears, and freezing temperatures to chase a dream many deemed impossible. Often training in borrowed men’s gear, their story is one of courage, conviction, and unrelenting belief in themselves.

    “Victory is born out of persistence,” says Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team captain Tsewang Chuskit. “Our journey was filled with doubt back home, but it was our association that believed in us and stood by us. Still, we chose to listen to our inner voice. ‘Sound of Courage’ reflects our truth—it’s a reminder that trusting yourself can change everything.”

    “We didn’t just win a medal — we made a statement. Against all odds, we carved our own path, broke barriers, and proved that passion knows no boundaries. This Bronze at the IIHF Asia Cup isn’t just about the game — it’s about resilience, belief, and a dream that refused to die.

    To our incredible Ice Hockey family — the players, parents, coaches, and support staff — who believed in us when few did. You showed up when it was hard. Together, we turned every challenge into a stepping stone. We are more than a team — we are a movement,” said Harjinder Singh ‘Jindi’, General Secretary, Ice Hockey Association of India and Member IIHF Asia Committee.

    Pocket FM SVP & head of brand marketing, communications and partnerships, Vineet Singh shared, “In a world filled with noise and negativity, we want to shine a light on stories that inspire and uplift. ‘Sound of Courage’ is more than a film—it’s a tribute to every individual who’s ever dared to defy the odds and to the unheard stories that deserve to reach far and wide.”

    Padma Shri recipient Morup Namgyal has lent his voice to the video. The film is not just about ice hockey. It is about every Indian woman who has chosen her own path – mothers, daughters, and sisters who’ve broken barriers with silent strength. It speaks to a nation where listening to your heart is an act of defiance and courage.

    The film features the players from India’s Women’s Ice Hockey team including Tsewang Chuskit, Sonam Angmo, Sonam Angmo (Kanji) Skarma Rinchen, Rinchen Dolma, Sherap Zangmo, Padma Chorol, Rigzin Yangdol, Dechen Dolker and Diskit C Angmo.

    With ‘Sound of Courage’, Pocket FM furthers its ‘India, Kuch Acha Suno’ movement—an initiative to amplify real stories that bring hope, pride, and purpose to every Indian ear. The film was conceptualised by Pocket Entertainment’s in-house creative team, which led the visualisation, direction, and production in collaboration with Black And White Films.

    Watch here:

     
     

     

  • Birlanu seals the deal with leakproof promise in playful new campaign

    Birlanu seals the deal with leakproof promise in playful new campaign

    MUMBAI: When it comes to plumbing promises, Birlanu isn’t letting a single drop or secret slip. The CKA Birla Group company has rolled out a cheeky new brand campaign built around the pledge of “Infinite peace of mind with Birlanu Leakproof Pipes”, tackling one of homeowners’ biggest frustrations: leakage.

    The star of the show is Birlanu’s Trufit Technology, an engineering precision process that ensures perfect alignment between pipes and fittings, delivering truly leakproof joints. The company’s pipes span more than 20 product categories, from CPVC, uPVC and SWR to silent, underground drainage, HDPE, MDPE, gas lines, water tanks and more.

    The film, conceptualised by DDB Mudra with media handled by Madison, takes a refreshingly light approach: two mischievous kids share secrets through a pipe, with not a whisper or a drop escaping. The metaphor is clear: what happens inside a Birlanu pipe, stays inside a Birlanu pipe.

    Birlanu chief marketing officer Peeyush Bachlaus said the campaign reflects “the trust our customers place in the Birla name every day” and presents the leakproof solution “in a loving manner”. Birlanu chief business officer for Pipes, Arun Kumar Magoo, added that Birlanu is also the first in the industry to adopt Organic Based Stabilizers (OBS) for uPVC pipes and fittings, offering a 100 per cent heavy metal-free formulation, a move that reinforces its nature-positive, safety-first credentials.

    Backed by advanced mould design, precision extrusion, and a future-focused product portfolio, BirlaNu aims to blend engineering excellence with sustainable practice. The integrated campaign is hitting TV, OTT, digital, OOH and BTL channels, targeting both urban and rural markets for maximum reach.

    With its pipes promising to hold water literally and figuratively Birlanu is making sure leakage is nothing more than a childhood game.
     

  • Sportz Interactive plays a power shot with GenAI-first leadership revamp

    Sportz Interactive plays a power shot with GenAI-first leadership revamp

    MUMBAI: Sportz Interactive (SI) is changing its game plan and it’s going big on both people and pixels. In a strategic shake-up aimed at fuelling its global expansion and pivoting to a GenAI-first future, the sports tech specialist has unveiled a bolstered leadership line-up spanning product, technology, delivery, HR, and business functions.

    At the core of this formation is a three-pronged attack:

    . Sanket Sawkar, SI’s chief product & innovation officer and a 23-year company veteran, will steer the product vision and innovation strategy, designing fan engagement tools to meet the ever-shifting demands of sports organisations.

    . Monojit Banerjee, the new chief technology officer, arrives with stints at JP Morgan, Amazon, and Razorpay, tasked with building secure, scalable engineering platforms to underpin SI’s ambitious product roadmap.

    . Ravi Ranjan, chief delivery officer and Agile delivery specialist from Capgemini and Thoughtworks, will ensure SI’s projects cross the finish line on time and at peak performance.

    Adding people power to the playbook, Himanshu Kapadia joins as SI’s first chief human resources officer, bringing experience from Disney, HDFC, and DBS to foster a high-performance, people-first culture.

    CEO Siddharth Raman called the move a “pivotal moment”, highlighting SI’s strengthening foothold in the UK and Europe, backed by its track record with marquee sports organisations in India. The reshaped leadership, he said, “will help us lead with digital foresight, build for a GenAI-first world, and deliver transformative impact for our partners.”

    With its enhanced bench strength, SI looks set to turn its strategic vision into a winning season, one where innovation, agility, and AI are all playing for the same team.
     

  • Kaun Banega Crorepati’s 25th year secures 26 sponsors

    Kaun Banega Crorepati’s 25th year secures 26 sponsors

    MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television’s iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17 has struck a powerful chord with the nation. Its campaign ‘Jahan Akal Hai Wahaan Akad Hai’ aptly echoes the rise of an India that is not only driven by intelligence (Akal) but also carries it with pride (Akad). This season has witnessed an exceptional response from the brand ecosystem, reaffirming KBC’s position as one of Indian television’s most credible and culturally relevant properties.

    Maruti Suzuki and the Aditya Birla Group are onboarded as Co-Presenting Sponsors, while the State Bank of India joins as Banking Partner, and Reserve Bank of India as a Special Sponsor, further deepening the show’s association with empowerment and trust.

    The Co-Powered By roster includes UPI, Ultratech Cement, Stable Money App, Asian Paints, and Gowardhan Ghee — spanning sectors from digital finance to FMCG. Special Partners secured are Patanjali Dant Kanti, BHIM Payments App, Polycab India Ltd., Dr. Fixit (Pidilite Industries), Vida powered by Hero Motocorp and WinZO Games.

    Further strengthening its appeal, Associate Partners include Amazon India, Kalyan Jewellers, Godrej & Boyce, Laxmipati Sarees, Groww, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), National Stock Exchange (NSE), Plasto Tanks and Pipes, Aashirvaad Select Atta, Director’s Elaichi and Bikaji — representing a diverse cross-section of India’s consumer landscape.

    KBC continues to be a powerful platform for brands, seamlessly integrating knowledge, inspiration, and wide-reaching impact.

    At the heart of the show is, as always, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan whose iconic presence and effortless camaraderie with the contestants breathe life into every story from the hotseat.

  • Tecno’s latest brand film celebrates spirit of hustle that powers everyday India

    Tecno’s latest brand film celebrates spirit of hustle that powers everyday India

    MUMBAI: What keeps India running? Not just machines or metros, but millions of unseen hands and tireless spirits who show up, day after day, with grit and determination. Tecno Mobile, focused on delivering strong network connectivity across every corner of India, highlights why this mission matters, has launched its new brand film — ‘India, Stop At Nothing’ — as a powerful tribute to the everyday doers and silent heroes of the nation.

    From the early morning rhythm of dabbawalas in Mumbai to artisans stitching dreams with every thread, from fishermen braving the tides to street vendors hustling through crowded lanes — this film captures the real pulse of India. It is not a glossed-over reel of ambition but a raw, honest celebration of the people who make this country breathe, move, and thrive.

    Shot entirely on real locations with real people — not actors — the film avoids artificial grandeur in favour of genuine, moving moments. It shows life as it is: hardworking, hopeful, and relentlessly forward-moving. Through it all, Tecno smartphones appear subtly, yet meaningfully, as tools of empowerment — supporting lives with features like vernacular AI, superior connectivity, and user-friendly innovation that’s made for real-world challenges.

    “At Tecno, we believe that technology should serve people — not the other way around,” said Tecno India CEO Arijeet Talapatra. “This film is more than a brand message. It’s a salute to those who Stop At Nothing. The dreamers. The doers. The resilient backbone of India who inspire us every single day. This is our promise to them — to keep building smartphones that meet their needs, their aspirations, and their journeys.”

    Embed: Watch the film. 
     

     

  • Shilpa Shetty named brand ambassador for Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds

    Shilpa Shetty named brand ambassador for Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds

    MUMBAI: Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds has launched its new campaign, “Let’s Get Real”, promoting innovation, ethics, and conscious buying. Shilpa Shetty is the brand ambassador and a strategic investor.

    “Limelight isn’t just participating in the lab-grown diamond category, we’re building it,” said Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds founder & managing director Pooja Sheth Madhavan. “As a first mover, we carry the responsibility to lead the shift in how lab grown diamonds are perceived. With an aggressive roadmap to open 100 stores by 2026, we’re scaling both reach and relevance. ‘Let’s Get Real’ calls out traditional myths about luxury and offers a compelling promise of diamonds that shine boldly with a purpose. This campaign is more than marketing; it’s a cultural reset.”

    Shilpa Shetty, as brand ambassador, supports the campaign focused on mindful luxury. Her business experience and commitment to conscious living align with the brand’s goals.

    “What drew me to Limelight was the honesty of their story,” said Shilpa Shetty. “Lab-grown diamonds are a smart and responsible choice. As someone who values authenticity and mindful choices, investing in Limelight felt natural. With ‘Let’s Get Real’, you can wear something stunning yet meaningful without any compromise. That’s the future of luxury, and I’m proud to help shape it.”

    The campaign targets modern Indian women who are value-driven and informed. With sustainability, innovation, and transparency growing in importance, lab-grown diamonds are becoming the preferred choice for many luxury buyers.

    “‘Let’s Get Real’ is not a cosmetic line, it’s our core positioning,” said Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds CMO Rupali Shrivastava. “Luxury today is about meaning, not legacy. Our integrated 360° campaign spans TV, digital, print, OOH, multiplex cinema, influencers, and in-store experiences. It’s backed by deep consumer insight showing strong traction for labgrown diamonds among young, independent women across India. This is not meant to sit in lockers or wait for occasions. It’s made to be worn every day, everywhere by women who want their diamonds to reflect their values and lifestyle. We are not just responding to this shift, we’re driving it.” 
     

  • Mahindra Logistics launches Alyte

    Mahindra Logistics launches Alyte

    MUMBAI: Mahindra Logistics Ltd., announced the launch of Alyte – a refreshed, premium, and tech-enabled B2C mobility service designed for today’s digitally connected urban commuters. Offering seamless airport-to-city, in-city travel, and outstation rides, Alyte combines comfort, advanced technology, sustainability, and elevated service standards to meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers. Alyte is launched in Delhi NCR, with planned expansions across Noida International Airport, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other key metropolitan cities.

    Alyte has been serving corporate clients as part of Mahindra Logistics Mobility Enterprise Solutions. By unifying all people mobility services under a single, modern brand, Alyte strengthens the B2C mobility portfolio with a sharp focus on providing safe and reliable services for an uninterrupted B2B, B2C, and airport travel experience.

    With assured rides, transparent surge-free pricing, zero cancellations, and a premium in-ride experience delivered by well-trained chauffeurs, Alyte is redefining everyday commuting. The service also offers 24/7 customer support—with no bots—and live GPS tracking to enhance safety and convenience. Rides can be booked through the newly launched Alyte mobile app, which features an intuitive interface for hassle-free bookings, real-time ride tracking, secure payments, and greater user control—reflecting the brand’s commitment to a tech-led, customer-first experience.

    To meet the diverse needs of today’s travellers, Alyte offers two distinctive service categories—Privé and Select, combining a premium experience with safety and convenience. Alyte Privé represents the elite offering, featuring premium electric vehicles tailored for those who prioritise comfort, sustainability, and seamless mobility. Alyte Select complements this with a curated fleet of high-quality sedans and SUVs, designed for everyday travel.

    Mahindra Logistics Ltd managing director & CEO Hemant Sikka said, “India’s mobility ecosystem stands at an inflection point—demanding new standards in safety, comfort, reliability, and service excellence. With Alyte, we are building on a trusted legacy to reimagine urban and airport mobility through a premium, tech-enabled platform that shapes the future of people mobility”.

  • cult asks members to ‘do nothing’ this National Lazy day

    cult asks members to ‘do nothing’ this National Lazy day

    MUMBAI: In a world that celebrates “rise and grind,” cult is pressing pause, literally. This National Lazy Day, the brand has launched a playful yet purposeful campaign, ‘cult Do Nothing Class’, to spotlight an often-ignored truth in the fitness conversation: real progress needs rest.

    The campaign is built on a simple insight that while people are increasingly tracking their workouts, steps and personal bests, far fewer take time to recover. They tend to ignore the fact that recovery is when the body actually repairs, adapts and grows stronger. With the ‘cult Do Nothing Class’, the brand is turning the spotlight on intentional rest, positioning it not as a break from fitness, but as a crucial part of the journey.

    The brand film opens inside a cult centre, where members arrive ready for their usual high-energy group workout. Instead, they walk into hammocks, bean bags and trainers in loungewear. No warm-ups, no squats, no burpees. Just breathing, sipping tea, relaxing in massage chairs or quietly unwinding. This is accompanied by cheeky signages like, “We’ve put a hard limit on effort today”, “Shoes off. Rest on” and “Unleash your chill.”

    cult head of brand marketing Siva Kumar Pedhapati said: “Fitness today is often linked with action, intensity and achievement. But recovery is equally important. That is where the real growth happens. With this campaign, we wanted to remind people that rest is not laziness, but an essential part of progress. We hope that it encourages individuals to embrace balance in their fitness and wellness journeys.”

    The phygital campaign came alive not just online, but in cult centres across Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Around 1,000 members in 30 centres took part in the ‘cult Do Nothing’ classes, swapping their regular workouts for light, mindful movement and guided relaxation

    This campaign quickly sparked social conversations, gaining momentum online as influencers joined in, lauding cult for challenging the conventional ‘always-on’ fitness narrative and reinforcing the importance of reset and recovery as an essential part of a sustainable fitness journey.

    By leaning into the irony of “celebrating” Lazy Day, cult aims to start a larger conversation in India’s always-on culture, especially among urban professionals who live in high-pressure environments, about why rest is as important as repetitions.

    “Progress and community are at the heart of cult, and we’ll continue to drive conversations that challenge fitness stereotypes and celebrate movement,” Siva said.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by cult official (@wearecult)

    | Stories • Instagram

    Youtube: 

  • Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 records biggest season opening ever on JioHotstar

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 records biggest season opening ever on JioHotstar

    MUMBAI: Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 has recorded a phenomenal opening on JioHotstar, setting the tone for a blockbuster season ahead. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Mohanlal, the launch weekend delivered high-octane drama, unmissable moments, and immersive interactive offerings that kept fans hooked. The season’s opening clocked an impressive 12.6 crore minutes of cumulative watch time—a remarkable 225 per cent surge over previous seasons.

    JioHotstar has elevated the Bigg Boss Malayalam S7 experience with a suite of interactive features including live chats, polls, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, creating a truly immersive experience for the viewers. With the 24×7 live feed and dedicated Fanzone, fans can stay connected and participate in every moment. Interactive gamification has driven unprecedented audience participation, boosting the show’s reach—a testament to its enduring popularity and the platform’s reach.

    Commenting on the record-breaking start, JioStar head of cluster, entertainment (South) Krishnan Kutty said, “The opening success of the season is a clear indicator of how entertainment consumption is headed in India. The exponential growth of 210 per cent viewership compared to previous two seasons, underscores how audiences today seek deeper engagement, interactivity, and access beyond the main episode. The interactive features, especially Live Chat, have enriched the viewing experience, encouraging real-time participation and creating a vibrant community around the show doubling down on the reach/viewers compared to previous two years. We look forward to building on this momentum as the season progresses.”

    Connected TV contributed nearly 30 per cent of Bigg Boss Malayalam S7 opening watchtime – a 154 per cent surge over the previous two seasons highlighting a shift in audience preference toward immersive, large-screen viewing experiences.

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 is presented by MyG Digital; co-presented by Berger Paints and Healthy Grocer; co-powered by Sunrich Refined Sunflower Oil, and MYK Laticrete. Other sponsors include Regal Jewellers, Merino Laminates as Special Partners; Dazzler Etertna as Beauty Partner and Cera as Associate Sponsor.