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  • Gary Kirsten partners with Yugen Infra for cricket villas near Goa

    Gary Kirsten partners with Yugen Infra for cricket villas near Goa

    MUMBAI: Cricket dreams now come with a front porch and a golf course view. Yugen Infra, the real estate developer known for blending lifestyle with leisure, has roped in Gary Kirsten South African cricket legend and coach of India’s 2011 World Cup win to co-create 30 ultra-exclusive Cricket-Front Villas at its flagship Yugen Golf City near Goa’s MOPA International Airport.

    The announcement, made at The Lalit in New Delhi on 6 August, marked the start of a strategic partnership between Kirsten, Russel Symcox of GK Investments, and Yugen Infra. Together, they’ll shape a residential project designed for those who want cricket to be more than just a weekend pastime, a lifestyle where the pitch is as close as the patio.

    “These villas are more than homes; they are a celebration of India’s cricketing soul,” said Yugen Infra managing director Sheeshram Yadav. “We are transforming a nation’s passion into an everyday experience.”

    The second innings of the evening featured the unveiling of True North International School Asia’s first residential institution pairing world-class academics with elite sports training. Spread over 10 acres, the school, developed with True North Group, will follow a dual-track curriculum offering mentorship in cricket, chess, and other competitive sports alongside rigorous academics.

    “Education is the foundation of a progressive society,” Yadav added. “We want our students to have the discipline of athletes and the curiosity of scholars.”

    Kirsten called the collaboration “impactful” and praised the vision of combining education with high-performance sport. The launch included a fireside chat on nurturing tomorrow’s champions with panellists such as Aakash Chaudhry, founder of Sparkl Edventure, and Prof Harish Chaudhry of IIT Delhi.

    Guests ranged from school leaders of DPS, GD Goenka, and Heritage Group to global sports mentors, investors, and innovators all aligned with Yugen’s goal of building a community where the classroom and the cricket field are equally central to daily life.

  • NDTV appoints Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer, NDTV India and regionals

    NDTV appoints Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer, NDTV India and regionals

    MUMBAI: NDTV has appointed Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer for NDTV India and its regional channels. He brings over two decades of expertise in broadcast journalism, long-form factual storytelling, and channel operations.

    Anupam combines the immediacy of live news with the depth of storytelling. At Times Now, Times Now, Navbharat, and Times Chronicles, he has led coverage of pivotal national events – from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to high-stakes election nights and conducted two rare, exclusive interviews with the Prime Minister.

    In long-form content, his portfolio spans some of the most acclaimed factual series in recent years, including Love Kills on Discovery+, Tiranga on National Geographic India, 1971: Birth of a Nation, Tales of Valour, Kashmir: The Story, and Gallantry of Galwan. His work, marked by rigorous research, cinematic visual design, and disciplined narrative structure, has earned multiple NT Awards and ENBA honours.

    Beyond his editorial work, Anupam has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual and operational identity of channels – from leading the transition from SD to HD, to managing complete channel relocations, overseeing brand-defining design projects, and commissioning original programming for global OTT platforms. His ability to reimagine archival footage into fresh, high-impact narratives has enabled him to deliver premium content across a range of budgets.

    In his new role, Anupam will oversee NDTV India’s flagship programming and also spearhead content strategy, editorial direction, and brand positioning for NDTV’s growing network of regional channels. His mandate includes strengthening regional storytelling, deepening local engagement, and ensuring that the distinct cultural and linguistic character of each market is reflected in the network’s coverage.

    “NDTV’s strength has always been credible, well-crafted storytelling,” said Anupam on his appointment. “My focus will be on building on that strength across both national and regional platforms — refining our craft, and ensuring every story connects with viewers in a meaningful way.”

    “Anupam brings the judgement, experience, and creative focus to elevate NDTV’s premium content. His ability to translate editorial vision into high-quality execution makes him a valuable addition to the team,” said Rahul Kanwal, NDTV India CEO & editor-in-chief.

  • Dentsu India unveils ‘Roaring Bengal’ report

    Dentsu India unveils ‘Roaring Bengal’ report

    MUMBAI: Dentsu India, in strategic partnership with The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCC&I), has launched the inaugural Roaring Bengal Report – a bold declaration positioning Bengal as the keystone of dentsu’s ambitious growth strategy for Bharat, beginning with the East.

    More than an insight report, Roaring Bengal represents a decisive shift in dentsu’s India roadmap, placing Bengal not at the periphery, but at the core of its multi-regional ambition. By unlocking the region’s powerful mix of culture, commerce, and creativity, the report signals dentsu’s commitment to building with Bengal, for Bengal, and from Bengal.

    Since 2017, Bengal has received investment proposals worth Rs. 13.55 lakh crore, underpinned by over 6,000 acres of ready industrial land and a progressive policy environment. The state is rapidly evolving into a national force across sectors such as green energy, smart infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, and digital skilling – all contributing to a purpose-driven, innovation-led growth trajectory.

    With a projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs. 18.74 lakh crore by 2025, Bengal is among India’s fastest-growing consumer economies. The Bengal Silicon Valley is further accelerating the state’s digital economy, attracting substantial investment in future-facing technologies such as AI, IoT, and fintech.

    Report link: https://www.dentsu.com/in/en/reports/asset_single_article___the_roaring_bengal_report

    Narayan Devanathan, president & chief strategy officer, South Asia, dentsu said, “Bengal is not just part of our Bharat strategy, nor are we merely dipping our toes into the East. We are making a bold, long-term commitment. With this report and our partnership with BCC&I, we are planting our flag in a region where legacy meets leap – a centre of gravity for what is next. The Roaring Bengal Report is not commentary; it is our call to co-create Bengal’s future.”

    Abheek Biswas, AVP, consumer insights, dentsu India added, “This is a moment of inflection. From AI clusters and clean energy investments to inclusive skilling, Bengal is building with precision and purpose. The Roaring Bengal Report does not just map this momentum. It aligns us to it, firmly and fearlessly.”

    BCC&I is a long-standing catalyst for industrial growth in the region, welcomed the report’s launch. “This collaboration couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Arnab Basu, president, BCC&I. “Bengal is rising with intent, and the Roaring Bengal Report is more than insight: it is a navigational tool. It invites businesses to anticipate Bengal’s future and act on it today. Dentsu’s global expertise, paired with sharp regional relevance, makes this alliance both timely and transformative. This collaboration arrives at exactly the right moment. Bengal is building at scale, and the Roaring Bengal Report is more than insight; it is a roadmap. It equips brands to look beyond today and anticipate Bengal’s future. Dentsu India brings global scale with razor-sharp local relevance – a potent combination to deepen impact across industry, government, and civil society. Now is the time to act, and this report lights the way”, he added.

    Harsha Razdan, CEO, South Asia, dentsu commented, “This is not just a report. It is a roadmap backed by resolve. We are here to build real impact with Bengal, and our approach is deeply action-oriented. We will embed Eastern insights into Dentsu Lab India to shape innovation strategies at scale. We will convene co-creation workshops in Kolkata and across the state, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and creators to solve real-world challenges. And we will double down on skilling and capability-building efforts to empower Bengal’s next generation to lead in technology, media, and innovation. These are not gestures or slogans. They are measurable, mission-driven commitments. With Bengal, we are not just imagining the future. We are committing to building it together.”
     

  • Cred and T Rajendar show Chennai the rewards of paying bills on time

    Cred and T Rajendar show Chennai the rewards of paying bills on time

    MUMBAI: Cred invoked the iconic T Rajendar to spotlight the rewards of good financial behaviour in its new, quintessentially ‘TR’ brand film.

    Speaking directly to ‘TR Nation’, the campaign celebrates the legendary performer’s unmistakable delivery and presence as a multi-hyphenate actor, director, producer, lyricist, composer, and singer. Now, he dons one more hat: that of an explainer,  where he transforms creditworthiness from a concept to a conversation – a rewarding one.

    The campaign comes at a time when Chennai is emerging as one of India’s most financially aware cities. In a recent Cred–YouGov survey:

    ●     65 per cent of respondents in Chennai know their exact credit score, the highest among all Indian metros

    ●     52 per cent report credit adoption, indicating deeper engagement with formal credit systems

    ●     Nearly 1 in 2 residents (46 per cent) rely on personal finance apps to manage their money

    With the film, Cred and TR show this financially progressive community that creditworthiness can be rewarding too. In a few seconds, a late-night doomscroll turns into a walk through the rewards that Cred members earn by paying their bills on the app – jewellery, vacations, gadgets, makeovers, and other experiences.

    Launched yesterday, the film will run for six weeks across Tamil Nadu. The campaign continues on the app as well, with curated offers on brands like Butterheads, VS Mani, Bodycraft, Sangeetha Veg, Cha Republic, Giva, A2B, Lakme and many more. CRED members in Tamil Nadu can also access limited-edition TR merchandise on CRED Store.

  • Plane unveils new identity and AI powered product suite

    Plane unveils new identity and AI powered product suite

    MUMBAI — Plane, the open-source project management workbench trusted by over a million users globally, has announced a major rebrand and the launch of an expanded, AI-powered product suite. While the rebrand includes a new visual logo, it more significantly reflects Plane’s evolution from a developer-focused tool to a scalable platform built for cross-functional teams and modern enterprises.

    Plane’s growth over the past year has been rapid and far-reaching. What began as a lightweight, self-hosted project management alternative has evolved into a unified operating system for work—used by Fortune 500 companies, private defence contractors, government departments in over 20 countries, and high-growth companies across AI, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.

    “Project management should feel light, adaptable, and transparent,” said Vamsi Kurama, founder of Plane. “This rebrand brings that belief to larger organisations—combining simplicity with the performance, extensibility, and security they demand.”

    At the heart of the rebrand is the introduction of Plane’s unified product suite: a seamless interface that combines project tracking, knowledge management, and AI-driven automation. This evolution is guided by Plane’s core product philosophy, Planes of Work—a flexible model that reflects how real-world teams operate across disciplines and changing priorities. Unlike legacy platforms that enforce rigid workflows or bundled features, Plane lets teams adopt only what they need—without unnecessary upsells or vendor lock-in.

    As part of this transformation, Plane is also introducing Plane Intelligence (Pi)—a suite of AI features currently in beta with select design partners. Pi helps teams query unstructured knowledge across tools, interact with Plane data using models like ChatGPT and Claude, and deploy AI teammates that automate time-consuming workflows. The result is faster decision-making, fewer blockers, and more empowered teams.

    While the open-source Community Edition—with over 37,000 GitHub stars—remains a core part of the company’s DNA, enterprise adoption is accelerating. Plane’s self-hosted and airgapped editions, which offer full feature parity with the cloud version, have gained traction in regulated sectors where control and compliance are critical. Enterprise-grade features such as SAML, RBAC, audit logs, and dedicated implementation services ensure a smooth transition from legacy systems like Jira Server.

    “We didn’t just redesign our logo. We rebuilt Plane to meet the complexity and ambition of modern work,” added Kurama. “And we’ve done it while preserving the clarity and openness of our community values.”

    Plane Intelligence is in beta, available to Business and Enterprise plan users on request.

  • CNN-News18 rules prime time with 72.5 per cent market share lead

    CNN-News18 rules prime time with 72.5 per cent market share lead

    MUMBAI: When the nation tunes in, it’s clear who’s holding the mic. CNN-News18 has tightened its grip on the English news throne, bagging a staggering 72.5 per cent market share during peak news hours, a figure bigger than all its competitors combined.

    According to BARC data (Mkt: 10L+ | TG: 22–40 Male | Wk 27–30’25, 19:00–24:00 Hrs), Times Now managed 17.9 per cent, NDTV 24×7 clocked 7.4 per cent, Republic TV scraped 1.5 per cent, and India Today Television trailed with just 0.7 per cent. The result? A prime-time rout that leaves no doubt who’s setting the national news agenda.

    The dominance isn’t just in the evening spotlight. CNN-News18’s overall share in the English news genre remains formidable 60 per cent ahead of Times Now and a jaw-dropping 102 per cent ahead of NDTV (Source: BARC India | All India (U+R) 15+ | AVG Week 30’25). The channel has held its No. 1 spot for over three years, a testament to its mix of accuracy, clarity, and a citizen-first approach.

    Recent upgrades from a cleaner, more visual-heavy design to tighter storytelling have only sharpened its edge. With top anchors like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta, plus a robust nationwide reporting network, CNN-News18 delivers not just breaking headlines but context-rich coverage with data-driven explainers.

    By blending editorial heft with tech innovation, the channel is making sure that when the story matters, India knows exactly where to turn and in peak hours, it’s turning to CNN-News18 in overwhelming numbers.

  • Big FM names Sunil Kumaran chief executive post-Abe Thomas departure

    Big FM names Sunil Kumaran chief executive post-Abe Thomas departure

    MUMBAI: Big FM has handed the reins to Sunil Kumaran, elevating the long-time chief operating officer to chief executive after the exit of Abe Thomas, who has helmed the station since 2018. Kumaran, a 14-year veteran of the network and with over 25 years in media and communications, has been tasked with driving the Sapphire Media-owned broadcaster’s next phase of growth.

    Chairman Sahil Mangla hailed Thomas’s “visionary leadership” and called Kumaran the “ideal choice” to steer the brand forward. Kumaran said his mission was to reimagine radio as a “true multimedia force,” blending content, data and tech-led storytelling to create a “future-ready” brand that connects with audiences, shapes culture and delivers for partners.

    The appointment underscores Big FM’s ambition to stay ahead in India’s fast-evolving audio entertainment market.

  • Mohit Joshi named media agency head of the year at IAA Leadership Awards 2025

    Mohit Joshi named media agency head of the year at IAA Leadership Awards 2025

    MUMBAI:  Havas Media Network India  chief executive Mohit Joshi has been awarded media agency head of the year at the International Advertising Association (IAA) Leadership Awards 2025, held in Mumbai on 7 August. The honour caps a stellar run for Joshi, whose leadership has propelled Havas into the top tier of India’s media and advertising ecosystem.

    With nearly three decades in the industry, Joshi took charge at Havas in November 2020 and has since driven a transformation built on digital scale, data-led strategy, and deep integration. His efforts have not only expanded the network’s client portfolio but also embedded its global converged philosophy across teams, operations, and disciplines.

    ‘Mohit has evolved Havas into an integrated powerhouse, aligning media, digital, data, tech, and content into a unified strategic vision,’ said Havas India, Southeast & North Asia  group CEO Rana Barua. ”His leadership, focus on collaboration, and purpose-driven culture make this recognition richly deserved.”

    The IAA, a global body celebrating excellence in marketing and communications, lauded Joshi’s contributions to the industry. ‘Mohit’s track record speaks for itself. He is respected not just for results, but for his collaborative, warm, and helpful approach,’ said IAA India chapter & The Free Press Journal group president Abhishek Karnani.

    ‘This award is a collective win for all of us at Havas Media Network India,’ said Joshi.” It reflects our relentless drive to build an intelligent, impact-driven ecosystem. I’m grateful to my colleagues, clients, and partners for their trust and belief.”

     

  • Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league

    Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league

    NEW DELHI:   Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has inked a strategic memorandum of understanding with AEx Sport the sports innovation arm of UK-based AdiGroupe, to launch  the Global League Wrestling (GLW) — the first professional wrestling league of its kind in India and the Asia-Pacific.

    The collaboration combines Prasar Bharati’s national reach across DD Sports, All India Radio and digital platform Waves, with AEx Sport’s global firepower in production, IP, and marketing. GLW is set to be unveiled on 17 September and will hit the screens from 4 October 2025, airing weekly over a 40-week season of high-octane, family-friendly programming.

    “This marks a new era for Indian pro-wrestling,” said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal. “GLW reinforces our vision of taking Indian sport to global heights and giving our youth a credible platform to shine.”

    Positioned as a cultural milestone in Indian sport, GLW will blend traditional Indian storytelling with world-class wrestling theatrics, introducing original characters, cinematic plots, and a production style aimed at mass appeal. It is also seen as part of the government’s broader push to promote youth engagement through sport.

    “GLW brings a new genre of content that’s rooted in our culture but built for the world,” said Prasar Bharati CEO  Gaurav Dwivedi. “We’re creating something truly unique for Indian audiences.”

    Backing the league’s ambitions is AdiGroupe and AEx Sport chairman Sanjay Viswanathan, who described GLW as “an immersive, youth-led cultural experience that puts Indian talent centre stage”. He added: “We’re dedicating GLW to India to inspire pride, competitiveness and global ambition among Indian youth.”

    Wrestling icon The Great Khali joins as GLW’s brand ambassador and talent commissioner, bringing star power and mentorship to the ring. “GLW offers a serious and structured path for Indian athletes to shine — on our terms,” said Khali.

    With the inaugural season already generating buzz, the tie-up between India’s national broadcaster and a global sports IP developer signals a watershed moment for homegrown sports entertainment.

  • Applause Entertainment’s & Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi to world premiere at TIFF 2025

    Applause Entertainment’s & Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi to world premiere at TIFF 2025

    MUMBAI: In a landmark moment for Indian storytelling, Gandhi, the sweeping international series by Applause Entertainment and filmmaker Hansal Mehta, is set to make its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Selected as part of TIFF’s prestigious primetime programme, it is the first Indian series ever to feature in the festival’s showcase of auteur-driven episodic storytelling.

    Starring Pratik Gandhi in the titular role, Gandhi is adapted from historian Ramachandra Guha’s definitive biographies and charts the early, lesser-known years of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The first season, titled An Untold Story of Becoming (1888–1915), traces his formative years from a curious teen in colonial India to a struggling law student in London and a young barrister in South Africa—long before the Mahatma was born.

    Sameer Nair“To have Gandhi selected for TIFF’s Primetime showcase is both an honour and a moment of immense pride; not just for Applause, but for Indian storytelling. Taking you up close and personal to the young Mohan way before he became the man history knows, this series is the culmination of deep research, creative development, and unwavering belief in the human story we wanted to tell,” said Applause Entertainment managing director Sameer Nair.  “TIFF will be the first time our Gandhi will be seen by audiences. To begin that journey on a global platform of such import, is the perfect start and we can’t wait for the world to discover him.”

    For Hansal Mehta, the director and showrunner, TIFF holds special significance. “Gandhi has been the most creatively challenging and soul-stirring journey of my career. It’s not just a story from our past—it’s a meditation on conscience, a portrait of a man in constant conflict with himself and his times,” explained Mehta. ”TIFF has previously been home to some of my most precious pieces of work, and to have perhaps the most ambitious story of my career premiering there is doubly special—particularly in TIFF’s 50th year. To share this journey at a festival that has embraced me over the years is both humbling and surreal. I hope it opens the door for more Indian series to find their place on the world stage.”

    Hansal MehtaThe Gandhi premiere will see key cast and crew in attendance, including Sameer Nair, Hansal Mehta, Pratik Gandhi, Tom Felton, Kabir Bedi and Siddharth Khaitan. The series boasts a powerhouse creative team with music by A.R. Rahman and writing by Vaibhav Vishal, Karan Vyas, Felix von Stumm, Hema Gopinathan, Sehaj Kaur Maini and Yashna Malhotra. Script development was supported by Siddhartha Basu and Ramachandra Guha, with casting by Mukesh Chhabra (India) and Shakyra Dowling (International).

    TIFF’s primetime section has previously hosted series by the likes of Alfonso Cuarón, Shawn Levy and Steven Knight. With Gandhi entering this rarefied space, Indian long-form storytelling may have finally arrived on the world stage.