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CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India celebrate India’s champions on the most coveted SME Awards platform

MUMBAI: CNBC-TV18, in partnership with HSBC India, successfully concluded Season 2 of the HSBC Presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards, a celebration of the resilience, innovation, and ambition powering India’s small and medium enterprises. Held on July 25, 2025, at the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi, the ceremony marked the grand culmination of a six-month journey recognising exceptional businesses that are not only navigating challenges but also actively shaping the future of the Indian economy.

The evening opened with a welcome note from Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, who reiterated the network’s longstanding commitment to spotlighting India’s real economy. “It is a privilege to open Season 2 of the HSBC Presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards, a platform dedicated to celebrating the true engines of India’s economic momentum. Small and medium enterprises are not just businesses; they are drivers of employment, innovation, and resilience. Over the last few years, SMEs have navigated challenges with determination—from pandemic disruptions to global supply chain shifts, and have continued to grow, adapt, and lead. At CNBC-TV18, we believe it is crucial to tell their stories, spotlight their success, and ensure they get the recognition they truly deserve. Today is about honouring that spirit—the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship that builds from the ground up and aspires for global scale. These awards are a celebration of that journey, and we’re proud to champion the changemakers shaping tomorrow’s India.”

The keynote address was delivered by the Guest of Honour, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister for Communications and Development of NorthEasternRegion, Government of India. Addressing an audience of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and jury members, he highlighted the importance of empowering SMEs through policy, credit, and infrastructure. “India’s true transformation is being written not in the towering glass buildings of metros alone, but in the silent, steady rise of entrepreneurs across every lane and landscape of this country. From small towns to remote villages, from hand-built workshops to digital storefronts, they are turning ideas into enterprises and ambition into impact. These are not just SMEs; they are the soul of India’s economy. What they lack in scale, they make up for in spirit. With innovation as their toolkit, resilience in their bones, and purpose lighting their path, they are reimagining what’s possible. What was once seen as local is now proudly global. And what was once called small is now leading the charge into India’s century. This is not the future; it is already underway. Today, entrepreneurs from even the most remote corners of India can brand, process, and sell their products in global markets, thanks to the power of digital infrastructure. A shining example of this is our UPI ecosystem, which has witnessed a staggering 2.16 trillion transactions annually, amounting to nearly $3 trillion. Remarkably, 46 per cent of the world’s digital transactions now originate from Bharat. This is not just digital progress, it’s digital leadership,” he remarked.

Guest of Honour, Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State in the ministry ofMSME; & Ministry of Labour and Employment, GoI highlighted the government’s continued focus on SMEs. “India’s SMEs are not only engines of economic growth but also vehicles of social transformation. Whether it’s rural employment, women-led ventures, or value-driven exports, SMEs are ensuring inclusive development. Platforms like the SME Champion Awards play a vital role in recognising these silent contributors and inspiring others,” she said.She further added, “MSMEs have always been at the heart of India’s development—from Mahatma Gandhi’s call to support small and cottage industries during the freedom struggle, to today’s rural entrepreneurs driving change on the ground. Today, 2.6 million women and 85 per cent SC/ST entrepreneurs are registered on the MSME portal—clear proof that even in rural India, people are stepping forward to build their own businesses and shape their own futures. As we welcome a new year, the next generation will take the lead—and many will rise from India’s MSME sector. With Indian Government support through subsidies, tech upgrades, and export incentives, MSMEs are scaling up to meet global demands. This is no longer a growing sector—it’s a transforming force. By 2047, India’s rise as a global powerhouse will be driven not just by big business, but by millions of small enterprises building boldly and inclusively.”

The awards recognized outstanding enterprises across sectors such as manufacturing, exports, sustainability, digital transformation, and community engagement. Key highlights included the Special Jury Awards for SME Entrepreneur of the Year and SME Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, which acknowledged individuals for their resilience and innovation. Other award categories included Excellence in Tech Export Promotion, Goods Export Promotion, Community Engagement, and Sustainability Practices, which also featured a Special Jury Mention.

Awards were presented by Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia,Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India; Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State in the ministry of MSME; & Ministry of Labour and Employment, GoIand Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary of Indiaalong with Ajay Sharma, Head – Banking, HSBC India. Jury members who attended the event and participated in the final evaluation process included Dinesh Kumar Khara,Former Chairperson, State Bank of India;Subhash Chandra Garg,Former Finance & Economic Affairs Secretary of India;B Thiagarajan, Managing Director, Blue Star Ltd; Shashank Srivastava,Member, Executive Committee, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd;Subhrakant Panda,Managing Director, Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd. and Former President, FICCI; Chandrakant Salunkhe, Founder & President, SME Chamber of India and Start-up Council of India and Manish Singhal, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM.

A compelling fireside chat with Rajesh Kumar Singh,Defence Secretary of India, offered a strategic perspective on the role of SMEs in India’s defencesector,“Self-reliance in defense is not a destination, it is a layered process that demands trust in our own industrial base, commitment to indigenous innovation, and the courage to invest in long-term capability. From MSMEs supplying critical sub-systems to private players stepping into complex production roles, every link in the supply chain matters. We cannot afford to rely solely on imports when the next conflict may demand speed, autonomy, and resilience. The real strength of a nation lies not just in the firepower it possesses, but in its ability to design, develop, and deliver that power from within”, he remarked.

Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India, closed the evening with a strong message of support for India’s SME sector, “At HSBC, our role in the SME Champions Awards isn’t just about recognition—it’s about responsibility. Everyone talks about Viksit Bharat, but it won’t happen on slogans alone. Someone has to roll up their sleeves and do the work. Entrepreneurs need global access, and that’s where we come in,we understand international buyers, their quality expectations, payment cycles, and reliability metrics. Through partnerships like this one with CNBC-TV18, we aim to bridge the gap and help Indian SMEs become key players in global supply chains. Honestly, running a multibillion-dollar company might just be easier than managing a ₹20 crore one, so this is our way of saying, well done, we see you, and we salute you.”

The night concluded with a soul-stirring performance by Rajasthani folk sensation Mame Khan, leaving the audience with a sense of pride and inspiration. The HSBC Presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards Season 2 is more than just a celebration of business excellence; it is a reflection of India’s entrepreneurial ambition, a spotlight on those who turn adversity into advantage, and a reminder that the next chapter of India’s growth story will be written by its SMEs.

Winners of SME Champion Awards-

S.No	Category	Segment	Winners
1	Excellence in Community Engagement	Small Enterprises	WeVOIS Labs Private Limited
2	Excellence in Digital Transformation	Small Enterprises	Jayam Solutions Private Limited
3	Excellence in Global Expansion	Small Enterprises	Innoplexus Consulting Services Private Limited
4	Excellence in Goods Export Promotion	Small Enterprises	Axio Biosolutions Private Limited
5	Excellence in Sustainability Practices	Small Enterprises	AgriDigi Tech (OPC) Private Limited
6	Excellence in Tech Export Promotion	Small Enterprises	Elogix Software Private Limited
7	Manufacturing SME of the Year – Industrial Excellence	Small Enterprises	Kalyani Cast-Tech Limited
8	Manufacturing SME of the Year – Agro& Food	Small Enterprises	Shubhshree Biofuels Energy Limited
9	Manufacturing SME of the Year – Health & Pharma	Small Enterprises	Axio Biosolutions Private Limited

July 30, 2025

Did Bitcoin Leave Without You? BYDFi Helps You Scout XRP, ADA, and SOL Before They Pop

As Bitcoin continues to dominate headlines with its dramatic price surges, institutional adoption, and volatile swings, many retail investors are left asking the same question: Did I miss the boat? For those who watched Bitcoin climb from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, it can feel like the golden opportunity has passed. However, the crypto landscape is far from limited to just Bitcoin. In fact, some of the most promising investment opportunities right now may lie in select altcoins like XRP, Cardano (ADA), and Solana (SOL).

These alternative cryptocurrencies each bring unique strengths to the table and have the potential to outperform the market in the coming cycle. And for traders and enthusiasts eager to capitalize on the next big breakout, BYDFi (short for BUIDL Your Dream Finance) offers a powerful, user-friendly platform that empowers users to spot opportunities early—before they make the rounds on social media or mainstream news.

The Altcoin Window: Why XRP, ADA, and SOL Still Have Room to Run

While Bitcoin remains the flagship cryptocurrency, its large market capitalization makes exponential gains increasingly difficult. Many seasoned investors now turn to altcoins—smaller, newer cryptocurrencies with strong fundamentals—as a more accessible entry point with higher upside potential.

XRP, the digital asset associated with Ripple Labs, continues to gain attention due to its ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The lawsuit, which revolves around whether XRP is a security, has clouded the asset’s future for years. However, any positive legal resolution could result in a flood of institutional capital and renewed confidence from retail investors. XRP’s vision to revolutionize cross-border payments by offering faster, cheaper, and more transparent international transactions remains a compelling narrative.

ADA (Cardano) is another altcoin with a loyal following. Developed by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, Cardano prides itself on being one of the most academically rigorous blockchain projects in the industry. With its emphasis on peer-reviewed research, energy efficiency, and scalability, Cardano is positioning itself as a blockchain that can support decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts at scale. The community surrounding ADA remains strong, and many long-term investors see it as a fundamentally sound project with real staying power.

SOL (Solana), meanwhile, has quickly earned a reputation for speed. With blazing-fast transaction times and ultra-low fees, Solana is becoming a go-to platform for developers, NFT creators, and DeFi projects. Although it has faced network outages in the past, recent upgrades have improved its performance and stability. More recently, Solana has benefited from rising interest in the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) sector, further increasing its use cases and momentum.

In short, these aren’t just speculative tokens—they’re the building blocks of robust, evolving ecosystems. Their potential is tied not just to hype cycles, but to real technological advancements and tangible use cases. Learn exactly how to buy ADA on BYDFi and start building your position today.

Your Edge Starts Here: How BYDFi Helps You Stay Ahead

In a market as fast-moving as crypto, timing and information are everything. Most retail investors end up buying altcoins after they’ve already pumped—when the majority of the profits have already been captured by early movers. BYDFi is designed to change that narrative.

A globally trusted and rapidly growing cryptocurrency trading platform, BYDFi provides the tools, insights, and execution capabilities to help users get in before the breakout. Whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned trader, BYDFi makes it easier to analyze trends, monitor market sentiment, and take quick action.

Want to take a position in ADA before its next rally? BYDFi provides a simple and secure way to buy, sell, and hold Cardano. The platform supports spot trading for long-term investors and derivatives trading for those looking to amplify returns through leverage or hedge positions.

Some of BYDFi’s standout features include:

● Advanced scanning tools that identify trending coins before they become viral topics online
● Low trading fees and fast onboarding so you can act quickly when opportunity strikes
● A smooth and intuitive interface, suitable for beginners and professionals alike
● Access to leverage and derivatives markets for sophisticated strategies
● BYDFi offers spot trading for over 900 cryptocurrencies, as well as flexible leverage trading ranging from 1x to 200x

It’s not just about having the right coin—it’s about having the right platform to act decisively.

Timing Is Everything: Don’t Wait for the Headlines

By the time an altcoin makes it to the front page of Reddit or appears in a viral YouTube video, it’s often too late. The early adopters have already taken profits, and retail investors are left chasing diminishing returns.

That’s where BYDFi shines. With its early alert systems, strong liquidity, and in-depth analytics, BYDFi allows users to spot trends before they become mainstream. Its real-time data and community-driven insights can help you identify a coin that’s building momentum—before the rest of the market catches on.

Whether you’re tracking news on XRP’s legal situation, analyzing ADA’s smart contract deployments, or watching Solana’s growing presence in the NFT and DePIN space, BYDFi gives you the tools to take action at the right time.

Conclusion: You Didn’t Miss Out—You’re Just Getting Started

Bitcoin may have been the pioneer, but it’s far from the end of the crypto story. The next chapter is being written by innovative altcoins like XRP, Cardano, and Solana. These projects each have unique value propositions and active communities backing their growth.

If you’re looking to capitalize on the next wave of crypto momentum, now is the time to start scouting promising altcoins—and BYDFi is the ideal partner to help you do just that. With its suite of advanced tools, low fees, and user-friendly interface, BYDFi empowers both new and experienced traders to navigate the altcoin market with confidence.

Don’t sit on the sidelines. The next breakout may already be brewing. Dive into the world of altcoins with BYDFi, and position yourself for the opportunities ahead.

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July 30, 2025
MovieVerse Studios and Beacon Media partner to put Global South storytelling on the world stage

MUMBAI: MovieVerse Studios, the mainstream content arm of IN10 Media Network, has struck a global alliance with Beacon Media to amplify voices from the Global South. The partnership seeks to create a borderless content ecosystem spanning Hollywood, India, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America—reaching more than three billion viewers.

In10 Media Network managing director Aditya Pittie called the tie-up a “meaningful collaboration” blending creativity, technology and scale. Manoj Narender Madnani, chairman of Beacon Media, framed it as “1+1=11 in action,” a shift from competition to collaboration backed by Indian industrialist Anand Mahindra and Pittie.

The alliance will roll out a slate spanning feature films, premium series and micro-series designed for digital-first platforms such as Instagram Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Vivek Krishnani, chief executive of MovieVerse Studios, said the Global South was “home to some of the most dynamic and culturally rich stories waiting to be told”.

Tapping into the deep cultural and financial ties between India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the partnership will kick off with a Malayalam-language feature film and a slate of new movies. It will also adapt bestselling fiction by Dr Deepak Chopra for global screens, while investing in micro-series aimed squarely at next-generation audiences.

Beacon Media has appointed Manini Priyan, an author and screenwriter with cross-market credentials, as head of content. It is also allied with veteran Arab drama executive Fadi Ismail to deliver Arabic programming for digital-first audiences.

With Hollywood in flux and demand for diverse stories peaking, the venture positions itself as a bridge between emerging regions and global distribution. As Madnani put it: “This is not just about content. It’s about reshaping the global entertainment landscape.”

July 29, 2025
Bigg Boss Malayalam season 7 to storm Asianet with Ezhinte Pani

MUMBAI: Asianet has pulled out all the stops for the launch of Bigg Boss Malayalam season 7, which is to be unveiled on 3 August at 7pm with superstar Mohanlal at the helm. The reality behemoth returns with the fiery tagline Ezhinte Pani, a clarion call for a season built on grit, guile and unrelenting competition.

The premiere episode will showcase a vibrant, eclectic mix of contestants—actors, influencers, professionals and mavericks—ready to test their mettle inside the Bigg Boss house. Mohanlal, in trademark style, will set the tone for a season that promises power plays, unpredictable twists and no shortage of fireworks.

Breaking from the familiar, Asianet has constructed its own custom-built set for the first time: the most spacious and opulent Bigg Boss house yet. It features sweeping lawns, a sprawling dining hall, a gleaming kitchen, plush bedrooms, a grand living room and the ever-enigmatic confession chamber, where strategy and emotion collide.

Season 7 also raises the stakes with tougher tasks, more complex strategies and sharper audience engagement. The new format pivots on public opinion as much as on smart gameplay, ensuring that no contestant can rest easy.

Episodes will air Monday to Friday at 9.30pm and weekends at 9pm. For die-hard fans, every unfiltered moment is available round the clock on JioHotstar.

With Ezhinte Pani, Bigg Boss Malayalam promises not just entertainment, but a test of endurance, wit and resilience—cementing its place as Asianet’s crown jewel in reality television.

July 29, 2025
Prime Video’s teen drama smashes viewership records

MUMBAI: Prime Video’s sun-soaked coming-of-age saga, The Summer I Turned Pretty, has returned in blazing form. Season 3 premiered on 16 July, drawing 25 million unique viewers worldwide in its opening week, a 40 per cent leap from Season 2 and a threefold surge since the show’s debut.

Backed by Jenny Han’s book-to-screen vision and fuelled by Taylor Swift’s soundtrack magic, the series has cemented its place as a Gen Z obsession. It now ranks as Prime Video’s most-watched TV season among women aged 18–34 and its fifth most-viewed returning season overall.

Sharing her elation on the smashing success of the series, creator, showrunner, and executive producer Jenny Han said, “Seeing how ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ has resonated with millions—how the story has sparked so many fan conversations, sent the books back on the bestseller lists, and inspired so many viewers’ reactions across social media—it’s everything I could have hoped for and more. As creator and co-showrunner, I’m incredibly proud of what we made. I’m grateful we got to make all three seasons, one for each book, and grateful that audiences have been so passionately embracing the story I wanted to tell.”

Amazon MGM Studios head of TV content, Vernon Sanders explained how the decision to release Season 3 episodes weekly, despite heightened anticipation from fans, was a deliberate move. He said, “This has been a strategy that we’ve rolled out with our second seasons and beyond — whether that’s with ‘The Boys’ or ‘Reacher,’ even ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 2 was weekly. And we see that the audience, even though they’re craving every episode, we’re able to engage them in a longer conversation. And it’s great for the service, because we have people coming back week after week. But that discussion, the community that gets built by having that shared experience and being in one conversation, we see lots of benefits to it. So when and where it makes sense, we’ll keep doing that.” Additionally, the 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET release time aims to streamline messaging and accommodate global viewers.

Adding to the frenzy, the showrunners recently urged fans to keep their passion playful rather than personal, reminding viewers not to blur lines between the fictional heartbreak on screen and the cast bringing it to life.

With new episodes dropping every Wednesday until 17 September, this final season finds Belly (Lola Tung) torn between Jeremiah and Conrad, as love triangles, nostalgia and messy feelings collide one last time.

Prime Video is streaming all three seasons in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada, proof that summer heartbreak now has a truly global language.

July 29, 2025
MilliporeSigma partners with IAS to drive strong programmatic outcomes

MUMBAI: Integral Ad Science (IAS) has launched an insightful case study in collaboration with MilliporeSigma, the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of IAS’s Total Visibility solution in driving quality path optimisation (QPO) for MilliporeSigma by unlocking premium-quality media, maximising performance, and lowering costs in near real time across programmatic buys.

MilliporeSigma sought to optimise media quality metrics, including brand safety and viewability, to achieve superior campaign outcomes. However, a lack of transparency into where the impressions were served posed a significant challenge in making informed decisions and driving campaign effectiveness.

By leveraging IAS’s post-bid media measurement and its Total Visibility solution, MilliporeSigma achieved holistic financial transparency across its programmatic supply path. It pinpoints exactly where dollars were going and how much of it was being lost to fraud, unsafe brand environments, and unviewable inventory. Through continuous optimisation of domains and placements, MilliporeSigma strategically redirected investments toward high-performing signals, enhanced brand safety, and reduced low-quality impressions, all while aligning with evolving benchmarks and standards.

The campaign launched in May 2024 across channels including desktop, display, tablet, video, and phone:

Results:

53 per cent improvement in Quality Impressions

59 per cent improvement in Viewability

After the campaign ended, we noted a significant improvement in viewability, traffic quality, and cost-effectiveness. Merck Group, paid media lead, digital marketing, Saurav Kumar said, “ I’d like to extend sincere thanks to IAS for their exceptional support and collaboration in helping MilliporeSigma to improve the viewability rate from 50 per cent to an impressive 75 per cent, surpassing the global benchmark. Using Total Visibility has been a game changer that helped increase the Quality Impressions by a massive 53 per cent. This achievement results from IAS’s proactive insights, continuous optimisation recommendations, and a seamless partnership throughout the process. The team’s responsiveness and strategic guidance were key in reaching this milestone. We truly appreciate the commitment to excellence and look forward to continuing this successful collaboration”.

“As programmatic adoption accelerates, brands that prioritise high-quality, viewable, and brand-safe environments along the supply chain are poised to stand out. It brings greater transparency, efficiency, and control to their media buys, while reducing waste and safeguarding brand equity. The IAS and MilliporeSigma collaboration showcases how advanced measurement solutions significantly enhances media performance and deliver meaningful outcomes,” said IAS country manager of India, Saurabh Khattar.

July 29, 2025
She power surge as Sheshakti makes its maiden move to Mumbai

MUMBAI: Bharat’s builders wear bangles and they mean business. News18’s flagship platform Sheshakti, in partnership with Lions Clubs International, is back with its third edition and this time, it’s taking a regional route. The first-ever Mumbai chapter of News18 SheShakti 2025 rolls out on 31 July, spotlighting Maharashtra’s women trailblazers who are breaking barriers and building Bharat.

Titled “From Breaking Barriers to Building Bharat,” this year’s theme shifts the focus from token celebration to structural transformation. The summit will culminate in a grand finale in Delhi on 21 August, but the Mumbai edition is poised to set the tone with a power-packed line-up of policymakers, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and change-makers.

Leading the charge are dignitaries like Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Ashwini Bhide, and Sujata Saunik, alongside global voices such as Ambassadors Chavanart Thangsumphant (Thailand) and Mateja Vodeb Ghosh (Slovenia), offering an Indo-global dialogue on leadership and inclusion.

From boardrooms to Bollywood, Sheshakti’s guest list reads like a who’s who of women who’ve redefined the game:

. Naiyya Saggi (founder & CEO, Edition)

. Laxmi Iyer (group president, Bajaj Finserv)

. Dr Neerja Birla (chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust)

. Priti Rathi Gupta (founder, Lxme)

. Harsha Mundhada (partner, Inflexor Ventures)

. Roshi Jain (sr. fund manager, HDFC Mutual Fund)

. Chitralekha Patil (director, PNP Group)

. Olympian Anjali Bhagwat and para-badminton star Manasi Joshi

. Actors Nimrat Kaur, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Renuka Shahane

Also joining are popular radio voices RJ Malishka, RJ Archana, and RJ Stutee, and Sarita Sonawale, recipient of the Savitri Bai Phule Award, for her grassroots advocacy.

The event will not just echo inspiration, but also actionable impact. With over two chapters across two months, SheShakti 2025 seeks to mobilise ideas, incubate collaborations, and inspire the next generation of women leaders. It also positions Maharashtra as a microcosm of India’s inclusive growth, celebrating how women are influencing sectors from urban infrastructure to wellness startups.

Network18 Group chief strategy officer, Puneet Singhvi summed it up: “Sheshakti is not just an event. It’s a movement. And we’re thrilled to bring it to Mumbai for the first time.”

Network18 (Broadcast) CEO Avinash Kaul added, “This regional expansion is a testament to the influence women wield in shaping India’s social, economic and cultural blueprint.”

As the country prepares to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day, Sheshakti offers a timely reminder that true progress is built on the shoulders of those who don’t just smash glass ceilings, but raise the roof for everyone else.

July 29, 2025
Laxmipati Sarees onboards Rashmika Mandanna as their brand ambassador

MUMBAI: Laxmipati Sarees has announced its association with one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema—Rashmika Mandanna – as the face of the brand. Known for her pan-India appeal and magnetic screen presence, Rashmika brings fresh energy to a brand cherished across generations for its unmatched print quality and super-fine lightweight fabric.

This iconic partnership launches with a nationwide campaign across TV, digital, print, and outdoor platforms starting July 29, 2025, celebrating the effortless elegance and cultural pride that Laxmipati Sarees represents. The campaign will also run ads on the India’s most iconic show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which starts tonight, aiming to capture the target audience on both TV as well as digital (JioHotstar) mediums.

Expressing her joy, Rashmika Mandanna said, “Sarees carry so much more than just fabric — they hold our stories, tradition, and timeless beauty. Each one reflects a rich cultural legacy, and Laxmipati makes them so easy to wear — light, vibrant, and full of elegance. I’m so happy to be associated with a brand that brings heritage to life with such effortless style”

Laxmipati Sarees managing director Sanjay Sarawagi said, “For four decades, Laxmipati Sarees has stood for trust, quality, and elegance. Our vision has always been to create sarees that combine heritage with everyday elegance. With Rashmika joining our journey, we are reaffirming our commitment to stay rooted in Indian tradition while connecting deeply with today’s woman. Her grace and authenticity reflect everything our brand aspires to be.”

Laxmipati Sarees director Manoj Sarawgi added, “This is a proud moment for us. Rashmika brings not just star power, but a natural warmth and relatability that our customers love. Her presence will help us reach new audiences while staying true to our core—creating sarees that are light, beautiful, and truly made for every Indian woman.”

“Rashmika brings an incredible blend of relatability and glamour, which aligns perfectly with Laxmipati’s appeal. Through this campaign, we’re not just showcasing sarees—we’re narrating the story of the modern Indian woman who embraces tradition with confidence and joy,” added director Rakesh Sarawagi.

Shreyansh Innovations founder Shreyansh Baid commented on the campaign, “This was a special campaign to craft. Laxmipati’s sarees are known for their lightness, fine fabric, and beautiful designs—we wanted to highlight that sensory elegance in every visual. Rashmika’s presence adds a celebratory warmth to the narrative, making the campaign aspirational and authentic at the same time.”

July 29, 2025
Aamir Khan takes ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ straight to YouTube in a first-of-its-kind digital premiere

MUMBAI: Aamir Khan is ripping up the rulebook. In a landmark move, the actor-producer is releasing his blockbuster Sitaare Zameen Par directly on YouTube Movies-on-Demand from 1 August 2025, bypassing traditional OTT platforms and putting premium cinema within reach of every household.

Actor-producer Aamir Khan stated, “For the past 15 years I have been struggling with the challenge of how to reach audiences who do not have geographical access to theatres, or those who are unable to make it to theatres for various reasons. Finally the time for the perfect storm has come. With our government bringing in UPI and India becoming no 1 in the world in electronic payments, with internet penetration in India having grown dramatically and growing everyday, and with YouTube being on most devices, we can finally reach vast sections of people in India, and a significant part of the world. My dream is that Cinema should reach everyone at a reasonable and affordable price. I want people to have the ease of watching Cinema when they want, where they want. If this idea works, Creative voices can tell different stories breaking geographical and other barriers. This will also be a great opportunity for younger creative people entering the field of Cinema. If this idea works, then I see this as a win-win for all.”

YouTube India country managing director, Gunjan Soni highlighted the strategic significance of this partnership. “The digital launch of Sitaare Zameen Par exclusively on YouTube underscores a significant step towards democratizing Indian film distribution at a global scale. YouTube is already a key digital destination for premium content, and we’re excited to offer filmmakers and content owners not only our unparalleled digital reach but also the control and flexibility to meet their audiences where they are. Today’s launch is far more than a release – YouTube is laying out the red carpet for Indian cinema to stride onto the global stage.”

The film, which has already grossed over Rs 250 crore worldwide, will be available in India for Rs 100 and in 38 international markets including the US, UK, Australia, Germany and Singapore, with localised pricing and subtitles.

A spiritual successor to his 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, the heartwarming drama stars Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh and ten actors with intellectual disabilities, making inclusivity its emotional core.

This YouTube-first strategy is a radical experiment that not only turns every screen into a theatre but also cements YouTube’s growing clout in post-theatrical film distribution. With YouTube already reaching 4 out of 5 internet users in India, this could reshape how films find their audiences.

Directed by RS Prasanna and written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, the film will also be available in dubbed and subtitled versions for global audiences. Next up for Aamir Khan Productions: Lahore 1947 starring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta, and Ek Din featuring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi.

Cinema, it seems, just found its biggest digital stage.

July 29, 2025
McDonald’s India and Sanjeev Kapoor reunite to showcase new Protein Plus Range

MUMBAI: McDonald’s India (West & South) has announced the return of culinary icon Sanjeev Kapoor for a new brand film highlighting its newly launched innovative and first-of-its kind ‘Protein Plus Slice’. This marks the continuation of the successful partnership that began with the Multi-Millet Bun launch last year.

This entertaining brand film, conceptualised by DDB Mudra captures a memorable encounter at McDonald’s where Kapoor, stationed behind the counter, meets a young fitness enthusiast and his spirited little brother. When the older brother orders his usual favourites, Chef Kapoor introduces them to the revolutionary Protein Plus slice with his characteristic charm. What unfolds is a humorous competition between the brothers, when the elder one requests two slices, his younger brother immediately ups the ante by asking for three slices. The film perfectly illustrates how customers of all ages can personalize their protein intake while enjoying McDonald’s favourites.

The film emphasizes on the 100% vegetarian plant-based ‘Protein Plus Slice’ co-developed by CSIR – Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI). Chef Kapoor talks about this slice, which offers 5g of protein per slice, allowing customers to add 5g, 10g, or more protein to their burgers without compromising on taste.

Westlife Foodworld CEO Akshay Jatia said, “At McDonald’s India, we have always believed in giving our customers more choice, and this time, we are giving them the power to personalize their protein intake. The Protein Plus Range allows them to enjoy their favourite McDonald’s burgers without compromising on their protein needs or the taste. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to our ‘Real Food, Real Good’ philosophy, bringing together flavour, nutrition, and food science. Together, we remain committed to crafting menu items that are both wholesome and delicious, combining locally available ingredients in a way where great taste and nutrition go hand in hand.”

Kapoor said, “It feels great to continue my association with a brand like McDonald’s that constantly innovates its menu, suiting the tastes and preferences of varied customers. Their entry into the protein enhancement initiative is commendable, and I like the fact that their Protein Plus range perfectly balances taste with nutrition. I believe this range is a true innovation in personalized nutrition.”

DDB Mudra Group chief creative officer & executive director Rahul Mathew said, “McDonald’s is for everyone. It’s a belief that the brand is built on. And it’s this belief that we’ve extended to extra-protein seekers with the new Protein Plus Slices. So, whether you’re just making up for your nutritional needs or following a workout regimen, McDonald’s is for you as well.”

The Protein Plus Range launch marks McDonald’s India’s second strategic collaboration with the CFTRI, following the successful introduction of Multi-Millet Buns. The campaign on the Multi-Millet Bun had also featured Chef Sanjeev Kapoor.

The film closes with Kapoor saying, ‘That’s My McDonald’s’, underscoring the brand’s commitment to blending great-tasting burgers with more nutritional goodness. Customers can now savour their favourite burgers in a nutritional avatar with extra protein at their nearest McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India, on-the-go via Drive-Thru and also can order through the McDelivery App and Swiggy.

July 29, 2025