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  • Ratna Widhani takes charge as VP, business operations at Dentsu Merkle Sokrati

    Ratna Widhani takes charge as VP, business operations at Dentsu Merkle Sokrati

    MUMBAI: Ratna Widhani has been elevated to vice president, business operations at Dentsu’s Merkle Sokrati after a nearly two-year stint as associate vice president. With over two decades of experience in retail, ecommerce, and performance marketing, Widhani brings a potent mix of operational rigour and brand-building savvy to her new role.

    Her career arc spans global and Indian heavyweights — from Nike and Timberland to Bata, Royal Enfield, and Vedix — where she has driven retail turnarounds and ecommerce sprints with enviable consistency. At Incnut Lifestyle, Widhani led ecommerce marketplace relationships, pushing toplines from Rs 10 crore to Rs 40 crore in a single year across Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, and more.

    She has also helmed business strategy and marketplace growth at brands like Age Ayurveda and National Geographic’s travel gear, fine-tuning delivery timelines, catalogue hygiene, search marketing, and margin optimisation. Her P&L grasp is rooted in years of retail buying and merchandising leadership, from launching CAT footwear across India to running the Rs 250-crore Power brand portfolio for Bata.

    Widhani, an IIM Ahmedabad-certified ecommerce strategist, now shoulders broader responsibilities across Dentsu’s digital commerce clients. With a strategic eye on Amazon ecosystems, D2C scaling, and agile operations, she’s poised to push the growth lever harder in her new capacity.

    Outside boardrooms, she’s a budding writer, culinary enthusiast, and proud mum to a pre-teen artist.

  • Smirnoff stirs up a flavour fiesta with Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango and Zesty Lime

    Smirnoff stirs up a flavour fiesta with Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango and Zesty Lime

    MUMBAI: Smirnoff Is raising the bar (and a few eyebrows) with the launch of three punchy new flavours — Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango, and Zesty Lime — tailor-made for the bold, experimental tastes of India’s new-age drinkers.

    Now hitting shelves across Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra, this flavour-forward line-up is part of Smirnoff’s India-first playbook, as it courts the Gen Z and millennial crowd that prefers party nights on rooftops over banquets, and DIY cocktails over bar menus.

    “We’re seeing a clear shift in how young Indians approach their favourite spirits — they want global brands to build a stronger local connect that is fresh and premium and yet playful. With Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango,and Zesty Lime we’re not just offering new flavours, we’re creating moments of discovery that are vibrant, social, and rooted in today’s cultural codes,” said Diageo India (USL) CMO Ruchira Jaitly.

    Each variant packs its own punch:

    . Minty Jamun: A throwback to schoolyard summers, now with a stylish twist

    . Mirchi Mango: A sweet-spicy bombshell, echoing India’s chilli-laced fruit obsession

    . Zesty Lime: Bright, breezy and built for easy pours at pre-games and house parties

    The launch is wrapped in Smirnoff’s new campaign “Flavour is a Vibe” — a cheeky nudge to embrace taste with spontaneity, style, and a generous splash of self-expression.

    With India’s cocktail culture bubbling over and at-home mixology becoming the new norm, Smirnoff’s latest desi detour is likely to find itself clinking glasses at celebrations of every size. Because in 2025, it’s not just about what you’re drinking, it’s how you vibe with it.

  • Oppo zooms in on culture with second edition of Lumo Photography Awards

    Oppo zooms in on culture with second edition of Lumo Photography Awards

    MUMBAI: Oppo India is turning up the shutter speed with the launch of the second edition of its Lumo Photography Awards, themed ‘Super Every Moment’ – a celebration of the extraordinary hidden in the everyday.

    Formerly known as the Imagine IF Awards, the rebranded Lumo marks Oppo’s sharpened focus on mobile imaging and storytelling that snaps beyond selfies. The 2025 edition adds cultural spice to the mix, thanks to a new partnership with Discovery Channel and the launch of a fresh category: Super Culture Moment.

    Oppo India head of product & digital marketing Sushant Vashistha said, “LUMO is our ode to creativity – a platform where every image tells a story, and every story becomes a moment of magic. The first edition, Imagine IF, received thousands of stunning submissions from across India. It laid the foundation for this year’s competition, powered by LUMO. This season, we aim to celebrate not just the outcome but the creative journey behind every powerful visual, powered by OPPO’s imaging technology.”

    Entrants are encouraged to capture India’s kaleidoscopic cultural tapestry using Oppo’s imaging tech. And the stakes are high – judging the entries are Joseph Radhik, India’s celebrity wedding lensman, and Vikram Channa, vp at Warner Bros Discovery and content lead for Southeast Asia.

    Commenting on the initiative, Joseph Radhik said, “As a photographer, I constantly strive to push creative boundaries and inspire others to do the same. The OPPO India Photography Awards 2025 represent a bold step in celebrating imagination and innovation in mobile photography. I urge young creators to capture the extraordinary, imagine the impossible, and leave behind a legacy of inspiration.”

    The contest is open to Indian citizens aged 18 and above, with entries accepted across nine categories: Super Snap, Youth, Live, Me, Vibe, Story, Connection, Culture, and Environs. Each photo must be accompanied by a 60–150-word description that unpacks the story behind the shot.

    In Round 1, the jury will shortlist 50 finalists. Round 2 turns up the heat, with finalists tackling a creative challenge using the Oppo Find X8 Pro. Winners will be picked based on originality, impact, and narrative flair.

    Warner Bros Discovery VP and editorial chief for content production for South East Asia, Vikram Channa commented, “At Discovery Channel, storytelling is central to our work. Our collaboration with OPPO India supports our mission to highlight diverse cultures. The ‘Super Culture Moment’ category encourages creators to capture and celebrate India’s cultural heritage using OPPO’s advanced technology.”

    Oppo’s global photography contest has already seen over 7 lakh entries from 51 countries since its 2023 debut. In India alone, the 2024 edition drew more than 34,000 entries. The 2025 chapter is poised to go bolder, brighter — and definitely more desi.

  • Dangal TV storms into YouTube’s global Top 100 with 50 million subscribers

    Dangal TV storms into YouTube’s global Top 100 with 50 million subscribers

    MUMBAI: Dangal TV, has smashed yet another digital milestone — crossing a massive 50 million subscribers on YouTube and earning a coveted spot among the Top 100 YouTube channels globally, currently sitting pretty at #87.

    Launched on 2 August 2017, Dangal’s rise from regional to global star reflects more than just strong programming, it’s a testament to sharp strategy and storytelling that cuts across borders and bandwidths.

    The credit, insiders say, goes to the unflinching vision of managing director Manish Singhal, who’s steered Dangal with one mission in mind: to take Bharat’s stories to the world, one compelling plot twist at a time.

    Akshat Singhal, head of Dangal Play, and the driving force behind Dangal TV’s digital transformation, shared, “Reaching 50 million subscribers is a proud and emotional moment for all of us. It reflects the deep connection we’ve built with audiences worldwide and our valued partnership with YouTube, which has enabled us to showcase Indian storytelling on a global stage.”

    He adds, “Our vision from the start has been to create content rooted in the heartland that connects across borders. Reaching the 87th spot globally is just the beginning – with our current and upcoming shows, we aim to break many more records.”

    As the channel nears its eighth anniversary, its YouTube numbers aren’t just vanity metrics, they’re proof that content rooted in India’s soil can roar on the world stage.

  • Veteran producer-director Dheeraj kumar, Creative Eye founder, passes away at 79

    Veteran producer-director Dheeraj kumar, Creative Eye founder, passes away at 79

    MUMBAI: Mumbai is grieving the loss of veteran producer-actor Dheeraj Kumar Kochhar, founder of Bombay Stock Exchange-listed Creative Eye, who passed away this morning at the age of 79. Kumar was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Saturday following a severe bout of fever, cold, and cough, which was later diagnosed as acute pneumonia.

    Despite intensive treatment and ventilator support in the intensive care unit, his condition remained unresponsive. He breathed his last on the morning of 15 July following cardiac arrest. Tellychakkar, a sister publication, confirmed his passing while under close medical supervision.

    A graduate of the Film & Television Institute Pune, Kumar’s career spanned decades, seeing him carve a formidable reputation as a top producer for both Doordarshan and private satellite television channels. He also graced the silver screen, acting in numerous films.

    His prolific production house, Creative Eye, was behind a vast array of popular television shows, including the likes of Kahan Gaye Who Log, Adalat, Sansaar,  the iconic Om Namah Shivay, Dhoop Chaon, Shree Ganesh, Jaane Anjaane, Om Namo Narayan, Ruby Duby Hub Dub, Miilee, Jodi Kamaal Ki, Betiyann, Hamari Bahu Tulsi, and Ishq Subhan Allah, among many others. As an actor, his filmography included Painter Babu, Darling Darling, Kranti, Heera Panna, Raaton Ka Raja and Shreeman Shrimati.

    Kumar’s last rites are scheduled for Wednesday at the Pawan Hans Crematorium. He is survived by his wife, Zuby Kochhar, who serves as a whole-time director in Creative Eye. 

    His passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema and television.

  • Pongpong Dino gets a juicy bite of UK and US broadcast deals

    Pongpong Dino gets a juicy bite of UK and US broadcast deals

    MUMBAI: From bouncing on cherries to jet-skiing on avocados, these dinos are serving fun by the spoonful. Emmy-winning French animation house Dandelooo is cooking up a global treat with Pongpong Dino, the delightfully zany preschool series that’s just landed broadcast deals in the UK and the US. The CGI show, produced by Korean studio Dream Factory and directed by Taek Geun Chae, blends food, friendship and fizzy fun for kids aged 3 to 5.

    Pongpong Dino will premiere on Sky Kids and Now in the UK later this year. Across the Atlantic, it’s set to make a splash on Vme Kids, the first 24/7 Spanish-language TV channel focused on educational preschool content in the US.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Pongpong Dino to the Vme Kids lineup,” said Vme Media Inc VP of programming and operations Doris Vogelmann. “With its vibrant animation, engaging storytelling and joyful tone, it’s a perfect fit for our youngest viewers.”

    The series follows five exuberant dino kids Momo, Titi, Po, Tutu, and Kaka as they bounce through fantastical food-filled worlds, where cheese becomes jump rope and lemons are repurposed as water balloons. The show encourages young audiences to explore food with all five senses, promoting curiosity, collaboration and a playful attitude to nutrition.

    At the heart of Pongpong Dino is a child-led approach to problem-solving where listening to peers and thinking creatively is key to every challenge. Forget boring lectures and picky eaters these dinos dive headfirst into flavour, fun, and friendship.

    With its global expansion, Pongpong Dino is proving that when it comes to early learning, a spoonful of imagination goes a long way.

  • CNBC-TV18 Prime Circle sets the stage for a global mind jam

    CNBC-TV18 Prime Circle sets the stage for a global mind jam

    MUMBAI: The suits are getting serious and global. CNBC-TV18 Prime is all set to unveil its latest brainchild: the Prime Circle, a high-octane, invitation-only gathering of heavyweight thinkers, business titans and policy pundits. The debut edition kicks off on 16 July in partnership with HDFC Tru, promising an evening brimming with ideas, intellect and a splash of wine wisdom.

    Designed as a marquee platform for global dialogue, Prime Circle will bring together powerhouses navigating today’s fractured world from macroeconomic mayhem to AI overdrive and geopolitical chess.

    On the speakers’ list: Manny Maceda, chairman of Bain & Company; Robert Rosenkranz, chairman of Delphi Capital Management; George Yeo, former foreign affairs minister of Singapore; Shyam Saran, ex-foreign secretary of India; and Dhiraj Relli, MD and CEO at HDFC Securities. These aren’t your everyday talking heads, they’re the ones shaping the playbook.

    Adding sparkle to the evening: Sonal Holland, India’s only Master of Wine, who’ll uncork a curated tasting session to keep the conversation as smooth as the pour.

    Speaking about the event, Smriti Mehra, CEO, Business News, Network18 from CNBC-TV18 Prime said, “CNBC-TV18 Prime aims to bring the pulse of global markets to India through an India-first lens. With Prime Circle, we are creating a marquee platform for high-impact, strategic conversations that reflect the opportunities and risks for India, a global force to recon with . We are honoured to welcome an exceptional line-up of voices who offer real perspective, experience, and foresight.”

    Speaking on the partnership, Relli stated, “Our partnership with CNBC-TV18 Prime enables us to leverage our research-driven expertise to deliver actionable market insights and foster financial literacy across television and digital platforms. We look forward to co-creating impactful content, engaging with investors at marquee events, and, through the upcoming Prime Circle event, facilitating meaningful global dialogue that shapes the future of India’s capital markets.”

    The Prime Circle is CNBC-TV18 Prime’s bid to push past the predictable panel and into something punchier: a space where power meets perspective, with a twist of terroir.

  • Mother’s Recipe gives pickles a wellness twist with ‘Hearty Roots’ launch

    Mother’s Recipe gives pickles a wellness twist with ‘Hearty Roots’ launch

    MUMBAI: In a zesty move that marries ancient wisdom with modern wellness, Mother’s Recipe has rolled out Hearty Roots– a bold, Ayurveda-inspired range of pickles that’s high on flavour and low on guilt. With zero oil, superfoods like ashwagandha, moringa, flax seeds, and jaggery, this isn’t your grandma’s pickle or maybe it is, but with a clean-label makeover.

    Touted as India’s first healthy pickle range, Hearty Roots taps into the booming Rs 10,352 crore health and wellness foods segment, growing at 10 per cent a year, and is aimed squarely at millennials and health-aware consumers craving clean eating without killing their taste buds.

    From lime pickle that’s completely oil-free to mango with ashwagandha (for stress-busting snacking), garlic with moringa (a real antioxidant punch), and even a bittersweet karela twist (blood sugar, be warned), the line-up is designed to spice up the wellness aisle.

    Each jar is sun-cured, fermented the old-fashioned way, and free of artificial nasties. It’s healthy with heritage and attitude.

    Desai Foods executive director Sanjana Desai and the force behind the launch, shared, “Every household has grown up with the familiar taste of pickles, passed down with love through generations. With Hearty Roots, we are holding on to that emotion while responding to how food habits are evolving today. This brand reflects a conscious step forward – making wellness accessible through ingredients that are time-tested and purposeful. Hearty Roots is rooted in our culture, created for those who seek flavour, function and familiarity on every plate.”

    Currently available in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad via Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Amazon Fresh, Bigbasket, and www.mothersrecipe.com, Hearty Roots is all set to pop open in more cities and select specialty stores soon.

    Because let’s face it, no salad ever sparked a memory like a good old pickle can.

  • Zomato serves up a motivational feast with Fuel Your Hustle campaign

    Zomato serves up a motivational feast with Fuel Your Hustle campaign

    MUMBAI: Food delivery and experiences company Zomato has dished out a high-octane, monochrome television commercial, “Fuel Your Hustle”, drawing comparisons to Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” ethos. The star-studded TVC features Hindi cinema’s Shah Rukh Khan, cricketing ace Jasprit Bumrah, boxing legend Mary Kom, and musical maestro AR Rahman, all united in a quest to uncover the “secret ingredient” of greatness.  

    The film is tied together by a compelling music track from Kalmi (Nikhil Kalimireddy), best known for his hit “Big Dawgs”. The background score features a dynamic blend of Indian and western sounds, characterised by a prominent use of percussion and drums that amplify the motivational fervour. 

    The advert kicks off with an intriguing question: “What’s their secret ingredient? Their secret sauce for greatness? What do they know that others don’t?”. What follows is a compelling visual narrative of each icon’s relentless dedication to their craft. Khan is seen meticulously re-taking scenes, Rahman passionately wrestling with his keyboards to perfect a tune, Kom relentlessly skipping and sparring in the boxing ring, and Bumrah unleashing thunderous deliveries that send stumps cartwheeling. 

    A montage of candid shots interspersed with their rigorous routines is accompanied by a haunting voiceover. It declares, “They know the taste of sweat. The salt of tears. They wake up when it’s dark. They show up when it’s hard. They know what it takes, retakes, mistakes. The truth is they are just like you and me. There’s no secret recipe. They JUST WANT IT MORE. THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS HUSTLE. FUEL YOUR HUSTLE. Zomato.” 

    The TVC, with its powerful personalities, stirring message, and driving soundtrack, undoubtedly commands attention. It not only positions Zomato as a brand that embodies its own “hustle,” but also aims to inspire the common person to fuel their ambitions. This ad suggests that Zomato is hungry for more, and wants its customers to feel the same zest for life.

     

  • Amagi appoints Sangeeta Chakraborty as chief revenue officer

    Amagi appoints Sangeeta Chakraborty as chief revenue officer

    MUMBAI: Amagi, a cloud-based SaaS technology solutions provider for broadcast and streaming TV, announced the appointment of Sangeeta Chakraborty as its chief revenue officer. In this role, Chakraborty will lead all global go-to-market functions, including sales, customer success, marketing, services, and operations, to drive Amagi’s next phase of growth and customer impact.

    Sangeeta brings over two decades of enterprise software leadership experience, having scaled revenue and customer success organisations across both product-led and sales-led growth models. She has held senior leadership roles at high-growth technology companies, including Miro, Okta, Checkr, SymphonyAI, Accela, and VMware.

    Chakraborty was Miro’s chief customer officer from November 2021 to February 2023 and chief revenue officer from March 2023 to December 2024. During her tenure, the company scaled more than 250,000 customers worldwide while growing its user base to 80+ million. The company was valued at $17.5 billion and ranked #11 on the Forbes Cloud 100 list.

    “Joining Amagi at this juncture is incredibly exciting. The media industry is undergoing a profound transformation, and Amagi stands at the forefront with its cloud technology innovation that is purpose-built for today’s video economy. From live production to monetization, Amagi is powering critical workflows for the world’s top media brands. I look forward to working with our global teams and customers to unlock new growth opportunities, strengthen our market leadership, and deliver measurable value through innovation, scale, and trust”, said Chakraborty.

    A frequent industry speaker and strategist, Chakraborty brings domain expertise in SaaS and AI across diverse industries such as financial services, healthcare, government tech, and telecom. She holds an MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and a B.Tech. in Computer Science from NIT Warangal. Sangeeta will be based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Commenting on the appointment, Amagi co-founder & president -global business, Srinivasan KA said, “Media companies around the world are accelerating their shift to cloud-native, AI-powered infrastructure. Sangeeta brings the leadership and customer-first mindset that will help us lead the next chapter of our global expansion and market leadership.”