Blog

Vikas Boni appointed Crunchyroll’s India lead for global distribution & partnerships

MUMBAI: Vikas Boni has taken on the role of senior director and India lead for global distribution & partnerships at Crunchyroll, the world’s leading destination for anime and fandom. Based in Mumbai, Boni’s mandate is to shape the next phase of growth for Crunchyroll in the region. He commenced his new role in July 2025.

With over 16 years of experience across the media and digital landscape, Boni specialises in building high-impact partnerships, driving revenue growth, and leading content-driven businesses at scale.

Prior to joining Crunchyroll, he served as business head & chief operating officer at Stars N Stripes, an award-winning digital marketing agency, from April 2023 to June 2025. In this capacity, he was responsible for developing and implementing the agency’s go-to-market strategy, aiming for a tenfold expansion within five years. His responsibilities included managing the agency’s overall profit and loss and establishing four distinct growth services: Studio SNS (branded content division), Social Circle (social media management), Shortcuts (short video content and tech solutions), and In The Air (creator platform).

Boni also held significant leadership positions at Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd for over 13 years. His roles there included vice president and head of content licensing & partnerships for JioTV & JioTV+, where he led content licensing, acquisition, and partnerships to enhance the content portfolio and drive value for Jio Platforms Ltd.

He also served as vice president and head of partnerships for Voot Select & Voot Shots, leading global partnerships for Voot and launching the short-form video product Voot Shots. Additionally, he was vice president and head of MTV Beats, business planning & content partnerships (YME), overseeing business planning and strategic partnerships for Viacom18’s Youth, Music & English Entertainment cluster. He played a pivotal role in launching and scaling youth-focused platforms like MTV Beats, MTV Indies, and Voot Shots.

He began his career as an assistant manager in the strategy group at TAM Media Research from December 2007 to March 2010. Boni holds an MBA in marketing and a BE in information technology from the University of Mumbai.

July 11, 2025
Baggage claim to fame as Safari and Boat launch trackable luggage

MUMBAI: No more baggage blues Safari’s latest launch ensures your luggage never goes off-track, even if your flight does. In a first-of-its-kind travel tech collaboration, luggage major Safari has teamed up with Boat to launch Safari Trackr, a Bluetooth-enabled, smart luggage range designed to take the anxiety out of airport chaos. Debuting during Amazon Prime Day, the collection blends boAt’s tracking tech with Safari’s trusted build, offering stylish peace of mind starting at just Rs 4,499.

Whether your suitcase has taken a detour to a different carousel or vanished into a hotel lobby’s backroom, Safari Trackr ensures you’re not left wondering where your life-in-a-bag has gone. Equipped with Boat Tag, powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the luggage range works seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices, letting users track their bags in real time no matter where they are in the world.

The campaign’s tagline, “Your Safari Got Safer,” captures the pitch-perfect blend of reliability and innovation. Told through two witty digital films, the campaign spotlights those all-too-familiar travel fiascos swapped bags, forgotten check-ins, and suitcase slip-ups juxtaposed with the smooth, in-control experience of a tech-savvy traveller.

The range comes in three sizes Cabin, Medium, and Large and three colours: Signature Black, Blue, and Green. Crafted from 100 per cent polycarbonate and strength-tested, the bags are built to last and be found.

“People don’t just carry luggage, they carry their life,” said Safari Industries MD Sudhir Jatia. “Safari Trackr is our answer to the very real fear of losing that life in transit. With Boat as a tech partner, we’ve created a solution that’s smart, stylish, and simple.”

Boat CEO Sameer Mehta added, “We’re bringing Boat Tag tech to something deeply practical keeping your belongings safe, visible, and connected. This partnership solves a real-world problem at scale.”

The product will be available across India through Amazon, with the e-commerce giant promising fast delivery to 100 per cent serviceable pin codes. Amazon director of fashion & beauty, Siddharth Bhagat noted, “This collaboration is all about innovation and everyday utility. It’s a fresh take on what luggage can be.”

With 330 plus service touchpoints and free installation in metros (plus virtual support for remote areas), GRIPIT’s servicing model adds another layer of ease to an already impressive offering.

Safari Trackr doesn’t just hold your belongings, it holds your trust. In a world where travel is unpredictable, at least now your luggage won’t be.

July 11, 2025
Dream11 elevates Yash Mehta to director of product marketing content

MUMBAI: Dream11 has announced the promotion of Yash Mehta to director of product marketing content, effective July 2025. In his new role, Mehta will spearhead the product content division, focusing on orchestrating innovative product marketing campaigns to significantly boost feature and platform adoption, engagement, and retention.

Dream11 highlighted that Mehta’s team has already contributed to increased product usage through interactive and data-informed content strategies. He will now be responsible for leading content performance across various channels, including push notifications, banners, emails, and static web pages, while developing user-centric, data-driven creative solutions and spearheading innovative interactive intellectual properties to enhance user adoption and retention.

Prior to this promotion, Mehta served as senior manager, product marketing | content at Dream11 from August 2023. In that capacity, he was instrumental in maintaining and growing product marketing channel click-through rates (CTRs), including 3.5 per cent for push notifications, 20 per cent for stories, seven per cent for banners, 30 per cent for app inbox, 16 per cent for in-apps, and a 52 per cent email open rate. He also led a team of five on adoption, engagement, and retention initiatives through interactive content strategies.

Mehta’s nearly decade-long experience in content strategy and campaign orchestration includes stints at MTV India, National Basketball Association (NBA), and Ozy Media. He previously held roles such as integrated marketing associate at Ozy Media and production trainee, digital and social content publishing at the NBA. His career began as a social media executive at Merry Men in April 2011.

He holds a master’s degree in integrated marketing and digital marketing from NYU School of Professional Studies, graduating in June 2018. He also earned a master of business administration (MBA) from Lala Lajpatrai Institute Of Management and a bachelor of commerce (B.Com.) in marketing from H.R. College of Commerce & Economics.

July 11, 2025
Titan announces leadership reshuffle in jewellery and watches

BENGALURU: Titan Co Ltd has announced key appointments within its senior management, effective later this year and early next. These changes follow previous intimations regarding the succession of C.K. Venkataraman as managing director and the resignation of Suparna Mitra, CEO of the watches division.

Arun Narayan, currently overseeing the Tanishq India business for retail, marketing, and merchandising, is set to become the chief executive officer of the jewellery division from 1 January 2026. He will succeed Ajoy Chawla, who is slated to take over as managing director on the same date.

A post-graduate from IIM Calcutta and a veteran of the Tata Administrative Services cadre, Narayan brings nearly three decades of experience in retail, marketing, and sales leadership roles within the Tata group and Titan. Since April 2020, he has been leading the Tanishq India business and previously held key positions as regional business head (west, all categories), Helios business head, and national sales & retail head for Titan watches.

Meanwhile, Kuruvilla Markose, currently the CEO of Titan’s international business division, will take over as the chief executive officer of the watches division from 13 August 2025. He steps into the role vacated by Suparna Mitra. Markose, who holds degrees in agriculture and an MBA from IIFT, New Delhi, also joined the Tata Administrative Services in 1995. His three decades of experience span diverse sectors including FMCG, telecom, BPO, consulting, digital, and retail across the Tata group. He joined Titan in 2015 as chief digital officer and has been leading the company’s international expansion in watches, jewellery, and eyecare as CEO of the international business division.

These appointments are part of a broader leadership transition within the company’s senior management.

July 11, 2025
Aayush Wellness launches Brain Fuel to combat cognitive decline

NEW DELHI: Aayush Wellness Ltd has expanded its nutraceutical portfolio with the launch of Brain Fuel Capsules, a new product designed to enhance cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity. This move addresses a growing concern: the silent epidemic of cognitive strain affecting millions, including students, professionals, and the elderly, often before the age of 40.

The company highlights factors like digital dependency, poor sleep, multitasking, nutritional imbalances, and chronic stress as major contributors to declining mental acuity. Global health estimates suggest over one in four adults exhibit signs of cognitive strain prematurely.

Brain Fuel Capsules feature a synergistic blend of traditional herbs: brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) for memory and learning; ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) to reduce stress and improve concentration; ginkgo biloba for brain circulation and alertness; turmeric extract (Curcuma Longa – curcumin) for antioxidant benefits; and gotu kola (Centella Asiatica) to revitalise the nervous system and boost mental clarity.

Aayush Wellness managing director Naveena Kumar stated, ” We believe that true wellness starts from within, and brain health is central to overall well-being. With the launch of Brain Fuel capsules, we are offering a time-tested solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our generation — cognitive fatigue driven by modern lifestyles. This herbal formulation supports long-term mental clarity without the side effects of synthetic alternatives.”

Following the successful introductions of Sleep Gummies and Beauty Gummies, this launch aligns with Aayush Wellness’s strategy to capitalise on India’s burgeoning $18bn nutraceutical industry, which is expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15 per cent. The brain health segment, particularly herbal and natural solutions, is projected to be among the fastest-growing verticals, with a CAGR of 14.78 per cent, fuelled by increased mental health awareness, academic and work-related stress, and an ageing population.

(If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

July 11, 2025
Global gadgets go desi as Gripit brings top tech to Prime Day shoppers

MUMBAI: This Amazon Prime Day, the world’s coolest gadgets are getting a Gripit-powered passport to Indian homes. Gripit, the homegrown trailblazer bringing global tech to Indian doorsteps, is shaking up Amazon Prime Day with a showcase of international innovations available at home-friendly prices and with desi-style service to match.

From robotic vacuums and portable projectors to off-grid power banks and smart locks, Gripit’s curated collection reads like a wishlist for the future-forward Indian shopper. And now, for a limited time, they’re up for grabs at never-before-seen deals.

Leading the charge is the Narwal Xplus Robotic Cleaner at Rs 22,990, a sleek domestic droid designed to mop, vacuum and moonwalk its way through Indian dust. Pair that with the Yale 100NXT Smart Lock at Rs 8,999 and you’ve got a home that’s as secure as it is spotless. Fancy power on the go? The Ecoflow River 2 Power Station at Rs 19,999 is ready for your next camping trip or power cut.

Other Prime Day standouts include:

● BISSELL Little Green carpet cleaner – Rs 4,999

● CHUWI GemiBook Xpro Laptop – Rs 16,990

● LOOP Quiet 2 Earplugs – Rs 1,499

● OBSBOT Meet 2 AI Camera – Rs 12,490

But this is more than just a flash sale Gripit is redefining global-to-local shopping. With a 330 plus strong service network, free installations across metro cities, and even virtual support for remote regions, the company is setting new standards in customer experience. They’ve also promised service turnaround in under seven working days, a feat in the fragmented Indian tech retail space.

And there’s more coming soon. Gripit will soon launch a dedicated mobile app, where users can book live product demos, schedule free doorstep trials, and explore international tech innovations, all with a few taps.

“Amazon Prime Day is the perfect platform for us to connect global tech with Indian aspirations,” said Gripit co-founder & CEO Sagar Mehta. “We’re not just offering deals, we’re democratising access to world-class experiences.”

In a world where e-commerce often stops at shipping, Gripit is delivering something rare cutting-edge tech with a local soul. So if your shopping cart’s ready for a glow-up, now’s the time to Gripit and go.

(If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

July 11, 2025
Indian brands turn heads and hearts at Kantar’s ad-effectiveness awards

MUMBAI: Culture met creativity head-on, and Indian brands walked away with the spoils. Danone, Hindustan Unilever, Haleon and Godrej Consumer Products were among the big winners at Kantar India’s Creative Effectiveness Awards, which celebrated five years of ads that hit both hearts and wallets.

With more than 1,350 Indian creatives tested in 2024—out of 12,000 globally—the winners were chosen not by agency suits, but by the toughest (and truest) critics: everyday consumers. Think festival rituals, everyday mishaps, Bollywood throwbacks and even snarky political satire. The kind of stuff that makes you nod, laugh or text your mum.

HUL took home the crown across TV and digital. Meanwhile, Godrej Fab tickled funny bones with its satirical punch, Pond’s struck a Bollywood chord, and Nihar shaved off grooming clichés with flair.

To mark the fifth anniversary of the awards, Kantar unveiled a snappy new mantra—distilled from half a decade of tracking India’s most powerful campaigns. Turns out, the most effective ads haven’t lost the plot: culture still sells, and creativity still seals the deal.

The report’s insights are as spicy as a masala chai:

● Culture is comfort food: Great Indian ads are like dal—with a creative tadka. They’re emotional, familiar, and loaded with meaning.

● Tiny moments, big memories: It’s not grand gestures but the small stuff—rainy train stations, puja rituals, awkward family dinners—that truly lands.

● Multilingual magic: Language may vary, but emotion doesn’t. The most effective brands ditched the Hindi-only formula for regionally rooted storytelling.

● Execution eats strategy for breakfast: Music, humour, idioms, casting—get them right, and you’ve got a winner.

Influencer-driven content, says Kantar, isn’t just noise—it holds eyeballs 2.2 times longer than standard ads, and delivers a 58 per cent average salience score. That’s gold in today’s skip-happy world.

In India, you don’t invent culture—you tune into it, add some flavour, and serve it up with feeling. That’s how brands go from ads to icons.

(If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

July 11, 2025
Anime India, the country’s largest Japanese Anime Convention announced; brings Global Anime Icons, Behind Death Note, Attack on Titan, Black Clover and Gachiakuta to interact with fans in India

MUMBAI: Anime enthusiasts across India are in for the time of their lives this August as Anime India – the first and largest ever full-scale anime convention, a festival focusing on Japanese anime – is set to be held from 22 to 24 August at Hall 1 of Mumbai’s NESCO Bombay Exhibition Centre.

A host of immersive experiences have been planned for fans at Anime India: conversations with Japanese anime maestro directors, voice-over talents, fan panels, anime film festivals, cosplay competition, singing contests, artist alleys, an anime concert, anime quizzes, and more. Die-hard fans can also dive deep into the merchandise zone and purchase original merchandise.

Anime India is already being talked about as a landmark event amongst the community of 100 million Indian Japanese anime enthusiasts. Tetsuro Araki, the acclaimed animation director behind global phenomena such as Attack on Titan and Death Note, is flying in for his first-ever visit to India. Araki will be the key special guest at Anime India, the nation’s largest anime convention.

Anime India marks a monumental moment for the rapidly growing Indian anime community, offering an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with one of the most influential figures in modern animation. Tetsuro Araki’s visionary work has captivated billions worldwide, with Attack on Titan receiving widespread critical acclaim and a massive global fanbase, and Death Note remaining a timeless psychological thriller.

Also in attendance will be Hideo Katsumata, the President of Avex Pictures behind top anime series like Black Clover, Gachiakuta and the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards winner Look Back. At the colocated Animation & More Summit, Susume Fukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokémon Company will be attending as a speaker.

“We are incredibly honored to host Tetsuro Araki for his inaugural visit to India,” says Anime India organiser Neha Mehta. “His presence elevates Anime India to a global stage and underscores the immense passion for anime that exists within our country. This is a dream come true for countless fans who have been inspired by his groundbreaking work.”

“We are really excited to bring the first anime convention to India. This is something I, as an anime fan, truly wanted to see happen. We are also excited to see Katsumata-san, a global legend in the anime space speaking at the event” exclaims Mishaal Wanvari, organiser, Anime India.

Anime India will have a lot more going on, promising an immersive experience for all attendees:

● An Exclusive Panel and Q&A with Tetsuro Araki: Fans will have the chance to hear directly from the master director about his creative process, inspirations, and the intricate worlds he has brought to life.

● Meet and Greet with Voice Actors: Fans have the chance to meet freelance Japanese voice actor Tsunko, who will be traveling to perform at the event.

● Grand Anime Concert: On 24 August, the convention will host a spectacular anime concert, bringing beloved anisongs to life.

● Dynamic Cosplay Competition: Witness incredible talent as cosplayers dress up as their favorite characters, vying for top honors.

● Engaging Anime Quiz: Test your knowledge in a lively quiz challenging fans on all things anime.

● Singing Contest: The best artists from across the country assemble at Anime India to show off their singing prowess.

● Expansive Merchandising Expo Zone: Our professional expo area will feature official licensed merchandise from globally popular IPs including Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Spy x Family, Tokyo Revengers, and Naruto, ensuring fans can take home authentic collectibles.

● Artists Alley and Cosplayers Circuit: For the first time in India, over 24 extensively vetted independent artists and cosplay creators from the anime community will be exhibiting at the event, selling original work and explicitly permitted derivative works.

● Fandom Realm: Eight fandom communities including anime clubs, gaming communities, and other interest groups such as Vocaloid fans will be setting up experiences for fans right on the Anime India show floor.

● Fan Panels: Panels span the 3-day schedule of Anime India across our 3 stages, bringing anime fan panel culture to India on an extensive scale – having not just in-depth explorations of the media that we love but also game shows, and so much more!

● Maid Cafe: Come experience the authentic Maid Cafe experience for the first time at an event in India.

● Anime Film Festival: Exciting film and TV anime screenings, with behind-the-scenes footage, exclusively at Anime India!

Anime India aims to be the ultimate celebration of Japanese pop culture, fostering a vibrant community and providing a platform for fans to connect with their favorite series and creators.

The historic visit by Tetsuro Araki is expected to draw record attendance and further solidify India’s position on the global anime map.

Tickets for Anime India can be purchased from Zomato’s District ticketing platform and are available in four brackets: Rs. 199, Rs. 299 and Rs. 799, and Rs. 1499.

Event Details:

● Event: Anime India

● Dates: August 22nd – 24th, 2025

● Location: Mumbai, India (NESCO Bombay Exhibition Centre)

● Special Guest: Tetsuro Araki (Director of Attack on Titan, Death Note)

● Tickets: https://link.district.in/DSTRKT/AnimeIndiaPartnerAds

● Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/animeindia.live

July 11, 2025
Hero MotoCorp revs up EV ambitions with new chief

NEW DELHI: Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has announced a significant leadership reshuffle, bringing in new talent to accelerate its push into sustainable, future-ready mobility. On 10 July 2025, the company appointed Kausalya Nandakumar as chief business officer for its emerging mobility business unit. She will report directly to Pawan Munjal, the executive chairman, and will be tasked with shaping the strategic direction and growth of Vida, Hero MotoCorp’s electric vehicle brand.

Nandakumar brings nearly two decades of leadership acumen from the automotive, electric mobility, and digital innovation sectors. Her appointment underscores Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to pioneering new technologies and growth platforms. She joins Hero MotoCorp after an illustrious 18-year tenure with the Mahindra Group, where she played a pivotal role in building and scaling new ventures.

Most recently, as chief operating officer of Mahindra Electric Automobile, she spearheaded the operational readiness and market entry strategy for the company’s electric SUV business, valued at $9.8 billion. Her extensive career also includes heading business transformation for Mahindra’s farm division and leading Glyd, Mahindra’s electric shared mobility business. Notably, she conceived and built SmartShift, one of India’s pioneering digital logistics platforms, transforming it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

This strategic appointment coincides with the departure of Swadesh Srivastava, who is stepping down due to health reasons. Srivastava will work closely with Nandakumar in the coming weeks to ensure a seamless handover. The company expressed its gratitude for his contributions and extended best wishes.

Nandakumar’s academic credentials include a master’s in business administration (marketing) from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, and a bachelor’s degree in electronics & instrumentation engineering from Mumbai University.

She has further refined her leadership skills through programmes at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School.. Her background and expertise are set to reinforce Hero MotoCorp’s ambition to lead the next era of mobility, delivering innovation with impact and driving sustainable growth.

(If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

July 10, 2025
GTPL Hathway navigates challenging quarter, eyes future growth

MUMBAI: GTPL Hathway has unveiled its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended 30 June 2025, revealing a mixed bag for the entertainment and broadband major. While the company saw an uptick in its top line, profitability faced a squeeze during the period.

The consolidated revenue from operations for Q1 FY26 stood at Rs 5,946.79 million, a healthy increase from Rs 5,359.94 million reported in the same quarter last year. Total income also reflected this growth, climbing to Rs 5,990.20 million from Rs 5,432.95 million year-on-year. On a consolidated basis, total income for the quarter reached Rs 9,091 million, marking a 7 per cent rise year-on-year and a 1 per cent increase quarter-on-quarter.

However, the spotlight falls on the company’s profitability. Net profit after tax (Pat) saw a significant decline, coming in at Rs 56.25 million for Q1 FY26, a stark contrast to Rs 150.23 million in Q1 FY25. Consolidated PAT was Rs 105 million, consistent with the previous quarter but down from Rs 143 million in Q1 FY25. Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was recorded at Rs 1,123 million, with an EBITDA margin of 12.4 per cent. This is a decrease from Rs 1,205 million and a 14.2 per cent margin in the corresponding quarter of the prior fiscal year.

Operationally, GTPL Hathway continues to expand its reach. The cable television business maintained a strong subscriber base, with 9.60 million active set-top boxes and 8.90 million paying subscribers as of Q1 FY26. The broadband segment also showed progress, reaching 1.05 million active subscribers and a home-pass count of 5.95 million. Average data consumption per customer soared to 410 GB per month, a 17 per cent increase year-on-year, while average revenue per user (ARPU) held steady at Rs 465..

In a strategic move, the board of directors approved the re-appointment of Anirudhsinh Jadeja as managing director for a further three-year term, effective from 8 December 2025.

The company also highlighted a contingent liability related to a demand from the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) for licence fees totalling Rs 9,754.15 million. GTPL Hathway remains confident in its legal position and has not recognised any provision for this matter.

(If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

July 10, 2025