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  • Gaurav Banerjee takes the hot seat at BARC India

    Gaurav Banerjee takes the hot seat at BARC India

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) managing director & CEO, Gaurav Banerjee has been named chairman of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India. He replaces Shashi Sinha, whose two-year reign saw BARC go on a digital diet-adding smarter meters and deeper dives into premium households.

    Banerjee, who cut his teeth as a journalist before climbing the content ladder at Star India and Disney+ Hotstar, is no stranger to the BARC ecosystem. In 2022, he sat on its technical committee during his stint with Disney Star-where he helped bulk up Hotstar’s Hindi and regional original slate, making viewers binge and advertisers grin.

    At SPNI, Banerjee now drives the company’s strategy and operations, while juggling board roles at MSM-Worldwide Factual Media and Bangla Entertainment. Known for his editorial flair and boardroom savvy, his elevation to the BARC chair signals a continued bet on execs who straddle both streaming and broadcast worlds.

    He takes charge just as the lines between TV and digital blur, and advertisers cry out for unified currency metrics. Expect Banerjee to double down on transparency, turbocharge tech upgrades and push into under-measured markets. With over 20 years in media, a master’s in filmmaking from Jamia, and a nose for what India wants to watch, he seems well-placed to script BARC’s next act.

    Industry watchers will be looking to see if Banerjee sticks to Sinha’s reformist script—or flips the channel entirely. Either way, the remote is now firmly in his hands.

  • Amit Kumar steps in as South City Mall’s executive director amid Blackstone-led revamp

    Amit Kumar steps in as South City Mall’s executive director amid Blackstone-led revamp

    MUMBAI: It’s not just the retail footfall that’s picking up speed at South City Mall—the boardroom is getting busier too. In a fresh power move after Blackstone’s acquisition of Kolkata’s flagship shopping destination, the mall has roped in seasoned real estate leader Amit Kumar as executive director.

    Kumar will oversee leasing, marketing and operations at South City Mall, bringing with him over 20 years of hands-on experience in retail leasing, commercial real estate and mall strategy. Known for steering large-format retail assets into high-performing zones, he has previously held leadership roles across some of India’s top retail portfolios.

    “South City Mall has always been synonymous to retail and lifestyle experiences in Kolkata. I am excited to be part of this new chapter as we work towards elevating the mall’s offerings, strengthening partnerships with retailers, and enhancing customer experiences. With the backing from Blackstone, the expertise of the team at Nexus Malls and South City Mall’s strong foundation, I look forward to contributing to its continued success and growth”, Kumar said.

    His appointment is part of the ongoing overhaul under Nexus Select Trust, the retail arm of Blackstone in India, which now owns South City Mall. Nexus Select Trust president, operations, Jayen Naik welcomed the move, “South City Mall represents a significant part of Blackstone’s growing retail footprint in India. We welcome Amit to the Blackstone and Nexus Select Trust team, and we are confident that Amit’s leadership will further enhance its potential. His extensive experience in Indian Retail will help drive long-term value for both our retail partners and the shoppers of Kolkata”.

    With Kumar now leading the charge, all eyes are on South City Mall’s next phase. Industry watchers expect a sharper focus on category diversification, tenant curation, and omni-channel retail experiences tailored to Kolkata’s evolving customer base.

    The move also highlights Blackstone’s strategy of not just acquiring marquee retail assets, but doubling down on leadership and execution to unlock long-term value. As footfalls grow and competition stiffens, South City Mall appears to be gearing up for a retail playbook upgrade—with Kumar on the frontlines.

  • Prajakta Koli adds monsoon punch to Bata’s Floatz clog campaign with a stylish PSA

    Prajakta Koli adds monsoon punch to Bata’s Floatz clog campaign with a stylish PSA

    MUMBAI: When Mumbai rains come knocking, most people reach for an umbrella. But Prajakta Koli is here with a newsflash: it’s time to grab a pair of Floatz instead. Bata India’s latest campaign for its Floatz range has landed with a splash, fronted by content creator and actor Prajakta Koli in the role of a delightfully offbeat news reporter.

    Launched on 27 June 2025, the campaign brings a playful monsoon-ready message to the streets and screens. Koli’s PSA — ‘Floatz is your go-to, come rain or shine!’ – sets the tone for a series of tongue-in-cheek scenes where the stylish clogs stand tall in puddles, errands, and even airport fits. Designed with waterproof material, anti-skid soles, and the brand’s proprietary FloFoam cushioning, Floatz aim to put comfort and durability on a collision course with street style.

    Retailing from just Rs 1199, the clogs come in breezy pastel hues, promising fashion without soggy consequences. Built with dual-density soles and reliable arch support, they’re pitched as a fuss-free footwear fix for the wet months.

    “Much like Prajakta Koli, whose authentic and relatable personality strikes a strong chord with today’s youth, Floatz by Bata is designed to deliver effortless style and comfort at an accessible price”, said Bata India head of marketing Deepika Deepti. “Whether you’re navigating a busy workday or heading out for a casual evening, it’s the perfect all-day companion, especially during the monsoon season”.

    Koli added, “Being a true-blue Mumbaikar, monsoons hold a very special place in my heart… It’s like coming home, but in super comfy shoes!”

    Floatz is currently the fastest growing brand under Bata’s portfolio and is available at over 1,900 stores across India and on bata.com. With this campaign, the legacy brand is clearly betting on cool comfort and creator credibility to win the monsoon rush.

  • JSW Paints to acquire 74.76 per cent stake in Akzo Nobel India in bold Rs 8986 crore move

    JSW Paints to acquire 74.76 per cent stake in Akzo Nobel India in bold Rs 8986 crore move

    MUMBAI: JSW Paints dipped its brush into the big leagues on Thursday, signing definitive agreements to acquire up to 74.76 per cent stake in Akzo Nobel India Limited (ANIL) for a maximum consideration of Rs 8986 crore. The all-cash deal, one of the sector’s most significant in recent years, marks JSW Paints’ ambitious leap toward top-tier status in India’s fast-expanding paints and coatings market.

    The acquisition is contingent upon regulatory approval from the Competition Commission of India and completion of a mandatory open offer to ANIL’s public shareholders. Should all go as planned, the JSW Group’s paints arm will become a heavyweight challenger to incumbents in a market long dominated by a few legacy players.

    ANIL, the Indian arm of Netherlands-based Akzo Nobel, brings with it marquee brands like Dulux, International and Sikkens, and a strong decorative and industrial paints portfolio. In return, JSW Paints, part of the $23 billion JSW Group, gains reach, muscle and a serious splash of brand equity.

    JSW Paints managing director Parth Jindal said, “Paints & Coatings is one of India’s fastest growing sectors and JSW Paints is amongst the fastest growing paint companies. Akzo Nobel India is home to some of the most globally renowned brands of paints & coatings like Dulux, International and Sikkens. We are excited to welcome them to the JSW family. Together, along with the Akzo Nobel India family – employees, customers and partners – we aspire to build the paint company of the future. With the Magic of Dulux and Thoughtfulness of JSW Paints, we look forward to delighting customers and building lasting value for our stakeholders”.

    Akzonobel CEO Greg Poux-Guillaume added, “This transaction is a significant milestone in the execution of our strategy. Akzonobel India has been a consistently strong performer, and we are proud of the brand and talent that have made it a success. With JSW, we are confident the business is in the hands of a long-term partner with deep local expertise and strong ambitions in the sector”.

    The acquisition underscores a broader strategy by JSW Paints to cement itself as a dominant force in a market projected to clock double-digit growth, driven by rising urbanisation, housing demand, and premiumisation. It also reflects increasing consolidation in the Indian paints sector, where the battle for shelf space and mindshare has intensified.

    Morgan Stanley served as exclusive financial adviser to JSW Paints, with Khaitan & Co. acting as legal counsel and Deloitte overseeing financial and tax due diligence.

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  • Golden words, golden futures as KEF bets big on real stories of change

    Golden words, golden futures as KEF bets big on real stories of change

    MUMBAI: What do golden tickets and scholarships have in common? For hundreds of bright young minds, it’s the chance of a lifetime and Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) is spotlighting that connection with heart and purpose. Celebrating MSME Day 2025, KEF has rolled out a compelling campaign titled “Future Ka Golden Ticket” to raise awareness about its flagship Kotak Junior Scholarship.

    Featuring real-life beneficiaries, the integrated campaign draws from actual stories of Mumbai’s promising students whose lives have been transformed through KEF’s support. From bus shelters and cab panels to guerrilla tricycle activations in underserved areas, the visuals and the message go straight to the heart.

    But KEF isn’t just offering financial aid. It’s going the extra mile with what it calls “beyond scholarship” initiatives mentorship, academic assistance, and life-skills training designed to ensure holistic development. And the campaign, by putting real faces to these efforts, doubles down on trust and relatability.

    “We’ve seen how ambition alone isn’t enough. What changes lives is access and zidd,” said a KEF spokesperson, echoing the foundation’s “Inch Wide, Mile Deep” philosophy that underpins every intervention across Maharashtra and Gujarat.

    With three core verticals, school interventions, equitable scholarships, and vocational training, KEF’s initiatives have touched thousands. From building teacher capacity and improving English fluency in middle schools to supporting model schools at the district level, the impact is both broad and deep.

    In numbers, KEF’s scholarship portfolio includes:

    .  Kotak Junior Scholarship for students in Mumbai’s low-income schools pursuing Class 11 & 12.

    .   Kotak Kanya Scholarship (launched in 2021) for meritorious girls nationwide in higher education.

    . Project Unnati, which coaches unemployed youth in IT, spoken English, and life skills, guaranteeing placements to help them step into the workforce confidently.

    With this new campaign, KEF is looking not just to inspire, but to scale with an eye on systemic reform. The focus is shifting from school-level impact to district and state-level education transformation. The next frontier? Impact at Scale.

    As the CSR arm of Kotak Mahindra Group, Kotak Karma’s efforts through KEF are rooted in the belief that education is the greatest equaliser and in this campaign, every story told is another step toward levelling the playing field.

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  • Reise Moto shifts Supercross fandom into high gear with ISRL fan parks in Season 2

    Reise Moto shifts Supercross fandom into high gear with ISRL fan parks in Season 2

    MUMBAI: Racing in India is no longer just a blur of wheels and dust on television. It’s now a family affair, a weekend escape, and a full-throttle festival. As the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) gears up for Season 2 between October and December 2025, it’s revving up not just the tracks, but the fanfare.

    ISRL has announced the launch of its high-octane ISRL Fan Parks, presented by Reise Moto, turning race weekends into full-fledged motorsport carnivals across host cities. These fan-first zones are slated to open two days before each Sunday race, and will feature everything from pit-lane access to AR gaming zones, merging adrenaline with accessibility.

    Reise Moto, already an associate sponsor of ISRL, takes pole position as presenting partner for the fan parks. “At Reise Moto, being a community-first performance brand, fostering motorsports ecosystem with globally acclaimed products for budding and pro racers. Our association with ISRL is rooted in shared values – performance, passion, and innovation”, said Reise Moto MD Yogesh Mahansaria.

    The fan parks promise racing tutorials, tech workshops, pit crew demos, and even electric bike zones for children. Over 5,000 families are expected to attend each weekend, making it India’s first true motorsport family experience. Adding more punch are live music gigs, cultural acts, food trucks, and VIP lounges. Think Grand Prix meets Glastonbury.

    ISRL co-founder Eeshan Lokhande emphasised that this is more than just fanfare. “ISRL isn’t just about racing it’s about building a new era of motorsport culture in India. Through the Fan Park, we’re inviting fans to go behind the scenes, meet the athletes, watch pit crews in action, and experience the sheer energy of Supercross up close”, he said.

    The parks will roll into each of ISRL’s race cities from October, with highlights including VR racing games, DIY bike zones, kids’ mini tracks, and rider meet-and-greets. It’s motorsport reimagined for the masses, aimed at bringing both seasoned petrolheads and newcomers under one turbo-charged tent.

    The league, run by Team Supercross India (SXI), founded by former racers Veer Patel and Lokhande, is fast gaining traction. Reise Moto too has revved up its presence in Indian biking circuits—offering Dakar-spec tyres, a European gear lineup, and 3,000+ dealers nationwide.

    From its Gujarat factory to the pit lanes of India’s biggest race weekends, Reise Moto seems intent on steering Indian motorsport fandom into a new lane—faster, louder, and a whole lot more inclusive.

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  • Terribly Tiny Tales goes big with bite-sized drama

    Terribly Tiny Tales goes big with bite-sized drama

    MUMBAI: Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT), the cult storytelling brand under Collective Artists Network, has launched Terribly Tiny TV — a slick new vertical riding the wave of “microdramas,” scripted short-format fiction tailor-made for today’s Insta-hungry, binge-in-a-scroll generation.

    Forget long-winded narratives — these are sharply cut, emotionally loaded episodes served in just 2, 5 or 10 minutes. Built for mobile, designed for social and engineered to hook you fast, TTT’s microdramas aren’t sketches or trending commentary — they’re full-bodied fictional plots that hit hard and vanish quicker than your coffee break.

    “What short films were to festivals, microdramas are to digital culture,” said Terribly Tiny Tales founder & CEO Anuj Gosalia. “With Terribly Tiny TV, we’re creating an IP engine where creators can build deeply human stories designed for digital velocity. This is the next era of storytelling — efficient, emotional, and unforgettable.”

    Episodes are fully scripted, cast, and produced by TTT’s in-house storytellers and a growing collective of emerging voices. With new drops every week across Instagram and YouTube Shorts, the platform offers brands and platforms a future-facing, fiction-led format that plays native to digital culture.

    “Terribly Tiny Tales has always stood at the intersection of storytelling and new formats,” said Collective Artists Network founder & CEO Vijay Subramaniam. “Microdramas are the natural evolution of that legacy, high impact through high-volume, high-feeling IPs that can live natively on social media while building long-tail value across platforms.”

    Backed by more than 60 million organic views and a community of 2,500+ storytellers, TTT is betting big on turning emotional intelligence into shareable IP gold. From Instagram feeds to licensing deals, Terribly Tiny TV isn’t just surfing the short-form wave — it’s scripting the next one.

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  • Sanjay Prasad joins Webengage as VP to drive global channel alliances and enterprise partnerships

    Sanjay Prasad joins Webengage as VP to drive global channel alliances and enterprise partnerships

    MUMBAI: Webengage has put a seasoned hand on the wheel as it pushes deeper into global waters. On June 27, the Mumbai-based SaaS player named Sanjay Prasad as its new vice president, global head of channels and alliances. In his new role, Prasad will take charge of building a high-impact ecosystem of global consulting firms, technology partners and digital agencies to accelerate Webengage’s reach across geographies and verticals.

    Prasad comes armed with more than 20 years of experience in enterprise sales, business development, and alliance management across BFSI and tech. His resume spans some of the biggest names in the business—IBM, HP, Oracle, Red Hat, LeadSquared, and MoEngage. With a mechanical engineering degree from Pune University and an MBA from IBMR, he has led strategic partner growth across MEA and APAC.

    “Sanjay’s deep understanding of the enterprise landscape and proven track record in building high-impact alliances makes him the ideal leader to drive this mission forward”, said Webengage co-founder & CEO Avlesh Singh. “His vision aligns perfectly with our goal to make Webengage the preferred customer engagement partner for global enterprises”.

    The appointment reflects Webengage’s larger pivot towards ecosystem-led expansion and a value-first approach. Instead of just pushing products, the company wants to co-build solutions with partners that deliver transformation at scale.

    “It’s an exciting time to join Webengage”, said Prasad. “The platform’s growth route, product maturity, and customer-first culture offer immense potential to co-create value with leading consulting firms. I’m looking forward to strengthening our alliances and building a robust partner ecosystem that helps enterprises bring forth better engagement, retention, and revenue outcomes”.

    With Prasad at the helm of partnerships, Webengage plans to institutionalise deeper collaboration models with system integrators, enabling smoother enterprise implementation and faster time-to-value.

    The company’s partnership strategy already seems to be bearing fruit. KPMG India partner & head, technology enablement – financial services and office managing partner, Kochi, Vishnu Sri Pillai said, “Customer focused digital transformation is one of the key priorities for enterprises today. Our collaboration with Webengage should aid in bringing integrated, insight-led solutions to market that address real business challenges and drive long-term value”.

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  • Adarsh Mishra signs on as content lead at Viewtrade to steer strategic storytelling

    Adarsh Mishra signs on as content lead at Viewtrade to steer strategic storytelling

    MUMBAI: Adarsh Mishra has joined Viewtrade Holding Corporation as lead, content, signalling a potential pivot in how the financial infrastructure company approaches brand engagement. With nearly a decade of experience building strategic content ecosystems for new-age platforms, Mishra’s appointment suggests Viewtrade is tightening its focus on narrative-led outreach, both client-facing and public-facing.

    Viewtrade, headquartered in Jersey City and founded in 2000, has long operated at the backend of fintech enablement. The company provides brokerage and technology infrastructure to financial institutions, fintech ventures and wealth managers, covering everything from APIs and white-label platforms to onboarding tools and post-trade services.

    Now, with Mishra’s entry, content may no longer play a background role. Best known for his work with creators and brands like WTF by Nikhil Kamath, BeerBiceps, Figuring Out, and Josh Talks, Mishra brings deep experience in creating content IPs that align creativity with business intent.

    While the specifics of his remit at Viewtrade remain under wraps, industry observers suggest he may help build a structured content strategy—spanning educational assets, thought leadership and platform-led storytelling to support scale, customer enablement, and global reach.

    The move also underlines Viewtrade’s ongoing ambition to remain competitive in a cluttered fintech stack where differentiation increasingly lies in narrative. With financial literacy, onboarding UX, and retention becoming as much about trust as tools, Mishra’s presence could prove instrumental.

  • Squid Game goes live in Mumbai as Netflix turns finale into fan-fuelled frenzy

    Squid Game goes live in Mumbai as Netflix turns finale into fan-fuelled frenzy

    MUMBAI: Netflix India turned Mumbai into a battleground of brawns, brains and buzz as Squid Game Season 3 dropped with a live spectacle that felt straight out of the show’s playbook. In a first-of-its-kind activation, 19 of India’s top digital creators and one lucky fan faced off in real-life recreations of Squid Game’s infamous challenges – all cheered on by a screaming crowd of 900+ die-hard fans.

    It was “Red Light, Green Light” meets influencer culture as names like Awez Darbar, The Rebel Kid, Gurleen Pannu, Aakash Gupta, Urooj Ashfaq, GamerFleet, and Ashish Solanki went full-throttle in a live taping that played out like the season’s highlight reel — complete with chaos, cliffhangers and meme-worthy moments.

    The creators battled it out in iconic games from past seasons — including a laugh-out-loud six-legged sprint and a sneak peek of Jump Rope, a brand-new challenge from the final season — all while being broadcast to a sea of fans whose energy matched the stakes.

    The grand finale? A live-action celebration of one of the most-watched thrillers on Netflix, amped up with raw fandom, creator energy, and IRL drama. This wasn’t your usual game night. This was Squid Game unplugged, unscripted, and unmissable.