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  • First Copy hits play on nostalgia with Munawar’s smashing screen debut

    First Copy hits play on nostalgia with Munawar’s smashing screen debut

    MUMBAI: Some stories deserve to be pirated, others, like this one, deserve to be binge-watched. The 90s are back but not through disco beats or bell bottoms. This time, they come wrapped in bootlegged DVDs, fuzzy frames, and gripping plotlines. RVCJ Media and Salt Media’s new original series First Copy, streaming for free on Amazon MX Player since 20 June, is already being hailed as a cult classic in the making.

    And who’s leading the charge? None other than stand-up star Munawar Faruqui, making his acting debut as the conflicted protagonist of a world where piracy was more than a crime, it was culture, jugaad, and, often, survival.

    Unveiled with a starry premiere in Mumbai on 19 June, First Copy has gone from “what’s that?” to “must-watch” in a matter of hours. A 10-episode deep dive into the murky film-underbelly of 90s Mumbai, the series crackles with energy, edge, and emotional heft offering not just a nostalgic trip, but a raw commentary on access, ambition and grey morality.

    The show follows a compelling storyline centred on bootleg cinema and the men who made their living dubbing dreams onto tape. Faruqui’s performance has earned widespread applause, with fans and industry insiders alike praising his screen presence and the show’s faithful recreation of a long-gone era of pirated passion.

    Firdaus Sayed of Salt Media, who produced the series, summed it up as a “love letter to a generation that experienced cinema not in theatres, but around flickering living room screens.”

    And RVCJ Media CEO Shahid Javed doesn’t mince words, “This is not just content, it’s a cultural movement.”

    With a 60M plus digital footprint and a penchant for emotionally resonant stories, RVCJ’s evolution into long-form originals seems both organic and electric. And Salt Media’s grounded storytelling sensibilities have clearly helped shape a series that celebrates hustle, heart and the VHS days of movie-watching in India.

    Whether you’re a child of the 90s or just someone craving content that cuts through, First Copy is anything but a duplicate, it’s the real deal.

  • NDTV 24×7 takes the crown as India’s most trusted English news channel

    NDTV 24×7 takes the crown as India’s most trusted English news channel

    MUMBAI: In a country where the loudest often command the limelight, NDTV 24×7 has quietly staged a masterclass in credibility. According to the latest BARC ratings (Source: BARC | ALL INDIA | 20-23’25 | 22+ ABC | 6 TO 24 HRS | Share per cent), NDTV 24×7 has emerged as India’s number one English news channel.

    The message from viewers is loud and clear: they want truth, not theatrics.

    This win isn’t just about numbers—it’s a narrative shift.

    In a media ecosystem rife with opinion parading as reportage, NDTV 24×7 has held its ground with restraint and rigour. While others chased virality, it stayed rooted in verification. From breaking the Ahmedabad air crash story with compassion to covering the Bengaluru stadium stampede and honeymoon murder with empathy and depth, the channel’s reportage stood out not for its speed, but its soul.

    Anchors like Ankit Tyagi led from the front, offering clarity amidst chaos. Veterans Vishnu Som and Shiv Aroor lent gravitas and understanding rather than hype. It wasn’t about shouting the loudest; it was about informing the best.

    “This recognition is a profound responsibility”, said NDTV CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal. “In a landscape of constant noise, we remain committed to signal. We report not just with urgency, but with humility. Not just to break news, but to build understanding”.

    NDTV 24×7’s rise signals a shift in what India expects from its newsrooms—less noise, more nuance. As India confronts complex realities, it’s turning to the calm in the storm, not the storm itself. And NDTV 24×7, it seems, has become the lighthouse.

     

  • Tata Motors’ Shubhranshu Singh earns spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of world’s top CMOs at Cannes

    Tata Motors’ Shubhranshu Singh earns spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of world’s top CMOs at Cannes

    MUMBAI: Some marketers chase trends.

    Others shape them.

    At the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Forbes tipped its hat to the latter by naming Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles CMO Shubhranshu Singh to its coveted World’s Most Influential CMOs list. Singh’s inclusion marks a high point in a career defined by strategic clarity, brand building, and sharp cultural insight.

    Forbes announced the list this week, spotlighting global marketing leaders who go beyond campaigns to redefine culture, drive purpose, and deliver business impact. It assessed contenders on digital engagement, campaign effectiveness, media visibility, and community resonance—placing Singh among the likes of Apple’s Greg Joswiak, Google’s Lorraine Twohill, and L’Oréal’s Asmita Dubey.

    “Being named to the Forbes World’s Most Influential CMOs List is more than an accolade—it is a recognition of marketing’s evolving role as a driver of business value, social relevance, and global reputation. CMOs on this list are not only architects of brand strategy but also leaders who influence culture, champion innovation, and create lasting business impact across industries and geographies”, Forbes noted.

    Known for leading transformative brand campaigns at Tata Motors, Singh has positioned the commercial vehicle division as a symbol of trust and innovation. His digital-first approach and focus on aligning business goals with societal narratives have drawn industry-wide admiration. His leadership reflects the new breed of marketers—part strategist, part storyteller, and full-time change-maker.

    “Shubhranshu Singh, stalwart marketeer, columnist and thought leader currently serving as chief marketing officer of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, has been named to this year’s prestigious list, placing him among the most influential voices in global marketing today”, the announcement added.

    Singh’s recent appointment to the inaugural board of the Effie Lions Foundation further signals his growing influence. The nonprofit, headquartered in New York, aims to nurture diverse marketing talent worldwide. As a board member, Singh will help shape the future of industry leadership with a lens on inclusivity and global impact.

    “As a member of the board of directors, he will have a unique opportunity to: Have a voice in shaping the marketing industry’s future talent; Help ensure that the marketing industry attracts the diverse talent needed for its future success”, said the foundation.

    Over the last decade, Forbes’ annual list has recognised the likes of Disney’s Asad Ayaz, Coca-Cola’s Manolo Arroyo, and Netflix’s Marian Lee—each redefining how brands connect with a fast-evolving world. Singh’s addition not only adds an Indian voice to that conversation, but underscores the rising global relevance of purpose-led marketing from the subcontinent.

  • India Gate brings values to the table with Bachchan’s new brand film

    India Gate brings values to the table with Bachchan’s new brand film

    MUMBAI: In a country where dal-chawal is more than dinner, it’s comfort, memory, and belonging India Gate Basmati Rice has served up a new campaign that’s as warm as a freshly cooked meal. Titled “India Ka Swaad Chakhte Hai”, the 100-second brand film features none other than Amitabh Bachchan, lending gravitas to a message about values that simmer quietly through generations.

    In this emotive montage of four stories, food is more than nourishment, it’s a language of love and respect. From welcoming strangers to comforting students far from home, the film reminds us that “Atithi Devo Bhava” and “respect for elders” aren’t just taught; they’re lived, plated and passed on. And in this film, that passing down happens via a piping hot bowl of rice.

    Anchored by Bachchan’s baritone and laced with sentiment, the narrative rests on the idea that “Values Viral Banate Hai”. Whether it’s a neighbour’s warmth, a caregiver’s quiet gesture, or a mother’s care recreated miles away, the film captures how food becomes a bridge not just between people, but between values and memories.

    India Gate head of marketing Kunal Sharma summed it up, “This campaign is a tribute to the values that shape us. With Mr Bachchan’s voice, we’re hoping to stir hearts and highlight the emotional richness that food carries in Indian homes.”

    The rollout is ambitious: over 560 cinema screens across 32 cities, top national and regional TV channels (including Star Plus, Sun TV, Zee TV, and Star Jalsha), and a strong digital push via OTT, CTV, and influencer-led storytelling.

    More than a celebration of basmati rice, India Ka Swaad Chakhte Hai is a quiet ode to Indian culture where every grain has a story, and every meal is a reminder that we don’t just eat to live… we eat to connect.
     

  • Digiace lands in India with YMT Ads to decode the $4 bn programmatic puzzle with creative AI

    Digiace lands in India with YMT Ads to decode the $4 bn programmatic puzzle with creative AI

    MUMBAI: Mumbai just got another byte louder in the digital ad space. Digiace, the latest entrant in India’s programmatic scene, formally stepped into the ring on 20 June 2025 through a strategic collaboration with southeast Asia’s martech heavyweight, YMT Ads. The plan? To shake up how programmatic campaigns are conceived, delivered and measured—with artificial intelligence holding the brush and data calling the strokes.

    The company launches into a market pegged at approximately $4 billion, offering what it calls a ‘creative-first, AI-powered programmatic solution’ aimed at marketers and agencies looking to blend efficiency with innovation. Positioned at the crux of tech and storytelling, Digiace promises to unify what the industry often separates: data and creativity.

    “Digiace is transforming digital advertising by unifying creative intelligence and data—two assets traditionally managed in silos. This integrated approach enables us to deliver more efficient media performance, sharper targeting, and measurable business outcomes at scale”, said Digiace India business head Himanshu Nagrecha.

    Nagrecha, a veteran with stints at Yahoo, Microsoft Advertising, SVG, and Condé Nast, brings years of digital DNA to the table. His experience in building audience roadmaps and scaling marketing ecosystems makes him a fitting pilot for Digiace’s Indian ambitions.

    The firm has set up shop in Mumbai and plans to capitalise on a rising demand for programmatic advertising that offers both scale and specificity. Its AI-led solutions stand on three key pillars:

    . AI-led creative optimisation: Creatives that auto-personalise in real-time to suit behavioural and contextual    triggers.

    . Full-funnel data integration: Insights stitched together from multiple consumer touchpoints to power smarter  campaigns.

    .  End-to-end programmatic execution: Precision media buying across digital platforms, managed centrally.

    The alliance with YMT Ads adds global muscle to Digiace’s local ambition, offering Indian marketers access to tools that have already made waves across southeast Asia.

    As brands scramble for agility in an ecosystem that doesn’t sit still, Digiace bets on adaptive storytelling layered with intelligence. If done right, it might just turn media buying into media mastery—one real-time impression at a time.

  • 5G will blast into orbit as Europe’s CTO readies game-changing satellite launch

    5G will blast into orbit as Europe’s CTO readies game-changing satellite launch

    PARIS: European satellite player Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO) is set to fire the starting gun on a bold new telecoms era, with the launch of its first regenerative 5G mmWave payload on 20 June from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

    The payload—hitching a ride aboard D-Orbit’s Ion platform—aims to prove that ultra-fast, low-latency 5G can be beamed directly from space, using mmWave spectrum already owned by telcos. If successful, it could catapult satellite telecoms into the heart of mainstream connectivity—no cables required.

    “This inaugural flight brings our vision to life: a space-based network that’s neutral, carrier-operable, and truly global,” said CTO chief executive Charles Delfieux. “Space is the next frontier for telecom operators.”

    Far from a mere science experiment, CTO’s Vleo (very low Earth orbit) constellation project is designed to extend high-performance internet access to rural backwaters, disaster zones, and connectivity dead spots. Its shared infrastructure model sidesteps the need for heavy telco capex, acting as a cost-effective complement to ground-based fibre and cellular systems.

    CTO’s pitch is as strategic as it is technological: a European-built, sustainable, and operator-neutral framework that could offer the continent telecom sovereignty in an increasingly contested digital domain.

    As launch day approaches, the industry is watching closely. If CTO sticks the landing, it won’t just be a payload going up—it could be terrestrial telcos’ bandwidth ambitions reaching escape velocity.

  • Rugby gets a ruck-solid start with GMR RPL’s star-studded sponsor pack

    Rugby gets a ruck-solid start with GMR RPL’s star-studded sponsor pack

    MUMBAI: Move over cricket, there’s a new league in town and it’s tackling eyeballs and brands with equal force. The inaugural season of the GMR Rugby Premier League (GMR RPL) kicked off in Mumbai at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex, with six franchise teams colliding in high-octane matches. But the real scrum might just be off the field, where a ruck of top-tier sponsors have piled in to back the tournament.

    With GMR leading from the front as title sponsor and HSBC powering the league as a principal partner, the GMR RPL has already racked up a formidable roster of 17 sponsors and partners. Big names like Capgemini, Bisleri, Hero Fincorp, JSW Cement, Amul, Dream11, and Nanavati Max are among the brands jumping into the fray.

    In fact, Capgemini is suiting up as the Transformation Partner, Bisleri is keeping the players hydrated, and Dream11 is fuelling fantasy picks as the Fantasy Sports Partner. Other players in the pack include Encalm, Megawide, Waisl, Pushpak, Wintex, and The Capital Group, not to mention Radio Mirchi bringing the buzz as the Radio Partner.

    Broadcast muscle is also strong, Star Sports Select 1 is the Official Broadcaster, Jiocinema (under JioHotstar) is streaming it live, and Rugby Pass TV is beaming the action to global fans.

    “This isn’t just a game-changer, it’s a groundbreaker,” said GMR Sports CEO Satyam Trivedi. “To onboard over 17 big-ticket brands for a brand-new sport in India is a strong signal that the market is ready to embrace new sporting formats.”

    Rugby India president Rahul Bose and longtime champion of the sport, was equally moved. “The GMR RPL is our dream come alive. To witness such overwhelming support from grassroots to boardrooms is exhilarating. We truly believe this is the beginning of a bold new chapter for Indian rugby.”

    With big tackles on the pitch and even bigger backing off it, the GMR Rugby Premier League looks all set to convert casual onlookers into die-hard fans one try at a time.

  • RN Valves & Faucets aims Rs 500 cr mark by 2028, opens floodgates for South India expansion

    RN Valves & Faucets aims Rs 500 cr mark by 2028, opens floodgates for South India expansion

    MUMBAI: RN Valves & Faucets has turned on the tap to full flow with an ambitious expansion drive that kicks off in south India, setting the stage for national dominance. The company, already a household name in the sanitaryware and fittings space, announced its bold plans in June 2025 to scale operations across the country with its sights firmly set on becoming a Rs 500 crore enterprise by 2028.

    The move is more than just a regional push—it’s a full-blown transformation. RN’s revamped internal structure has set the plumbing in motion for a growth blueprint powered by operational upgrades and strong leadership. Executive assistant to the MD Rajeev Jain, who brings over 24 years of experience, including 14 working alongside top brass, is steering the company’s alignment with the 2028 growth vision.

    “We are growing, not just in numbers but in depth”, said Jain. “Our entry into south India is the beginning. Next, we move into Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and the far east. This is a company built on trust and transformation”.

    Backing this structural overhaul is senior HR manager Nidhi Singh, whose reforms in KRA transparency and employee engagement have played a central role in fortifying RN’s internal machinery. The company’s HR reboot under her watch reflects a sharp pivot toward people-driven growth.

    Joining the leadership is Dipgal Singh Gusain, an industry veteran from Dabur, who now heads operations. He is set to oversee moulding, assembly, production planning, and dispatch functions. Gusain’s arrival signals a renewed focus on innovation and seamless interdepartmental collaboration—key to meeting the firm’s pan-India targets.

    To anchor its southern thrust, RN Valves & Faucets will host a high-profile dealer meet in Hyderabad this July, underscoring its commitment to building regionally attuned partnerships. With over 4,800 dealers and more than 7,000 SKUs already in play, the company is primed for scale.

    From touchless solutions to premium PTMT and CP fittings, the company has earned credibility with precision-led engineering and homegrown excellence. Its long-standing market mantra, ‘RN ka Naam, Quality ka Kaam’, continues to resonate across showrooms and supply chains alike.

    As India’s housing and construction boom continues, RN Valves & Faucets is tightening every nut and bolt in preparation—not just to stay afloat, but to lead the current. From South India to the northeast, the company isn’t just expanding—it’s re-plumbing the map.

  • Aqua Plumbings taps Ogilvy to rebrand bathware with flair, finesse and a splash of storytelling

    Aqua Plumbings taps Ogilvy to rebrand bathware with flair, finesse and a splash of storytelling

    MUMBAI: There’s more to the bathroom these days than soap and solitude.

    For Aqua Plumbings, it’s a canvas for design, elegance and daily rituals—one that now gets a sharp creative partner in Ogilvy.

    The Mumbai-based bath solutions brand has officially partnered with the ad giant to reshape how India sees and experiences its bathroom fixtures.

    The collaboration marks a push by Aqua Plumbings to deepen its brand narrative in the booming bathware space, where design has gone from function to lifestyle statement. With Ogilvy, part of the WPP Group, Aqua Plumbings aims to elevate its two distinct brands—Plumber Bathware and Aquini—with strategic storytelling that blends luxury, design and consumer aspiration.

    “At Aqua Plumbings, we’ve always focused on quality, innovation, and understanding our customer’s evolving aspirations. Partnering with Ogilvy gives us the opportunity to take that story further—with clarity, creativity, and consistency”, said Aqua Plumbings Pvt. Ltd ED Sudhir Chaudhary.

    Aqua Plumbings operates through two verticals. Plumber Bathware, the flagship range, champions design, water efficiency and smart living—offering taps, showers and accessories with features like motor-driven, sensor-controlled fittings. At the upper end, Aquini caters to India’s ultra-luxury bath segment with sanitaryware and faucets built with high-end materials and European craftsmanship.

    Rooted in European design standards and tailored to Indian expectations, Aqua Plumbings has built its identity on precision, sustainability and form-meets-function. Its push to redefine how Indian consumers perceive bath spaces mirrors a broader shift in how interior luxury is being consumed in the country.

    Ogilvy Delhi (north) president & head of office Prakash Nair added, “This partnership brings together two companies with a shared belief in craft—whether in product or communication. We’re excited to work alongside Aqua Plumbings to build a brand presence that’s both culturally resonant and category-defining”.

    The campaign will aim to build enduring narratives around bathware’s evolution in India, balancing utility with an aesthetic that appeals to the growing tribe of home-upgraders and interior purists.

    As more Indians aspire to have spa-like bathrooms in their homes, Aqua Plumbings and Ogilvy have set their sights on making taps and tiles as much about aspiration as application.

  • Sai Abishek takes charge of kids content at Warner Bros Discovery India

    Sai Abishek takes charge of kids content at Warner Bros Discovery India

    MUMBAI: It’s official. After weeks of radio silence from Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), the reshuffle at the top of its kids content division in India has finally surfaced — and via LinkedIn, no less.

    Sai Abishek, who already wears a formidable hat as head of content across original commissions, programming strategy, acquisitions and more, has now added factual entertainment, lifestyle & kids, South Asia to his growing remit at WBD.

    The move confirms Indiantelevision.com’s earlier report on the departure of Uttam Pal Singh, the long-serving head of WBD’s kids cluster in South Asia, which includes Cartoon Network, Pogo and Discovery Kids. At the time, WBD kept mum — neither confirming nor denying Singh’s exit. (https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/people/kids-cluster-head-uttam-pal-singh-departs-from-warner-bros-discovery-250605).

    Abishek updated his LinkedIn profile earlier today, cheerfully noting his expanded role. Meanwhile, Singh’s profile still lists him as head of kids cluster, South Asia — though it’s likely just a matter of time before that too changes.

    At Indiantelevision.com, we don’t do guesswork — just verified, on-the-record reportage. Let the other B2B trade portals peddle speculation.