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  • Sun TV says old family dispute has no link to company operations

    Sun TV says old family dispute has no link to company operations

    MUMBAI: When the sun shines too brightly, even shadows make headlines. Sun TV Network Limited has issued a firm clarification following a series of media reports that resurfaced a decades-old personal matter involving its promoter and a family member. The company has categorically stated that the issue in question dating back 22 years to when the network was still a private limited company is personal in nature and has no bearing on the broadcaster’s operations or governance.

    In a formal stock exchange disclosure dated 20 June 2025, Sun TV dismissed the coverage as “incorrect, misleading, speculative and defamatory,” adding that all relevant corporate actions had been legally vetted and found compliant before the company’s public listing.

    “The matters alleged in the articles do not have any bearing on the business of the company or its day-to-day functioning,” the statement reads. Sun TV also stressed that the issue pertains solely to the promoter’s personal life and should not be conflated with the affairs of the listed entity.

    With this rebuttal, Sun TV seeks to put a lid on what it sees as media overreach, as the broadcaster continues to focus on its expansive entertainment footprint across South India. For now, the channel has chosen not to fuel the drama, leaving the theatrics to its primetime soaps.

  • News18 India trumps Aaj Tak again, scores hat-trick as Hindi news leader on TV and Youtube

    News18 India trumps Aaj Tak again, scores hat-trick as Hindi news leader on TV and Youtube

    MUMBAI: In a media landscape where loyalties shift as fast as breaking headlines, News18 India has held its ground with the firmness of an anchor desk in a newsroom earthquake. While rivals fought for airwaves and eyeballs, the channel calmly claimed its crown—again. For the third consecutive year, News18 India has retained its title as the undisputed champion of the Hindi news genre, outpacing legacy player Aaj Tak both on television and in the digital trenches.

    As per BARC data (Week 23’22 – 22’25, 24 Hrs, All Days | HSM | NCCS All 15+), News18 India clocked a formidable 7.89 crore AMA’000s. In contrast, Aaj Tak lagged behind with 7.36 crore AMA’000s, marking yet another year where the latter failed to catch up.

    In a world where TRPs can turn erratic, these numbers scream consistency—and point to a widening gap in viewer allegiance.

    The digital showdown wasn’t any different. On Youtube, News18 India has not just edged ahead—it has sprinted past. As of May 2025, the channel amassed 3.4 billion views, while Aaj Tak struggled with 1.04 billion, according to Playboard data. That’s more than a three x lead—enough to make any digital head turn.

    News18 India retained its top position in the Hindi news genre for three consecutive years while its competitor, Aaj Tak, struggles to keep pace. With its commitment to delivering crisp, accurate, and credible journalism, News18 India continues to win the trust and loyalty of millions across the nation.

    At the heart of this success is a battalion of familiar faces and trusted voices. Anchors like Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra bring the noise—and the nuance—day after day. Their programming style blends punch with perspective, helping the channel hold sway over a viewership that’s both vast and vocal.

    Backed by a robust reporting network, News18 India maintains coverage that cuts across regions and realities. Whether it’s national elections or local skirmishes, the channel’s ground game has helped shape its top-tier status.

  • Let’s Move +1 puts a fresh spin on Olympic Day with a call to move together

    Let’s Move +1 puts a fresh spin on Olympic Day with a call to move together

    MUMBAI: Pair up, power up Olympic Day is going two-for-one this year. This 23 June, the International Olympic Committee’s global movement campaign Let’s Move returns with a twist, Let’s Move +1, a call for Indians to embrace the power of paired play. In partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and the Reliance Foundation, the campaign encourages citizens to take a step, then bring a sibling, friend or colleague along for the next one.

    The idea? Moving together means staying motivated and the impact could be national. Over 50 sports venues across India will offer free paired sessions in cricket, padel, badminton, pickleball and more. No strings, just your +1.

    Backed by data from the World Health Organization that shows 50 per cent of Indian adults and a staggering 81 per cent of youth globally fail to meet activity recommendations, Let’s Move +1 taps into sport’s lesser-known benefit social wellbeing. Whether it’s a post-work pickleball match or skipping at school, shared movement builds community and fights loneliness, a growing global concern.

    Schools, too, are stepping in. Through the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) run in Chandigarh, Odisha and Assam more than 12 million children will take part in yoga, kho-kho, dance, arts, and Olympic-themed activities. The programme has already reached 10 million students, driving inclusivity and activity hand in hand.

    Olympic gold medallist and IOC Athletes’ Commission member Abhinav Bindra captured the spirit, “Let’s Move +1 reminds us that sport is not just about strength, it’s about support, connection, and joy.”

    The Reliance Foundation will host a special Olympic Day celebration for 1,450 schoolchildren, joined by archery Olympians Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das. “Sport has shown me the value of having someone in your corner,” said Kumari, a four-time Olympian. “Now, I want to be that person for someone else.”

    Launched in 2023, Let’s Move has already engaged 20 million people in India. With this year’s edition, the campaign doubles down on inclusivity and doubles the fun. Because sometimes, all it takes to get moving is someone to move with.

  • Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    MUMBAI: There’s nothing like a good spreadsheet to keep things in order—and Navneet Khandelwal knows how to balance more than just the books. The seasoned finance leader, who has spent the better part of 25 years navigating the numbers behind India’s IT services boom, has now taken the financial reins at healthcare tech firm Citiustech.

    His new title? Chief financial officer—and the job comes with no shortage of decimal points or strategic decisions.

    Citiustech confirmed Khandelwal’s appointment this week, signalling a sharper focus on fiscal rigour and operational clarity. As CFO, he now leads the company’s global finance, legal, and compliance functions—areas that have grown increasingly complex with Citiustech’s expanding global footprint.

    Navneet brings deep expertise in financial management, controllership, accounting, business process transformation, mergers & acquisitions, acquisition integration, and investor relations.

    Khandelwal started his career at Wipro Technologies and remained there for 16 years, rising through the ranks across audit, controllership, and business finance, eventually serving as VP – finance. He then served as CFO at several major firms, including ITC Infotech, Microland, and Zensar Technologies—both listed and unlisted—adding depth to his financial repertoire.

    Known for transforming processes without breaking the flow, Khandelwal has consistently led initiatives focused on strategic growth and performance efficiency. He has built finance teams from the ground up and led merger integrations with a steady hand.

    The appointment comes as healthcare IT companies face rising compliance expectations, global expansion challenges, and pressure to deliver value in a shifting regulatory climate. With Khandelwal on board, Citiustech seems to be hedging its bets on someone who doesn’t just crunch numbers—but also knows how to navigate them with purpose.

  • NDTV India picks Rohit Vishwakarma as managing editor to reboot its newsroom with vision, vigour and vernacular punch

    NDTV India picks Rohit Vishwakarma as managing editor to reboot its newsroom with vision, vigour and vernacular punch

    MUMBAI: There’s a long way from a village in Chhattisgarh to the power corridors of Indian media, and Rohit Vishwakarma has walked every dusty mile of it. The man who once grew up in a place untouched by the sound of trains now boards the editorial engine of NDTV India—this time as its managing editor. With a newsroom built on trust, and a landscape that’s anything but calm, Vishwakarma isn’t just filling a chair. He’s bringing a toolkit of disruption, language flair and sharp ground instincts to reinvent how India’s stories are told.

    NDTV India confirmed Vishwakarma’s appointment, marking a key moment in its editorial reset. The channel plans to double down on ‘bold editorial leadership, original thinking, and future-facing journalism’. The move is being seen as both a strategic homecoming and a calculated leap forward.

    With over 21 years in broadcast and digital media, Vishwakarma is no stranger to reinvention. His career began at Star News and since then, he has steered editorial strategy at India TV, Aaj Tak, TV9, NDTV 24×7, and Editorji, before launching RTV News Network in 2023 as its editorial director. At just 36, he became the youngest managing editor of a national news channel back in 2019.

    The man has worn many hats—and languages. He has led editorial teams across Hindi, English, Marathi, and Telugu, flipping the script on linguistic silos. As the first non-Marathi editor to take TV9 Marathi to the number one spot, he smashed regional glass ceilings. He repeated that success in Telugu-speaking markets—cementing his fluency in both language and audience.

    From primetime war rooms to dusty election trails in Saharanpur and Bulandshahr, Vishwakarma’s nose for news has always pointed to ground truth. He is known for shows like Wah Cricket, Fund Ka Funda, and Third Degree, which broke the clutter before ‘disruption’ was fashionable. His election programming—Dilli Ke Dil Mein Kya Hai and Uncensored—offered both raw energy and viewer stickiness. His reporting during the lumpy skin disease outbreak drew praise for its urgency and empathy, putting rural pain on the national radar.

    In the digital jungle, he made early moves. At Editorji, he led app-first content strategies. At RTV, he rolled out an AI-powered multilingual news platform where users could curate news playlists and interact with content—turning passive consumption into active engagement. His editorial team accurately predicted the 2024 Andhra Pradesh election results in a large-scale ground survey, pulling over one lakh live viewers.

    “News can no longer afford to speak from a pedestal. It has to speak from the ground up, and it must do so with honesty, humility, and purpose”, Vishwakarma said. “NDTV has always stood for credibility. My goal is to build on that trust and take it to a generation that demands transparency, participation, and truth without filters”.

    NDTV CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal called it a “homecoming and a leap forward”, adding, “His work speaks to the kind of newsroom we are building—grounded, bold, and built for a new India”.

    With Vishwakarma’s appointment, NDTV India appears to be stacking its newsroom with a new wave of editorial leaders who blend traditional rigour with a pulse on modern media. The goal? Stories that don’t just break news—but break new ground.

  • Hush Puppies laces up comfort with Vir Das in new ‘Ease Please’ campaign

    Hush Puppies laces up comfort with Vir Das in new ‘Ease Please’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Hush Puppies, the global comfort-first footwear brand retailed in India by Bata, is giving workwear a cheeky upgrade with its new campaign ‘Ease Please’, fronted by comedian and actor Vir Das. A new collection of office sneakers blends the cushy swagger of a sneaker with the sleek polish of formal shoes.

    The campaign is a sartorial nudge to overworked professionals—ditch the grind, not your style. The message is clear: success doesn’t need to pinch. And with Hush Puppies’ signature Zero G tech and ultra-light soles, these kicks prove you can race at your own pace.

    The playful campaign film taps into that familiar work-life blur with a message that lands gently but firmly—when you feel good in your shoes, you think better on your feet. Das walks the talk, literally, as the brand’s iconic Basset Hound trails him through moments of laid-back genius.

    “With Ease Please campaign, we want to inspire a refreshing take on modern work culture—where feeling good, staying confident, and being effortlessly stylish coexist. Hush Puppies has always stood for ease and sophistication, and with Vir Das bringing this thought to life, we’re excited to offer footwear that supports people in every step of their journey,” said Bata India head of marketing, Deepika Deepti.

    Das added, “Ease Please’ for me is a mindset. We often get so caught up in chasing goals that we forget to enjoy the ride. Hush Puppies brings a fresh perspective, proving that style and comfort can go hand in hand. I love how the office sneakers let me transition effortlessly through my day—whether I’m on stage, traveling, or just taking it easy.”

    Crafted for all-day comfort with classic Oxford silhouettes and sleek uppers, the new range is available at select Bata stores, Hush Puppies EBOs, and online at Bata.com. With this launch, Hush Puppies isn’t just putting sneakers in the boardroom—it’s putting ease at the centre of ambition.

  • Lucien Laviscount returns as face of Tommy Hilfiger SS25 watch line

    Lucien Laviscount returns as face of Tommy Hilfiger SS25 watch line

    MUMBAI: Tick, style, tock. Tommy Hilfiger is giving timepieces a dose of star power and this one comes with a British accent and signature smirk. Actor and Tommy Family brand ambassador Lucien Laviscount is once again the face of Tommy Hilfiger’s Spring Summer 2025 watch campaign. Following his Fall 2024 debut, Laviscount continues to bring “effortless cool and natural charisma” to the brand’s evolving vision of American classic-meets-modern swag.

    “It’s chic, elegant and hits all the right notes,” Laviscount said, waxing lyrical on the collection. “That’s pure Tommy through and through.” He’s not wrong.

    The SS25 men’s lineup hits the fast lane with the Bank, a motorsport-inspired model featuring a red aluminium pusher guard and an integrated silicone strap for peak performance. It’s style with speed on the wrist. Meanwhile, the TH85 Carbon Chronograph leans into the luxe lane with enamel dials, sub-dials, monograms, and Cordura straps that scream sport-meets-slick.

    Not to be outdone, the women’s range plays with poise and punch. From tank-shaped silhouettes with sculpted metal bracelets and sunray dials, to crystal-dotted “boyfriend watches” with sport-luxe vibes, these watches are all about timelessness with a wink.

    The SS25 collection is available across India via Titan World, Helios, Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Tommy Hilfiger stores and other premium outlets. And of course, it’s all over Instagram.

    Whether you’re racing against deadlines or fashionably late to everything, these timepieces make every second count with Lucien Laviscount, quite literally, in your corner.

  • Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    MUMBAI: Karan Johar’s latest role doesn’t come with a megaphone or a film set—it comes with a mirror. The renowned Hindi cinema filmmaker has been named the official brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, India’s first immersive platform designed to help brides-to-be navigate the emotional terrain of marriage beyond the glitz of the big day.

    The announcement marked a unique crossover of cinema, self-reflection and ceremonial celebration. The Bridal Retreat, conceptualised by E-Factor Experiences Limited, aims to offer brides a five-day wellness-infused journey with movement therapy, communication coaching, identity workshops and cultural reflection sessions. The idea is simple: prep for the vows, yes, but start with a vow to oneself.

    “I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes”, said Johar. “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride”.

    Johar’s involvement brings cultural cachet and emotional heft to the project. Known for his cinematic takes on love, longing, and personal evolution, the partnership aligns with his interest in identity and introspection—this time, off-screen.

    The first-of-its-kind initiative is led by co-founders Manika Garg and Sonali Thakore, and will span key Indian metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa through 2025. Participation is capped to ensure each bride receives one-on-one guidance and deep personal engagement.

    E-Factor Experiences MD Samit Garg explained the intent behind the venture, “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self”.

    Designed to create meaningful change, the retreat will feature thought leaders from fashion, mental health, storytelling, and relationship coaching. It aims to offer not only tips for trousseau but tools for transformation.

    What started as an elevated bridal experience is quickly shaping into a social movement. The Bridal Retreat signals a shift from choreographed dances and couture fittings to inner clarity and emotional grounding. As Johar puts it, the real story starts not at the altar but within.

  • Sehgal outlines Prasar Bharati’s future at IAA industry meet in Mumbai

    Sehgal outlines Prasar Bharati’s future at IAA industry meet in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: From Agra expressways to All India Radio, Navneet Sehgal’s media journey has had one goal, reaching Bharat, better. At the latest edition of IAA Conversations, hosted by the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in partnership with The Free Press Journal, the spotlight fell on Prasar Bharati, chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal in an engaging tête-à-tête with Groupm COO for South Asia Ashwin Padmanabhan.

    Held at Mumbai’s Taj Lands End, the session welcomed a full house of brand custodians, agency leaders, and media professionals, reflecting the industry’s growing interest in public service media’s evolution.

    IAA India chapter president Abhishek Karnani kicked off the evening by reaffirming the IAA’s 2025 focus “Conversations, Skilling, and Artificial Intelligence” as tools to futureproof the communication ecosystem.

    Described as a legacy administrator with a media mission, Sehgal spoke candidly about navigating the dual identity of Prasar Bharati, a half-government, half-autonomous behemoth with unmatched rural reach and new-age ambitions.

    “With over 1000 transmitters, 36 plus TV channels, and 58 radio stations, our footprint is vast. But our challenge now is agility and relevance,” Sehgal said.

    Some of the initiatives he outlined include, Building a robust OTT platform that unifies live TV, radio, e-commerce, and digital-first content. Launching direct-to-mobile TV broadcasting that bypasses internet requirements. Investing in creator and youth ecosystems through initiatives like Waves, a content summit kickstarted by the prime minister.

    Ashwin Padmanabhan noted that under Sehgal’s leadership, Prasar Bharati had become remarkably collaborative, inviting participation from advertisers, influencers, and platforms alike.

    “This is not a closed-door legacy broadcaster anymore,” he said. “It’s a space where creators can experiment, and brands can build authentic Tier 2 and Tier 3 engagement.”

    Sehgal recounted a memorable storytelling project with Big FM and Nilesh Mishra that used emotion, not explanation, to communicate government schemes. “A good ad commercial or social moves people to act. That’s the power of public storytelling,” he said.

    He emphasised that while public service media often carries the weight of bureaucracy, its evolution must be people-first. “We are not just public. We are people-first. And to stay people-first, we must constantly innovate.”

    The evening closed on a high note, with warm appreciation from the audience, which included advertising veterans, brand marketers, and digital leaders. Special thanks were extended to the IAA team, including Rahul and Heta, for curating a conversation that was more than just a fireside chat, it was a call to reimagine public media for a new India.

    As Sehgal quipped with a smile, “Legacy is not a burden, it’s the launchpad.”

  • ‘Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis’: DocuBay’s Hard-Hitting New Original Is Now Streaming

    ‘Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis’: DocuBay’s Hard-Hitting New Original Is Now Streaming

    MUMBAI: DocuBay, the leading platform for premium documentaries and part of IN10 Media Network, has released the much-awaited powerful new original, Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, and streaming globally. Released on World Refugee Day on June 20, this gripping documentary pulls viewers straight into the heart of one of today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. With urgent storytelling and unforgettable real-life accounts, the film is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of migration in Europe.

    Filmed on the frontline island of Lampedusa, Gateway of Europe offers a raw, immersive lens into the journey of migrants risking everything for safety, and the communities caught in the tide of crisis. Through unfiltered visuals and deeply personal stories, it lays bare the choices, resilience, and realities that headlines often miss.

    Streaming now only on DocuBay, Gateway of Europe is more than a documentary; it’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity in turbulent times.

    Aditya Pittie, Managing Director, IN10 Media Network, said At DocuBay, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, build empathy, and spark meaningful conversations. Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis brings a deeply human perspective to a global issue shedding light on the intertwined realities of migration, human rights, and policy. This documentary is a call to awareness and action, giving a platform to voices that are too often overlooked’’

    Max Serio, Filmmaker & Director of Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, said:“ “My intent was to portray the human faces behind the migration crisis—people driven by hope, fear, and the pursuit of a better future. This film is an invitation to look beyond politics and borders, and truly understand their journey.”

    Samar Khan, Chief Content Officer, DocuBay, said: “At DocuBay, we are committed to curating stories with purpose—ones that resonate across borders, spark reflection, and foster cross-cultural understanding. Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis encourages viewers to look deeper, beyond statistics and headlines, and confront the emotional and personal truths behind global migration. Documentaries like this can transform complex societal issues into powerful, intimate human experiences’’.

    Now streaming exclusively on DocuBay, the full feature delivers a gripping and unfiltered portrayal of the migrant crisis through powerful visuals, deeply personal narratives, and a raw urgency that captures the scale and emotional weight of this global emergency. Watch it today!

    About DocuBay

    Headquartered in Mumbai, DocuBay is a global video-on-demand platform offering a curated collection of premium international documentaries. With a strong emphasis on factual storytelling, DocuBay showcases a wide variety of real-world content from across the globe. Available in more than 170 countries, the service is accessible via platforms such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs, with additional platforms on the horizon. Discover more at www.DocuBay.com.

    About IN10 Media Network

    IN10 Media Network is a dynamic media and entertainment group housing a diverse range of content-driven brands. With a foundation in creativity and a passion for storytelling, its portfolio spans television, digital, production, and more—including EPIC, ShowBox, Filamchi Bhojpuri, Gubbare, Ishara, Nazara, EPIC ON, DocuBay,
    MovieVerse Studios, Juggernaut Productions, and Let’s Get LOUDER. Guided by founder and entrepreneur Aditya Pittie, IN10 Media is committed to developing innovative media ventures and premium content across formats. Learn more at www.in10media.com.

    About Picasso Film

    Picasso Film, established in 2008 and headquartered in Prague, is a globally recognized independent production company known for its high-quality documentary storytelling. The studio specializes in factual series across genres such as history, current events, true crime, science, and nature. With over 50 acclaimed titles to its name, Picasso Film’s work is regularly featured on top-tier platforms like National Geographic, Netflix, Discovery Channel, Curiosity Stream, and RTL.