ITV

Blog

  • Godrej’s Locks & Architectural Solutions unlocks smarter service with digital-first CRM

    Godrej’s Locks & Architectural Solutions unlocks smarter service with digital-first CRM

    MUMBAI: Godrej Enterprises Group’s Locks & Architectural Solutions division has rolled out a new Service CRM platform that’s set to overhaul after-sales service across India’s rapidly expanding smart home ecosystem. Spanning 80+ divisions, 200+ service centres, and more than 6,500 pin codes, the digital upgrade aims to keep over two lakh customers connected, calm and in control.

    Touted as a game-changer for India’s Rs 6,000 crore locks industry, the Service Cloud unifies support across both smart and traditional locking systems — offering one-touch complaint registration, faster resolutions, and full visibility into service history.

    Godrej Enterprises Group, Locks & Architectural Solutions, business head, Shyam Motwani said, “At Locks & Architectural Solutions, we believe that our responsibility to the customer begins, not ends, at the point of purchase. The Service Cloud is a digital-first initiative designed to simplify and strengthen our service experience, making it more intuitive, efficient, and transparent. This is our commitment to ensuring that every home we secure feels supported, always.”

    The company, which crossed Rs 1,000 crore in FY25 revenue, is eyeing Rs 2,500 crore by FY28. With customer experience increasingly defining market leadership, the CRM is expected to be a key growth lever — not just a digital tool, but a lock-in for loyalty.

  • DSP’s ‘Salute’ gives financial heroes their cinematic due

    DSP’s ‘Salute’ gives financial heroes their cinematic due

    MUMBAI: They aren’t in the limelight, don’t post returns on Linkedin, and won’t show up in trending reels. But they’re the quiet anchors behind financial futures. DSP Mutual Fund’s new short film, Salute, puts the unsung Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) at the centre of a stirring tribute turning spreadsheets into stories.

    Released in collaboration with long-time creative partner Bandstand Collective and scripted by their in-house agency Tune, the film trades numbers for nuance, emotion, and everyday financial realities. Known for their emotionally intelligent storytelling from the viral “Dancing Uncle is Back” to the subtle strength of “Stranger on the Bench” Bandstand once again proves that finance can be both heartfelt and human.

    Salute follows the lives of MFDs who do more than recommend SIPs. They counsel during market crashes, cheer quiet wins, and ensure dreams from education to retirement stay on track. It’s a nod to the deep trust between an investor and advisor in a world obsessed with DIY and meme-stock bravado.

    “Mutual fund distributors are the real enablers of long-term prosperity. They don’t make noise, but they make a difference,” said DSP Mutual Fund senior VP & head of marketing Abhik Sanyal. “With Salute, we wanted to move beyond metrics and celebrate those who guide people through life’s most crucial money decisions.”

    Backed by DSP’s consistent push to humanise financial communication, Salute marks another step away from the chart-and-graph trope. Instead, it finds power in everyday gestures reminding us that the biggest financial wins often start with quiet conversations.

    Bandstand Collective co-founder and CCO Tuhin added, “Our brief was simple, make people feel something. That’s always been the spirit of our work with DSP. With Salute, we wanted to give voice to the MFDs who are often overlooked but vital to millions of Indian families.”

    With financial storytelling that moves, not just informs, DSP Mutual Fund and Bandstand continue their winning streak of emotionally resonant content that makes you think maybe even rethink how you feel about finance.

  • Cashkaro mocks fake coin rewards with high-decibel GoatSwami spoof ad inspired by TV news debates

    Cashkaro mocks fake coin rewards with high-decibel GoatSwami spoof ad inspired by TV news debates

    MUMBAI: Goats, gimmicks, and gyaan galore – CashKaro just gatecrashed the Indian news circus with a bleating parody. The fintech platform dropped another firecracker in its #CoinsVSCashback series with a satirical spin on primetime TV debates, titled ‘GoatSwami’. And yes, it’s as loud and ludicrous as it sounds.

    The film throws a spotlight on India’s obsession with coin-based reward systems, flipping the narrative in true newsroom melodrama style. A goat, dressed like a spiritual guru, struts into a shouting match, claiming to be the ‘lord of cashback’. But before he can prove his coin cred, he’s grilled by a thunderous anchor demanding evidence of real returns. The goat flounders, the audience roars, and eventually, even GoatSwami admits that these shiny app-based coins don’t amount to real money.

    The film concludes with a thumping reality check: cashback that doesn’t reach your bank account is no cashback at all. CashKaro urges online shoppers to break free from the noise and shift habits with its now-signature call: “Direct Online Shopping ki Aadat Badlo, Pehle CashKaro, Phir ShopKaro”.

    ‘GoatSwami’ is the latest laugh riot in Cashkaro’s ongoing content blitz aimed at exposing the fluff of gamified shopping rewards. Previous ad stunts included a Ghibli-style animation, a latent space AI concept, a quirky goat series, and a Roadies-style spoof dubbed ‘GOATies’. With each rollout, the campaign reinforces the same message: numbers mean nothing if your coins don’t convert into real money.

    Cashkaro and Earnkaro co-founder Swati Bhargava said, “The best way to connect with Indian audiences today is through formats they love, whether that’s anime-inspired storytelling or loud, dramatic news debates. GoatSwami leans into the high-energy world of modern media to make a clear point: coins that don’t convert to cash are just distractions. At Cashkaro, we’re focused on giving users real savings, cashback that actually goes into your bank account”.

    Cashkaro director – brand & creatives Ishan Agarwal added, “We wanted to push the satire even further with GoatSwami. The format of heated TV debates is familiar, funny, and highly engaging, making it the perfect setting to challenge fake coin rewards head-on. This ad is outrageous by design, but its message is serious. Coins sound big in numbers, but they deliver little in value. Cashback, on the other hand, is direct, real, and empowering”.

    Conceived and produced in-house by Cashkaro’s creative team, the ad has already started sparking conversations across digital platforms. With humour as its battering ram and goats as its unlikely heroes, Cashkaro continues to rally users toward meaningful shopping habits while challenging gimmicks masquerading as rewards.

  • Kartik Aaryan slips into Skechers as new brand ambassador for India

    Kartik Aaryan slips into Skechers as new brand ambassador for India

    MUMBAI: Skechers has found its newest sole mate in Kartik Aaryan. The Bollywood star has been signed on as brand ambassador for India, making his debut with a campaign for the brand’s buzz-worthy Hands Free Slip-ins — footwear that fuses fashion with no-fuss functionality.

    Built for the on-the-go urbanite, Skechers’ Hands Free Slip-ins come equipped with the brand’s patented Heel Pillow tech — letting wearers slide into their shoes without bending down or lifting a finger. Think of it as the lazy genius’ dream sneaker — sleek, stylish, and smart.

    Speaking on the association, Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd. CEO Rahul Vira said, “Kartik Aaryan embodies the spirit of Skechers—bold, versatile, stylish and innovative. We are proud to partner with Kartik, an award-winning actor that is equal parts talent, charisma and adventurous. As a prominent contemporary youth icon, his broad appeal coupled with his dynamic persona will help keep Skechers in the mind of consumers shopping for our in-demand lifestyle and athletic footwear across India. We believe Kartik’s influence will amplify our connection with his fans who value the innovation and comfort that is only offered by Skechers.”

    Sharing his enthusiasm about joining the Skechers family, Aaryan said, “I am excited to collaborate with Skechers—a brand that stands at the intersection of cutting-edge performance and contemporary style. What truly impressed me is their relentless focus on innovation, especially the Slip-ins technology, which redefines convenience without compromising on design. I’m always on the move, so I love that I can just slip in and go. Skechers’ vision aligns perfectly with my own belief in pushing boundaries, and I look forward to being part of their incredible journey as they continue to inspire athletes and trendsetters alike.”

    Kartik joins an all-star global Skechers lineup that includes Ananya Panday, Sunil Chhetri, Harry Kane, Jasprit Bumrah, Joel Embiid and more. With charm and swag to boot, Aaryan’s pairing with Skechers promises to put comfort and cool in the same step.

  • Pandya comedy-drama to stream on Shemaroome from 19 June

    Pandya comedy-drama to stream on Shemaroome from 19 June

    MUMBAI: They argue, eye-roll, and battle for the TV remote but try messing with their dad, and all bets are off. Shemaroome is set to premiere All The Best Pandya on  19 June, a family entertainer that dives headfirst into the hilarious, heartfelt chaos of a Gujarati father-son dynamic. At the centre is Hasmukh Pandya (played by Darshan Jariwala), a by-the-book patriarch, and his easygoing son Akshay (Malhar Thakar) two men who couldn’t be more different but are stitched together by the invisible threads of love, pride and a good deal of stubbornness.

    What begins as generational friction spiced with misunderstandings and “I know better” debates snowballs into a courtroom comedy that has as much heart as it has humour. The film cleverly unpacks unspoken affection, that silent cup of chai, that worried glance masked as irritation, and the ever-patient mother in the background keeping the emotional thermostat stable.

    Joining the father-son duo are Vandana Pathak, Yukti Randeria, and Vedish Jhaveri, rounding out a cast that feels like your own extended family dropped into a legal sitcom.

    Malhar Thakar, reflecting on the film’s digital debut, shared, “This is a mirror to every Indian family. It celebrates the unspoken, the unsaid, and the very loud love we share with our parents. It was a hit in theatres, and I’m thrilled it’ll now reach homes across India through Shemaroome.”

    With the original theatrical release already tugging heartstrings and tickling funny bones, All The Best Pandya now invites families to relive their own inside jokes, emotional stand-offs, and bittersweet reconciliations from the comfort of their living rooms.

    So, clear your calendars for 19 June, prepare the popcorn (and tissues), and maybe ring your dad. Just don’t let him control the remote this time.

  • KDM wins Zee Bharat Ki Udaan Award for powering faith with 1080 charging points at Maha Kumbh

    KDM wins Zee Bharat Ki Udaan Award for powering faith with 1080 charging points at Maha Kumbh

    MUMBAI: In a country where missing a Whatsapp call from family during a spiritual pilgrimage could cause panic, KDM made sure that devotion met innovation. The lifestyle and mobile accessories brand has been conferred with the Zee Bharat Ki Udaan Award for its Bharat Ka Charger Maha Kumbh initiative—recognised for powering up millions of mobile phones at the world’s largest spiritual gathering.

    KDM was felicitated by Union minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during Zee Bharat’s flagship programme ‘Bharat Ki Udaan’. The award highlighted KDM’s unique contribution at Maha Kumbh 2025, where it installed 1,080 mobile charging stations equipped with its indigenous KDM-T Technology. These stations helped over 23 lakh pilgrims keep their phones and connections alive through the 45-day religious congregation.

    The initiative seamlessly plugged into the government’s vision for a ‘divya and digital’ Maha Kumbh and aligned with the broader Digital India narrative. Beyond the buzzwords, KDM’s solution addressed a pressing need—connectivity for devotees, many from rural areas, who relied on their phones to stay in touch with their loved ones amid the chaos and crowds.

    ‘KDM Bharat Ka Charger’ employs Kinetic Dynamic Mobile Charging Testing Technology (KDM-T Technology), a fully Made-in-India solution designed to prevent overheating, overcharging, and voltage issues—ensuring safety alongside service.

    Acknowledging the honour, KDM founder N D Mali said, “Extremely honoured and privileged to receive the ’Zee Bharat Ki Udaan Award’ from the hands of Shri. Nitin Gadkari ji which is making me feel charged, inspired and motivated to take Bharat Ka Charger campaign ahead… This award motivates us to continue our efforts to charge both mobile and the economy with KDM Bharat Ka Charger”.

    Mali added that the company’s vision—“Har Ghar KDM” by 2030—targets reaching 10 crore households while creating direct and indirect employment for 50,000 women.

  • Smart Retirement Planning: Good Retirement Plans to Consider Now

    Smart Retirement Planning: Good Retirement Plans to Consider Now

    Retirement is a phase when you want to spend quality time with your family and pursue your long-due dreams. However, it requires financial stability as a conventional source of income is not available anymore. Considering this, planning your retirement is necessary. Unfortunately, many people do not plan their retirement, which may cause trouble in future. As you transition from the working years to retirement, financial security is essential. A Best retirement plan helps you live peacefully without worrying about your finances.

    What is Retirement Planning

    Retirement planning is about determining your future financial requirements and making the right choices today in order to fulfil those needs. Retirement planning means selecting good investments, saving every month, and making sure that your savings increase sufficiently to sustain you once you retire.

    Planned retirement involves adopting a long-term strategy and starting early. Numerous individuals shy away from it, believing they have sufficient time. The sooner you begin, however, the greater your funds have the potential to grow with the compounding power.

    Why Should You Start Planning for Retirement Now?

    Starting your retirement planning early is essential for building a secure financial future. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to begin preparing for retirement as soon as possible:

    ●    Security and Stability: A solid retirement plan provides a stable income once you stop working, allowing you to maintain your lifestyle and avoid financial stress.   
    ●    Medical Expenses: As you age, medical expenses tend to rise. A well-structured retirement plan ensures that you are prepared for any healthcare needs without draining your savings.   
    ●    Inflation Protection: Over time, inflation increases the cost of goods and services. Retirement plans that grow over time can help protect your savings against inflation.

    Types of Retirement Plans to Consider

    India offers several good retirement plans, each designed to suit different needs. Let’s look at the most popular ones:

    Immediate Annuity Plans

    Immediate annuity plans allow you to invest a lump sum amount, and in return, you receive regular payouts starting within a year. These plans are better suited for individuals who are close to retirement and need a guaranteed source of income.

    The key benefit of immediate annuity plans is that they provide stable, predictable income throughout retirement. You don’t have to worry about managing investments or market fluctuations.

    Deferred Annuity Plans

    Unlike immediate annuity plans, deferred annuity plans allow the investor to decide when to start receiving annuity payouts. During the accumulation phase, the subscriber makes regular contributions that grow over time. After retirement, these contributions are converted into a stream of income.

    This plan is ideal for individuals who are still a few years away from retirement and want their savings to grow before they begin receiving payouts. The flexibility of deferred annuity plans is appealing to those who want to plan for long-term financial security.

    Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

    The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is a government-backed savings scheme designed for people aged 60 and above. It offers regular quarterly interest payouts, making it a popular option for seniors who need consistent income after retirement.

    This scheme offers tax benefits and has a minimum investment of ₹1,000, with a maximum of ₹15 lakh. The current interest rate is 8.2% per annum, which is paid quarterly. The initial tenure is five years, with an option for extension for another three years.

    National Pension System (NPS)

    The National Pension System (NPS) is a government-supported retirement plan available for anyone between the ages of 18 and 70. NPS allows you to invest in market-linked instruments such as equities, bonds, and government securities.

    NPS offers tax benefits up to ₹2 lakh a year and provides the flexibility to manage your investments based on your risk appetite. NPS is especially beneficial for individuals who are comfortable with market risks and looking for a retirement plan with higher growth potential.

    Mutual Fund SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans)

    Mutual funds are a popular choice for retirement planning, and the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a great way to invest consistently in mutual funds. SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, helping you build wealth over time.

    By investing in a mix of equity, debt, or hybrid funds, you can create a diversified portfolio that grows as the market grows. SIPs are ideal for individuals with a long-term horizon who are looking for capital appreciation and tax benefits under Section 80C (only under the old tax regime).

    Factors to Consider While Choosing a Retirement Plan

    Choosing the right retirement plan is a crucial step towards securing your financial future. Here are a few factors to consider before selecting a retirement plan:

    ●    Risk Tolerance: Some plans, like pension plans and NPS, offer low-risk, stable returns, while others, such as mutual funds and equities, involve higher risks but provide better growth potential. Choose a plan that aligns with your risk appetite.   
    ●    Flexibility: Consider whether the retirement plan offers flexibility in terms of contribution amounts, withdrawal options, and annuity payout schedules. Flexible plans allow you to adapt your strategy as your financial situation changes over time.   
    ●    Tax Benefits: Many retirement plans offer tax savings either at the time of contribution or when you withdraw funds. Ensure that your plan maximises tax efficiency and aligns with your tax goals.   
    ●    Retirement Age: Your retirement age will determine the type of plan that is suitable for you. If you are young and have many years to save, growth-oriented plans like SIPs or NPS are ideal.

    However, if you’re nearing retirement, safer options like annuity plans or SCSS may be more appropriate.

    When thinking about your options for retirement, also consider that there are life insurance products that provide retirement benefits. Most insurers, including Axis Max Life Insurance, provide solutions that allow clients to reap the benefits of life insurance while also comfortably retiring. Most retirement solutions will typically allow you, the client, to make contingent regular payments after you retire, thus financially securing you for your golden years.

    Conclusion

    Good retirement planning is an integral component of a comfortable and secure future. It is important to understand the multitude of options available to you and how your retirement plans will go depending on your individual financial situation, age, and risk tolerance. Though there are options such as pension plans, mutual funds, insurance policies, and government-backed schemes such as SCSS and NPS, you’ll have an easier chance of achieving the financial freedom of your dreams if you start early and save regularly.

    When it comes to retirement, variations in retirement plans are all about, as well as your personal situation, and it is to your benefit to understand each plan and start building your retirement corpus for a future with less worry. The sooner you start, the more you could potentially generate wealth and provide you with the opportunity to spend your golden years in relaxation.   
     

  • Netflix inks landmark deal to host TF1 channels in France

    Netflix inks landmark deal to host TF1 channels in France

    MUMBAI: In a groundbreaking move poised to reshape France’s television landscape, Netflix has announced a landmark partnership with major French broadcaster TF1. From the summer of 2026, Netflix subscribers across France will gain direct access to TF1 Group’s live channels and extensive on-demand content, all seamlessly integrated into their existing Netflix subscription. This “first-of-its-kind partnership,” unveiled at the Cannes Lions advertising conference, signals a significant strategic shift for both media giants.

    The deal will see Netflix members in France able to stream TF1’s five free-to-air linear television channels — TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, and LCI — directly through the Netflix platform. This unprecedented integration also includes access to over 30,000 hours of on-demand content from TF1+, the broadcaster’s own streaming service. Viewers will no longer need to switch between apps to catch popular French dramas like Broceliande and Demain nous appartient,  entertainment staples such as The Voice, or even major live sporting events featuring France’s national football and basketball teams.

    For Netflix, this collaboration is a clear step towards becoming a comprehensive “one-stop-shop” for television audiences globally. Netflix co-chief executive Greg Peters highlighted the synergy, stating the deal “plays to our strengths of giving audiences the best entertainment alongside the best discovery experience.”

    By teaming up with France’s leading broadcaster, Netflix aims to provide “even more reasons to come to Netflix every day and to stay with us for all their entertainment.” The move is particularly astute given France’s stringent regulatory requirements that mandate international streaming platforms invest in and contribute to local content production.

    Conversely, for TF1, whose chief executive Rodolphe Belmer expressed his delight, the alliance represents a crucial opportunity to expand its digital footprint and unlock new avenues for advertisers in an increasingly fragmented viewing market. TF1 currently reaches 58 million monthly viewers via its broadcast channels and serves 35 million users on its TF1+ streaming service. 

    Belmer emphasised that the partnership would allow TF1’s “premium content to reach unparalleled audiences and unlock new reach for advertisers within an ecosystem that perfectly complements our TF1+ platform.” While TF1+ remains central to its strategy, the Netflix integration is seen as “truly complementary,” with internal analyses predicting a “significantly net positive” business effect.

    Peters and Belmer flew into the picturesque French Riviera town of Cannes to make the announcement. 

    The financial terms remain undisclosed, but industry observers suggest it could serve as a global blueprint for similar arrangements as Netflix seeks to deepen its power over traditional broadcasters. This development comes at a pivotal time for Netflix, which in April 2025 saw co-chief executive Ted Sarandos announce an ambitious target of reaching a $1 trillion market capitalisation. 

    However, the company has also faced recent headwinds, including subscriber backlash following price increases in several countries and a slowdown in growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Integrating content from popular free-to-air broadcasters like TF1 could provide a fresh impetus for subscriber acquisition and retention.

    The partnership is not entirely new territory for TF1 and Netflix, who have previously collaborated on successful co-productions such as Les Combattantes, L’Agence, and Tout le bleu du ciel. This deepening of ties underscores a growing trend of convergence between traditional media and streaming giants, as both adapt to evolving consumer habits that increasingly favour on-demand consumption. The ability to watch a diverse range of content, from scripted dramas to live sports, all within a single interface, marks a significant evolution in the streaming warS.

  • Prabhu Tony takes the top job at Alchemist; Farhan Khan to lead Clay real estate unit

    Prabhu Tony takes the top job at Alchemist; Farhan Khan to lead Clay real estate unit

    MUMBAI: Alchemist has rejigged its leadership stack with Prabhu Tony stepping up as chief executive officer – mainline business, and Farhan Khan taking over as head of Clay, the agency’s specialised real estate vertical.

    With over 14 years of brand, strategy and creative leadership under his belt, Tony has been instrumental in driving Alchemist’s growth trajectory, particularly in the Delhi market. In his new role, he will spearhead national operations, doubling down on scale, agility and deeper client impact.

    Meanwhile, Khan—who has spent over a decade building Clay into a formidable force in real estate marketing—will now lead the vertical’s pan-India expansion. Known for his sharp sectoral insights and steady revenue growth, Khan is expected to replicate his regional success across new territories.

    Alchemist managing director Manish Porwal said: “Prabhu has been a reliable driver of our growth, combining strategic thinking with a profound understanding of achieving significant results for our clients. His leadership as CEO will guide us in our next phase of growth. Farhan’s skill and vision have significantly boosted our real estate division, and his expanded role is a logical progression to extend that success to other regions.”
    .”
    Tony, reflecting on his rise, added: ““The Delhi chapter gave me the playground to learn, build, and grow, and now I look forward to extending the same energy across all Alchemist’s offices. I’m grateful to Manish for his mentorship over the years and will continue to draw from his wisdom as I step into this new chapter.”

    The moves mark a decisive push by Alchemist to sharpen its creative-commercial edge and deepen partnerships across its core verticals.

  • Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    MUMBAI:  Media sales maven Ervan Preet Bagga has stepped into the role of national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms – India, marking a dynamic return to the broadcaster where she earlier led the charge as regional sales head for the North.

    With over 15 years of experience in revenue strategy, relationship management, digital marketing, and sales leadership, Bagga has carved a niche as one of India’s most agile P&L experts. Her last role as director – SMB sports at Viacom18 saw her scale monetisation across key sports properties, blending strategic partnerships with sharp execution.

    Bagga’s previous roles at ByteDance, IN10 Media, iTV Network, Zee Entertainment, and Network18 add depth to her multi-platform expertise—across entertainment, sports, and digital-first media. She is known for her people-centric leadership style, keen market instincts, and a robust track record of unlocking new business.

    Back at Goldmines, Bagga’s focus will be on driving national revenues, crafting integrated brand solutions, and future-proofing the sales playbook as the company scales its content ambitions.