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  • Colors Kannada gets a mythic makeover for its 10th birthday

    Colors Kannada gets a mythic makeover for its 10th birthday

    MUMBAI: Colors Kannada has turned ten – and it’s celebrating not with cake, but with culture. The channel has just rolled out a bold new visual identity that’s dripping with Karnataka’s rich heritage, from mythical birds to temple elephants and theatrical epics.

    Commenting on the rebranding, a JioStar spokesperson said, “Colors Kannada has always belonged to the people of Karnataka and our new identity is an ode to that bond. As we step into a new decade, this reimagining reflects our pride in where we come from and our promise to stay rooted even as we evolve. It honours our shared cultural legacy and embraces the creative energy of the present.”

    The revamp fuses tradition with a touch of 2025 swagger. Think vibrant colours, reimagined motifs, and on-air packaging that nods to the state’s soul while keeping things crisp and contemporary.

    At the heart of this identity refresh are three powerful cultural totems:

    ●    Gandabherunda, the legendary two-headed bird of the Mysore royal crest, stands tall for strength, vision, and legacy.

    ●    The Elephant, echoing the pomp of Dasara’s Jumbo Savari and the stone sentinels of Hoysala temples, brings wisdom and grandeur.

    ●    And Yakshagana, Karnataka’s own operatic powerhouse, injects the drama, rhythm, and colour of round-the-clock storytelling.

    This isn’t just surface shine. Every frame and flourish in the new design speaks to the pulse of Karnataka — its myths, memory, and modern pride. It’s a love letter to the viewers who’ve stayed glued to its serials, shows, and spectacles for a decade.

    For Colors Kannada, this isn’t just a rebrand — it’s a rebirth. One that doesn’t just look good on screen but feels right at home in the hearts of Kannadigas.

  • NDTV hires Malika Malhotra, backing substance over soundbites

    NDTV hires Malika Malhotra, backing substance over soundbites

    MUMBAI: NDTV has roped in seasoned anchor-reporter Malika Malhotra, adding serious weight to its editorial bench and doubling down on journalism that favours depth over din. With nearly a decade of ground-zero reporting, Malhotra’s induction signals a clear editorial intent — more Bharat, less breaking.

    Malhotra made headlines for her 100-day marathon at Delhi’s Singhu border, covering the farmers’ protest with grit, grace and a near-unheard-of 12-hour daily routine. But what began as an assignment became a calling — one that earned her the trust of protestors and the respect of viewers.

    She’s also among the few to return to stories the rest of the media had moved on from. Her follow-up reporting on the Joshimath land subsidence crisis brought attention back to families still stuck in limbo, proving journalism doesn’t end when the cameras pack up.

    ‘NDTV has always felt like a space that values calm, clarity, and connection. For me journalism is not about being part of the noise, it’s about getting closer to what really matters. That’s the kind of journalism I have always believed in. Audiences today aren’t just looking for news. They want insight, honesty, and a voice that speaks for them — not to them. NDTV has consistently built that trust. I am proud to be part of it,’ Malhotra said on her joining.

    NDTV group CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal said, ‘We are very happy to welcome Malika to the NDTV family. She represents the kind of journalism we believe in — honest, grounded, and connected to real people. Her presence will add tremendous value to our editorial direction.’

    Her upcoming show on NDTV India (details under wraps for now) will carry this DNA forward — storytelling that’s relevant, rooted, and refuses to shout for attention.

    In an era of outrage cycles and race-to-the-top tickers, NDTV’s bet on Malhotra is a signal flare: the age of thoughtful, impact-first journalism may just be making a comeback.

  • Rooted in luxury, Aahana’s new film is a breath of fresh air

    Rooted in luxury, Aahana’s new film is a breath of fresh air

    MUMBAI: Sometimes, the deepest escapes take you not away, but inward. Aahana Resort, the boutique wilderness haven tucked away in Jim Corbett, has launched its evocative new brand film titled A Place That Stays With You, a lyrical ode to stillness, soul, and slow-living luxury. The film arrives alongside the resort’s refreshed brand identity and is a visual and emotional reminder of why Aahana is not just a destination, but an imprint.

    Created by Orange Elephant Studios, the film follows a lone traveller who finds healing not through spectacle, but in the hush of nature. Morning light slicing through dewdrops, organic meals under forest canopies, villas that cocoon rather than impress each moment speaks to a luxury that whispers, never shouts.

    “This film is our story told through the eyes of our guests,” said Aahana resort director and CMO Avni Tripathi. “It’s about finding something that lingers long after checkout, a connection, a calm, a comfort.”

    Once a stretch of barren land, Aahana was envisioned as a retreat where the wild could thrive and wellness could find its roots. Today, it stands as one of Jim Corbett’s most conscious luxury offerings. Villas open out to private greens, organic gardens feed the kitchen, and the presence of wildlife just beyond the property is a quiet reminder of harmony restored.

    The film more meditative than promotional positions Aahana as a leader in India’s boutique resort space, where hospitality feels handwritten and every stay is its own story. In a time of curated escapes, Aahana offers something rarer: authenticity.

    Because sometimes, the place you stay isn’t just a location, it’s a feeling that stays with you.

  • Schneider Electric plugs into India’s smart home boom with a power-packed portfolio

    Schneider Electric plugs into India’s smart home boom with a power-packed portfolio

    MUMBAI: Schneider Electric is flipping the switch on home innovation. The global energy and automation giant has juiced up its consumer electricals portfolio in India, targeting homeowners hungry for smarter, safer, and more stylish living.

    With India’s residential market expected to grow at over 10 per cent CAGR, Schneider is betting big on its home vertical as a serious growth driver. And it’s not just about sockets and switches anymore — it’s about lifestyle. Enter: “Bring Home the Smart.” The company’s new integrated campaign aims to wire an emotional connect with homeowners, while also winning over architects, builders, retailers, and electricians.

    The campaign ditches dull utility talk for something warmer — reimagining homes as sanctuaries where tech serves comfort, care, and quiet control. It’s about making smart homes feel less sci-fi and more soul-soothing.

    Among the standout innovations is the Miluz Zeta switch range, now with an industry-first air quality indicator that monitors indoor pollution in real time. Also in the mix: motion-sensing LED foot lamps for safer midnight wanderings, and the Wiser Smart Home solution, which offers GPS-enabled appliance control and a slick energy management system — all designed for modern lives and Indian homes.

    Backed by a three-pronged strategy — deeper channel partnerships, cutting-edge launches, and stronger consumer pull — Schneider Electric is clearly out to rewire the home automation conversation. And this time, it’s personal.

    Schneider Electric India, vice president – Home & Distribution Sumati Sahgal added: “This is a defining moment in our journey to build stronger brand affinity with Indian consumers. Our switches and home automation range are thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s households—where design, convenience, safety, and sustainability go hand in hand. With ‘Bring Home the Smart’ campaign we aim to make smart living more accessible, intuitive, and delightful for every Indian home.”

    Schneider Electric vice president – Marketing, Greater India, Rajat Abbi said “With our new ‘Bring Home the Smart Campaign’, we’re redefining smart living by shifting the narrative from complexity to intuitive comfort — where intelligent technology seamlessly integrates into everyday life, empowering consumers to focus on what truly matters. Through this integrated marketing campaign, our aim is to creatively communicate the differentiated value proposition of our innovative offers to our customers.”

    o   Film 1 showcasing Miluz Zeta Switches equipped with industry-first AQI Indicator:

    o   Film 2 showcasing Miluz Zeta motion-sensing LED foot lamps:

    o   Film 3 showcasing Wiser Smart Home automation –

  • About Antoine season 2 now streaming on Netflix in Americas and France

    About Antoine season 2 now streaming on Netflix in Americas and France

     MUMBAI: Streaming just got a little more heart. After making waves at global festivals and breaking ground with its nuanced portrayal of disability, About Antoine is back with a second season now streaming on Netflix across the Americas and France. The award-winning dramedy, co-produced by Just For Laughs and distributed globally by Just For Entertainment Distribution, follows the story of Antoine, a poly-handicapped young man and the fierce, funny, and tender family who navigate life with him. What sets the show apart isn’t just the rare subject matter, but the way it balances authenticity with wit, and hardship with hope.

    Now available in French and English, with Spanish and Portuguese subtitles, Season 2 continues to explore Antoine’s world with the same emotional candour that made it a festival darling. Think Banff Rockie 2025 nominee, MIPCOM Diversify TV Award winner, and Rose d’Or nominee, to name just a few of its accolades.

    “This is more than just a show, it’s a message in motion,” said Just For Laughs chief marketing officer Alex Avon. “With Netflix on board, we’re thrilled to bring About Antoine to even more people, reminding audiences everywhere what it means to triumph in everyday life.”

    Season 2 deepens the show’s emotional resonance, portraying the complexities of care, love, and family with warmth and unexpected humour. It’s storytelling that doesn’t shy away from struggle but always finds the spark in the story.

    For anyone looking to stream something meaningful, moving, and still manage a few belly laughs About Antoine just might be the feel-good binge of the season.

  • India’s influencer watchdog drops the rulebook – brands, beware

    India’s influencer watchdog drops the rulebook – brands, beware

    MUMBAI — The Indian Influencer Governing Council (IIGC) has rolled out a new playbook — and it’s no fluff piece. Dubbed the Code of Standards for Brands, this shiny new framework lays down the law for ethical, transparent, and drama-free brand partnerships in India’s booming influencer economy.

    The code takes aim at some of the industry’s worst-kept secrets: undisclosed paid plugs, shady affiliate links, and influencer posts that read like they were written by bots – or worse, lawyers. It urges creators to keep it real, while brands are now expected to play by the book, especially in high-stakes sectors like health and finance where scientific claims must be backed by certified proof.

    And in a first-of-its-kind move, the code tackles AI trickery head-on. Brands must now disclose if a virtual influencer is doing the talking — and deepfakes? Absolutely not. Also on the radar: data privacy. The code echoes India’s tightening grip on consumer data, aligning with the Consumer Protection Act and other watchdogs.

    To fix the Wild West of handshake deals, the IIGC is also offering brands and influencers a new rulebook for contracts — with templates, best practices, and a clear path to avoid ghosting each other after the collaboration.

    Backing this all up is the newly launched IIGC Taskforce — the council’s crisis Swat team. It monitors online chatter, sniffs out sentiment shifts, and steps in when things go south. Think online therapy meets legal triage — with a hotline to vetted lawyers for messier disputes.

    Commenting on the launch, IIGC chairman Sahil Chopra said, “Brand-influencer partnerships are incredibly powerful, but also vulnerable to reputational risks. Today, almost 95 per cent of brand-influencer work happens without a formal contract, leading to unnecessary disputes and breakdowns of trust. The Code of Standards for Brands makes the ecosystem more accountable and sustainable. With the addition of the IIGC Taskforce, we are giving the industry a much-needed safety net to operate with greater transparency and fairness.”

    Crafted in consultation with brands, agencies, creators and legal eagles, this move cements IIGC’s role as the referee in India’s fast-moving influence game — and puts brands on notice: the rules have changed.

  • Indulekha enters serum space with Ayurvedic boost to scalp care

    Indulekha enters serum space with Ayurvedic boost to scalp care

     MUMBAI: Goodbye greasy hair days, hello Ayurvedic innovation. Indulekha, the beloved Ayurvedic haircare brand known for its iconic oils, is switching gears and swapping textures with the launch of two all-new, non-oily, clinically proven scalp serums designed to treat hair fall and dandruff with precision, potency and a whole lot of heritage.

    The two launches, Indulekha Bringha Hair Growth Treatment Scalp Serum and Indulekha Svetakutaja Dandruff Treatment Scalp Serum mark the brand’s first foray into the serum space, a bold move that blends ancient Ayurvedic science with the ease and elegance of modern-day skincare formats.

    According to a 2024 independent clinical study, the Bringha Hair Growth Treatment Scalp Serum helps grow 11,000 new hairs in just three months. Packed with a 4.6 per cent Bringha+ complex featuring Brahmi, Amla, Aloe, Pudina and more, this serum tackles oxidative stress and thinning hair by nourishing the scalp at its roots using traditional Arka and Kashayam Vidhi techniques.

    Not to be outdone, the Svetakutaja Dandruff Treatment Scalp Serum is proven to tackle recurring dandruff within just two weeks, according to a 2023 clinical study. Its 1.7 per cent Svetakutaja+ complex includes Lemongrass, Orange, Pudhina and Neem all formulated to banish flakes, soothe itchiness, and restore scalp barrier health.

    “This isn’t just a format shift, it’s a mindset shift,” said Hindustan Unilever VP hair care Sairam Subramanian. “While Indulekha Oil continues to be a go-to for millions, serums offer a compelling new way for our consumers to experience everyday Ayurvedic efficacy without the mess.”

    Visually too, the brand is shaking things up. The new serums arrive in sleek, premium packaging, a sign that Indulekha’s moving confidently into its next chapter. Still rooted in Ayurvedic authenticity, the bottles are all business on the outside, and all botanicals on the inside.

    Available on Amazon, Myntra and Nykaa, Indulekha’s serums signal a fresh era in Ayurvedic haircare, one that’s lighter on texture, but heavy on results.

  • Havas Media India shakes up leadership ranks with bold new moves

    Havas Media India shakes up leadership ranks with bold new moves

    MUMBAI: Havas Media India is mixing things up at the top, elevating a clutch of seasoned insiders in a bid to fuel its growth spurt and flex its media muscle.

    Ramsai Panchapakesan, a media maven with 28 years under his belt, has been bumped up to president – investments & partnerships. Since joining the agency in July 2024, Ramsai has been steering the ship on integrated investment strategy and scaling up client alliances across the board.

    Meanwhile, managing partner – investments & buying is now the new badge for Binu Thomas. A Havas veteran of nearly two decades, Binu’s got a sharp nose for investment strategy and a track record of wrangling performance-driven outcomes across sectors.

    Also stepping into the limelight is Manish Sharma, who takes over as president – Arena India, the specialised arm under Havas Media Network India. Over the past nine years, Manish has built a reputation for crafting content-first client engagement strategies, driving growth for big-ticket names like Kia, Bumble, Realme, Zupee, and Kajaria Tiles.

    Commenting on the development, Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “Ramsai, Binu, and Manish have been instrumental in driving our investment and business strategy, unlocking consistent growth for our clients and the network. Their expertise, leadership, and commitment to innovation continue to shape the success story of Havas Media. I am confident that in their new roles, they will further accelerate our progress and deepen our market leadership.”

    Havas Media India COO Uday Mohan added, “These well-deserved elevations reflect the strength and depth of our leadership team. Ramsai and Binu have been the backbone of our investment function, while Manish has led Arena India with great vision and execution. Their contributions embody the Havas ethos of Meaningful Media, and I look forward to collaborating closely with them as we steer the next phase of growth.”

    The elevations are in line with Havas Media’s continued focus on empowering internal talent and scaling leadership across core and emerging verticals.

  • The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide for 2025

    The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide for 2025

    Father’s Day is around the corner and if you’ve been waiting to surprise your dear Dad, now is the time to come up with the best gift ideas that he’ll love. There are plenty of options available online if you’re looking for an amazing Father’s Day gift and all you need to do is choose as per what your Dad will connect with. Sounds difficult? It’s easier than you think! Let’s look at some of the top gifting choices for the occasion below.

    Best Father’s Day Gifts Worth Choosing

    Your Father’s Day gifts doesn’t always have to be expensive or super-premium. Even a thoughtful and simple gesture will successfully convey your love and warmth to him with ease. On that note, here’s a look at some of the best gifts that you can choose to surprise your Dad on this special day.

    Personalized Photo Frame

    Delight him with a customized photo frame exclusively designed for Father’s Day. You can choose your preferred frame and the photograph it showcases. Choose a special memory or an iconic photograph of you two that your Dad will treasure. It will definitely occupy pride of place on his study or work desk for sure!

    Custom LED Night Lamp

    Light up your Dad’s bedside or his favorite corner of the home with this incredibly useful yet appealing night lamp. You can customize it with a photograph or special memory that he will cherish for a lifetime. It is undoubtedly one of the most heart-warming presents that you can select for the occasion.

    Personalized Mug

    This can also be a cute and endearing Father’s Day gift, especially if your Dad loves his daily cup of tea or coffee. Personalize the cup with a picture, slogan, quote, or even his favorite football/cricket team logo- the sky is the limit! He will certainly look forward to his everyday cuppa with this present for company.

    Potted Plants

    Is your Dad into gardening and wellness? Does he love plants and greenery? Delight him with an adorable potted plant in a cute planter or pot that you can choose online. There are several plants available, right from air purifying plants to Sansevieria, Lucky Bamboo, and Carnations. Infuse a touch of green into your Dad’s life and watch him smile!

    Perfume Sets

    If your Dad is passionate about fragrances, surprise him with a delightful perfume set that he will treasure! You can take your pick from multiple options online, including sets that contain diverse fragrances that he’ll love experimenting with. It can be a thoughtful yet sweet gift for Father’s Day indeed.

    Custom Organizer

    Make your Dad’s workplace more inviting with a custom organizer that showcases a lovely photograph or memory, while coming with slots to house his pens, notes, and other stationery. It will be a useful present with a personal touch- just what you need to surprise a practical Dad!

    Make Father’s Day Memorable with Unique Gifts

    Father’s Day gives you an opportunity to express your love and affection for your dear Dad. He’s always been a pillar of support in your life and a never-ending source of inspiration, love, and warmth. It’s time you make him feel special with a thoughtful and heartfelt Father’s Day gift. Add your personal touch, choosing from the options listed above and add your unique touch to the celebrations. Of course, choose your presents from a reliable online gifting platform to create a fabulous surprise for your Dad without any hassles. 

    So, here’s to a whole lot of love, fun, and special memories this Father’s Day, with the right gifts to match!  
     

  • Aashirvaad adds ‘masala’ to selfies with AI posters starring Nani

    Aashirvaad adds ‘masala’ to selfies with AI posters starring Nani

    MUMBAI: From spice rack to star track, Nani joins fans in masala movie moments. In a deliciously cinematic twist, Aashirvaad Masalas has turned the humble kitchen into a movie set. Following the blockbuster launch of Telugu star Nani as its brand ambassador in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, ITC’s masala brand is now blending AI with AP cinema fandom serving up movie-style posters that put the homemaker centre stage.

    The interactive campaign lets users co-star with “Natural Star” Nani by generating personalised movie posters via a Whatsapp bot. And the plot twist? You only need a selfie, some genre flair action, romance, thriller or comedy and a dash of confidence.

    Branded under the tagline “Dammu Meede, Star Meere” (You’ve got the dum, you’re the star), the initiative celebrates the unsung heroes of the kitchen those who bring fiery flavour and boldness to the everyday meal. Now, they also get their own reel-life moment, courtesy of AI-generated poster magic.

    To jump into the action, users can scan the QR code on the Aashirvaad Chilli Powder pack or click a link via Aashirvaad Masala’s Telugu social handles. Once connected to the bot, they simply choose their preferred language, genre, and character setting before uploading a selfie. Within seconds, they receive a film poster starring themselves alongside Nani cinema-style drama, sans studio.

    As if starring opposite Nani weren’t enough, select participants might just find their faces up in lights on real billboards or snag movie tickets as part of the promotion.

    Blending the region’s deep love for cinema with a love for spice, this campaign is more than digital wizardry, it’s a slice of pop culture that makes the consumer feel like the superstar they truly are.

    So whether you’re perfecting your biryani or clicking the perfect selfie, Aashirvaad Masalas invites you to spice things up one poster at a time.