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  • Butt out and breathe easy as Big FM helps smokers take a big step

    Butt out and breathe easy as Big FM helps smokers take a big step

    MUMBAI: Smoking out the habit, one laugh, dance, and Zumba session at a time Big FM’s third season of Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar wrapped up with a breath of fresh air. With a mission as clear as its lungs aim to be, the award-winning anti-tobacco campaign returned this year with a therapeutic twist Quitsvilla, a wellness retreat designed to help smokers kick the butt, quite literally. Hosted at The Fern Shelter Resort in Palghar, and powered by Dewon Electric, the three-day immersive was part support group, part spa day, and all heart.

    Led by popular RJs like RJ Vrajesh, RJ Rani, RJ Abhilash, and RJ Dilip, the retreat was no boring rehab. It featured sound therapy by Sarita Pataodia, dance movement therapy by Ang Tarang’s Shruti duo, laughter yoga by the ever-joyful Kishore Kuvavala, motivational illusions by Mangesh Desai, and a whole lot of rhythm, sweat and soul. The Zumba sessions by celebrity coach Aishwarya were as energetic as the stories shared, and the message was crystal clear: quitting smoking doesn’t have to be a lonely grind, it can be joyful and healing too.

    The retreat was just the tip of the iceberg. The campaign extended into the digital realm with a gripping podcast hosted by RJ Sahil and RJ Dilip. The series featured first-person journeys of those who had successfully stubbed out their addictions, as well as expert insights on CBT, NLP, and habit formation from voices like Ashdin Doctor (The Habit Coach) and Rajyogi BK Nikunj.

    Bollywood lent its lungs too, with stars like Tusshar Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi, Shankar Mahadevan, Sulaiman Merchant, and Papon urging fans to quit through messages across platforms. The campaign’s viral jingle, quirky reels, and heartfelt storytelling ensured that the message didn’t just travel, it stuck.

    And it wasn’t all talk either. The campaign logged hundreds of pledges, saw a visible shift in participant behaviour, and strengthened BIG FM’s mission of sparking real change through real stories.

    “This isn’t just about saying no to a cigarette,” said Big FM COO, Sunil Kumaran. “It’s about saying yes to life, to resilience, and to transformation. Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar Season 3 gave people the tools and the belief to make that change.”

    With a soulful mix of science, storytelling and support, BIG FM’s campaign has evolved from a public service message into a full-blown movement, one breath at a time.

  • Zee brings the ‘saath’ factor back to screens with ‘Aapka Apna Zee’

    Zee brings the ‘saath’ factor back to screens with ‘Aapka Apna Zee’

    MUMBAI: Zee has dropped a fresh new identity – Aapka Apna Zee – with a campaign that’s equal parts emotion and impact. Ditching the glitz for grit and heart, the network’s latest rebrand leans into community spirit with the tagline Saath aane se baat banti hai – because let’s face it, everything’s better when done together.

    The new campaign isn’t just a slick TV spot—it’s a full-blown cinematic hug. A series of multilingual films in seven Indian languages bring alive hyperlocal stories with familiar faces, real textures, and regional quirks. From the monsoon playing co-star in Kerala to a proud military village in Telangana, each story hits home—and hard.

    The hero of the brand film is an army dad called to duty days before his daughter’s wedding. In his absence, the mohalla rises like one big Indian joint family, pulling off the shaadi with flair. When he returns to find everything flawlessly done, his wife smiles and says Itna bada parivaar hai, aaram se ho gaya. Pass the tissues, please.

    But the kicker? Zee’s most loved fictional characters—yes, Angoori Bhabi, Devansh, Shravani, Durga, and more—step out of their shows and into this narrative, not as stars, but as apne log. It’s meta, emotional, and frankly, brilliant.

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    Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (Zeel) CMO Kartik Mahadev said, “Aapka Apna Zee is a powerful multilingual brand film series that brings alive the essence of the many Indians that live in one country.It is a mirror to how India shows up for each other. Each of the seven films is deeply rooted in the cultural milieu of its region— capturing its rhythm, rituals, landscapes, and the authenticity of its people. From the rains becoming a character in Kerala, to a village in Telangana known for its legacy of army service, every story reflects the cultural richness and emotional truths of real India. This campaign is a reaffirmation of Zee’s role as a trusted companion in the daily lives of millions. Saath Hai Toh Baat Hai is a sentiment that links to the heartbeat of millions of homes, where Zee isn’t just watched, but welcomed every day.”

    The campaign made its grand debut during the 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, with all seven films premiering simultaneously across the network’s TV and digital platforms. One idea, seven voices, all heart.

  • Gaming giant Nazara acquires Smaaash in a smashing Rs 126 crore deal

    Gaming giant Nazara acquires Smaaash in a smashing Rs 126 crore deal

    Mumbai, India – Nazara Technologies Limited has hit the jackpot, completing the acquisition of Smaaash Entertainment Pvt Ltd,  making the gaming and entertainment company a wholly-owned subsidiary.  The deal, valued at a whopping Rs 126 crores, sees Nazara solidify its position in the gaming sector, proving it is not just playing games when it comes to expansion. 

    On 6 June 2025, Nazara announced the successful completion of the resolution plan, previously approved by the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench. This means Nazara has acquired 100 per cent of Smaaash’s share capital by subscribing to 1,00,00,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each, costing the company Rs 10 crores. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Nazara also extended an inter-corporate loan of Rs 116 crores to Smaaash to settle its creditors’ dues, showing it is all about clearing the board for future success. 

    Smaaash, incorporated on 30 November 2009, is no stranger to the entertainment scene, operating gaming and entertainment centres across 11 Indian cities under the ‘Smaash  brand. Its  business spans gaming, food and beverages, events, and sponsorships, bringing in a turnover of Rs 112.34 crores as of 31 March 2024. 

    While Smaaash’s turnover did see a slight dip from Rs 120.88 crores in 2023, this acquisition is a clear sign that Nazara is ready to power up its inorganic growth in the gaming sector.

  • Brand new day as Epic Brand Map goes global with India as launchpad

    Brand new day as Epic Brand Map goes global with India as launchpad

     MUMBAI: What’s in a brand? Quite a lot, if you ask the folks at the newly minted Epic Brand Institute. The Epic Brand Institute (EBI) has officially stepped onto the global stage with the public launch of its flagship framework the Epic Brand Map (EBM), a system designed to bring Evocativeness, Precision, Insight and Clarity (yes, that’s EPIC) to the chaotic world of brand-building.

    Already battle-tested by corporate heavyweights like the Tata Group, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance, Mahindra, HCL, and international giants like Coca-cola, Medtronic, Sun Life Financial, Mars, Walmart and Nokia, the framework is finally being made available to the wider world of founders, marketers, consultants and creatives.

    Created by global brand strategist Saurabh Uboweja, also the founder of BOD Consulting, the EBM will now form the core of EBI’s in-person training cohorts. The first will be hosted in New Delhi from 9–11 June 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, and a second will follow in Dubai from 19–21 September 2025.

    “We’re launching not just a course, but a global movement,” said Uboweja. “After years of working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in business, we’re now opening the EPIC Brand Map to a new generation of brand-led business builders.”

    The inaugural Delhi edition will be an intimate affair, limited to 30 handpicked founders and practitioners looking to sharpen their brand-building acumen. Dubai, meanwhile, is set to attract a mix of Middle East and South Asian brand professionals hoping to join the ranks of EPIC strategists.

    With storytelling getting louder, attention spans shrinking, and differentiation harder than ever, EBI’s pitch is simple stop winging it and start mapping it. The message is clear: if your brand strategy feels like a game of darts in the dark, it might be time to go EPIC.

  • Ad on the go gets a green glow as ETO and Cashurdrive team up

    Ad on the go gets a green glow as ETO and Cashurdrive team up

     MUMBAI: Billboards are so last decade now, your brand can ride shotgun on an e-rickshaw. ETO Motors, India’s largest electric vehicle fleet operator, has teamed up with transit advertising pioneer Cashurdrive to supercharge the future of green marketing. The duo has rolled out one of India’s largest sustainable advertising initiatives turning over 2,000 electric vehicles into roving, carbon-free ad canvases.

    This eye-catching, eco-conscious fleet includes 3-wheelers, 500-plus 4-wheelers and electric buses that will whizz through Hyderabad, Delhi, Kevadia, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Nagpur, and Bengaluru blending brand storytelling with street-smart climate action.

    “At ETO Motors, sustainability isn’t a buzzword, it’s a commitment,” said ETO Motors chief marketing officer Rajeev YSR. “We’re offering brands more than visibility, we’re offering visibility with values.”

    The move follows the success of a high-voltage pilot campaign at the Kumbh Mela, where an FMCG brand used ETO’s fleet to drive both awareness and impact. Building on that momentum, this initiative isn’t just innovative, it’s accountable.

    Clients can now access a real-time dashboard to monitor impressions, track kilometres driven, and even measure the environmental benefits of their campaigns. Advertising, meet analytics with a conscience.

    Cashurdrive, managing director Raghu Khanna calls it “a leap forward in green advertising.” He adds, “With ETO’s EVs and our expertise, brands get to go bold and green in the same breath.”

    As net-zero ambitions grow louder, this collaboration offers a timely marketing makeover: brand visibility that doesn’t cost the Earth literally. With mobility, measurability, and mission in sync, it’s advertising that hits the road running and leaves only impact, not emissions.

  • India TV’s grand screenplay: new OTT app offers a family plot twist

    India TV’s grand screenplay: new OTT app offers a family plot twist

    MUMBAI:  India TV, the erstwhile broadcasting juggernaut, has curtailed its dependence on conventional linearity, launching its brand-spanking-new India TV OTT App. This isn’t just another streaming service; it’s a calculated manoeuvre to expand the group’s digital footprint, offering a veritable smorgasbord of news, the cult classic Aap Ki Adalat, fitness regimes, devotional content, infotainment, lifestyle tips, and a plethora of podcasts.

    The timing is no coincidence, capitalising on the booming digital content industry where platforms enjoy a liberating freedom from the shackles of traditional censorship. This strategic pivot leverages India TV’s established reputation for credible news and its uncanny knack for understanding the Indian psyche.
    The move into the OTT arena is underpinned by a laser focus on “premium, exclusive and streaming audience-first content.”

    Forget dusty archives; this app is brimming with bespoke digital delights, including news, podcasts, learning shows, and even original AI-generated stories.

    What really sets the India TV OTT App apart in a rather crowded market is its commitment to delivering “meaningful content in a clutter-free, family-friendly space.”

    This audience-first gambit, coupled with OTT’s inherent flexibility and accessibility, positions India TV to significantly amplify its presence in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

    India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan said: “Our vision for the India TV OTT App is to be the single, trusted digital destination for every Indian family.” She added, “We’ve meticulously crafted it to deliver credible information and enrichment, fostering collective viewing experiences that truly strengthen family bonds. It’s our unwavering commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and thoughtfully curated space for all.”

    For those keen to tune in, the India TV OTT app is readily available on the Play Store of Smart TV platforms. Designed for communal viewing, it spares households the tedious chore of flicking between multiple apps or wrestling with myriad subscriptions.

    Boasting a user-friendly interface, smart navigation, and seamless live streaming across genres, the app is undeniably future-ready. With this shrewd expansion into OTT, India TV continues to lead the charge in content innovation, reinforcing its pledge to serve a multi-platform, multi-generational audience with content that is not just credible and inclusive, but truly made for India.

  • WPP boss Mark Read to sign off at year-end after 30-year ad-venture

    WPP boss Mark Read to sign off at year-end after 30-year ad-venture

    MUMBAI: WPP plc has just hit ‘next’ on its leadership playlist. The British ad giant announced that long-time chief executive officer Mark Read will hang up his boots and step down from the board on 31 December 2025, marking the end of a 30-year run—including a high-octane seven-year stint steering the ship as CEO. The search for his successor is already underway.

    WPP chair  Philip Jansen, heaped praise on Read’s legacy, hailing him as a transformational force. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Mark for his contributions not only as CEO but throughout his more than 30 years of leadership and service to the Company. During that time Mark has played a central role in transforming the Company into a world leader in modern marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent, setting WPP up well for longer-term success,” said Jansen.” We are pleased that Mark will continue to lead WPP as CEO until the end of the year, remaining focused on the execution of the Company’s growth strategy and supporting a smooth transition to his successor, once appointed.”

    In a heartfelt sign-off, Read said leading WPP had been “an immense privilege.” When he took the reins in 2018, his mission was to simplify the business, power up its creative engines, and plug it into cutting-edge tech. By most accounts, he’s delivered.

    Said Read: “WPP is an incredible company with over 100,000 talented and creative people, wonderful clients and partners, and an unmatched presence around the world. It has been an immense privilege to serve as its CEO for the past seven years.

    “When I took on this role our mission was to build a simpler, stronger business, and put structure and new energy behind our creativity and performance, powered by world-leading technology. I am proud that our teams across the business have delivered that exceptionally well. Our clients today rate us more highly than ever before, we now work with four of the world’s five most valuable companies, and our revenues with our biggest clients have grown consistently.

    “Our business starts with creativity, and I was delighted for our teams that last year we were once again named Creative Company of the Year at Cannes Lions. We have also positioned WPP at the forefront of the industry with our investments in AI and, with the full launch of WPP Open this year, we are now leading the way as AI transforms marketing. We have an exceptional leadership team and a secure financial position that allows us to face the future confidently and capture the opportunities ahead.

    “After seven years in the role, and with the foundations in place for WPP’s continued success, I feel it is the right time to hand over the leadership of this amazing company. I am excited to explore the next chapter in my life and can only thank all the brilliant people I have been lucky enough to work with over the last 30 years, and who have made possible the enormous progress we have achieved together. I would also like to thank Phil and the rest of the Board for their steadfast support for me and the wider executive team, and I look forward to supporting them in the transition to my successor in the coming months.”

    WPP now works with four of the world’s five most valuable companies, and its largest clients are spending more than ever. He also gave a nod to WPP Open, the firm’s AI-powered platform, calling it a game-changer that’s keeping WPP ahead of the curve as artificial intelligence rewrites the rules of marketing.

    “I feel it is the right time to hand over the leadership of this amazing company,” said Read. “We’ve built the foundations for future success, and I look forward to exploring the next chapter in my life.”

    WPP, which employs over 100,000 people across the globe, is now on the hunt for a new commander-in-chief to build on Read’s digital-first, AI-fuelled momentum.

    The Mad Men era is long gone—WPP 2.0 is ready for its next act.

  • Kaur power drives WSO2’s APAC ambitions with digital push

    Kaur power drives WSO2’s APAC ambitions with digital push

    MUMBAI: She’s got the code to scale. In a strategic play to fuel its digital dominance across Asia-Pacific, Wso2 has appointed Navneet Kaur as vice president and general manager for the region. From India to Japan, and from SAARC to Southeast Asia and ANZ, Kaur’s appointment signals a sharpened focus on enterprise transformation in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets.

    Armed with over 20 years of experience at tech giants like Salesforce, Mulesoft, and Capgemini (Aricent), Kaur has made a career out of scaling businesses and building high-performing teams across APAC. Now, she’s steering Wso2’s vision for the region at a time when cloud-native innovation and digital infrastructure modernisation are hitting a major inflection point.

    “There’s a wave of innovation and opportunity in the region,” Kaur said, adding that Wso2’s platform is uniquely poised to help businesses “modernise and compete in a cloud-first world.” Her leadership will be central to advancing the company’s open-source and SaaS offerings ranging from API management and integration to identity and access management for sectors like BFSI, telecom, and government.

    WSO2 already enjoys strong traction in India, and the company is doubling down on customer-centric strategies, strategic partnerships, and value delivery across APAC. With enterprises increasingly seeking secure and scalable digital experiences, the Sri Lanka-headquartered firm is betting big on Kaur’s deep domain knowledge and transformative vision.

    By investing in strong regional leadership, WSO2 hopes to unlock meaningful business outcomes in the region, one digital experience at a time.

  • Ted Sarandos spills the Netflix masala to Indian billionaire Nikhil Kamath

    Ted Sarandos spills the Netflix masala to Indian billionaire Nikhil Kamath

    MUMBAI: What happenswhen a video store clerk-turned-media mogul sits down with a new-gen Indian billionaire?

    Streaming gold. 

    In a riveting episode of People by WTF, Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos spilt the tea, dropped truth bombs, and dished out storytelling wisdom in an electric tête-à-tête with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. 

    From his Phoenix roots to Hollywood power tables—and yes, dinners with Shah Rukh Khan—Ted held nothing back.

    Sarandos shared his origin story: a would-be journalist whose real education came behind the counter at a video rental store. That humble setting gave him a ringside view of consumer desire—something he scaled up spectacularly at Netflix. “People hated late fees, but they loved discovering something new,” he quipped, summing up the genesis of Netflix’s ‘everything, anytime’ model.

    Sarandos’ India story was peppered with glam. He reminisced about his first meal with SRK—“very different in Mumbai than in LA”—and lauded Aryan Khan’s directorial chops in The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. His creative crush? Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “Heeramandi felt like a dare… he pitched it in LA like, ‘I dare you to make this’,” said Ted, still in awe.

    “For 10 years, I heard India was two years away,” Sarandos laughed. “Now, it feels truer than ever.” With local stories making global noise—think RRR or Kapil Sharma—Netflix doubled down. Sarandos noted that Indian audiences aren’t just watching Bollywood. They are binging Korean anime, true crime, Tamil action, and Turkish dramas with equal zest. “This market’s appetite is unmatched,” he said.
     

    Nikhil Kamath Ted Sarandos

    On leadership, Sarandos kept it brutally real. “Work-life balance? That’s a fantasy,” he shrugged. His playbook: take big swings, fail fast, and hire smart. He credited Netflix’s risk-positive culture to Reed Hastings, who saw streaming coming when dial-up ruled the world. “In 1999, Reed said, ‘Everything will come through the internet.’ It sounded crazy. Turns out, he was right.”

    Sarandos bet big on local stories going global. “Squid Game was never supposed to be a global hit. But great stories travel.” He stays bullish on AI—so long as humans lead the charge. “The art of the prompt will be a human skill,” he remarked, calling AI a cost cutter, not a creator killer. “It’ll help make better films, but won’t replace human imagination or emotion.”

    From gaming titles like Grand Theft Auto to video-forward podcasts, Netflix’s empire keeps expanding. Sarandos sees serious returns in content creation. “The best ROI? Still content. Delivery and monetisation are evolving faster than ever,” he noted.

    His advice to young creators? Make the coffee. “Be a PA, join a writers’ room, see if this is what you really want. Passion often follows excellence,” he urged, advising rookies not to reverse-engineer Netflix’s tastes, but pitch what needs to be told.

    The full episode of People by WTF featuring Ted Sarandos streamed on YouTube—popcorn highly recommended.