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  • Zakir Khan hits the road with India’s biggest comedy tour ever

    Zakir Khan hits the road with India’s biggest comedy tour ever

    MUMBAI: In a blockbuster moment for India’s live entertainment scene, Only Much Louder (OML) and TribeVibe Entertainment, a BookMyShow enterprise, have inked a game-changing deal to roll out Zakir Khan’s biggest-ever stand-up tour—spanning more than 60 cities and reaching 160,000 fans.

    It’s not just the largest comedy tour by an Indian comedian, but also the single biggest deal ever signed in India’s comedy circuit, setting a precedent for scale, structure and star power.

    From metros to mofussils, this laughter caravan will traverse the length and breadth of India, proving that comedy isn’t just an urban indulgence anymore—it’s a mass cultural movement. The partnership blends Zakir’s magnetic stage presence and OML’s talent stewardship with BookMyShow’s data clout and TribeVibe’s grassroots muscle to deliver what could be India’s first truly nationwide comedy experience.

    Shoven Shah

    “This collaboration signals a new form of cultural consumption in India, one that is ambitious in scale, yet grounded in purpose. It’s not just about doing a 60-city tour; it’s about proving that India is ready to host and celebrate live entertainment at this scale across its full breadth. At TribeVibe, we’ve always believed in democratising access to great experiences and Zakir, through his authenticity and connection with audiences, is the perfect artist to lead this vision. Partnering with OML to bring this to life feels like a natural next step in the journey,” said TribeVibe Entertainment founder & CEO  Shoven Shah.

    Zakir Khan, meanwhile, is clear that this is about more than just laughs. “This isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a celebration of how far Indian stand-up has come. I’m grateful to be doing this with partners who truly believe in the power of homegrown stories and the audiences who’ve made it all possible,” said Zakir. “This tour is not just about performing in 60 cities, it’s about taking the art of Indian stand-up to every corner of the country with the scale and seriousness it truly deserves. For years, we’ve dreamed of comedy being treated like mainstream entertainment, and this partnership is a massive step in that direction. I’ve always believed in building something bigger than myself, and this moment feels like that belief taking centre stage.”

    OML SVP Rishabh Nahar framed the tour as a bold blueprint. Said he: “This tour doesn’t just mark a milestone for Zakir, but serves as a blueprint for the future of Indian live entertainment, bringing live comedy to the cultural and geographic heart of the country. With this partnership, TribeVibe Entertainment and OML hope to lay the groundwork for a touring economy that mirrors the scale, sophistication and ambition of global markets, where data guides decisions, artists build legacies and where audiences everywhere have equal access to transformative cultural experiences.”

    With its eyes set on both major metros and Bharat’s backyards, the tour brings Indian comedy into its most ambitious phase yet.

    And if this deal’s anything to go by, the punchline is simple: local is going live, and laughter is going long haul.

    (Main Picture: Zakir Khan -centre – with the OML team)

  • Little Caesars gets bigger; lands in India, its 30th global market

    Little Caesars gets bigger; lands in India, its 30th global market

    MUMBAI:  It’s looking at getting a slice of the Indian ready-to-eat pizza market. Little Caesars, the world’s largest family-owned pizza chain, has officially entered India, firing up ovens for its first store in Delhi NCR this June. The move makes India the thirtieth country on its global map, as the Detroit-based brand continues its rapid rise across continents.

    Best known for its iconic Hot-n-ready pizzas, Crazy Bread and convenience-first formats like the Pizza Portal, the brand promises Indian pizza lovers a slice of the action that’s piping hot, pocket-friendly, and packed with flavour. But this isn’t just another import—Little Caesars is rolling out a customised India menu, marrying its American-style indulgence with local culinary punch.

    “With our delicious pizzas and unbeatable value, we’re eagerly anticipating introducing a unique menu that we believe will captivate India,” said Little Ceasers president global retail Paula Vissing. “Our mission has always been to offer delicious, high-quality food at exceptional prices, and we can’t wait to introduce Little Caesars to families, students, and busy professionals throughout India.”

    Spearheading the brand’s Indian innings is Harnessing Harvest, a powerhouse franchisee backed by nearly 90 years in Indian hospitality and a recent billion-dollar valuation. The company brings deep market savvy and a finger firmly on the pulse of evolving desi tastes, ensuring that Little Caesars doesn’t just land—it localises.

    The Delhi NCR store is just the appetiser, with a wider India expansion already on the menu. With rising incomes and a growing appetite for global flavours, India’s fast-food game is heating up—and Little Caesars looks ready to bite into the action.

    Having recently set up shop in Cambodia and Kuwait, Little Caesars’ India launch signals the brand’s growing global ambition. And with Detroit roots, a $150 billion pizza industry, and over six decades of dough mastery behind it, this is one pizza chain that’s not afraid to travel far and wide for a bigger piece of Bharat

  • Sheet happens when teams can’t tell stories with data, finds Canva

    Sheet happens when teams can’t tell stories with data, finds Canva

    MUMBAI: Not all spreadsheet drama starts with macros. A new report by Canva titled Beyond the Numbers: How Data Storytelling Redefines Communication reveals that while India’s marketing and sales teams claim confidence with data, many fall flat when it comes to transforming numbers into narratives that actually persuade.

    Based on a global survey of 2,457 professionals including 313 from India the report spotlights a stark confidence-competence gap. A whopping 96 per cent of Indian respondents say they’re confident working with data, but only 66 per cent feel prepared to begin a data-heavy task. And while 92 per cent feel good about analysing and interpreting data, 74 per cent admit spreadsheet mistakes impact their work.

    From formula phobia to interpretation anxiety, it’s clear that data literacy training (offered by 81 per cent of Indian organisations) isn’t fully doing the trick. In fact, 80 per cent still experience data-related stress, and 45 per cent avoid working with data altogether despite recognising its value.

    It’s not just a question of skill, it’s one of storytelling. Nearly 97 per cent of Indian respondents work with data weekly, and 95 per cent say data literacy is expected in their role. But 44 per cent still struggle to visualise data effectively even though 96 per cent agree visuals boost credibility and make them more confident when presenting.

    The disconnect lies in outdated tools and scattered processes. 58 per cent of Indian respondents find switching between data tools confusing, and 96 per cent are eager for simpler visualisation platforms. 49 per cent are willing to spend up to three hours learning new solutions, while 91 per cent believe AI could help automate tedious tasks and enhance visualisation though scepticism remains about accuracy and creativity.

    “Working with data shouldn’t be confined to specialists,” said Canva head of EMEA Duncan Clark. “The goal isn’t to make everyone a data scientist, but to empower teams to turn numbers into compelling stories because data alone doesn’t move people, stories do.”

    With decision-making becoming more data-driven across the board 91 per cent say their organisation’s reliance on data has increased in the last two years the need for better storytelling is no longer optional. Canva’s own tools like Canva Sheets and advanced visualisation features aim to bridge this gap, making storytelling as intuitive as a drag-and-drop design.

    As teams wrestle with complex spreadsheets and campaign KPIs, one thing’s clear: the next big business differentiator isn’t just data, it’s the story you tell with it.

  • Pixel perfect on the go as Photoshop beta lands on Android

    Pixel perfect on the go as Photoshop beta lands on Android

    MUMBAI: Your pocket just got a whole lot more powerful. Adobe has officially rolled out the Photoshop (beta) app for Android users, letting anyone with a compatible smartphone tap into the magic of masking, layering, and Firefly-powered Generative Fill, no desktop required. And here’s the real kicker: during the beta phase, it’s completely free.

    Available now on Google Play for devices running Android 11 or later (with at least 6GB of RAM, though 8GB is recommended), Photoshop’s mobile debut is a sleek and simplified reimagining of its desktop heavyweight. Think intuitive design meets creative muscle ideal for everyone from on-the-go pros to curious first-timers.

    So, what’s in the toolbox? A surprisingly robust range of features, including:

    1    Layer and mask tools to blend and composite like a pro

    2    Tap Select, Magic Wand, and Object Select for quick, precise edits

    3    Spot Healing Brush and Clone Stamp to brush away visual hiccups

    4    The star of the show: Generative Fill, powered by Adobe Firefly, for adding or transforming elements with a text prompt

    5    Access to free Adobe Stock assets for extra flair

    Whether you’re dreaming up a YouTube thumbnail, polishing cover art, or just editing your next profile pic, Photoshop mobile brings real editing power to your fingertips literally. Users can also dive into in-app tutorials, explore the Adobe Inspiration Hub, and share ideas or seek support via the Photoshop community forums.

    While the iOS version of Photoshop is already available worldwide via the Apple App Store, Android’s beta launch signals Adobe’s commitment to democratising creativity, one swipe at a time.

    Ready to brush up your skills? The app is now live on Google Play because creativity doesn’t wait for a desk.

  • Bisleri makes a splash in MEA with thirst-quenching Apparel deal

    Bisleri makes a splash in MEA with thirst-quenching Apparel deal

    MUMBAI: Water you waiting for, Middle East and Africa? Bisleri International has just uncapped a major partnership with Dubai-based Apparel Group, setting the stage for a regional beverage boom. The strategic alliance will see Bisleri’s much-loved portfolio ranging from its iconic packaged water to its fizzy favourites manufactured, marketed and distributed across MEA, starting with the UAE in 2025.

    With a legacy that’s been hydrating India for over 50 years, Bisleri has long held the top spot in the country’s packaged water market. Its product range includes not just the flagship water bottle, but also the premium Vedica Himalayan spring water, and aerated offerings like Limonata, POP, Spyci Jeera, Rev, and Soda. Currently, it operates 128 manufacturing centres and reaches over 500,000 outlets in India alone plus it already has a UAE presence, having backed events like the Dubai Marathon.

    “The Middle East and Africa markets represent significant opportunity for value creation,” said Bisleri International CEO  Angelo George. “With a large Indian diaspora already familiar with our brands and Apparel Group’s consumer expertise in the region, the match is just right.”

    Founded in 1996, the Apparel Group is no lightweight. The retail behemoth runs 85 plus brands and 2,300 plus stores across 14 countries, supported by a workforce of 25,000. Now, they’re ready to add hydration to their retail portfolio.

    Apparel Group CEO Neeraj Teckchandani called the tie-up a “strategic milestone” that aligns with the Group’s ambition to diversify and scale. “We see this as a long-term, value-driven collaboration that redefines beverage retail in the region,” he added.

    With fizzy ambitions and deep-pocketed partners, Bisleri’s Middle East expansion is anything but a drop in the ocean. It’s a sign that the Indian refreshment giant is thirsty for more and ready to bottle global growth.

  • Spa-ce to grow as Meghavi Wellness bags fastest-growing company title

    Spa-ce to grow as Meghavi Wellness bags fastest-growing company title

    MUMBAI: When wellness becomes a way of life and not just a weekend indulgence, it’s bound to turn heads. And Meghavi Wellness Spa has clearly been doing just that. The premium spa chain has just clinched the coveted ‘Fastest Growing Indian Company Excellence Award’ at the International Achievers Conference (IAC), held in New Delhi on 31 May 2025. The award was presented by minister of state for social justice & empowerment Ramdas Athawale,  during a national seminar themed around “Individual Achievements & National Development – Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

    With a wellness footprint that’s rapidly expanding across metro and Tier-2 cities, Meghavi Wellness is redefining what a spa experience feels like in modern India. Think Ayurvedic tradition meets scientific precision with just the right dose of luxe. From ancient healing techniques to high-end tech-backed therapies, the brand is creating what it calls “accessible luxury” in the self-care space.

    “This honour is more than an award, it’s a reflection of our belief that wellness has the power to transform lives,” said Meghavi Wellness co-founders Megha Dinesh and Prashant Jain. “We’re building a brand that puts empathy and authenticity at the heart of self-care.”

    The award couldn’t come at a better time. With India’s wellness economy booming fuelled by a growing appetite for preventive health, holistic treatments and lifestyle-driven care Meghavi Wellness is tapping into a sweet spot between ancient wisdom and modern well-being. And judging by the speed of its growth, they’re getting the formula just right.

    As it sets its sights on new cities, upgraded offerings, and deeper customer engagement, this recognition isn’t just a feather in its cap, it’s a clear marker that Meghavi’s mindful march to the top has only just begun.

  • No more chalk and awe as QWR gives classrooms a VR upgrade

    No more chalk and awe as QWR gives classrooms a VR upgrade

    MUMBAI: In a world where school still means blackboards, wooden benches and a race for marks, one Indian start-up is asking: what if you could step inside the syllabus instead? Enter QWR (Question What’s Real), a deep-tech XR company that’s quietly reshaping education from the inside out. Instead of starting in Tier-1 cities, QWR flipped the traditional script. Its immersive VRone.Edu headsets, designed for classroom use, are already in the hands of students from Kohima to Patna and Raipur to Ranchi, impacting over 2,00,000 learners across 19 states.

    The twist? These aren’t just fancy gadgets. QWR’s devices come loaded with NCERT-aligned, K–12 modules that turn abstract concepts into interactive experiences. Why just read about the human heart when you can walk through its chambers? Why mug up tectonic plates when you can stand in the middle of a virtual earthquake?

    “Curiosity begins with the senses,” says QWR founder Suraj Aiar. “We’re not pushing hardware. We’re redefining how India learns.”

    With India’s current education model still chasing grades over growth, QWR’s approach blends VR, AR and XR to put experience at the heart of education. According to the company, only 10 per cent of Indian schools currently use digital tools. That’s the gap QWR wants to close one headset at a time.

    And it’s not just schools. The brand’s roadmap includes engineering, medicine, defence, and blue-collar upskilling, all delivered through real-time, immersive simulations. It also aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2022, Samagra Shiksha Yojana, and Sustainable Development Goal 4, creating classroom equity through tech.

    To fuel the future, QWR has also launched India’s largest XR developer initiative the QWR ISV Program offering grants to XR creators to build content directly for its ecosystem. The goal: make India not just a market for XR education, but a hub of its innovation.

    “Other players talk XR,” says Aiar. “We’ve cracked it, governments and institutions come to us because our solutions work.”

    So the next time a student stares blankly at a textbook, they might just be seconds away from stepping into it. For QWR, the future isn’t virtual, it’s already here.

  • Ghosted with benefits as Noyontara haunts prime time on Colors

    Ghosted with benefits as Noyontara haunts prime time on Colors

    MUMBAI: Just when your TV schedule was mourning the end of IPL madness, Colors is summoning the spirits with Noyontara, a supernatural thriller that slips between the living and the dead with all the finesse of a ghost through a locked door.

    Premiering 9 June at 8:30 PM and airing daily, Noyontara centres on a 23-year-old ghost-whisperer who marries into a family with more secrets than skeletons in the closet and that’s saying something. The titular Noyontara (played by Shruti Bhist) steps into the lavish yet ominous Pari Mahal as Dr Surjo’s new bride, only to discover that her real in-laws might be the ones lurking beyond the veil.

    With a cheeky ghost sidekick named Hasiram and two very much dead women claiming to be her mother-in-law (cue Narayani Shastri in a dual role that’s all shade and secrets), Noyontara must untangle love from manipulation, science from the supernatural, and figure out whether she’s being guided… or gaslit.

    “Noyontara isn’t your typical ghost story,” says Shruti Bhist. “She’s not afraid of the dead she speaks their language. What drew me in was the idea of a saviour, not a victim. And yes, the ghosts here are more guardian angel than ghoul.”

    For Narayani Shastri, it’s a dual debut her first collaboration with Colors and her first time playing two emotionally conflicting characters on the same canvas. “One thrives on power, the other on protection. And the viewer never quite knows which one’s which.”

    Also making his Hindi TV debut is Bengali heartthrob Arjun Chakrabarty as Surjo, a rational man grappling with very irrational hauntings. “It’s less about fearing the supernatural,” he explains, “and more about wrestling with buried grief and emotional truths we hide from ourselves.”

    With its blend of paranormal drama, human vulnerability, and a haveli that’s practically a character in itself, Noyontara promises to be the gothic escape viewers didn’t know they needed. Expect blurred lines, chilling twists, and a heroine who’s got one foot in this world and one firmly planted in the next.

    So, if your evenings have been missing drama post-IPL, prepare to get possessed. Noyontara is here to haunt your heart and your remote.

  • Dreamwear gets a glow up as Ammarzo hits Myntra in style

    Dreamwear gets a glow up as Ammarzo hits Myntra in style

    When it comes to beauty sleep, Ammarzo believes the dream begins before your eyes shut. The luxury sleepwear label, founded by actor-entrepreneur Chahatt Khanna, has officially launched on Myntra, bringing its signature blend of elegance, comfort, and quiet sensuality to bedrooms across India. Think sculpted silhouettes, wisps of lace, and fabrics that whisper you deserve this.

    The debut collection is anything but sleepy offering standouts like the ethereal Lace Robe, the flirty Babydoll & Shorts Set, and the elegant Slip Dress designed to make women feel divine even on a Tuesday night. With price tags that deliver indulgence without intimidation, Ammarzo hits the sweet spot between self-care and soft power.

    “For me, it was never just about fabric,” said Ammarzo founder & CMD, Chahatt Khanna. “It’s about how a woman feels in that fabric. This launch is about creating pieces that wrap you in confidence and femininity even when no one’s watching.”

    More than fashion, the label is threading a shift in mindset. Ammarzo’s arrival on Myntra underscores a growing appetite for innerwear that isn’t merely functional but empowering, intimate, and in sync with a woman’s evolving sense of self. Each piece captures what the brand calls “cinematic minimalism” sunlight on skin, linen blinds, and a glass of wine that says I’ve earned this.

    With over 50 million active users, Myntra gives Ammarzo the perfect pillow to rest its ambitions on offering national visibility while staying true to its central credo: that softness and strength can absolutely sleep in the same bed.

    So, here’s your sign to ditch that old tee and slip into something more you. Because nightwear, as Ammarzo proves, isn’t just what you wear to bed, it’s how you carry yourself before the dreams begin.

  • IAS does the maths right with Alpana Wegner as new CFO

    IAS does the maths right with Alpana Wegner as new CFO

    MUMBAI: Integral Ad Science is crunching the numbers for a new chapter bringing seasoned financial powerhouse Alpana Wegner on board as chief financial officer, effective 10 June 2025. The move adds a strategic edge to IAS’s leadership team, as Wegner steps in to lead the global finance function and report directly to CEO Lisa Utzschneider. She replaces Jill Putman, who has served as Interim CFO since January and will now continue as an independent member of the IAS Board.

    Utzschneider welcomed the new appointment with confidence: “Alpana is a versatile and results-driven leader with deep financial and operational expertise. From M&A to FP&A, she’s done it all at public companies, no less.”

    And indeed, Wegner’s calculator comes with credentials. With over 25 years of financial leadership experience, she most recently served as CFO at Secureworks, where she built a high-performing finance team and helped steer the company through a strategic transformation before its sale. Prior to that, she was the CFO at Benefitfocus and held senior finance roles at cloud tech firm Blackbaud.

    “IAS represents an exciting opportunity to join an industry leader enabling global brands and publishers to drive superior outcomes,” said Wegner, who holds a B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University. “I’m all in on scaling operations, sharpening profitability, and unlocking IAS’s full growth potential.”

    Her appointment comes at a time when IAS is sharpening its focus on media measurement and ROI optimisation areas where Wegner’s financial acumen is expected to make a tangible impact. With a steady hand on the financial tiller and a sharp eye on long-term value creation, Wegner looks set to add more than just numbers to the IAS playbook she’s bringing the formula for smart growth.