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  • Intelsat shoots for the stars – and lands squarely in India’s broadcast orbit

    Intelsat shoots for the stars – and lands squarely in India’s broadcast orbit

    MUMBAI:  Global satellite heavyweight Intelsat has scored a milestone regulatory victory in India — one that opens up the floodgates for cross-border broadcast services, new business, and deeper foreign participation in the subcontinent’s satellite economy.

    In a landmark decision, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-Space) has granted Intelsat permission to directly provide satellite bandwidth to Indian media and broadcast companies. The approval covers four of Intelsat’s geostationary satellites — IS-17, IS-20, IS-36 and IS-39 — all offering high-powered C-band coverage over India.

    This isn’t just regulatory housekeeping — it’s India’s formal nod to a new satellite playbook, and Intelsat is among the first foreign players to officially get a seat at the table.

    The green light gives Indian broadcasters access to Intelsat’s fleet for everything from live news uplinks and sports distribution to linear TV delivery and multi-region content sharing. It paves the way for enhanced scalability, quality, and coverage — especially important as India’s video consumption skyrockets across satellite, cable, and OTT.

    The newly authorised satellites support high-capacity, high-reliability services, giving Indian broadcasters a powerful backup or replacement for ageing domestic satellite capacity. Intelsat’s C-band services are known for their robustness — particularly valuable in monsoon-prone regions where signal integrity can be patchy.
    The approval has already translated into new revenue: three of India’s largest media networks — rumoured to include a mix of news, regional, and GEC (general entertainment channel) players — have signed contracts with Intelsat following the IIn-space go-ahead. The deals cover a mix of primary satellite carriage, content redistribution, and international footprint expansion.

    While the names remain under wraps (JioStar is rumoured to have taken up six C-band transponders), industry watchers say this move could trigger a domino effect, with other players lining up for capacity.

    This move also signals India’s growing openness to foreign satellite operators. Previously, non-Indian entities faced a labyrinth of regulatory hurdles — needing to lease capacity through Indian agencies or enter into convoluted sub-licensing arrangements. With In-Space actively streamlining permissions under India’s commercial space policy, the gates are now open for direct engagement, competitive pricing, and tech transfer.

    “This approval represents a significant step forward in Intelsat’s contribution to India’s space commerce sector, a source of great national pride,” said Intelsat regional vice-president for Asia Pacific Gaurav Kharod. “Our extensive satellite network with four satellites covering the region will provide Indian broadcasters with reliable, high-quality connectivity solutions that meet their evolving needs. This authorisation enables us to better serve our customers and contribute to India’s growing media landscape.”

    India is now one of the fastest-growing video markets in the world, with over 900 TV channels, tens of thousands of cable and DTH operators, and an exploding OTT sector. Satellite remains a crucial backbone for content distribution, particularly in rural and remote geographies where fibre is limited and terrestrial networks are patchy.

    For Intelsat — a company with a six-decade legacy and one of the largest integrated satellite-terrestrial networks globally — this opens up a vast new revenue corridor in south Asia. It also gives them pole position as Indian broadcasters look to upgrade infrastructure, meet rising bandwidth demands, and adopt cloud-connected satellite workflows.

    The firm has long provided secure communications to governments, enterprises, and NGOs. But with this regulatory leap, India’s broadcast sector becomes its newest playground.

    As India unlocks its space economy and media sector evolves beyond borders, Intelsat’s entry may just be the first of many new uplinks between Indian content and global audiences.

  • LS Digital reshuffles deck with three CXO elevations to power global growth and strategy

    LS Digital reshuffles deck with three CXO elevations to power global growth and strategy

    MUMBAI: LS Digital has pressed the accelerator on leadership transformation. The integrated digital business transformation (DBT) company has elevated three of its senior leaders—Anuraj Gupta as chief growth officer for India and MEA, Shantanu Bhattacharyya as chief client officer – media, and Sudhindra CN as chief strategy officer.

    The move underscores LS Digital’s global ambitions, with the trio now steering growth, client success, and strategic direction across India, MEA, the UK, and the US.

    “The elevation of Anuraj, Shantanu & Sudhindra marks a significant step forward in our mission to build a future-ready organisation”, said LS Digital group chief business officer & CEO – media Rupak Ved. “Their strategic foresight and commitment to client success will play a key role in accelerating our growth”.

    Gupta will now lead strategic growth initiatives, with a sharp focus on revenue expansion and client acquisition across India and MEA. “I’m excited to take on this expanded responsibility at a time when brands are seeking integrated solutions that tie marketing performance to business outcomes”, Gupta said.

    Bhattacharyya steps in to lead LS Digital’s media client portfolio, orchestrating seamless delivery across media, creative, data, tech, and CX. “Today, client success hinges on clarity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of evolving business needs”, Bhattacharyya noted.

    As CSO, Sudhindra will focus on crafting centralised strategy frameworks that fuse AI, data, and human creativity for scalable business impact. “In a digital-first world, strategy must evolve to become both dynamic and deeply integrated across the customer lifecycle”, he said.

    LS Digital continues to push the boundaries of digital transformation with a team that now reflects sharper intent and deeper global alignment.

     

  • Hellaro finds its hindi voice and beats the drum for freedom

    Hellaro finds its hindi voice and beats the drum for freedom

    MUMBAI: Who says revolutions can’t begin with a dhol beat? Shemaroome is striking a powerful chord with the Hindi release of Hellaro, the first-ever Gujarati film to win the National Award for Best Feature Film. By dubbing the landmark film for Hindi-speaking audiences, the platform is turning up the volume on stories that celebrate silent strength and cultural rebellion across borders and beyond language.

    Directed by Abhishek Shah, Hellaro isn’t just a period drama set in the scorching salt flats of Kutch, it’s a fiery feminist anthem disguised as a folk tale. The film follows a group of women from a repressive village whose monotonous lives are disrupted when a drummer appears from the desert. What begins as stolen dance sessions away from watchful eyes spirals into a full-blown revolt not with weapons, but with rhythm, resilience, and raw courage.

    The ensemble cast including Shraddha Dangar, Kaushambi Bhatt, Niilam Paanchal, and Brinda Trivedi brings an electric energy to the screen. So compelling were their performances that 13 lead actresses received a Special Jury Award, a rare collective honour that underscored the film’s commitment to sisterhood over stardom.

    Sharing her thoughts on the film’s Hindi release, actress Shraddha Dangar said, “Hellaro has always been more than just a film, it’s a reflection of unheard voices and untold stories that exist in the quiet corners of our society. Bringing it to life meant building a world from the ground up, both emotionally and physically, in the heart of the desert. Now, with its Hindi release on ShemarooMe, I’m deeply moved that this story can reach a broader audience globally. I hope it stirs something in every viewer questions, courage, and above all, a deeper understanding of what it means to be free.”

    More than just a nod to cultural representation, this move by Shemaroome is part of a broader push to bridge the linguistic divide in Indian entertainment. By making powerful regional cinema accessible in Hindi, platforms like ShemarooMe are letting stories dance freely across state lines and into the hearts of millions.

    Hellaro is now streaming in both Hindi and Gujarati exclusively on Shemaroome because freedom, like music, should never be lost in translation.
     

  • First cry no more as Pee Safe tackles first periods with zero fear

    First cry no more as Pee Safe tackles first periods with zero fear

    MUMBAI: What do an 8-year-old footballer, a referee, and a nutrition coach have in common? They’re all part of Pee Safe’s mission to make periods less panic, more power. Marking Menstrual Hygiene Day with both emotion and impact, Pee Safe launched its new campaign #ZeroPeriod, a heartfelt initiative to tackle the fear and silence surrounding first periods. The digital video commercial (DVC) at the centre of the campaign portrays the experience of a young footballer who starts her first period mid-game capturing confusion, stigma, and eventually, empowerment.

    At the core of Zero Period is Pee Safe’s Disposable Period Panty, designed specifically for first-time menstruators. Think: leak-proof, ultra-absorbent, breathable underwear that feels like everyday wear, not an awkward afterthought. It’s a simple innovation aiming to give girls one less reason to leave the game whether it’s sport, school, or simply being themselves.

    According to Pee Safe founder Vikas Bagaria said, “Zero Period is about making space for honest conversations around menstruation, especially the first one. For many young girls, that experience can be confusing and isolating. Our intent with this campaign is to challenge the idea that periods are a disruption or something to be hidden. We want girls to feel equipped, reassured, and uninterrupted in whatever they choose to do.”

    According to Pee Safe co-founder Rithish Kumar said, “We notice young girls stepping away from activities they love because of the fear or stigma attached to menstruation. With Zero Period, we want to change that by fostering understanding and support, particularly in environments like schools and sports. Our goal is simple: to help make periods easier, not just physically, but emotionally and socially too.”

    The campaign goes beyond storytelling, it includes real-life advocates such as Divya Kumari, a national-level kabaddi referee, and Dr Ankita Pathak, a former kho-kho player and nutrition coach for the National Games 2025. Together, they’re proof that periods shouldn’t bench ambition.

    In collaboration with the SRF Foundation and Akhandjyoti Foundation, Pee Safe is taking this movement offline as well. The brand is conducting on-ground menstrual hygiene awareness sessions in underserved communities and across top schools like KR Mangalam, GD Goenka, Bal Bharati, and Delhi Public School.

    These sessions designed to offer accurate information, emotional reassurance, and free access to hygiene products aim to give young girls the confidence to manage their periods with dignity, minus the fear.

    With over 500 students already reached and more sessions underway, Pee Safe is scoring high on both empathy and impact. First periods may always come with nerves, but thanks to Zero Period, they may now come with fewer exits and more goals.

  • Newme launches Zip in Bengaluru with 60-minute delivery for hyper-speed fashion fix

    Newme launches Zip in Bengaluru with 60-minute delivery for hyper-speed fashion fix

    MUMBAI: In a city where fashion moves faster than the traffic does, Newme has just dropped a delivery promise as bold as its crop tops. The gen z-favourite fashion-tech label launched Newme Zip in Bengaluru—offering doorstep delivery of the latest styles in under 60 minutes.

    Following a successful trial in Delhi-NCR where the brand operated on a 90-minute window, Bengaluru becomes the second city to test the model. Backed by dark stores across the city and over 1,500 SKUs, Newme’s latest rollout makes lightning-fast fashion a literal reality.

    “Gen z is clear in what they want—style that’s current, access that’s instant, and experiences that feel personal”, said Newme co-founder & CEO Sumit Jasoria. “The overwhelming response to our pilot confirmed that. Fast fashion can’t afford to be slow”.

    Founded three years ago, Newme has already made its mark with weekly fashion drops, 14 stores nationwide, and a fervent digital community. But Zip could be its boldest move yet—pitting its speed not just against competitors but against city gridlocks. Early tests clocked deliveries between 30 to 60 minutes, even during peak hours.

    The secret sauce?

    An integrated network of dark stores positioned strategically to tackle hyperlocal orders and minimise lag time between order and doorstep.

    With Bengaluru now zipping into the fast lane, Newme is eyeing rollouts in Mumbai and Hyderabad soon. At a time when fashion e-commerce players still deliver in days, Newme Zip is redefining ‘add to cart’ as ‘add to closet’—in under an hour.

  • Smile Group names Gagandeep Singh Bedi to lead Healthtech venture builder in Asia

    Smile Group names Gagandeep Singh Bedi to lead Healthtech venture builder in Asia

    MUMBAI: Smile Group has taken a bold step into Healthtech. The tech investment and venture-building firm has named pharma industry veteran Gagandeep Singh Bedi as managing partner to lead its new Healthtech Venture Builder initiative, marking its formal foray into a space projected to hit $50 billion across APAC.

    With more than 25 years of leadership experience at Astrazeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and Baxter, Bedi brings both gravitas and grit to the new role. At Astrazeneca India, he steered a turnaround that doubled market growth and tripled market capitalisation to $1 billion, while also contributing to India’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

    Bedi has been actively involved in India’s startup ecosystem, leading healthcare innovation partnerships with IIT Kanpur and the India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre, alongside early-stage bets in Healthtech startups focused on coronary and oncology care.

    “Smile Group’s strong track record in scaling impactful, tech-forward ventures across Asia is something I’ve always deeply respected”, said Bedi. “Their unique approach—combining capital with deep operational support—resonates strongly with my focus on partnering with mission-driven startup founders”.

    Smile Group founder & CEO Harish Bahl added, “With AI in healthcare becoming a $50B+ opportunity across APAC, and India’s market growing at 42 per cent annually, the pace of change in Healthtech is phenomenal. Gagandeep’s rare combination of corporate leadership and Healthtech experience makes him the ideal fit”.

    The venture builder will focus on co-creating disruptive Healthtech businesses across Asia by combining Smile’s capital firepower and founder-first model with Bedi’s domain expertise and deep ecosystem connects.

  • Shashank Rathod joins Delhivery as media and communications lead after Amazon innings

    Shashank Rathod joins Delhivery as media and communications lead after Amazon innings

    MUMBAI: From packing prime narratives to shipping new stories—Shashank Rathod has stepped into the role of director, media & communications at Delhivery. Rathod took on the mandate in May 2025, bringing over a decade of public relations and corporate communications experience to the logistics major’s fast-paced communications playbook.

    Prior to this, Rathod spent nearly six years at Amazon, most recently as corporate communications manager. Based in Bengaluru, he managed media strategy and brand communications across key verticals during a transformative phase for the e-commerce titan.

    Rathod’s CV also includes stints at Oneplus, Weber Shandwick, and 20:20 MSL, where he led campaigns for marquee clients like Dell, Alibaba, Xiaomi, IBM, and PTC. He began his communications journey at Archetype, handling accounts like Sap Labs and Cisco.

    Speaking on the transition, Rathod said, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as director, media & communications at Delhivery!”

    With Rathod now helming media and communications, Delhivery is expected to focus on a sharper external messaging approach—one that balances enterprise growth with strategic storytelling.

  • Pizza Hut ditches ketchup for juicier slices, causes frenzy with bold consumer experiment

    Pizza Hut ditches ketchup for juicier slices, causes frenzy with bold consumer experiment

    MUMBAI: Pizza Hut turned a national pizza habit on its head this week—and left ketchup bottles sweating. In an audacious twist to Indian food culture, the brand rolled out its ‘Ketchup’s Out, Juicy’s In’ campaign, asking pizza fans to trade in their beloved ketchup sachets for a taste of its new Juicylicious range.

    The result?

    Long queues, empty pizza racks, and an internet that just couldn’t stop talking.

    The offer was simple: give up a ketchup sachet at any Pizza Hut store and walk away with a free Juicylicious pizza. Over 2,400 pizzas flew out of ovens across key cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore—100 pizzas per store, per day. The experiment quickly made waves on Instagram and even trended on Google Search, as consumers queued to test whether saucy pizzas could truly exist sans ketchup.

    The campaign drew on a sharp consumer insight—that for many Indians, ketchup is the band-aid for dry, underwhelming pizzas. With its new Juicylicious lineup, Pizza Hut aimed to end that dependency.

    And judging by the queues, the crowd was hungry for change.

    To spice things up further, comedienne Jamie Lever joined the party. Her cheeky takes on the ketchup break-up lit up Instagram, making for a humorous—and surprisingly relatable—slice of content.

    The Juicylicious range stars juicy paneer and chicken toppings marinated in three flavour-packed sauces: bold Kadhai, aromatic Royal Spice, and fiery Southern Chilli. Layered with 100 per cent authentic mozzarella and baked on a crisp crust, the new pizzas aim to eliminate the need for add-ons.

    As Pizza Hut pushes for a cleaner break from ketchup culture, Indian pizza lovers seem ready to embrace a saucier, bolder slice. For more, check out the original campaign video here and Jamie Lever’s reel here.

  • Game set match for Pokkt as it powers Unilever’s winning streak

    Game set match for Pokkt as it powers Unilever’s winning streak

    MUMBAI: Turns out scrubbing up well isn’t just for laundry, it’s a winning formula for gaming too. Pokkt, the mobile marketing arm of Anymind Group, has emerged as the unsung MVP of this year’s Festival of Media Global (FOMG) Awards 2025, fuelling a string of Unilever-led campaigns that walked away with top honours. Among the winning spin cycles: Gold for Best Use of Gaming for Domex, Gold for Best Use of Online for the cross-brand “Gaming Boosts Laundry” campaign (featuring Wheel, Rin, and Surf Excel), and Bronze for Best Use of Gaming for the broader Laundry Brands initiative.

    Not bad for brands that usually stick to your bathroom shelf.

    Behind the sudsy success lies a refreshing strategy, Pokkt’s signature approach of non-disruptive gaming integrations that slip seamlessly into digital play. No awkward banner ads or jarring pop-ups here, just cleverly woven game mechanics that keep users engaged and brands top-of-mind, all while delivering trackable results.

    In a landscape where attention spans flit faster than a Tiktok scroll, this method is anything but soft touch. Pokkt transforms passive product education into choose-your-own-adventure moments. Want to learn how a cleaner toilet can save lives? Why not do it while beating a level? That’s precisely the magic behind campaigns like Domex’s.

    It’s also no small feat to make homecare and personal hygiene exciting yet by turning “routine” categories into playable narratives, these campaigns showed that even detergent can pack digital dazzle.

    According to Anymind Group, these wins aren’t just accolades, they’re proof that interactive storytelling is the new currency of consumer engagement. In a world of digital distraction, making users want to watch your ad better yet, play it is the future.

    With the festival spotlight shining bright, the message is loud and clear: the best campaigns don’t just clean up, they play smart, hit level-ups, and leave audiences asking for another round.

  • Kabaddi scores a social touchdown with multilingual digital slam

    Kabaddi scores a social touchdown with multilingual digital slam

     MUMBAI: They tackled language barriers like a raider takes on defenders and came out with the trophy. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has added a digital feather to its cap, bagging the ‘Social Media Campaign’ award in the Multilingual Campaign category at the ET Brand Equity Trendies 2025. The win celebrates PKL Season 11’s innovative and inclusive digital engagement strategy, executed by Mashal Sports in collaboration with Sportz Interactive, which saw fans across linguistic and cultural divides connect like never before.

    Held from October 18 to December 29, 2024, Season 11 wasn’t just action-packed on the mat, it was a slam dunk online too. The campaign’s multilingual format reached deep into regional fanbases, ensuring that the raiding and defending didn’t just speak one language, but many.

    The digital blitz hit the sweet spot, delivering high engagement across platforms like Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, X, and the Pro Kabaddi app, with vernacular content crafted for fans from every corner of the country. The league’s social-first, fan-first approach resonated with a wide base, helping PKL boost brand affinity and reinforce its position as one of India’s most loved sporting leagues.

    And the kabaddi action doesn’t stop there. The buzz now shifts to the Season 12 Player Auction, which will be held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai. Fans can catch Category A auction proceedings live on the Star Sports Network and Jiocinema starting 7 pm on May 31.

    For those who want real-time updates (in the language of their choice, no less), PKL’s Live Auction Centre on prokabaddi.com and the Pro Kabaddi official app will be the go-to. With the social handles prokabaddi across platforms staying in beast mode, fans can expect another season of full-contact, full-volume entertainment on and off the mat.

    If Season 11 was about digital dominance, Season 12 promises to be a perfectly executed raid into uncharted fan territories.