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  • Big FM’s Marathi masala moment celebrates cinema with star-studded flair

    Big FM’s Marathi masala moment celebrates cinema with star-studded flair

    MUMBAI: Big FM turned up the volume on Marathi pride with a glitzy finale to Big Marathi Bioscope with Subodh Bhave, marking the end of its third season with an unforgettable on-ground celebration in Pune. From teary tributes to toe-tapping tunes, the evening paid a vibrant homage to the spirit, legacy and cultural depth of Marathi cinema.

    Hosted by the ever-charismatic Subodh Bhave, the event brought together some of the industry’s finest including Swapnil Joshi, Sayali Sanjeev, Sumeet Raghavan, Santosh Juvekar, Shilpa Tulaskar, and Atharva Sudame offering fans a front-row seat to laughter, nostalgia and heartfelt camaraderie.

    The grand finale wasn’t just a curtain call, it was a curtain rise on memories. Audiences were treated to emotional homages to legends like Sudhir Phadke and Asha Bhosale, followed by an explosive Ajay–Atul mashup that turned the gathering into a dance floor.

    Sharing his thoughts Big FM COO Sunil Kumaran said, “Our audiences have always trusted us to present exceptional content and BIG Marathi Bioscope with Subodh Bhave has been a true testament of that endeavor. With each season, BIG FM has built a deeper bond with listeners who have an unwavering love for Marathi cinema. As we reach the grand finale of Season 3, it’s clear that the show has become a cherished part of listeners’ lives, celebrating the rich legacy of Marathi films. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue strengthening this relationship and creating even more memorable experiences in the seasons to come.”

    “Marathi cinema is my passion and what keeps me deeply connected to it is the love and support of my audience. Through the on-ground event, we have had the chance to interact directly with our listeners, making the experience even more personal and meaningful. With the success of this season, I’m confident that the affection and connection we’ve built will continue to grow in the seasons ahead.” said actor and host Subodh Bhave.

    Presented by Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-op Society Ltd and supported by partners like Deshpande Eye Hospital & Laser Centre and B.U. Bhandari, the show’s third season finale was more than just entertainment, it was a tribute, a party, and a promise rolled into one.

    With the finale set to air on Saam TV, fans across Maharashtra can relive the magic. As Big FM continues to echo through the airwaves, it’s clear Marathi cinema’s most soulful stories aren’t just on screen, they’re in the hearts of the listeners too.

  • Something Special welcomes Jacob Han as head of productions, set to lead Unforgettable Duet series

    Something Special welcomes Jacob Han as head of productions, set to lead Unforgettable Duet series

    MUMBAI:  Something Special, the Seoul-based format powerhouse co-founded by Jin Woo Wang and InSoon Kim, has announced the appointment of Jacob (Jongbin) Han as its new head of productions. Han, a seasoned producer with a 12-year track record, is set to lead the full series production of Unforgettable Duet, a poignant and heartwarming show commissioned by MBN, with backing from the KOCCA Fund.

    Han, a former senior producer at MBC, brings a wealth of experience to Something Special, having been recognised as the Korean Producer Association’s best TV producer of the year in 2021. His career highlights include winning the best programme award from the Korea Communications Agency in 2020 for Mystery TV: Surprise and a best programme award at MBC in 2018. Before joining Something Special, Han led content operations at uhomes.com in the UK, overseeing social media content for five Asian markets.

    Unforgettable Duet is a deeply emotional unscripted series where dementia patients are reconnected with cherished memories through mementos and a powerful duet performance with a family member. The series, which was one of the highest-rated specials last year, returns this summer under Han’s direction.

    Hwang and Kim expressed their excitement, stating, “Something Special are pleased to celebrate our sixth year in business with Jacob Han as our new head of productions who will oversee several of our projects, starting with the wonderful Unforgettable Duet this summer. His vast international production experience, along with our recent investment will help propel Something Special to the next level.”

    Han echoed their sentiments, saying, “I am thrilled to join Jin, InSoon and the entire Something Special team as head of productions. Something Special has been a leader of Korean formats, breaking new ground by taking our formats onto the world stage. As my first project, I am honored to produce the full season of  Unforgettable Duet which was one of the highest rated specials last year.”

  • Borderplus pledges Rs 10 crore in scholarships to send Indian nurses global

    Borderplus pledges Rs 10 crore in scholarships to send Indian nurses global

    MUMBAI: On International Nurses Day, Borderplus took a bold step towards reimagining the global healthcare talent pipeline—from India to the world. The workforce mobility platform committed Rs 10 crore in scholarships over the next two years to support Indian nurses aiming for international careers. It also opened its first regional training & support center in Kochi, adding muscle to its mission.

    The Kochi centre currently supports 120 candidates and aims to scale up to more than 500. Operated via a local franchise partner, the facility offers in-person exam prep, counselling, and end-to-end documentation guidance. It will also provide digital access to nurses across Kerala and neighbouring states.

    “The global healthcare sector faces a significant nursing shortage, presenting a unique opportunity for India’s vast pool of skilled and dedicated nurses. At Borderplus, our mission is to empower these professionals by providing structured, ethical, and transparent pathways to international careers. This scholarship initiative is a powerful testament to our commitment to supporting Indian nurses in realising their global aspirations, ensuring they are equipped to make meaningful and valued contributions to healthcare systems worldwide”, said Borderplus co-founders Mayank Kumar and Ayush Mathur.

    The scholarships target key challenges nurses face—high exam fees, confusing documentation, and a gap in final-stage training. Borderplus aims to knock down these barriers by offering financial aid and strategic mentorship to deserving candidates. Nurses will be chosen through a rigorous selection process, including interviews and alignment checks with long-term career goals.

    India, with its rich nursing pool, stands to benefit economically too. As nurses migrate abroad and contribute to healthcare systems globally, they also boost the remittance economy back home. Borderplus positions this programme not only as a talent bridge, but as a long-term investment in India’s global healthcare footprint.

  • Funskool rolls out sizzling summer lineup ranging from Rs 249 to Rs 2,749 to keep kids creating, crafting and conquering

    Funskool rolls out sizzling summer lineup ranging from Rs 249 to Rs 2,749 to keep kids creating, crafting and conquering

    MUMBAI: Summer holidays just got a serious upgrade—Funskool India has launched a fresh collection of toys and games designed to turn living rooms into labs of creativity. On 12 May 2025, the country’s homegrown toy giant dropped a lineup that caters to everyone from toddlers to teens, covering roleplay, puzzles, crafts and action.

    This year’s release features a rich mix of new titles under in-house brands like Giggles, Handycrafts, Play & Learn, and Fundough. Highlights include Fundough Mega Cake Factory, Fundough Breakfast Set, Scotland Yard Deluxe, Scotland Yard Junior, Triominos, Sequence for Kids, Dobble Kids, Cube Conquer, and Rummikub Joy.

    For younger children, Giggles delivers sensory-rich options like Wooden Wonderland Playgym, Unicorn Xylophone, Bee Blossom Stacker, and Wobbles Train Express. Animal Squeakers—available in sets of two and four—round out the toddler range.

    Crafty minds can dive into Canvas Art Fantasy, Peppa Pig Scrapbook kits and finger-painting inspired by the Animal Kingdom under the Handycrafts label. Puzzle lovers are in for a challenge too, with additions like the Fairy 4-in-1 Puzzle (120 pieces), Panda Puzzle (300 pieces), and the detailed Colosseum Puzzle (1,000 pieces)—all built with durable, interlocking cardboard.

    And for superhero fans? The Batmobile makes its entrance, ready to drive up playtime action.

    “At Funskool, our passion lies in creating safe, high-quality toys that spark imagination and learning. Our focus on innovation ensures that every new launch brings fresh excitement to playtime while supporting a child’s growth and development,” said Funskool India CEO K. A. Shabir.

    The new range is now available across retail outlets, with prices spanning Rs 249 to Rs 2,749.

     

  • Timex jumps into quick commerce with Instamart to deliver watches on the double

    Timex jumps into quick commerce with Instamart to deliver watches on the double

    MUMBAI: Timex has added a new tick to its retail playbook. The watchmaker has entered the quick commerce space by launching its Timex and TMX collections, including TMX Kids, on Swiggy Instamart starting 1 May. From birthday rushes to last-minute gifting, watches are now just a few taps away.

    As part of its omnichannel strategy, Timex is targeting urban shoppers who value speed, convenience, and style. With collections ranging from Rs 699 to Rs 7000, the brand aims to cater to gifting, fashion, and functional needs without the wait. The launch also includes TMX Kids watches priced at Rs 699 and Rs 799—marking its move into accessible entry-level segments.

    “Quick commerce is redefining how brands connect with consumers, offering speed, convenience, and accessibility like never before. As this space continues to grow, it’s crucial for brands to evolve alongside it. At Timex, we are proud to strengthen our presence on platforms like Swiggy Instamart, ensuring our products are easily accessible to consumers, offering them a seamless shopping experience in just a few clicks”, said Timex India MD Deepak Chhabra.

    Initially available across Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, Timex plans to scale nationwide in coming months. The move signals a sharper retail pivot from the heritage brand as it adapts to changing consumer behaviour and delivery expectations.

    Besides Swiggy Instamart, Timex is already live on Flipkart-Minutes and Myntra-Now—cementing its quick commerce footprint across India’s biggest instant delivery platforms. As the gifting economy gets speedier, Timex is making sure time is always on your side.

  • Eureka Forbes signs Shraddha Kapoor to sweep up new fans for smart vacuum range

    Eureka Forbes signs Shraddha Kapoor to sweep up new fans for smart vacuum range

    MUMBAI: Eureka Forbes is giving its home hygiene mission a celebrity boost. The health and hygiene brand has signed Hindi cinema star Shraddha Kapoor as the new face of its vacuum cleaner range, reinforcing its commitment to smarter, cleaner living across Indian homes.

    A market leader with over four decades of legacy, Eureka Forbes is now aiming to modernise its message through a collaboration that speaks to younger, urban consumers. The partnership also coincides with the brand’s latest offering—the Forbes SmartClean Robotic Vacuum Cleaners, which feature AI, LiDAR navigation, and dual-action cleaning with powerful suction and wet mopping.

    “I am indeed delighted to be associated with the Eureka Forbes family. I have always believed that a clean home is the foundation of a healthy mind and body, and the spaces we live in deeply influence how we function as individuals. Eureka Forbes as a brand has been championing clean, healthy living and I’m proud to be associated with a brand that has made clean living a lifelong mission. With innovations like the Forbes SmartClean Robotics range, which blends intelligent technology with effortless convenience, Eureka Forbes is redefining the future of home hygiene. I truly hope that together we can inspire many more to embrace this way of life”, said Kapoor.

    Eureka Forbes CGO Anurag Kumar echoed the enthusiasm. “We’re pleased to welcome Shraddha Kapoor to the Eureka Forbes family as the face of our Vacuum Cleaners. She represents a generation that values mindful living, smart choices, and purposeful innovation, qualities that mirror our brand ethos. At Eureka Forbes, we’ve been pioneering home hygiene solutions for over 40 years, and with our new Forbes SmartClean Robotics range, we are redefining what effortless cleanliness looks like in today’s homes. Shraddha’s authenticity and strong connect with young Indian households makes her the perfect partner in our journey to build a cleaner, healthier India, one smart home at a time”.

    The brand’s current product line includes everything from robotic to deep-cleaning vacuums, and continues to evolve with technology and consumer behaviour. With Kapoor’s onboarding, Eureka Forbes is signalling a fresh chapter—one that marries nostalgia with next-gen cleanliness.

  • Essencemediacom bags Hero Motocorp’s unified media mandate in high-stakes agency showdown

    Essencemediacom bags Hero Motocorp’s unified media mandate in high-stakes agency showdown

    MUMBAI: Essencemediacom India just pulled off a pitch win that’s revving up the media world. The GroupM-backed agency clinched the consolidated media mandate for Hero MotoCorp, emerging victorious in a multi-agency battle that involved five of India’s top networks.

    For the first time, Hero MotoCorp—the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer—has handed its entire media portfolio to a single partner. The mandate covers Hero’s flagship range, its electric mobility arm VIDA, and its Harley-Davidson business unit.

    Under the agreement, Essencemediacom will lead full-funnel strategy, planning and execution across both traditional and digital channels. The remit includes audience-first approaches, competitive intelligence, performance planning, and campaign automation through unified dashboards. The agency will also deliver tech-enabled creative solutions and integrated content models for a cohesive cross-functional execution.

    “As Hero MotoCorp accelerates the journey towards its Vision, ‘Be the Future of Mobility’, Essencemediacom will play a pivotal role in driving media and data innovation to support its growth across core, premium, and electric segments,” the company stated.

    Essencemediacom south Asia CEO Navin Khemka called the win “a moment of transformation”. He added, “This partnership brings together three iconic brands—Hero, VIDA, Harley-Davidson, each representing a unique facet of India’s mobility story. By blending deep market intelligence with platform innovation, we aim to drive transformational outcomes across categories, regions, and consumer segments for Hero”.

    The win signals a strategic consolidation in India’s auto-media space, as brands seek integrated partners capable of scaling across formats and devices in a highly fragmented landscape. With mobility shifting toward electric and digital-first experiences, the race for full-service media dominance has clearly entered a new gear.

  • Xley sets $100 million ARR target by 2027, eyes influencer dominance in three continents

    Xley sets $100 million ARR target by 2027, eyes influencer dominance in three continents

    MUMBAI: With algorithms in one hand and ambition in the other, Xley has mapped out a plan to redefine influencer marketing globally. The AI- and ML-driven creator marketplace under Mad Group has announced its intent to hit a $100 million annual recurring revenue (ARR) mark by 2027, while building the largest influencer network across India, MENA, and Australia.

    Xley is designed to be the backstage manager to a growing cast of 200 million creators across Youtube, Instagram, Tiktok, and more. Its creator-first model aims to streamline brand collaborations with small and medium businesses, putting them on par with Fortune 500 players through access to real-time data, automation, and emotional intelligence-driven campaign tools.

    “What Tally is for accountants, we aspire to make Xley for marketers. Our mission is to empower small and medium businesses to market with the sophistication and reach of Fortune 500 companies. We are a creator-first company, and we always will be. With access to a network of over 200 million creators across platforms like Youtube, Instagram, and Tiktok, our platform levels the playing field. We’re also embedding Emotional Intelligence (EI) into our AI systems, enabling brands to craft campaigns that not only perform but genuinely connect with people,” said Xley founder & CEO Gautam Madhavan.

    The platform features Advanced Audience Insights, Extensive Creator Discovery Tools, and end-to-end campaign management. Xley claims it can reduce manual operations by up to 80 per cent, supporting campaigns in more than 54 languages and 10,000 cities across 150 countries.

    With its expansion blueprint laid out, Xley is now preparing for its next funding round to supercharge global growth and deepen its tech arsenal. Positioned alongside Mad Influence and Creators United under Mad Group, Xley is shaping up to be a powerhouse in the creator economy—one data-driven campaign at a time.

  • Cityflo launches Urban Glide to electrify India’s Rs 1 lakh crore bus sector under new transit model

    Cityflo launches Urban Glide to electrify India’s Rs 1 lakh crore bus sector under new transit model

    MUMBAI: India’s creaky public bus system is getting a long-overdue upgrade—and this time, it’s private players taking the wheel. Cityflo’s parent company, Komorebi Tech Solutions, has launched a joint venture with Globus Trans Solutions LLP to operate electric buses under the state-run transit system. The JV, Urban Glide, hit the road on 12 May 2025, promising to shake up the Rs 1,00,000 crore public mobility opportunity.

    Urban Glide plans to deploy 500 electric buses in its first year. The project brings together former Best honcho Victor Nagaonkar and public transport veteran Sunil Solanki—names long associated with operational scale and on-ground execution across India’s biggest transit networks.

    India’s urban transit network is undergoing a seismic shift under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, which allows private operators to run state-owned electric buses while states control routes and fares. It’s a playbook borrowed from global models in Singapore and the UK, where companies like Comfortdelgro and Stagecoach run high-frequency, reliable services within public-private partnerships.

    “We believe this will be one of urban India’s most consequential infrastructure transitions. The opportunity is not just operational but generational”, said Cityflo CEO Jerin Venad. “India is going to move over 200 million people a day on zero-emission, clean, well-run buses. Urban Glide is our commitment to building at the scale and standard that this moment demands.”

    The new model solves several pain points—funding gaps, outdated fleets, inconsistent commuter experience—by opening the doors to private innovation and investment. And with over 200,000 electric buses being inducted across India under the GCC framework, players like Urban Glide are positioning themselves for scale.

    Urban Glide will kickstart operations with 150 buses across Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with national expansion on the cards as more GCC contracts roll out. Its approach focuses on asset lifecycle control, professionalised driver operations, data-driven route optimisation, and embedded safety systems.

    “We have seen this move in other sectors: regulation opens, capital flows in, and the incumbents are those who can build at scale. Public transport is now getting its Jio moment”, added Venad.

    The ecosystem is further bolstered by long-term contracts, fare collection handled by the state, operating subsidies on EVs, and a Payment Security Mechanism already in motion—mitigating risk for serious operators.

    Still, Venad acknowledges that the sector demands players with muscle—those ready to manage fleets of over 1,000 buses and commit to long-term, safety-first operations. With deep operational roots and capital alignment, Urban Glide appears ready to lead from the front.

  • HistoryTV18’s fan-favourite Rocky Singh hits Tamil Nadu roads with #RoadTrippin S13 to stir appetites and escape the heat

    HistoryTV18’s fan-favourite Rocky Singh hits Tamil Nadu roads with #RoadTrippin S13 to stir appetites and escape the heat

    MUMBAI: When summer blazes through the north, Rocky Singh heads south—armed with a camera crew, a massive appetite, and his signature sense of humour. Kicking off on 12 May 2025, the 13 season of #RoadTrippinWithRocky takes viewers on a week-long joyride through Tamil Nadu’s culinary hotspots and scenic escapes.

    This time, the food-loving traveller escapes Delhi’s heat for the hills of Madikeri, before cruising through Virajpet and onto the postcard paradise of Ooty. From there, he detours to Mysuru and ends the flavour trail in Chennai. Throughout the trip, Rocky weaves his way through street-side stalls, royal retreats, and roadside dhabas—fuelled by ice cream from Ibaco and legendary cups of tea in Chennai.

    “RoadTrippin is more than travel. It’s food, laughs, and soaking in every mile of the journey”, Rocky declared as he kicked off from Delhi Airport, sampling lounges before hitting Tamil soil.

    As with previous seasons, #RoadTrippinWithRocky streams exclusively across HistoryTV18’s and Rocky’s digital platforms. The format’s snackable charm, candid style and digital-first approach have struck gold with viewers, racking up over two billion impressions and 540 million video views to date.

    HistoryTV18’s series has become a benchmark in digital travel storytelling, blending culture, cuisine and comedy into content that audiences keep coming back to. This year’s edition promises more of the same — with Tamil Nadu’s topography and thalis taking centrestage.

    #RoadTrippinWithRocky runs from 12-19 May on Youtube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.