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  • Sajid Nadiadwala passes the baton after 13 years at Indian film producers’ association’s helm

    Sajid Nadiadwala passes the baton after 13 years at Indian film producers’ association’s helm

    MUMBAI: After 13 years steering India’s film and television producers’ council, Sajid Nadiadwala has stepped aside. His successor? Ratan Jain, a three-decade veteran of Bollywood who previously ran the organisation from 2010 to 2012.

    The handover came at the Indian Film & TV Producers Council’s 34th annual general meeting yesterday. Nadiadwala, in his farewell address, spoke of the need for fresh leadership and proposed Jain as his replacement—a nomination the members backed unanimously.

    The outgoing president received the usual tributes: a bouquet from NR Pachisia and a memento from Jamnadas Majethia. Members applauded his tenure, though the council offered few specifics about his achievements.

    Jain brings serious credentials. As head of Venus Group, he has produced box-office successes including Khiladi, Baazigar, Dhadkan, Humraaz and Garam Masala. His return marks a homecoming of sorts after his earlier stint at the top.

    The newly elected board for 2025-26 includes Majethia as chairman (TV & web), alongside directors NR Pachisia, Madhu Mantenna, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Rajat Rawail, Shyamashis Bhattacharya, Nitin Vaidya and Abhimanyu Singh. Ramesh Taurani will serve as honorary adviser.

    The council now awaits Jain’s vision for an industry navigating streaming disruption and changing audience habits.

  • Traditional Borrowing vs. Digital Credit: What Has Really Changed?

    Traditional Borrowing vs. Digital Credit: What Has Really Changed?

    In the bustling markets of India, where haggling is an art form and personal relationships often dictate financial decisions, the landscape of borrowing has significantly evolved. While the age-old tradition of approaching local moneylenders or visiting brick-and-mortar banks for loan persists, an exciting new player has entered the field: digital credit. In this fascinating clash of ‘Traditional Borrowing vs. Digital Credit’, we unravel the layers and explore what truly has changed.

    Understanding Traditional Borrowing

    For generations, Indians have navigated their financial needs by relying on traditional loan sources—local moneylenders, cooperative societies, and banks. These methods, deeply rooted in personal trust and community, have served as lifelines for many. However, the process, while familiar, often involves a cumbersome amount of paperwork and time-consuming procedures.

    The Process and Its Challenges

    Traditional borrowing usually requires individuals to physically visit a financial institution. This often includes filling out reams of paperwork, submitting tangible proofs of income and assets, and undergoing rigorous credit checks. The critical downside is the time taken—typically weeks—to process and approve a loan, leaving many in a temporary lurch during urgent needs.

    Moreover, the emotional labour involved in approaching a local moneylender, sometimes perceived as intimidating, cannot be ignored. These lenders might offer quicker loan disbursements but usually come with exorbitant interest rates or unfavourable terms.

    The Dawn of Digital Credit

    Enter the digital era. The advent of fintech and digital platforms has brought about an unprecedented transformation in how people access loans. With services like Online Personal Loan applications and digital lending platforms, credit is now more accessible than ever before. This paradigmic shift caters significantly to tech-savvy millennials and urban dwellers looking for quick, efficient financial solutions.

    Benefits of Online Personal Loans

    1. Speed and Efficiency: One of the greatest advantages of digital credit is its sheer swiftness. Applications for an Online Personal Loan can often be completed in minutes, with approvals following within hours. The use of advanced algorithms and AI-driven credit evaluations accelerates the process, making it ideal for emergencies. 2. Convenience: With everything online, gone are the days of sitting in long queues at banks. From application to disbursement, the entire process can be done from the comfort of one’s home via a smartphone or computer. 3. Transparency: Digital platforms offer clear, upfront information about interest rates, EMIs, and terms, empowering borrowers with the knowledge to make informed decisions. There are fewer hidden charges, and borrowers can easily compare loan products from multiple providers. 4. Inclusivity: These platforms often utilise innovative ways to assess creditworthiness, such as social media behaviour analysis or alternative credit scoring. This inclusivity has brought credit access to previously underserved segments.

    Comparing Traditional and Digital: A Statistical Insight

    To illustrate the shift, a recent report by the Reserve Bank of India showed a surge in digital transactions, with digital loans accounting for an increasing percentage of overall retail lending. In 2022 alone, the number of digital loan applications exceeded traditional bank loan applications by over 60%. 
    A survey on consumer preferences indicated that 70% of urban borrowers prefer Online Personal Loans over traditional methods, citing convenience and speed as primary factors. However, it’s noteworthy that traditional borrowing still holds sway in rural areas, where digital literacy and internet penetration remain challenges.

    What Has Really Changed?

    Trust vs Convenience

    While traditional borrowing heavily leans on trust and existing relationships, digital credit thrives on convenience and speed. Urbanisation, rising smartphone penetration, and government initiatives to improve digital infrastructure bolster this trend towards digital credit.

    Accessibility and Financial Inclusion

    One of the most significant changes is the enhanced financial inclusion brought about by digital credit. More individuals, especially younger generations and those residing in urban areas, now have ready access to loans. The digital nature has also paves the way for micro-loans, aiding small entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures.

    Innovation in Credit Assessment

    Digital lenders utilise big data analytics, AI, and machine learning to predict creditworthiness, which allows for a broader spectrum of borrowers to qualify for loans. Traditional banks, conversely, still rely heavily on CIBIL scores, often alienating those without conventional credit histories.

    The Human Element: Are We Losing It?

    An interesting dilemma observed in the shift towards digital credit is the loss of the ‘human touch.’ In traditional settings, the interaction with a bank manager or moneylender offered a personal rapport and understanding of individual circumstances, which digital interfaces lack. This personal connection can sometimes make a crucial difference, especially in renegotiating terms during financial hardships.

    Challenges in the Digital Space

    Despite its advantages, digital lending is not without challenges:

    1. Data Privacy Concerns: With personal data now being crucial to credit assessment, concerns around data privacy and security are at the forefront. There is always a risk of data misuse or breaches. 

    2. Digital Literacy and Access: While urban regions embrace digital credit swiftly, rural populations lag due to limited access to internet services and digital education. 

    3. Overborrowing Risks: The ease of obtaining an Online Personal Loan could lead some individuals to accumulate debt beyond manageable levels, highlighting the need for careful financial planning and education.

    The Future of Borrowing in India

    The future of borrowing in India is undeniably digital, but not without retaining the core values that traditional borrowing emphasised. The ideal scenario would perhaps be a seamless integration of the two—where digital platforms incorporate human elements, offering personalisation, flexibility, and compassionate customer service. 
    Digital lenders are beginning to take note, introducing AI-driven customer service bots that try to simulate human interaction, and offering hybrid models with physical outposts for those who prefer face-to-face interaction.

    Conclusion: Charting Your Financial Path

    In the grand scheme of things, whether one opts for a traditional loan or an Online Personal Loan depends largely on individual circumstances, preferences, and needs. It’s essential, however, to remain informed, aware, and prudent in any borrowing decision.

    The landscape of borrowing will continue to evolve as technological advancements propel us into newer dimensions of digital credit. As borrowers, staying adaptable and embracing change while safeguarding one’s financial interests will be key.

    Reflecting on this transformation invites us to ask: Are we poised to embrace a digital future, or should we hold on to the trusted traditions of the past? The choice ultimately lies in striking a balance that best suits our financial journeys.

  • Libas spins festive magic with 1 lakh orders day one

    Libas spins festive magic with 1 lakh orders day one

    MUMBAI: When it comes to festive fashion, Libas is clearly on a roll. The ultrafast fashion brand clocked over 1,00,000 orders on the very first day of its seasonal sale, translating to more than 50 orders every minute across its website, app, and leading marketplaces.

    The frenzy was led by Libas’ most-loved collections: kurtas, kurta Sets, co-ords, loungewear, and sarees, reinforcing its status as a go-to destination for contemporary Indian wear that blends style, comfort, and accessibility. The recently rolled out GST 2.0 reforms, lowering tax slabs for mass fashion apparel, gave shoppers an added reason to click “buy now,” fuelling the festive momentum.

    “Crossing 1,00,000 orders on day one is a testament to the trust our customers place in us,” said Libas founder & CEO Sidhant Keshwani. “Our focus on speed, agility, and consumer-centricity has helped us scale ultrafast fashion in India. The GST reforms have only added cheer, making festive shopping more exciting than ever.”

    With 50 plus exclusive brand stores, a strong digital presence, and an omnichannel strategy, Libas continues to push boundaries in the Indian fashion landscape. This record-setting start cements its place as one of the fastest-growing brands catering to modern, style-savvy women.

  • Zee News unveils India’s first media-led deepfake detection system

    Zee News unveils India’s first media-led deepfake detection system

    MUMBAI: Truth just got a new tech ally. Zee News, in collaboration with Neural Defend, has rolled out India’s first AI-powered deepfake verification system for the news media, putting advanced fact-checking directly in the hands of citizens.

    The initiative comes at a time when deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation are fast eroding public trust. Studies reveal that nearly 96 per cent of manipulated videos slip past the average viewer undetected, threatening journalism and democracy alike. By offering a simple drag-and-drop interface where users can upload videos, images, or audio files for instant verification, Zee News is making authenticity accessible to everyone.

    Unveiling the platform during a prime-time broadcast, managing editor Rahul Sinha urged viewers to test any suspicious video themselves. “Trust is the new benchmark,” added  ZMCL marketing head Anindya Khare, noting that the system not only safeguards audiences, particularly younger, digital-first viewers but also provides advertisers with a brand-safe environment rooted in credibility.

    On the tech front, ZMCL CTO Vijayant Kumar explained that Neural Defend’s AI engine can detect even the most sophisticated manipulations within seconds. “This is not just innovation for today but a safeguard for tomorrow’s information ecosystem,” he said.

    By integrating deepfake detection across TV, web, and digital platforms, Zee News is cementing its position as a technology-first newsroom, one that is not only reporting the truth but also helping audiences verify it.

     

  • boAt hands the helm to its chief operating officer

    boAt hands the helm to its chief operating officer

    MUMBAI: When you’ve built India’s top audio wearables brand from scratch, knowing when to step aside takes nerve. Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta, co-founders of boAt, are doing just that.

    Imagine Marketing Ltd owner of the boAt brand, announced on Monday that Gaurav Nayyar will take over as chief executive, marking a shift from founder-led management to professional leadership. Nayyar, who has served as chief operating officer for three years, brings two decades of strategic nous, including an eight-year stint as partner at Bain & Co.

    The reshuffle sees Mehta move to executive director, where he’ll focus on long-term strategy whilst supporting Nayyar’s transition. Gupta, who built boAt’s marketing firepower and brand swagger as chief marketing officer, will remain a non-executive director, keeping a hand on the tiller without running the ship.

    “This transition reflects the natural evolution of boAt as we further professionalise and position ourselves for the opportunities ahead,” said Mehta, who led the company as chief executive through recent years of expansion into manufacturing and adjacent product categories.

    Nayyar, inheriting a company that dominates India’s audio wearables market (number one by shipments, according to IDC data), struck a modest note: “I am honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading boAt into its next chapter. Sameer has done an exceptional job strengthening our core, building product adjacencies and setting up our India manufacturing footprint.”

    Gupta, whose marketing chops helped boAt disrupt India’s audio industry with boldly designed, affordably priced gear aimed at young consumers, said: “I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and equally excited to see Gaurav take the helm.”

    boAt’s portfolio spans audio gear, smartwatches, grooming gadgets and mobile accessories. Backed by Warburg Pincus, Malabar Investments and Fireside Ventures, the company partners with Qualcomm and Dolby on product innovation and operates offices in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

    The move signals boAt’s bet on professional management to capitalise on India’s booming consumer technology market—a multi-decade opportunity that requires institutional muscle, not just founder flair.

  • Colgate’s Bright Idea hits 2 billion smiles globally, 185 million in India

    Colgate’s Bright Idea hits 2 billion smiles globally, 185 million in India

    MUMBAI: A smile really does go a long way in Colgate’s case, 2 billion smiles. The oral care giant has announced that its flagship initiative and CSR arm, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF), has now reached over 2 billion children worldwide. In India alone, more than 185 million children and families have already been touched by the programme’s message of preventive oral health.

    Launched in 1991, BSBF has become one of the world’s largest oral health education drives, offering not just toothbrushes and toothpaste but also something far more powerful: awareness. By partnering with governments, NGOs, schools and dentists, Colgate has helped make brushing and oral hygiene a priority in communities that often lack access to even the basics of dental care.

    In India, where tooth decay and gum disease remain stubbornly common, the programme is working closely with state education and health departments in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Goa. Each year, the aim is to reach over 10 million more children and their families, spreading the habit of brushing and the confidence that comes with a healthy smile.

    “As India shifts from reactive to preventive healthcare, public-private-policy partnerships are critical,” said Colgate-Palmolive director – esg & communications Shilpashree Muniswamappa. “Our programme is a shining example of how collaboration can inspire lasting behaviour change.”

    From bustling metros to the remotest villages, Colgate’s vision is clear: every child deserves the chance to flash a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. And with 2 billion already reached, it’s proof that even the smallest habit, brushing your teeth twice a day can create truly world-changing results.

  • Sania serves aces in style as Allen Solly’s first womenswear ambassador

    Sania serves aces in style as Allen Solly’s first womenswear ambassador

    MUMBAI: When sport meets style, the result is nothing short of smashing. Allen Solly Woman, from the house of Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL), has signed on none other than tennis legend and global fashion icon Sania Mirza as its first-ever brand ambassador. It’s a partnership that brings together aces and accessories, forehands and fashion, under one confident banner.

    Sania needs no introduction. From becoming the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title to collecting a cabinet of honours including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2015 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016, she has been a pioneer on court and an inspiration off it. Just as effortlessly, she has evolved into a style icon, blending athletic grit with elegance and individuality, embodying the very essence Allen Solly Woman seeks to celebrate.

    “Allen Solly has always encouraged people to express themselves freely, something I deeply connect with,” said Sania Mirza. “I’ve lived life on my own terms, both on and off the court, and I am excited to partner with a brand that champions confidence and style for today’s women.”

    For the brand, the moment marks a milestone. “We are delighted to welcome Sania Mirza as the face of Allen Solly Womenswear,” said Allen Solly Chief Business Officer Richa Pai. “Sania is a true icon who has broken barriers and inspired women to define success on their own terms. Her blend of confidence, style, and individuality perfectly reflects what Allen Solly stands for. This partnership opens a new chapter for us, one that celebrates women who embrace diversity and self-expression.”

    Allen Solly Womenswear has already carved a reputation for rewriting the rulebook on women’s fashion. It pioneered workwear that married professionalism with contemporary flair, created casualwear that resonates with youthful energy, and built one of the largest handbag collections in India. Now, with Sania as its face, the brand is ready to serve an even bolder narrative.

    A new campaign film featuring Sania Mirza is set to launch soon, bringing this partnership alive with the same energy she displayed on court, a mix of passion, confidence, and individuality.

    From Wimbledon whites to wardrobe whites, Sania Mirza has always been about making her presence felt. With Allen Solly, she’s not just playing the game, she’s setting the style.

  • Redberyl blends luxury living with world-class healthcare

    Redberyl blends luxury living with world-class healthcare

    MUMBAI: When luxury meets longevity, Redberyl steps up the game. India’s premier lifestyle management company has announced an exclusive partnership with Chiron Health Partners, introducing healthcare as the newest jewel in its portfolio of elite services. With this launch, Redberyl members gain privileged access to top-tier Indian and global medical expertise, ensuring that well-being is delivered with the same finesse as bespoke travel, fine dining, and curated experiences.

    Founder and CEO Manoj Adlakha explained, “True luxury extends beyond indulgence, it encompasses peace of mind and proactive health. By adding a dedicated medical access pillar, Redberyl bridges lifestyle with healthcare, offering Members and their families unparalleled support.”

    Through the alliance, members can access 24 by 7 guidance from a curated network of specialists, prioritised hospital care, and seamless consultation across India and international centres of excellence. Affiliation with Harfield Health London further opens doors to advanced programs, second opinions, and personalised preventive health plans.

    Chiron Health Partners co-founder Sidharth Sahni, emphasised the philosophy behind the partnership, “Health is not just surviving disease, it’s thriving at every stage of life. We offer world-class expertise with a deeply personal approach so our members feel guided and cared for, always.” Adding a global perspective, University College London’s professor of cardiology John Deanfield said, “The future of medicine lies in prediction and prevention. This partnership empowers Members to take control of their health, combining science, foresight, and personalised guidance for a healthier future.”

    Redberyl’s move reinforces its leadership in redefining luxury living by integrating wellness and healthcare into its premium offerings. From bespoke travel to VIP access and now world-class medical care, the company continues to set new benchmarks for holistic luxury experiences.

  • Men of Platinum gives fans a rare face-to-face with Dhoni

    Men of Platinum gives fans a rare face-to-face with Dhoni

    MUMBAI: When admiration meets access, Men of Platinum scores a six. The brand has launched Moment With Mahi, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to meet cricket legend MS Dhoni. Platinum Guild International (PGI) India’s men’s jewellery brand takes its partnership with the iconic captain a step further, blending fandom, platinum, and unforgettable experiences into a single campaign.

    Anchored in the MS Dhoni Signature Edition collection, launched last October, the initiative allows fans to own a piece of the legend while getting the chance to meet him in person. The campaign film opens with the roar of stadiums and young fans perfecting Dhoni’s helicopter shot on local grounds, weaving through murals, glowing high-rises, and match-winning moments on screens across the country. The narrative builds to an emotional climax: fans encountering their hero face-to-face.

    PGI-India consumer marketing director Sujala Martis said, “Fans don’t just follow idols, they live their stories. With the MS Dhoni Signature Edition and  Moment With Mahi, we’ve transformed admiration into access, offering a rare chance to meet the legend while celebrating the festive season.”

    Famous Innovation executive creative director Tenzin Wangdi added, “Dhoni represents the rare values Men of Platinum stands for: composure, courage, and inner strength. This campaign turns long-distance admiration into an intimate, unforgettable experience for fans.”

    The campaign debuts across digital platforms, television, print, outdoor, and retail points, ensuring Moment With Mahi becomes a cultural conversation online and offline. Crafted from 95 per cent pure platinum and etched with Dhoni’s signature, the collection not only celebrates cricketing excellence but also connects fans to the enduring legacy of a sporting icon.

    This festive season, Men of Platinum proves that true rarity lies not just in precious metal, but in moments that last a lifetime.

  • Climate-conscious marketing startup bags $2m to fix advertising’s waste problem

    Climate-conscious marketing startup bags $2m to fix advertising’s waste problem

    MUMBAI: Nearly two-fifths of the $1 trillion sloshed around global advertising each year vanishes into the ether—wasted on botched targeting, feeble creative and sheer duplication. Climaty AI reckons it can plug the leak.
    The Dubai-based startup, which bills itself as the world’s first “CliMarTech” company, has secured $2m in early-stage funding led by Turbostart to build what it calls an agentic AI ecosystem—self-learning marketing infrastructure that optimises campaigns in real time whilst measuring their carbon footprint.

    Founded by Neel Pandya, former chief executive of AI startup Pixis (which he helped scale to $225m in funding), Climaty AI deploys four AI-powered agents—Campaign Builder, Creator, Optimizer and Analytics—to automate the grunt work and free media planners to focus on strategy rather than spreadsheets.

    The funding will bankroll expansion across Asia-Pacific, EMEA, Britain and north America, where demand for sustainable marketing is climbing. Climaty AI has already run pilots with Opella and tested its platform across edtech, consumer healthcare, automotive and consumer goods sectors.

    “Marketing platforms of the future will combine performance with accountability. Climaty AI is shaping this new standard with CliMarTech and agentic AI,” said Bengaluru-based venture and accelerator fund Turbostart founder Ganesh Raju. 

    Pandya, who spent two decades at L’Oréal, Vodafone and GroupM before diving into AI, argued that the most successful brands will treat accountability as a performance driver rather than a cost centre. “Agentic AI and sustainability are at the core of everything we do,” he said.

    The pitch: smarter campaigns, measurable results, and a smaller carbon footprint—performance and responsibility in one package. Whether agencies and brands buy it remains to be seen, but with $370 billion going up in smoke annually, there’s certainly room for improvement.