MUMBAI: Some friendships are made in heaven; others are coded in Mumbai. Hamara Vinayak, the first-ever digital original from Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Swastik Stories, turns the divine into the delightful, serving up a story that’s equal parts start-up hustle and spiritual hustle.

Some tech start-ups chase unicorns. This one already has a god on board. Hamara Vinayak takes the leap from temple bells to notification pings and it does so with heart, humour and a healthy dose of the divine.
At its core, the show asks a simple but audacious question: what if God wasn’t up there, but right beside you, maybe even debugging your life over a cup of chai?

The show’s tagline, “God isn’t distant… He’s your closest friend” perfectly captures its quirky soul. Across its first two episodes, screened exclusively for media in Mumbai, the series proves that enlightenment can come with a good punchline.

The series follows a group of ambitious young entrepreneurs running a Mumbai-based tech start-up that lets people around the world book exclusive virtual poojas at India’s most revered shrines. But as their app grows, so do their ethical grey zones. Into this chaos walks Vinayak, played with soulful serenity and sly wit by the charming Namit Das, a young man whose calm smile hides something celestial. 

He’s got the peaceful look of a saint but the wit of someone who could out-think your favourite stand-up comic. Around him spins a crew of dream-driven youngsters – Luv Vispute, Arnav Bhasin, Vaidehi Nair and Saloni Daini who run a Mumbai-based tech start-up offering devotees across the world the chance to book “exclusive” poojas at India’s most sacred shrines. It’s a business plan that blends belief and broadband – and, as the story unfolds, also tests the moral compass of its ambitious founders.

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“The first time I read the script, I found the character very pretty,” Namit joked at the post-screening interaction. “It’s a beautiful thought that God isn’t distant, he’s your closest friend. And playing Vinayak, you feel that calm but also his cleverness. He’s the friend who makes you think.”

The reactions to the series ranged from smiles to sighs of wonder. Viewers were charmed by the show’s sincerity and sparkle, a quality that stems from its creator’s belief that faith can be funny without being frivolous.

Among the cast, Luv Vispute shines brightest, his comic timing adding sparkle to the show’s more reflective beats. But what keeps Hamara Vinayak engaging is the easy rhythm of its writing – one moment touching, the next teasing, always gently reminding us that spirituality doesn’t have to be solemn.

Luv spoke fondly of his long association with Swastik. “Since my first show was with Swastik, this feels like home,” he said. “Every project with them is positive, feel-good, and this one just had such a different vibe. I truly feel blessed.”

Saloni Daini, who brings infectious warmth to her role, added that she signed up the moment she heard the show was about “Bappa.”

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“We shot during the Ganpati festival,” she recalled. “The energy on set was incredible festive, faithful, and full of laughter. It’s such a relatable story for our generation: chaos, friendship, love, kindness, and faith all mixed together.”

Vaidehi Nair and Arnav Bhasin complete the ensemble, each representing different shades of ambition and morality in the start-up’s journey. Their camaraderie is easy and believable, a testament to how much the cast connected off-screen as well.

This clever fusion of mythology and modernity plays to India’s two enduring loves, entertainment and faith. Mythology has long been the comfort zone of Indian storytellers, from the televised epics of the 1980s to the glossy remakes that still command prime-time TRPs. For decades, gods have been our most bankable heroes. But Hamara Vinayak tweaks the formula not by preaching, but by laughing with its characters, and sometimes, at their confusion about where divinity ends and data begins.

Creator Siddharth Kumar Tewary, long hailed as Indian television’s myth-maker for shows like Mahabharat, Radha Krishn and Porus, explained the show’s intent with characteristic clarity, “This is our first story where we are talking directly to the audience, not through a platform,” he said. “We wanted to connect young people with our culture to say that God isn’t someone you only worship; He’s your friend, walking beside you, even when you take the wrong path. The story may be simple, but the thought is big.”

That blend of philosophy and playfulness runs through the show. “We had to keep asking ourselves why we’re doing this,” Tewary added. “It’s tricky to make something positive and spiritual for the OTT audience, they’ve changed, they want nuance, not sermons. But when the purpose is clear, everything else aligns.”

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For the creator of some of Indian TV’s most lavish spectacles, Hamara Vinayak marks a refreshing tonal shift. Here, Tewary trades celestial kingdoms for co-working spaces and cosmic battles for office banter. Yet his signature remains: an eye for allegory, a love for faith-infused storytelling, and an understanding that belief is most powerful when it feels personal.

Hamara Vinayak, after all, feels less like a sermon and more like a conversation over chai about what success means, what faith costs, and why even the gods might be rooting for a start-up’s Series A round.

As Namit Das reflected during the Q&A, “Life gives us many magical, divine moments we just forget to notice them. Sometimes even through a phone screen, you see something that redirects you. That’s a Vinayak moment.”

The series also mirrors a larger cultural pivot. As audiences migrate from television to OTT, myth-inspired tales are finding new form and flexibility online. The digital screen lets creators like Tewary reinvent the genre, giving ancient ideas a modern interface, without losing the emotional charge that’s made mythology India’s storytelling backbone for decades.

In a country where faith trends faster than any hashtag, Hamara Vinayak feels both familiar and refreshingly new, a comedy that’s blessed with heart, humour and just enough philosophy to keep the binge holy.

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For a country where mythology remains the oldest streaming service, Tewary’s move from TV to OTT feels both natural and necessary. Indian storytellers have always turned to gods for drama, guidance and TRPs from Ramayan and Mahabharat on Doordarshan to glossy mytho-dramas on prime time. But digital platforms allow creators to remix reverence with realism, and in Hamara Vinayak, faith gets an interface upgrade.

The result is a show that feels like a warm chat with destiny, part comedy, part contemplation. And in an age of cynicism, that’s no small miracle.

As Tewary put it, smiling at his cast, “The message had to be positive. We just wanted to remind people that even in chaos, God hasn’t unfriended you.”

With 5 episodes planned, Hamara Vinayak promises to keep walking that fine line between laughter and light. It’s mythology with memes, devotion with dialogue, and a digital-age reminder that even the cloud has a silver lining or perhaps, a divine one.

If the first two episodes are any sign, the show doesn’t just bridge heaven and earth, it gives both a Wi-Fi connection.

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MUMBAI: Mother’s Day 2025  (11 May 2025) is turning into a celebration spree as brands across sectors poured their hearts into campaigns that were equal parts fun, heartfelt, and memorable. Whether it was through tasty treats, chaotic family moments, or poignant life lessons, this year’s Mother’s Day ad blitz was a masterclass in connecting with the audience.

Blue Tribe Foods: A plant-powered party with a purpose

At Avi Smart Park, Andheri West, Blue Tribe Foods turned Mother’s Day into a celebration of sustainability and deliciousness. The brand, known for its plant-based food products, brought together over 100 guests—mums, kids, influencers, and celebrities—for a fun-filled evening of guilt-free indulgence.

Nikki Arora Singh, Co-founder of Blue Tribe Foods, led the event, personally engaging with guests and sharing the brand’s mission of making sustainable food choices a part of everyday life. Her warm presence added a personal touch, making attendees feel welcome and connected to the brand’s ethos.

Guests were treated to a mouth-watering selection of Blue Tribe’s plant-based delights, including crispy nuggets, juicy kebabs, flavour-packed soya chaap, and sweet potato fries. The spread was a hit, especially among the kids, who kept coming back for more. But the event wasn’t just about eating—it was about learning.
In a clever twist, Blue Tribe hosted a colourful puppet show for the youngest guests, using playful characters to teach them about sustainability and the impact of their food choices. Kids laughed, clapped, and—without even realising it—learned how they could help save the planet one bite at a time.

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The event’s star power was elevated by the presence of celebrities like singer and actor Shweta Pandit and TV actress Jaswir Kaur, who added glamour to the evening. But at its heart, the event was a community gathering—an opportunity for Blue Tribe to showcase its commitment to a greener future while creating lasting memories for mums and kids alike.

Pepperfry: celebrating the lovable chaos of family life

Furniture and home decor giant Pepperfry took a different route, leaning into the sweet chaos of family life with its Mother’s Day campaign titled Trying to Get It Right.  The ad, a humorous and heartwarming slice of family life, captures a classic scene: a well-meaning dad and his enthusiastic kids attempting to give mum the perfect Mother’s Day experience.

The film begins with the young son proudly announcing “the plan” for the day—a perfect breakfast in bed (which quickly turns into a mess), a no-mess afternoon (that’s anything but), and a veggie-loaded dinner (with a side of drama). But as the dad and kids stumble through their well-intentioned efforts, it becomes clear that perfection is not the goal—love is.

Pepperfry smartly weaves its products into the storyline—from the stylish breakfast table used for the morning surprise to the elegant crockery and plush silk pillow covers that subtly elevate each scene. The message is clear: it’s not about getting everything right—it’s about trying, together.

The ad’s relatable humour, combined with a heartfelt message, struck a chord with families, making it a memorable and shareable Mother’s Day moment.

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Ashok Leyland: honouring the quiet strength of mothers

Ashok Leyland, the commercial vehicle giant, took a more profound approach with its Mother’s Day campaign, celebrating the quiet heroism of mothers—their unwavering dedication, resilience, and protective spirit. 

 The campaign used powerful storytelling to draw a parallel between the strength of mothers and the reliability of Ashok Leyland vehicles.

The film opens with simple, everyday scenes of mothers silently supporting their families—packing lunch boxes, staying up late to help with homework, ensuring everyone is safe on the road. As the narrative unfolds, the connection becomes clear: just as Ashok Leyland’s vehicles keep people safe and secure on the road, mothers are the silent guardians of their families.

The campaign balances emotional storytelling with a clear brand message, making it a tribute to both mothers and the brand’s core values of dependability and strength.

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Nova Dairy: nostalgia in every sip with #GlassFullofLove

Nova Dairy chose to celebrate Mother’s Day with a splash of nostalgia through its #glassfulloflove campaign. The campaign invites users to share their favourite memories of mums making them drink their daily glass of milk—an experience that almost every Indian child can relate to.

Running from May 11 to May 13, the campaign encourages participants to post photos or reels of their cherished milk memories on social media, using the hashtag #GlassFullofLove. The most touching entries will be featured on Nova Dairy’s Instagram page, with the best one taking centre stage.

For Nova Dairy, the campaign isn’t just about promoting a product—it’s about celebrating the everyday acts of love that mothers perform. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest gestures, like ensuring kids drink milk, are the ones that leave the deepest impact.

Ravin Saluja, Director of Sterling Agro Industries Ltd, summed it up perfectly: “Mothers have always been the cornerstone of our families, ensuring our well-being with simple acts of love, like reminding us to drink our daily glass of milk. Through this campaign, we aim to celebrate these everyday moments that hold a special place in our hearts.”

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Kotak Life’s Viraasat: the quiet legacy of a mother’s wisdom

Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance struck an emotional chord with its Viraasat campaign, a tribute to the priceless lessons mothers pass down to their children. Conceptualised in collaboration with creative partner Wondrlab, the campaign moves away from sentimental clichés and instead celebrates the everyday wisdom that becomes a mother’s true legacy.

The film beautifully captures how mums teach life’s most important lessons—not through grand speeches but in quiet, consistent actions. Whether it’s the habit of saving money, the value of honesty, or the importance of resilience, these lessons shape who we become.

“A mother’s true legacy lies in the way she shapes hearts and minds. Her values don’t just stay with us—they become us,” said Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance CMO Ashish Nair. With its poignant storytelling and relatable theme, the Viraasat campaign resonates deeply, reminding viewers that the greatest inheritance we receive isn’t wealth—it’s wisdom.

Siyaram’s: The only call that matters

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Siyaram’s brought a tear to many eyes with its campaign, which emphasised that in a world of constant notifications, a mother’s call is the one we can’t ignore. The film’s honest storytelling and real-life situations made it a moving tribute to maternal love.

Heritage Foods: Learning over winning

Heritage Foods embraced the nurturing power of mothers with ‘The Power of Learning over Winning.’ The campaign highlighted how mums teach values, patience, and growth over medals, reminding us that real success is measured in life lessons.

Nissan India: Unstoppable mums

Nissan Motor India’s campaign was a tribute to the spirit of modern mums who balance countless roles — from being caregivers to achievers. The film shattered stereotypes, showing real mums who are confident, resilient, and unapologetically themselves.

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Navneet Education: Mums as first teachers

Navneet’s campaign celebrated mothers as the first and most important teachers. The film beautifully captured quiet, everyday moments where mums taught their children — from school lessons to life skills — proving that learning begins at home.

Sujata Appliances: #MaaToWohBhiHai

Sujata Appliances honoured not just biological mothers but also nannies, caregivers, and women who mother in spirit through their #MaaToWohBhiHai campaign. It was a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes who nurture without the title.

From Blue Tribe Foods’ plant-powered celebration to Nova Dairy’s nostalgic milk memories, from Pepperfry’s humorous chaos to Kotak Life’s heartfelt wisdom—this year’s Mother’s Day campaigns were a masterclass in creative storytelling. Brands didn’t just advertise—they connected, celebrated, and left a mark.

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MUMBAI: Veteran television executive Nandini Singh is burning the midnight oil these days, but not just for business. As executive consultant at CJ ENM, South Korea’s entertainment powerhouse, Singh is not only driving market expansion in India but also mastering the intricacies of the Korean language. Guided by her dedicated colleague and boss, Seb Dohyun Kim, she engages in late-night lessons in Hangul, fully immersing herself in the cultural world she now represents.

Her new role is a dream come true. 

“From K-drama to more K-drama!” she exclaims. “Joining CJ ENM was like stepping into my dream Korean drama company.” 

Singh’s position at the global entertainment giant places her at the forefront of bridging the gap between two entertainment-loving nations, introducing Korean storytelling to Indian audiences on a grand scale. Beyond television, she is embracing all aspects of Korean culture—content, cosmetics, cuisine, and K-pop—bringing a new wave of Hallyu to India.

Singh’s illustrious career spans over two decades, during which she has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s television landscape. Before joining CJ ENM in August 2024, she spent 18 years at Disney Star, where she held several leadership roles. 

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As general manager, she spearheaded a remarkable turnaround for a regional channel Star Pravah  in Maharashtra, increasing its market share from 13 per cent to 52 per cent and driving revenue growth sixfold.
In 2018, she led the launch of Star Bharat, Disney Star’s first free-to-air channel, crafting a brand identity rooted in national pride. The channel quickly became a household name, establishing itself as India’s leading urban and rural entertainment brand within just eight months.

Her tenure at Disney Star also saw her driving the growth of a portfolio of six English-language channels, overseeing sales, marketing, content acquisition, and partnerships with Hollywood studios. As Business Head of Star Movies, she launched the premium offering Star Movies Select HD in 2015, targeting India’s top-tier households and redefining Hollywood content consumption in the country.

Earlier in her career, Singh played a crucial role in programming strategy for Star Plus, aligning sales, acquisition, marketing, and communication to relaunch the brand in 2010. Her strategic approach to slot management boosted non-original programming viewership by 40 per cent, earning her the prestigious ‘Star Achiever’ award that year.

Her expertise extends to advertising sales, where, as Vice President of Sales, she developed long-tail sales strategies for regional channels, bringing in 40 new clients from sectors including FMCG, education, and real estate. She also pioneered ‘Star Scribble,’ an online sales training programme, which achieved a 99 per cent completion rate among participants.

Now at CJ ENM, Singh is leveraging her extensive experience to drive market expansion and business development in India. Her deep understanding of consumer behaviour, honed through years of research and media planning at Mindshare and Disney Star, positions her perfectly to bridge the gap between Korean content and Indian audiences.

Her transition from Indian dramas  to Hallyu appears seamless, given her track record in handling diverse entertainment markets. Singh’s success in managing English-language channels catering to India’s elite households has given her a unique ability to make foreign content relatable to Indian audiences—a skill that will prove invaluable in her new role.

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The perks of her position extend beyond just television content. “The best part is getting access to all things Korean—content, cosmetics, food, K-pop,” Singh shares, highlighting the cultural immersion that comes with the job.

As she embarks on this exciting journey, Singh remains committed to her mission of making high-quality Korean entertainment accessible to a wider Indian audience. With late-night language lessons and a growing passion for Korean culture, she is not just working to bring K-dramas to India—she is fully embracing the world of K-content herself. 

Her late-night Korean language sessions with Kim symbolise a broader shift in global media consumption patterns, where cultural boundaries are increasingly blurred, and Asian content continues its march onto the world stage.