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Tag: Aditya Birla Group

  • Applause Entertainment hits a hat-trick with streaming blockbusters in 2025

    Applause Entertainment hits a hat-trick with streaming blockbusters in 2025

    MUMBAI: It’s applause all the way for Applause Entertainment, the Aditya Birla Group-backed content powerhouse, as it scores three back-to-back streaming hits in the first half of the year. With Black Warrant on Netflix, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter on JioHotstar, and The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case on Sony LIV, the studio has cemented its grip on India’s OTT throne.

    Each show didn’t just top viewing charts, they trended, triggered conversations, and won over both audiences and critics alike.

    As the studio preps to blow out eight candles this August, its track record is already worthy of a standing ovation. With 55+ titles under its belt, spanning scam sagas (Scam 1992), courtroom thrillers (Criminal Justice), political dramas (Tanaav), and now real-crime docuseries (Black Warrant) Applause is proving to be more than just prolific. It’s relentlessly fearless.

    And the curtain isn’t falling anytime soon. Applause’s future slate includes fresh seasons, original films, documentaries, and the much-anticipated Hansal Mehta-directed Gandhi series. All signs point to a studio scripting a legacy with ambition, artistic risk, and audience obsession at its core.

    Reflecting on the studio’s recent successes, Applause Entertainment managing director, Sameer Nair. “At Applause, our job is to keep telling stories – ambitious, audacious, disruptive, and rooted in their imagined reality. The medium may change but strong storytelling always finds its way to audiences. Black Warrant with Vikramaditya Motwane, Criminal Justice with Rohan Sippy, and The Hunt with Nagesh Kukunoor, each tackle very different worlds, yet they’ve all struck a chord. That’s the thrill of this game; not just chasing hits but working with diverse creators to build a body of work that entertains audiences and creates memories. For us, it’s about staying curious, taking creative risks, and constantly raising the bar.”  

    In a content landscape crowded with noise, Applause isn’t just creating content, it’s creating conversation. And in 2025, it’s clearly got everyone talking.
     

  • India’s monuments get a colourful glow-up with Birla Opus campaign

    India’s monuments get a colourful glow-up with Birla Opus campaign

    MUMBAI: What do you get when a curious little boy meets an unclickable monument? A splash of imagination, a burst of colour and a nation reminded of its timeless beauty. Birla Opus Paints, under Grasim Industries of the Aditya Birla Group, has launched the next chapter of its “Duniya Ko Rang Do” story with a stunning new campaign titled Celebrating Colours of India.

    This time, the animated Opus Boy returns to brighten not just walls but history itself, beginning with the Gateway of India. In the film, a disheartened street photographer struggles to draw attention to the monument. That’s when our pint-sized hero steps in with a colourful transformation giving the colonial arch a vibrant makeover that captivates onlookers and rekindles national pride.

    The campaign showcases the power of paint to transform not only spaces but also perspectives. It builds on the emotional tone and animation style of the earlier brand launch, but dials it up to a national scale turning iconic monuments into canvases of creativity.

    “The film reinforces the influence of colours and our commitment to beautify spaces while contributing to the national spirit and pride,” said Birla Opus Paints CEO Rakshit Hargave.

    Taking the message a step further, Birla Opus Paints head of marketing Inderpreet Singh added, “By showcasing the potential of our paints with places of heritage and deep cultural significance, we aim to create a powerful story of hope reminding every Indian of the beauty around them.”

    Crafted by Leo India and brought to visual life by Brazil’s Zombie Studios, the film uses rich 3D animation to set an immersive mood. “The grandeur and timelessness of the Gateway make it a perfect canvas,” said Leo India chief creative officer Sachin Kamble. “It’s about inspiring viewers to see the familiar through a transformative lens.”

    The campaign is now live across TV, digital, print, radio, and OOH. And yes, the Gateway of India may be made of stone, but Opus shows us how it can still make hearts bloom.

  • Gold swap gets smarter with Indriya’s zero deduction exchange offer

    Gold swap gets smarter with Indriya’s zero deduction exchange offer

    MUMBAI: Why let your old gold gather dust when it can shine anew without losing a single rupee? Indriya, the Aditya Birla Group’s fine jewellery brand, has unveiled ‘Smart gold exchange’, a bold nationwide initiative that offers India’s only zero-deduction policy on old gold, starting from 14kt upwards. Whether it’s a well-worn 14kt trinket or a family heirloom in 22kt, customers can now exchange their pre-loved gold jewellery at full market value, with absolutely no hidden charges or deductions, a rare promise in an industry notorious for its fine print. The initiative reimagines the traditional exchange process with a sharp focus on transparency, trust, and transformation.

    “At Indriya, we believe trust is the most precious element in every piece of jewellery,” said Indriya CEO Sandeep Kohli. “With this initiative, customers can upgrade to our new collections without losing value. It’s seamless, smart, and sincere.”

    The exchange scheme is now available at all 25 Indriya stores across India, including:

    . Delhi (5)

    .  Hyderabad (4)

    .  Mumbai & Pune (3 each)

    .  Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna (2 each)

    . Indore, Surat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (1 each)

    The campaign doesn’t just appeal to those seeking a style refresh, it targets a broader shift in consumer behaviour, where value retention and brand transparency are gaining currency. By removing deductions regardless of karatage and keeping the process fuss-free, Indriya is not just offering new jewellery, it’s offering peace of mind.

    With the Smart gold exchange, the brand adds sparkle not only to jewellery boxes, but also to the way Indians think about their old gold as an asset ready to be reimagined, not reduced.
     

  • Brand new day as Epic Brand Map goes global with India as launchpad

    Brand new day as Epic Brand Map goes global with India as launchpad

     MUMBAI: What’s in a brand? Quite a lot, if you ask the folks at the newly minted Epic Brand Institute. The Epic Brand Institute (EBI) has officially stepped onto the global stage with the public launch of its flagship framework the Epic Brand Map (EBM), a system designed to bring Evocativeness, Precision, Insight and Clarity (yes, that’s EPIC) to the chaotic world of brand-building.

    Already battle-tested by corporate heavyweights like the Tata Group, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance, Mahindra, HCL, and international giants like Coca-cola, Medtronic, Sun Life Financial, Mars, Walmart and Nokia, the framework is finally being made available to the wider world of founders, marketers, consultants and creatives.

    Created by global brand strategist Saurabh Uboweja, also the founder of BOD Consulting, the EBM will now form the core of EBI’s in-person training cohorts. The first will be hosted in New Delhi from 9–11 June 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, and a second will follow in Dubai from 19–21 September 2025.

    “We’re launching not just a course, but a global movement,” said Uboweja. “After years of working behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in business, we’re now opening the EPIC Brand Map to a new generation of brand-led business builders.”

    The inaugural Delhi edition will be an intimate affair, limited to 30 handpicked founders and practitioners looking to sharpen their brand-building acumen. Dubai, meanwhile, is set to attract a mix of Middle East and South Asian brand professionals hoping to join the ranks of EPIC strategists.

    With storytelling getting louder, attention spans shrinking, and differentiation harder than ever, EBI’s pitch is simple stop winging it and start mapping it. The message is clear: if your brand strategy feels like a game of darts in the dark, it might be time to go EPIC.

  • Vi for victory? spectrum swaps, ARPU hikes and 5G boost Vodafone Idea

    Vi for victory? spectrum swaps, ARPU hikes and 5G boost Vodafone Idea

    MUMBAI: The fourth quarter of FY25 brought a much-needed signal boost for Vodafone Idea (Vi), as the beleaguered telco dialled up its strongest financial performance in years powered by equity infusions, spectrum-to-stock swaps, and an aggressive push into 5G and rural expansion.

    For the fiscal year ended 31 March 2025, Vi reported revenue of Rs 435.7 billion, marking a 2.2 per cent year-on-year increase. More notably, its annual cash EBITDA (pre-Ind AS 116) rose 9.5 per cent to Rs 92 billion, a third straight year of growth. The company’s Q4FY25 revenue hit Rs 110.1 billion, its highest average daily revenue in five years.

    But it’s not just numbers that changed. In a game-changing spectrum-to-equity conversion, Vi allotted 36.95 billion shares worth Rs 369.5 billion to the Government of India, boosting GoI’s stake to 49 per cent. With an additional Rs 180 billion from a public offer, and Rs 40 billion via preferential issues to Vodafone and Aditya Birla Group, Vi raised a total of Rs 614 billion in equity this year. That’s more than a capital top-up, it’s a lifeline.

    The subscriber base stood at 198.2 million at the end of Q4, with average revenue per user (ARPU) rising to Rs 175 up 14.2 per cent YoY. Vi also added over 6,900 new 4G towers this quarter (a company record since the merger), expanded 4G coverage to 83 per cent of India’s population, and improved 4G speeds by 28 per cent.

    Capex for FY25 totalled Rs 95.7 billion, with Q4 alone accounting for Rs 42.3 billion, Vi’s highest in a quarter post-merger. The company also brought down its bank debt from Rs 40.4 billion to Rs 23.3 billion and closed FY25 with a cash and bank balance of Rs 99.3 billion.

    However, challenges remain. Vi reported a consolidated loss of Rs 273.8 billion for the year and still holds spectrum and AGR liabilities aggregating over Ts 1.9 trillion. It has another Rs 164.3 billion in AGR dues falling due in FY26, and is in talks with banks for additional debt funding.

    To offset these burdens, Vi is diversifying its offerings. It launched new “Limitless” postpaid plans and hero prepaid plans to woo consumers, expanded its retail footprint to over 500 flagship stores and 2,500 touchpoints, and introduced premium international roaming benefits and lost baggage insurance.

    Even its B2B wing is flexing muscle, signing an MoU with West Bengal for MSME digital skilling and partnering with HPE to deliver enterprise-grade network solutions.

    Vi’s signal to the market is clear: it’s not just staying alive, it’s aiming for a comeback. With spectrum dues now equity, ARPU trending upwards, and credit ratings upgraded to BBB- (Stable) by ICRA and CARE, FY25 could be the year Vi finally got its second wind.

    Now, all eyes are on August 2025, when the company plans to beam 5G across all 17 of its spectrum circles. Until then, the mantra is clear: invest, expand, and connect.

  • Birla Opus rolls out the red wall with luxe new designer finish range

    Birla Opus rolls out the red wall with luxe new designer finish range

    MUMBAI: Why settle for beige when your walls can wear a masterpiece? Birla Opus Paints, part of the Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, has unveiled a stunning new Designer Finish range that brings together artistry, innovation, and a splash of Italian flair. With two premium collections, the Dream and Timeless, the brand is looking to elevate Indian interior design, one textured wall at a time.

    Launched alongside a growing footprint of retail and experiential stores across India, including Mumbai, Gurugram and Lucknow, the Designer Finish collection invites consumers to quite literally feel the difference. The Dream Collection dazzles with 3D patterns and over 150 water-resistant metallic shades, while the Timeless Collection leans into rustic, lime-based finishes inspired by the raw elegance of stone, clay, and marble.

    Commenting on the launch Birla Opus Paints CEO Rakshit Hargave said, “At Birla Opus Paints, we understand that today’s consumers are seeking more than just products; they desire experiences and products that reflect purpose and value. Our aim is not only to redefine creativity with advanced design technology and sustainable solutions, but to also set new standards in interior luxury. At the back of our Paint Studio and franchisee stores launches across India, we’re now presenting consumers with these exquisite finishes inspired from nature’s beauty and Italian artistry that will definitely add a taste of luxury to your home.”

    Each collection offers nature-inspired textures and colour combinations that aim to turn walls into canvas-like statements. Think sea swirls, dreamy clouds, earthy elegance, and handcrafted Italian craftsmanship, all rendered in eco-friendly, low-VOC paints that are as breathable as they are beautiful.

    The Dream Collection boasts 14 nature-themed designs, each available in 10 unique colourways offering a staggering 140 wall-finish variations. Meanwhile, the Timeless Collection brings 12 earthy, artisanal designs to life. All finishes are extra durable, scratch-resistant, and designed to offer a luxury look that lasts.

    The Designer Finish range is currently available at Birla Opus Paint Studios and franchisee stores, with plans to expand to Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Surat. With each new studio, Birla Opus is not just selling paint, it’s inviting consumers into a curated world of interior expression.

    So, whether you’re dreaming of drama or craving calm, there’s now a wall finish that speaks your language because in the world of Birla Opus, your walls do more than just hold up the roof. They make a statement.

  • BT Mindrush 2025 honours top CEOs and business icons in Mumbai

    BT Mindrush 2025 honours top CEOs and business icons in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: India’s top executives and business pioneers gathered at BT Mindrush 2025 on 22 March in Mumbai, where Business Today unveiled its prestigious India’s Best CEOs Awards 2025. The event honoured remarkable figures shaping the corporate landscape while offering insights into strategies for navigating global economic shifts.

    Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, was named Business Icon of the Year, while minister of external affairs S. Jaishankar, received the Impact Icon of the Year award. The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Marico Ltd. chairman Harsh Mariwala and Thermax former chairperson Anu Aga for their enduring contributions.

    Among the other honourees, Narayana health chairman Devi Prasad Shetty was recognised as the Most Trusted Leader, while Eternal founder & CEO Deepinder Goyal received the Resilient CEO award. Tata Power CEO & MD Praveer Sinha was honoured as the Green Growth Visionary, and Physics Wallah founder & CEO Alakh Pandey earned the Startup of the Year title. Sun Pharma CMD Dilip Shanghvi was acknowledged for Services Vanguard, whereas TVS Motor MD Sudarshan Venu won for Manufacturing & Retail Excellence. MOFSL group MD & CEO Motilal Oswal was named among The Wealth Makers, while Mankind Pharma chairman Ramesh Juneja was recognised as The Deal Maker. Interglobe Aviation CEO Pieter Elbers was awarded the Glocal CEO title, and Jindal Stainless MD Abhyuday Jindal was honoured as an Urban Visionary. Solar Industries MD & CEO Manish Satyanarayan Nuwal was named among the Pillars of Progress, while KPIT Technologies’ Kishor Patil and Persistent Systems’ Sandeep Kalra received Tech Titans awards. Additionally, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders former CMD Sanjeev Singhal was recognised as the Bharat PSU Icon.

    The theme, Vucanomics 2025: Thriving in Turmoil – Turning Global Disruptions into Growth, steered discussions on leveraging technology and capital to transform uncertainties into opportunities.

    Birla, said, “Each overseas acquisition must be driven by clear strategic rationale securing raw materials, strengthening value chain resilience, or accessing higher-margin markets with lower volatility.” He added, “India is firmly on course to achieve developed-country status by 2047.”

    Union minister Nitin Gadkari, the event’s chief guest, announced that a national tolling policy would be introduced before 1 April, ensuring “reasonable concessions to commuters” and unveiling 36 new green express highways. Jaishankar, awarded Impact Icon of the Year, highlighted India’s balanced approach in global diplomacy, remarking, “From Russia and Ukraine to Israel and Iran and from the BRICS to the QUAD India engages across divides with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’”

    Financial markets and policy stability were also key discussion points. Motilal Oswal urged cautious optimism in equities, while SEBI chair Tuhin Kanta Pandey assured, “Taxation has been rationalised; let’s not unsettle that certainty.” NSE MD Ashish Chauhan noted a shift in market dynamics, saying, “Domestic investors are increasingly becoming a stabilising force even as foreign flows ebb and flow.”

    The event culminated in the unveiling of Business Today’s special annual issue, honouring India’s finest executives. The issue was launched by Union ministers Gadkari and Jaishankar, Birla, and India Today group chairman Aroon Purie.

    With 18 eminent speakers across 13 sessions, BT Mindrush 2025 hosted over 200 CXOs from corporate India. The event was supported by Pwc (Presenting Partner), Diageo (Celebration Partner), Polymatech (Semiconductor Partner), Becquer Solar Studio (New Energy Partner), Logitech (Collaboration Partner), GAIL (Energy Partner), Sofitel Mumbai BKC (Hospitality Partner), and Laqshya Media Group and Omark Media Around Life (Outdoor Partners).

  • IPL 2025 gets a fresh coat as Birla Opus Paints colours outside the lines

    IPL 2025 gets a fresh coat as Birla Opus Paints colours outside the lines

    MUMBAI: When cricket fever hits India, even the paint industry pads up. As the IPL 2025 season bowls over fans across the country, Birla Opus Paints has stepped onto the pitch with a splash. The paint brand has partnered with JioHotstar to stir up more than just fan emotions—they’re mixing colours and cricket like a pro bartender at a Holi party.

    Yes, Birla Opus Paints, under the mighty umbrella of Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, announced its official partnership with the Tata IPL 2025 and JioHotstar, rolling out a quirky campaign called the ‘Indian Colours League’. The concept? Every IPL match now spawns a brand-new paint shade, born from the merging team colours of the day. It’s cricket meets chemistry, with a splash of marketing genius.

    Each time two rival franchises face off, their iconic team colours blend in real time to create a new, exclusive shade. It’s not just paint—it’s pigment poetry. This colourful concoction symbolises not just the intensity of the match but also the camaraderie, shared history and electric energy both teams bring to the pitch.

    Players from the competing teams will share what their team colours mean to them in pre-match videos. As they wax lyrical, their team hues morph into a fresh Birla Opus Paints signature shade, capturing the essence of the upcoming clash. Imagine blue and yellow creating more than just green—they’re painting legacies now.

    “At Birla Opus Paints, we believe in the transformative power of colours. This IPL season, through the Indian Colours League, we’re blending the colours of the rival teams in each match to celebrate camaraderie and legacy. This IPL season, we invite fans to witness the magic that happens when colours fuse – because both in cricket and in life, every interaction has the power to create something truly unforgettable,” said Birla Opus Paints head – marketing Inderpreet Singh.

    JioHotstar CBO, sports revenue, SMB & creator, Ishan Chatterjee chimed in with equal flair, “At JioHotstar, we are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of fan engagement, and the Indian Colours League does just that. Cricket and colours both have a deep emotional connection with people, and this campaign beautifully brings them together. By blending the worlds of cricket and colour, we are offering fans an experience that goes beyond the game, turning every match into a visual spectacle.”

    Leo – south Asia CCO Sachin Kamble made a poetic pitch, “Cricket isn’t just a game – it’s a canvas of passion, sportsmanship, emotion, camaraderie just like the colours that represent each team and their winning spirit. Indian Colours League leverages this aspect of IPL. Just how competitiveness blends with friendship resulting in a good game, two colours come together to create another beautiful shade, the colour that stands for unity bringing the country together.”

    This dazzling marketing idea was co-conceptualised by Birla Opus Paints, Leo India and Wavemaker India in partnership with JioHotstar. A colourful ménage à trois, if you will.

    Each shade forged in the crucible of cricketing rivalry becomes more than just a colour. It’s a limited-edition legacy. A visual souvenir of that epic clash. A brushstroke in cricket’s ongoing mural of madness. Forget hex codes, these hues come with hashtags and heartbreaks.

    Launched in 2024, Birla Opus Paints is already making a splash in the decorative paints segment. Now, they’re turning matches into colour-coded memories.

     

  • Aditya Birla Group appoints Meghna Sharma as AGM of corporate communications

    Aditya Birla Group appoints Meghna Sharma as AGM of corporate communications

    Mumbai: In a significant addition to its leadership, Aditya Birla Management Corporation has appointed Meghna Sharma as assistant general manager (AGM) of corporate communications and PR. Sharma, a seasoned communications expert, brings two decades of experience in strategic PR and corporate communications, making her a valuable asset to Aditya Birla’s extensive network.

    With a portfolio that spans leading firms across various industries, Sharma is known for her expertise in reputation management, media relations, and crisis communication. Her appointment at Aditya Birla aligns with the corporation’s goal to reinforce its brand presence across traditional and digital channels.

    Sharma’s expertise will play a key role in advancing Aditya Birla’s communication strategies, especially as the company focuses on engaging stakeholders in an increasingly digital landscape.

     

  • Kaun Banega Crorepati season 16 attracts top sponsors

    Kaun Banega Crorepati season 16 attracts top sponsors

    Mumbai: Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) continues to captivate audiences across India with its unique blend of knowledge, entertainment, and life-changing opportunities. As season 16 unfolds, the show’s enduring popularity is evident in the impressive lineup of top-tier sponsors it has attracted.

    With 12 sponsors onboarded there has been 100 per cent growth over the last year, Leading the way are ACKO and Aditya Birla Group as co-presenting sponsors, IDFC First Bank returns for the third consecutive year as the exclusive banking partner with Atomberg, Vimal and Sensodyne as co-powered sponsors, Veeba as the taste partner, Ultratech Cement and Kalyan Jewellers as partners. Raymond as the wardrobe partner, and Godrej Locks as the safety partner.

    The show’s innovative features, such as the real-time interactive KBC Play Along on Sony LIV, continue to enhance viewer engagement. The KBC Play Along feature allows audiences from across the globe to participate in real-time continues to offer advertisers unique and valuable opportunities to reach a highly engaged audience.

    KBC offers unique opportunities for deep and diverse in-show integrations. By embedding themselves within the show’s narrative, brands can forge meaningful connections with viewers and achieve measurable outcomes, making KBC a powerful platform for brand storytelling and engagement. 

    . ACKO: Partners with the KBC LIFELINES, leveraging contextual moments within the show to integrate the insurance category effectively.

    .  Aditya Birla Group: Sponsors the education of children equivalent to the number of questions asked, aligning with their corporate social responsibility.

    . IDFC First Bank: Acts as the banking partner with a presence across winning moments throughout the show.

    .  Atomberg Fans: First-time sponsor that rewards winners with hampers, enhancing the viewer experience.

    .  Sensodyne: Takes ownership of the “Expert Question of the Day” moment, aligning its brand with expertise and trust.

    .  Raymond: Onboarded as the wardrobe partner, contributes to the show’s style and presentation.

    .   RBI: Integrates the message “Jankar Baniye Satark Rahiye” within the bonus questions, promoting awareness and caution.

    .  Godrej Locks: Rewards contestants at the crucial ₹25 lakh “padav” and integrates their brand message around safety at the right moments.

    These points highlight how various brands are strategically integrating themselves within KBC, enhancing both their visibility and viewer engagement.

    The current season of KBC has already set new benchmarks for viewership and engagement.

    Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16 is now streaming on Sony LIV, offering viewers and sponsors another season of extraordinary experiences.

    Sony LIV head ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangla said, “Large-scale reality shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati spanning across 142 days of activity (100 episodes) have finally been acknowledged to deliver value at scale in the digital ecosystem creating a paradigm shift in the market. Kaun Banega Crorepati stands as one of India’s most iconic shows, providing an unparalleled platform for brands to connect with audiences. We are thrilled to welcome esteemed 12 sponsors, whose commitment to KBC on Sony LIV  underscores the immense value of this collaboration. With growing advertiser interest, we are confident that KBC Season 16 will once again deliver exceptional benefits to both our viewers, sponsors and partners.”

    ACKO EVP marketing Ashish Mishra said, “KBC occupies an iconic position in the Indian reality show landscape, making ACKO’s decision to continue with our partnership a natural fit. The show’s widespread popularity across ACKO’s core target audience enhances the value of this collaboration. Additionally, we recognized a unique synergy between KBC’s lifelines and our insurance offerings. Just as lifelines offer crucial support to contestants, ACKO provides protection solutions for life’s uncertainties, spanning life, health, car, travel insurances and more.”

    Atomberg Technologies founding member & chief business officer Arindam Paul said, “As a home-grown Indian consumer durables brand started by two IIT-ians, being a co-sponsor of India’s leading entertainment show- Kaun Banega Crorepati, is a massive feat.  Atomberg has always been a brand that’s stood at the intersection of innovation and customer delight; solving unseen, unstated consumer problems, such as introducing energy efficient BLDC fans to India and more. KBC is a show driven by curiosity – as is our  brand, and so this seemed like an organic fit for us.”