Tag: Ahmedabad

  • Stirred not shaken Fortune whips up India’s next culinary creators

    Stirred not shaken Fortune whips up India’s next culinary creators

    MUMBAI: Some recipes call for more than just salt and spice, they need a pinch of purpose. As part of its 25-year celebration, Fortune Foods served up a piping hot opportunity with its first-ever Fortune Influencer Masterclass, aimed at turning everyday food lovers into full-blown digital culinary creators.

    Launched on 10 February 2025, the campaign received an overwhelming 50,000 plus registrations from across India, ultimately narrowing the field to 25 winners who were recently felicitated in a lively Meet & Greet in Ahmedabad. Each winner took home content collaboration deals worth up to Rs 2 lakh, but the real prize was the transformation of passion into profession.

    Backed by industry heavyweights like Meghna Kamdar (Forbes Top 100 Digital Star), Vinayak Grover of Lost and Hungry Studios, and Nimisha Rao from Influencer.in, the initiative was more than a class, it was a crash course in digital storytelling. With modules on scripting, plating, video editing, animation, and content strategy, the program mentored aspiring influencers in every dimension of online food content creation.

    From a pool of 250 semi-finalists, selected after an initial assignment round, the top 25 were chosen following a multi-stage process judged by Masterchef winners and industry experts. Criteria ranged from recipe innovation and aesthetic appeal to editing finesse and storytelling strength.

    The finale in Ahmedabad was a feast for the senses. It featured a special plating demo by Meghna Kamdar, games, and a fireside chat titled ‘The Ingredients of a Great Food Content Creator’, with insights from Mukesh Mishra, joint president at AWL Agri Business Limited, Sunil Chawla, co-founder of Social Beat, and Kamdar herself.

    Mukesh Mishra explained the vision behind the campaign, “This wasn’t just about product placement. It was about placing belief in people especially homemakers and food enthusiasts who had creativity but lacked digital confidence. We’ve seen these creators bloom, and we’re thrilled to champion their voices.”

    One such voice was Harshika Lalwani from Kanpur, whose journey resonated with many: “As a homemaker, I had quietly shelved my passions for years. This campaign gave me visibility, value, and most importantly my own voice. When I made it to the Top 25, I felt seen for who I am, not just the roles I play.”

    The Fortune Influencer Masterclass is more than a marketing campaign, it’s a movement that’s helping shape India’s digital creator economy. It’s where food meets fame, where community meets creativity, and where Fortune truly favours the bold.

     

  • Disney+ Hotstar to stream Coldplay live in Ahmedabad on Republic Day

    Disney+ Hotstar to stream Coldplay live in Ahmedabad on Republic Day

    MUMBAI: Brace yourselves, Coldplay die-hards and Insta-story enthusiasts alike!

    The gods of stadium rock are descending upon Ahmedabad, and this time, you won’t need to sell a kidney—or fight bots online—to snag a ticket. If you’ve been crying your eyes out because your name didn’t make it past the virtual queue, wipe those tears because Disney+ Hotstar has your back.

    This Republic Day, as the nation waves its tricolour, you can sway to the cosmic vibes of Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour right from your couch. Yes, live, straight from Ahmedabad’s grandest stadium to your screen. Fire up the popcorn (and maybe your Hotstar subscription), because this isn’t just a concert; it’s a galaxy of magic, melodies, and Chris Martin’s moves delivered to your doorstep.

    So, whether you’re a bona fide Coldplay disciple or just there for “fixing your feed”, 26 January is about to be unforgettable. And who knows? Maybe your live-streamed “Yellow” moment will shine brighter than any stadium seat ever could.

    Your ticket to a world-class concert, minus the travel.

    Disney+ Hotstar combines its cutting-edge streaming technology with unmatched reach to bring every note, every beat, and every Chris Martin smile right to your screen. And the magic doesn’t stop there. Fans will also enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of the band, creating a truly immersive #ParadiseForAll.

    JioStar – sports CEO, Sanjog Gupta shared, “At Disney+ Hotstar, we have revolutionised India’s entertainment and sports consumption by captivating viewers with unparalleled immersive experiences and consistently delivering value to our partners, advertisers and audiences. Our partnership with Coldplay reflects our commitment to bringing iconic cultural experiences to audiences nationwide. By leveraging our advanced technology and unmatched reach, we are breaking the barriers around privileged access to premium entertainment, and making it available for all, fostering a shared celebration across the country.”

    But wait, is it Coldplay without a little personal touch? In a heartfelt message, lead singer Chris Martin said, “Namaste to all our friends in India. We’re thrilled to share that on 26 January, our show from Ahmedabad will stream live on Disney+ Hotstar, so you can watch it from anywhere. We’re excited to visit your beautiful country. Sending lots of love!”

    The Music of the Spheres World Tour has already earned the title of the highest-grossing rock tour of all time. Known for its fusion of music, sustainability, and creativity, the Ahmedabad leg promises a spectacular celebration of sound and visuals. From sustainability initiatives to ground-breaking production values, the tour is a testament to Coldplay’s enduring legacy.

    Why is this a game-changer for brands? Disney+ Hotstar transforms live events into powerful branding opportunities. From pre-show sponsorships to exclusive fan contests and post-concert highlights, brands can connect with millions of engaged viewers while capitalising on Coldplay’s universal appeal.

    Presented in partnership with Cisco, this live-stream event proves that digital platforms can go beyond mere streaming—they can create experiences that resonate deeply.

    Ready to celebrate Coldplay like never before? Get your streaming set-up ready, grab your friends, and prepare to sing along to hits like Paradise and Fix You. After all, why should Ahmedabad have all the fun?

    Mark your calendars: 26 January 2025, Live on Disney+ Hotstar.

    Will you tune in to make your Republic Day extra special? Let the countdown begin!

  • NEXION Sponsors the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts for artists residency

    NEXION Sponsors the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts for artists residency

    Mumba: Nexion, the Indo-Italian one of the production company  of high-quality sintered stone, entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, India. This collaboration was proposed by Mallika Sarabhai, an influential figure in the city of Ahmedabad. She completed her MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and her Ph.D. from Gujarat University. Mallika established herself as an international activist, actress, and dancer in Indian classical dance.

    Mallika is the daughter of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, a prominent figure in the field of science and development in India, considered the father of the country’s space program, and Mrinalini Sarabhai, dancer of Indian classical dance and the founder of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. Today, Mallika leads the Darpana Academy, preserving and promoting the rich artistic heritage of India.

    This year, Mallika Sarabhai and Nexion decided to form a three-year partnership to sponsor an artist residency at the Darpana Academy. Thanks to Nexion, India hosted Massimiliano Troiani, an Italian director and son of a master in cinematographic photography, known worldwide for his work in documentary and theatre, and Laura Fasciolo, a renowned Italian set designer with years of experience in theatrical and museum exhibitions related to iconography and bibliography.

    Massimiliano staged a reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, incorporating both Italian and Indian cultural elements. The show, which featured Mallika in a leading role, premiered at the 44th Vikram Sarabhai International Arts Festival of Natarani, Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, and will be going on tour.

    Darpana Academy of Performing Arts founder Mallika Sarabhai expressed her joy in the collaboration stating, “Working on Macbeth with Massimiliano was a delightful experience. His diverse background as a theatre director, filmmaker, and puppeteer aligns well with the varied artistic fields at Darpana. The synergy between our culture and artistic approach allowed for the emergence of new and exciting elements during the collaboration.

    She added, “The collaboration between Darpana and Nexion has been fueled by a shared passion for the arts. Nexion’s founder, Luca, recognizes the humanizing power of the arts and believes in providing support without interfering with the artistic vision. “

    Nexion CEO Luca Majocch said, “Since its inception, we have brought the Italian way of doing business to India. With our commitment to societal contribution, we seamlessly align with Darpana Academy, celebrated for its rich legacy in promoting art and culture. Massimiliano’s participation in the residency further underscores our shared dedication and efforts. This commitment extends to our core values, where we prioritize people’s well-being through the consistent delivery of high-quality products. Our holistic approach interweaves cultural exchange and community well-being, creating a meaningful connection between our values and endeavors.”

    Massimiliano Troiani, Italian Director, mentioned, “Embarking on a collaborative journey with Darpana is a captivating experience within a culturally rich environment, where artistic and technical talents seamlessly unite. My initial collaboration dates back to 2000 when I directed a performance inspired by the ancient Latin tale Aeneid. This journey emphasizes the lasting connection between India and Italy over the years, based on cultural connections that go beyond mere economic or political factors. Italy has contributed to scholars like Giuseppe Tucci and Weaver, enriching the understanding of Indian culture. Indian philosophy continues to captivate Italy, from poetry to pedagogical studies, as exemplified by Maria Montessori, who found inspiration in meeting Mahatma Gandhi.”

    The goal of the production was to create a cultural bridge between Italy and India, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of both nations. The collaboration not only celebrated art and creativity but also contributed to strengthening ties between local and international communities, promoting cultural exchange, mutual learning, and the well-being of the community.  Ahmedabad, as a meeting point between the two realities, is also where Nexion’s central office and production facility have found their home.

    Here, in the heart of this city, Ahmedabad, not only products and projects come to life but also human connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

     

  • TV9 Network & AIANA team up to host ‘Pravasi Gujarati Parv 2022’

    TV9 Network & AIANA team up to host ‘Pravasi Gujarati Parv 2022’

    Mumbai: One of the largest NRI organisations in the nation, the Association of Indian Americans in North America (AIANA), and TV9 Network, have teamed up to celebrate the extraordinary international success of the Gujarati diaspora.

    Over 2,500 A-list Gujaratis from throughout India and more than 20 countries will attend the three-day Pravasi Gujarati Parv 2022 starting on 15 October in order to honour the outstanding Gujarati enterprise, culture, and asmita.

    Gujaratis living abroad are returning to Ahmedabad, where a three-day think and fun festival will commemorate their achievements as ambassadors of a new and resurgent India.

    It is a salute to the unstoppable force of Gujaratism and includes multi-media performances, a cultural extravaganza, thought leadership sessions, keynote speeches by politicians, sessions by spiritual gurus, business conferences, and celebrity performances.

    To welcome NRGs, prominent individuals, international Gujarati leaders from many industries, and Gujarati policymakers will be present. The think fest will set a new standard with over 200 important leaders, 80 speakers, 30 mega conclaves and conferences, 30 business tycoons, and multimedia performances with over 50 artists.

    Talking about the initiative, TV9 Network MD and CEO Barun Das said, “Diaspora plays a strategic role in building brand India in the global arena. The Gujarati diaspora has made an enduring impression world over driving thought leadership across domains. TV9’s Pravasi Gujarati Parv is a modest effort to showcase the global Gujarati leadership and celebrate its success. Joining the unique global celebration will be India’s top policy makers, celebrities and business leaders.”

    AIANA, India president Praful Nayak said, “As India is celebrating the 75th year of its independence, it is the most opportune time to showcase and celebrate the contribution of the Gujarati diaspora in building brand India in the global arena. It is our privilege to host global Gujarati leaders across the spectrum and learn from their journey. I am confident that their presence will inspire not only Gujaratis but people from all across the country. We, at AIANA, have been connecting, communicating, and celebrating the Indian diaspora on a global stage since 2002 through various mega events and initiatives.”

    The three-day event will be broadcast live on TV and digital, and it will centre on discussions and debates about how to make the NRI community feel at home to attract more investments; how Gujarati capital is creating global wealth; and how to celebrate Gujaratis in every sector—from sports to business to entertainment—and be the voice of Gujarat on the international stage. It will also give young achievers who are making Gujarat proud a platform to felicitate them. There will also be cultural performances to highlight Gujarati customs.

  • upGrad announces its latest digital campaign for MICA Ahmedabad to aspire Indian youths

    upGrad announces its latest digital campaign for MICA Ahmedabad to aspire Indian youths

    Mumbai: upGrad has launched a new campaign reflecting the well-established legacy and the key differentiators of its digital marketing programme from MICA Ahmedabad.

    The narrative entails the legacy of the program, which is a well-accepted digital marketing course in the industry that provides 100+ digital marketing tools, the opportunity to run campaigns for real money, and access to MICA faculty.

    The programme has 12,000+ learners over 50 batches in seven years, with 300+ recruiters from leading companies and a wide alumni network that is recognised by the industry as a benchmark in digital marketing.

    Conceptualised by its in-house digital creative team, the campaign highlights how young potential aspirants, with a sheer ambition to fast forward their career, are all wanting to improvise in this digital era, while the campaign rightfully outlines how “Greatness can recognise Greatness.”

    As part of its digital campaign, the two ad films beautifully capture the excellence of its program, which is widely accepted and holds industry recognition for helping professionals build their careers.

    Speaking of the campaign, upGrad vice president & head of marketing Ankit Khirwal commented, “The career outcomes and the credibility the programme holds echoes for itself. It’s imperative in this era to hone the right skills needed to be future ready and we are glad that we are empowering the working professionals with the right skills, best pedagogy along with mentorship that will enable our learners to become future leaders of the industry.”

    “Through this film, we have tried to bring out the legacy of our digital marketing programme from MICA Ahmedabad that is widely recognised in the industry,” he added.

    upGrad associate director, head of creative and content marketing-India Shreyas Shevade added, “I’ve been on every side of the table at MICA except for one-behind the desk in their classrooms. I’ve been hired from there, taught there, and even applied to study there. So the idea for this campaign came from the many times I’ve seen a MICAn in an interview getting recognised for their degree. It’s amazing and a little envious that young and aspiring marketers today can add a great name like MICA to their CV just like that. And that’s what upGrad is all about-making great education easily and equally accessible to everyone with will and potential.”

  • Panorama Studios expands its footprint by setting up an office in Ahmedabad

    Panorama Studios expands its footprint by setting up an office in Ahmedabad

    MUMBAI: Fresh from the success of Khuda Haafiz, Panorama Studios has expanded its footprint in the country by opening an office in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The huge milestone comes for the leading production and  distribution house after having produced over 50 films in Hindi and other regional languages and distributed over 500 films in multiple languages across India and overseas.

     The new office is an addition to the existing three offices (in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore) that Panorama Studios operates from, within India. It has been established in Ahmedabad for the production, marketing & distribution of Gujarati films as an addition to their existing slate of releases.

    Panorama Studios, in association with VCS Industries Limited, will jointly run operations in order to provide the said services to the producers & exhibitors of Gujarat with the expertise available locally. The entity will offer a wide range of services including production, distribution, marketing, social media marketing, online and offline PR, publicity design & audiovisual campaign, P&A support, co-production support, in-film branding, co-branding for ready films, etc.

    Panorama Studios director Abhishek Pathak says, “We at Panorama Studios are very positive and excited about having planted a new arm of business in Ahmedabad. It is one of the most vibrant cities in India and we hope to cater generously to its populace. This new office will be an extension of our voice in cinema for the Northwest region.”

    Panorama Studios managing partner Murlidhar Chhatwani says, “We are glad to be able to set a base in a city that is culturally rich and is so perceptive to cinema. Gujarati cinema has evolved to a great extent and tapping into the talent and craft that comes from there will fortify our repertoire.”

    VCS Industries co-founder and directors Rahul Dhyani and Anish Patel said, “Just one great partnership with the right production & distributor company like Panorama Studios will have an incredible impact on our business horizons with the film market leading “VCS” Company in Gujarat. Insiders of the Gujarati film industry have had to travel to and from Mumbai for solutions such as marketing, movie release, overseas distribution, etc. Gollywood producers will have easy access to these solutions with our new office in Ahmedabad."

  • Tanishk Bagchi, Darshan Raval & Jonita Gandhi light up this festive season like no other with “Yaari Ka Circle”

    Tanishk Bagchi, Darshan Raval & Jonita Gandhi light up this festive season like no other with “Yaari Ka Circle”

    Mumbai: McDowell’s No.1 Soda Yaari Jam Originals, has always been an enabler of strong bonds of friendship with fascinating stories of yaari that are brought alive through music. After the massive success of its latest originals “Apni Yaari” by SANAM and “Yaarder Shonge-The Festive Song” by Sunidhi Chauhan and Anupam Roy, McDowell’s No.1 Yaari Jam Originals has partnered with renowned musicians Tanishk Bagchi, Darshan Raval and Jonita Gandhi to release its next original song “Yaari Ka Circle”. The new musical track celebrates the spirit of festivities and encourages everyone to celebrate these moments with yaars rather than being confined in their homes.

    The original featuring the trio has been written and composed by the ace musician Tanishk Bagchi. The inspiring track is soulful, lively and full of emotions. The music video has been created and produced by McDowell’s No. 1 Soda in collaboration with Hungama Digital Media Entertainment.

    With this original, Tanishk Bagchi, Darshan Raval and Jonita Gandhi, relive the fervor of what it meant to celebrate the festivities together with the whole community. Celebration meant putting up beautiful lamps and lights, decorating homes with Rangolis, exchanging gifts with family and friends, inviting friends and neighbors and celebrating it together. Today, with changing times, we live in a digital world with barely any real connection with the world around us. The song encourages everyone to open to newer friendships and celebrate festivities wholeheartedly beyond the boundaries of the internet. It inspires everyone through the line that defines friendship “Akele Thoda Kam hai, Yaaron se bane Hum hai” to get together with your yaars and families alike.

    Talking about the launch of the original, Tanishk Bagchi said, “Growing up in times when we celebrated as a community and not as families, this song reflects the world we live. I loved creating this Festive Melody also looking by the lyrics, ‘Dil ke darwaze ko khol, tatolo rishta naya’, I hope the song inspires the listeners to welcome yaars in their hearts and not just home.”

    Adding to it, Darshan Raval said, “I grew up in Ahmedabad where any festival meant getting together, decorating our houses and celebrating it with family and friends. In times where we are only connected over phones, we must step out and celebrate offline too with our yaars.”

    “Celebrations are always incomplete without our friends… of course they would be, we’re our true selves when we’re with them. No matter how many pictures we take, or how much we light up our homes, we’ll always feel that disconnect if we don’t spend time with those we love. This track is a reminder that festivities are the best time to have fun and celebrate with our friends and family together,” added Jonita Gandhi.

    Amarpreet Singh Anand, VP Marketing and Portfolio Head, Diageo India, said, “McDowell’s No.1 Soda has always believed that celebrations are best when you are with your yaars. The festive season is a time when everyone tries to meet old friends and make new ones too. With this track, we look forward to bringing people together and enjoying the festivities with smiles and loads of entertainment.”

    Siddhartha Roy, COO, Hungama Digital Media said, “Music plays an important role in our culture and festivals. It has the power to unite people and encourage a spirit of togetherness. We are glad to partner with McDowell’s No. 1 Soda and create such mesmerizing musical experiences for listeners and viewers worldwide. We are certain that the magic created by Tanishk Bagchi, Darshan Raval and Jonita Gandhi will find a special place in the hearts of the listeners this festive season.”

    Soumini Sridhara Paul, Vice-President, Artist Aloud, Hungama Digital Media said, “We are delighted to work with Tanishk Bagchi, Darshan Raval and Jonita Gandhi, three of the most talented musicians that we have in the country. Independent content is fast gaining momentum and is being appreciated for its originality by listeners. We are certain that listeners across the world will be moved by the song’s message and vocals.”

  • CNBC Bajar honours reality maestros from Gujarat at ‘CNBC Bajar Real Estate Awards 2018’

    CNBC Bajar honours reality maestros from Gujarat at ‘CNBC Bajar Real Estate Awards 2018’

    Ahmedabad, 19th April 2018: India’s leading Hindi news channel – CNBC Bajar hosted Real Estate Awards – Gujarat’s most credible and authoritative awards in the Real Estate industry. The 2018 edition of the awards felicitated builders, architects and contractors across Gujarat, who have carved a niche for themselves by successfully executing realty projects that have contributed to the development of the state. CNBC honoured these achievers at the ‘CNBC Bajar Real Estate Awards 2018’ held on 18th April at Golden Hall, Ahmedabad.

    The high-profile event was graced by the Honourable Chief Ministers of Gujarat – Shri Vijay Rupani.  The winners of the awards were shortlisted by an esteemed panel of Jury comprising renowned architect – Mr. Hiren Patel along with Mr. P K Shashidharan – Sr. VP Cera Sanitaryware Ltd., Mr. Vijay Shah – Founding Member of CREDAI, Mr. Irfan Qureshi – Real Estate Expert amongst other luminaries.

    Commenting on the occasion, Alok Joshi Managing editor CNBC Bajarsaid, “CNBC Bajar Real Estate Awards is the most celebrated award in Gujarat that recognizes the efforts of real estate developers and architects in the state. The award celebrates and honours the efforts of the industry professionals in the realty space, who have brought about significant transformation in the realty industry of the state. It is also a great platform for professionals to network and connect, as well as draw inspiration and motivation from their contemporaries in the field.”

    The winning teams and best projects were selected through a robust methodology, with adherence to stringent criteria along with a comprehensive survey by partner Liases Foras, and a stringent jury process. The list of winners is as follows:

    Categories

    Companies

    Best Residential Project

    Affordable

    Opera Palace

    Vishwas Developers

    Best Residential Project

    Mid

    Avadh Copper Stone

    Avadh Developers

    Best Residential Project

    Luxury

    Sangini Solitaire

    Sangini Group

    Best Residential Project

    Ultra Luxury

    Cellestial Dreams

    Ravani Developers

    Best Residential Project

    Affordable

    Fortune Glory

    Fortune Developers

    Best Residential Project

    Mid

    Nilamber Aarcon

    Nilamber Group

    Best Residential Project

    Affordable

    AG Dream City

    AG Realty

    Best Residential Project

    Ultra Luxury

    Silver Heights

    Sheth Builders

    Best Residential Project

    Affordable

    Suryam Elegance

    Suryam Group

    Best Residential Project

    Affordable

    Shaligram Lake view

    Shaligram Group

    Best Residential Project

    Mid

    Indraprasth Kadamb

    Deep Group of Companies

    Best Residential Project

    Ultra Luxury

    Sun Evoq

    Sun Builders Pvt.Ltd

    Best Retail Project

     

    cg square mall Ahmedabad

     

    Best Commercial Project

     

    Gift City towers

     

    Commendation for High End Integrated Township

     

    goyal and co

    sky city

    Commendation for Contribution to the Real estate Industry

     

    amaya property

     

    Commendation for Creating High-Quality lifestyle Villas

     

    Arvind Uplands

     

    Lifetime achievement awards:

     

    BV Doshi

     

  • Doordarshan has to upgrade but remain rooted, says Prasar CEO

    Doordarshan has to upgrade but remain rooted, says Prasar CEO

    NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati has stressed the need to look at Doordarshan as a brand which is relevant and appeals to all age-groups. He said it should become a ‘mass brand that becomes an integral part’ of the life of every Indian.

    Addressing a discussion group on Doordarshan as a brand at the Indian Institute of Management at Ahmedabad, Vempati said there was a view that the DD logo should be discarded, but then it was felt that the brand had already become a part of every Indian’s psyche. Therefore, the attempt should be to redesign the brand using the same logo that also appeals to the youth of today.  

    Similarly, DD has to change but without leaving its roots, he added. There was need to ‘rejuvenate and revitalize’ the channel, he added. He said Doordarshan should take the voice of India to the entire world.

    Noting that he had received many new ideas which he would study, Vempati called upon the participants to ‘keep the information coming.’

    ALSO READ :

    DD logo design submission deadline extended

    Doordarshan rev shows minor increase, ops costs decline

    Doordarshan & AIR’s combined news ops may be lead by a D-G

    Doordarshan seeks GenNext appealing logo, contest opens

     

  • Tata & JSW teams enter Indian Super League

    MUMBAI: Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a JV between IMG-Reliance & Star India — organiser of the Indian Super League, on 12 June, announced two winning bids for the Indian Super League, expanding it to 10 teams. The new entrants to the ISL 2017-18 seasons are: Tata Steel and Bengaluru FC.

    Bids were invited from 10 cities, namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Cuttack, Durgapur, Hyderabad, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Ranchi, Siliguri and Thiruvananthapuram with the organisers decided to include two teams to the new season. Impasse over the induction of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal into the football tournament continued as another round of talks with the AIFF did not yield any result. The two teams were adamant to not pay fees to be a part of ISL.

    Now, from ISL 2017-18 season their will be 10 teams playing for the Cup and it will be of a longer format as compared to the previous seasons.

    Two of India’s largest conglomerates, Tata Steel Ltd. – a US$ 18.12-billion company and subsidiary of Tata Group (US$ 103.51 billion 2015-16), and Jindal South West (JSW) Group – US$ 9 billion corporate, are now into the ISL fold.

    Tata Steel VP corporate services Sunil Bhaskaran, and TFA chairman said: “This is a momentous occasion for Tata Steel, which has always been a pioneer in the development of sports in the country, especially football. Our entry into the coveted Indian Super League reinforces our commitment to provide a fillip to the development of football in the country. We are extremely excited to have won the bid for our hometown Jamshedpur and will provide the best of facilities for football to prosper in the eastern part of our country.”

    JSW Group which owns the successful football club Bengaluru FC, through its subsidiary JSW Sports, won the right to participate in ISL from Bengaluru city. JSW Group has to its credit established professionally-run football club in I-League within a short period of three ears; winning the competition twice including in its debut year.

    JSW Bengaluru CEO Parth Jindal attributed JSW Group’s decision to bid for an ISL team to the “interest of long-term future of Indian football.”

    Jindal said, “We’re glad that our bid to be part of the ISL has been accepted. A lot of time and thought has gone into our decision of wanting to be part of the Indian Super League. The biggest factor has been the interest of the long-term future of Indian football. A longer league is the right road ahead.”