MUMBAI: Chintan Thakker has traded sweet treats for dental care. The senior business director at Wavemaker India, who spent the past four years crafting campaigns for Mondelez’s snacking empire, is now leading the agency’s integrated marketing communications for Colgate.
The move caps a 14-year career that began in social media analysis and meandered through entrepreneurship before landing Thakker in his current role. His time with Mondelez proved particularly fruitful: the campaigns he orchestrated earned India its first Cannes Titanium Lion and racked up over 300 national and international awards in just two and a half years.
Thakker joined Wavemaker in May 2021 as director of innovation and integrated marketing communications, building a seven-person team and driving technology and content partnerships for Mondelez India. He was promoted to senior business director this month./
His earlier ventures were less gilded. In 2015, Thakker co-founded twentythree, a boutique digital agency that worked with Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and TLC. He also launched Odd Giraffe Lifestyle, a women’s brand that folded after seven months in 2017—a failure he credits with sharpening his strategic instincts.
Before striking out on his own, Thakker climbed the ranks at digital agencies Gozoop and EveryMedia Tech, managing social media for brands including Hyundai, PepsiCo and Bollywood studios. He started his career in 2011 as a video editor and reporter at Fuzion Productions.
The Colgate account marks fresh territory for Thakker, who has spent recent years immersed in the language of indulgence. Now he must master the vocabulary of oral hygiene.
MUMBAI: Nature is getting the star treatment this August, with Warner Bros. Discovery rolling out two blue-chip wildlife spectacles across Discovery, Animal Planet, and Discovery+. First up is The Dooars World, which premiered on 15 August with Dia Mirza lending her voice to the Eastern Himalayan wilderness. Directed by debutant Shaon Pritam Baral, the series transports viewers to the biodiverse Dooars region, where red pandas, one-horned rhinos, and vibrant birdlife share fragile harmony with local communities. “The Dooars is a living, breathing world,” Baral noted, calling Mirza’s narration the soulful thread that binds the storytelling. Interestingly, the project was spotted at Waves Film Bazaar, an NFDC initiative.
Hot on its heels came The Americas, which debuted on 18 August with Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks narrating an 11-part odyssey from the Arctic to Patagonia. Produced by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit with Universal Television Alternative Studio, the series has already snagged Emmy nominations for Hanks’ narration and Hans Zimmer’s sweeping score. Expect breathtaking animal drama, from species thriving in icy extremes to the urgent climate challenges rewriting their futures.
Warner Bros. Discovery head of factual entertainment, lifestyle & kids for South Asia Sai Abishek summed it up: “It’s this mix of fresh voices like Shaon and iconic ones like Tom Hanks that makes our storytelling spectacular and memorable.”
Airing weekdays at 9:00 pm on Animal Planet with simulcasts on Discovery, and streaming on discovery+, these shows fuse cinematic grandeur with conservation urgency reminding viewers why the wild will always have the final word.
Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery has revealed its content slate for India, expanding programming on discovery+ and its linear channels, including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and TLC. By year-end, it aims to deliver over 3,000 hours of fresh content, with a focus on Indian originals and global titles. DTamil will also feature top global content like Hollywood films and series dubbed in Tamil.
A Warner Bros Discovery study, conducted by Ormax Media, identified key trends in non-fiction, including national pride, cultural preservation, and vicarious experiences, with strong interest in sub-genres like history, survival, wildlife, and food. Credibility emerged as a crucial factor due to declining trust in digital media, presenting television as a reliable alternative.
Key releases include Secrets of the Buddha Relics on discovery+ and Discovery Channel, hosted by Manoj Bajpayee and created by Neeraj Pandey. Another show, Reality Ranis of the Jungle, premiered on 23 September, hosted by Varun Sood, and features 12 reality stars in an off-grid jungle adventure.
Upcoming shows include Mystery Hunter with Rannvijay Singha, Star vs Food Survival season two with Kartik Aaryan, Shikhar Dhawan, and others, and the sequel Legends of Shiva, set for early 2025. Cult will also return with its second season following My Daughter Joined A Cult.
Expressing his excitement, Warner Bros Discovery, South Asia, head of factual & lifestyle cluster – Sai Abishek remarked, “As the category leaders in the non-fiction content genre, our focus on enhancing viewer engagement and expanding our content offering is paramount. The newly announced India originals and our strategic programming across both linear and streaming platforms are a testament to our commitment to creating cross-platform experiences. The recent revamp of DTamil underscores our focus on bringing the best of global content in regional languages to Tamil audiences. We will continue to bolster our content library and deliver strong and compelling stories that reflect the interests of the Indian viewer and create value across India and South Asia.”
Warner Bros Discovery is rolling out a new content strategy with curated offerings for the festive season across its platforms. discovery+ will feature Chris Brown: A History of Violence (31 Oct) and Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking (Dec ’25), as well as BBC shows like Dynasties S2 (18 Nov) and Frozen Planet II (Jan ’25, TBC).
Discovery Channel will introduce five new series, including Bear Grylls’ Jesus: Refugee and Expedition Unknown S9 with Josh Gates, plus new seasons of Naked & Afraid. Local originals like Star vs. Food Survival will also be featured.
Animal Planet will offer 100-plus hours of new programming, including Deadly Strike, Snake Dynasty, and the year-end special 50 Days: 50 Tales. TLC will air over 100 hours of fresh content, including Halloween, Diwali, and Christmas specials, along with 100 Day Dream Home and Forbidden Love.
Discovery Science will focus on medical science with shows like Dr Pimple Popper and Dinosaur with Stephen Fry. Discovery Turbo will release two new shows monthly, including Custom Carolina and Roadkill Garage. Investigation Discovery will spotlight relationship crimes with Mother, May I Murder? and Married to Evil.
This content strategy aims to expand viewership, offering global content in India and original stories that reflect historical and cultural narratives.
Mumbai: Prepare for an unforgettable experience at the New Delhi Book Fair 2024, where Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) proudly takes centre stage in an exciting partnership. The Children’s Pavilion will come alive with daily sessions featuring captivating activities from POGO, Cartoon Network, Discovery Kids, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, all brought together by Warner Bros. Discovery as the entertainment partner.
Adding to the excitement, cherished toon stars like Chhota Bheem and Little Singham made memorable appearances on weekends, charming the kids visiting the fair. The collaboration will prominently engage visitors with a diverse range of entertainment and educational activities throughout. From engaging workshops to lively performances and interactive sessions with Indian superheroes like Little Singham and Chhota Bheem, WBD’s got it all covered.
That’s not all! POGO, Cartoon Network and Discovery Channel are joining forces to host workshops and lively performances by Indian superheroes, including Little Singham and Bheem, alongside interactive sessions with Cartoon Network superheroes. Fans will also get to join the fun and embark on a Discovery Journey to Space with Gaganyaan.
Join us throughout the New Delhi Book Fair 2024, from February 10th to 18th, at the Children’s Pavilion in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, spanning halls 1 to 5. Admission fees apply, and tickets are available online via the ITPO website and at select DMRC Metro stations.
Take advantage of these thrilling and educational experiences for young minds!
Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery unveils the latest installment of “Mission Big Cat,” an enthralling anthology dedicated to the captivating world of majestic felines. In this edition, director Anurag Kashyap narrates the Hindi version, while director Gautham Vasudev Menon takes the reins for the Tamil rendition of “Creative Killers.” The show offers an intimate exploration of two of Africa’s most iconic predators, delving into their lethal strategies in the northern Botswana region of Savuti.
Anurag Kashyap, reflecting on his role in voicing “Creative Killers” within the latest edition of Mission Big Cat anthology, expressed, “Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery for Mission Big Cat is a matter of immense pride for me. Tigers play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem and their wellbeing should be the utmost priority of us as a society. I feel honoured to give my contribution towards this initiative of spreading awareness of the wild cats of the planet.”
Set against the backdrop of the prime territory in northern Botswana, “Creative Killers” focuses on Africa’s apex predators, renowned for their impeccable hunting instincts. This extraordinary journey into the world of big cats’ premieres on 10 November 2023, on Animal Planet. Viewers can catch the “Mission Big Cat” anthology from Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM, with a repeat telecast at 4:00 PM.
Warner Bros Discovery head of factual and lifestyle cluster, South Asia Sai Abishek said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with both Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon for Mission Big Cat, a returning franchise that stands as one of Animal Planet’s most prominent programming lineups. ‘Creative Killers’ will introduce audiences to the intricate web of family dynamics, behavioural traits, and challenges faced by these magnificent Big Cats. The upcoming edition will provide unique insights into their species and the livelihoods of animals. Having prominent faces lend their voices for the Hindi and Tamil versions will further enhance the fun that will soon unfold upon audiences in varied languages. Through these informative series, we uphold our steadfast commitment to raising awareness and contributing to the conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats”
Gautham Vasudev Menon said, “Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery for ‘Creative Killers’ has been an extraordinary experience. It’s not just about the incredible tigers and their hunting prowess; it’s about introducing this captivating world to the Tamil-speaking audience. I am confident that they will gain profound insights into the wonders of nature through this show.”
With this collaboration, Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon join a list of notable celebrities who have partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery for Mission Big Cat in the past, including Tapsee Panu, Anushka Sharma, and Vidyut Jamwal, and others.
Catch Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon on Creative Killers, 10 November onwards, Mondays to Fridays at 8:00 pm with a repeat telecast at 4:00 pm on Animal Planet.
Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery is delighted to announce “Mission Big Cat,” an exhilarating new anthology dedicated to the mesmerizing world of regal felines. This edition’s captivating lineup will present exclusive content that delves deep into the lives of lions, tigers, leopards, and other awe-inspiring species. Scheduled to premiere on 23 October 2023, on Animal Planet, the series will air from Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM, with a repeat broadcast the following day at 4:00 PM. This unique programming represents a compelling endeavour to unveil the intricacies of these magnificent creatures, providing viewers with insights into their behaviour, predatory skills, family dynamics, and much more.
The seven-week lineup, running until 15 December, will include shows such as “Big Cat Country,” “Creative Killers,” “Lions vs Hyenas,” “Lethal Attractions,” “Story Of Cats,” “The Lions Queens: Fighting For Survival,” “The Brother’s Pride,” “Brotherhood of Lions,” and “Lions Country: Night & Day.” These shows will shed light on territorial disputes among these magnificent creatures, unveil their ingenious hunting techniques, explore the bonds of brotherhood that bind them, and uncover the fascinating origin stories of these apex predators.
Watch Mission Big Cat, 23 October onwards, Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM on Animal Planet
MUMBAI: Every year, 22 April is celebrated as Earth Day all over the world. The practice dates back to 1970, when scores of people took to the streets on this day in protest of the negative impacts of 150 years of industrial development. With the world reeling under a global health crisis, this day is a reminder that everyone can contribute to a better, safer, and consequently healthier planet.
Ahead of World Earth Day, several brands launched campaigns and even new products to demonstrate their support for the environment:
The Google Doodle Search engine Google on Thursday marked the annual Earth Day through a video doodle on its home page highlighting how everyone can plant the seed to a brighter future—one sapling at a time. The film shows how just one sapling planted by each of us can turn into a forest of trees, even outliving the humans who planted them. The underlying message is: ‘This Earth Day—and everyday—we encourage everyone to find one small act they can do to restore our Earth. It’s bound to take root and blossom into something beautiful.’
MTV says ‘Using Plastic is a Crime’
MTV India launched a new satirical film ahead of World Earth Day 2021 giving out a powerful message that “Using Plastic is a Crime” and people who continue to use plastic carelessly, without any thought, should be treated on par with criminals. The film opens to a setting of a potential crime scene, where a masked killer is all set to choke a man with a plastic sheet. Much to the victim and the killer’s surprise, the police arrive at the scene, leading on to an unexpected discourse by the cop on the evils of using plastic, rather than focusing on the crime itself. It concludes with the masked man pledging never to use plastic so carelessly again.
Godrej #TwoDegreesCooler on global warming
The Godrej Group, through a digital film, urges individuals and industry owners to help slow down climate change, by turning to smart usage of resources. The film titled #TwoDegreesCooler showcases the brand’s commitment to limit global warming to well-below two degrees Celsius by 2050 and help India keep her part of the Paris agreement. Whether we can succeed in this mission or not, depends on each one of us, the film says. It ends by reminding us that ‘it’s all we need to restore our Earth’.
Animal Planet bats for all animals
On Earth Day, Animal Planet lived up to its name and reached out to all pet lovers on behalf of the wild animals inhabiting our planet, through a series of telling posts on its Instagram handle. The message it strove to spread via this digital campaign, featuring different species of wild birds and animals in their natural habitats, being : Just like our pets, they too deserve our unconditional love. And we can do so by protecting their home. They may not be our pets, but they’re just as precious. And if we don’t take care of the Earth, then we’re not taking care of them. Let’s act towards saving the planet and all its wonders, together.
Discovery India too shared a poignant digital campaign to mark Earth day, with some moving posts revolving around the trees and marine life of our planet. It posts said:
“When trees are cut, it affects all species. Deforestation contributes to climate change and threatens life on earth. This #EarthDay let’s support more sustainably produced products and pledge to protect our friends, the trees.” And “If the disposal of plastic materials & packaging into our oceans continues, it is estimated that by the year 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish (by weight). This #EarthDay let’s rethink plastic disposal & support effective methods of recycling plastic.”
L’Oréal for the Future, because our Planet is Worth it
Global cosmetics giant L’Oréal Paris has unveiled a new sustainability program, ‘L’Oréal for the Future, because our Planet is Worth it’, on the occasion of World Earth Day. The beauty brand pledged to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 per cent by year 2030. Among the key goals set by the brand include its aim to use 100 per cent recycled plastic, 100 per cent sustainable cardboard and operate 100 per cent carbon neutral factories by 2030. The beauty brand has also announced its decision to contribute €10 million to environmental projects around the world.
Reebok launches sustainable eco-friendly shoe:
Sports brand Reebok’s Floatride Energy GROW is a plant-based running shoe for high-performance. It combines the award-winning Forever Floatride Energy model with the commitment and responsibility to protect the environment and strives to create a fitter planet.
In a bid to up its sustainability efforts, Reebok is focusing on creating products using recycled or repurposed materials. The global sportswear brand is committed to reducing virgin polyester from its material mix and eliminating it altogether by 2024.
Wildermart, an online grocery store that aims to be a truly sustainable model, opened its doors in India on Earth Day with a hard-hitting digital launch campaign to raise awareness about the current state of our planet, the impact of clean consumption and what we can do to be a part of the solution with the click of a button. Calling itself ‘your clean grocery store’ it claims to offer a conscious solution to help everyday consumption be clean, green and earth-friendly. Launched in Bangalore, with an offering of over 1,000+ products across 30+ categories the brand aims to take this sustainable model to conscious consumers across the country within the next 3 years. In a show of support, animal rights activist and environmentalist Maneka Sanjay Gandhi made the first purchase on the portal today.
Bombay Shaving Company on the environmental cost of disposable razors
Personal care brand for men & women Bombay Shaving Co released a short, factual video on its social media platforms to encourage “shaving responsibly”.
The video talks about some hard hitting facts regarding disposable plastic razors prevalent in the personal care industry like: “Did you know, that over 2 billion disposable razors are produced in the world and almost 200 million razors are bought and disposed of every year. A normal disposable razor is made completely out of plastic.” It wraps up with the message: “It poses a health hazard for animals, marine life, and even safety workers.”
The solution? Switch to metal. The brand declares that their precision safety razor is recycle-ready, reduces plastic waste, and gives you a much better shaving experience, without hurting the environment.
MUMBAI: With less significant changes in week 28, 2020 of Chrome Data Analytics and Media data, Hindi GEC has seen slight growth of 0.44 per cent. In this genre, DD National gained highest OTS with 99.7 per cent in HSM excluding <1 lakh market.
Infotainment genre was the top gainer in the week 27. The genre grew by 0.44 per cent. In this genre, Animal Planet gained highest OTS with 89.0 per cent in all India 1 lakh+ market .
OTS is the actual census-based percentage connectivity of a channel spread across 81 million homes, as reported by Chrome DM, across analogue cable, digital cable, and DTH.
Last week, Hindi news gained the second position and grew by 0.37 per cent in HSM excluding <1 lakh market. In this genre, ABP News gained the highest OTS with 100 per cent.
Kids genre stood at the third position followed by religious genre at 0.34 per cent and 0.07 per cent respectively.
MUMBAI: When the Bronx Zoo announced their four-year-old Malayan tiger tested positive for Covid2019 the world was shocked to learn that animals can be victims of this pandemic, and many questions were raised. Dave Salmoni, Animal Planet’s big cat expert, dives deep to answer these questions in the special The Zoo: Covid2019 and Animals on 17 May at 1 pm and 8 pm on Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD and on recently launched Discovery Plus app. Salmoni speaks with a wide spectrum of experts from the WHO to wildlife biologists to veterinarians to uncover how the virus affects animals and how pet owners can keep their pets and family safe.
The special will feature Bronx Zoo Chief Veterinarian with an update on the big cats and their treatment; Dr. Peter Embarek from the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Task Force, who works particularly on all aspects of the virus related to animals; EXTINCT OR ALIVE’s wildlife biologist, Forrest Galante providing insight on Covid2019 and how it relates to wildlife; and Dr. Jeff of DR. JEFF: ROCKY MOUNTAIN VET how the virus affects pets. Audiences will also hear from Dr. Blue, Dr. Ross, and Dr. Lavigne of THE VET LIFE and EVAN GOES WILD’s Dr. Evan Antin on how to care for pets during this time.
“When news about Nadia the tiger came out the questions immediately began; what about my pets? How do I keep my animals and family safe? We’re going to answer these questions and more through this documentary. We're speaking to a wide range of experts from the World Health Organization, to wildlife biologists, to veterinarians. We are at war with this disease and so we get down to the nitty gritty, and discuss practical questions about daily lives with our pets. We know animals do play a role in this pandemic, and when it comes to our pets, we have to take care of them like any other member of our family.” says Animal Planet’s big cat expert, Dave Salmoni.
Discovery South Asia factual and lifestyle entertainment content director Sai Abhishek said, “We have been the forefront of busting myths around novel Corona virus with international documentaries. With this latest film, we take a hard look at how animals are being treated during such a crisis and the safety measures that can be taken to keep both, the people and their pets healthy.”
Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment
MUMBAI: Animal Planet has been dedicated to bringing to the fore incredible stories from the animal kingdom. Taking yet another step in this direction, starting 27 January, at 9 PM, the channel is all set to premiere an incredible 10-part series ‘The Lion Kingdom’ which will take viewers at the forefront of India’s battle with the deadly Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) which threatened to wipe out the last of the surviving Asiatic Lions in the world living in the wilds of the Gir National Park. Produced by film-maker Upma Bhatnagar, Executive Producer and Director, Optimum Television, The Lion Kingdom features renowned veterinary surgeon Steve Leonard as the series host.
This incredible series is the story of the Asiatic Lions’ fight with destiny and their triumph over a disease that had wiped out over 1000 lions in one deadly sweep in the Serengeti National Pak in Tanzania in the 1990s. These lions with their valiant fight for survival truly live up to their name – being referred to as India’s Pride. However, along with the indomitable spirits of glorious beasts, the relentless efforts of those working in the background – the forest department and the veterinarians is what truly helped turn this almost disaster into a story of hope.
The Lion Kingdom is a story of how the forest department of Gir National Park worked round the clock to try and save the king of the jungle while battling heavy rains and flooding and dealing with a sudden increase in the number of crocodiles in the area as a result! For the first time ever, not only will audiences get to witness the functioning of the veterinarian hospital in Gir, the only National park in India that has a full-fledged hospital for animals with the latest medical equipment, but they will also get to marvel at the transformation of Gir during the monsoons as this is the first time ever the National Park has been filmed during the rains.
“The deadly CDV virus had the potential to impact India’s pride – the Asiatic lions at The Gir National Park. The outstanding work done by our forest department to handle a crisis of this magnitude is a story which had to be shared with the world,” said, Discovery South Asia Content, Factual & Lifestyle Entertainment director Sai Abishek. “This series is a testimony to our purpose to grow awareness about wildlife conservation and instill a sense of pride and empathy among audiences towards these incredible animals and those working to save them.”
Optimum Television executive producer and director Upma Bhatnagar said, “It was the serious most alarm not only in Gir, but in India’s entire conservation history since independence. At stake was the existence of an entire species – Asiatic lions – that does not exist anywhere else in the world. When I heard many scientists and conservationists expressing fears that the Indian lion may not be able to come out of this crisis, I was really worried. Gir is very special to me. This is where I had filmed my first TV series, The Lion Queens of India. I enjoy a special bond with the land, its people and its majestic animals. We spoke with Discovery India who sensed the gravity of the situation and gave us their full creative and logistic support to share our story with the nation.”
