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Tag: AR Rahman

  • NDTV pivots to live entertainment with star-studded concert series

    NDTV pivots to live entertainment with star-studded concert series

    NEW DELHI: NDTV, India’s three-decade-old news broadcaster, is striking out into uncharted territory with the launch of NDTV Good Times, a live entertainment venture that promises to bring marquee musical acts to iconic venues across the country.

    The move marks a bold departure for the Delhi-based media house, which has built its reputation on hard news and current affairs. Now it is betting that India’s youthful demographics and growing disposable income will fuel demand for premium live experiences.

    The inaugural lineup reads like a who’s who of Indian music. AR Rahman will perform at Varanasi’s sacred ghats along the Ganges, while Sonu Nigam plans a tribute to legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi at Kashmir’s Dal Lake. The roster also includes composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and popular singers Jubin Nautiyal and Neha Kakkar.

    “NDTV has always stood at the intersection of storytelling and society,” said chief executive and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal. The company aims to “curate iconic performances that will not just entertain but also inspire, connect, and create lasting memories.”

    The venture taps into a global trend where live entertainment has become a cultural force, particularly among younger audiences who prize authentic, shared experiences over passive consumption. India, with one of the world’s youngest populations, appears ripe for such offerings.

    NDTV’s strategy leverages its existing broadcast and digital infrastructure to amplify these events beyond their physical venues. The company has partnered with ticketing platform  District to handle bookings and logistics.

    Rahul Shaw, the newly minted chief experiences officer, positions the initiative as “reimagining the heartbeat” of Indian culture by combining top-tier talent with extraordinary settings.

    The move comes as traditional media companies worldwide grapple with changing consumption patterns and seek new revenue streams. Whether NDTV’s gamble on live entertainment pays off will depend on its ability to translate its storytelling credibility into successful event curation—and whether Indian audiences are ready to pay premium prices for the privilege.

  • Zomato’s ‘Fuel Your Hustle’ campaign serves a hot tribute to India’s silent strivers

    Zomato’s ‘Fuel Your Hustle’ campaign serves a hot tribute to India’s silent strivers

    MUMBAI: Zomato is dishing out a power-packed ode to perseverance with its latest campaign, ‘Fuel Your Hustle’, starring a heavyweight cast of Indian icons: Shah Rukh Khan, Mary Kom, AR Rahman, and Jasprit Bumrah.

    The emotionally charged campaign spotlights the sweat behind the stardom, tracing each personality’s journey through rare archival footage — some of it never seen before — and gritty behind-the-scenes moments from iconic matches, studios, and film sets. The film is underscored by a stirring track from Kalmi (Nikhil Kalimireddy), the voice behind the viral anthem “Big Dawgs”.

    In a world chasing instant wins, ‘Fuel Your Hustle’ flips the script. It’s a celebration of those long, unglamorous hours of hustle — whether it’s SRK’s early theatre days, Mary Kom’s fight against the odds as a mother and champion, Rahman’s studio grind, or Bumrah’s rise from the nets to global cricketing glory.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Zomato (@zomato)

     

     

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Zomato marketing Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney said, “This campaign is for a new generation of doers, a reminder that even the stars they look up to started small, stumbled, and kept going. It’s a cheer for the millions of Indians building something, following dreams, caring for loved ones and for themselves, even when it’s hard and no one’s clapping.”

    “We’re rooting for those chasing what they care deeply about and showing up for it consistently. Food is just their fuel and we’re glad to be a small part of their journey,” he added.

    Posted by Deepinder Goyal, Zomato’s CEO, and live across YouTube, Instagram, and outdoor touchpoints, the campaign rolls out as a full-throttle 360-degree blitz across digital, print, and social media.

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  • Zomato serves up a motivational feast with Fuel Your Hustle campaign

    Zomato serves up a motivational feast with Fuel Your Hustle campaign

    MUMBAI: Food delivery and experiences company Zomato has dished out a high-octane, monochrome television commercial, “Fuel Your Hustle”, drawing comparisons to Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” ethos. The star-studded TVC features Hindi cinema’s Shah Rukh Khan, cricketing ace Jasprit Bumrah, boxing legend Mary Kom, and musical maestro AR Rahman, all united in a quest to uncover the “secret ingredient” of greatness.  

    The film is tied together by a compelling music track from Kalmi (Nikhil Kalimireddy), best known for his hit “Big Dawgs”. The background score features a dynamic blend of Indian and western sounds, characterised by a prominent use of percussion and drums that amplify the motivational fervour. 

    The advert kicks off with an intriguing question: “What’s their secret ingredient? Their secret sauce for greatness? What do they know that others don’t?”. What follows is a compelling visual narrative of each icon’s relentless dedication to their craft. Khan is seen meticulously re-taking scenes, Rahman passionately wrestling with his keyboards to perfect a tune, Kom relentlessly skipping and sparring in the boxing ring, and Bumrah unleashing thunderous deliveries that send stumps cartwheeling. 

    A montage of candid shots interspersed with their rigorous routines is accompanied by a haunting voiceover. It declares, “They know the taste of sweat. The salt of tears. They wake up when it’s dark. They show up when it’s hard. They know what it takes, retakes, mistakes. The truth is they are just like you and me. There’s no secret recipe. They JUST WANT IT MORE. THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS HUSTLE. FUEL YOUR HUSTLE. Zomato.” 

    The TVC, with its powerful personalities, stirring message, and driving soundtrack, undoubtedly commands attention. It not only positions Zomato as a brand that embodies its own “hustle,” but also aims to inspire the common person to fuel their ambitions. This ad suggests that Zomato is hungry for more, and wants its customers to feel the same zest for life.

     

  • AR Rahman & KM Music Conservatory introduce the Bharat Maestro Awards

    AR Rahman & KM Music Conservatory introduce the Bharat Maestro Awards

    MUMBAI: In a country where music connects generations, the Bharat Maestro Awards have been established to recognise and inspire talent.

    Initiated by composer AR Rahman and the KM Music Conservatory, the awards celebrate the legacy of Indian classical music while supporting emerging artists.

    “The greatest joy of a guru is to witness the success and growth of their students, and it is this bond that the Bharat Maestro Awards seeks to celebrate. The idea behind instituting this is for it to be more than just an award; it’s about connecting the past, present, and future of music, and uniting us all through the language of sound,” said AR Rahman.

    The conservatory aims to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, creating opportunities for young artists to develop their craft while remaining connected to India’s cultural fabric. “With this annual award being instituted, I want to support building an ecosystem that will also fuel immersive experiences in the arena of music,” Rahman added.

    The Bharat Maestro Awards will  celebrate young musicians, lifetime achievements in teaching, and contributions from Indian states to the musical landscape. Music legends such as  Asha Bhosle, Amjad Ali Khan, and Bombay Jayashri will mentor aspiring artists, foster talent and inspirie younger audiences through innovative presentations and performances.

  • Mitali Srivastava Hough quits McCann Worldgroup to pursue new ventures

    Mitali Srivastava Hough quits McCann Worldgroup to pursue new ventures

    Mumbai: Mitali Srivastava Hough has bid farewell to McCann Worldgroup, stepping down from her role as senior VP and head of planning for the Mumbai office.

    With over 25 years of experience, Hough has worked with leading agencies like DDB Mudra, Ogilvy & Mather, Famous Innovations, and TBWA India. Notably, she was the first planner in Indian advertising to co-found an agency, Utopeia Communicationz, followed by another venture, Equal, specializing in CSR solutions.

    While keeping her future plans intentionally enigmatic, Mitali hinted at her intent to mentor her creative consultancy – The Equal Agency and continue advising various other agencies. “I am deeply grateful for the experiences and relationships I’ve built at McCann. My time there was short but I got the opportunity to work with Prasoon Joshi and some incredible talent and clients across various industries. As I look ahead, I feel a sense of excitement to push my boundaries further. It’s the right moment to explore new horizons, take on new challenges, and pursue my passions in ways I haven’t yet imagined. I look forward to continuing my journey through mentoring and consultancy work, and I’m eager to bring my energy into new collaborations,” she shared.

    In addition to her consultancy work, she is diving into a collaboration with musical maestro AR Rahman, where she will be contributing as a writer on a major project that is an amalgamation of creativity and technology. This partnership, along with her other ventures, marks a new phase in her career, where she will continue to explore the intersection of creativity, strategy, and passion in new and unexpected ways.

  • AR Rahman to perform in a spectacular concert in Malaysia on 27 July

    AR Rahman to perform in a spectacular concert in Malaysia on 27 July

    Mumbai: AR Rahman, the renowned Indian music composer, singer-songwriter and producer, is all set to grace the stage in Malaysia for an unforgettable concert experience on 27 July 2024 at the iconic National Stadium Bukit Jalil. The show promises to be a celebration of Rahman’s illustrious career, captivating audiences with his soul-stirring melodies and electrifying performances.

    Tickets for the AR Rahman Live in Kuala Lumpur 2024 are now available on here, using BigTix, BookMyShow’s revolutionary SaaS ticketing platform for Southeast Asian entertainment.

    Organized by Star Planet, Malaysia’s premier entertainment company, the concert presents a unique opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in AR Rahman’s timeless classics, including chart-topping hits from his acclaimed films. With a setlist that promises to evoke nostalgia and stir emotions, attendees can expect an unforgettable evening filled with musical brilliance and unparalleled entertainment.

    With a career spanning over three decades, Rahman has garnered global acclaim for his unparalleled contributions to music, earning prestigious accolades including Academy Awards, Grammy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Get ready to be spellbound by an enthralling spectacle as a constellation of celebrated artists and dancers grace the stage in seamless unity. With cutting-edge, international-class audio-visual technology illuminating each moment, attendees are in for an immersive journey that defies expectations and ignites the senses. From electrifying choreography to soul-stirring melodies, this star-studded performance promises to transcend boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on all who witness its brilliance.

    While Rahman’s fan base extends far and wide, his immense popularity in India is undeniable. His music has become an integral part of the Indian cultural landscape, with millions of fans who cherish his every note. Now, fans have the opportunity to experience the magic of Rahman’s music live in Malaysia, adding a new dimension to their admiration for the musical maestro.

    For fans planning to attend the concert from India, early preparation is key. With tickets now available on BookMyShow, enthusiasts can secure their seats well in advance and make travel arrangements to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. Malaysia’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable musical journey.

    Don’t miss your chance to witness AR Rahman’s electrifying performance in Malaysia on 27 July. Book your tickets now on BookMyShow and embark on a musical odyssey like no other!

  • AR Rahman unveils Headhunting to Beatboxing at 77th Cannes Film Festival

    AR Rahman unveils Headhunting to Beatboxing at 77th Cannes Film Festival

    Mumbai: The Bharat Pavilion at the 77th Cannes Film Festival witnessed a momentous occasion as Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman unveiled the first look and teaser of his latest venture, a groundbreaking feature documentary titled “Headhunting to Beatboxing” directed by Rohit Gupta.

    The unveiling took place at the Bharat Pavilion at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, marking a proud moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.

    Present at the launch at the Bharat Pavilion in Cannes were Academy Award winner and Padma Bhushan recipient AR Rahman, director Rohit Gupta, Executive Producer Abu Metha  (Advisor to the Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland) and Executive Producer Theja Meru (Chairman TaFMA, Government of Nagaland) in addition to the other guests and dignitaries present.

    Headhunting to beatboxing directed by Rohit Gupta and Produced by AR Rahman explores the fascinating journey of rhythm and sound, tracing the evolution of music across cultures, tribes and generations. From the ancient traditions of headhunting tribes to the musical renaissance in the state, the documentary promises to take audiences on an immersive and enlightening musical anthropological odyssey.

    “Music has this transformative power to change society and to connect and bring relevance to existence. ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ is a celebration of this universal rhythm that unites humanity in its diverse expressions. We look forward to the start of its film festival journey and what better than Cannes which celebrates cinema to make the first announcement on the film” said AR Rahman, expressing his enthusiasm.

    “The germ of the idea came up when AR Rahman visited Nagaland to be part of the legendary Hornbill Festival. We knew we had to be part of it. The film is a collaboration of many creative minds, especially the TaFMA and masterfully captured by director Rohit Gupta. The real heroes are the musicians of Nagaland, who tell stories that go back to times immemorial and their music exemplifies the ambition of our youth.” said  Nagaland advisor to the chief minister Abu Metha.

    “Five years in the making, the journey of  this film has been a sort of metamorphosis for me. The rich and vibrant music today, transcending the scars of the past is something that truly blew me away during the making. I am excited to see audiences witness our hard work and the magic that exists in the music of Nagaland” added director Rohit Gupta.

    The film marks multiple award winner, Rahman’s second major foray into filmmaking as a producer, with his earlier production ’99 Songs’ which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival. His vision behind the project stems from a desire to celebrate the universal language of music and its transformative power to transcend boundaries.

    “Headhunting to beatboxing” has been directed by Rohit Gupta and produced by AR Rahman, with Abu Metha, Adam J. Greig, Theja Meru, Rohit Gupta, Sheila Houlahan and Rohhit Daas serving as executive producers.

  • “Unstoppable is our concerted effort to inspire audience towards leading healthier and more fulfilling lives”: Ravinder Varma

    “Unstoppable is our concerted effort to inspire audience towards leading healthier and more fulfilling lives”: Ravinder Varma

    Mumbai: RiteBite Max Protein has announced the launch of its podcast series, “Unstoppable” – a first-ever Initiative by an FMCG health food brand, that aims to showcase exclusive health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness insights. This series is designed to create a dynamic community of health and fitness enthusiasts. With 8 to 9 episodes each season, “Unstoppable” aims to be the premier destination for inspiration, motivation, and transformative stories in the realm of health and fitness.

    The production of this podcast is supported by Qyuki Digital Media, an artist-focused network co-founded by Shekhar Kapur, AR Rahman, and Samir Bangara.

    Actor Rohit Roy will host the podcast. His diverse experience in acting, directing, and fashion adds a unique perspective to the show. Season 1 of “Unstoppable” will feature a lineup of renowned guests like Sharman Joshi, Yash Birla, Sanjay Suri, Varun Sood, Namrata Seth, Soundous Moufakir, Parvin Dabas, Preeti Jhangiani, Bhagyashree and many more. These influential figures from Bollywood and the business world are not only leaders in their fields but also passionate about fitness.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to Naturell India (RiteBite Max Protein) brand manager Ravinder Verma, where he shared numerous insights regarding venturing into podcast and more…

    Edited excerpts

    On the inspiration to venture into the realm of podcasting with Unstoppable

    The inspiration behind RiteBite Max Protein’s venture into podcasting with “Unstoppable” stemmed from our desire to connect with our audience on a more personal and engaging level. In the contemporary digital landscape, podcasts provide a unique and intimate platform for sharing narratives and valuable insights. Recognizing this, we identified an opportunity to merge our extensive expertise in health and fitness with compelling real-life stories of resilience and determination, featuring well-known personalities.

    “Unstoppable” is our concerted effort to inspire audience towards leading healthier and more fulfilling lives. Through the medium of these stories, we aim to showcase that overcoming obstacles is a universal journey, and everyone has the potential to surmount challenges to become the best version of themselves. It’s a platform where the worlds of health expertise and personal stories intersect, offering a source of motivation and encouragement for individuals on their paths to well-being and self-improvement.

    On elaborating on the format of each episode of this podcast

    Each episode of “Unstoppable” is meticulously crafted to offer audience a blend of entertainment, inspiration, and practical health insights. The format includes in-depth conversations with celebrities and thought leaders, sharing their personal journeys, struggles, and triumphs in health and wellness. A key highlight of each episode is the “Keep Going” segment, which also serves as the overarching branding slogan for RiteBite Max Protein. This segment dives into what drives them to overcome challenges and maintain their health and wellness routines, offering the audience unique insights and inspiration.  We aim to provide a well-rounded audio-visual experience that motivates our audience to pursue their health goals with enthusiasm and knowledge.

    On the selection of Rohit Roy as the host contribute to the overall tone of the podcast

    Rohit Roy, with his versatile background in the film and television industry, brings a unique blend of charisma, empathy, and insight to “Unstoppable.” His ability to connect with guests on a personal level, drawing out their stories and insights, sets the tone for a podcast that’s both engaging and relatable. Rohit’s genuine interest in health and wellness, combined with his interviewing skills, ensures that each episode is not only informative but also deeply moving and motivational. Having been in the industry for ages, Rohit exudes a youthful energy that appeals to both younger and mature audiences alike. His own health, fitness & wellness journey, and the motivating factor to “keep going” make him an ideal host for “Unstoppable.” Rohit Roy resonates across generations, bringing a dynamic that is both refreshing and profoundly inspiring for audience seeking motivation and guidance in their wellness journeys.

    On planning to leverage your partnership with Qyuki Digital Media for the production of this podcast

    RiteBite Max Protein is capitalizing on its partnership with Qyuki Digital Media by focusing solely on their expertise in production support to enhance the “Unstoppable” podcast series. This collaboration aims to bring forth a high-quality, engaging, and informative podcast tailored for health-conscious audiences. With Qyuki’s production prowess, the series is positioned to lead conversations in health and wellness, providing audience with essential insights into fitness and overall well-being.

    On audience expecting any additional content related to the topics discussed in Unstoppable

    Absolutely! In addition to insights shared in the podcast, we do plan to provide the audience with additional content and resources related to the topics. This will be done through articles, expert interviews, tips, and practical advice on health, fitness, resilience, and personal development. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive and valuable experience for our audience, empowering them with the knowledge and tools to make positive changes in their lives. 

  • AR Rahman returns as BAFTA Breakthrough India ambassador

    AR Rahman returns as BAFTA Breakthrough India ambassador

    Mumbai: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced AR Rahman as the Breakthrough India ambassador for another year as they invite a new round of applications in India for the programme. Supported by Netflix, this programme will be open for prospective talent across the film, games, and television industries. 

    The BAFTA Breakthrough India programme will once again identify, promote and support Indian talent within these industries on a global scale, said the organisation in a statement on Wednesday. 

    “BAFTA Breakthrough India is an awe-inspiring initiative that offers the unique opportunity to promising artists to connect with influential experts in their field, serving as a life-changing experience,” remarked AR Rahman. “India has the supreme talent to offer which was evidenced by the overwhelming response received during the first round of Breakthrough India that compelled the jury to select ten deserving participants instead of five as originally planned.”

    Akin to the debut initiative, BAFTA Breakthrough aims to celebrate Indian talent by offering a bespoke programme of support – helping participants develop knowledge about the industry, develop their craft, address barriers to progression, and network globally with people who can influence their careers. 

    The programme provides a bursary to support international networking opportunities, further to this, recipients will also receive: One-to-one industry meetings and group roundtable sessions; Global networking opportunities with BAFTA membership, industry and peer to pee Breakthrough cohorts; Access to Career Coaching sessions and support with professional skills development; Access to BAFTA’s virtual programme of events and screenings for 12 months, and PR support and showcasing as part of Breakthrough.

    “India has a wealth of talent waiting to be discovered and showcased. For the second year, we are delighted to open applications for BAFTA Breakthrough supported by Netflix,” stated BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry OBE. “The high quality of applicants in our first year prompted the jury to select ten individuals rather than five, and we look forward to receiving applications from the very best emerging talent in film, games, and television again.”

    The incredibly talented list of BAFTA Breakthrough’s first cohort comprised of the future stars of the film, games, and television industries: Akshay Singh (writer), Arun Karthick (director/writer), Jay Pinak Oza (cinematographer), Karthikeya Murthy (composer), Palomi Ghosh (actor), Renu Savant (director/writer), Shruti Ghosh (game developer & art director), Sumit Purohit (director/writer), Tanya Maniktala (actor) and Vikramaditya Singh (director).

    “Coming together to create opportunities for fresh talent and offering them a global platform is vital to the growth of the entertainment industry,” said Netflix India VP – content Monika Shergill. “Through the BAFTA Breakthrough India initiative, we want to drive progress in creating a more inclusive industry where many tales are told, and many voices tell those stories. We look forward to an equally enthusiastic and quality response as in the first year.”

  • Content creators unfazed by YouTube Originals

    Content creators unfazed by YouTube Originals

    MUMBAI: YouTube’s ambitious announcement of launching India Originals is being seen as a bid by the Google-owned video platform to occupy a prominent place in the world of online streaming and earn more ad dollars. However, content creators believe this move will not affect their opportunities and existing model of functioning.

    At 245 million monthly active users in India, the undeniable king of the video business is aiming to expand its user base with originals. For now, they will be on the company’s ad supported model.

    YouTube has partnered with music maestro AR Rahman for its first show called ARRived which is a search for the best music talent in India. The platform’s norm in other countries is to put original content behind a paywall. Hence, its celebrity-led content can be a way to woo marketers till the subscription-based model is introduced.

    “YouTube is improving the content portfolio to bring more dedicated viewers to its table otherwise the viewers might get fragmented into multiple other digital options. YouTube, with this act, is trying to become more relevant by adding higher quality offerings to its feed. Given the continual rise in digital content consumption, players are trying to create more quality content that will be more engaging for the audience. This trend will push for more integrated messaging that will enable some of the brands to join the bandwagon and the ones who don’t will continue to advertise on the platform. Hence, this is a win-win situation for content creators, advertisers and the audience,” Big FM CFO Asheesh Chatterjee said. The radio network is currently expanding its digital footprint.

    For some time now, Worldwide Media (WWM) has been churning out video content. WWM Content Studio vice president Vidyut Patra thinks that YouTube needs to be considered as a larger pipe with multiple inlet and outlet funnels that advertisers can use based on their strategic or tactical objectives. According to him, any new development will not bring a drastic change to the existing models between YouTube and brands or content creators.

    “In fact, this will add a new dimension to the existing ecosystem that can be leveraged by brands and creators on either side of the paywall. Brands would have more options to choose from in terms of inventing their marketing spends and creators would have newer avenues to create content for,” he added.

    Creators have been the backbone of the video platform for years. Even YouTube Originals will feature content from the most successful creators and partners. While it will fund and commission these shows based on insights from user data, the IP will remain with the creator.

    “You can be sure that one of YouTube’s objectives is to draw more ad dollars their way. It is hard to say how much will be diverted from other platforms versus what will come from new ad spends – as we know, digital is the fastest growing category in advertising. But it’s also a mistake to view all digital advertising as a single monolith. Where an advertiser chooses to spend his money depends on the campaign objectives and every platform gives you different parameters to work with,” Miss Malini Entertainment CEO Nowshad Rizwanullah commented.

    Chatterjee says people need to have a focused content strategy in place. “As we provide content that is ad-friendly, we have clearly defined our strategy that we follow in terms of deciding how we play the content piece basis the ‘hero – hub – hygiene’ model. Having a focused hub approach will gravitate the audience to that zone and accordingly it will be available for integration and the utilities will be across the medium,” he said.

    Rizwanullah mentions a highly-discussed but very important point. He thinks the real, sustainable value in content businesses is not in raking up the most views or impressions but about creating a deeper connection with audiences that trust the creator and return regularly.

    While big players are trying to scale up their own content play, there are chances that comparatively smaller ones may have to go down the consolidation route. Patra thinks there will be a certain level of consolidation in the industry moving forward, but smaller players will continue to exist given the size of the Indian market. Chatterjee thinks that the ones which are more idea-led will continue to be more large scale. On the other hand, the ones which are more production, budget and celebrity-led, will be consolidated.

    “Don’t forget that YouTube is YouTube because of the millions of people that tune in to see their favourite digital creators, generating billions of ad revenue for the company. That’s not something they will sacrifice so easily,” Rizwanullah says and gives a sort of reality check on the market status after the announcement of Originals.