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Tag: Azim Lalani

  • Z5 zips open micro-drama app, Bullet

    Z5 zips open micro-drama app, Bullet

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises (Z) has gone all-in on short-form content, announcing a strategic partnership with content start-up Bullet.

    The aim?

    To launch India’s inaugural micro-drama app, delivering high-intensity, bite-sized entertainment straight to your mobile, no faffing about. 

    This new venture sees Z, a bona fide content and technology powerhouse, team up with serial entrepreneurs Azim Lalani and Saurabh Kushwah, the brains behind Bullet.  Their creation promises fast-paced, creator-driven content, served up in snappy, vertical episodes – perfect for the TikTok generation with attention spans shorter than a Mumbai rickshaw driver’s temper. 

    Bullet, cunningly nestled within the Z5 ecosystem, plans to leverage its massive user base to pump out “masala-paced plots and emotional punch”4. Think binge-watching, but quicker than a bullet.  And because variety is the spice of life, it’ll be available across languages, drawing on Z’s rich content vault. 

    “As the digital ecosystem grows exponentially, we are constantly identifying several value-accretive opportunities to drive scale,” purred a company spokesperson for Z.  “Our strategic partnership with Bullet aims to build a competitive advantage for the future by identifying innovative formats and scaling them through our platforms to drive stronger monetization.”  Sounds like they’re ready to make a packet.

    Azim Lalani, co-founder & chief business officer at Bullet, waxed lyrical about the “next big shift” in content consumption, noting the influx of short-form content. “With snacky content increasingly capturing the audiences’ short attention span and keeping them engaged, the next wave of content consumption will encompass creators that nurture the ability to deliver intrigue and emotions in bite-sized formats,” he quipped.
     
    Meanwhile, Saurabh Kushwah, Bullet’s co-founder and chief technology & product officer, promised an app that not only “entertains but also enables,” boasting “gamified layers, AI-backed content ops, and a creator-first ecosystem.” 

    Sounds like they’re not just playing games, but building a whole new playground.

    This isn’t just about micro-dramas; it’s about Z cementing its place as a “content and technology company,” adapting to evolving trends faster than a politician changes their mind.  With Z5’s cutting-edge tech and consumer insights, Bullet is primed to hit the bullseye.

  • Azim Lalani co-founds Bullet, hopes to fire up the two-minute microdrama revolution

    Azim Lalani co-founds Bullet, hopes to fire up the two-minute microdrama revolution

    MUMBAI — Azim Lalani, the digital maverick who’s seen it all from India Today to Fanory, (a career of more than a score years) has now strapped on a new role — co-founder and chief business officer at Bullet, a mobile-first microdrama OTT platform that promises to shoot cinematic stories straight to your phone in under two minutes.

    With a sharp eye on Gen Z and a regional-first, multilingual content play, Bullet isn’t just banking on binge culture — it’s reinventing it. Backed by tokenomics and built on blockchain, the platform wants to do more than stream — it aims to spark a creator economy explosion.

    “As CBO, I’ll be driving business strategy, growth partnerships, content, and monetisation,” Lalani said. “We’re not just building a platform — we’re architecting a storytelling ecosystem that’s sustainable, scalable and rooted in innovation.”

    He gave a shoutout to co-founder and CTPO Saurabh Kushwah for leading the tech charge, and thanked the leadership at Zee Entertainment Enterprises for supporting new-age innovation.

    Lalani’s previous innings include launching Fanory to help creators go direct-to-fan with coin-based monetisation, leading Money9 at TV9, and steering convergence and brand solutions at Network18. Prior to that he did time at India Today, Rediff and Indian Express. 

    Now with Bullet, he’s loading the chamber with big ambitions — where every story is sharp, short, and shot with purpose. Creators, got a drama to drop? The stage is yours — but make it snappy.

  • TV9 Digital appoints Azim Lalani as President Revenue

    TV9 Digital appoints Azim Lalani as President Revenue

    Mumbai: TV9 Digital on Wednesday brought on board Azim Lalani as president-revenue. Lalani will be responsible for building and driving direct revenue streams for TV9 Digital Platforms.

    The decision is part of TV9 Network’s aggressive expansion plans, and continued focus on the growth of its digital news platform.

    TV9 Network, chief growth officer (Digital & Broadcasting), Raktim Das said: “After stamping our supremacy in News Broadcasting, we are now a force to reckon with in India’s growing digital media landscape. We are now the country’s fastest-growing digital News Platform, crossing 100 mn unique users in record time. Most of our platforms are already No.1 News websites in their respective markets, just like the Television Channels. We are aggressively pursuing ambitious growth objectives and Azim’s appointment is a step in this direction. He has straddled both branded content and display revenue functions, and will bring in his unique experience to the table.”

    Prior to this, Azim was with Network18 Media as COO – Brand Solutions & Convergence leading their News Cluster. He brings with him over two decades of media experience with 14 years in Digital Media. He has also worked with Rediff.com, India Today & Indian Express.

    Speaking on his new assignment, Azim Lalani said, “I am excited to be part of the TV9 family as it embraces new benchmarks. I see huge opportunity for growth as TV9 Digital surges ahead with its aggressive plans. I look forward to contributing to TV9 Digital’s growth story”

  • Network18 announces senior elevations in News18.com

    Network18 announces senior elevations in News18.com

    MUMBAI: The general news vertical has been one of the strongest parts of the Network18 portfolio over the past year. In its best efforts to leverage the opportunities the scale affords, Network18 has announced key elevations in the leadership team of News18.com, its breaking news platform. Azim Lalani has now been elevated to COO – Brand Solutions & Convergence whereas, Mitul Sangani will take up the role of COO- General News as a part of the new working model. The step has been taken keeping in mind rapid audience growth and alignment with market dynamics in order to fully capitalize on emerging revenue models in Digital.

    Azim Lalani, who was earlier holding the position of Business Head – English News Cluster, will now take up the role of COO – Brand Solutions & Convergence. “Azim is a creative and resourceful business leader, who has amply demonstrated the potential of Firstpost Studio as an independent business in a very competitive market over the past couple of years”, commented Network18 Digital  President Puneet Singhvi. In addition to running Firstpost, Tech2 & Brand Solutions, Azim will be responsible for P&L, audience growth, product and marketing for these businesses under his new role.

    On the other hand, Mitul Sangani, former Business Head-News18 Indian Languages, will now be running operations as the COO- General News. “Mitul has taken on the challenge of growing Network18’s languages business from its infancy last year to making it the largest in the country in a very short span of time. Despite monetisation challenges for languages internet publishers in India, Mitul has very effectively taken a next-to-negligible revenue stream and made it into a robust and growing one”, added Puneet. In his enhanced role, Mitul will lead the P&L, monetization, audience growth (along with the editorial team), product and marketing for the general news business comprising of News18 English, News18 Languages and all verticals therein.

    On the development, Lalani said, “It has been an amazing journey to work with a highly-motivated team which is constantly working towards delivering unique campaigns and content which stand out and have emerged to be game changers in the industry. Network18 has successfully created many digital firsts and I look forward to leading this amazing team to create many more milestones while giving immense value to both stakeholders and consumers.”

    Sangani said, “It is my second stint with Network18 and it has been a great experience working with such a platform which has been catering to diverse audiences through its unique content. With content in 12 languages, News18 has indeed established itself as the top news destination for audiences across the length and breadth of the country. I look forward to taking up the charge of my new role propel the business to new heights.”

    Both Azim Lalani and Mitul Sangani shall continue to report to Puneet Singhvi.

  • Firstpost elevates Munaf Merchant to National Head – Sales, Firstpost News Cluster

    Firstpost elevates Munaf Merchant to National Head – Sales, Firstpost News Cluster

    National, 4 December 2018: Firstpost, India’s leading digital news platform has announced the elevation of Munaf Merchant to National Head – Sales, Firstpost News Cluster at Network18 Digital. Munaf will be responsible for developing effective marketing strategies and leading the team towards achieving a high-performance sales environment for Firstpost and Tech2. 
    Having been associated with Firstpost for over five years now, Munaf possesses an experience of close to ten years in marketing and sales. He has meticulously climbed the ranks with his dedication and commitment to work. His pro-activeness, exemplary decision-making prowess and absolute dedication, ensures that Firstpost always achieves its revenue targets. Munaf’s expertise has garnered client appreciation and has resulted in renewal of business deals repeatedly. In addition to this, he has a proven track record in building and growing properties from scratch, such as Firstpost’s 9 Months – the ground-breaking show on parenting and childcare which is now in its third season. 

    Sharing his views on the announcement, Azim Lalani, Business Head, English General News cluster, Network18 Digital said, “Firstpost has consistently led the way in offering innovative and path-breaking content for its readers across segments like politics, sports, business, technology and entertainment. Having grown significantly since its inception, we are creating a stronger digital presence in the sphere of original content with shows like 9 Months, WhatTheApp and Social Media Star. Munaf has brought to the table excellent marketing capabilities in the last few years and we are sure that he will apply the same level of perseverance and determination in his new responsibility of undertaking the national portfolio in sales for Firstpost and Tech2.” 

    Prior to joining Firstpost, Munaf worked with India Today in Marketing & Sales where he was responsible for generating revenues for India Today megabrand magazines, which included India Today English, India Today Hindi and India Today Tamil among others. 

    Commenting on being elevated Munaf said, “I am delighted to be entrusted with the new position. It is the perfect platform to further channelize the abilities and creativity of the team and ensure delivering excellent offerings to all our readers and clients. With the digital sphere growing rapidly, we plan to strategically strive and lead the online news space with effective partnerships that benefit all our stakeholders, including our consumers, at large.”

  • Network18 Digital elevates Ranadeep Chakravarty as marketing head

    Network18 Digital elevates Ranadeep Chakravarty as marketing head

    MUMBAI: Network18 Digital, the digital arm of Network18, announced the elevation of Ranadeep Chakravarty to marketing head of Firstpost, News18 and in.com. In his new role, he will lead all marketing, communications and strategic partnerships for Firstpost, News18 (English) and in.com. He will also oversee the public relations and trade communication activities for the three brands.

    Chakravarty brings with him 15 years of experience in both digital and mainline advertising and marketing. With a keen eye for design and vast knowledge in branding, he has significantly contributed in designing a number of commendable digital products, campaigns and brand identities for Network18.

    Prior to joining Network18, he was at the forefront in leading creative and brand strategy duties at various MNCs and Indian agencies, namely Bates Worldwide, Rediffusion, Madison, Rediff.com and LK Saatchi & Saatchi to name a few.

    Speaking about his new role, Chakravarty said, “I am excited to undertake the new responsibilities with Network18. It has been a great journey till now. Our efforts have got Firstpost in the top five leading Indian media digital publications. In my new role, the focus will be to continue to engage a diverse set of audience with strong, relevant and original content. I look forward to leading the team and enhancing the brand resonance through innovative ideas, brand partnerships and unique properties across segments.” 

    The trio of News18.com, Firstpost and in.com continue to stay ahead of the curve by being the go-to destination of online news. Having reached out to 70 million unique visitors, Firstpost and News18 are known to be India’s most influential digital news destinations in English. Additionally, now with the recently re-launched in.com, all three news sites reach out to larger masses that follow the diverse segments of politics, business, sports and entertainment.

    Commenting on the announcement, Network18 digital business head English general news cluster Azim Lalani said, “Network18 is strengthening its foothold in the digital space at a rapid pace. This is visible by the fact that it has acquired a very high number of unique visitors in a short period of time. By bringing the marketing activities of the three properties – Firstpost, News18.com and in.com – under one head, we plan to further align, strengthen and accelerate the growth of immensely popular news portals. Ranadeep has been instrumental in leading the marketing activities and effective brand collaborations at Firstpost. We are confident that his in-depth expertise and exceptional creativity will enable the websites to be recognized as the desired news destination that provides relevant, insightful and hard-hitting news.”

  • Teejay Sidhu to Host Firstpost’s 9 Months Season 3 – A GroundbreAzim Lalani,

    Teejay Sidhu to Host Firstpost’s 9 Months Season 3 – A GroundbreAzim Lalani,

    MUMBAI: Firstpost’s 9 Months, a successful web-series and India’s one-of-its-kind comprehensive show on parenting and childcare promises to be bigger, better and more engaging in its third season. This time around, viewers will be welcomed by renowned actor, RJ, film producer and mother – Teejay Sidhu, who is the host on the show. The audience will witness riveting conversations between the host and celebrity parents as well as accredited experts. The discussions revolve around interesting topics such as toddler health, family and financial planning, child schooling and education, in keeping with the platform’s core ethos of delivering more value to the audience, with each season.

    Commenting on the upcoming series Azim Lalani, Business Head – English General News Cluster, Network18 Digital said, “9 Months along with Firstpost’s other digital shows has cemented our success in the original web-series segment. The third season of 9 Months has seen more partner brands, highly influential celebrities and experts renowned in their respective fields, being associated with the offering. What makes it even more exciting is having Teejay Sidhu, a mother of twin daughters, onboard. Teejay’s strong digital presence and her communication as an active parent influencer perfectly aligns with the show’s core concept. With the novel and innovative developments in the upcoming season, we intend to reach a wider reach, achieve higher engagement and deliver more sharable content. The invaluable associations on the show stand testament to Firstpost’s immense credibility as one the leading digital platforms in the country.”   

    Garnering a whooping 11.8 million views and a reach of 20 million across platforms, the previous season left the audience captivated and wanting for more. In addition to a new host, the upcoming season welcomes influential celebrities like Karanvir Bohra; Barkha & Indraneil Sengupta, Manmeet Anjjan (of Meet Bros fame) and Karishma Modi; Rajneesh and Pallavi Duggal; Jai Bhanushali and Mahi Vij; Danish Aslam and Shruti Seth. They will be seen sharing their personal experiences on parent health, relationships, tackling setbacks around nutrition and achieving new milestones.

    To provide an expert view on these conversations, they have been accompanied by eminent experts like Dr. Nitin Shah, Pediatrician, Dr. Samir Dalwai – Developmental Pediatrician, Founder of New Horizon Child Development Center, Arundhati Swamy, Head – Parent Engagement Programmes, ParentCircle; Avnita Bir, Director Principal, R N Podar School; Naiyya Saggi, CEO & Founder, Baby Chakra, Dr. Sanjoy Mukherjee, Psychologist; Mansi  Zaveri, Founder, Kidsstoppress.com; Ruchita Dar Shah, Founder of First Moms Club among other distinguished personalities.

    Speaking about 9 Months Season 3, Priyanka Sehgal, VP Content & Strategy, Netwrok18 said, “The fact that 9 Months has reached its third season stands testimony to consumption of this kind of content. 9 Months was meant to be every parent’s go-to guide and I think we have achieved that. We have attempted to include parents with varied parenting styles and their experiences. There are research based opinions and tips which will be beneficial to our audiences. On a lighter note, viewers will also see Teejay and her husband Karanvir Bohra in a candid chat about how they manage their busy schedules and twin daughters.”

    The show is presented by Baby Dove and co-presented by Nestle Ceregrowand Asian Paints. Other partners include Sanofi Pasteur as the Health Journey Partner, Godrej Security Solutions as the Peace of Mind Partner and Mother Dairy as the Nutrition Partner. The web-series will be shown on Firstpost and its Facebook & YouTube channel.

  • HDFC Bank, Firstpost give unique twist to Raksha Bandhan

    HDFC Bank, Firstpost give unique twist to Raksha Bandhan

    MUMBAI: HDFC Bank has associated with digital newsroom Firstpost, to make this Rakshabandhan an agent of social change with its #RakshaMatlabRokNahi campaign.

    The ad campaign shares a unique take on the cherished Raksha Bandhan ritual. It signifies that the much loved and celebrated sibling festival is not only limited to protecting one’s sister but should also expand to protecting the dreams and aspirations of every woman.  

    Women’s emancipation is a continuous process of unlearning and rethinking the decisions we are traditionally used to making. To manifest our thoughts into action we just need that small but important nudge to make a difference. This was the key insight which leads to the concept.

    In the touching video created by Firstpost Studio, a brother informs his sister that his wife won’t be taking up an excellent career opportunity as it involves travel and wouldn’t be safe. To which the sister patiently explains that protection does not mean setting limits. The stirring message hits the audience when she asks her brother for her Rakhi gift – to protect not only his sister but the dreams and aspirations of every woman he meets.

    HDFC Bank CMO Ravi Santhanam says, “We have noticed women get more financially independent than they were and make decisions about their own money. That being said, there still exist social norms which keep some women from being decision makers. We wanted to address this in our video. The #RakshaMatlabRokNahi campaign creatively reinforces HDFC Bank’s core messaging encapsulated in our tag-line – ‘We Understand Your World.’ We are delighted to have found the right partners in Firstpost, who in turn delivered on our expectations for the campaign.”

    Network18 Digital business head for English general news cluster Azim Lalani adds, “We are glad to have associated with HDFC Bank to bring an offering that resonates with the audience and effectively drives the message of the brand. Our platform consistently strives to deliver progressive content that deeply connects with the audience, and the team has made a sincere effort to bring that forward with the #RakshaMatlabRokNahi campaign.”

  • Firstpost celebrates phenomenal success of 9 months season 2

    Firstpost celebrates phenomenal success of 9 months season 2

    MUMBAI: Close at the heels of its 7-year celebration, Firstpost achieves another milestone that of its popular web-series – 9 Months Season 2, India’s first and only comprehensive show on pregnancy and childcare recording a remarkable 11.8 million views across platforms. Adding to that, the show has gained traction as the go-to guide for new parents amassed a reach of 20 million and 43,000 engagements in form of reactions, comments and shares on the on Facebook. The show has been highly appreciated by the audience for delivering high-quality and valuable content for new parents.

    As India’s largest and premier platform for digital news, analysis and opinions, Firstpost has successfully delivered clutter-breaking, innovative content. With the success of 9 Months Season 1 that captured the nine months of pregnancy, Season 2 dealt with the 0 to 1 year of a baby’s life. In collaboration with Tickled Media’s theindusparent.com, the show witnessed the presence of some of the most reputed experts, opinion makers and celebrities who came onboard to share their personal experiences.

    Commenting on the success of season 2, Firstpost, Business Head, Azim Lalani said:9 Months has once again stipulated that Firstpost is truly delivering innovative content in captivating formats. We remain committed to delivering excellent content to our audiences. We’re on the right path and are coming up with many more intellectual properties which have never been done before. We are excited with this new revenue stream which has enhanced our brand value and business manifold. The show was distributed on 5 different platforms and that goes to show we are considered a valuable partner. This is a feather in our caps and I thank all the brands who have partnered with us.

    Anchored by Meghna Pant -Presented by Baby Dove, powered by Huggies, in association with Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited and Eureka Forbes, the web-series covered the entire gamut right from lactation, check-lists for bringing the baby home, skin-care essentials, sleeping patterns, dietary needs, impact of colors, mental and behavioural development as well as a mother’s health-care post-partum and a host of other subjects.