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Tag: Badshah

  • Show must go on for brand partnership maven as Sujith Kumar joins BookMyShow

    Show must go on for brand partnership maven as Sujith Kumar joins BookMyShow

    MUMBAI:  In a move that has more twists than a Hindi cinema blockbuster, Sujith Kumar has swapped his role as head of brand partnerships at Swiggy SteppinOut for a senior manager position at BookMyShow, India’s entertainment ticketing titan. The career hop, announced this month, sees the marketing maestro taking his knack for turning consumers into brand evangelists to fresh pastures.

    Kumar’s track record reads like a greatest hits album of Indian entertainment marketing. At Swiggy SteppinOut, he orchestrated partnerships spanning food, music, comedy and lifestyle events, including the launch of “Supper Clubs of India”—intimate dining experiences showcasing regional cuisines that had Mumbai’s foodies queuing round the block.

    His previous stint at Paytm Insider proved particularly lucrative, where he built the brand partnerships team from scratch. The portfolio included managing Arijit Singh’s five-city tour and pioneering Van Heusen’s first metaverse concert—a digital-age spectacle that had traditionalists scratching their heads and millennials reaching for their wallets.

    The marketing maverick’s earlier adventures include a two-and-a-half-year spell at Sony Music Entertainment, where his mission statement “turn music fans into brand fans” became the stuff of industry legend. He juggled over 80 active brand strategies across south India, orchestrating collaborations with musical heavyweights including Badshah and Anirudh Ravichander.

    At ESPN, Kumar cut his teeth managing marketing for ESPNcricinfo during cricket’s golden television era, overseeing campaigns for the 2015 World Cup and IPL. His creation of CricIQ, billed as India’s largest cricket quiz platform, proved that sports and smartphones could be a winning combination long before fantasy leagues became the rage.

    Now at BookMyShow Live, Kumar faces the challenge of making brands feel rather than merely seen when “the lights dim and the fans roar.” Given his penchant for turning spectators into spenders, India’s entertainment industry may have found its most valuable player yet.

    The motorcycle enthusiast, who founded BrosonWheelsOfficial and treats riding as his “refresh button,” appears ready to take the brand partnerships game into top gear. For an industry where attention spans are shorter than TikTok videos, that could be music to corporate ears.

  • Licence to thrill as Hoopr smash reshapes India’s music licensing game

    Licence to thrill as Hoopr smash reshapes India’s music licensing game

    MUMBAI: India’s content creators have been grooving without a licence until now. In a game-changing move for the booming creator economy, Hoopr has launched Hoopr Smash, a slick, self-serve music licensing platform that finally lets brands, agencies, and creators use hindi and regional tracks legally and affordably without hitting a sour note.

    This digital-first marketplace is shaking up the copyright jungle by giving creators instant access to music from one of the most iconic catalogues in Indian cinema: YRF Music, with over 1,000 blockbuster tracks. It also ropes in 17 regional labels and over 380 artists, from A.R. Rahman and Vishal-Sheykhar to Badshah, Bohemia, and Jasleen Royal, offering a library of more than 18,000 licensable tracks and counting.

    With India churning out 80,000 branded content pieces and 550,000 creators posting daily, music is often used with more enthusiasm than legality. As per industry estimates, 87 per cent of music use in content is wilfully violating copyright, bleeding the industry of a jaw-dropping Rs 3,600 crore annually. Hoopr Smash wants to plug that leak and fast.

    The platform works like an e-commerce checkout for beats. Users can license a track in under 15 minutes, choosing from bundles or per-track payments. Content is sorted by use case, mood, and moment, think Diwali jingles or wedding reels plus a live ‘Trending Tracks’ feature keeps brands tuned in to what’s hot. Whether it’s a mangalsutra ad or a monsoon campaign, there’s a song for every storyline.

    Commenting on the launch, Hoopr co-founder & CEO Gaurav Dagaonkar said: “As an artist, I have experienced the challenges of India’s fragmented music licensing ecosystem where even my own songs have been used without permission or payment. While brands want to license music the right way, they often find themselves navigating a complex and inconsistent process while trying to license songs. Licensing Bollywood music in particular has often been complicated, with unclear legal pathways and limited access for most brands. With Hoopr Smash, we are addressing this gap by building a transparent, accessible, and efficient platform that simplifies the legal licensing of popular Bollywood songs for all stakeholders. We envision Hoopr Smash becoming the go-to destination for ethical music licensing, empowering brands to create freely and fearlessly, while ensuring artists and music owners receive the value they truly deserve.”

    Adding to this Hoopr co-founder & CRO Meghna Mittal said “Hoopr Smash is designed to address the long-standing issues of Bollywood music licensing. After extensive research with 160 plus brands and agencies, we understood that there were some major pain points volatile pricing, long negotiations, and decentralized clearance processes. Smash eliminates this by displaying Bollywood music-trending updates in real time, offering intelligent track curation, and instant licensing, allowing brands to access popular tracks faster and stay legally compliant. The site offers affordable pricing and a seamless checkout experience, and ensures that artists and labels are dealt with fairly. This is a giant leap in building an open and sustainable music licensing infrastructure in India.”

    Commenting on this unique partnership Yash Raj Films Pvt. Ltd. vice president of digital & new media Anand Gurnani stated, “Hoopr’s technology presents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our reach to long-tail consumers and enhance the accessibility of our music catalogue. This partnership not only provides brands with seamless access to our extensive music catalogue but also streamlines the licensing process, ensuring efficient and compliant usage. We are confident that this collaboration will open up exciting opportunities for responsible brand engagement across short-form formats while helping us connect with wider audiences.”                  

    In a content landscape bursting with reels, remixes, and reaction videos, Hoopr Smash lands as a much-needed remix to India’s outdated music licensing scene. More than a tech tool, it’s a cultural clean-up. By marrying ease, legality, and fairness, Hoopr Smash might just be the soundtrack to a more ethical, efficient content future.

  • Badshah unleashes a catchy gaming-music mashup with Imma Be Your Pokémon!

    Badshah unleashes a catchy gaming-music mashup with Imma Be Your Pokémon!

    MUMBAI: Big man Badshah is back with a bang! The Indian rapper and singer has just dropped his brand-new single –  Imma Be Your Pokémon – and it’s already generating buzz. The official music video, featuring Sharvi Yadav and Sahher Bambba, is out now.

    The song, is an upbeat and energetic track that combines Badshah’s signature style with the iconic world of Pokémon. The catchy lyrics and infectious beat make it impossible to sit still.

    “I’m a huge fan of Pokémon, and I wanted to create a song that would bring together the worlds of music and gaming,” said Badshah in a statement. “I’m thrilled with how ‘Imma Be Your Pokémon’ has turned out, and I hope my fans enjoy it as much as I do!”

    This unique collaboration brings together the worlds of music and gaming, with Badshah’s signature style and Pokémon’s iconic characters. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics are sure to get you grooving. It’s on course to become one of his biggest hits every thanks to its Pokémon references and the fact it’s one of Badshah’s most catchy beat songs in a long time now. 

    Known for his hits like Sanak, Jugnu and She Move It Like, he has once again proven his versatility as an artist. His ability to blend different styles and create something fresh and exciting has earned him a massive following.

    Imma Be Your Pokémon is now available on music streaming platforms, and the official music video can be watched on YouTube. Don’t miss out on this electrifying new track! Here’s where you can watch it for now: 
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjorcDCkQkc

     

  • Lallantop Adda 2024: Where Hindi literature, cinema and digital innovation meet

    Lallantop Adda 2024: Where Hindi literature, cinema and digital innovation meet

    Mumbai: Lallantop Adda 2024, the highly anticipated annual celebration of Hindi literature, cinema, and digital culture, is set to take place from 22 to 24 November at the iMajor Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Hosted by Lallantop, a premier digital storytelling platform that captivates a wide audience with its innovative content, this year’s event promises to be bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever, bringing together the very best of Hindi media and entertainment.

    Spanning three days, Lallantop Adda 2024 will feature a vibrant mix of poetry, music, theatre, and thought-provoking discussions with some of the most celebrated names from the worlds of cinema, literature, and social media.

    A star-studded lineup of distinguished personalities will take part in the event, including Badshah, Tamannaah Bhatia, Taapsee Pannu, Daler Mehndi, Ahsaas Channa, Divyenndu, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Maheep Singh, Jimmy Shergill, Pratik Gandhi, Gaurav Kapoor, and Sunanda Sharma. From established icons to rising stars, the gathering promises to be a powerful platform for both emerging and established voices in the entertainment and arts industries. Attendees will have the chance to engage with thought leaders, exchange ideas, and delve into the latest trends shaping the future of Hindi entertainment, media, and digital spaces.

    And let’s not forget the atmosphere—set against the crisp winter air of Delhi, visitors can enjoy the event with hot tea in hand, surrounded by an electric sense of community, and creativity. Whether you’re a fan of literature, cinema, music, or digital culture, Lallantop Adda 2024 is the must-attend event of the year.

    thelallantop.com/adda

  • Why athletes & celebrities are ditching regular water for black Alkaline water

    Why athletes & celebrities are ditching regular water for black Alkaline water

    Mumbai: In the world of health and wellness, staying hydrated is paramount, and celebrities are leading the charge with a new trend: black alkaline water. Known for its distinctive colour and unique health benefits, black alkaline water is quickly becoming a staple among top celebrities, including Anil Кароог, Varun Dhawan, Badshah, Malaika Arora, Sara Ali Khan, Kajal Aggarwal, Karan Johar, Trent Boult, Rachin Ravindra, Arshdeep Singh.

    Anil Kapoor during his recent movies’ promotion was spotted with spoke Black Alkaline Water, he said “My fitness, my passion, my quest for more. Black alkaline water from the fighter in me to the fighter in you, trust me it works.”

    Trent Boult, New Zealand’s International cricketer was spotted with Black Alkaline Water and when asked what was in his hand, he said “It’s Black Alkaline Water, in hot weather like this, you need to stay hydrated.”

    Karan Johar, on being asked ‘Do you drink black water?’  He replied- “Sab peete hai mai bhi peeta hu. Healthy hai peena zaruri hai.”  

    Ranvijay Singha said “I moved to black alkaline water some time back and I’ve been extremely happy with it as it is multifunctional and more than just water. Its pH is more than eight which reduces the acid built-up in the body and the minerals flush out the toxins and detoxify the body. Never thought even water can be black in colour.”

    Celebrity Nutritionist Pooja Makhija said “Staying healthy, staying hydrated with boosted immunity is quite the need of the hour. India’s first black alkaline water has 70 essential minerals which are derived from the core of the Earth and all these minerals have high potency, help you detoxify, reduce acidity and stay hydrated for longer duration.”

    Celebrity Nutritionist Yasmin Karachiwala said, “As Evocus is loaded with minerals and high alkalinity, it continuously flushes out toxins from our body and provides detoxification. I started using it 30 days ago and I surely see a difference.”

    This surge in popularity is not just a fleeting fad. Black alkaline water stands out in the crowded beverage market with clinical research backing its benefits. Studies have shown that black alkaline water can enhance hydration and reduce exercise-induced fatigue, it maintains the body’s gut health, and detoxification, making it a perfect fit for the active lifestyles of celebrities.

    The appeal of black alkaline water among celebrities can be attributed to its functional benefits beyond simple hydration. As the demand for functional beverages grows, more individuals are seeking drinks that offer additional health advantages. Black alkaline water fits this demand perfectly, offering a unique composition that supports overall well-being.

    In an era where health and fitness are paramount, the rise of functional beverages is undeniable. Black alkaline water’s unique properties, including its enhanced hydration capabilities and ability to combat fatigue, make it an attractive choice for those committed to maintaining peak physical condition.

  • Universal Music Group felicitates partner brands amidst India’s largest Artist showcase in Delhi

    Universal Music Group felicitates partner brands amidst India’s largest Artist showcase in Delhi

    Mumbai: The Universal Music Group in India recently announced big growth moves including upping of its regional leadership during the visit of Adam Granite – CEO Africa, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) – to Mumbai & the Capital last week.

    Chairman CEO Devraj Sanyal, along with Sanujeet Bhujabal, MD Universal Music India & South Asia & Preeti Nayyar, SVP & Business Head UMG for Brands, India & South Asia hosted two big celebrations in both cities in honour of Adam’s visit, which saw the who’s who of the artist, composer, producer, singer writer community in attendance, in respect to Universal Music’s always-on, artist- first way of life.

    Badshah, Neha & Tony Kakkar, Harrdy Sandhu, Divine, Jaani, Kanika Kapoor, MC Stan, Kanishk & Kavita Seth, Dino James, Dhanda Nyoliwala (who flew in special from Australia), MC Square, Paradox, DG Immortals, Raga, Gulzar Cheniwala, Vilen were some of the stars that showed up and discussed the future of an artist-centric economy to come.

    Amidst the performances from some of the most promising emerging stars of tomorrow, UMG for Brands felicitated three of their partners – also some of the biggest global majors in their respective categories – Hyundai, Coca Cola, Pernod Ricard.

    Team UMGB along with Adam & Devraj celebrated these special partnerships for taking the lead in enabling cultural change through music & music-led IPs in partnership with Universal Music Group.

    In an increasingly cluttered environment of consumers’ mind-space that exists today, brands across categories are resorting to differentiated thinking and marketing vehicles to capture share-of-voice.

    Music has always been at the heart of engaging the consumer with the brand’s narrative. But the trio of brands: Hyundai, Coca Cola, Pernod Ricard – as diverse as automobile, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages – are taking this several steps further, by using the undeniable power of music and artistry as a focal point in their marketing strategy. These three brands have consistently collaborated with UMG for Brands over the last few years, to produce some incredible and distinctive music led IPs and getting together artists across a wide spectrum and languages. Thus, they have been at the forefront of effecting a cultural paradigm shift through music, with UMG for Brands being a solid partner all through.

    Through Hyundai’s Spotlight, Coca Cola’s Coke Studio Bharat (Season 1 and 2) and Pernod Ricard’s “Royal Stag Boombox” (Season 2) – some of the most sought-after names in the music and entertainment business have churned out some chartbuster tracks. These brands have effectively used music to communicate their core messaging, bring fans closer to the artists and drive brand love. UMG for Brands appreciates their association and the evening that was to bring all these entities together to formally recognise their contribution.

    Sanyal said, “Globally our Music & Brands business is the biggest & the most recognised because we partner with some of the smartest & most innovative CXOs in the world over & even here it’s really no different. My friends Tarun from Hyundai, Arnab from Coke & Karthik from PR are the best-in-class marketeers in their categories, willing to push the envelope every day to be better, ahead of the curve & absolutely world class and I couldn’t be more honoured to celebrate that especially in the presence of my boss & partner Adam.

    Hyundai Motor India Ltd COO Tarun Garg said :  Hyundai Spotlight is our one-of-a-kind enabler platform, that aims to discover, incubate, and promote emerging musical talent in India. Through Hyundai Spotlight, we are connecting with the young aspirational generation of India that wants authentic brand experiences. Collaborating with UMG India has been an incredible journey, where both brands have come together to blend their passion for innovation in musical heritage. Together, Hyundai Motor India and UMG India are harmonizing technology and artistry to create unforgettable experiences for the audiences, ensuring that each interaction leaves a lasting impression. This initiative not only uplifts young artists but also enhances the overall customer experience by providing exclusive, high-quality musical content. We are glad to be associated with UMG India and we are always looking to motivate young artists to blossom and come forward to showcase their talent.

    Roy said : It has been a fantastic journey with UMG on Coke Studio Bharat – our number one vehicle to build the cultural connect  in an authentic way . UMG has been helping us with powerful insights on the musical front that helped deliver super hits like Khalasi, Holi Re Rasiya amongst many other songs.

    Mohindra said, “Boombox is a critical part of our youth outreach for Royal Stag #Liveitlarge and we’re super pleased that our partnership with UMGB has helped evolve this incredibly important property in a holistic and future forward manner setting it up for the next few years to become the most valuable and exciting music led IP, not just for India but for Bharat.”

    Nayyar said: It’s encouraging and reassuring to see our partners and our artists coming together for both of our showcase events . We thank them all for trusting us over the years with their precious brands.

  • Droom and Badshah tie the knot for a multi-year brand deal

    Droom and Badshah tie the knot for a multi-year brand deal

    Mumbai: India’s pioneering automobile marketplace Droom enters into a groundbreaking brand partnership with entertainment artist Badshah.  This partnership includes an investment by Badshah into Droom and both parties will work together to make Droom the most sought-after brand for Millennials and GenZ.

    Badshah’s immense popularity and social media reach makes him the perfect brand ambassador for Droom. His urban persona aligns seamlessly with Droom’s target audience, creating a powerful and authentic brand connection that resonates with millennials and Gen Z consumers. He complements Droom’s vision of revolutionizing the automobile buying and selling experience in the 21st century.

    The partnership between Droom and Badshah disrupts traditional marketing concepts and together, they will set new industry standards aimed at driving unprecedented market traction and revenue surge for Droom, while enhancing its appeal to a broader consumer demographic.

    Expressing his excitement about the partnership, Badshah said, “I have been auto enthusiast for a long time and have been impressed on how Droom is solving automobile related trust, selection and pricing problem. Their unique approach resonates with me, and I am excited to be a part of this transformative journey.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Droom CEO & founder Sandeep Aggarwal said, “We are super excited to have Badshah as part of team Droom.  Droom is changing how automobiles should be bought and sold and spreading that word via a powerful voice like Badshah will help us tremendously. Together we will reshape the future of automotive commerce.”

  • Spotify’s new Premium campaign is about feeling the music

    Spotify’s new Premium campaign is about feeling the music

    Mumbai: Spotify Premium has launched ‘Feel The Music’, a campaign that brings listeners closer to their favourite artists by bringing the moments of music creation to the forefront. There are over 35 local and global artists whose behind-the-scenes footage of recording and performing songs will be a part of the campaign.

    “Music making is an art that takes numerous hours, practice sessions, artists, instruments, and emotions. As listeners, we come to love that music and artist, but often do not know the effort that went into making that song – the passion, the hard work, the love, the pain. The new Spotify Premium campaign,‘Feel The Music’, is about that creative process, so that listeners truly feel connected to the songs in the best way possible”, said Spotify marketing director Neha Ahuja.

    The first film to go live today is one that features Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for Dil Chahta Hai. Released in 2001, the song and film score sounds still as fresh today, and the video takes the listeners through how the trio brought the title track together. Over the coming weeks, Spotify will release more films that will be featured on digital platforms and in movie theatres, and static creatives that will feature on outdoor media.

    Embed: first film

    The artists who feature in the campaign, include:

    1.   Alan Walker
    2.    Anirudh Ravichander
    3.    Anuv Jain
    4.    Arijit Singh
    5.    Armaan Malik
    6.    A.R. Rahman
    7.    Asees Kaur
    8.    Badshah
    9.    BTS
    10.    Coldplay
    11.    Diljit Dosanjh
    12.    DIVINE
    13.    Doja Cat
    14.    Ed Sheeran
    15.    Harry Styles
    16.    Jasleen Royal
    17.    Jonita Gandhi
    18.    Jubin Nautiyal
    19.    KING
    20.    K S Chithra
    21.    Manoj Muntashir
    22.    M M Keeravaani
    23.    Neeti Mohan
    24.    Nimrat Khaira
    25.    Post Malone
    26.    Pritam
    27.    Sachet-Parampara
    28.    Salim-Sulaiman
    29.    Selena Gomez
    30.    Shakthisree Gopalan
    31.    Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
    32.    Shreya Ghoshal
    33.    Sunidhi Chauhan
    34.    Yuvan Shankar Raja
  • ABP Network strikes a chord with ‘Roots & Rhythms’ music for every generation!

    ABP Network strikes a chord with ‘Roots & Rhythms’ music for every generation!

    Mumbai:  ABP Network, a distinguished leader in the Indian media industry, is poised to transport music enthusiasts on an exquisite, soul-stirring journey through “Roots & Rhythms.” This grand musical concert is scheduled to take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on 30 September 2023. The event will start at 6 PM and promises an unforgettable evening of diverse musical experiences.

    “Roots & Rhythms” is a glorious celebration of India’s rich musical heritage, thoughtfully curated to celebrate the ever-evolving soundscape of our nation. It embodies the very spirit of ‘New India,’ where music transcends boundaries, and artists craft their unique identities through a fusion of cultural experiences. This isn’t just a concert; it’s an exploration of the powerful stories that music can weave.

    The audience will have the chance to groove to the beats of some extraordinary artists as the musical extravaganza features the sensational Badshah. His unique style and chart-topping hits have injected a contemporary twist into Indian music. Joining him is Shilpa Rao, whose voice transcends genres, captivating the audience with her versatility, spanning from film music to classical and folk genres. The evening will also witness the enchanting performance of Papon, an artist deeply rooted in Indian culture. Papon has collaborated with musicians from around the world, all while preserving the essence of his heritage. Together, these musical maestros are set to create an unforgettable night that caters to every musical palate in the house.

    “Roots & Rhythms” is more than just a musical concert, it represents ABP Network’s commitment to bridging the gap between culture and the present generation. In a rapidly evolving world, this event serves as a platform where everyone, regardless of age or background, can come together. It’s a celebration of India’s rich musical heritage while embracing contemporary sounds. This grand musical concert is where the past and present harmoniously converge, creating memories that resonate with India’s passion for music.

    Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this mesmerising musical journey! Tickets for “Roots & Rhythms” are now available for purchase on BookMyShow 

  • Remo D’Souza’s Grand Stage Return at Hip Hop India finale after three-year break

    Remo D’Souza’s Grand Stage Return at Hip Hop India finale after three-year break

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV’s one-of-a-kind dance reality show – Hip Hop India’s highly anticipated grand finale marked its closure with an impressive finish, revealing the winner of the first season. Upping the dancing fervour with the sizzling top three finalists – Divyam & Darshan, UGH, and Rahul Bhagat, the pompous regale was also graced by singers Badshah and Raftaar adding their magic on the sets. While Nora curated a contagious oomph factor with her ebullient number, Remo shook to mesmerising tunes with his artistically versatile moves after a three-year hiatus.

    Tapping to the synchrony of saawan me lag gayi aag x vibe hai, the contestants performed a splendid breakthrough, beautifully concluding with the legends, Badshaah and Raftaar. While Badshah shared his thoughts about the show, saying he was ‘happy to be a part of India’s hip-hop revolution,’ Raftaar was blown away by the grooves of the hip-hop contestants. The exquisite grand finale commenced with the waving and popping expert, Rahul Bhagat’s Kho Jaa Heeriye x Ye Hasi Vaadiyaan which left audiences pumped with an adrenaline rush. Badshah was stunned into silence after expressing ‘Ye pehla finalist hai? Tumne toh teeno ka dance kar liye ek sath. Everybody go home, this is over. This is insane. Let me sit and grasp this.’

    The epic artist of lyrical expression, Tushar Khatre finetuned some electrifying performances on ‘lamba lamba’ that had the rap god, Badshah, blown away, his reaction hyped the artists in full enthusiasm and joy, praising his artform. From the hoods of Delhi, UGH tranced to the Punjabi beats with Remo commenting, “amazing footwork, sync kamaal hai,” while Badshaah expressed his admiration for the Delhi crew by saying, “The innocence, the skills, the dedication. I love you guys, UGH.”

    The Grand Finale witnessed enthralling dance spectacles by not just the contestants, but also the celebrity judges Badshah, Raftaar, and Nora raising the swashbuckling bar of entertainment with their dynamic performances packed with flamboyance.

    There was also an element of surprise when Remo made a comeback back to the mainstage with a heartfelt performance after a 3-year break, as the viewers watched with bated breath. The final showdown came to a ceasefire with Divyam & Darshan that left spectators mesmerized, striking a nostalgic chord with classics like ‘Khalbali’ and ‘Kaal,’ amping up the energy levels.

    After seven weeks of rigorous competition and explosive performances, Rahul Bhagat was crowned Hip hip-hop champion, bringing an end to India’s first Hip Hop-based dance reality series. On keeping the contagious levels of the urban hip-hop culture in momentum, Remo high on emotions expressed, “Hip Hop culture deserve karta hai ki log usse jaane, usse log jeeyein aur usse log inspire ho.” At the same time, Nora enthusiastically chimed in by adding, “Ye show bahut saare logon ka kismat change karega.

    Hip Hop India is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free, within the Amazon shopping app and Fire TV app.