Tag: culture

  • Coldplay live streaming recalibrates  concert culture in India

    Coldplay live streaming recalibrates concert culture in India

    Mumbai: The live-streaming of Coldplay’s electrifying concert on Disney+ Hotstar has not only brought a surreal experience to millions of fans but has also marked a transformative moment for live concerts in India. Held at the sprawling Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, the event captured the grandeur of a packed audience of 1,34,000, their glowing wristbands creating a mesmerising spectacle.

    Narndra Modi stadium

    Promoted initially by BookMyShow and later live-streamed by Disney+ Hotstar, the concert’s live streaming was a masterstroke. The move catapulted Disney+ Hotstar into the spotlight, positioning it as a digital hub for India’s aspirational youth. For fans across the country, the live stream was a cultural shift akin to Netflix’s game-changing Tyson-Paul fight broadcast.
     

    Chrismartin

    From the 28-year-old yelling in delight at his favourite song to the nine-year-old dancing in a darkened room to Chris Martin’s vocals, the event resonated deeply with fans of all ages. While production values weren’t on a par with Taylor Swift or Madonna concerts, Martin’s Hindi and Gujarati phrases, banter with cricket star Jasprit Bumrah and tribute to India’s greatest fast bowler ever, singing of Vande  Mataram  and heartfelt fan interactions made the concert unforgettable. And even more so for folks at home who could not make it to the venue because they could not get a ticket. The broadcast made it feel like you were there – immersive as it was. 
     

    lit stadiumlights

    The scale and success of the event underscore India’s emergence as a global concert destination. While iconic performers like Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, and Boney M once graced India’s stages, Coldplay’s tour sends a message to the world: India is ready for more.

     

    Jaspreet Bindra

    Streaming platforms and sponsors are taking note of the opportunities. Reports suggest the Disney+ Hotstar live stream was a revenue-sharing model, with the concert’s title sponsorship fetching around Rs 10 crore and total streaming revenues touching Rs 18 crore. 

    With 300,000 tickets sold at an average price of Rs 6,000, the Coldplay India Tour generated nearly Rs 250 crore (including sponsorship), demonstrating the immense potential of the live concert economy. (The above figures might well be an underestimate. Disney+ Hotstar revealed that the concert attracted 83 lakh views and 165 million minutes of watch time after this comment piece was written. The livestream’s success was particularly pronounced in seven key regions – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, NCR Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal – which accounted for 85 per cent of the total viewership.)

    As India steps into the spotlight, the onus now lies on talent and tour managers to capitalise on this momentum. With better planning, sponsorships, and a robust annual schedule featuring both global and Indian artists, the live concert scene in India is poised for a vibrant future. Coldplay and Disney+Hotstar may have just opened the floodgates for what promises to be a new era for music lovers and performers alike.

    We also asked ChatGpt to comment on our comment and write a comment piece on the Coldplay performance and this what it came up with. click here. 

  • Jagran New Media onboards Manoj Mishra as CHRO

    Jagran New Media onboards Manoj Mishra as CHRO

    MUMBAI: Jagran New Media (JNM), the digital wing of Jagran Prakashan, announced a significant leadership appointment by onboarding Manoj Mishra, as chief human resources officer (CHRO). His role:  lead the overall framework for talent, culture, and value system. With over two decades of experience in HR leadership, talent management, culture building and business goals, Manoj brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role, to drive impactful leadership management and key initiatives for the company, says a press release issued by the company.

    Manoj comes with an extensive background in human resource function, specialising in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the workplace and building a strong organisational culture. In his new role at JNM,  he will focus on leveraging his unique set of skills and expertise to enhance employee engagement and strengthen the organization’s HR framework. His background as a consultant, and at companies such as Tata Retail, Future group, Landmark group, Walmart, Flipkart and Better Place should hold him in good stead at JNM.

    Elated with his role, Mishra said, “I am thrilled to kick start this new journey with JNM. I will focus on building a diverse and inclusive workplace where different perspectives are welcomed and also look forward to contributing to the growth framework, ensuring the organisation continues its pursuit of excellence.”

    Jagran New Media chief executive officer Bharat Gupta said:  “We are delighted to welcome Manoj to the JNM family. With his elaborate experience, innovative approach, and proven track record in human resources, we are confident he will be invaluable in cultivating a positive and productive work environment. I believe Manoj will be a catalyst in further building on the high-trust, high-performance culture fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) framework within the workplace”

     

  • Asics strides ahead with limited edition Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 merchandise

    Asics strides ahead with limited edition Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 merchandise

    MUMBAI: They are putting their best foot forward – Asics , the Japanese sportswear pioneer that seamlessly merges performance and style and the 20-year old Tata Mumbai Marathon run by the well-known and admired Singh brothers – Anil and Vivek of Procam International. 

    Yesterday, Asics  unveiled its twentieth edition limited merchandise for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025, celebrating one of Asia’s prestigious athletic events. Uniting the spirit of sports and fashion, the collection was launched at Mumbai’s vibrant Linking road Asics store by actor-triathlete Saiyami Kher, along with Asics brand athletes Rohan Bopanna and Saurav Ghosal.

    This isn’t just merchandise—it’s a testament to the rich, evolving legacy between India and Japan, ready to stride confidently into the future,  said a company statement..

    This year’s limited-edition merchandise pays homage to Mumbai’s iconic Marine Drive, known as The Queen’s Necklace. The designs capture the vibrant essence of Mumbai’s shoreline, blending urban energy with the natural rhythm of the sea. The merchandise features t-shirts adorned with tetrapod patterns and wave-inspired graphics, symbolising the resilience and harmony of the city.

    Asics also revealed the Gel-Kayano 31 limited edition, reflecting  Mumbai’s spirit. With colours inspired by the city’s dynamic skyline, such as Illuminate mint and safety yellow for men and summer dune for women, the shoe combines a 4D guidance system for stability, FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, and PureGel technology for smooth strides over any distance.

    The collection aims to unite Tata Mumbai Marathon participants in a shared sense of purpose and community. Designed to celebrate Mumbai’s vibrancy, the merchandise creates a connection between runners and the city’s unyielding spirit.

    Said Asics India & south Asia MD Rajat Khurana: “Our ongoing association with the Tata Mumbai Marathon as the official sports goods partner reflects our shared values of passion, endurance, and community.  This collection reflects Mumbai’s vibrant spirit and  every participant’s  resilience. We remain committed in our mission to provide athletes with the best fitness gear to not only inspire but also help them achieve their individual goals and celebrate their journey.”

    Added  Procam International MD Anil Singh:  “Today, the Tata Mumbai Marathon represents everything good Mumbai stands for. As we approach the landmark twentieth edition, every step taken towards this iconic event reflects our shared commitment to excellence and the power of movement to bring people together. Asics has been an integral part of the Tata Mumbai Marathon journey and the Procam family, consistently raising the bar with premium event merchandise our participants truly treasure.”

    The official Tata Mumbai Marathon merchandise is available at Asics flagship stores nationwide and online at www.Asics.co.in/tmm2025

  • TV9 Festival of India returns with a grand second edition

    TV9 Festival of India returns with a grand second edition

    Mumbai: The TV9 Festival of India returns for its second edition from 9 to 13 October, 2024, at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium near India Gate, promising cultural diversity and festive cheer. This year, the festival will host Delhi’s tallest Durga Puja pandal, featuring larger-than-life idols and vibrant décor that capture the essence of Durga Puja.

    Beyond tradition, the festival offers an exciting shopping experience with over 250 stalls showcasing high-end fashion, beauty products, home appliances, electronics, and furniture, making it a one-stop destination for unique finds.

    Food lovers can indulge in a culinary journey through India’s diverse regional cuisines, with options ranging from Delhi’s spicy street food and Lucknow’s buttery kebabs to Bengali sweets and Hyderabadi biryanis.

    Music enthusiasts can look forward to live performances, including soulful Sufi, Bollywood hits, and folk tunes, featuring some of the most talented artists in the industry.

    Gather your friends and family and join us at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium for an unforgettable experience filled with spirituality, shopping, food, and music at the TV9 Festival of India!

  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt to headline IFP season 14 as opening session speaker

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt to headline IFP season 14 as opening session speaker

    Mumbai: IFP (formerly India Film Project) has announced celebrated international actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a special speaker for its opening session at the fourteenth edition of the festival on 12 and 13 October in Mumbai. Building on its legacy of thirteen successful seasons, this premier festival for ‘Creativity X Culture’ marks Gordon-Levitt’s first visit to India.

    Gordon-Levitt is an actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur known for films such as 500 Days of Summer, Inception, Looper, Snowden, Don Jon, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and his online media platform HIT RECORD. He’s a two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner renowned for his versatility and stellar performances, will join the esteemed lineup of Indian film industry luminaries, including Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Kabir Khan, Tapsee Pannu, Aditi Rao Hydari, Saurabh Shukla, Shoojit Sircar, Guneet Monga, Ram Madhvani, Kunal Kemmu, Sharvari, and many more.

    Sharing his excitement about coming to IFP, Gordon-Levitt expressed, “It feels surreal to be visiting India for the first time. I’ve long been a fan of Indian music and culture and have been engaging with Indian creators through our community, HIT RECORD. Being invited to speak at the 14th Season of IFP is truly an honor. The rise of independent cinema, storytelling, and art in India fascinates me. There’s something captivating about how its rich history blends with the world of film and music. I’m excited to experience this vibrant creativity firsthand at IFP.”

    Staying true to its innovative roots, IFP brings back its signature series of 50-hour challenges in filmmaking, music, design, performing arts, writing, and photography to this season, with over 54,000 creative minds participating globally. IFP Season 14 has something unique to offer to everyone – from thought-provoking discussions to immersive experiences.

  • WION reveals spectacular year-end line-up: WION REWIND 2023

    WION reveals spectacular year-end line-up: WION REWIND 2023

    Mumbai: As 2023 draws to a close, WION (World Is One News), India’s global news network, unveils its year-end special programming series, ‘WION REWIND 2023’. This immersive retrospective encourages viewers on a voyage of reflection on the most impactful news and captivating stories that have etched an indelible mark on the global narrative throughout the year.

    Spanning politics, culture, sports, technology, climate, and entertainment, the series offers a diverse array of shows designed to engage and resonate with its global audience.

    Compelling stories that have defined the global stage in 2023:

    ·  GRAVITAS REWIND: THE BEST OF GRAVITAS – on 30 December 2023, Saturday at 7:30 pm will allow viewers to rewind the unique stories, informed opinions, and insights into global trends.

    ·   WION WORLD OF SPORT REWIND: THE BEST OF SPORT – Relive the highs and lows of the sports world in 2023 on 25 December 2023, Monday at 7:30 pm. From Novak Djokovic and Max Verstappen’s unstoppable performances to historic moments in cricket and football, the show captures the essence of sportsmanship.

    ·  WION WIDEANGLE: CLIMATE EXTREMES – On 27 December 2023, Wednesday at 7:30 pm, WION WIDEANGLE explores extreme weather events globally in 2023. The episode will delve into the causes of such events, featuring expert insights and analysis, and seeks probable solutions.

    ·   WION E-club: LIGHTS, CAMERA, E-CLUB! – As 2023 comes to an end, join the exploration of the biggest blockbusters, trendsetters, and newsmakers of showbiz on 29 December 2023, Friday at 10:30 pm.

    ·   World At War: THE TWO WARS: BLOOD, GRIEF, FURY- On 31 December 2023, Sunday from 8 pm, delve into the impact of the Gaza War and the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the global world order. Explore the weapons technology and the business of wars in this thought-provoking year-ender show.

    ·  INSIDE SOUTH ASIA: SPOTLIGHT-   On 21 December 2023, Thursday at 7:30 pm, viewers will witness India’s rise as a global powerhouse. From hosting the G20 summit to a historic moon landing, 2023 marked India’s emergence as a cultural and economic giant. INSIDE SOUTH ASIA will also shed light on China’s growing influence, women’s rights, and climate change-related concerns in the region.

    ·   TECH IT OUT: 10 LIFE-CHANGING INNOVATIONS- As the year ends, TECH IT OUT on 26 December 2023, Tuesday at 7:30 pm looks back at the tech trends that ruled 2023. It will focus on life-changing innovations and revolutionary technologies that defined the world of technology this year.

    ·  THE WEST ASIA POST: CHANGING FACE OF WEST ASIA- Tune in on 22 December 2023, Friday at 5:30 pm to explore the dynamic landscape of West Asia, marked by war, disaster, and geopolitical shifts. The show will delve into truces, conflicts, and the pressing question of whether 2023 will be the year when all of West Asia is drawn into the Israel-Palestine conflict.

    ·  WION WINGS: BEST OF WINGS GLOBAL ADVENTURES- On 23 December 2023, Saturday at 3:30 pm, WION WINGS will take viewers on an unforgettable journey around the world. The show revisits the most thrilling moments of 2023, starting with the top places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style.

    ·  India’s Moments of Glory: 7 reasons why India celebrated in 2023 – On 23 December 2023, Saturday at 7:30pm, explore country’s top moments like historic lunar achievement, diplomatic triumph at the G20, economic prosperity, and cinematic excellence, including the ground-breaking Oscar win for the song “Natu Natu” from the film “RRR.” Don’t miss this concise journey through the highlights of India’s remarkable year.

    ·  The Year of Turmoil: 10 Most Turbulent Cases of Political and Economic Unrest Worldwide – On December 24, 2023, Sunday at 7:30 PM explore the tumultuous events of 2023, dominated by leaders like Putin, Narendra Modi, Trump, and Xi-Jinping. Witness the unrest in various parts of the world, strategic realignments, and the emergence of new alliances amidst wars, crises, and uncertainties.

    ·  Viral Edition: What the world watched on WION– On 28 December 2024, Thursday at 7:30 pm. In a year defined by ‘war’, Wion’s unbiased coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict took center stage. Join us in this tribute to our viewers with the annual showcase of Wion stories that captivated the world in 2023. From war and natural calamities to workplace issues and India’s triumphant lunar mission, witness what the world watched on WION.

    In anticipation of the upcoming special programming, of WION & Zee Business chief business officer Madhu Soman, expresses relevance of WION REWIND 2023, stating, “Rewind 2023 encapsulates the essence of a transformative year, offering viewers a diverse line-up of notable highlights from across news genres. WION aims to engage audiences with profound reflection on the significant events and stories that have left an indelible mark on the global narrative. As we approach the close of 2023, WION remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering compelling content that deeply resonates with our global audience.”

    Seize the moment to revisit, contemplate, and experience the extraordinary highlights of 2023 through the lens of WION.

  • MSL India announces new appointments to key leadership roles

    MSL India announces new appointments to key leadership roles

    MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications and engagement firm, MSL India has announced three key leadership appointments, including MSL Bengaluru lead, head of Talent & Culture, and Mumbai lead for FinComm practice. The leadership hires include Ajit Pai as MSL Bengaluru- vice president and lead, Shreela Roy as MSL Mumbai vice president & lead – FinCom practice, and Rajesh Narwankar as MSL India vice president & head of talent & culture.

    The strategic hires signify the firm’s continued endeavour to strengthen client relations and build a dynamic workplace that allows growth for all colleagues, said the company in a statement.

    Commenting on the appointments,  MSL South and South East Asia CEO Amit Misra said, “I am delighted to welcome Ajit, Rajesh and Shreela to MSL. Their collective experience, talent and expertise will be a core ingredient in building a dynamic business environment and furthering our growth. I am confident that their addition to the team will compliment our operations and help us continue enhancing impact for our clients & colleagues.”

    Ajit Pai joins MSL with over 17 years of experience in the PR domain. He will be leading MSL Bengaluru and will be responsible for strengthening client relations in the South. Prior to joining MSL, Pai worked with leading PR consultancies such as Adfactors PR, Edelman, APCO Worldwide and BCW.  

    Shreela Roy brings an extensive 15+ years of experience and knowledge in driving multi-stakeholder integrated communications campaigns across banking, financial services & insurance, private equity, real estate, infrastructure & professional services. Prior to this appointment, Roy was director for corporate & financial practice at Genesis BCW. A few clients that Roy has managed include organisations such as Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Kotak, ICICI Group, DBS, HDFC Life, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, JP Morgan, KPMG, Boston Consulting Group, and Vodafone PLC.

    With 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Rajesh Narwankar will lead resource management at MSL and enforce innovative talent movement processes to create a sustainable people infrastructure. His domain expertise lies in talent engagement, HR analytics, performance management and HR Operations. This will be his second stint within the Publicis Groupe ecosystem, as he previously led the same role at Leo Burnett. He has also worked with other organisations including PwC, Edelman & BMR Advisors.

  • B4U supports 4 social causes4 it’s viewers through December 2018

    B4U supports 4 social causes4 it’s viewers through December 2018

    MUMBAI: B4U Network supports 4 causes around Health, Disability, Defence& Culture in the month of December 2018. B4U Network with its 2 channels B4u Music & B4u Movies has always influenced its strong base of over 168 million viewers in urban & rural hindi speaking markets with entertaining bollywood music and movies content. Banking of its high reach and influence among viewers the networks channels have taken up four causes with the intent of spreading awareness, sensitizing, supporting and bringing change in the society at large through the medium of television starting from 1st December through this entire month.

    Causes around four diverse topics have been taken up in the same month directing viewer’s attention to different issues and causes around the below days:

    1st December, 2018 – World Aids Day

    B4U Music & Movies have launched promos on high frequency raising awareness for the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, with focus on “SAFE SEX” through a series of quirky promos which are suggestive to use of condoms for the prevention of AIDS. With B4U’s reach, popularity and ardent fan following amongst the youth audience these promotions would drive awareness and reinforce the message of safe sex for all genders across India.

    3rd December, 2018 – International Day of Disabled Persons

    The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

    To get this message across the promo’s give tribute to disabled musical instrument players with intercuts of his remarkable journey of learning the musical instrument despite his disability. This is followed by the message: “B4U salutes the indomitable human spirit”.

    4th December, 2018 – Navy Day

    Supporting India’s defense forces and saluting them for their dedication in protecting the water bodies, Navy day would be celebrated on 4 December to celebrate the achievements and role of the naval force to the country and to give respect to our naval force.

    B4U would will create interesting promotional trivia about Indian Navy and Navy Day. The slate will have images of Indian navy warships, submarines, navy officers at duty, the Navy and national emblem etc.

    11th December, 2018 – International Mountains Day

    Celebrated to encourage the international community to organize events at all levels to highlight the importance of sustainable mountain development. Using graphic vignettes 45-60 seconds B4U would talk about different Bollywood movies and songs which have used mountains as a picturesque backdrop in their narrative which would help in promoting the importance of sustainable development through this entertaining medium. Interesting anecdotes from the shooting of the films and songs will also be shared in these vignettes

    to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.

    The communication campaign & promos are scripted, directed and produced by B4U’s internal creative team. The promos are designed to be smart, quirky and minimalistic so that they break clutter at the same time trigger change in society during the last month of the year.

  • ‘Caribbean with Simon Reeve’ on BBC world news

    ‘Caribbean with Simon Reeve’ on BBC world news

    MUMBAI: In this series Simon Reeve’s travels around the Caribbean coast abound with adventure and wildlife, as he unveils incredible insights into a glorious region of the world. With breath-taking footage from land, sea, and even from a flying dinghy, the three-part series brings to life the unique stories and beautiful landscapes of the Caribbean. Home to thousands of islands and a tropical mainland coast, the area is crammed full of history, culture, conflict, and colourful characters, all of which gives Simon endless opportunity to explore.

    Episode One

    Sat 6th Jan

    06:40am, 08.40pm

    Sun 7th Jan

    02:40pm

    Episode Two

    Sat 13th Jan

    06:40am, 08.40pm

    Sun 14th Jan

    02:40pm

    Episode Three

    Sat 20th Jan

    06:40am, 08.40pm

    Sun 21st Jan

    02:40pm

  • Doordarshan to explore ‘Dastan-E-Urdu’ – the story of a culture and language

    Doordarshan to explore ‘Dastan-E-Urdu’ – the story of a culture and language

    NEW DELHI:  A new series on the story of Urdu as representing the evolution of India’s secular, syncretic identity is to be telecast on Doordarshan’s national channel every Sunday from this week.

     

    The 13-episode docudrama Dasten-e-Urdu series with music by the renowned singer Shubha Mudgal has been directed by Aparna Srivastava Reddy and produced by eminent Urdu activist Kamna Prasad and will be telecast on Sundays at 9:30 pm.

     

    According to the makers, languages reveal the history of a civilisation and the texture of a culture, then.

     

    The series brings alive the fascinating history of this language, breaking the myths by unveiling several interesting cross-cultural connections.

      

    Dastan-E-Urdu explores the journey of Urdu language and its mushtarqa tehzeeb. Be it literature, journalism or popular culture that is expressed in recent times through theatre, films, television or the new media, Urdu language has retained its eminent place in the mind and hearts of people.

     

    In order to showcase the language’s grandeur and its tehzeeb in purest sense, the producers have deployed deep research into Urdu’s language journey while conceptualising it. The show takes the viewer on a pan-India journey, capturing all the aspects and nuances that underscore Urdu’s poetic opulence, its Ganga-Jamuni syncretic essence as well its everlasting, universal appeal.

     

    ‘Understanding the evolution of Urdu, gives fresh insights into who we are as Indians’ is the bottom line of the show. Covering myriad shades and influences of Urdu language, the programme is being shot all over the country – from Kashmir to Kerala. It delves into dramatisation of key personalities and reconstructions of key periods in the history of the language.

     

    A galaxy of experts including professor Gopi Chand Narang, Javed Akhtar, professor Shamim Hanfi, Shamsur Rehman Farukhi, Pandit Gulzar Dehlvi, professor Mushirul Hasan, Dr Karan Singh and Farooq Sheikh among other stalwarts creates a panoramic view of Urdu’s evolutionary journey for the viewer.