MUMBAI: She’s moving out of Outbrain and into Zee Media. Sales hotshot Surbhi Nagpal will be leading national sales for Wion and Zee Business.. Based in Noida, Nagpal will spearhead efforts to drive revenue generation, optimise sales operations, and enhance the profitability of both the channels.
Surbhi has more than 20 years of work experience in both and linear and digital sales, having worked at companies such as NDTV India, Outbrain, Discovery Communications India, and Disney+ Hotstar.
The post graduate diploma holder in international business had the right start to her career when she joined Taj Hotels in Delhi in 2001 and rose to become deputy manager sales within four years. She then worked at American Express for a brief period before tasting blood in television sales when she joined NDTV India as a senior sales manager looking after NDTV Good Times and NDTV Lifestyle.
She moved to Aidem Ventures for a while after which she rejoined NDTV Lifestyle as vice-president sales – a post she held for more than three years. Her impressive profile got her next assignment as national head international business at Star India. She was shifted to Disney+Hotstar as national vertical head for FMCG (F&B). Challenging though her job was, she parted ways after nearly three years to join Discovery Communications as director sales. Three and a half years later she moved on to join Vikram Chandra’s editorji when Outbrain came calling.
Her comprehensive knowledge and wide exposure to the media sector, combined with her ability to adapt to shifting market conditions, positions her as a key driver of growth at Zee Media, going forward.
Mumbai: According to recent reports from Ormax Media, The Legend of Hanuman season five created and produced by Sharad Devarajan and Graphic India has secured the #1 spot as the most-watched show across all OTT/Streaming platforms for two weeks in a row – surpassing all live-action films and shows including The Great Indian Kapil Show, Do Patti, and Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives. According to Ormax estimates, from 21 October to 3 November 2024, the Disney+ Hotstar mythological series reached a total of 9.4 million viewers.
Co-creator, producer and showrunner of the series Sharad Devarajan commented “Because of the millions of fans across the country who have taken a chance to watch this show and support the work we are doing, The Legend of Hanuman has become the most successful animated project in Indian history. Lord Hanuman has inspired countless generations for thousands of years, connecting people across ages. The morals, lessons, and universal human truths he embodies, remain relevant today, now more than ever. Our mission with The Legend of Hanuman was to use the power of contemporary animation, direction and storytelling to create a series that does justice to this timeless hero beloved by so many billions of people. Hopefully our series will also move a generation of audiences in India to look at animation in a whole new way and usher in a golden age of original Indian animated projects that appeal audiences across the country and potentially all across the world.”
The Legend of Hanuman has topped the Ormax streaming charts for each of its four previous seasons, making it the first animated series in India to achieve that milestone. The previous season four was released this June and according to Ormax’s charts, exceeded 22 million views in the first five weeks of release.
Mumbai : Banijay Asia announced the Indian adaptation of NBCUniversal’s iconic detective series Monk.
The adaptation will revolve around Adrian Monk, a detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder and his assistants Sharona Fleming and Natalie Teeger. Monk works with the San Francisco Police Department in solving unconventional cases while investigating his wife’s unsolved murder. The plot also explores the main characters’ personal lives and struggles.
The Indian adaptation of the series is already in production and will stream exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar and Hulu. This marks the first Asian adaptation of the format and the second worldwide, following the Turkish version. Monk originally aired on USA Network in the United States and is licensed globally by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar said “We are incredibly excited to partner with NBCUniversal Formats to adapt Monk for the Indian audiences. The original series has set a new benchmark for character-driven mysteries, and we believe our adaptation will resonate similarly. With a stellar cast in place, we are confident about doing justice to the iconic characters. The production has been progressing seamlessly, and we look forward to showcasing this exciting project on Disney+ Hotstar, thus taking our long and fruitful association one step ahead, as we continue to bring high-quality and engaging content to Indian audiences together.”
Disney+ Hotstar (Hindi) business head HSM and content head, Sumanta Bose shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Banijay Asia and NBCUniversal Formats to bring this award-winning series to the Indian audience. Monk is an exciting fit for our platform, with its captivating mix of humor, mystery, and emotional depth. We have attempted to make this adaptation feel rooted and Indian, and thus uniquely fresh for our audiences including those who may have seen the original.”
NBCUniversal Formats SVP, Format sales & production, Ana Langenberg added, “It’s wonderful to see Monk finding a home with Indian audiences. The show’s charm has connected with viewers around the world, and with trusted partners like Banijay Asia & Disney+ Hotstar, we know this adaptation will capture the heart of the original while embracing a new cultural backdrop. We’re eager to see this beloved series brought to life in India.
Mumbai: With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 starting on 3 October, Disney Star unveiled its impressive sponsorship line-up, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and anticipation for the tournament. Featuring a remarkable array of top brands from a host of industries such as automotive, technology, finance, and more, Disney Star has onboarded 14 sponsors across linear TV and digital platforms. The sponsors include Dream11, Natural Diamond Council, OnePlus, Dazller, ICICI Bank, Asus, Asian Paints, Maruti Suzuki, Aramco, Hero, SBI, Lenskart, Kajaria, Skechers.
Disney Star head of network – ad sales Ajit Varghese stated, “The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to transform the sporting landscape, offering a powerful opportunity to unite global audiences and spotlight the very best of women’s cricket. Building on the success of previous tournaments, which have driven remarkable growth, this year’s event promises even greater impact. We are excited to onboard prestigious brands whose support not only reflects their commitment to advancing women’s cricket but also acknowledges the immense value this tournament delivers. With Disney Star’s expansive linear TV and digital coverage, we look forward to offering brands and advertisers unmatched opportunities to engage millions of passionate viewers.”
The matches will be broadcast exclusively on the Disney Star network, and Disney+ Hotstar. The tournament begins on 3 October, and 10 teams will compete in 23 matches over 17 thrilling days at two premier venues in the UAE, the Dubai International Stadium and the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Mumbai: Swiggy, India’s on-demand convenience delivery platform, has introduced ‘Privileges’ to its Swiggy One and Swiggy One Lite membership programs. With millions of subscribers across the country, Swiggy One is the only membership program in India that provides benefits across food, quick commerce, dining out, and pick-up and drop services. By forming strategic partnerships with Yatra, Cinepolis, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and others, Swiggy One expands its offerings with exclusive privileges.
Swiggy One Privileges offers exclusive deals that extend beyond Swiggy’s services, enhancing the experience for members across travel, entertainment, OTT, shopping, and beauty categories.
In travel, Yatra provides value-added services such as free cancellation, free seat selection, or free meal options on flights for Swiggy One members. In entertainment, Cinepolis offers a flat 30 per cent discount on movies and food & beverages for online bookings and a flat 25 per cent discount at the F&B counter.
Members also receive exclusive offers from popular OTT platforms, including a ₹150 discount on Amazon Prime, 50 per cent off the Disney+ Hotstar 3M Super plan, and buy one get one month or buy 12 get three months on SonyLiv Premium plans.
Croma offers a 7.5 per cent discount on purchases of ₹30,000 and above at any of its stores. Hamleys provides free entry to the play arena at major outlets. In beauty and fashion, Swiggy One Privileges includes brands like Ajio, offering 20 per cent off on select items, and Lakme, which provides a complimentary facial waxing service.
Commenting on the added ‘Privileges’ to the Swiggy One membership program, Swiggy VP of growth Anurag P said, “With millions of users across India, Swiggy One and Swiggy One Lite stand apart for the benefits they provide across fast-growing categories like food delivery, quick commerce, and dining out. We are now making Swiggy One bigger and better through Swiggy One Privileges which has offers spanning high-usage categories such as OTT, travel, fashion, beauty, and more. With these added privileges, Swiggy One will further enhance its standing as the most exciting and rewarding membership program in the country, bringing to life Swiggy’s mission of elevating the quality of life for urban consumers by offering unparalleled convenience.”
Members are regularly notified of the latest privileges through homepage notifications, post-order updates, and the newly added ‘Privileges’ section within the Swiggy One and One Lite membership pages. Redeeming offers is simple: members can unlock unique codes via the ‘One Membership Privileges’ section and redeem them directly on partner apps to enjoy offers and benefits. This one-step process keeps members informed and engaged throughout their membership, with multiple touchpoints guiding them to avail these time-bound exclusive offers.
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has unveiled its first campaign film for the upcoming PKL Season 11, featuring Riteish Deshmukh. With the tournament set to start on 18 October 2024, this action-packed campaign film takes viewers deep into the heart of an untamed jungle. The intensity of Kabaddi is brought to life through epic visuals, raw power, and relentless grit. The film, which will be released in multiple languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil, sets the stage for what promises to be the most thrilling PKL season yet.
In the promo, Riteish steps into the shoes of a lone warrior, showcasing stealth and agility of a tiger as he navigates dangerous predators – a vivid metaphor for the sharp instincts, speed, and mental toughness that define kabaddi champions. The film brilliantly captures the pulse-pounding essence of kabaddi, drawing viewers into a world where each move is a battle, and every decision could be the difference between victory and defeat.
The gripping visuals, combined with the evocative song that underscores the narrative, highlights the raw power and strategy at the core of the sport, elevating anticipation for Season 11 to new heights.
Riteish Deshmukh said: “Kabaddi is a sport that is woven into the fabric of our culture, and being a part of this campaign is an absolute honour. The intensity and pride we captured in the film reflect the warrior spirit of kabaddi players – fierce, fearless, and ready to face any challenge. PKL has become a national sensation, and I’m sure this season will take that excitement to another level.”
As part of integrating fans into the sport, Mashal Sports and Star Sports launched the “Define Your Team’s Superpower” campaign, inviting fans to vote for their team’s superpowers, which shaped the PKL 11 campaign across TV and digital platforms. The polls for Puneri Paltan and U Mumbai received 105k votes and achieved 1.12 million views, 1.45 million reach, and 119k interactions. The top fan-chosen traits—surprise & stealth—are highlighted in the Riteish Deshmukh promo film, reflecting Maharashtra’s spirit. The remaining team polls continue to be amplified as the season approaches.
This time around, PKL will be returning to a three-city format. The 2024 edition will commence at the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex in Hyderabad from 18 October to 9 November. It will then move to the Noida Indoor Stadium for the second leg, starting on November 10 and ending on 1 December. The third leg will begin at the Badminton Hall in Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune from 3 December to 24 December. With star players such as Pawan Sehrawat, Pardeep Narwal, and Fazel Atrachali set to dominate the mat, PKL 11 ensures that Kabaddi will capture the attention of both die-hard fans and new viewers alike.
The season opener will see a thrilling face-off between Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls, setting the stage for a high-octane season. The second match of the night promises more fireworks, as U Mumba locks horns with the dynamic Dabang Delhi K.C. Fans across India can prepare for a season filled with drama, intensity, and non-stop action, live on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar!
Watch the Pro Kabaddi League Season 11, live and exclusive on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar, from 18 October 2024 onwards.
Mumbai: EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8, which launched on 1 September 2024 on Star Maa and Disney+ Hotstar, has achieved a record-breaking viewership in its launch week. With superstar Nagarjuna returning as the host for the sixth consecutive time, the premiere episode garnered an impressive 18.9 TVR (Hyderabad), solidifying the season’s place as a record-breaking hit. In its first week, the show saw a remarkable 5.9 billion minutes of viewing, setting a new benchmark in the history of Bigg Boss Telugu.
Commenting on the overwhelming success of the launch, EndemolShine India EVP and head of content, Telugu and Kannada Tabassum Jalib said: “We are thrilled by the phenomenal response to Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8. The numbers speak for themselves, and it’s a testament to the deep connection the format has with audiences across Telugu-speaking markets. Nag sir’s charisma and the show’s dynamic format, featuring unexpected twists and turns, continue to captivate viewers, making this season’s launch our most successful to date.”
She further added, “With the continued partnership between EndemolShine India, Star Maa and Disney Hotstar, we are confident that this season will continue to push boundaries and deliver extraordinary entertainment week after week. We look forward to sustaining this momentum and engaging audiences with fresh & dramatic content as the show progresses.”
Bigg Boss (an adaptation of Big Brother) remains one of the most successful reality franchises of EndemolShine India. In India, Bigg Boss has established itself as a cultural phenomenon, with multiple regional versions such as Bigg Boss Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Telugu—each with its unique fanbase and regional appeal, achieving milestones year after year.
As Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 continues, viewers can expect more surprises, drama, and engaging entertainment that has kept the franchise thriving for years.
Mumbai: Mashal Sports, organisers of Pro Kabaddi League, announced that PKL season 11 will begin on 18 October 2024. After successfully completing ten seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League earlier this year, the world’s biggest kabaddi league will embark into a new phase in October.
In season 11, the Pro Kabaddi League will return to the three-city caravan format. The 2024 edition will commence at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on 18 October, before moving to the Noida Indoor Stadium for the second leg from 10 November. The third leg will take place at the Balewadi Badminton Stadium in Pune, from 3 December onwards.
The dates and venue for the playoffs will be announced at a later date.
Speaking on the announcement of the dates for PKL season 11, Pro Kabaddi League – league commissioner – Anupam Goswami said, “We are delighted to announce the start date and venues for PKL Season 11. After successfully completing 10 seasons, PKL Season 11 will mark a new milestone in the continued rise of the league. This would strengthen the growth of Kabaddi in India and elsewhere around the world.”
The Pro Kabaddi League season 11 auction was held in Mumbai from 15-16 August 2024, with eight players going for over Rs 1 crore, a new record in the league’s history.
Mashal Sports and Disney Star have built PKL into one of the most successful sports leagues in India. Organized and conducted by Mashal under its sanctioned agreement with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the Pro Kabaddi League has transformed the image of India’s indigenous sport of Kabaddi and its athletes nationally as well as across the globe. After witnessing the participation of many of their players in PKL, several Kabaddi-playing nations have strengthened their domestic Kabaddi programs as well.
The Pro Kabaddi League season 11 will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
Mumbai: Thums Up, a homegrown beverage brand from The Coca-Cola Company, has announced Toofani Biryani Hunt season two. A sequel to the successful first, this new chapter seeks to rekindle the taste for the perfect biryani pairing. With celebrity chef Ranveer Brar back at the helm, the upcoming edition is all set to deliver an exceptional culinary adventure.
Conceptualised and created by Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks, join the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season two as the esteemed chef Ranveer Brar explores seven diverse regions — Hyderabad, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata — to understand the toofani origin of each biryani. Through its one-of-kind storytelling, the hunt brings alive the untold stories of 21 of the hottest biryani makers in the country with the chef uncovering the inspiration behind each hotspot. The indomitable combination of Thums Up, Biryani and Chef Brar aims to settle the age-old question of “Kaunsi Biryani hai Sabse Toofani?”
Commenting on season two of Toofani Biryani Hunt, The Coca-Cola Company category head, sparkling flavours, India & Southwest Asia Sumeli Chatterjee said, “We’re excited to present ‘Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2,’ in partnership with Disney+ Hotstar, serving up a sizzling flavour expedition on screen. This season, we celebrate the crisp chill of Thums Up paired with a steaming plate of rich, smoky biryani. With Chef Ranveer Brar bringing his exceptional talent back on board, the journey is set to be more delicious than ever as we uncover the best of biryani from seven diverse regions across India.”
On his exciting collaboration with the brand, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar said, “Biryani is not just a dish; it’s a journey through time and taste, rich with history and fragrant with tradition. I am elated to return for another season of the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt, as we uncover the history, legacy and bold flavours of biryani from various regions in India. Each episode is an adventure—seeking out the best biryani spots, learning their stories, and savoring the bold flavors that make this dish so beloved.”
Speaking about the show, Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan added, “At Disney+ Hotstar’s CreativeWorks, we continue to leverage the power of storytelling and solve the complex marketing needs of advertisers who want to forge meaningful connections with their audiences. Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season 1 resonated well with our audiences and we are excited to bring in another season which exemplifies how we combine creativity and cultural relevance to craft memorable experiences. With season 2, we’re taking this journey with Thums Up to new heights, exploring the rich flavors and traditions that make biryani a dish close to every Indian’s heart.”
Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season two is set to kick off with the pilot episode on 28 August 2024. This season promises a feast for the senses, the local pride for their culinary best and biryani fans across regions vouching that their biryani is most toofani.
Mumbai: As the festive season approaches, Indian consumers are gearing up for a significant shopping spree, as revealed by the positive spending sentiment observed in the third edition of Disney+ Hotstar’s Festive Shopping Sentiment Survey. The survey reflects strong consumer confidence, with shoppers expected to boost their spending by a remarkable 47 per cent compared to last year. Millennials are predicted to lead the charge, with women shoppers notably increasing their budgets by 70 per cent over the previous year, focusing on multiple categories including clothing, mobile phones, food, and beauty products.
Key Findings:
. Increased spending capacity: Improved spending capacity will drive higher expenditures this festive season
. Millennial vs. Gen Z spending: Millennials are expected to spend more compared to Gen Z
. Women shoppers: Women shoppers will increase their budget by 70 per cent compared to last year and shop across more than two categories
. Top categories: Festive shopping baskets will comprise clothing, mobile, food, and beauty products
. Upgrading technology: Consumers are looking to upgrade to 5G-enabled mobile phones and smart TVs this festive season
. Preference for online shopping: 59 per cent of consumers prefer to shop online
. Influence of online video ads: Online video ads will be the top information source, with 58 per cent of consumers discovering brands and services through these platforms
. Digital payment preferences: 67 per cent preference for digital payment options, with UPI leading the way
Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan commented, “We are excited about the upcoming festive season, given the positive consumer sentiment reflected in the survey. Disney+ Hotstar’s wide array of shows and movies across languages offers the perfect platform for brands to connect with consumers as they plan their festive shopping. Our
platform is uniquely positioned to spotlight brands and their offerings through our innovative ad formats and comprehensive targeting options.”
For the upcoming festive season, Disney+ Hotstar has an exciting line-up of shows across English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, as well as marquee live sports tournaments including the Premier League, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, and Pro Kabaddi league, making it the platform of choice for advertisers to engage with their consumers. Additionally, the platform offers festive packages for top-watched shows in multiple languages, simplifying campaign planning for advertisers. With innovative ad formats and over 1,000 targeting options, advertisers looking to capitalise on the festive fever will be spoilt for choice on Disney+ Hotstar.
