ITV

Tag: Gaurav Dwivedi

  • Cloud TV tunes into India’s Cultural Waves

    Cloud TV tunes into India’s Cultural Waves

    MUMBAI: Looks like Cloud TV just found its frequency for nostalgia. In a landmark partnership, India’s first homegrown Smart TV operating system has teamed up with Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform, Waves, to bring the nation’s cultural heartbeat and entertainment heritage straight to connected TVs across the country.

    The collaboration ensures that Cloud TV’s 12 plus million users, spanning popular TV brands like Lloyd, Micromax, and Croma, can now tune into Waves’ vast digital library. From Doordarshan and Akashvani’s iconic archives to new-age shows, music, and live events, the platform offers content in over 20 languages, uniting India’s timeless stories with today’s digital rhythm.

    Cloud TV COO & co-founder Abhijeet Rajpurohit called the alliance “a digital bridge connecting nostalgia with innovation, heritage with technology.” The goal, he said, is to let viewers experience India’s cultural narrative in a modern, accessible way.

    Echoing this sentiment, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi noted that Waves embodies India’s self-reliant digital vision, giving audiences a seamless way to engage with the nation’s rich cultural and creative ecosystem.

    With Cloud TV OS already powering millions of Smart TVs across brands, the move amplifies Waves’ reach into homes nationwide. Viewers can simply spot the Waves logo on their Cloud TV-powered sets and dive into a treasure trove of shows, radio, podcasts, and archives, where the old meets the new in perfect harmony.

    After all, with desh ka apna OTT meeting desh ka apna OS, India’s story just found its clearest signal yet.

  • When AI met Arjun, Mahabharat gets an epic tech twist

    When AI met Arjun, Mahabharat gets an epic tech twist

    MUMBAI: Some battles never end, they just get a software update. Collective Media Network’s Historyverse has dropped the trailer for Mahabharat enabled by AI, a retelling of India’s most enduring epic where myth meets machine. Set to premiere on Waves OTT on 25 October 2025, followed by a Doordarshan telecast every Sunday at 11 am from 2 November, the series promises to blend nostalgia with next-gen storytelling.

    The trailer feels like déjà vu dressed in digital armour, familiar faces of dharma and destiny, rendered with the power of artificial intelligence. Behind the screens, a team of writers, researchers, technicians, and engineers at Collective Artists Network’s Galleri5 have built this brave new Kurukshetra pixel by pixel, turning age-old verses into a visual feast that bridges the past and the future.

    “For many of us, watching the Mahabharat on TV was part of our childhood, those Sunday mornings meant something special,” said Collective Artists Network founder & group CEO Vijay Subramaniam. “With Mahabharat enabled by AI, we wanted to bring that memory back, but make it feel fresh, relevant, and made for this time. It’s emotional, it’s big, and it’s built with care.”

    At the heart of this digital dharma lies a collaboration between Collective Media Network and Prasar Bharati, a pairing that merges old-school television tradition with cutting-edge creativity. Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi noted, “This is exactly the kind of innovation that keeps our cultural legacy alive for generations to come. It’s exciting to see how technology can reawaken stories that unite people.”

    For viewers, the AI-driven Mahabharat is less of a reboot and more of a renaissance, a chance to relive the grandeur, the moral conflict, and the emotion that once glued an entire nation to its TV screens. Only this time, Bhishma’s armour gleams with digital precision, Krishna’s wisdom echoes through neural networks, and the battle for truth plays out in ultra-HD.

    As Historyverse puts it, the project isn’t just a show; it’s a statement that even in a world ruled by algorithms, the human heart still craves stories of courage, loyalty, and fate. So come October, when conch shells sound and pixels clash, audiences will witness an epic reborn not rewritten, just re-coded.

  • Doordarshan and Collective Media reimagine the Mahabharat with AI

    Doordarshan and Collective Media reimagine the Mahabharat with AI

    NEW DELHI: India’s most celebrated epic is getting a technological makeover. Collective Media Network’s Historyverse has unveiled an AI-led reimagining of the Mahabharat, set to premiere on Waves OTT on 25 October 2025. Doordarshan will broadcast it every Sunday at 11:00 AM from 2 November 2025.

    The collaboration pairs Prasar Bharati’s nationwide reach with the creative firepower of a next-generation media network. Advanced AI tools have been used to reconstruct the epic’s sprawling universe—its characters, battlefields and moral quandaries—with cinematic scale and striking realism.

    “Like millions of Indians, I grew up watching the classic Mahabharata on television every Sunday. It was an experience that shaped my imagination and my connection to our culture,” said founder & group chief executive Vijay Subramaniam. “With Mahabharat, our hope is to give today’s generation a similar touchstone that feels as immersive and unifying as it did for us, but told through the possibilities of today’s technology.”

    Prasar Bharati chief executive Gaurav Dwivedi noted that the original Mahabharat‘s re-telecast during lockdown reminded viewers how deeply these narratives bind families together. “Partnering on this AI-led reimagining allows audiences to experience one of India’s greatest epics anew—honouring tradition while embracing cutting-edge technology in storytelling.”

    Waves, Prasar Bharati’s official OTT platform, has quickly amassed millions of users with its credible, family-friendly and multilingual content. The platform offers video-on-demand, live events and an extensive library of television, radio, audio and magazine programming. The Mahabharat project exemplifies how heritage and innovation can converge to create contemporary narratives that resonate across India and beyond.

  • Prasar Bharati OTT – Waves launches Magazines and Journals section

    Prasar Bharati OTT – Waves launches Magazines and Journals section

    MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati unveiled the Magazines and Journals Section on its OTT platform, Waves, bringing India’s leading periodicals to a unified, multilingual digital destination. The initiative was launched by Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, Prasar Bharati during Magzimise 2025 at The Imperial, New Delhi, in the presence of prominent publishers, and industry leaders.

    The section hosts over 50 titles from six popular publications including Living Media India Ltd (India Today Group), Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Private Ltd, Outlook Publishing India Pvt. Ltd., Diamond Magazines Private Ltd, Kalakaumudi Publications Private Ltd, and Ananda Vikatan Productions Private Ltd. The catalogue covers news, current affairs, research, lifestyle, culture, and special interest content.

    The publications are available in nine languages including English, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi namely:

    * India Today English, India Today Hindi, Business Today, Reader’s Digest, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Hello! India, Auto Today
    * Grishshobha Hindi, Sarita, Saras Salil, Manohar Kahaniyan, Grishshobha Gujarati, Grishshobha Marathi, Grishshobha Kannada, Grishshobha Tamil, Grishshobha Telugu, Grishshobha Bangla, Grishshobha Malayalam, Mukta, Farm N Food, Satyakatha, Champak (English), Champak Hindi, Champak Marathi, Champak Gujarati, Champak Kannada, Champak Tamil, Champak Telugu, Highlight Genies, Highlight Champs

    * Outlook, Outlook Business, Outlook Money, Outlook Traveller, Outlook Hindi

    * Grihlakshmi, Sadhna Path, Cricket Today (Hindi), Cricket Today (English)

    * Kalakaumudi, Vellinakshatram, Muhurtham

    * Aval Vikatan

    This newly launched section complements the free access to prestigious government publications such as Yojana, Kurukshetra, Aajkal, and Bal Bharati, already available on Waves.

    Over the next year, Waves aims to grow this library to 150+ titles from 30+ renowned publishers, positioning itself as one of the most comprehensive digital archives for Indian magazines and journals.

    To mark the launch, Waves is introducing a special limited-period subscription offer of Rs 99 per month and Rs 999 per year.

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said, “Waves is evolving into a complete content destination, a place where audiences can find trusted information, meaningful storytelling, and cultural depth in equal measure. The Magazines and Journals Section strengthens this vision, offering credible and diverse content in multiple languages to readers across the country. This is about more than convenience; it is about placing quality publishing where the audience already is.”

    Executive publisher, Delhi Press, and president, Association of Indian Magazines, Sh. Anant Nath said, “We are extremely excited to partner with Waves to bring the richness of Indian magazines with their credible and thoughtful content to the large online readership that the platform is building.”

    The section is now live and accessible to subscribers nationwide on Waves across all its platforms, including the mobile app, web portal, and connected TV applications.

     

  • Prasar Bharati inks handball broadcast deal to boost sport’s reach

    Prasar Bharati inks handball broadcast deal to boost sport’s reach

    NEW DELHI: India’s public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with the Handball Association of India (HAI) to produce and beam all national and international handball events.
    The matches will be telecast on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other Prasar Bharati platforms in a bid to expand the sport’s footprint and nurture emerging talent.

    The agreement was formally exchanged between Prasar Bharati chief executive officer Gaurav Dwivedi and HAI executive director Anandeshwar Pande. Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal was also present at the signing.

    The move marks a major push to take the underdog sport mainstream and give Indian handball players a national stage.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Prasar Bharati rides new Waves with Shucae Films OTT content tie-up

    Prasar Bharati rides new Waves with Shucae Films OTT content tie-up

    MUMBAI: India’s national broadcaster is catching the OTT tide and this one’s making Waves. In a move that blends legacy media with fresh digital storytelling, Prasar Bharati has partnered with Shucae Films to host the latter’s vibrant catalogue on its OTT platform Waves, with select content also airing across its television channels. The alliance brings a medley of Shucae’s web shows to Prasar Bharati’s growing digital stable. Think romantic twists, comedic chaos, and indie grit with titles like Jaane Kyun, It’s a Match, Pyaar Ke Panne, Bolo Pencil, Love Forever, Yeh Hai Meri Love Story!, and more now streaming for free.

    By roping in Shucae’s younger, internet-savvy audience and juxtaposing it with its traditional viewership, Prasar Bharati is shaping Waves as a platform that doesn’t just preserve culture but also mirrors current content trends. The move also reflects the broadcaster’s broader digital-first ambition.

    “This partnership reflects our commitment to offering vibrant, diverse and engaging content,” said Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi. “Waves continues to evolve as a digital-first platform showcasing the best of Indian storytelling.”

    Shucae Films CEO Manoj Doogra added, “We’re thrilled to bring our stories to a wider audience through Prasar Bharati. Waves is the perfect platform to blend entertainment with impact.”

    From love stories to offbeat dramas, the line-up adds colour to Waves’ growing content pool. It also signals a stronger future for public broadcasters leaning into contemporary formats and co-creating with India’s expanding OTT talent pool. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Doordarshan or the now-ness of web series, this is storytelling tuned to every screen.

  • Waves and Eros Now stream into a new era with blockbuster partnership

    Waves and Eros Now stream into a new era with blockbuster partnership

    MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT platform is making a splash in the digital entertainment space by joining forces with Eros Now, bringing a treasure trove of Indian films, original series, and more to audiences worldwide. This partnership not only enhances Waves’ content library with Eros Now’s extensive 12,000 plus title collection but also introduces AI-driven personalisation powered by Immerso AI, ensuring an engaging and seamless viewing experience.

    With hit films like Bajirao Mastani, Tanu Weds Manu, and English Vinglish joining the platform, Waves is set to redefine entertainment accessibility, making high-quality content available for free, even in remote regions of India. Additionally, the collaboration will see Prasar Bharati’s sports and entertainment programming extend to Eros Now, enriching its global offerings.

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said, “Partnering with Eros Now marks an exciting milestone in our efforts to keep the nation entertained. This collaboration supports our commitment to offering diverse, high-quality programming, powered by cutting-edge technology and exceptional content. Together, we aim to set new benchmarks in digital entertainment and connect with viewers in more meaningful ways.”

    Eros Now CEO Vikram Tanna commented, “This partnership with Prasar Bharati represents a significant step in expanding our reach and delivering premium content to a broader audience. By combining our strengths, we aim to redefine the digital entertainment landscape and provide unparalleled experiences to viewers worldwide.”

    With Waves embracing blockchain-backed innovation and AI-driven recommendations, this alliance ensures that users get not just content, but a hyper-personalised entertainment journey.
     

  • Waves OTT to stream DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live, free & exclusive

    Waves OTT to stream DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live, free & exclusive

    MUMBAI: Indian football fans, get ready for some top-tier German football action! Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT is bringing the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live and free to India, marking another milestone in the platform’s rapid expansion into live sports broadcasting.

    Starting 4 February, Waves will stream the high-intensity knockout battles of Germany’s premier club cup competition, ensuring Indian fans get a front-row seat to the action. This move signals a major boost for Waves OTT as it cements itself as a go-to destination for live sports streaming.

    Quarterfinals match schedule:

    . 4 February: VfB Stuttgart vs. FC Augsburg

    .  5 February: Bayer Leverkusen vs. FC Köln

    .  25 February: DSC Arminia Bielefeld vs. SV Werder Bremen

    .  26 February: RB Leipzig vs. VfL Wolfsburg

    Football lovers can expect edge-of-the-seat excitement as some of Germany’s top clubs battle it out for cup glory. With electrifying matchups and high stakes, the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals promise non-stop action.

    The DFB-Pokal debut marks a significant moment for Waves, which has already gained traction with its Hockey India League (HIL) and DD Winter Sports Games coverage. With an ever-growing catalogue of live sporting events, Waves is rapidly positioning itself as India’s premier digital sports hub.

    DFB (German Football Association) director of global media rights, Kay Daommholz emphasised the significance of this collaboration stating, “The DFB-Pokal is a cornerstone of German football, and we’re excited to bring these live matches to Waves for the first time. As the competition advances to the quarterfinals, the energy on the pitch is only going to heighten. This partnership with Waves ensures that fans across the region will experience the magic of the tournament firsthand.”

    Echoing the excitement, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said, “This is an important milestone for Waves, marking our first live football broadcast. The DFB-Pokal has such a rich history, and we’re proud to be the platform hosting these iconic moments. It’s a clear signal of our commitment to growing the sports category on Waves and delivering thrilling live sports experiences to our viewers.”

    The first quarterfinal match, Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. FC Köln, kicks off live at 7:45 pm GMT on Tuesday, 4 February (01:15 AM IST on Wednesday, 5 February). Don’t miss the chance to witness footballing excellence from one of Europe’s most prestigious cup tournaments.

    With this groundbreaking move, Waves OTT is set to revolutionise live sports streaming in India, making world-class football accessible to millions.

     

  • Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT now on Jio Stores, expanding Indian content access

    Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT now on Jio Stores, expanding Indian content access

    MUMBAI: In the bustling streets of Mumbai, where skyscrapers narrate tales of ambition, one name consistently towers above the rest—Mukesh Ambani.

    The maestro of business expansion has struck again, this time joining forces with Prasar Bharati, India’s cherished custodian of cultural narratives.

    In a move that seamlessly blends legacy with technology, the public broadcaster’s OTT platform, Waves, now graces the Jio Store shelves, promising a cinematic journey through India’s heart and heritage.

    Imagine the allure: archives of Doordarshan’s golden era, the timeless melodies of All India Radio, and an array of fresh originals—all a tap away for millions of Jio users. This partnership isn’t just about streaming content; it’s a bridge connecting India’s storied past with its digital future, hand-delivered by Ambani’s ever-expanding empire.

    Is there a realm Mukesh Ambani doesn’t touch? It seems unlikely, as Jio continues to rewire how India consumes entertainment, one milestone at a time.

    Since its launch, Waves has rapidly garnered attention, amassing over one million downloads and positioning itself as a premier destination for Indian audiences. With this collaboration, Waves takes a strategic leap to become accessible across all Jio devices, leveraging the telecom giant’s expansive reach and connectivity.

    Imagine how India’s rich cultural tapestry can now reach every corner of the nation? With Waves on Jio Stores.

    Waves offers something for everyone:

    . Original Content: Explore new fiction and non-fiction programming.

    . Legacy Programming: Rediscover classic shows from Doordarshan archives.

    . Live Events: Stream real-time happenings from across the nation.

    . Gaming and E-Commerce: A unique blend of entertainment and interaction.

    . Nostalgia Features: Enjoy photo albums and magazines highlighting India’s heritage.

    This diverse lineup ensures that Waves caters to audiences of all ages and preferences. As the platform grows, its popularity underscores a collective demand for authentic Indian storytelling.

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi expressed his optimism about this partnership, “We are thrilled to take Waves to the next level by making it available to Jio users. The platform has already received a fantastic response, and with Jio’s vast subscriber base, we are excited to introduce our diverse and compelling content, which includes – Nostalgia, Live Channels, Magazines, Photo Albums, etc., to even more homes.”

    A Jio spokesperson added, “We are excited to partner with Prasar Bharati to offer Waves to our users. This partnership offers a wider content offering to audiences at large and ensures that they are able to choose from the best.”

    Why does this partnership even matter?

    The inclusion of Waves on Jio Stores signifies a blending of modern technology with the cultural essence of India. It underscores Prasar Bharati’s mission to preserve India’s heritage while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences.

    From classic TV dramas to innovative new content, Waves aims to deliver a robust digital entertainment experience that celebrates India’s diversity.

    Are you ready to surf India’s cultural treasures with Waves?

     

  • DD scoops Hockey India League live telecast rights for next three years

    DD scoops Hockey India League live telecast rights for next three years

    MUMBAI: There’s nothing more exciting that seeing a player with a hockey stick in his hand dribbling past the mid-field, swerving and dodging past the defending backs and reverse flicking the ball into the goal, leaving the goal keeper  stranded and flat on his back on the turf. 

    Many more such moments will be available to field hockey lovers  courtesy pubcaster Doordarshan, It has pocketed the rights to live  telecast the sixth edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), which will begin from 28 December 2024, thanks to an agreement it has signed with Hockey India (HI).( Reports are that the contract between the two is actually for the next three years.) What’s special with the new agreement is that DD will also be bringing the women’s HIL matches live to viewers apart from the fast-paced men’s. tournament.  

    Sports lovers may recall that the Indian national men’s team has been gradually getting back its mojo and won the bronze medal at this year’s Paris Olympics as well as in Tokyo. 

    HIL will have eight men’s teams and four women’s teams participating in Rourkela and Ranchi, showcasing outstanding talent from India and around the world.

    Said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Sehgal: “We are privileged to partner with the HIL, a platform that celebrates our national sports and aligns people across different categories. Through our comprehensive coverage, we aim to bring the electrifying spirit of hockey, including the historic debut of Women HIL, to viewers everywhere, bridging the urban and rural divide and amplifying the league’s impact.”

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi added: “Indian sports lovers are confident that the golden era of Indian hockey is being brought back. Doordarshan as the public broadcaster is looking forward to contributing to this broader vision through this partnership. The idea is to elevate hockey production and broadcast to global sporting standards. The sports lovers across the world can now watch the HIL, both men and women on DD Sports and Waves- the recently launched OTT platform of Prasar Bharati.”

    HIL  governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey said, “We are thrilled to partner with Doordarshan as the official broadcaster of the HIL. This year is particularly special with the launch of the Women’s HIL, a landmark step in promoting women’s hockey. Doordarshan’s unparalleled reach and commitment to sports perfectly align with our vision of taking hockey to every corner of the nation. Together, we aim to inspire millions and elevate the HIL to unprecedented heights.”

    HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh commented, “Hockey is more than just a sport for us – it’s a symbol of our unity and pride. The addition of the Women’s HIL this season is a giant leap forward in ensuring equality and recognition for women athletes. With Doordarshan as our partner, we’re ready to present a spectacular season of HIL. ‘Hockey connects us, and this partnership strengthens that bond’.”

    As part of its partnership with HI,  Doordarshan says it will also broadcast all HI  national championships and tournaments in India.

    (Picture courtesy Hockey India League)