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Tag: Gaurav Verma

  • Aaj Tak is realigning its revenue structure under Gaurav Verma, while Rahul Shaw drives growth for Stage Aaj Tak

    Aaj Tak is realigning its revenue structure under Gaurav Verma, while Rahul Shaw drives growth for Stage Aaj Tak

    MUMBAI: Curtains up on a leadership shuffle at India Today Group, where Rahul Shaw is stepping into a singular spotlight devoting his full attention to Stage Aaj Tak, the Group’s fast-rising experiential content venture. In doing so, Shaw exits his current roles in the TV and radio businesses to scale what insiders are calling a high-priority growth engine.

    As Shaw takes centre stage, Gaurav Verma steps into the wings of Aaj Tak’s revenue operations at least for now. In his interim role, Verma will oversee revenue teams across the South, West, and North regions. The East will continue to be independently steered by Satyaky, while Manisha Solanki and Gunjan Taneja retain command of India Today TV and Good News Today (GNT), respectively.

    All of Shaw’s previous direct reports, including Verma, will now report directly to Bhatia. Explaining the rationale behind the reshuffle, Bhatia called it a strategic move to “align our teams for long-term success, foster internal growth opportunities, and intensify our focus on core business priorities.”

    In a landscape where content needs to not just inform but immerse, this rejig isn’t just about titles and territories, it’s about building a future-ready playbook. And as this new chapter unfolds, all eyes will be on how Stage Aaj Tak scales new heights under Shaw’s solo spotlight.

  • Pharmeasy strikes a chord with a jingle and a punctuality promise

    Pharmeasy strikes a chord with a jingle and a punctuality promise

    MUMBAI: After a three-year hiatus from television, Pharmeasy, the digital healthcare platform has returned to the small screen with a new ad campaign that doubles down on what really matters in diagnostics showing up on time. Anchored by the promise ‘On-Time or free’, the campaign cheekily tackles the agony of fasting blood tests and delayed sample pickups through a pair of punctuality-loving, food-obsessed dancing uncles.

    With its now-iconic jingle (set to the tune of ‘Urvashi Urvashi’) once again echoing “Pharmeasy, Pharmeasy… Take it easy,” the campaign blends nostalgia with a clear call to action: lab tests should be dependable, not a morning-wrecking ordeal.

    In an industry where being fashionably late is frustratingly common, Pharmeasy is throwing down the gauntlet with a punctuality guarantee. Miss the time slot? The test is free. The bold promise is backed by a logistics network spanning over 4000 pin codes and 1900 plus trained phlebotomists and a self-proclaimed 99 per cent plus on-time rate.

    “We kept the tonality of the brand at the centre while working on the campaign, sharply landing the offering, keeping it relevant, relatable and entertaining,” shared Busypeople MadamG founder and creative director Garima Khandelwal.

    “This campaign is a reflection of how far we’ve come in our journey of simplifying healthcare and making it truly accessible and dependable for every Indian. Diagnostic testing is a sensitive experience – fasting is tough, but waiting shouldn’t be. Our promise is simple: you pick the time slot, we’ll be there. If we’re late, your test is on us”, said API Holdings MD & CEO Siddharth Shah.

    Pharmeasy (API Holdings) chief business officer, Gaurav Verma said, “When you are fasting and waiting for a blood test to be done, every minute feels like an hour.  We built this feature from a deep understanding of that frustration. You’ve done your part—waking up early, skipping breakfast. The least we can do is show up on time. That’s our way of saying we care.”

    From nostalgic tunes to no-nonsense timing, Pharmeasy’s latest pitch isn’t just about testing, it’s about trust, timing, and turning up when it counts.

  • AI can never match human ingenuity in advertisement: I&B ministry’s Vikram Sahay at MarCon 2023

    AI can never match human ingenuity in advertisement: I&B ministry’s Vikram Sahay at MarCon 2023

    Mumbai: “Remember that advertisement is all about making a product or a service unique. Even the best of the software like ChatGPT will never offer that uniqueness. So, do not feel discouraged by them as they often compromise the quality of the advertisements,” said Ministry of Information and Broadcasting joint secretary & Government of India Vikram Sahay, while delivering his keynote address at the 19th edition of the Marketing Conclave (MarCon), organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on 22 November 2023 in Mumbai.

    This year MarCon explored, through 30 sessions, across four tracks, the theme of “Tomorrow’s Canvas: Tech and the Art of Marketing”. The conference was co-powered by Whistle Feed.

    Addressing the conference’s theme topic, Sahay delved into the dynamic intersection of technology and marketing, shedding light on innovative strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of digital advertising.

    In his keynote Sahay also dwelt on advertising regulatory practices and underlined the importance of ethical marketing. “Today, we have certain regulatory practices and guidelines that protect us from misleading ads, especially in education and healthcare. We must stay away from such unethical practices,” he said.

    MarCon 2023 brought together on one platform more than 65 industry captains and subject stalwarts to explore the theme subject 360 degrees. Over 350+ agencies, 500+ leading brands and 1500 delegates took part in the conference.

    Speaking on unified measurement for digital platforms, Jio Ads CEO Gulshan Verma explained, “Fundamentally, measurement is the backbone of business, translating into vital components such as your business metrics, engagement metrics, and sales figures. What further adds to this process is the perception of your brand. Introducing unified measurement transforms the landscape, where context makes all the difference. Online and physical touch points make it challenging to analyse or even apply unified measurement. Unification will happen if we are able to link business numbers and other tangibles to arrive at some sort of numeric unification or one scale of measurement for digital platforms.”

    Talking on changing tech allowing new age marketers to connect with ‘BHARAT’, Federal Bank CMO MVS Murthy said, “AI does not have an emotional quotient hence it cannot be sensitive towards human emotions. Only humans can understand the subtle sensitivities of any matter. While targeting Bharat, it’s important we understand and acknowledge these nuances and think regional and vernacular first, it’s a human emotion, we think in our mother tongue and then speak in English or any other language.”

    Among other prominent speakers at the conclave were Group M South Asia president Tushar Vyas; Games 24 x 7 VP Gaurav Verma; Meta ads business director & head Arun Srinivas; Sony Pictures Network Ltd senior VP and Ad revenue head Ranjana Mangla, Physics Wallah marketing head Sanket Narkar and Tata Digital CMO Shoumyan Biswas.

    Results of the second edition of the prestigious Digital Native Brands Awards (DNBA) were announced at a gala ceremony at MarCon. This year there were over 150 entries for DNBA, which were distributed in 19 categories. The Awards celebrate and honour businesses and brands that have harnessed the power of digital technology, epitomize the spirit of digital entrepreneurship, and leverage technology as a core driver of their success. The Best DNB Woman Entrepreneur of The Year Award went to Ghazal Alagh, Honasa Consumer Pvt Ltd (Mamaearth) and the Best Digital Native Brand Entrepreneur Award was bagged by Manish Chowdhary, WOW Skin Science.

  • Jawan crowned as Netflix’s most-watched film in India

    Jawan crowned as Netflix’s most-watched film in India

    Mumbai: Jawan released in theatres across India on 7 September to a ton of fanfare and love from audiences. Continuing the fiesta, Netflix India released the film’s extended cut in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu on King Khan’s birthday, and to no one’s surprise, Jawan, all languages, is reigning as the most-watched film in India on Netflix, in the first two weeks of launch. A true testament to fandom and entertainment!

    Reeling in the success of the film on Netflix, Shah Rukh Khan shared, “I am thrilled to share that Jawan is the most-watched film in India on Netflix . Releasing the extended version was our way of expressing gratitude to our fans for extending their unwavering love and support to the film. The overwhelming response we’ve received from Netflix audiences only reaffirms the brilliance of Indian Cinema. Jawan is not just a film; it’s a celebration of storytelling, passion, and the vibrant spirit of our cinema and I couldn’t be prouder of its success  on Netflix.”

    ‘Jawan’ is a Red Chillies Entertainment presentation directed by Atlee, produced by Gauri Khan, and co-produced by Gaurav Verma. The film was released worldwide in theatres on 7 September 2023, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

    Jawan: Extended cut is currently streaming on Netflix in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

  • Bisleri Bolsters limited edition packs nationwide with ‘Jawan’ film partnership

    Bisleri Bolsters limited edition packs nationwide with ‘Jawan’ film partnership

    Mumbai: After the major success of the limited-edition partnerships with blockbuster movies in South India, Bisleri has now forged its first and largest-ever Pan-India association with the much-awaited film of the year, ‘Jawan.’ The Bisleri’s X Jawan limited edition bottles will feature actors from all over India, including Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara. These limited-edition bottles will be available across the country in 250ml, 500ml, one Litre, two litres, and five litres SKUs.

    Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. head of marketing Tushar Malhotra said, “Movies are an integral fabric of India’s culture and Bisleri’s largest-ever Pan-India association with ‘Jawan’ brings the larger-than-life cinematic canvas to our consumers’ doorstep, creating brand love.”

    The Bisleri X Jawan limited-edition packs will be distributed nationwide in all general and modern trade outlets, which will see marketing activation of more than 70,000 retail outlets. It will also be available online through the Bisleri @Doorstep App.

    ‘Jawan’ is a Red Chillies Entertainment presentation directed by Atlee, produced by Gauri Khan, and co-produced by Gaurav Verma. The film will be released worldwide in theatres on 7 September 2023, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

     

  • GM Modular unveils stunning wall art to celebrate its association with ‘Jawan’

    GM Modular unveils stunning wall art to celebrate its association with ‘Jawan’

    Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan fans and moviegoers witnessed a unique collaboration between art and cinema, this week. In front of Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic ‘Mannat’, GM revealed an enchanting wall art installation of his forthcoming movie Jawan.

    The excitement surrounding Shah Rukh Khan’s latest film, “Jawan,” is reaching new heights. From the captivating preview to the mesmerising soundtrack, audiences are being treated to a multitude of emotions. The impressive wall art, crafted in collaboration with talented artist Kanak Nanda, captures the essence of “Jawan” through intricate designs, vibrant colors and dynamic visuals & the mural is set to become a visual landmark, capturing the attention of passersby and movie enthusiasts alike.

    “I am thankful and thrilled to present this magnificent wall art as a tribute to the spirit of ‘Jawan’ and GM’s association with the film. It reflects our dedication to pushing boundaries and embracing creativity, just like the movie. This wall art symbolizes progress, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” said the artist Kanak Nanda.

    The GM CEO Jayanth Jain, expressed his enthusiasm for this remarkable collaboration, stating, “The partnership between GM and ‘Jawan’ marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to connect with diverse audiences on a grand scale. This collaboration exemplifies the power of art and cinema in transcending boundaries. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to create an immersive experience for fans while also reaching a mass audience through this momentous venture.”

    GM was founded in 2002 and has since become one of the leading home electrical companies in India. The partnership between GM Modular and “Jawan” goes beyond traditional sponsorship. It represents the shared values of innovation, dynamism, and a forward-thinking approach. Through this collaboration, GM Modular reaffirms its commitment to empowering individuals and spaces with cutting-edge electrical solutions that enhance everyday living.

    Jawan is one of the most anticipated and ambitious films, produced at a never-seen-before scale for an Indian film. It is backed by an exceptional cast, including some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry from all parts of India, along with Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles and Deepika Padukone in a special appearance. This broadens its appeal to audiences across all Indian languages, making it a true PAN India film.

    Jawan is a Red Chillies Entertainment presentation, directed by Atlee, produced by Gauri Khan, and co-produced by Gaurav Verma. The film will be released worldwide in theaters on 7 September 2023, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

     

  • Chitra Tripathi and Gaurav Verma join India Today Group for second stint

    Chitra Tripathi and Gaurav Verma join India Today Group for second stint

    Mumbai: It’s all cheer for Chitra Tripathi and Gaurav Verma as they return to the India Today Group. Verma is chief operating officer of The Lallan Top and Tripathi has assumed the role of editor of special projects at Aaj Tak.

    This is Verma’s second stint with the TV Today Network – previously, he quit the group in August 2020. In his new role, he will report to TV Today Network chief operating officer Vivek Gaur. He will also be responsible for overseeing revenue for digital streaming of Live TV and will be reporting to Salil Kumar on the same.

    Verma recently quit as the revenue head of Times Network’s Hindi news channel, Times Now Navbharat. In his career, he has also worked with Zee, Network 18 and Business Standard. A commerce graduate from Delhi University, he holds a postgraduate diploma from the National Institute of Sales, and has also done an Executive Excellence programme from ISB.

    In her new role, Tripathi will continue to report to Aaj Tak and India Today managing editor Supriya Prasad. She joined ABP News last month and had a stint of less than a month before returning to Aaj Tak.

    Both Tripathi and Verma will be based in Noida.

  • ‘Darlings’ to premiere on OTT platform Netflix in 2022

    ‘Darlings’ to premiere on OTT platform Netflix in 2022

    Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment and Alia Bhatt’s maiden production Eternal Sunshine’s movie “Darlings” is set to premiere on OTT platform Netflix this year. The star cast includes Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma and Roshan Mathew in lead roles. This movie also brings together music composer Vishal Bharadwaj and lyricist Gulzar. The film is produced by Gauri Khan and directed by Jasmeet K Reen.

    Netflix India and Alia Bhatt posted an announcement video on social media, giving fans fun moments. In the video, the entire cast is seen dodging the camera that’s following them from room-to-room, watching their words and fumbling all along when asked about the ‘Darlings’ release on Netflix.

     

     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     
     

     
     

    A post shared by Alia Bhatt (@aliaabhatt)

     

    Darlings is a dark-comedy which explores the lives of a mother-daughter duo trying to find their place in Mumbai, seeking courage and love in exceptional circumstances while fighting against all odds.

    Red Chillies Entertainment writer & director Jasmeet K Reen said, “I couldn’t have asked for a better feature film debut—working with a pool of versatile and talented actors has been an absolute pleasure. I am delighted that Red Chillies and Eternal Sunshine are taking the film across the globe with Netflix.”

    Bhatt, who marks her debut as a producer (Eternal Sunshine) said, ‘Darlings’ holds a very special place in my heart, it’s my first film as producer that too with Red Chillies. We are very proud and happy how the film has shaped up and we hope it will entertain and engage audiences world over.”

    Red Chillies Entertainment producer & COO Gaurav Verma said, “A script nurtured inhouse, and later produced with the incredible Alia, and supported by a stellar cast in Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma and Roshan Mathew, helmed by Jasmeet, who has lot of promise, ‘Darlings’ is very special to all of us. Gulzar Saab and Vishal Ji have given soul to the film with the songs. We couldn’t have asked for more. I cannot wait for the audience to finally see the film.”

    Netflix India director, films and licensing Pratiksha Rao said, “At Netflix, we want to entertain our members with best in class films, across genres, made possible by collaborating with filmmakers who take big creative swings to tell diverse and compelling stories. With ‘Darlings’, we continue our long standing partnership with Red Chillies Entertainment and are excited to be the home for Alia Bhatt’s first production. ‘Darlings’, by debut director Jasmeet K Reen, is a must watch- a perfect storm of a riveting plot, fresh storytelling brought to life by powerful performances.”

  • Zee Media announces first edition of OTT awards for 2021

    Zee Media announces first edition of OTT awards for 2021

    Mumbai: Zee Media Corp Ltd (ZMCL) has announced the launch of its OTT awards for the year 2021. The awards will be simulcast over 30 TV and digital platforms. 

    The award ceremony will be attended by the crème-de-la-crème of the entertainment industry, with an astute jury in various fields of entertainment along with the Zee Media management, said the media company in a statement.

    “With the change in viewing habits and the increased consumption of content, we feel the Zee Media OTT awards will do justice to the content creators, actors, the teams behind building successful shows, to continue doing the same and bring out quality content for the viewers,” said ZMCL marketing head Anindya Khare. “The changing landscape around content asks for newer ways to showcase and gratify the efforts put into making the complete OTT ecosystem a success.”

    The channel said that the categories will not be restricted to film and web series only and the focus will also be on alternative digital media content. Apart from the awards and on-stage entertainment, there will be panel discussions that will be livestreamed on digital platforms, allowing the viewers to ask questions to the panellists, making the whole viewing experience more immersive, it added.

    “OTT is the next big thing for years to come as the entertainment industry witnesses a paradigm shift in the way content is consumed by the audience,” said Zee Media chief revenue officer Gaurav Verma. “To lead the way and become the pioneers in the award space, it gives us immense pleasure to bring these awards to the consumers, to gauge their level of interest and take the next steps from there. We are creating a new platform to showcase the best talent from the world of OTT.”

    India is currently the world’s fastest-growing OTT market and is all set to emerge as the world’s sixth-largest by 2024. There are currently about 40 providers of OTT media services in India, which distribute streaming media over the internet. Between March and November 2019, around 30 million internet users came online for the first time from rural areas, showing a steep growth in the consumer base for the OTT platforms, said the statement.

    “It is important that we notice and act on the changing consumption trends of the viewers, consumers and advertisers in order to be present in all relevant spaces at the given time,” said Zee Media chief revenue officer Manoj Jagyasi. “New initiatives are always more lucrative for advertisers as they arrest the attention of the viewers. Zee Media OTT award, similarly, is a new and exciting proposition for our viewers which will be well accepted by them due to our unbiased approach to the awards.”

  • Zomato’s Gaurav Verma is new PharmEasy CMO

    Zomato’s Gaurav Verma is new PharmEasy CMO

    NEW DELHI: PharmEasy has brought in former Zomato CMO Gaurav Verma to lead its marketing operations.

    "Delighted to announce that I am joining the excellent team at PharmEasy! They have built a phenomenal quirky brand and am super excited to see what new heights we can take it to," said Verma in a post on his LinkedIn profile.

    Verma joined Zomato in 2019. Soon, he was elevated to global growth head of dining out for a brief period of six months. Soon, he was given the mantle for marketing in April this year.

    He led the brand marketing activities for Zomato throughout the pandemic and spearheaded several interesting campaigns. He exited the food delivery platform in November 2020.

    Verma has 15 years of experience in the industry and has worked at leading companies like Pepsico, ITC, Lenovo, and Tata Tea. His longest stint was at Pepsico where he operated in different categories such as Tropicana, Lays, Kurkure, and others.