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Tag: Hungama

  • Assembly Global appoints Vivekanand Kini as regional director APAC

    Assembly Global appoints Vivekanand Kini as regional director APAC

    MUMBAI: From Yahoo to Hungama, from HP to Akzonobel and now, the Assembly hall. Vivekanand Kini has joined Assembly Global as regional director for client experience, a move that marks the next chapter in a 15-year-plus career spent shaping digital journeys for some of the world’s biggest brands.

    Kini, who steps into the role this September, brings 18 years of experience across digital marketing, e-commerce, and client strategy, including 8 plus years in leadership positions. Most recently, he was regional head of digital & e-commerce at Akzonobel (2022–2025), where he spearheaded digital growth across Asia. Before that, he helmed HP’s digital marketing for over six years (2016–2022), leading campaigns and customer experience initiatives out of Gurgaon.

    His career foundation was laid at agencies and media firms: Havas Media (2013–2016) as associate director for media, Saatchi & Saatchi (2012–2013) as senior manager for client servicing, and Yahoo (2011) where he drove online media spends in retail. He began his digital journey at Hungama (2010–2011), managing brand solutions for marquee clients such as 7UP, Bacardi, LG, and Maruti Suzuki.

    At Assembly Global, Kini will be tasked with deepening client relationships, scaling regional strategies, and ensuring Assembly’s philosophy of Showup, Makechange, and Winwell translates into measurable client success. His portfolio of skills spans Adobe experience manager, marketing mix modelling, conversion optimisation, growth marketing, customer insight, and media trends expertise Assembly hopes will fortify its client-first positioning in Asia.

    Kini described the new role as a “perfect fit” for his passion for partnership and impact: “Mobility, technology and customer behaviour are evolving rapidly. This is an opportunity to reimagine client experience at scale, powered by both empathy and innovation.”

    For Assembly, a company known for its digital-first, culture-driven marketing approach, Kini’s appointment comes as it doubles down on APAC expansion and builds on its strong momentum with global clients.

    Looks like Assembly has found its newest building block and Kini is ready to cement lasting partnerships.

  • Brand new innings! Abhik Chakraborti joins Ileseum as marketing head

    Brand new innings! Abhik Chakraborti joins Ileseum as marketing head

     MUMBAI: From Hungama to Ileseum marketing maverick Abhik Chakraborti is back in the spotlight, this time with a brand playbook that’s as bold as it is brilliant. Ileseum Clubs has roped in seasoned marketing strategist Abhik Chakraborti as its new head of marketing, signalling a high-impact move as the lifestyle and leisure brand gears up for its next growth sprint. With a career spanning over 19 years, Abhik brings to the table a powerful blend of branding finesse, content vision, and campaign muscle.

    From orchestrating big-ticket IPs like IIFA at Wizcraft International to crafting luxury narratives at Shazé, his stints read like a marketing masterclass. He’s also held top roles at Percept Ltd, Rhiti Group, Hungama, and even steered digital-first strategies as CMO at Bedbathmore making him well-versed in the art of blending entertainment with enterprise.

    At Ileseum, his mandate is clear: supercharge brand visibility, build cultural capital, and drive marketing innovation across physical and digital touchpoints.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Abhik to the Ileseum family,” the team announced, describing his arrival as pivotal to the brand’s journey into uncharted territories of consumer experience and storytelling.

    A Mumbai native and marketer by instinct, Abhik is known for balancing the boardroom and the backstage building brands that not only perform but perform with flair. Whether it’s managing strategic alliances at Promo Sapiens or crafting content ecosystems, his career is a showcase in adaptability and narrative-driven growth.

    As Ileseum Clubs expands its footprint, expect Abhik to spin more than just campaigns, this one’s all set to script a brand renaissance.

  • Ashish Singh hops over to Starcom as vice president after a long Mindshare innings

    Ashish Singh hops over to Starcom as vice president after a long Mindshare innings

    MUMBAI: Ashish Singh, a seasoned digital strategist with close to 20 years in media and marketing, has joined Starcom as vice president. The move comes after a rewarding 6-year run at Mindshare, where he last served as principal partner.

    Ashish’s career reads like a masterclass in Indian media evolution — from steering digital growth at Mindshare and Carat, to shaping strategies at Omnicom, Isobar, Hungama, and even a pre-digital era stint at Naukri.com.

    From new business pitches to integrated digital solutions, Ashish has been the go-to guy for driving revenue and innovation. His impressive resume includes managing marquee accounts, building digital roadmaps, leading pitch wins, and mentoring teams across verticals.

    With this power move to Starcom, industry insiders are watching closely as Singh aims to script a fresh growth story at the Publicis-owned agency. Let the planning wars begin.

  • Watcho and RailWire team up to deliver broadband and binge in Bengal

    Watcho and RailWire team up to deliver broadband and binge in Bengal

    MUMBAI: In a move set to stir up the digital entertainment space, DishTV’s Watcho and RailTel’s broadband arm RailWire have announced a partnership to launch bundled internet and OTT subscriptions in West Bengal. The new service neatly combines RailWire’s trusted connectivity with Watcho’s bouquet of more than 13 popular OTT apps, aiming to offer regional viewers a single-subscription solution.

    Customers can pick from three options: the RW Bangla Entry Pack (25 Mbps, 1.5 TB), the Super Pack (50 Mbps, 2 TB), or the Premium Pack (100 Mbps, 2.5 TB). Each comes with access to a line-up of top OTT platforms, including Hoichoi, ShemarooMe, Sanskar, FanCode, Discovery+, Hungama, and Watcho Exclusives—starting at just Rs 349 plus taxes.

     Dish TV India chief executive and executive director Manoj Dobhal said the partnership “brings together two trusted brands to deliver an all-in-one entertainment solution that is affordable and locally relevant.” He added, “We’re excited to launch this in West Bengal and confident it will meet the needs of consumers looking for simplicity, reliability and quality.”

    RailTel’s director (npm) Yashpal Singh Tomar said the tie-up reflects RailWire’s vision to enrich lives and bridge the digital divide in emerging regional markets. “This initiative enables us to provide not just connectivity but a complete entertainment ecosystem,” he noted.

    With RailTel’s optic fibre backbone spanning 62,000 route kilometres and a network of more than 11,000 local partners, this partnership aims to deliver seamless digital convenience to homes across tier 2 and tier 3 India, with further expansions in the pipeline.

  • Tech Maven Kinnari Dave gets business head role at Shemaroo

    Tech Maven Kinnari Dave gets business head role at Shemaroo

    MUMBAI: Tech and product evangelist Kinnari Dave has bagged the business head role at  Shemaroo Entertainment after a steady three-year climb through the ranks.

    The digital diva, who previously served as deputy vice president of product and innovation, has been handed the keys to the kingdom just as the entertainment giant battles fierce headwinds in the streaming wars.

    Dave’s elevation comes after nearly six years with the legacy entertainment powerhouse, where she’s been busy transforming dusty catalogues into digital gold. 

    Before joining Shemaroo’s executive ranks, Dave spent over four years as product head at Hungama, another entertainment platform that was once the darling of the pre-Netflix era. Her digital pedigree stretches back to 2013 when she was part of the startup team at Indus OS, India’s homegrown mobile operating system that dared to challenge Google’s Android dominance.

    The tech veteran’s career has taken her through the trenches of mobile gaming at Mobile2win and even a stint flogging digital cameras for Olympus—back when people still bought dedicated devices to take holiday snaps.

    Dave’s promotion signals Shemaroo’s doubling down on digital transformation as traditional entertainment companies scramble to remain relevant in an increasingly crowded streaming marketplace. With skills spanning from AWS architecture to the nebulous realms of Web3 and generative AI, Dave represents Shemaroo’s bet on a tech-first future.

  • Archita Jasani joins Jojo app as VP – strategic growth & partnerships

    Archita Jasani joins Jojo app as VP – strategic growth & partnerships

    MUMBAI: In a major move within the OTT industry, Archita Jasani has been appointed as vice president – strategic growth & partnerships at Jojo App, a leading platform dedicated to premium Gujarati content. Known for her expertise in media, content strategy, and OTT growth, Jasani brings her vast industry experience to help steer Jojo App toward a dynamic and expansive future.

    Expressing her excitement, Jasani stated via Linkedin, “Jojo OTT App is reshaping the entertainment landscape for the Gujarati-speaking community, and I am thrilled to be part of this journey. The opportunity to collaborate with such a talented team and contribute to making Gujarati content more accessible, engaging, and globally relevant is truly inspiring.”

    With Jasani’s appointment, the company aims to further drive strategic expansion, forge impactful partnerships, and explore innovative opportunities to elevate the platform’s offerings and reach a broader global audience. She also aims to collaborate with industry leaders, content creators, and partners to build a platform that fosters a deep appreciation for Gujarati culture and storytelling.

    Jasani’s career is a rollercoaster of media milestones. She kicked off in 2003 at Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance before diving headfirst into the world of entertainment. From Hungama, Times Group, and Eros Now, she mastered strategy, distribution, and partnerships with a knack for innovation.

    At V Hunt Digital Media, she put Chana Jor OTT on the Gen Z map, ensuring their binge needs were met. Now, with 20+ years of experience, she’s got the strategy, the vision, and the hustle to push Jojo App into uncharted success.

    As she embarks on this exciting new chapter, Jasani extended her gratitude, saying, “Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. Here’s to new beginnings and exciting times ahead!”

  • OrangeGlobal Stories names Pranay Naigaonkar as head of production

    OrangeGlobal Stories names Pranay Naigaonkar as head of production

    MUMBAI: In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, where OTT is the reigning king, a seasoned maestro steps into the spotlight.

    Pranay Naigaonkar, the creative mind behind the acclaimed Hungama Music Bus (2020), has traded the bustling corridors of Neeraj Roy’s Hungama for a new adventure at OrangeGlobal Stories Pvt. Ltd.

    Taking the reins as head of production at this emerging audio OTT platform, Naigaonkar is poised to orchestrate a new symphony of innovative content. His move signals a bold chapter for both the veteran producer and OrangeGlobal Stories, as they aim to redefine the audio storytelling landscape.

    In his new role, Naigaonkar will oversee the development and production of original audio content, aiming to enhance the platform’s offerings and engage a diverse audience. His appointment comes as OrangeGlobal Stories plans to invest $36 million in marketing and digital promotion over the next three years, signalling a significant expansion in the audio entertainment industry.

    Naigaonkar’s career in the entertainment industry has been marked by a commitment to quality and innovation. His work on ‘Hungama Music Bus’ showcased his ability to produce engaging audio content that resonates with listeners. At OrangeGlobal Stories, he is expected to leverage this expertise to develop a diverse range of audio web series and stories, catering to the evolving preferences of a global audience.

    OrangeGlobal Stories, founded in 2024, is dedicated to revolutionising the audio OTT space with immersive storytelling experiences. The platform offers a wide array of audio content, including web series and stories, designed to captivate listeners across various demographics. citeturn0search6

    The company’s substantial investment in marketing and digital promotion underscores its commitment to becoming a leader in the audio entertainment industry. With Naigaonkar at the helm of production, OrangeGlobal Stories is poised to deliver high-quality content that meets the growing demand for on-the-go audio entertainment.

  • Hungama & Eva Live to host IGX edition six in Mumbai

    Hungama & Eva Live to host IGX edition six in Mumbai

    Mumbai: Hungama and Eva Live have announced the return of the Indian Gaming Expo (IGX), an esports and gaming festival, scheduled for 24-25 January 2025 at Nesco Ground, Mumbai.

    The sixth edition will feature esports tournaments, cosplay competitions, meet-and-greet sessions, panel discussions, and game development workshops, appealing to gaming enthusiasts nationwide.

    Hungama’s involvement in IGX 2025 represents a step towards mainstreaming gaming culture in India. The company’s expertise across music, video, entertainment news, and gaming will enhance the event’s offerings, providing entertainment and interactive experiences for attendees.

    Hungama founder & CEO Neeraj Roy said, “We are delighted to bring IGX back to the Indian gaming community. India is currently one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world, and Hungama is dedicated to contributing to the growth of this sector together with Eva Live. The sixth edition of IGX will serve as a platform to showcase the talent and creativity of gamers, developers and esports athletes across the country. We look forward to seeing the community come together to celebrate everything gaming has to offer.”

    As India’s leading IP and live event conglomerate, Eva Live boasts a proven track record in creating outstanding festivals, concerts, and event IPs, such as the Windmill Festival, Bollywood Music Project and The Edutainment Show. This will mark Eva Live’s foray into the burgeoning gaming industry. Leveraging this rich experience in curating bespoke festivals, Eva Live will make IGX larger than life by bringing immersive experiences, facilitating high-profile industry collaborations and making it a community-first event by ensuring there’s something for every gamer.

    “Eva Live is committed to creating unparalleled live experiences, and with IGX 2025 we are excited to host India’s largest gaming community under one roof. Through this event, we aim to exceed the expectations of gaming enthusiasts by setting new standards for immersive gaming events,” commented Eva Live founder & MD Deepak Choudhary.

    The esports tournaments at IGX 2025 will feature top mobile, PC, and console titles, along with a cosplay competition where India’s top cosplayers will compete for prizes. Amateur esports players and cosplayers from 400-plus schools and colleges will also participate.

    IGX 2025 will include panel discussions, game development workshops with industry experts, and opportunities for fans to interact with leading gamers and influencers. Attendees can experience AR/VR/MR devices, game engines, games, merchandise, collectibles, retro games, and gaming art installations.

    The event expects over 30,000 attendees, 40-plus hours of live-streamed content, and 250-plus brands. IGX has previously partnered with both endemic and non-endemic brands, cementing its status as India’s top gaming festival.

    IGX 2024 tickets are now live on Zomato: https://zoma.to/live-event/51815

  • The new series is all about making new friends: Susumu Fukunaga

    The new series is all about making new friends: Susumu Fukunaga

    Mumbai: The Pokémon Company (TPC) has announced the launch of ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series,’ a new animated series which is currently airing on Hungama. For the first time in Pokémon’s history, the series stars a female lead named Liko, who, alongside her partner Pokémon Myaoha, embarks on adventures in the vibrant Pokémon world with fellow trainer Roy.

    Pokémon has captivated children’s imaginations for over two decades and remains a beloved entertainment choice, solidifying its place as a pop-culture phenomenon. Hungama has been the home of Pokémon since 2014, engaging millions of fans and amassing 87 million views across Disney Kids Channel in India last year alone.

    In this series, viewers encounter new characters like Liko and Roy, along with fascinating groups such as the Rising Volt Tacklers and the Explorers. The series introduces numerous new Pokémon, each showcasing unique abilities. Captain Pikachu leads daring voyages across sea and sky, adding thrilling adventures to the storyline.

    The Pokémon Company’s collaboration with Vishal-Sheykhar to produce original songs for the series in India highlights its commitment to establishing a strong presence in the Indian market and nurturing partnerships with local artists and enterprises. This initiative not only enriches the series with a local flavor but also celebrates the diverse appeal of Pokémon to fans worldwide.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to The Pokemon Company’s Susumu Fukunaga where he briefly touched upon some insights about the show and more…

    Edited excerpts

    On the creative process behind developing the storyline and characters for the new series

    Our intent has been to create a new story that appeals to the new generation. If you watch the episodes you will realize that many elements in the story are very contemporary and reflect the day and age we live in.

    On the new series integrate elements of adventure, friendship, and teamwork, which are central themes in the Pokemon universe

    The new series is all about making new friends by going on an adventure and taking on challenges. The journey becomes more enjoyable and difficulties appear to be simpler when everybody comes together and supports each other as a team.

    On Pokemon anime receiving criticism for being too simplistic, repetitive and bland from a storytelling perspective even from a kids genre point of view

    We appreciate all feedback. We are grateful to our audiences across the globe for supporting us for all these years and we hope to remain relevant in the future as well.

    On conducting the first ever Pokemon VGC event in India, since online gaming industry in this country is booming

    We cannot disclose future plans at this point, but we are working on new initiatives and hope to make strides in the Indian market with a variety of content.

  • Get ready for new characters, adventures and Pokémon in ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’

    Get ready for new characters, adventures and Pokémon in ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’

    Mumbai: Pokémon fans, get ready to embark on a new adventure as The Pokémon Company brings its highly anticipated animated show ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ to Hungama starting 25 May 2024. Following the recent release of the trailer, the anticipation among fans has reached an all-time high, thanks to the introduction of new characters, exciting adventures, and many new Pokémon adding a new flavour to the franchise.

    For the first time in the franchise’s history, ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ features a female lead, Liko, hailing from the Paldea region. Accompanied by her trusty Grass-type partner Pokémon, Myaoha, Liko sets off on a grand adventure spurred by a mysterious pendant from her grandmother. Joining her on this journey is the adventurous Roy, a boy from a remote island in the Kanto region, who dreams of becoming a Pokémon trainer and shares a unique bond with his partner Pokémon, Garmachh. Adding to the excitement is a dynamic group called the Rising Volt Tacklers, led by Friede and Captain Pikachu. This team ventures across the Pokémon world aboard an airship, delving into mysteries and meeting new Pokémon along the way.

    The show will engage audiences on Hungama with new episodes at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday, ensuring a thrilling journey for viewers to look forward to every weekend. For added convenience, repeat telecasts will air on weekdays, allowing fans to catch up on the adventures at their leisure.

    In a special treat for Indian audiences, ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ features exclusive opening and ending tracks composed by renowned music duo Vishal and Sheykhar, and sung by popular Indian singers Armaan Malik and Shirley Setia. This collaboration promises to add a local charm to the series that is bound to resonate with viewers across the country.

    The premiere will be preceded by some surprise content by the artists on their social media. People in Pune and Mumbai will also get a chance to meet and interact with the new characters and Pokémon from the series as well as enjoy exciting weekends surrounded by Pokémon fun at Pokémon Mela scheduled in May and June. Anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of Pokémon or spend their weekend differently must head to Pheonix Marketcity in Viman Nagar, Pune on 17 to 19 May, Pheonix Marketcity in Kurla, Mumbai on 31 May to 2 June, or Oberoi Mall in Goregaon, Mumbai on 7 to 9 June. Details are available on Pokémon’s official Instagram account in India (@_pokemonofficialindia).

    Don’t forget to join this thrilling journey filled with friendship, courage, and the joy of exploration in the real and the digital world as ‘Pokémon Horizons: The series’ sets sail on a quest for adventure like never before. Mark your calendars and get ready to experience Pokémon in an all-new, exciting way!