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Tag: Kapil Sharma

  • Ted Sarandos spills the Netflix masala to Indian billionaire Nikhil Kamath

    Ted Sarandos spills the Netflix masala to Indian billionaire Nikhil Kamath

    MUMBAI: What happenswhen a video store clerk-turned-media mogul sits down with a new-gen Indian billionaire?

    Streaming gold. 

    In a riveting episode of People by WTF, Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos spilt the tea, dropped truth bombs, and dished out storytelling wisdom in an electric tête-à-tête with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. 

    From his Phoenix roots to Hollywood power tables—and yes, dinners with Shah Rukh Khan—Ted held nothing back.

    Sarandos shared his origin story: a would-be journalist whose real education came behind the counter at a video rental store. That humble setting gave him a ringside view of consumer desire—something he scaled up spectacularly at Netflix. “People hated late fees, but they loved discovering something new,” he quipped, summing up the genesis of Netflix’s ‘everything, anytime’ model.

    Sarandos’ India story was peppered with glam. He reminisced about his first meal with SRK—“very different in Mumbai than in LA”—and lauded Aryan Khan’s directorial chops in The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. His creative crush? Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “Heeramandi felt like a dare… he pitched it in LA like, ‘I dare you to make this’,” said Ted, still in awe.

    “For 10 years, I heard India was two years away,” Sarandos laughed. “Now, it feels truer than ever.” With local stories making global noise—think RRR or Kapil Sharma—Netflix doubled down. Sarandos noted that Indian audiences aren’t just watching Bollywood. They are binging Korean anime, true crime, Tamil action, and Turkish dramas with equal zest. “This market’s appetite is unmatched,” he said.
     

    Nikhil Kamath Ted Sarandos

    On leadership, Sarandos kept it brutally real. “Work-life balance? That’s a fantasy,” he shrugged. His playbook: take big swings, fail fast, and hire smart. He credited Netflix’s risk-positive culture to Reed Hastings, who saw streaming coming when dial-up ruled the world. “In 1999, Reed said, ‘Everything will come through the internet.’ It sounded crazy. Turns out, he was right.”

    Sarandos bet big on local stories going global. “Squid Game was never supposed to be a global hit. But great stories travel.” He stays bullish on AI—so long as humans lead the charge. “The art of the prompt will be a human skill,” he remarked, calling AI a cost cutter, not a creator killer. “It’ll help make better films, but won’t replace human imagination or emotion.”

    From gaming titles like Grand Theft Auto to video-forward podcasts, Netflix’s empire keeps expanding. Sarandos sees serious returns in content creation. “The best ROI? Still content. Delivery and monetisation are evolving faster than ever,” he noted.

    His advice to young creators? Make the coffee. “Be a PA, join a writers’ room, see if this is what you really want. Passion often follows excellence,” he urged, advising rookies not to reverse-engineer Netflix’s tastes, but pitch what needs to be told.

    The full episode of People by WTF featuring Ted Sarandos streamed on YouTube—popcorn highly recommended.

  • Zee5 announces Mithya season two

    Zee5 announces Mithya season two

    Mumbai: Zee5 has announced the return of the psychological drama Mithya for the second season after the success of the first season. The series revolves around the tumultuous relationship between two half-sisters, marked by ambition, betrayal, and revenge.

    Directed by Kapil Sharma and produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Rose Audio Visual Production, the second season of Mithya features a stellar cast, including Huma Qureshi and Avantika Dasani as the half-sisters, alongside Rajit Kapur and Indraneil Sengupta in prominent roles. They are joined by Naveen Kasturia in the new season who will be seen as a mysterious character adding more spice to the lives of the two sisters.

    The second season delves deeper into the complex and dysfunctional interpersonal relationships of all the significant characters in the series. With tensions escalating and the stakes higher than ever, Mithya season two premieres soon on Zee5.

    Zee5 CBO Manish Kalra said, “After seeing the love the audience had for a successful first season, we are thrilled to bring back Mithya with a more thrilling narrative. With their powerful performances, the cast has brought the complex and layered plot to life, ensuring the series further exemplifies our focus on creative storytelling. Mithya season 2 is also a result of our longstanding and creatively fulfilling partnership with Applause Entertainment and Rose Audio Visuals. We’re looking forward to audience response to Mithya S2 while strengthening our commitment to deliver exceptional stories.”

    Applause Entertainment MD Sameer Nair, ” We’re thrilled to return with Mithya for a gripping second season that delves even deeper into its complex narrative. This is far from a conventional thriller — the set-up, location, and intricate relationships push the boundaries of storytelling. At its heart, Mithya is a tale of betrayal and revenge, with the tension between the half-sisters and their fathers reaching new heights. Grounded in a distinctive and immersive narrative, this season draws viewers deeper into a psychological drama of sisters, traumas, and secrets.”

    Rose Audio Visuals producer Goldie Bhel said, “We’re thrilled to bring Mithya back for Season 2. This series has always been about exploring the grey areas of truth, deception, and the human psyche, and with this new season, we’re diving even deeper. The response to Season 1 was incredible, and it’s pushed us to take bigger creative risks this time around. We’ve crafted a story that’s darker, more intense, and full of surprises, and we can’t wait for the audience to experience what’s next.”

    Director Kapil Sharma expressed, “We are absolutely thrilled to bring our audiences the new season, that is not only rich in story arcs but also visually stunning. Set in breathtaking Darjeeling, we have captured some wonderful performances by the talented cast with high-octane visuals and thrills that enhance the intensity of the narrative. The buzz surrounding the return of Mithya is immense, and we aim to lift our audience’s expectations a notch higher.”

  • Meesho launches ‘Mega Blockbuster Sale 2024’ campaign

    Meesho launches ‘Mega Blockbuster Sale 2024’ campaign

    Mumbai: Meesho has launched its annual ‘Mega Blockbuster Sale 2024’ campaign, offering the best prices and deals of the year. Featuring Kapil Sharma and Tamannaah Bhatia, the campaign includes five ads showcasing Meesho’s range of products, including ethnic fashion, jewelry, accessories, kidswear, beauty products, electronic accessories, home, and kitchen items.

    Set against festive backdrops such as dance festivals, Diwali parties, and indoor gatherings, the ads reflect the festive spirit of the nation. The campaign centers on the surprise of finding a great deal, with the tagline “Aise Kaise?” capturing the curiosity and amazement customers feel when discovering Meesho’s offers.

    Meesho’s general manager, growth – Milan Partani said, “As the festive season approaches, shoppers are eagerly seeking the best value for their festive purchases. Our Mega Blockbuster Sale campaign, featuring the infectious humour of Kapil Sharma and the grace of Tamannaah Bhatia, brings the grandeur of our flagship annual sale to life. It celebrates smart shoppers who always secure the best deals and leave everyone around them wondering, “Aise Kaise?”. We are excited to share the joy of the season with our customers and make their celebrations truly memorable.”

    Commenting on his association with Meesho, actor and comedian Kapil Sharma said, “I’m thrilled to team up with Meesho once again for the Mega Blockbuster Sale 2024. It’s always a joy to work with a brand that genuinely connects with the Indian audience and delivers incredible value. This festive season, I’m excited to be part of an event that will spread happiness and unbeatable deals to millions across the country.”

    Pan-Indian star Tamannaah Bhatia, expressed her excitement about partnering with Meesho, saying, “I’m delighted to collaborate with Meesho for the Mega Blockbuster Sale. Meesho’s commitment to offering a wide selection of quality products at affordable prices ensures everyone in India can enjoy a fantastic festive shopping experience. It’s inspiring to be part of a campaign that brings joy to millions and I’m excited to help make this festive season special for all.”

    The campaign will be amplified across television and social media, reaching a pan-India audience. 

  • “If Shah Rukh Khan plays my love interest in my biopic, I’ll do it myself,” reveals Sania Mirza on Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show

    “If Shah Rukh Khan plays my love interest in my biopic, I’ll do it myself,” reveals Sania Mirza on Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show

    Mumbai: After watching the reel sports Jodi – Mr & Mrs. Mahi hit it out of the park in the last episode, this week on Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show, the audience can look forward to some real shots served by the proud medalists of our country – Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, Sift Kaur Samra, and Sania Mirza. The 11th episode of the season promises to be filled with absolute candidness and some well-served hilarious moments from the guests. Being as witty as she is, Sania Mirza spills the beans on her biopic, revealing who she thinks could portray the role of her love interest and her.

    Asking Sania about her choice, Kapil Sharma questioned, “In the biopic on Mary Kom, Priyanka Chopra portrayed her role. Parineeti Chopra portrayed Saina’s role in her biopic. Sania, if someone makes your biopic, who do you think can do justice to your role?”

    Being in her natural element, Mirza replied, “Do they have any other sister? I think we have many good actresses in our country. Anyone is fine. Or shall I do it on my own?”

    Sharing an old incident, Sharma reacted, “Shall I tell you something? I am sure you know about it. In an interview, Mr. Shah Rukh Khan said if a biopic on Sania Mirza is made, I would like to play her love interest. Will you allow any other actress to play it or will you take up the role?”

    Jumping on the occasion, Mirza said, “Now, I have to find a love interest first. But if Mr. Shah Rukh Khan plays the role, I will take it up, and if Akshay Kumar plays the role, I will not miss it.” 

  • Society Tea blends tradition with on-box advertising campaign

    Society Tea blends tradition with on-box advertising campaign

    Mumbai: Society Tea has collaborated with Amazon Ads on an innovative on-box advertising campaign. As part of this campaign, Society Tea will integrate its branding onto Amazon’s delivery boxes. This integration further reinforces Society Tea’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement in the ever-evolving tea industry. The special delivery boxes will be available across Bengaluru and Mumbai.

    This collaboration with Amazon Ads marks a significant milestone for Society Tea as it is the first time it has used on-box advertising to reach customers. The activation represents an extension of Society Tea’s successful online and above-the-line (ATL) campaign which is “Taazgi Bhari Pyaali Society Waali”.

    Karan Shah, Director of Society Tea, remarked, “Our collaboration with Amazon Ads represents an exciting new medium for Society Tea, allowing us to extend the reach of our campaign across omni-channels, leveraging special delivery boxes as mini billboards for our latest advertising campaign. By reaching customers in new ways through this campaign, we hope to not only expand our customer base but also introduce our variety of products to a wider audience.”

    “We always strive to help brands reach relevant audiences across both online and offline touchpoints,” said Amazon Ads India director, Growth Customer Sales, Kapil Sharma. “We have worked with Society Tea for a number of years now. Using on-box advertising, we hope to help Society Tea introduce its range of products to homes across India.”

     

  • Netflix’s Bela Bajaria, Kapil Sharma & team celebrate The Great Indian Kapil Show’s success

    Netflix’s Bela Bajaria, Kapil Sharma & team celebrate The Great Indian Kapil Show’s success

    Mumbai: Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria is in India all the way from Los Angeles and she along with VP of content Monika Shergill, Netflix India – series head Tanya Bami met with the entire gang of The Great Indian Kapil Show including Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover, Rajiv Thakur and Archana Puran Singh.

    The Great Indian Kapil Show is the first Indian series to trend in the global top 10 TV non-english for four consecutive weeks. Loyal fans of the show have showered a lot of love on the weekly show contributing to its massive success, and this is just the beginning.

    The Great Indian Kapil Show has lots more in store with a first-ever appearance of Aamir Khan as well an episode with global music sensation – Ed Sheeran. The party’s just getting started, and fans should expect nothing less than immense fun and entertainment!

  • Sprite’s Joke in a Bottle returns: Comedy giants and digital stars unite for ultimate humour experience

    Sprite’s Joke in a Bottle returns: Comedy giants and digital stars unite for ultimate humour experience

    Mumbai:  Sprite, a lemon and lime-flavoured beverage, is back with ‘Joke in a Bottle’, following the resounding success of its inaugural season. Strengthening its renowned ‘Scan Karo, Joke Suno, Thand Rakho! campaign from last year, the brand is set to become the ultimate heat hack for this season, delivering a fresh wave of comedic content that’s bound to leave audiences in peals of laughter. Given the challenges in today’s fast-paced world, Sprite is one of the coolest brands, making it a natural fit to own the humour space and provide a refreshing escape. With a simple scan of a bottle, youngsters can unravel jokes across over nine regional languages across their most relatable topics such as exams, college, relationships, food and much more.

    As the brand gears up to dominate the comedy landscape once again, Sprite’s ‘Joke in a Bottle’, promises an unparalleled experience of laughter and entertainment. To spearhead the campaign, they’ve collaborated with three unconventional pairs tied by their love for comedy. For the nationwide commercial, we will see Kapil Sharma – India’s biggest comedian come together with Suryakumar Yadav who is known for his quick wit in the Indian cricket Team. Following this, the Bengali commercial will feature superstar Dev Adhikari and Comedian Niranjan Mondal, and the Oriya commercial will feature actor Sabyasachi Mishra and comedian Biswa Kalyan Rath.

    Commenting on the new campaign, Coca Cola India and South-West Asia senior category director, sparkling flavours Tish Condeno said, “We are thrilled to bring back Sprite’s Joke in a Bottle campaign, following the outstanding response from last year. Our goal remains unchanged: to infuse our consumers’ lives with happiness, delivering genuine and relatable content that resonates with our brand ethos. Sprite is dedicated to offering an unmatched, delightful experience, and we are eagerly looking forward to spreading joy and laughter with everyone!”

    Ogilvy India (North) chief creative office Ritu Sharda: Sprite Joke in A Bottle, now running in its second year, not only has regional jokes, but the campaign is regional too. Real comedians have joined forces with popular personalities to keep the heat down and laughter up. The campaign features stars like Kapil Sharma and SKY for the north market, Dev and Niranjan for the Bengali market and Sabyasachi and Biswa for Oriya. The campaign will surely tickle you in the language you love and strengthen the brand’s promise of ‘Thand Rakh’.

    Talking about the campaign, Kapil Sharma said, “I’m thrilled to team up with Sprite for ‘Joke in a Bottle’ as we serve up a refreshing dose of humour to bring smiles to faces nationwide. As a comedian, telling jokes is not only about making people laugh but also about connecting with them through the medium of laughter. I am happy to be part of this campaign which not only entertains but brings out the funny side of life.”

    Commenting on his association with Sprite, cricketer Suryakumar Yadav, said, “I’m a fun-loving person and like to make people smile be it on pitch or off it. I’m excited to join hands with Sprite for ‘Joke in a Bottle’ that as an opportunity to entertain everyone, everywhere, with a simple scan on a Sprite bottle.”

  • HDFC Bank launches star-studded PayZapp campaign

    HDFC Bank launches star-studded PayZapp campaign

    Mumbai: HDFC Bank announced the launch of a PayZapp campaign. The campaign features actors Tiger Shroff, Prabhu Deva and Kapil Sharma utilising their immense popularity for a wide consumer connection.

    The tongue-in-cheek campaign, conceptualised by Wondrlab India, a martech network, includes three films featuring the three actors wherein each showcases a range of payment choices that PayZapp offers. The campaign came from the insight that some people live their whole lives without having choices, but now they do not have to, at least when it comes to payments.

    HDFC Bank group head, chief marketing officer and head direct to consumer business Ravi Santhanam said, “With PayZapp, we have revamped the payment experience for all consumers extensively, making the journey smoother and easier – be it via UPI, cards or PayZapp wallet. It is not just a payment app; it is a lifestyle enabler. We want to reach every part of the country aiming to be the preferred choice of payment app for consumers. The three films on PayZapp have beautifully captured the essence of our brand message.”

    Wondrlab India the CCO and co-founder Amit Akali said, “We took a contrarian approach while conceptualising the campaign. We explored how we can drive the point of unlimited choices by showing the viewers what happens when they don’t have a choice in life. That is why, we cast the celebrities most known for something, tired of only being seen in those specific roles and wishing for more choices.”

  • Policybazaar brings back Kapil Sharma in its humorous new brand campaign

    Policybazaar brings back Kapil Sharma in its humorous new brand campaign

    Mumbai: Policybazaar brings back the comedic genius of Kapil Sharma with a series of ad films marking his return as the brand ambassador. The actor-comedian, who collaborated with the brand in the past for the witty campaign Ullu-Thullu, is back with his signature style to educate customers about the benefits of comparing and buying insurance.

    By infusing humour in a complex category like insurance, Kapil Sharma makes the best use of his mass appeal to take the message far and wide. The entertainer’s iconic style makes him a natural choice for the campaign, which is in line with the brand’s larger mission of simplifying insurance and making it more relatable for the masses. This partnership promises a delightful journey ahead with more ads in the series to be rolled out soon.

    Policybazaar head of brand marketing Samir Sethi said “Insurance, though crucial, can often feel like a maze. Considering the success of our past collaborations with Kapil Sharma, we are delighted to welcome him back. We believe that his unique ability to connect with the audience through humour will demystify the insurance-buying process and encourage our customers to make more informed choices. Policybazaar is committed to making insurance accessible and affordable for all, and this association is a significant step in that direction.”

    While a lot of two-wheelers ply uninsured on Indian roads, car insurance is often treated as a run-of-the-mill purchase with little thought being put into it. The ads focus on these two target segments. While car insurance buyers are advised to compare on Policybazaar and save up to Rs 8000, two-wheeler owners are educated to buy motor insurance to save themselves from theft or legal consequences.  The campaign emphasizes on how Policybazaar can make their motor insurance purchase more transparent, seamless and affordable.

    Talking about the conceptualisation, the MagicCircle Communications agency managing director Hemant Misra said, “Policybazaar and Kapil Sharma coming together is a strong strategic decision for the car and bike insurance category. Given his mass appeal, Kapil is the right choice for the brand to engage better with the target audience. Not to mention, Kapil’s sense of humour makes any communication memorable and relatable.”

    Policybazaar continues to lead the charge in transforming the way insurance is purchased in India. With this launch, Policybazaar reaffirms its commitment to its mission of #HarFamilyHogiInsured aligned with the IRDAI’s vision of a fully insured India by 2047. Customers can look forward to an entertaining and informative journey as they explore their insurance options, choose the best one for them and save up on premiums.

  • Meesho announces annual festive ‘Mega Blockbuster Sale 2023’ campaign

    Meesho announces annual festive ‘Mega Blockbuster Sale 2023’ campaign

    Mumbai: Meesho, India’s only true e-commerce marketplace, has announced its highly anticipated festive ‘Mega Blockbuster Sale 2023’ campaign. The new advertising campaign is conceptualised to highlight the core value Meesho offers to its valued customers by giving access to a plethora of quality products at the best prices, thereby enhancing the overall shopping experience.

    At the core of the advertising campaign is a captivating visual narrative featuring renowned celebrities like Kapil Sharma and Pooja Hegde. The captivating advertisements feature Pooja Hegde scrolling through an e-commerce application when the model (Kapil Sharma) emerges from her phone screen and asks her to check out the prices on Meesho before making the purchase. When she opens the Meesho application, she is shocked at the price difference. Through this campaign, Meesho aims to establish itself as the preferred choice for customers seeking the best prices and deals for their festive shopping needs. Meesho’s 0% commission model helps sellers provide lowest prices on the platform. Meesho has recorded 140 million annual transacting users. This forms a sizable portion of India’s internet population, and provides sellers with a wide customer base across the country. Enabling sellers to tap into a large and diverse customer base has boosted their earning potential.

    Commenting on the launch of the campaign, growth genral manager Nilesh Gupta said, “As the season of Diwali approaches, people are eagerly awaiting festive sales which encompass the best deals of the year. Indian consumers are becoming increasingly tech savvy and compare pricing across platforms before making a purchase. Our messaging, ‘Meesho check karo’ reinforces that customers can avail quality products at the ‘right’ prices on Meesho. With the adorable and quirky duo of Kapil Sharma and Pooja Hegde, we are enlisting humor to build a strong rapport with the audience and create a sense of relatability.”

    Commenting on his association with Meesho, renowned actor and India’s favorite comedian, Kapil Sharma, said, “Over the last couple of years, Meesho continues to be an ideal choice for customers looking at shopping from different geographies of the country. I am glad to be associated with a brand that takes diverse and ever-evolving customer needs very seriously and strives to provide them with the best shopping experience.”

    Pan-Indian star Pooja Hedge added, “As we embrace the festive spirit, I am delighted to partner with Meesho in bringing an extraordinary shopping experience for everyone. Meesho’s festive campaign is a testament to the joy of giving and receiving during this special time of the year. I’m excited to be part of a campaign that not only offers an incredible selection of products but also brings the magic of the festive season right to your doorstep.”

    The campaign will be amplified through television and social media platforms. With 120 million product listings across 30 categories, Meesho aims to ensure that customers across India have a plethora of affordable options to choose from this festive season.