ITV

Tag: Kolkata

  • KKR’s head of marketing Kaustubh Jha moves on

    New Delhi : Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) head of marketing, Kaustubh Jha has moved on after over two years stint with the Indian Premiere League (IPL) team.

    “Last week marked the end of my 2.5 years journey at Kolkata Knight Riders,” Jha announced the move in a LinkedIn post. “It’s been a thrilling journey building and scaling the business globally and building the team. As I move into the next phase of my career, I’d like to thank everyone at the #KolkataKnightRiders family. It’s been a great journey with the depth and width of experience, exposure and learning.”

    A brand and marketing strategist with experience in providing brand solutions through integrated marketing, Jha had joined the actor Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla backed team in November 2018 after moving on from ESPN where he spent around three years. Jha has previously worked with MTV India and Lodestar Universal as media planner and buyer.

  • CASE STUDY: How ABP Ananda put the ‘spotlight’ on Sunsilk for Durga Puja

    CASE STUDY: How ABP Ananda put the ‘spotlight’ on Sunsilk for Durga Puja

    Mumbai: Durga Puja marks the homecoming of goddess Durga and is the biggest festival in Kolkata. The grandeur and charm are no less in other parts of the country too and brands across categories release new campaigns to reach out to their target audience during this festive season. This past year the celebrations were somewhat muted due to the pandemic, however, ABP Ananda left no stone unturned to woo its audiences by lifting the pall of gloom with its special Durga Puja programming.

    Having partnered with a plethora of brands from diverse categories, ABP Network’s branded content division, ‘ABP Spotlight’ created several special integrations for partner brands such as Sunsilk to help achieve brand awareness and equity through interactive and customizable sponsor integrations.

    These properties have created exciting opportunities for brands to be involved in the channel’s programming in a meaningful way that doesn’t detract from its content, offering a high degree of presence and brand-building capabilities. For Sunsilk, ABP Spotlight created a five vignette series with each day defining a ‘Pujo look’. It shows the significance of all Pujo days from Sasthi to Dashami and the role of Bengali women in it.

    The vignette series brought together three talented and influential faces in Kolkata – upcoming model cum actress Darshana Banik, star hair-stylist Jolly Chanda and popular styling artist Sandip Jasiwal. Each of these vignettes features Darshana dressed up in new attire and look for each day of the Puja, aided by Chanda and Jasiwal’s professional expertise which make these vignettes even more interesting with their hair-do tips, anecdotes, and easy styling hacks that women can do at the convenience of their home. Thus, the essence of Girlgiri (Sunsilk positioning) and the mood of the festival have been synergized into creating this integration.

    Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w3iuHhcEV0

    During the anxious Covid times, Sunsilk wanted to spread some festive cheer amongst its consumers. The haircare brand wanted to promote easy DIY hairstyles during the Durga Puja. Their current brand communication of “Tyohaar wali feel, tyohaar wali deal” was converted into the Durga Puja Look of the day series. It showed the significance of all Pujo days- from Sasthi to Dashami, and the role of Bengali women in it.

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGrP2jpLAQR/?igshid=1w6k9y8sn75je

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGwYeXCA6H0/?igshid=19afnc6xzwdo

    Sunsilk brand owner HUL’s Sandhya Poojary said, “We partnered with ABP Ananda on Parae Parae Serar Lodai (PPSL 2020) which is a fun Contest between Pandal Committees. As a part of the campaign, ABP Ananda is helping us reach out to our girls by creating beautiful short stories around the festive looks for the five days of the Durga Puja and encouraging them to gear up for the festive season under our ‘Tyohar Wali Feel, Tyohar Wali Deal’ campaign, through a series of vignettes.”

    Durga Puja is not just a religious or a social event for Bengalis, it is an event that is woven into the social fabric of the society. It has a grip on values, beliefs, cultural orientation, fun, and the social quotient. Poojary added, “We hope to further inroad into the Bengal market and create recall in the hearts of all Bengalis. We look forward to many such associations with ABP Network in the future.” Hence this special vignette has been created which beautifully blends in with the core features of the haircare brand, the festive revelry aspect of Durga Puja, and the overall celebratory bonhomie. 

    Through creative and authentic integrations in their content, ABP Ananda has created tremendous value for the brand to shine and stand out this festive season. It not just creates value for ABP’s viewers but also allows Sunsilk to create a distinct and recognizable voice through the inventive collaboration.  This creative offering has posed a unique opportunity for the beauty & personal care brand to leverage the reach & prominence of the news channel and engage effectively with their audiences at a crucial time when creating brand equity in the market is paramount. This innovative approach to creative integration urged the channel’s viewers to forget the pandemic and partake in the festivities, successfully implementing new-age influencer marketing techniques.

  • David & Goliath Films presents Umeed, a song of Hope and Determination

    David & Goliath Films presents Umeed, a song of Hope and Determination

    Kolkata: David & Goliath Films launched their music video, Umeed, a song of Hope and Determination. David & Goliath Films strives to show the city of Kolkata like never seen before, juxtaposing the beauty of the City of Joy from the pre-lockdown era to the current times. A song that will give you the hope and the power to stay strong and remain determined in these troubled times.

    Umeed, a song of Hope and Determination Features brand ambassador Richa Sharma, the 4.57 -minule music video is a song about hope and determination. The Music is composed by Mayookh Bhaumik, Lyrics are penned by Mrityunjay Singh and Porshia Sen has lent her vocals. Joydeep Sen has Directed and Scripted the video, which is a montage of shots, mostly aerial, of Calcutta, that depicts the new reality that we are living in at the moment. Life is no longer as it was and so adapting and pivoting is the order of the day. With our normal lives disrupted, this video will help you imagine yourself not as vulnerable or scared but as indispensable. The song gives you the hope and power to slay strong and remain determined in these troubled times.

    "As we confront this global health crisis, we are strengthened by years of experience that have shown us that even when problems seem insurmountable, change is always possible; said Mrs. Richa Sharma, Brand Ambassador of David & Goliath Films.”

    Mr. Lal Bhatia and Mr. Imran Zaki, Producers David & Goliath, said: “While Covid-19 is temporarily shifting the way we live to ensure the health of our fellow beings, it does not change our mission to adapt and strive to be happy despite the changes. We would like to thank all those who assisted in the creation of the music video. No matter how frustrating, confusing or scary this crisis gets, fear doesn't have the final say.”

    Watch the full video here : https://youtu.be/d2rGDw_arVI

  • Hotstar decodes the online video consumer, unveils India Watch Report 2019

    Hotstar decodes the online video consumer, unveils India Watch Report 2019

    MUMBAI: Technology changes swiftly. However, sometimes, the market receptiveness for these changes is even faster. Take for instance some of the revelatory insights thrown by the latest ‘India Watch’ report by Hotstar. Consider the fact that Technology changes swiftly. However, sometimes, the market receptiveness for these changes is even faster. Take for instance some of the revelatory insights thrown by the latest ‘India Watch’ report by Hotstar. Consider the fact that Lucknow, Pune and Patna consume more video data than Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata., Pune and Patna consume more video data than Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Or the fact that OTT is no longer a men’s club, as much as 45 per cent of total entertainment consumption at Hotstarcomes from women.

    Similarly, Bihar and Bengal, two of India’s most poor states in per capita income, are leading the country when it comes to per capita data consumption and are much ahead of more industrialised and urban states like Maharashtra and Delhi. And, Kanpur and Kochi are ahead of Mumbai and Bengaluru when it comes to binge watching during late hours. The India Watch 2019 by Hotstarreport busts many such assumptions about the OTT market in India.

    “Video entertainment ecosystems have rarely evolved fasterthan what we are witnessing in India. With affordable
    smartphones and abundant access to data, the small screen isbecoming the preferred medium of entertainment for newconsumers. Thefuture is exciting – for consumers, for marketers, and forcontent platforms,” The Walt Disney Company APAC Chairman, Star & Disney India, Uday Shankar said in a foreword to the report. 

    The report also chronicles Hotstar’s amazing journey to becoming India’s largest premium streaming platform by viewership.Launched in 2015, Hotstar, with 400 Mn+ downloads, is already one of the most downloaded apps in India, registering 2X installs and 3X growth in consumption this year as compared to 2018. This growth catalyses from Hotstar's endeavors in taking digital video consumption to new frontiers, where non-metros are outstripping metros in terms of video consumption and regional content has grown to account for 40 per cent of overall content consumption.

    The big Cricketgamble.

    In September 2017, Star India (Hotstar’s erstwhile parent company) trumped Facebook, Reliance Jio, Sony and Bharti Airtel, and won broadcast rights for IPL for whopping Rs 16,347.50 crore for the next five years. That bet has largely paid off.

    How sports streaming in general, and IPL in particular, have helped Hotstar in achieving subscriber growth not even imagined by other OTT platforms, is clear by live streaming viewership growth on Hotstar.

    During IPL 2017, Hotstar recorded 4.5 million concurrent viewers. For IPL 2018, this number was 10.3 million. In 2019, Hotstar recorded 18.6 million concurrent viewers during IPL and 25.3 million concurrent viewers during ICC 2019 Cricket World Cup.

    Live streaming sporting events like IPL has not only helped Hotstargrow its subscriber base, but such events also provide better advertising options on the platform. Brands like Swiggy and Coca Cola ran integrated ad campaigns on Cricketing and IPL themes during this IPL season and the report talks in detail about how these brands were able to leverage IPL popularity for their brand marketing. 

    Talking about advertising oppurtunities during live events, Shankar said: “Sharp customer insights and deeper customerengagement, when powered by enhanced technologicalcapabilities, will open new possibilities for marketers, whocan now run targeted marketing campaigns at scale duringlive events.”

    During VIVO IPL 2019, 64 million viewers also participated in Watch ‘N Play, twice as many as last year.

    The contribution of live streaming sporting events on Hotstar can be gauged from the fact that in 2019, as much as 42 % of all content consumed on Hotstar was sports related while 58 per cent was in the genres of entertainment and news (despite the surge during general elections).

    Outdated gender stereotypes

    any OTT audience measurement reports have underlined how the platform is heavily skewed towards male audience. The Ormax Media report, released last month in November, found that as much as 66 per cent OTT viewers are male. The India Watch report, however, throws interesting figures.

    Not only are female viewers growing, at least on Hotstar, but there is a growing overlap of content choices among males and females on OTT space. In 2019, as much as 45 per cent of Hotstar viewership were women.

    Besides, the report finds that video consumption by women on Hotstar increased by 3.2 X timesin 2019, outpacing the growth in video consumption among men.

    Further, 40 per cent viewers of family drama shows on Hotstar are women. And men are more interested in mythology than women and 41 per cent of Game of Thrones viewers also watched Hindi family dramas.

    Hotstar EVP & Chief Product Officer Varun Narang said, “The accelerated growth of the Indian video entertainment ecosystem has had an unprecedented impact on the consumer. Today, the Indian consumer enjoys a plethora of content to choose from, has moved beyond metro cities, and isn’t limited by gender or language. More importantly, this growing accessibility has opened doors to new thoughts and ideas that are shaping a stereotype-defying consumer.”

    Regional leads the way

    The report finds that more than 40 per cent video consumption came from regional content. Tamil, Telugu and Bengali are the top regional languages. In fact, Bigg Boss Tamil is the highest watched entertainment show having beaten all the Hindi TV Shows.

    New ways to news

    Another genre witnessing huge growth in video consumption is news. 2019, being the general election year. Hotstar recorded 10 times more video consumption in news genres in 2019 compared to last year. Further, 65 per cent of news consumption comes from people in the age group of 15-34.

    The report is an important addition to the existing knowledge gap about OTT audience in India and will certainly provide new insights to marketers and content creators. 
     

  • HistoryTV18 tells the fascinating story of Kolkata’s grand temple and its patron Goddess in ‘Dakshineswar: Legends of Kali’

    HistoryTV18 tells the fascinating story of Kolkata’s grand temple and its patron Goddess in ‘Dakshineswar: Legends of Kali’

    MUMBAI: HistoryTV18 presents an hour-long documentary about the fearsome, mysterious yet benevolent Goddess Kali, Her devotees, festival and great temple. According to Hindu tradition, the warrior Goddess is the personification of Shakti, the feminine divine, at its most powerful. She is all-conquering and Her wrath all-consuming. But when She is calm, then like nature She is maternal – nur-turing and protective. When most of India shines in celebration of Diwali, it is Goddess Kali who holds centre-stage in Eastern India. Kali Puja is special in Kolkata, and of its many temples, none is grander than the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Ever since it was completed and opened to the public in the mid-nineteenth century, it has been a melting pot of diverse ideologies. Dakshineswar Kali Temple remains iconic, and millions still throng here. The narrative also encompasses the fascinating stories of promi-nent historical figures. Rani Rashmani, the temple’s visionary builder, is key to the story. So is Sri Ram-krishna Parmhans, the temple’s head priest. Today, he is revered as a saint mystic, whose pluralist ideas were a life-changing influence for Swami Vivekananda. The film is rich in facts and provides insights into mythology, its powerful symbolism and present-day relevance, especially about the representation and position of women in Indian society. ‘Dakshineswar: Legends of Kali’ premieres on Friday, 25th October at 8 PM

    Research, top-end production values and never-seen-before visuals, make the film a cut above the rest. Stylised animation and imagery recreate the legends and forms of Kali, from bloodthirsty demon-slayer and Goddess of Tantrics, to the beloved and divine mother of tens of millions of devotees. Indeed it is Kali’s devotees and their human stories that make the film moving and immersive. Devotees like Amruta, for whom Ma Kali makes up for the loss of her own mother. The inherent egalitarianism and inclusiveness of Goddess worship in Kolkata also finds expression in the film. Viewers are introduced to Rajib-ul-Huq, a devotee of Kali, who sees no contradiction in revering the Hindu Goddess and being Muslim. The cosmopolitan character of West Bengal’s capital city shines through in scenes of Kolkata’s China Town. Here the centuries-old Chinese community have their own Kali Temple, where devotees receive prasad of momos and noodles. The story also takes the audience to mysterious Tarapith, an important centre of Kali worship, to see Gauri, a woman tantric in the little-understood world of Tantra.

    In keeping with the enigma that is Goddess Kali, the festival of Kali Puja is also a joyous fusion of tradi-tion, modernity and inclusiveness. ‘Dakshineswar: Legends of Kali’ features Kolkata-based music band, Project Maya. The band creates a soundtrack for the occasion, to strike a chord with Kali’s new generation of devotees, giving traditional Shyama Sangeet a millennial makeover.

    With 'Dakshineswar: Legends of Kali,’ HistoryTV18 creates a definitive one-hour that shines a light on the mythology and mystique of the fearsome Kali. The clutter-breaking film, available in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, aims to interpret and showcase the abiding faith in the ancient tradition of Shakti, in 21st Century India. In doing so, the film delves into surrounding themes of feminism, egalitarianism, inclusiveness and pluralism, as well as issues of identity and belief that bridge the gap between social and economic class, caste, religion, and gender. With genre-defining storytelling, exciting characters and expert opinion, this isn’t just a film about a Goddess and Her magnificent temple. It is the telling of the story of the cycle of creation and destruction, faith, symbolism and cultural truths.

    Avinash Kaul, MD A+E Networks | TV18 and CEO Network18 says, “At HistoryTV18, we believe in telling stories that are engaging as well as relevant for our viewers. In keeping with our commitment of raising the bar with each original production, ‘Dakshineswar: Legends of Kali’ is an absolutely compelling story, told exceedingly well.”
     

  • Siti Networks in Kolkata to migrate pay channels to new TRAI tariff scheme in phased manner

    Siti Networks in Kolkata to migrate pay channels to new TRAI tariff scheme in phased manner

    MUMBAI: Essel group promoted multi-system operator (MSO) Siti Network has planned to migrate Pay TV channels in Kolkata in a phased manner to get non-compliant subscribers to transition to the new TRAI tariff regime. While around 80 per cent of the MSO's 14 lakh subscribers were still to pick their pay channels from an a-la-carte list.

    According to a report from The Telegraph, the MSO will start the process before the grace period given by Calcutta High Court in a recent order.

    “About 20 per cent of our customers have filled in forms online or offline, specifying the channels they want to watch. We have shifted most of them to the channels of their choice. We will now start shifting the others who have not exercised their choices to the new system by withdrawing their pay channels. They will continue to get the free-to-air channels,” Siti Cable director Suresh Sethia said.

    If there is chaos after the migration, the company might start moving some of the subscribers to combinations closest to their current packs. According to the report, another MSO is expected to move subscribers to a combination of channels that can be accommodated within the pricing brackets they are currently in.

    “Since most pay channels are now priced higher than they were in the previous system, they will obviously miss out on some, if not several. The only way out is for them to register their choices immediately,” an official was quoted by The Telegraph.

    Earlier Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) extended the deadline for consumer migration to new plans till January 31. Despite the additional month, several MSOs complained that the majority of subscribers had not responded to the grace period making transition very difficult.

    80 cable operators from the city also filed a petition against the order in Calcutta High Court and initially got a stay too. But the high court vacated the stay.

  • Greenply redefines ‘Sarbojanin’ this Durga Puja

    Greenply redefines ‘Sarbojanin’ this Durga Puja

    MUMBAI: Greenply Foundation wants the Kolkatans to sit back and take notice of its thought-provoking initiative this Durga Puja season aimed to make the celebrations accessible for all.
    Over the years, with the evolution of lifestyle, we have witnessed the transformation of the way Durga Puja is celebrated in Calcutta. While generations have amalgamated themselves into the revelries in whichever form it has been offered to them, the question which however arises is ‘Has the festival been able to make room for all over the years?’ Greenply wishes to bring forth a different perspective.

    The festival of Durga Puja that set forth in Calcutta sometime between the 16th and 17th centuries has gone on to become an integral part of a Bengali’s ethnic identity. Initially a property confined to the mighty and affluent zamindars of the state, with the conception of the ‘Sarbojanin’ puja it became an affair to be rejoiced by the common people as well. Sarbojanin was coined by blending two words which individually stand for “for all” (Sarbo) and “people” (Jan) respectively. The nomenclature signifies that the festival is an all-inclusive affair that people from all backgrounds should be able to take part in. But has the concept been justified?
    In a video spanning two very insightful minutes, Greenply takes the viewfinder around the city and captures what might be an eye opener for Durga Puja committees in and around Kolkata, irrespective of the grandeur it commands. The video features four citizens who may have been deprived of going out and soaking in the festivities due to physical limitations. While some are seen recollecting their younger days when they were not bound by limitations, some mention that since they are differently-abled, they have only ever been able to take part in Durga Puja through their television sets.

    These statements are followed by a message from Greenply which says that they have come up with the idea of a simple ramp made of plywood that will make the pandals a little more accessible, a little more wheelchair friendly. The structure which will be known as The Green Ramp will start its success journey by making the pandal of Badamtala Ashar Sangha a wheelchair-friendly pandal
    Further, to encourage more Pujo committees to follow in their footsteps, Greenply is inviting them to upload pictures of their pandals on social media (Facebook and Instagram) with the message: ‘Name of the Puja’ needs a ramp accompanied by the hashtag #pujoforall. Greenply will promptly send their plywood to build a ramp for their pandal. Pujo committees which have already planned the construction of ramps can upload a photo of their premises with the message: ‘Name of Puja’ has a ramp, accompanied by #pujoforall. Based on the information, a map with Ramp-enabled pujos will be published as a Social Media post by Greenply.
    This will help people who’ve been unable to visit pandals discover Pujos they can have access to for a hassle-free pandal hopping experience.

    Greenply AVP and head of marketing Kamal K Mishra says, “This flip side of the festival has moved Greenply to turn things around for the people who share a similar fate with the ones we have featured in the video. Greenply aspires to be much ahead of ‘No. 1 plywood manufacturing company’. We have had our ways of giving back to the community over the years. This was the least we could do considering the sentiments of the residents of Kolkata towards the festival. I am certain that pandals across the city will share our empathy and compassion towards the cause. Hopefully, they will welcome this initiative and take it ahead for years to come.”

  • Kolkata cable operators want cable TV GST at 5%

    Kolkata cable operators want cable TV GST at 5%

    MUMBAI: The plea of cable TV operators in Kolkata to reduce the goods and services tax (GST) from the current 18 per cent to 5 per cent has been heard.

    The West Bengal government’s state municipal affairs minister Firhad Hakim was quoted by the Cable TV Equipments Traders & Manufacturers Association (CTMA) as saying, “Cable television services are essential services and should not have 18 per cent GST, which is in effect at present.” He went on to say that he will, on behalf of the cable TV operators, present the issue to the finance minister Amit Mitra, who is a member of the GST council.

    Siticable, Manthan and GTPL-KCBPL are the main players in the West Bengal market. GST is divided into various slabs right now – 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent.

    Bengal Broadband to offer cable TV & broadband services in W Bengal

    A bumpy ride for gross billing in Kolkata

    Kolkata MSO GTPL-KCBPL applies for broadband license

  • Aidem to handle WB metro’s Incoda TV HD monetisation

    MUMBAI: Media sales specialist Aidem Ventures recently tied up with West Bengal’s unique advertising medium Incoda TV HD, the high-definition channel telecast in all the metro stations of Kolkata. Aidem has been roped in to handle the revenue and help monetise Incoda’s inventory.

    Incoda TV HD is the high definition TV channel in the underground metro railway premises of Kolkata. Incoda TV HD reaches out to 15 million captive spectators every month from Kolkata & rest of Bengal. The channel is available across all 23 active metro stations.

    Incoda TV HD chairman Arijit Dutta said, “Since its inception, we are bringing forth Incoda TV HD as a fresh advertising platform reaching out to millions in Bengal. When we approached Aidem with our proposal, they were more than keen to join hands. Aidem had always been my first choice considering their hold in the media world. I am excited to work with the expert team of Aidem and unleash our potential as a genuine advertising platform.”

    With over 30 years of experience, Incoda TV HD is synonymous with the Metro service in Kolkata. Each station has eight to 10 LED screens allotted with crystal clear audio-visual content on sports, entertainment, music, latest bollywood and tollywood gossip etc.

    Aidem Ventures president Alok Rakshit added, “The way Incoda TV HD tactfully reaches out to the West Bengal cosmopolitan audience is commendable. This medium is perfect for the national set of advertisers who desire a better ROI and effective reach in Bengal. I am amazed to see the leading print houses, broadcasters and national clients of Bengal already optimizing Incoda TV HD as a valuable communication tool.”

    In Kolkata, the metro commuters are seen to be glued to the television screens in the network-less, non-chaotic underground stations. In order to garner maximum eyeballs, the advertisements on Incoda TV HD are strategically telecast just two to three minutes prior to the train’s arrival. According to ORG-MARG reports, above 93% of the daily commuters claim to have seen the advertisements on Incoda TV HD.

    Recently, AC Nielsen also tied up with Incoda TV as its third-party monitoring & certification partner.

  • Facebook pumps Rs 27 lakh in fashion start-up CoutLoot

    Facebook pumps Rs 27 lakh in fashion start-up CoutLoot

    MUMBAI: CoutLoot, one of the India’s first end-to-end fashion re-commerce platforms has been selected for Facebook’s developer-focused FbStart programme, which is designed to help early-stage mobile-focused startups on building and growing their apps. The curated marketplace that focuses on pre-loved fashion space has received access to US$ 40,000 (Rs 27 lakh) worth of credits and services from Facebook and various other platforms.

    Incepted in November 2015, CoutLoot is an end to end Fashion re-selling service where you can buy and sell your preowned fashion.

    Launched last year, FbStart is a programme that helps thousands of developers grow their startups by leveraging valuable tools & services, worldwide events, and opportunities to engage with the Facebook team. Under the programme, CoutLoot would also receive mentoring from Menlo Park-headquartered Facebook’s engineering teams and services from its partners like AWS, Annie, Dropbox, Adobe and MailChim. It will also get a chance to get access to the exclusive community of its developers and worldwide events. The program provides free access to more than 25 services including open source tools like React Native, FB Login and Account Kit and App Analytics. According to the independent newswire agency IANS, India is the largest market for FbStart outside the US. According to the product partnerships team at Facebook, over 75% of top-grossing apps in India get integrated with Facebook.

    CoutLoot co-founder Jasmeet Thind said, “We at CoutLoot are constantly striving to make pre-loved and pre-owned fashion reselling a first-of-its-kind experience in India. Although our primary objective is to tackle the problems of scale and quality service in this space, we are presently focusing on enhancing user engagement and growing the user base. FbStart programme will be an immense boost to us at this phase of our evolution. Receiving mentorship from the pioneer of social networking will bring a huge opportunity for us to lead the fashion re-commerce revolution in India within the next couple of years.”

    Founded by Mahima Kaul, Sahil Khimavat, Vinit Jain & Thind, CoutLoot is a one-stop solution to de-clutter one’s closet for cash. While sellers get paid for selling off unused branded and boutique fashion items from their closet, buyers get to avail products from the best brands in a nearly-mint new condition at up to 80% off.

    Based out of Mumbai, CoutLoot delivers all over India, however, selling is restricted to 14 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bangalore, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Surat, Kolkata, and Jaipur. While selling and buying happen via CoutLoot’s Android and iOS apps, its website can be accessed for buying across all regions of the country. So far, the online platform has sold close to 1000 ethnic outfits. Although a relatively new concept at present catering to special occasions, CoutLoot is also preparing to start its customised tailoring services to ensure perfect fitting of the outfits to the buyers. Meanwhile, considering that over one crore weddings take place annually in metro cities, CoutLoot is also planning to start a wedding section for buying and selling wedding and bridal fashion.