Tag: Maruti Suzuki

Hyderabad levels up as Comic Con and DreamHack unite for epic pop fest

MUMBAI: Heroes, gamers, and dreamers assembled Hyderabad just turned into a real-life multiverse. The Maruti Suzuki Arena Hyderabad Comic Con, powered by Crunchyroll and paired with Dreamhack India, transformed Hitex Exhibition Centre into the capital of cool from 31 October to 2 November.

Over 40,000 fans including 400-plus cosplayers descended on the venue for three packed days celebrating everything from anime and comics to esports and AR-fuelled fun. Organised by Comic Con India under Nodwin Gaming, the event fused nostalgia and next-gen tech in equal measure.

Comic lovers geeked out with Mike Costa, writer and executive producer of Lucifer, and J. Gonzo, the artist behind striking covers for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghost Rider. Joining them were 17 homegrown comic creators, 9 performers, and 80 exhibitors, ensuring every corner buzzed with creative energy.

Maruti Suzuki kept things fast and fun with a reflex challenge and display zone, while Crunchyroll’s booth had anime fans grooving to a non-stop playlist. Android Land’s Panfest drew BGMI warriors into live open lobbies, where digital battles matched the on-ground adrenaline.

Meanwhile, Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle blended the old with the new, offering fans a VR-powered dive into India’s mythological universes. The Running Man Rage Room let visitors smash their stress away, while the Predator Badlands Zone and Zootopia 2 Zone kept the high-octane vibes going.

Adding star power, DreamHack India celebrated its sixth anniversary with a gamer’s paradise of retro titles, KO Fight Night, chess blitz tournaments, and BYOD arenas. KMR YoshiKiller claimed victory in Tekken 8, pocketing Rs 1 lakh, while JLQ Hallmark took home Rs 40,000 as the Super Smash Bros champ.

The cosplay highlight came with the Hyderabad qualifiers for the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026, where Pracheta Banerjee bagged the city crown and Rs 50,000, earning a spot in the national finals.

Gaming icons like Scout, Kaashvi, Ghatak, and Trace God met fans at packed meet-and-greet zones powered by Revenant Esports, while Red Bull athletes and Godlike creators including Jonathan, V3nom, Zgod, Sharkshe, and Payal lit up the Red Bull Tetris National Finals. Even childhood favourite Rob (Harun Robert) of M.A.D. fame joined the party.

Performers such as Syed Bashaar, Vivek Muralidharan, Karan Singh, Celinedee Matahari, and Kayden Sharma brought music, magic, and mischief to the stage, turning the convention into a festival of pure fandom.

Reflecting on the success, Comic Con India CEO Shefali Johnson said, “Hyderabad’s energy was phenomenal, people of all ages came together to celebrate pop culture. From Shinchan to Ironman, fans showed up in full spirit.”

Nodwin Gaming co-founder & MD Akshat Rathee added, “We’ve once again brought pop culture and gaming together like never before. The enthusiasm from Hyderabad fuels us to make every season bigger and bolder.”

With the capes folded and controllers powered down, Comic Con India now heads east with its first-ever Guwahati edition on 22–23 November 2025 proving that India’s pop culture universe is only getting larger, louder, and infinitely more legendary.

November 4, 2025
ABP Live drives into Maruti Suzuki dashboards with 24×7 news and podcasts

MUMBAI: ABP live, the digital arm of ABP network, has teamed up with Maruti Suzuki to bring round-the-clock news, podcasts and infotainment directly into car dashboards, making the morning commute a little less mundane.

The partnership makes ABP live the first Indian digital news publisher to be integrated natively into Maruti Suzuki’s in-car infotainment system, Maruti connect. Starting later this year, drivers will be able to tune into ABP News in Hindi, ABP Majha in Marathi and ABP Ananda in Bengali, alongside a slate of podcasts on culture, lifestyle and current affairs.

With more than 25 million Maruti vehicles already on the road, the tie-up promises to transform how Indians catch up with the world while on the move, whether stuck in Delhi’s gridlock or cruising down the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

ABP Network, chief executive, Sumanta Datta said, “Our collaboration is about much more than delivering content; it’s about creating convenience, credibility and connection. Whether drivers are facing city congestion or open highways, ABP Live ensures trusted news and engaging audio are always accessible.”

By embedding credible journalism into India’s largest car fleet, the partnership puts ABP Live at the wheel of connected mobility. For Maruti drivers, infotainment will no longer be an afterthought but part of the journey itself.

September 5, 2025
NDTV hires Aajtak veteran Sameer Anand

MUMBAI: NDTV has recruited a senior advertising executive from rival broadcaster TV Today, as India’s news channels scramble for talent in an increasingly competitive market.

Sameer Anand, who spent four and a half years climbing the ranks at TV Today’s Hindi news channel Aajtak, has joined NDTV as assistant vice president. The move comes as broadcasters battle for advertising revenues in a market where every rupee counts.

Anand’s hire is a coup for NDTV Arena, the broadcaster’s sports arm. At Aajtak, he rose from assistant general manager to deputy general manager of ad sales, handling key corporate accounts that included blue-chip clients such as Maruti Suzuki, LG, Samsung and Panasonic during his earlier stint at Red FM.

The executive’s career spans nearly two decades across India’s media landscape, including stints at Zee Entertainment Enterprises and radio broadcaster Red FM, where he cut his teeth managing corporate sales for 13 years.

His appointment signals NDTV’s intent to bolster its commercial operations as Indian news channels face pressure from digital platforms and changing viewer habits. The broadcaster, which has weathered regulatory storms and ownership changes, is keen to strengthen its advertising revenues through experienced hands.

The hire also reflects the musical chairs nature of India’s media industry, where seasoned sales executives command premium salaries as channels vie for market share in a fragmented landscape.

August 12, 2025
Kaun Banega Crorepati’s 25th year secures 26 sponsors

MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television’s iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17 has struck a powerful chord with the nation. Its campaign ‘Jahan Akal Hai Wahaan Akad Hai’ aptly echoes the rise of an India that is not only driven by intelligence (Akal) but also carries it with pride (Akad). This season has witnessed an exceptional response from the brand ecosystem, reaffirming KBC’s position as one of Indian television’s most credible and culturally relevant properties.

Maruti Suzuki and the Aditya Birla Group are onboarded as Co-Presenting Sponsors, while the State Bank of India joins as Banking Partner, and Reserve Bank of India as a Special Sponsor, further deepening the show’s association with empowerment and trust.

The Co-Powered By roster includes UPI, Ultratech Cement, Stable Money App, Asian Paints, and Gowardhan Ghee — spanning sectors from digital finance to FMCG. Special Partners secured are Patanjali Dant Kanti, BHIM Payments App, Polycab India Ltd., Dr. Fixit (Pidilite Industries), Vida powered by Hero Motocorp and WinZO Games.

Further strengthening its appeal, Associate Partners include Amazon India, Kalyan Jewellers, Godrej & Boyce, Laxmipati Sarees, Groww, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), National Stock Exchange (NSE), Plasto Tanks and Pipes, Aashirvaad Select Atta, Director’s Elaichi and Bikaji — representing a diverse cross-section of India’s consumer landscape.

KBC continues to be a powerful platform for brands, seamlessly integrating knowledge, inspiration, and wide-reaching impact.

At the heart of the show is, as always, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan whose iconic presence and effortless camaraderie with the contestants breathe life into every story from the hotseat.

August 11, 2025
Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

MUMBAI: It wasn’t just the stars who shone this time, the fans had the final curtain call. The 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, presented by Maruti Suzuki, turned Mumbai’s NSCI Dome into a pulsating celebration of Indian cinema, where fandom met flair and the purple carpet shimmered with both glamour and gratitude.

This wasn’t your usual awards night. It was fantertainment, as Zee dubbed it, a grand ode not only to the cinematic hits of the past year but to the people who made them resonate: the audience. With a stage set for celebration, the night transformed into a carnival of charisma, dance, drama and dazzling recognition.

The purple carpet looked straight out of a Bollywood dream. Kartik Aaryan oozed old-school charm in an all-grey ensemble, while Ananya Panday stunned in a crisp white saree. Rashmika Mandanna and Tamannaah Bhatia set the black-dress bar high, joined by head-turners like Sharvari, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vaani Kapoor, and Shanaya Kapoor. From Tiger Shroff’s street-smart swag to Bobby Deol’s white-suited flair, the fashion parade was nothing short of fabulous.

And when the lights dimmed, the drama dialled up. Kartik kicked off the performances with Bhool Bhulaiyaa energy, while Ananya, Tamannaah, and Tiger kept the heat alive with high-octane dance numbers. Sharvari, Rasha Thadani, Jacqueline, and Vaani followed suit, bringing a fresh mix of grace and groove. The lively trio of Vikrant Massey, Aparshakti Khurana, and Ravi Kishan took hosting duties to entertaining new highs with sharp humour and seamless banter.

But the night wasn’t just about razzle-dazzle. It was about recognition with heart, honouring not just the big names but also the behind-the-scenes powerhouses: directors, technicians, debutantes, and everyone who made magic on screen in 2024. And for the first time, the event truly acknowledged the power of the public those who clap, stream, binge, rewatch, and believe in cinema.

The 23rd edition also delivered poignant moments: fan tributes, heartfelt speeches, and curtain calls that brought cinema’s emotional pulse to the forefront. In a world obsessed with box office numbers, this night was a reminder that cinema is, at its core, about connection.

So if you missed the magic, don’t worry Zee Cinema, Zee Tv and Zee5 are where the show goes on. Because when cinema’s brightest gather and fans take the spotlight, it’s not just an awards show, it’s a love letter to the stories that bring us together.

May 19, 2025
Ad veteran Joy Mohanty turns up the .Potntial with creative role

MUMBAI: Joy Mohanty has been elevated as executive creative director at global brand and experience design company .Potntial. He was the creative director before this elevation.

The seasoned adman has a bulging portfolio spanning more than three decades, having cut his teeth at FCB Ulka in 1993 before climbing the greasy pole at agencies including Leo Burnett, Contract, Capital Advertising (later Publicis Capital) and Lowe Lintas.

Mohanty’s CV boasts some enviable coups, including spearheading efforts to snatch the coveted Thums Up account from a 25-year incumbent while at Lowe Lintas. He also launched Google Pay (Tez) in India and helped create work for Google Railwire that nabbed a Cannes finalist spot in 2019.

His creative fingerprints can be found on campaigns for automotive giants Maruti Suzuki, where he orchestrated “one of India’s most disruptive car launch programs” for Swift. One of his creations—the “Kitna Deti Hai” campaign—has been immortalised by Brand Equity/Economic Times as among “the iconic ads that shaped Indian advertising.”

With stints handling spirits (Pernod Ricard’s Absolut, Blenders Pride and Glenlivet), technology (Google and HP), tyres (Michelin and Apollo) and travel brands (Makemytrip and Spicejet), Mohanty has demonstrated versatility across categories.

No stranger to creative accolades, he has bagged prestigious gongs including The One Show 2002 for Dabur Back-Aid and D&AD 2002 for Dabur Capsico, which he describes as “an early example of using disruptive packaging as an advertising medium.”

His new home, .Potntial, positions itself at “the intersection of business, culture, design and tech,” targeting startups with global ambitions and legacy Indian firms seeking a pivot. The company aims to fill what it sees as “the gap between traditional branding methods and the evolving needs of new-age enterprises.”

For a man who once ventured into entrepreneurship with film production company Lumiere Films back in 1998, this new role might just offer the perfect canvas for his creative potential—or should we say, .Potntial.

April 14, 2025
DDB Tribal north strengthens team with Ashna Nandrajog and Mohini Varma

MUMBAI: DDB Mudra Group has announced a boost at DDB Tribal north, appointing Ashna Nandrajog as senior vice president – business and Mohini Varma as executive vice president – planning. This strategic move aims to fuel growth, creativity, and innovation.

Nandrajog, a 20-year industry veteran, has worked with global brands like Bata, Ford, and Maruti Suzuki at top agencies including Contract, FCB Ulka, Ogilvy, and Publicis Capital. Her passion for travel and family fuels her dynamic approach to brand-building.

Varma, an award-winning strategist and former NDTV correspondent, has shaped brand narratives for Netflix, Google, and Pepsico while working at Toaster, FCB, and JWT. She holds a Gold APAC Effie for impactful campaigns that drive real-world change.

DDB Tribal president Ashutosh Sawhney said, “We’re scaling new heights, pushing boundaries, and hungrier than ever. The industry thrives on exceptional talent, and in Nandrajog and Varma, we’ve found the perfect blend of fire and maturity to capitalize on the immense opportunities before us, delivering outstanding work for our clients and building formidable teams.”

Nandrajog said, “In an era of rapid digital transformation, DDB Mudra Group stands out for its integrated approach. I’m thrilled to join a company that champions brand building through impactful creativity and delivers holistic solutions across its diverse businesses. I’m eager to contribute to DDB’s continued growth and success.”

Mohini Varma added, “At DDB, we believe in emotionally resonant creativity, rooted in deep human insights, that transform brands, markets, and culture. In a world where attention is a premium, genuine insights are paramount. I’m excited to co-author the next chapter of growth for our dynamic brands.”

With two powerhouse leaders on board, DDB Tribal north is poised for an exciting phase of creative excellence and strategic expansion.

April 3, 2025
Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR reigns as India’s bestselling car four years running

MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR has maintained its pole position as India’s highest-selling car for the fourth consecutive year, with 198,451 units sold during the financial year 2024-25.

The ubiquitous box-on-wheels has now amassed an impressive customer base of 3.37 million owners since its introduction, solidifying its status as the nation’s most beloved four-wheeled companion.

“WagonR’s sustained leadership in the Indian automotive market underscores strong customer trust and an unmatched value proposition over 25 years,” said Maruti Suzuki India senior executive officer for marketing and sales Partho Banerjee.

The company points to remarkable customer loyalty as a key factor in the model’s continued success, with one in four WagonR owners returning to purchase another—a rare feat in India’s notoriously fickle automotive marketplace.

Despite the rise of SUVs and crossovers that have left many traditional hatchbacks gathering dust in showrooms, Banerjee remains bullish about the segment’s prospects: “Hatchbacks are an integral pillar of India’s automobile industry… this segment will continue to be a cornerstone in spreading the joy of mobility to every Indian household.”

The WagonR’s enduring popularity flies in the face of automotive fashion trends, suggesting that practicality trumps posturing for many Indian buyers. The model’s winning formula combines spaciousness that belies its compact footprint, fuel efficiency that protects wallets, and just enough tech to keep pace with modern expectations.

Under the bonnet, customers can choose between two K-Series Dual Jet engines—1.0L for the budget-conscious and 1.2L for those craving a bit more snarl in their steering wheel. Both come with manual and auto gear shift transmission options.

The CNG variant continues to be a hit with eco-conscious penny-pinchers, offering superior fuel economy without sacrificing performance—a claim that might raise eyebrows among enthusiasts but resonates with family accountants.

Safety features include the requisite alphabet soup of modern protection systems: ABS with EBD, ESP, and Hill Hold Assist, all built on Maruti’s Heartect platform that uses high tensile steel to keep occupants secure in the event of an unscheduled meeting with roadside obstacles.

Inside, the WagonR offers modest luxuries including a 17.78cm infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering-mounted controls, and dual-tone interiors that aim to elevate the cabin ambience beyond utilitarian transport.

As India’s car market continues its rapid evolution, the WagonR’s persistent chart-topping performance suggests that in a country where value still reigns supreme, this unassuming hatchback remains the undisputed king of the road.

April 2, 2025
Maruti Suzuki shuffles executive deck

MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki has turbocharged its leadership lineup with two heavyweight appointments that promise to rev up the company’s strategic engines.

Sunil Kakkar, a 35-year veteran of the automotive trenches, will slide into the director (corporate planning) role from 1 April 2025. An IIT Kanpur engineer with an MBA gold medal, Kakkar arrives with a portfolio that reads like a automotive industry roadmap—from supply chain mastery to international joint venture architecting.

His corporate credentials include chairing industry bodies like SIAM’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Sourcing Group and holding directorial seats across multiple associate companies. With awards like supply chain leader of the year, Kakkar has the right credentials.

Joining the corporate pit crew is Tapan Sahoo, designated head of digital enterprise and information & cyber security. An IIT Delhi alumnus with a PhD and “fellow” status from prestigious engineering academies, Sahoo brings 33 years of technology management firepower.

His brief? Turbocharg digital transformation, leverage AI/ML technologies, and collaborate with startups and academia. With multiple patents and research publications under his belt, Sahoo looks set to be Maruti Suzuki’s digital alchemist.

These appointments signal Maruti Suzuki’s intent to blend traditional automotive expertise with cutting-edge technological innovation—a strategic chess move in an increasingly complex mobility landscape.

March 27, 2025
Maruti Suzuki and Zee Cine Awards roll out the red carpet for ‘FANtertainment’

MUMBAI: The glitz and glamour of Hindi cinema found a new crescendo in Mumbai as Maruti Suzuki revved up its engines in support of the 23 Zee Cine Awards 2025. The city, already a bubbling cauldron of cinematic brew, added another feather to its cap with the star-studded event that promises to eclipse previous shows. With a theme that rings close to every cinephile’s heart—’FANtertainment’—this year’s gala is not just another award night; it’s a grand salute to the fan armies that have propelled Hindi cinema to global fame.

Unveiled amid the sparkling lights was the new trophy—a symbol of the inseparable bond between the stars and their supporters. Crafted to perfection, the trophy, revealed by none other than Hindi cinema’s heartthrob Kartik Aaryan, features two intertwined hands forming a heartfelt emblem. A fitting tribute indeed, as the stars and fans come together in a cinematic embrace.

The FANtertainment theme, a brainchild of the creative minds at Zee and Maruti Suzuki, pivots from mere celebration to an outright jubilee of the people behind the curtains—the fans. Tamannaah Bhatia, Vaani Kapoor, and Jacqueline Fernandez, the divas of the night, ignited the stage, not just with their presence but by recreating the iconic heart symbol from the trophy, setting the stage for an epic fan frenzy.

The night also shimmered with promises of innovation and sustainability from Maruti Suzuki senior executive officer – marketing & sales, Partho Banerjee steering the narrative towards the future. “The partnership between Maruti Suzuki and Zee Cine Awards reflects the perfect synergy between innovation and excellence. Just as filmmakers push creative boundaries to craft powerful stories, we at Maruti Suzuki are redefining electric mobility with the e VITARA—a bold, masculine SUV that seamlessly blends cutting-edge electric technology with premium interiors. e VITARA is more than just an electric SUV—it is a statement of innovation and progress, embodying the spirit of India’s next-gen mobility. With its advanced performance, stylish design, and sustainable engineering, it represents the future of electric driving in India. This collaboration is a celebration of creativity, performance, and a shared vision for an electrified, sustainable, and exhilarating future—one where mobility meets aspiration, and innovation drives excellence.”

As the stage is set for 17 May at NSCI Dome, Mumbai, the anticipation is palpable. With stars like Aaryan at the helm, celebrating genres from biopics to horror and comedy, the event is more than an awards night—it’s a cultural festival. “This year has been all about pushing my limits—be it exploring genres like biopic, or horror and comedy. Every role I take on is a chance to connect with my audience and fans, and their love is my biggest motivation. Zee Cine Awards’ FANtertainment theme is special because it truly celebrates this connection—where fans don’t just watch cinema, they live it with us. I’m excited to be here and celebrate this beautiful bond,” said Aaryan, capturing the essence of the evening.

With energy drinks flowing courtesy of Hell Energy, the event promises to keep the adrenaline pumping. “Hell Energy Drink – India’s largest energy drink in the can segment is glad to be the part of the biggest celebration of Hindi cinema – Zee Cine Awards. As the proud energy drink partner, we are thrilled to join hands with Zee in celebrating the extravagant world of cinema through the exciting new edition of the 23 Zee Cine Awards 2025. Hell Energy is a choice of millions of Indians as they continue to recharge themselves and chase their dreams. We celebrate the unique taste of Hell Energy with the entertainment that the stars provide on the grand stage of ZCA and honour the best of talent in the world of Indian cinema,” chimed in director Unnikannan Gangadharan adding an effervescent buzz to the affair.

Bhatia said, “It’s only the beginning of the year, but it has already been creatively exciting—balancing different industries, exploring unique roles, and breaking stereotypes. Through it all, the unwavering love from my fans has been my biggest strength. Zee Cine Awards, with FANtertainment, truly celebrates this bond between artists and their fans, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Kapoor said, “I am humbled and forever grateful for the unwavering love and support from my fans and audiences. With an exciting year ahead, I look forward to giving my audiences something truly special and refreshing. Zee Cine Awards’ FANtertainment celebrates the magic of cinema and the unbreakable bond between cinema and its fans. I am thrilled to be a part of this celebration and share this incredible experience with everyone.”

Fernandez etched, “2024 has been a mix of passion projects, thrilling collaborations, and memorable performances. But the real magic comes from the fans—their energy, their dedication, and the way they make every moment count. Zee Cine Awards’ FANtertainment is all about this shared joy of cinema, and I’m so happy to be here to be part of this celebration!”

Zee Entertainment Enterprises CGO Ashish Sehgal summed up, “Zee has always been committed to recognizing and applauding Indian cinema and the incredible talent that drives it forward. Zee Cine Awards stands as a testament to this commitment and has firmly established itself as the ultimate celebration of Indian cinema, uniting the biggest stars, iconic performances and an unparalleled entertainment experience. As a flagship property, it has also become the preferred destination for leading brands to connect with audiences through the magic of cinema.

This year, Maruti Suzuki presents Zee Cine Awards 2025 is set to be more spectacular than ever, featuring a stellar lineup of performances and an electrifying atmosphere. With innovative 360-degree brand engagement opportunities extending across pre-event buzz, seamless integrations during the event and sustained post-event amplification, it offers sponsors a massive platform for unmatched visibility and impact. Going LIVE from NSCI Dome, Mumbai, on 17th May, we promise an unforgettable night of cinematic brilliance that fans simply cannot afford to miss.”

With that commitment, the 23 Zee Cine Awards is set to redefine the standards of cinematic accolades, making it an unmissable event that promises not just to showcase, but to celebrate the very soul of Hindi cinema.

March 21, 2025