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Tag: Prasoon Joshi

  • Kyoorius reveals star jury for 2025 creative awards across key categories

    Kyoorius reveals star jury for 2025 creative awards across key categories

    MUMBAI: The Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025 is shaping up to be a celebration of unmatched creative excellence, as Kyoorius unveils its star-studded jury panel. Known for its transparent and rigorous judging, the awards continue to uphold integrity by assembling a diverse group of top creative minds from across India and abroad.

    Kyoorius founder & CEO Rajesh Kejriwal said, “The Kyoorius Creative Awards have always stood for integrity and creative excellence. We take the time to get the jury right, ensuring an inclusive panel that truly represents the breadth of talent in the industry. With diverse perspectives coming together, we’re excited to see how this year’s jury upholds our commitment to recognising work that truly leaves its mark.”

    The jury spans across disciplines, from integrated campaigns and branded content to film, digital craft, regional storytelling, health, and purpose-driven work.

    Here’s a snapshot of the jury across categories,

    Integrated, Commerce, Media, PR, B2B Industry stalwarts such as Prasoon Joshi (Mccann Worldgroup), Hephzibah Pathak (Ogilvy India), and Sandipan Bhattacharyya (Grey Worldwide India) join forces with names like Vikram Pandey (Leo India) and Theresa Ong (Meta).

    Branded Content, Gaming, Direct, Experimental Global and homegrown talents including Paul Nagy (VML APAC), Jung A Kim (Innocean), Vasudha Misra (MullenLowe Lintas), and Pallavi Chakravarti (Fundamental) bring their unique storytelling lens.

    Digital + Social + Tech, Digital Craft Creative tech minds like Rajdeepak Das (Publicis Groupe SA), Julie Jihyun Kang (Serviceplan Korea), and Pooja Ambulkar (Accenture GN Song) will evaluate work at the intersection of innovation and digital storytelling.

    Film, Broadcast Visionaries like Kainaz Karmakar (Ogilvy India), Swati Bhattacharya (Godrej Creative Lab), and Adarsh Atal (Tilt Brand Solutions) join others to recognise excellence in visual storytelling.

    Film Craft Renowned directors including Afshan Hussain Shaikh (Not Bad Films), Akanksha Seda (Good Morning Film), and Aakash Bhatia (LoudMouth) will honour the art behind the camera.

    Press, Outdoor, Radio + Audio, Regional, Industry Craft Names like Surjo Dutt (Dentsu Creative India), Mayur Hola (Swiggy), and Suchitra Gahlot (FCB Ulka) add gravitas to this multifaceted category.

    Health and Pharma Specialists like Praful Akali (Medulla Communications), Lyndon Louis (McCann Health India), and Juneston Mathana (Ogilvy) bring domain-specific insight.

    Creativity for Good and Zee Equality Award Visionaries driving social impact, including Manish Bhatt (Scarecrow M&C Saatchi), Asha Kharga (Mahindra Group), and Rohan Mehta (FCB Kinnect), will lead this powerful category.

    Judging begins on 24 April 2025, and the much-awaited Kyoorius Creative Awards Night will be held on 24 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai.

  • Drowning in content: Filmmakers and streamers battle Content Indigestion

    Drowning in content: Filmmakers and streamers battle Content Indigestion

    MUMBAI: From binge-worthy series to endless cooking reels, do you ever feel like you’re drowning in content? You’re not alone. The streaming world is bursting at the seams, and while we enjoy the buffet of stories, filmmakers and streamers are battling what writer Prasoon Joshi aptly calls ‘Content Indigestion’. As billions of choices flood our screens, are we losing the ability to truly savour what we watch?

    India’s content landscape is nothing short of a digital deluge.

    With 523 million broadband users, the average Indian spends seven to eight hours a day glued to their screens. Add to this 900 TV channels, 1,600 films annually, and over 60 streaming apps, and you’ve got a recipe for content overload. Did we mention that YouTube alone uploads 500 hours of video every minute?

    That’s more content than a goldfish’s attention span can handle. (Yes, a goldfish has a 9-second attention span, while ours is apparently a pitiful 8 seconds.)

    The internet was supposed to be our great democratiser. It turned every kitchen into a cooking show and every mimic into a global star.

    But here’s the kicker: when everyone’s creating, who’s watching? The line between creators and audiences has blurred, leaving platforms like Google and Meta to call the shots. Forget reruns and classics; today, content that doesn’t trend is as good as forgotten.

    Remember when stardom lasted decades? Now it barely survives the weekend. In a market saturated with choices, even the best content struggles to make a mark. Filmmakers are baffled, streamers are desperate, and the rest of us are just trying to remember the plot of the show we binged last night.

    What does this mean for the business of content? Rising expectations have pushed production costs up by 200 per cent to 400 per cent, forcing platforms to adopt TV-like ad tiers and sports programming to stay relevant.

    Can filmmakers and streamers find the cure for Content Indigestion?

    Writer and adman Prasoon Joshi hopes that this chaos will eventually churn out some nectar. As creators and platforms grapple with this overwhelming buffet, is there light at the end of the screen? Perhaps it’s time to ask ourselves: Do we really need more content, or do we need better content?

    Yes, we’re drowning in content. Yes, our attention spans are dwindling. But maybe, just maybe, this chaotic phase will help us discover stories that truly resonate. Until then, keep scrolling, binge-watching, and questioning if you’re part of the problem.

  • “Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela” music album by Sachin-Jigar now streaming on all music platforms

    “Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela” music album by Sachin-Jigar now streaming on all music platforms

    MUMBAI: The enchanting songs of ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’, which gracefully brought Shri Krishna’s timeless leelas to life in the mega-musical, is now available on all music streaming platforms worldwide. Conceptualised by visionary Dhanraj Nathwani, the soundtracks of the theatrical have been composed by renowned composer duo Sachin-Jigar, and the lyrics have been penned by celebrated lyricist Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi.

    20 original melodic tracks, which illuminated the auditorium with their captivating lyrics and lively scores, are now available for streaming, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the magic of the grand musical. The songs elegantly capture the unconditional love between a mother and son, the enchanting love story of Radha and Krishna, and the mischievousness of Balgopal, evoking a wide range of emotions.

    Dhanraj Nathwani said, “Music stirs a rich blend of emotions and leaves a lasting impact on individuals. And Rajadhiraaj’s songs have resonated deeply with the audience across generations, Shri Krishna’s leelas have reached them through music. The enthusiasm we witnessed among the spectators here in Delhi and Mumbai led us to release these soul-stirring songs on the streaming platforms, ensuring they reach a wider audience. Of the 20 tracks, we are releasing 11 right now. We are hopeful that everyone will love them as much as we loved creating them.”

    The composition is a blend of Western symphonic elements from Budapest and Indian classical music, highlighting multiple musical genres such as haveli sangeet, Rajasthani and Gujarati folk, Sapakra, Raas Garba, and Hindustani semi-classical music. To capture the flavours of various regions of India, the musical duo also incorporated local instrumentalists, including tabla, dholak, shehnai, and others. The songs have been sung by renowned singers like Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal, Kailash Kher, Sachin Sanghvi, Parthiv Gohil, Keerthi Sagathia and Jonita Gandhi.

    Revealing the idea behind the creation of the lively composition, music composer Sachin-Jigar said, “It was an interesting as well as quite challenging project for us and we thrive on such experiences. We have grown up hearing the songs and stories of Shri Krishna from our grandparents and this musical was an opportunity to bring the Krishna we know to the audience. To add depth, we blended Western and Indian classical music, while also experimenting with different local instruments to create unique and dynamic melodies. Each song is different from the other, and each one is close to our hearts.”

    After a stellar run at Mumbai’s Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ — the world’s first mega-musical on Shri Krishna’s life graced Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Auditorium in the last week of November. Executive Producer Bhoomi Nathwani presents the musical masterpiece, which seamlessly blends rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and soul-stirring live music. The show received an enthralling response from the audience in both cities, uniting generations under one roof to celebrate the rich tapestry of art, culture, and tradition. The musical is set to premiere in Dubai in 2025.

    To tune into the songs, click on the below-mentioned links:

    JioSaavn: https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/rajadhiraaj-love.life.leela/995QMoAPKDA_

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4L9N1MAhACgO6WdAl2stxM?si=whHtEZiGTzOIeH1zOrVQZw&nd=1&dlsi=89628b3ce0684067

    Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/rajadhiraaj-love-life-leela/1783979815

    YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ngd7O4bJYbdp47QOeaahe4QrvcoMOyVIk&si=J50UDp2UEFQilnP1

  • ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ premieres at JLN on 29 Nov

    ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ premieres at JLN on 29 Nov

    Mumbai: ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ – a mega musical on the life of lord Krishna that enchanted Mumbaikars, has taken over the skyline of Delhi with striking displays, stirring excitement for its arrival.

    Premiering at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Auditorium, New Delhi from 29 November 2024, the spectacular production offers a unique blend of storytelling, music, and visual artistry. The show, conceptualised and created by Dhanraj Nathwani, promises an immersive journey of the two divine personas of Shri Krishna – Shrinathji and Dwarkadheesh.

    Written by Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi and directed by musical theatre expert Shruti Sharma, this production brings to life Shri Krishna’s tales from Vrindavan to Dwarka. Featuring 180 artists, the show includes a powerful soundtrack of 20 original songs by Sachin-Jigar, blending Western symphonic music from Budapest with Indian classical, Haveli Sangeet, Rajasthani and Gujarati folk, and Hindustani semi-classical styles.

    Omung Kumar’s detailed production design, alongside choreography by Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa Gopikrishna performed by over 60 dancers, enriches the immersive experience. Creatively produced by Parthiv Gohil and Viral Rachh, with story research by National Award-winning writer Raam Mori, the production features 1,800 custom costumes by celebrated designer Neeta Lulla, capturing the essence of divine playfulness and depth of the characters.

    Brace yourself to dive into the journey of Shri Krishna and his timeless tales.

  • Manyavar unveils ‘Aap Kab Ban Rahe Hain Manyavar?’ campaign

    Manyavar unveils ‘Aap Kab Ban Rahe Hain Manyavar?’ campaign

    Mumbai: Manyavar, Indian brand in men’s wedding wear, has launched its new campaign, ‘Aap Kab Ban Rahe Hain Manyavar?’. This campaign highlights the groom’s journey from boyhood to manhood, asking prospective grooms when they will become Manyavar.

    Shifting focus to grooms and their squads, Manyavar connects with today’s generation, making their journey to the big day memorable. The campaign emphasizes the groom’s style and emotional evolution as he embraces marriage, showcasing Manyavar’s wedding wear that blends tradition and craftsmanship.

    Through impactful moments, such as surprising friends with his appearance and forming emotional connections with his bride and mother-in-law, the campaign encourages viewers to reflect on when a man truly becomes a Manyavar.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Manyavar (@manyavar)

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Vedant Fashions chief revenue officer Vedant Modi said, “This campaign introduces a new heartfelt narrative for the brand, where being a Manyavar goes beyond wearing a sherwani—it’s about embracing thoughtfulness, responsibility, love, and respect. ‘Aap Kab Ban Rahe Hain Manyavar?’ invites grooms to reflect on their journey as they evolve into a new role and stage of their lives. Manyavar has always celebrated the various aspects of a wedding and the emotions that accompany it. With our new brand narrative, Manyavar reflects a man’s character, seamlessly blending style with authenticity while highlighting the meaningful journey of the groom on this special day.”

    The new campaign film has been conceptualised by –McCann Worldgroup India. McCann Worldgroup India chief creative officer Prasoon Joshi said, “This campaign uncovers the groom’s untold story- quite under explored in advertising. As he takes the leap, priorities shift, and perspectives change. This campaign lightheartedly explores a man’s transformation, revealing it through humorous and heartfelt moments of self-discovery on his journey to marriage.”

    The campaign beautifully captures the journey of a boy becoming a groom, inviting him to embrace and enjoy this exciting transformation with the question, “Aap kab ban rahe hain Manyavar?”

    Manyavar is solidifying its presence in the wedding industry. The brand also offers added conveniences such as video call appointments through its website. Additionally, customers in select cities can benefit from in-store personalized styling, making the shopping experience even more tailored and accessible.

  • Manoj Bajpayee joins the Nand Ghar Movement

    Manoj Bajpayee joins the Nand Ghar Movement

    Mumbai: Nand Ghar, which aims to transform 14 lakh angawadis across India, unveiled a national movement – Agar Bachpan Se Poocha Khaana Khaya, Toh Desh Ka Kal Banaya (अगर बचपन से पूछा खाना खाया तो देश का कल बनाया) with actor Manoj Bajpayee. This movement by Nand Ghar is aimed at nourishing India’s future generation by ensuring holistic healthcare, quality nutrition and ensuring best-in-class preschool education for children.

    Welcoming Manoj Bajpayee in joining this movement, Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal said, “Project Nand Ghar is a national movement that supports the overall well-being of children and women with a focus on health and nutrition. We are delighted that Manoj Bajpayee ji has extended his support to this growing movement. His personal life story deeply resonates with Nand Ghar’s cause to nourish and transform the lives of our future generations.”

    In the heartwarming campaign launch on 1 May, Manoj Bajpayee was seen narrating his personal journey as a young theatre actor and outlined the invaluable support of his friends in ensuring regular nutritious meals for him while pursuing the acting dream. Bajpayee poignantly describes an artist’s struggle, acknowledging that the strength to pursue one’s dreams comes from a full stomach and wholesome food. Bajpayee further urged people to extend their support by visiting www.nandghar.org and to donate, volunteer or partner with Nand Ghar.

    Enthused about his association with Nand Ghar, Manoj Bajpayee said, “As someone who has lived with hunger pangs, I understand the deep impact it can have on physical, mental and emotional well-being. That’s why initiatives like Project Nand Ghar are so crucial. It not only ensures that children receive proper nutrition but also brings hope, opportunity, and a chance for a brighter future. Let’s all join hands with the Nand Ghar movement to ensure that we nourish the potential of children, and together, prepare for a brighter India.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the movement conceptualised by McCann, McCann Worldgroup India CEO & CCO and chairman, Asia Pacific Prasoon Joshi said “If we want to give our children a genuine chance at realizing their true potential, then well-rounded nutrition is essential.  What better way to highlight this than to bring forth some of India’s most famous sons and daughters who have faced this hurdle in their journey.”

    Nand Ghar is the flagship project of Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) and has been working towards ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry – a dream of Chairman Anil Agarwal. In a milestone moment for Nand Ghar,  we have been successful in reducing malnutrition levels while increasing pre-schoolers’ attendance at Nand Ghars across 14 states in India. Last year, AAF also launched multi-millet nutri bars which are currently being distributed daily to 50,000 children between three-six years across 1364 Anganwadis in Varanasi. These bars, rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants have not only improved the daily nutrient intake of children, but also, reduced absenteeism.

    With credible voices joining the #KhanaKhayaKya movement, Nand Ghar is inviting citizens and like-minded organisations to partake in this journey of transformation. It is paving the way to realise the dream of a better tomorrow for our nation.

  • Air India launches new inflight safety video

    Air India launches new inflight safety video

    Mumbai: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has unveiled ‘Safety Mudras’, the airline’s new inflight safety video that seamlessly blends safety instructions with the kaleidoscope of India’s vibrant culture. Developed in collaboration with the visionary trio of Prasoon Joshi of McCann Worldgroup, Shankar Mahadevan and Bharatbala, the video is meticulously crafted to engage passengers and showcase the diversity and depth of the Indian culture, while delivering essential safety information.

    For centuries, Indian classical dance and folk art forms have served as mediums of storytelling and instruction. Air India’s new inflight safety video integrates safety instructions with mudras or dance expressions in eight diverse dance forms – Bharatnatyam, Bihu, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Ghoomar, and Giddha – from around the country. Each featured dance form presents a specific safety instruction, providing vital information in an engaging and culturally immersive manner.

    Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said: “As a flagbearer of the country and a longstanding patron of Indian art and culture, Air India is delighted to present a work of art that is designed to deliver essential safety instructions while showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity to travellers around the world. Our guests will find this inflight safety video to be more immersive and informative, and a warm welcome to India from the moment they step onboard.”

    Featuring music composed by Grammy Award-winning music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan, the video invites passengers to experience a harmonious fusion of safety and culture. This project, spanning approximately six months, involved creators travelling and capturing the essence of India visually through mesmerizing locations across the length and breadth of the country.

    The safety video will be initially accessible on Air India’s recently introduced A350 aircraft, which is equipped with state-of-the-art inflight entertainment screens. It will be progressively deployed on other aircraft in Air India’s fleet.

    McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific chairman, McCann Worldgroup India CEO & CCO; and celebrated writer & lyricist Prasoon Joshi:

    “Tasked with the challenge to create a concept that keeps passengers engaged, embody Indian culture and elevate the Air India brand globally, we went to great lengths to poise the essential and the evocative. Indian classical dance forms have one unique dimension – storytelling. And that is what made me think of this idea of using these Indian dance forms to deliver the safety instructions for air travel.

    I am fortunate that this idea found resonance with the fantastic Air India team. And, with a longtime friend and ever brilliant Bharatbala who really made this thought possible. It’s indeed a matter of pride for McCann to work with Air India.”

    Celebrated Indian music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan:

    “I am very happy I got to create the music for the safety instruction video for Air India. With the new chapter of Air India, their safety instruction video too is pathbreaking and very culturally rich. It is a combination of the various dance forms from India – with the dancers demonstrating the safety briefing actions by way of mudras. The music changes as per the dance form as well. Cheers to Air India for creating something that has never been done before, I am very proud to be a part of this.”

    Indian film director, producer and screenwriter Bharatbala:

    “Having previously worked on projects that showcase the cultural diversity of India, this nuanced opportunity from Air India, enabled me to present our timeless classical and folk-art forms with a contemporary vision. We are an ancient country but with a modern outlook. And for India’s leading global carrier, Air India, to communicate a safety mandate in this manner brought even more responsibility on me to create a spectacle. Filming across the beautiful landscapes and monuments, giving each dance form its place of pride, is truly an enriching experience. This journey enables the passengers to experience India visually, musically, and emotionally on a grand canvas. This film will be etched as one of my special creations and I hope will be an added feather in the rich legacy of Air India. Welcome on board!”

  • Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024: “Samvedana ka Safar” highlights a holistic approach to road safety

    Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024: “Samvedana ka Safar” highlights a holistic approach to road safety

    Mumbai: The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024: “Samvedana ka Safar”, spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under the esteemed leadership of the minister Nitin Gadkari, culminated in a four-hour telethon, leaving a lasting mark on India’s road safety landscape. Partnering with the SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF), a leading non-profit organisation in India dedicated to improving road safety and emergency medical care in India since 2008, the initiative emphasized ‘empathy’ as its core theme, urging responsible behavior and respect for life on the roads.

    The minister shared his personal experience, highlighting the critical need for change. Nitin Gadkari stated, “In our country, around 500,000 accidents occur every year and in 2022 the loss of lives stood at 168,000 with 450,000 people getting injured. While we continue to improve road and vehicular engineering, this campaign aims to foster collaboration and empathy among road users to drive behaviour change.”

    SaveLIFE Foundation founder and CEO Piyush Tewari emphasised the impact of the campaign, saying, “Road crashes pose a significant public health challenge in India. Effectively conveying the safety message to the public, fostering empathy, and promoting a profound respect for life is essential. The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan stands out as a pioneering initiative in this crucial endeavor, and SaveLIFE Foundation is proud to lend support for the cause.”

    The telethon featured eminent personalities, including Nitin Gadkari and Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. Leading actors Pankaj Tripathi and R Madhavan were also an integral part of the campaign along with celebrated singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan; chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, Prasoon Joshi; and author and philanthropist, Sudha Murty. The launch of the Sadak Suraksha Anthem by Shankar Mahadevan, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, resonated with the campaign’s foundational pillars – respect, patience, safety, and collaboration.

    Amitabh Bachchan stressed the need for collective action, stating, “Every day, 460 Indians lose their lives in road accidents, which amounted to a staggering 19 deaths every hour. As a nation, we need to work together to prevent these accidents, just like we fought the Covid-19 pandemic.”

    Network 18 (broadcast) and MD A+E networks CEO Avinash Kaul emphasised, “The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024 has revealed significant findings regarding road safety. As a nation, we must work together to prevent road accidents and work towards creating a culture of responsibility and safety.”

    The telethon also served as a significant platform for accident victims to share their personal experiences, thereby humanizing the statistics and highlighting the need for urgent action.

    Network 18 CEO (digital) & president – corporate strategy Puneet Singhvi stated, “The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024: “Samvedana ka Safar” initiative is a commendable and collaborative effort to promote road safety in India. As the 2024 edition concludes, let us make a commitment to make responsible choices, embrace empathy and compassion, and ensure safer roads.”

    The telethon also brought to light the Supreme Court’s resolute stance on mandatory emergency care at hospitals and stressed the importance of integrating road safety education into school curriculums. While the “Samvedana ka Safar” journey concludes, its impact will continue to resonate in the ongoing endeavors to make Indian roads safer for all. The multifaceted discussions and the powerful anthem pave the way for a safer and more compassionate India on the road.

    Embed link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_WfrjvoVCE

  • “Saath saath naye Prabhat ki or –” – Prasoon Joshi pens lyrics for PRADAN’s anthem on collaboration

    “Saath saath naye Prabhat ki or –” – Prasoon Joshi pens lyrics for PRADAN’s anthem on collaboration

    Mumbai: Celebrated lyricist and Padma Shri Award winner, Prasoon Joshi, known for his popular, chart-busting songs of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Rang De Basanti and Taare Zameen Par, to name just a few, wielded his magic to write the lyrics for PRADAN, a leading NGO in the country working with tribal and backward communities. The “Anthem” celebrated the spirit of collaboration and working together – a value PRADAN espouses in all the development work it engages in. Prasoon’s strong social conscience is reflected in the work he has earlier done for campaigns like Malnutrition, Polio Eradication, Women Empowerment, Child Rights, Swachh Bharat and more.

    PRADAN executive director  Saroj Kumar Mahapatra said, “Collaboration and partnerships are key to PRADAN’s growing outreach among the tribal and rural women that we work with. Over our 40 years of working with marginalized communities in the Central India Tribal belt, we have partnered with over 110 Civil Society Organizations, more than 70 Foundations, Private Philanthropies and Corporations and various National, State, District and Local government institutions to multiply the impact of the government’s development schemes and programs. The anthem penned by Prasoon Joshi is our celebration of that spirit of working together, and of empowered communities who have striven continuously to carve out a brighter future for themselves, and for the societies that they live in”.

    “Song composition and film production are highly collaborative efforts, and the magic happens only when various parts of the team come together seamlessly to create a symphony of sorts. I am highly appreciative of the part that PRADAN and many such organizations are playing in supporting sustainable, inclusive development work in the country by coming together, thinking together and working together to help India realize some of its SDGs while engaging with communities at the grassroots and finding local solutions for local problems. The anthem is my way of showing support to the cause of collaborative problem solving”, reflected Prasoon on his motivation to pen the anthem lyrics.

    Indian filmmaker Kireet Khurana winner of six president’s National Film Awards and 18 international awards for his cinematic works, who directed the film under his banner – Climb Media, exuded, “Conceptualising the film was a challenge as development work is so profound and generational changing that it is difficult to capture its widespread impact. Executing the film was another major challenge, as I wanted to cast the actual tribal villagers that PRADAN and its partner organizations work with, and get them to do role plays, without making the film look contrived. It was also my responsibility to make the film stimulating without losing its earthy and realistic feel. Prasoon’s soulful lyrics really helped elevate the visualisation to the next level. I hope the film will motivate development agencies and communities to work together to empower and help transform the lives of the people in what was hitherto an impoverished hinterland.”

    The film captures the empowering essence of collaboration, even as it briefly “Relives” the moments of self-doubt that the underserved, marginalised communities are faced with while looking to create a better future for themselves. The film, strung together by a highly inspiring song, traverses the journey of the state (sarkar), funding organizations (bazar) and the civil society (samaj) actors coming together to support the communities to help them realize their vision of a better, brighter tomorrow (“Naya prabhat”).

  • Grand Jury ready to mark new chapter for DNPA Conclave & Award 2024

    Grand Jury ready to mark new chapter for DNPA Conclave & Award 2024

    Mumbai: In the ever-evolving landscape of the media industry, the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) is set to host the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024, exploring the profound impacts of digital transformation. The conclave, scheduled for 6 February 2024 at Shangri-La, New Delhi, promises to be a ground-breaking event, with a Grand Jury meeting on 15 January 2024, laying the foundation for an insightful and impactful gathering.

    Storyboard18 is the “Knowledge Partner” for the “DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024”.

    Jury Powerhouses: Steering the Course of Digital Transformation

    Distinguished leaders from across industries will be a part of the jury meet.

    The jury will be chaired by senior politician, and former senior parliamentarian of India, Suresh Prabhu.

    The Grand Jury includes Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder and executive vice chairman, Info Edge; Ajay Prakash Sawhney, former secretary, MEITY, Government of India, Shashi Sekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati; Dr Aruna Sharma, former secretary, MEITY, Government of India and Practitioner Development Economist, Arvind Gupta, co-founder, Digital India Foundation; Robert Ravi, chief technology officer, Government of Tamil Nadu; Prasoon Joshi, chairman, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO at McCann Worldgroup India; N.S. Nappinai, Supreme Court advocate and founder of Cyber Saathi Foundation; Vinit Goenka, author and former BJP spokesperson; and Vivan Sharan, founder and partner, of Koan Advisory Group.

    Their collective expertise will significantly enrich the deliberations of the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024.

    The Grand Jury will focus on outstanding contributions in navigating India’s digital transformation and fostering innovation. The DNPA Awards serve as a platform to honour cutting-edge digital initiatives that have had a profound contribution to the nation’s progress. The awards recognise the extraordinary innovations made in various sectors including health, education, finance, and media, alongside pivotal areas like women empowerment, environmental protection, governance, and administrative reforms, acknowledging those who have been instrumental in India’s digital journey and inspiring continued innovation and excellence, while setting global standards.

    As the credibility, transparency, and excellence custodians, DNPA is committed to ensuring that the awards bestowed reflect a thorough and meticulous selection process.

    “DNPA Conclave and Awards bring together the best minds in India to select the country’s cutting-edge digital initiatives that are transforming the lives of millions of people and taking India to greater heights. It gives me immense pride to share that some of India’s most credible names are part of this year’s grand jury. I am certain that DNPA Conclave and Awards 2024 Jury Meet will be a great success” commented Tanmay Maheshwari, Chairman, DNPA.

    “As we gear up for the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 Grand Jury meet, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air. It’s not just a meeting; it’s a deep dive into digital impact. With industry leaders coming together, these awards are all about celebrating excellence and fostering innovation as we navigate a brave new world driven by human intelligence and technology,” commented Sujata Gupta, Secretary General, DNPA, emphasizing on the importance of the Grand Jury meeting and awards.

    The DNPA Conclave Agenda: Navigating Digital Transformation in the Media Industry

    The conclave scheduled in February, will delve into critical facets of the ongoing revolution in media. Dialogues and discussions will dissect the role of online intermediaries in shaping public trust, the impact of misinformation on a diverse society like India, and the readiness of the Indian media industry to embrace technological disruptions. Equitable monetization models, advancements in generative AI, and the future of job prospects in the media and entertainment sector will be central to the discussions.

    It promises to be a day of engaging discussions and insightful keynotes by the most notable leaders from corporate and media spheres, and policymakers, culminating in the DNPA Digital Impact Awards (DDIA) ceremony. Tanmay Maheshwari, Chairman of DNPA and managing director of Amar Ujala, will set the stage for the awards’ proceedings, where the winners will be honoured, signifying their endorsement of outstanding contributions.

    The DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 promises to be a landmark event, bringing together the brightest minds and visionaries to navigate the digital transformation of the media industry which is foundational to India’s progress, and set the tone for a dynamic and innovative future.