ITV

Tag: Raftaar

  • Priyanka Khimani, WoMI host global music leaders at Soho House

    Priyanka Khimani, WoMI host global music leaders at Soho House

    MUMBAI: Call it a power chord with purpose. On 21 August, Priyanka Khimani, one of India’s most influential entertainment lawyers and founder of Women of Music India (WoMI), hosted the second edition of the Global Music Leaders Reception at Soho House, Mumbai. The evening, backed by tech disruptor Nothing, pulled together a rare mix of executives, artists and innovators from across the world to tune into conversations about music, creativity and cultural exchange.

    What began in 2024 as a pioneering experiment has swiftly become one of the industry’s most sought-after, invitation-only gatherings. Conceived by Khimani and WoMI, the event aimed to spotlight India’s cultural heft on the world stage while bridging business and artistry.

    “India is no longer just participating in the global conversation but we are also helping shape it,” said Khimani, also a prominent advocate for artists’ rights. “Through Women of Music India, I want to ensure that women, especially, are at the forefront of that change. This evening is where those conversations begin, and where lasting partnerships are born.”

    Soho House, with its reputation as Mumbai’s creative hub, provided a fitting backdrop for the night, which blended dialogue with performance. Rising folk-fusion voice Mansa Jimmy, indie star Mali, and emerging acts Twinkle Agarwal and Akanksha Sethi lit up the stage, reminding guests that culture ultimately begins with the artist.

    The guest list had global flair: Jasleen Royal, Raftaar, Natania Lalwani and Roc Nation’s Andrew Gold rubbed shoulders with Universal Music execs and India’s indie stars.

    Nothing’s presence as cultural partner was no accident. Founded in London in 2020, the brand’s design-driven tech ethos chimed neatly with the evening’s celebration of innovation and artistry.

    By the close, the Global Music Leaders Reception had once again proved its role as more than a cocktail party. It was a bridge between India and the international music community, and a sign of how cultural capital is increasingly flowing both ways. 
     

  • Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 becomes India’s #1 reality show of 2025

    Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 becomes India’s #1 reality show of 2025

    MUMBAI: Amazon MX Player’s Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 has cemented its place as the country’s biggest unscripted success story of the year. As per Ormax Media’s latest ranking of the Top 50 OTT Originals for H1 2025, the show emerged as India’s most-watched reality series, and the only one to trend for 11 consecutive weeks on Ormax’s weekly list of top OTT web shows.

    Season 2 brought India’s underground hip-hop dance movement into the mainstream with over 25 million unique viewers tuning in to witness raw talent, breakout performances, and deeply personal journeys. The series was anchored by judges Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora, and amplified with appearances by leading personalities including Rajkummar Rao, Abhishek Bachchan, Raftaar, Sara Ali Khan, Munawar Faruqui, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Rohit Shetty, making it one of the most high-profile reality shows of the year. The finale crowned Shubhankar Gawde as India’s second hip-hop dance champion, capping off a season that redefined youth entertainment.

    Speaking on the show’s success, Karan Bedi, Head, Amazon MX Player, said: ‘Hip Hop India Season 2 stood at the intersection of culture, content, and commerce. It brought a powerful subculture into the mainstream and gave brands a credible, high-engagement platform to connect with young India. The response has been phenomenal both in terms of viewership and brand resonance.’

    The show raised the bar for branded content integrations and co-marketing at scale. Alongside title sponsor Realme, brands like Sprite, Tuborg, Pokémon, Spotify, and SpiceJet joined the movement in highly engaging ways. From innovative in-show integrations, immersive media ads, on-site and social media led gamification, to in-flight co-branding, Pokémon-themed dance acts, Spotify playlist integrations, the show created a high-impact ecosystem where brand narratives blended seamlessly with cultural moments.

    Echoing the sentiment, Amazon MX Player director and head of content, Amogh Dusad added, ‘With Realme Hip Hop India Season 2, we set out to showcase hip-hop not just as a dance form, but as a cultural voice. This season’s response proves that authenticity, when paired with relevance, wins big. We’re proud to see the franchise has become both a fan obsession and a brand magnet.’

  • Prime Video renews The Traitors after a killer debut

    Prime Video renews The Traitors after a killer debut

    MUMBAI: Prime Video is doubling down on deception. After a wildly successful debut, the streamer has announced that season two of its reality thriller The Traitors is officially in development. Hosted by the ever-dramatic Karan Johar, the Indian adaptation of the BAFTA- and Emmy-winning format has gripped viewers across the country—and the numbers prove it.

    Since its 12 June premiere, the series has been watched in 88 per cent of India’s pin codes, turning Thursday nights into a frenzy of speculation, strategy, and social media theories. A star-studded cast, twist-laden gameplay, and Johar’s flair for theatrical tension have made The Traitors an unexpected pop-culture phenomenon.

    Based on a global format by IDTV, and distributed by All3Media International, The Traitors has been adapted in over 35 countries, becoming one of the fastest-growing reality formats globally. The Indian version, filmed in a dramatic Rajasthani palace, pits 20 celebrities—ranging from Raftaar and Uorfi Javed to Anshula Kapoor and Ashish Vidyarthi—against each other in a mind game of trust, betrayal and elimination.

    “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see The Traitors strike such a powerful chord with audiences across India,” said Prime Video India Director and Head of Originals Nikhil Madhok. “With its distinctive mix of tension, strategy and emotional honesty, brought to life by our versatile host, Karan Johar and a stellar line up of players who have brought their A-game to the show, the series has emerged as a true breakout. As we continue to shape a bold and diverse unscripted slate at Prime Video, The Traitors stands out as a marquee title that pushes the boundaries of the reality genre. Buoyed by the overwhelming response, we’re thrilled to begin work on Season Two and take the experience to the next level.”

    All3Media International EVP APAC Sabrina Duguet added, “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming reception and audience response to the Indian adaptation of The Traitors. Our fantastic collaboration with Prime Video resulted in delivering a version of the format that feels both fresh and true to its core, one that struck a real chord with viewers, who came for the thrill, drama, and their favorite celebrities, but stayed for the novelty, intrigue, and high entertainment quotient. Given the show’s rising popularity within just weeks of its launch, we’re delighted that Prime Video is greenlighting the development of season 2 of the much-loved format that’s sure to raise the bar even higher.”

    New episodes of The Traitors season one drop every Thursday at 8 PM, exclusively on Prime Video. If you haven’t been betrayed yet—you’re missing out.

  • The House of McDowell’s Soda unveils ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’ anthem

    The House of McDowell’s Soda unveils ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’ anthem

    Mumbai: It was in 1973 when the country crooned to the ultimate friendship anthem – Yaari Hai Imaan. In 2024, The House of McDowell’s Soda is bringing it back with an all-new rendition created by the rapper – Raftaar and Jasleen Royal. The song released just in time for friendship day on Saregama Music YouTube channel. The track is a classic tribute to friendship and celebrates the essence of Yaaron Waali Baat.

    This fresh, unique twist on the classic Bollywood song ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’ reiterates the importance of having trust in friendships and portrays the depth and loyalty that true friendships embody. Known for his raw lyricism and unapologetic style, Raftaar goes all out as his musical prowess shines with Jasleen lending her soulful vocals to this levitating rendition.

    The song beautifully captures the essence of ‘Yaaron Waali Baat’ through its captivating tunes, lyrics, and beats, set to become a chart-topper as listeners are bound to play it on repeat. The lyrics emphasise that strong friendships open doors to endless possibilities. When friends trust and support each other, they can fight all odds and achieve success together. This encourages individuals to explore their full potential. The song has released on Saregama Music YouTube channel and is live across audio streaming apps.

    Diageo India vice president and portfolio head, marketing, Varun Koorichh said, “The House of McDowell’s Soda believes in the profound impact of fostering strong and meaningful connections. Yaari Hai Imaan is a testament to the power of true camaraderie and the joy it brings into our lives. By celebrating the unwavering strength of meaningful connections, the song beautifully captures how limitless possibilities can unfold when friends stand united against all odds. This highly energetic and infectious rendition by Raftaar and Jasleen Royal will undoubtedly resonate deeply with listeners of all generations.”

    Speaking of the association, Raftaar said, “Friendship, like music, knows no bounds. When we started composing ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’, the lyrics and rhythm instantly resonated with me. My journey in this industry has been shaped by the love and support of my dear Yaars, inspiring my music and guiding my path. Collaborating with The House of McDowell’s Soda has been an enriching experience, celebrating connections that inspire and uplift. This song is destined to find its way into everyone’s playlist, especially resonating with those who have experienced the joy of true camaraderie.”

    Yaari Hai Imaan will be available on all major streaming platforms starting 20 July.

  • “Kalamkaar serves as a launchpad for upcoming artists by providing them with the right resources”: Ankit Khanna

    “Kalamkaar serves as a launchpad for upcoming artists by providing them with the right resources”: Ankit Khanna

    Mumbai: Kalamkaar – India’s premier boutique Hip-Hop Music Label. It has been a pioneering force in the Indian Hip Hop industry and is a proud member of the AK Projekts family. They are the exclusive home to exceptional artists like Raftaar, KR$NA, Deep Kalsi, Yunan etc.

    Kalamkaar is dedicated to nurturing artists from various musical genres, ensuring that their unique voices are heard and appreciated. From indie rock and folk to electronic and experimental music, Kalamkaar Indie is committed to promoting a broad spectrum of musical expressions. This initiative not only broadens our artistic horizons but also offers music lovers an exciting array of sounds and styles to explore.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Kalamkaar Music founder & CEO, AK Projekts & co-founder Ankit Khanna where he delved more into the evolving landscape of music.

    Edited excerpts

    On the inspiration to launch a record label, especially in a niche like hip hop

    The inspiration behind launching Kalamkaar Music stemmed from a desire to create a platform that not only celebrated the culture of hip hop but also provided a nurturing environment for emerging talent to thrive. Hip hop has always been a medium for self-expression and storytelling, and we saw an opportunity to contribute to the genre’s growth in India by establishing a label that truly understands and resonates with the artists and their craft.

    On the evolving music landscape in India, particularly for hip hop artists and Kalamkaar Music contributing to the scene

    Kalamkaar Music plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Indian hip hop by providing a platform for artists to showcase their authentic voice. At the heart of Kalamkaar’s mission lies a deep-seated commitment to nurturing talent and providing artists with the support they need to thrive. Through initiatives like Mic Check and Takeoff Thursdays, Kalamkaar actively seeks out undiscovered talent, regardless of their background or genre. The label’s inclusive approach to artist management has paved the way for the rise of stars like Deep Kalsi, KR$NA, Karma, and Yunan, whose impressive growth in followers and streaming numbers attest to the label’s success.

    On receptive audiences have in India been to hip hop music, and its change over the years

    The reception to hip hop music in India has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. Initially perceived as a niche genre, it has now grown into a cultural phenomenon, capturing the imagination of audiences across the country. Movies like Gully Boy and shows like MTV Hustle were instrumental in making this genre mainstream. Hip hop’s rise in popularity can be attributed to its authenticity, relatability, and ability to resonate with the youth. As more artists emerge and push the boundaries of the genre, we’ve seen a growing acceptance and appreciation for hip hop music in mainstream culture.

    On elaborating on your role at Kalamkaar and how it aligns with your broader vision for the company

    At Kalamkaar, my role is to oversee the strategic direction and creative vision of the brand, ensuring that we stay true to our mission of nurturing talent and driving innovation in the industry. I work closely with our team to identify emerging trends, forge strategic partnerships, and explore new avenues for growth. By aligning our efforts with the broader vision of Kalamkaar Music, we produce content that resonates with audiences and propel the label forward.

    On Kalamkaar serving as a launchpad for upcoming artists, and how do you support their growth and development

    Kalamkaar serves as a launchpad for upcoming artists by providing them with the right resources, support, and guidance they need to succeed in the industry. Through initiatives like Mic Check and Takeoff Thursdays, we actively scout for talent and provide artists with opportunities to showcase their skills and connect with audiences. We offer comprehensive artist management services, including marketing, promotion, and distribution, to help artists navigate the complexities of the music industry and achieve their full potential.

    Kalamkaar’s dedication to artist empowerment is evident in their remarkable growth metrics. Over the past year, the label has amassed over 540 million streams, with artist streaming growth reaching an impressive 70 per cent. Additionally, our commitment to cultivating a strong online presence has resulted in substantial follower growth on Spotify, with standout artists experiencing exponential increases: Deep (+99.8 per cent), Archit (+1187.1 per cent), and Yunan (+71.8 per cent). These numbers will give you a perspective on the growth on their growth graph over time.

    On the future plans and aspirations you have for Kalamkaar Music and envisioning its growth and impact in the coming years

    Looking ahead, our aspirations for Kalamkaar Music are ambitious yet rooted in our core values of innovation, collaboration, and artist empowerment. We envision expanding into new genres and exploring innovative ways to engage with audiences through technology and multimedia experiences. In the evolving landscape of entertainment and entrepreneurship, we stand at the forefront of innovation, leveraging technology and creativity to drive progress.By staying agile and responsive to the evolving needs of artists and audiences alike, we aim to solidify our position as a leader in the industry and make a lasting impact on the music landscape in India and beyond like Kalamkar Indie which is not another label but a small initiative.

  • Remo D’Souza’s Grand Stage Return at Hip Hop India finale after three-year break

    Remo D’Souza’s Grand Stage Return at Hip Hop India finale after three-year break

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV’s one-of-a-kind dance reality show – Hip Hop India’s highly anticipated grand finale marked its closure with an impressive finish, revealing the winner of the first season. Upping the dancing fervour with the sizzling top three finalists – Divyam & Darshan, UGH, and Rahul Bhagat, the pompous regale was also graced by singers Badshah and Raftaar adding their magic on the sets. While Nora curated a contagious oomph factor with her ebullient number, Remo shook to mesmerising tunes with his artistically versatile moves after a three-year hiatus.

    Tapping to the synchrony of saawan me lag gayi aag x vibe hai, the contestants performed a splendid breakthrough, beautifully concluding with the legends, Badshaah and Raftaar. While Badshah shared his thoughts about the show, saying he was ‘happy to be a part of India’s hip-hop revolution,’ Raftaar was blown away by the grooves of the hip-hop contestants. The exquisite grand finale commenced with the waving and popping expert, Rahul Bhagat’s Kho Jaa Heeriye x Ye Hasi Vaadiyaan which left audiences pumped with an adrenaline rush. Badshah was stunned into silence after expressing ‘Ye pehla finalist hai? Tumne toh teeno ka dance kar liye ek sath. Everybody go home, this is over. This is insane. Let me sit and grasp this.’

    The epic artist of lyrical expression, Tushar Khatre finetuned some electrifying performances on ‘lamba lamba’ that had the rap god, Badshah, blown away, his reaction hyped the artists in full enthusiasm and joy, praising his artform. From the hoods of Delhi, UGH tranced to the Punjabi beats with Remo commenting, “amazing footwork, sync kamaal hai,” while Badshaah expressed his admiration for the Delhi crew by saying, “The innocence, the skills, the dedication. I love you guys, UGH.”

    The Grand Finale witnessed enthralling dance spectacles by not just the contestants, but also the celebrity judges Badshah, Raftaar, and Nora raising the swashbuckling bar of entertainment with their dynamic performances packed with flamboyance.

    There was also an element of surprise when Remo made a comeback back to the mainstage with a heartfelt performance after a 3-year break, as the viewers watched with bated breath. The final showdown came to a ceasefire with Divyam & Darshan that left spectators mesmerized, striking a nostalgic chord with classics like ‘Khalbali’ and ‘Kaal,’ amping up the energy levels.

    After seven weeks of rigorous competition and explosive performances, Rahul Bhagat was crowned Hip hip-hop champion, bringing an end to India’s first Hip Hop-based dance reality series. On keeping the contagious levels of the urban hip-hop culture in momentum, Remo high on emotions expressed, “Hip Hop culture deserve karta hai ki log usse jaane, usse log jeeyein aur usse log inspire ho.” At the same time, Nora enthusiastically chimed in by adding, “Ye show bahut saare logon ka kismat change karega.

    Hip Hop India is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free, within the Amazon shopping app and Fire TV app.

  • Roadies Revolution resumes shoot in Mumbai

    Roadies Revolution resumes shoot in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: The seventeenth season of adventure reality show Roadies started earlier this year in Rishikesh and moved to Himachal just before the lockdown put a grinding halt on all outdoor shoots. However, with all the standard operating procedures issued by the I&B Ministry, the rest of the shoot of Roadies Revolution has resumed in Mumbai starting this month.

    Cast and crew members, on the set, are strictly adhering to protocols starting from social distancing norms to sanitization. It is mandatory to wear masks, face shields and hand gloves. There is stay over facilities for contestants and crew. The contestants who are travelling for the show have been following the necessary quarantine procedures and will be stationed at one place from start to end of the shoot. Also, Covid2019 tests have been done for all the members on the set.

    For an adventure show like Roadies, which requires intense on-ground activity, MTV is ensuring that all shooting locations are equipped with proper medical facilities including an ambulance that would be available on the set at all times. Instead of having a buffet system, all the contestants and crew will be provided with packed food, that would first run through a UV sterilizer.

    The high-intensity tasks on the show will now be conducted in a safe environment under the supervision of professionals, specializing in safety, to ensure that all safety measures are implemented.

    With a daily dose of action and drama, Roadies Revolution is keen on increasing the entertainment quotient for its fans. As the shooting has resumed, the show aims to raise awareness and prioritize safety and well-being to fight against the global pandemic.

    Strict sanitisation procedure presumably began after Rapper Raftaar, who is one of the mentors on Roadies Revolution, along with Rannvijay Singha, Neha Dhupia, has informed that he has tested positive for the Covid2019. He shared the news on 9 September. Raftaar is currently home quarantined. "I wanted to give you an update. I had to go for Roadies and before that, I had to test for Covid2019. Two of my tests were negative, but the result which came today was positive. BMC has asked me to self-isolate," said Raftaar on his Instagram Story.

  • ZEE5 launches Lockdown with Badshah, Kailash Kher, Raftaar, Jonita Gandhi and many more

    ZEE5 launches Lockdown with Badshah, Kailash Kher, Raftaar, Jonita Gandhi and many more

    MUMBAI: ZEE5, India’s largest and most comprehensive digitalentertainment platform for language content, today launchedLockdown– a path-breaking concept in collaboration with renowned rapper and composerBadshah. The show marks Badshah’s debut as a producer under his banner Afterhours, co-produced by One Digital Entertainment, for ZEE5.

    Watch the trailer here: 

    Premiering 17th August,Lockdown launches with two episodes followed by an episode every week featuring two artists – aBollywood sensation and a digital superstar.Over a 10-episode series, the show will featureBadshah – Jonita Gandhi; Kailash Kher- Raja Kumari;Harrdy Sandhu – Neha Bhasin; Raftaar-Thaikkudam Bridge; Monali Thakur – Mickey Singh; Benny Dayal- Bryden &Parth; Shirley Setia – Sachin & Jigaramongst others.

    Each duoislocked together in one location for 24 hoursto recreate two songs, record them and shoot music videos. Lockdownhas been shotacross scenic locations in India and promises a rendezvous with your favourite musicians – one that has never been seen before.

    Manish Aggarwal, Business Head, ZEE5 India said, “After creating engaging original content in terms of films and shows, music was a natural progression for us. We couldn’t think of anybody better to partner in this endeavor than the hugely popular musician Badshah.Lockdownis our maiden foray into music and will be unlike anything the Indian audiences have seen.The show promises to keep audiences hooked to the amazing tunes created by some of the most talented artists.The format of the show is a winner, andwe are sure the viewers will enjoy it like our past offerings.”

    Badshah, who turns producer with the show said, “Lockdown is a project that is very close to my heart since it’s the first offering from my production house Afterhours. The format is quite unique and fun because we have got several well-known artists to collaborate with each other and some of them had never even met before! But all of them have been quite enthusiastic and the result that has erupted out of the oneness of these Bollywood and Digital sensations is something that the audience is going to love. To be aired on ZEE5, the show is sure to be a hand’s down winner for the music aficionados.”

    Gurpreet Singh, Co-Founder, One Digital Entertainment said, “Observing the current stage of music evolution and craze, Lockdown’s format will definitely stick well with enthusiasts from almost all genres. We are honoured to be a part of Badshah and ZEE5’s vision that is sure to start a new refreshing trend in the music and entertainment industry.”
     

    With over 3500 films, 500+ TV shows, 4000+ music videos, 35+ theatre plays and 90+ LIVE TV Channels across 12 languages, ZEE5 truly presents a blend of unrivalled content offering for its viewers across the nation and worldwide. With ZEE5, the global content of Zindagi as a brand, which was widely appreciated across the country, has also been brought back for its loyal viewers.

  • One Digital Entertainment crosses the 1200+ channel mark

    One Digital Entertainment crosses the 1200+ channel mark

    MUMBAI One Digital Entertainment, known for managing digital video content and channels for some of the biggest creators in the country like Sanjeev Kapoor, Honey Singh, Badshah, Speed Records, Raftaar, Rannvijay, Anubhav Sinha, Tiger Shroff, Fever FM amongst others, recently crossed the 1200+ YouTube channels mark, further consolidating its position as the largest multi-channel network in the country. The company that started around three years ago today boasts of an undisputed 20 billion minutes of content that has been consumed on its network so far, 

     

    One Digital’s expansive presence ranges from music, entertainment, lifestyle, food, comedy and more. The company is also credited with identifying new talent and creating Internet sensations like Prajakta Koli, who has crossed 37,000 subscribers in less than 10 months on her channel Mostly Sane.  The largest content network for YouTube in India and also distributes content across multiple other content publishers and partners. 2016 will also see One Digital foray more actively into original web programming with a line-up of 12 different formats to be launched.

     

    Commenting on this success,  One Digital Entertainment COO and CO founder  Gurpreet Singh said, “Driving reach & viewership for online video has been a challenge for a lot of entities in this space but One Digital Entertainment has developed its secret sauce to ensure we are able to deliver each creator their due. We are also humbled by the support and the talent of our creators and channels and only look to make this business more meaningful for them”.

  • One Digital Entertainment crosses the 1200+ channel mark

    One Digital Entertainment crosses the 1200+ channel mark

    MUMBAI One Digital Entertainment, known for managing digital video content and channels for some of the biggest creators in the country like Sanjeev Kapoor, Honey Singh, Badshah, Speed Records, Raftaar, Rannvijay, Anubhav Sinha, Tiger Shroff, Fever FM amongst others, recently crossed the 1200+ YouTube channels mark, further consolidating its position as the largest multi-channel network in the country. The company that started around three years ago today boasts of an undisputed 20 billion minutes of content that has been consumed on its network so far, 

     

    One Digital’s expansive presence ranges from music, entertainment, lifestyle, food, comedy and more. The company is also credited with identifying new talent and creating Internet sensations like Prajakta Koli, who has crossed 37,000 subscribers in less than 10 months on her channel Mostly Sane.  The largest content network for YouTube in India and also distributes content across multiple other content publishers and partners. 2016 will also see One Digital foray more actively into original web programming with a line-up of 12 different formats to be launched.

     

    Commenting on this success,  One Digital Entertainment COO and CO founder  Gurpreet Singh said, “Driving reach & viewership for online video has been a challenge for a lot of entities in this space but One Digital Entertainment has developed its secret sauce to ensure we are able to deliver each creator their due. We are also humbled by the support and the talent of our creators and channels and only look to make this business more meaningful for them”.