MUMBAI: Guru Samruddhi House of Investments has stepped onto the sporting court with the acquisition of the GS Delhi Aces franchise in the Tennis Premier League (TPL). The announcement comes ahead of the league’s seventh edition, with tennis icon Leander Paes joining as brand ambassador.
The launch, held in Dubai on 10 September, was a historic first for TPL as the team unveiled itself on an international stage. The evening drew over 500 attendees, with Paes receiving a rousing welcome alongside blessings from Sadguru Shri Guruji. [sic]
18-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic medallist, Paes said, “I have been a part of TPL since its inception. This year is a special one for the league as it will become India’s fourth sporting league to complete seven successful seasons, and I am delighted to be associated with GS Delhi Aces.”
With this acquisition, Guru Samruddhi, a diversified group spanning co-operative societies, insurance, tourism, and real estate, has added professional sport to its portfolio. CMD Vijay Pusdekar said, “We are immensely proud to represent the confidence of putting on a good show for tennis fans in Delhi and across the country.”
The Tennis Premier League, featuring eight franchises, continues to expand its star-studded roster. Alongside Paes, the league boasts ambassadors and owners such as Sania Mirza (Gurgaon Grand Slammers), Mahesh Bhupathi (SG Sports), Rakul Preet Singh (Hyderabad Strikers), and Sonali Bendre (Chennai Smashers).
Welcoming the new team, TPL co-founder Kunal Thakkur said, “This year, for the very first time, the league will feature ATP top-ranked players within 30–50.” Fellow co-founder Mrunal Jain added, “With visionary partners like Guru Samruddhi, we are confident this season will be historic, competitive, and truly memorable.
MUMBAI: Game, set, Ahmedabad, India’s only professional tennis league is ready to smash new ground. The Tennis Premier League (TPL), under the aegis of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), will stage its 7th season from 9–14 December at the Gujarat University Tennis Stadium, marking its first-ever move outside Maharashtra.
In hitting this milestone, TPL becomes only the fourth Indian sporting league to enter a 7th season, joining the ranks of IPL, Pro Kabaddi, and ISL. The eight-franchise tournament has heavyweight backers, from Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, and Mahesh Bhupathi to Rakul Preet Singh and Sonali Bendre. On court, fans can expect fireworks as international players ranked between 30 and 50 in the ATP rub shoulders with India’s finest, including two-time Grand Slam champion Rohan Bopanna.
What sets TPL apart is its trademark 25-point format quick, high-octane matches designed to keep crowds hooked. Over 400 tournaments across 20 plus cities in a single year and its Race to Gold Scholarships have made TPL a genuine grassroots-to-glory pipeline. Gujarat has already felt its impact, with age-group tournaments and scholarships energising the local tennis scene.
“This will be a real shot in the arm for tennis in Gujarat,” said Gujarat state Tennis Association secretary Shrimal Bhatt highlighting the historic arrival of top-ranked ATP stars. For co-founders Kunal Thakkur and Mrunal Jain, the shift to Ahmedabad is about scale and spirit bringing world-class tennis to a city fast emerging as a sporting capital.
With 250 plus matches played across seasons, international stars, and the promise of electrifying rallies, Season 7 is primed to be TPL’s most exciting chapter yet. Ahmedabad, brace yourself, tennis fever is about to hit full throttle.
Mumbai: Asian Paints’ beloved home and decor series, Where The Heart Is, is back with a bang for its eighth season, offering a masterclass in crafting spaces that are as unique as the personalities who inhabit them. Featuring the stunning homes of six of India’s most admired celebrities, this season dives deep into the art of blending personal style with universal charm. From clever design hacks to impeccably curated decor, each episode invites viewers to reimagine their own spaces with a touch of inspiration and soul.
This season, the series showcases the beautiful homes of Ananya Panday, Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti, Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani, Taapsee Pannu, Manu Bhaker, and Joseph Radhik and Devika Narain. The show focuses on homes as extensions of the people who live in them—spaces that exude individuality and tell unique stories. It not only explores how to craft a home that reflects your essence but also showcases real transformations with bite-size content offering décor cues to spark inspiration. Whether it’s using plants to breathe life into your decor, creating spaces where pets feel as at home as you do, or designing cosy nooks that speak to you, the series demonstrates how small, thoughtful touches can turn a house into a haven.
In Season 8 of Asian Paints Where The Heart Is, Ananya Panday invites viewers into her elegant Scandinavian-style retreat – a home in the same building where she grew up, reflecting her personality and deep ties to family. With cosy nooks and understated elegance, her space showcases how simplicity can bring warmth and comfort. Viewers will then step into Arshad Warsi and Maria Goretti’s charming Goan-Portuguese home, where heritage elegance meets bohemian chic. Restored with love, their home celebrates the beauty of imperfections, offering delightful ideas for creating a space that feels warm and authentic. Manu Bhaker’s family home, transformed with the expertise of Asian Paints Beautiful Homes Service, radiates warmth and love. This makeover, a heartfelt gift to her parents, blends minimalism with deeply personal elements to create a sanctuary of shared memories.
For lovers of maximalist decor, Joseph Radhik and Devika Narain’s artistic haven offers a treasure trove of ideas, from open shelving, statement wallpaper, lush plants and carefully chosen artwork. Their home stands as a beautiful expression of how textures and colours come together to create a cohesive and creative space. Meanwhile, the vibrant home of newlyweds Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani offers inspiration in blending personal styles, combining bold art with contemporary, functional design to create a space filled with personality. Finally, Taapsee Pannu’s vibrant abode is a joyful reflection of her personality, where playful colours, natural light, and thoughtful eclectic decor transform the space into a radiant and uplifting retreat.
Asian Paints Ltd MD and CEO Amit Syngle said, “‘Asian Paints Where The Heart Is’ is a natural extension of our corporate philosophy, ‘Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai.’ It remains India’s most loved home décor series, where the most admired celebrities share how their homes are a true reflection of themselves. The show has consistently captured home design and décor trends, interpreting them in multiple ways while remaining universal.
Season 8 is particularly special, featuring an interesting line-up of celebrities from various walks of life, demystifying décor trends and sharing how their homes serve as expressions of self-discovery. From selecting the perfect colours and bringing walls to life with wallpapers and textures to reimagining wood and lighting, this season presents décor inspiration and captures the essence of ‘beautiful homes’ in truly captivating ways.”
Building on the success of last season’s special segment, Asian Paints Where The Heart Is Season 8 offers an even closer look at décor elements with style guides, enabling viewers to recreate the celebrity-inspired aesthetics. These guides direct viewers to BeautifulHomes.com, Asian Paints’ comprehensive décor platform, where they can explore a vast selection of home and décor items to bring similar inspirations into their own spaces.
Stories in Motion co-founder Joshua Karthik said, “In its eighth season, Asian Paints Where The Heart Is has renewed purpose: make home design and decor more actionable. The underlying emotion of the love for home and heart continues, but it’s blended with practical, real conversations on design, decor, art and colour. This season’s stars have invited us not just into their stunning homes, but also into home design as a way of life — filled with realness, bold experimentation and a whole lot of love.”
Viewers can watch the brand-new season on Asian Paints’ digital platforms. Catch Season 8 on the following Asian Paints links:
From embracing imperfections to layering textures, each home in Asian Paints Where The Heart Is offers ideas to spark your imagination. Season 8 invites viewers to dream big while keeping the essence of home -comfort, love and individuality, intact.
Mumbai: Ayurveda inspired beauty and personal care brand, Just Herbs has announced the launch of its latest brand campaign featuring Zeenat Aman and Rakul Preet Singh. The campaign brings the brand’s vision of promoting timeless, holistic beauty with Ayurveda at its core. Just Herbs stands for traditional principles and modern practices and manifests through its product offerings which are rooted in Ayurveda but presented in interesting modern-day formats that are result-driven.
The glamorous brand film shows a fun and wholesome exchange between Zeenat Aman and Rakul Preet Singh on what beauty means to them. Both the brand ambassadors exude grace, confidence and modern sophistication. Along with showcasing the versatility of their range, the film beautifully captures the essence of inclusivity, holisticism and empowerment—where every woman celebrates her unique beauty while uplifting the other. This milestone campaign is a true reflection of Just Herbs’ ethos, where tradition meets trend and natural beauty reigns supreme.
The Just Herbs portfolio caters to 360 degree beauty & wellness be it skin, hair, body or make-up and is known for products that are natural and high-quality with transparency at the forefront. Speaking about the campaign, Just Herbs business head Garima Dikshit said “We are thrilled and excited as we turn on to a new chapter in our journey of innovation and excellence. Our campaign with Zeenat Aman and Rakul Preet Singh is symbolic of the seamless blend of traditional elegance and modern sophistication. We aren’t simply celebrating our journey but envisioning the future—where beauty is defined by quality, sustainability and inclusivity. It has always been our mission to make natural beauty accessible and available to all. As we step into the next decade, we hope to continue leading the way in holistic beauty rooted in Indian traditions.’’
Speaking on her association with Just Herbs, Zeenat Aman said, “Joining Just Herbs in this celebration of Timeless Beauty is a natural fit. The brand’s dedication to natural beauty and holistic wellness through Ayurveda mirrors my own values. It’s wonderful to be part of a campaign that not only celebrates beauty but also honors tradition with a modern twist.”
Singh further added, “Being the face of this campaign alongside Zeenatji, is an opportunity to advocate for beauty that is not only about looking good but feeling good, knowing that the products are rooted in natural, time-tested ingredients. I am super thrilled and look forward to a long-standing association with Just Herbs ”
The campaign will be rolled out across digital media and will break the clutter through some interesting formats like AR/VR filters, CGI videos and other media. The brand is also partnering with influencers across the country to create heightened awareness about its products.
Mumbai: ZEE5, India and Bharat’s largest home-grown video streaming platform, the OTT arm of ZEEL, bagged seven awards across categories at the OTTplay – One Nation, One OTT Awards 2023. ZEE5’s diverse range of titles including Ayali, Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai, Haddi, Chhatriwali, Tarla, shined at the event with seven accolades.
Winning Categories:
1. Best Series – ‘Ayali’
Emerging as a powerful reflection on patriarchal dynamics in India, ZEE5’s very own original ‘Ayali’ won the ‘Best Series’ title
2. Best Film on True Events – ‘Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai’
The gripping courtroom drama inspired by a five-year-long standalone fight of lawyer Adv. PC Solanki, ‘Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai’ won the ‘Best Film on True Events’ title
3. Best Actor Male Film (Editor’s Choice) – Nawazuddin Siddiqui for his role in ‘Haddi’
One of this era’s most versatile actors, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was bestowed the ‘Best Actor (Male) – Film’ (Editor’s choice) title for his performance in crime thriller ‘Haddi’
4. Best Actor Female Film (Popular Choice) – Rakul Preet Singh for her role in ‘Chhatriwali’
Reigning the hearts of cinema lovers, Rakul Preet Singh received the ‘Best Actor (Female) – Film’ (Popular Choice) title for her captivating performance in ZEE5’s original social comedy ‘Chhatriwali’
5. Best Supporting Actor Male – Sharib Hashmi for his role in ‘Tarla’
With his remarkable performance adding depth and authenticity to the film, Sharib Hashmi won the ‘Best Supporting Actor (Male)’ title for his role in ‘Tarla’
6. OTT Performer of the Year (Female) – Aditi Rao Hydari for her role in ‘Taj: Divided By Blood’
Mesmerizing the audience with her elegance and captivating performance, Aditi Rao Hydari bagged the ‘OTT Performer of the Year (Female)’ award for her role in ZEE5’ original period drama ‘Taj: Divided By Blood’
Proving his exceptional range and dedication to his craft, Mr. Abhilash Thapliyal bagged the ‘Versatile Performer (Male)’ title
Hosted by OTTplay in partnership with Hindustan Times, the OTTPlay – One Nation, One OTT Award celebrates some of the most captivating OTT films, series, filmmakers and actors across all Indian languages that graced our screens in the past year. Being India’s first pan-nation OTT awards, OTTplay Awards is an ode to content that resonates with audiences nationwide. The event’s second edition took place on Sunday, 29 October 2023, at the Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai, which was attended by some of the most well-known names from the entertainment industry.
Mumbai: Shoppers Stop, India’s leading omnichannel destination for fashion, beauty, and gifting, is all set to ignite the spirit of togetherness this Diwali with an exciting digital campaign ‘’We-Time Wali Diwali,’ featuring actor Rakul Preet Singh.
The campaign’s central theme revolves around the tradition of Diwali, a time when families and friends come together to celebrate. However, in today’s fast-paced life, these moments of togetherness are often overshadowed. ‘We-Time Wali Diwali’ encourages individuals to rekindle their relationships by cherishing these precious moments. Whether it’s a family gathering, a romantic date night, or a fun outing with friends, Shoppers Stop encourages everyone to allocate time for these valuable connections, emphasising the importance of ‘Rishton ko dein thoda we-time.’
Commenting on the same Shoppers Stop customer care associate and chief of marketing and communication Shwetal Basu said; “Shopping is not just buying, it is creating moments together. Diwali is the perfect occasion to bond with friends and family. Diwali shopping is one of the moments that gets us together. With ‘We Time Wali Diwali’, Shoppers Stop encourages people to spend time with their loved ones whether it is shopping together or buying gifts together. Just embrace the joy of togetherness this festive season and weave precious memories that last a lifetime.”
Speaking about the new campaign, Rakul Preet Singh said; “As someone who cherishes moments with my family and friends, I resonate deeply with the concept of ‘Rishton ko dein thoda we-time.’ It is very important that we spend time with our loved ones, especially during festivities and this campaign is a beautiful reminder of the same. I am absolutely delighted to be part of Shoppers Stop’s Diwali campaign, ‘We-Time Wali Diwali” and their endeavour to bring people closer through fashion and heartfelt connections.”
Basu added that Rakul Preet’s association with Shoppers Stop adds a touch of glamour and authenticity to the campaign, making it more relatable to the target audience.
Shoppers Stop’s diversified omnichannel offering spans over 800 recognised and trusted brands across an incomparable range of products. Customers can choose from a diverse range of festive collections and exclusive brands spread across multiple categories. Shoppers Stop is home to one of the country’s longest-running and most coveted loyalty programs ‘First Citizen Club’. The Company’s one-of-a-kind shopping assistance service, ‘Personal Shopper’ is revolutionizing the way Indians shop. Customers can also indulge in experiential events such as gift-wrapping workshops, fashion and styling activities, live music performances and many more.
That’s not all; this festive season Shoppers Stop is taking the excitement up a notch with their exclusive “Bill Buster” offers, delivering unbeatable deals on Tommy Hilfiger luggage and BOSS watches. To add to the excitement, customers who make a purchase of Rs. 10,000 or more on MasterCard, will get a chance to win World Cup tickets. It’s not just a shopping spree; it’s a top-notch festive experience.
Join Shoppers Stop in celebrating Diwali indulging in premium brands, trendy fashion, and unique style.
Mumbai: In yet another venture into the sporting world, SG Sports led by APL Apollo has acquired ‘Bengaluru Spartans’, one of the eight teams that will be participating in the much-awaited Tennis Premier League- TPL 2023. With the ownership of this team with SG Sports Ventures now, it has been renamed as ‘Bengaluru SG Mavericks’ with ace tennis player Sania Mirza as its brand ambassador. A new logo of the team has also been launched. ‘Bengaluru SG Mavericks’ is a complete team with both men and women tennis players who will participate in the high-octane sporting event in December, in different formats like Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Men’s Doubles.
APL Apollo is a leading structural steel tube brand with over 55 per cent share in the domestic market. Its strategic arm, SG Sports, is committed to significantly impacting the sporting industry.APL Apollo Tubes Ltd chief managing director (CMD) Sanjay Gupta has a huge passion for sports. This segment is dedicated to supporting and nourishing young sporting talent in India.
The fifth edition of the highly anticipated tournament is set to be held in December this year, with all the matches taking place at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune. The adrenaline-packed event is being organized under the auspices of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA). The popularity of TPL can be gauged from the fact that many celebrities have been associated with it. Among them are Sonu Sood, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Rakul Preet Singh, Leander Paes, and Sonali Bendre. Sania Mirza has been with the team for the last three years and this would be her fourth year supporting Bengaluru. Leander Paes also has been associated since the beginning of this league and makes sure he is there for all the matches.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the venture, APL Apollo Tubes Ltd CMD Sanjay Gupta. said, “This is a great opportunity for our company to associate with the spirit of sports that teaches us the most valuable lessons in life. We look forward to this association with Bengaluru Spartans which is Bengaluru SG Mavericks now and wish each player ahead of the trailblazing contest to be held in December this year. It is an also amazing start with this league sport that has been gaining more and more popularity in India. It will be great to witness that the new talent will rub shoulders with some of the most versatile tennis players in the world Overall, it is a great moment to associate the name of the brand with a sport that is popular worldwide.”
Bengaluru SG Mavericks brand ambassador Sania Mirza said, “I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting venture and obliged to SG Sports for choosing me as their brand ambassador. As a former tennis player and woman, I feel that India has a lot of potential in terms of sports and tennis has seen more and more interest from our young generation recently. Still, there are miles to go before we shine on the world stage in this sport and Tennis Premier League provides a brilliant opportunity for young and upcoming players to prove their mettle on the court. SG Sports is doing a great job in supporting such budding players and giving them an ideal platform where they can compete with top players and learn from their skills.”
The other participating teams in TPL 2023 include the Bengal Wizards, Mumbai Leon Army, Punjab Tigers, Pune Jaguars, Bengaluru Spartans, Delhi Binny’s Brigade, Hyderabad Strikers, and Gujarat Panthers. Pertinent to mention here that Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has recently announced his acquisition of a stake in the Bengal franchise.
As far as the TPL format is concerned, it has eight franchises that will play a total of five matches to qualify for the semi-final. Each match between two franchises will have a total of 4 games (Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles and Men’s Doubles). Each match will be worth 20 points, thus there will be a total of 80 points at stake in each contest. Each team will play a total of 400 points (80 points x 5 matches) at the league stage. The top 4 teams in the points table will qualify for the semi-finals.
The Tennis Premier League (TPL), packages traditional tennis into a highly entertaining tournament to capture the imagination of fans. With an unorthodox format, it is set to be a tennis equivalent to the Indian Premier League and is returning for its fifth season this year. The league is poised to write yet another chapter in the annals of Indian tennis history, as fans eagerly await the start of TPL 2023. Sports outside of cricket are gaining more traction among Indian audiences. Tennis has a sizeable following in India, with close to 100 million viewers that watched the sport on TV last year.
Mumbai: Ahead of the highly anticipated season 5 of the Tennis Premier League (TPL), visionary founders and owners of ENN Sports LLP, Nikunj Shah, Navin Dalmia, and Rajdeep Dalmia have acquired the Hyderabad Strikers. The highly enterprising trio will be co-owners of the two-time and current champions of the league alongside celebrity co-owner Rakul Preet Singh.
Co-owner of Hyderabad Strikers, Rakul Preet Singh spoke with delight about the new development, “The TPL is a great place for the talented tennis players in the country to show off their skills and improve their game further while working with the biggest names in the sport. Hyderabad has always been well-known for their contribution to Indian tennis, and with the Hyderabad Strikers, we want to further enhance that reputation.”
ENN Sports LLP is a premier sports-promoting company that is dedicated to enhancing sports culture in India and around the world. The company provides a wide range of services that include sports team management, event organisation, and sports marketing.
Nikunj Shah’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his deep-rooted love for sports, has positioned him as a prominent figure in both communities. With his ongoing efforts, Shah continues to leave a lasting impact on the sports landscape.
Talking about his love for the sport of Tennis, co-owner Nikunj Shah said, “Tennis holds a special place in my heart. I actively participate in and support the sport. We are always looking for opportunities to help athletes grow at the highest levels, and the TPL aims to do exactly that. So, I want to actively contribute to the growth of Tennis in India, which I am certain would be possible through the Hyderabad Strikers.”
Rajdeep Dalmia has a passion for technology that is infectious and has the ability to inspire and motivate those around him. He believes in the power of collaboration and fosters an environment of innovation and creativity within his organisations.
Dalmia, who used to play tennis in school said, “The TPL is a great way to experience the excitement of a live tennis match, especially as the matches are played in a fast-paced environment due to the format. The Hyderabad Strikers is a phenomenal franchise with a storied history in the league. With our expertise from ENN Sports LLP, I am sure we will be able to expand the dedicated fanbase of the Hyderabad Strikers that will spur us on in our title defence in season 5.”
Co-founder of the TPL, Kunal Thakkur spoke about how the new ownership will help the Hyderabad Strikers come season 5. He said, “ENN Sports LLP is an innovative enterprise much like the TPL. Their expertise in sports will allow them to become league leaders in terms of strategy, planning, and promotion. This will surely help the Hyderabad Strikers to continue succeeding on and off the court.”
Co-founder of the TPL Mrunal Jain mirrored his fellow co-founder’s sentiment as he said, “The Hyderabad Strikers is the most outstanding franchisees in the league, and will surely prosper even more under the guidance of visionaries such as Nikunj Shah, Navin Dalmia, and Rajdeep Dalmia.”
Mumbai: Comedian Kapil Sharma is back with The Kapil Sharma Show with a ‘Naya avatar’ and ‘Naya parivaar.’
The brand-new season of The Kapil Sharma Show on Sony Entertainment Television will premiere on 10 September and air every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
Sony Entertainment Television (SET) programming (non-fiction) head Sonal Yadav said, “The Kapil Sharma Show over the years has witnessed a great amount of adulation from the entire nation owing to its infectious humour quotient and as a great stress buster. It’s one of our most valuable properties that continues to bring families together. Presenting an exciting new season set against an interesting theme, Kapil Sharma along with his new comedy brigade and fresh gags promises to offer wholesome entertainment. We are glad to be collaborating with Banijay Asia and SKTV once again to bring this laughter riot.”
The program, which is once again produced by Banijay Asia and SKTV (Salman Khan Television), invites families to gather together for a weekend of laughter, glamour, and glamour.
Banijay Asia founder & CEO Deepak Dhar said, “Right from the start, The Kapil Sharma Show has created a special place with the hearts of the audience owing to years of top-notch comedy legacy behind it. The show has created its loyal set of fan base which only continues to grow season after season. The light humour, Kapil’s relatability, each character’s spontaneity, and the guests is what makes it the perfect wholesome family entertainer. And, this is one of the reasons why The Kapil Sharma Show has successfully become the nation’s favourite.”
He further added, “Our effort is to preserve and represent classic TV content that is universally appealing and can be watched by everyone in the family, together. That’s why we’re always adding so much diversity to the show. This time, we have new characters, new stories, a new set-up, new talent. It’s the same ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ but with a fresh take and double the fun. It’s always a pleasure partnering with Sony Entertainment Television and SKTV, and with each collaboration, the relationship only strengthens. We’re really looking forward to this season.”
The Pushp Masale and Elois HRC co-presented The Kapil Sharma Show is co-powered by Volkswagen, Priyagold Hunk, Finolex Cables, Chings Schezwan Chutney, Jaquar Lighting, and Chings Schezwan Chutney. Simpolo Ceramics is the Associate Sponsor.
Seen in a new avatar, this time around, Kapil Sharma will be running a local cable TV channel in a mohallah surrounded by his crazy family and even crazier neighbourhood.
“Cuttputlli” cast, which includes Akshay Kumar, Rakul Preet Singh, Sargun Mehta, and Chandrachur Singh, as well as producer Jackky Bhagnani, will be featured in the opening weekend episodes. “The Babli Bouncer” team, which includes Madhur Bhandarkar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Saurabh Shukla, and Supriya Shukla, will follow.
NEW DELHI: The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) has found the news channels Aaj Tak, India TV, Times Now, Zee News, Zee 24 Taas, Zee Hindustani, News Nation, India Today and ABP News at fault for putting out slanderous reports against Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh and linking her to drugs.
The NBSA has directed three channels from Zee Network to air public apology, while other channels have been issued a warning with respect to use of taglines and hashtags, and have been cautioned against telecasting unverified news.
The NBSA also provided the three Zee news channels with a statement that had to be aired on December 17: “We apologise for the manner in which the hashtags/taglines and images were telecast, while reporting the ongoing investigation of Rhea Chakraborty's narcotic drugs case. The telecasts violated the code of ethics and broadcasting standards requiring broadcasters to maintain neutrality, impartiality, accuracy and fairness, the specific guidelines covering reportage and specific guidelines for reporting court proceedings. We clarify that there was no intention on our part to sensationalise the issue or to prejudice the investigation in any manner. We reiterate our commitment to uphold every individual's right to fair trial and reputation, while reporting about matters under investigation.”
The channels have been further directed to remove any and all offensive videos on different platforms and report the same within seven days.
Several channels used titles/headings like “The Rhea Drug Circle”, “Drugs Mandli”, “Theeno Bud leetey the”, “Took Drugs” , “Drugs se Rakul Ki Preeti”, “Bollywood Drug Connection” etc for Rakul Preet Singh, which has been roundly criticised by the regulator.
The NBSA did not find the story run by Times Now to be objectionable but found its hashtags and taglines to be offensive. In the case of India TV, the regulator noted that pictures of the actor "dancing, smoking, and of her hips were objectionable, placed out of context and misleading." The taglines used by India Today and Aaj Tak were deemed "out of context…with no link with the news which was reported."
The reports were run by the channels in their coverage of the Sushant Singh Rajput case. The channels claimed that Rhea Chakraborty gave this information, however Rhea denied sharing any such information.
Singh had moved the Delhi high court in September seeking action against these news channels under the Programme Code, framed under the Cable TV Networks Regulation Act. The court, in turn, had directed the NBSA to look into the actor's complaints against the channels.
