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Tag: Sameer Saxena

  • Indian navy riders embark on 1,649 km Dare2 rally with Bajaj Auto

    Indian navy riders embark on 1,649 km Dare2 rally with Bajaj Auto

    MUMBAI: In a celebration of daring spirit and patriotism, 15 Indian Navy riders began the 1,649 km Dare2 rally on Bajaj Auto’s Pulsar NS400Z motorcycles. The journey, from Visakhapatnam to Ayodhya, started on 13 January  2025, and aims to connect the armed forces with local communities while inspiring youth to serve the nation.

    Flagged off by vice-admiral Sameer Saxena, AVSM, NM, chief of staff, Eastern Naval Command, at the Eastern Fleet Headquarters, the rally’s route includes key stops like INS Chilka, a vital maritime defense post.

    Bajaj Auto  president of marketing Sumeet Narang  expressed pride in supporting the armed forces, stating, “Our collaboration inspires youth to follow the selfless path of serving the nation.” Vice Admiral Saxena lauded the partnership for fostering unity and patriotism.

    The Pulsar NS400Z, known for its performance and versatility, enables riders to navigate diverse terrains with ease. The rally concludes on  26 January 2025, at the Dogra regiment in Ayodhya, marking India’s seventh sixth Republic Day and honoring the armed forces’ role in national unity.

  • YRF partners with Posham Pa Pictures for theatrical releases

    YRF partners with Posham Pa Pictures for theatrical releases

    MUMBAI: It’s the coming together of a successful legacy studio and a new age creative production banner. Yash Raj Films (YRF)  today announced that it is partnering with series producer Posham Pa Pictures to jointly develop and produce theatrical films beginning 2025.  

    YRF is known for several iconic films like Chandni, Kaala Patthar, Lamhe,  Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Chak De! India, Dhoom and others. Posham Pa Pictures has been behind streaming series such as Netflix’s Kaala Paani, Mamla Legal Hai and Jaadugar and Disney+ Hotstar’s Home Shanti.

    The partnership marks Posham Pa’s foray into theatrical films releases. YRF will provide it with the studio infrastructure and its strong distribution capabilities, which is the vision of Aditya Chopra – the son of YRF founder, the late Yash Chopra. The transformation of YRF from being just a producer to a studio is being led by the firm’s CEO Akshaye Widhani. 

    Said Widhani: “It is truly the coming together of similar creative minds that are constantly striving for excellence by pushing the content envelope. Posham Pa Pictures have shown that they know the pulse of the audience by giving us unique and incredibly fresh stories that have won them unanimous acclaim. Our partnership will now aim to create ground-breaking theatrical experiences for today’s audiences who are seeking out new and novel storytelling to engage, endorse & celebrate.”

    Posham Pa was founded by partners Sameer Saxena, Amit Golani, Biswapati Sarkar and Saurabh Khanna. 

    “The coming together of YRF and Posham Pa Pictures throws open a world of exciting, unchartered creative possibilities,” said Saxena. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to jointly create theatrical experiences like never before with YRF and entertain the audience with unique, fresh stories.”

    (Picture courtesy: Biswapati Sarkar’s  X account)

  • Legrand India lights up the festive season with engaging activities

    Legrand India lights up the festive season with engaging activities

    Mumbai: Legrand India, a global leader in electrical and digital building infrastructure solutions, has successfully launched a series of innovative activities aimed at maximizing engagement during the festive period across India. The initiatives focused on amplifying the launch of two new products, the Desktop Power Center and the Dizly Distribution Board, leveraging the festive season to enhance market presence.

    As part of this campaign, Legrand has initiated an engaging retail activity named ‘Legrand Ke Superstars,’ targeting retailers in 50 cities, starting with Delhi. This initiative will take place through Navratri onwards until Diwali and aims to build awareness of the Lyncus range, the Dizly Distribution Board, and the Desktop Power Center, reinforcing Legrand’s commitment to innovative solutions in electrical infrastructure.

    Rath Yatra Celebration in Puri

    To ensure a seamless and worry-free experience for travellers during the Rath Yatra in Puri, Legrand installed 10 Allzy-powered charging stations at the Puri railway station and around the Mela booking areas in July this year. These stations allowed travellers to stay connected with their loved ones and capture special Rath Yatra moments, showcasing the versatility of Allzy, the all-rounder switch.

    Ganesh Chaturthi Installation in Mumbai

    In Mumbai, Legrand created a unique and interactive experience at the iconic Lalbaug Ganesh Pandal and the electrical market at Lohar Chawl. Visitors had the opportunity to engage with an innovative display featuring the Kamaal Ka Switch – Lyncus, a light and shadow art installation at Lalbaug Cha Raja pandal, captivating devotees as they waited in line for darshan.

    Onam Celebrations in Kerala

    Legrand celebrated the spirit of Onam in retail stores across Trivandrum, Kottayam, Calicut, Thrissur, and Kochi by engaging with over 300 people across more than 90 counters. The festivities included the vibrant presence of Mahabali and Chenda Melam to wish the retailers and electricians in a traditional manner by expressing gratitude through special gifts and local delicacies. The activity entailed showcasing the new product launches – Dizly Distribution Board and Desktop Power Center along with the Kamaal Ka Switch, Lyncus range.

    These festive activities not only enhanced brand visibility but also reinforced Legrand’s commitment to providing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the Indian market. As the company continues to expand its footprint, these engagements exemplify its dedication to fostering strong relationships with both retailers and customers.

    Legrand India director of marketing group, Sameer Saxena stated, “As we embraced the festive spirit, our activities reflected Legrand’s commitment to innovation and connection. The introduction of our Desktop Power Center and Dizly Distribution Board, alongside initiatives like ‘Legrand Ke Superstars,’ allowed us to engage meaningfully with our retail partners and customers. By enhancing their experiences during significant festivals, we not only showcased our cutting-edge solutions but also built lasting relationships within the community. We were excited to be part of these celebrations and looked forward to the continued growth of our brand in India.”
     

  • Legrand & Amaal Malik Electrify with ‘Kamaal ka Switch’ – A symphony of innovation

    Legrand & Amaal Malik Electrify with ‘Kamaal ka Switch’ – A symphony of innovation

    Mumbai: In an exciting collaboration, Legrand, a worldwide pioneer in electrical and digital building infrastructure, has teamed up with renowned musician Amaal Malik to reintroduce its innovative Lyncus Range. The new campaign, titled “Kamaal ka Switch,” features a vibrant music video showcasing the standout features of the Lyncus Range, aimed at engaging a millennial audience.

    A Fresh Marketing Communication

    Originally launched in 2019, the Lyncus Range has evolved in response to the changing preferences of consumers. Today, audiences seek new and innovative experiences, prompting Legrand to refresh its marketing communication. “Kamaal ka Switch” represents this new direction, blending modern aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.

    Highlighting the Lyncus Range

    The Lyncus Range is distinguished by its touch switches, pillow finish plates, and elegant design. These features set it apart from other products in the market. The touch dimmer and switches offer smooth functionality, while the unique pillow finish adds a touch of sophistication. Additionally, the nose pinch design on the switches is a unique element that enhances the user experience.

    The “Kamaal Ka Switch” Music Video

    The storyline of the “Kamaal ka Switch” music video is simple yet engaging. Amaal Malik receives a package and discovers the Lyncus switches, leading him to compose a groovy song inspired by the product. The video showcases the smooth functioning of the touch dimmer and switches, visually highlighting the innovative features of the Lyncus Range.

    Measuring Campaign Success

    The success of the “Kamaal ka Switch” campaign will primarily be measured through social media impressions, given the campaign’s major presence on these platforms. Additionally, insights from partners and market feedback will be used to evaluate the impact of offline promotional activities.

    Looking Ahead

    Legrand remains committed to innovation, with plans that focus on bringing fresh and exciting elements to its customers. The reintroduction of the Lyncus Range exemplifies this commitment, setting the stage for more groundbreaking products in the pipeline.

    Group Legrand India marketing director Sameer Saxena said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Amaal Malik for the ‘Kamaal ka Switch’ campaign, a significant step in redefining how we connect with our audience. The Lyncus Range, with its touch switches and unique pillow finish, represents the perfect blend of technology and style, embodying the spirit of innovation and modernity. This campaign not only highlights the innovative features of our products but also reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences through engaging contemporary communication strategies. The tagline ‘Upgrade to New’ emphasizes the need for an upgrade to modern solutions, reflecting our focus on providing advanced and aesthetically pleasing electrical fittings that meet the evolving needs of our customers”.

    Further, he added, “At Legrand, we continuously strive to enhance customer experiences through innovative solutions, and this campaign is a testament to our commitment to staying ahead of the curve.”

    Group Legrand India’s head of brand & digital business Laxman Tari commented, “Our approach to customer experience is centered on creating meaningful and engaging interactions with our audience, particularly the millennial demographic. The ‘Kamaal ka Switch’ campaign is a testament to this commitment, as we leverage a blend of digital platforms, out-of-home (OOH) advertising, and experiential activations to make a lasting impression. By utilizing digital media, we aim to connect with tech-savvy consumers where they spend most of their time, ensuring our innovative electrical solutions are top of mind.

    The strategic use of OOH advertising helps us reach a broader audience in high-traffic areas, creating widespread visibility and reinforcing our brand presence. Additionally, our experiential activations are designed to provide hands-on, immersive experiences that highlight the unique features of the Lyncus Range, fostering a deeper connection with our products.”

    Further, he added, “This multi-channel approach not only showcases the distinct advantages of our offerings but also solidifies Legrand’s position as a leader in the home automation and electrical fittings industry. Through these efforts, we are committed to driving engagement and encouraging consumers to explore and experience the transformative benefits of our innovative solutions.”

  • Tata Play Binge’s October entertainment extravaganza: The new launches we loved

    Tata Play Binge’s October entertainment extravaganza: The new launches we loved

    Mumbai: Lights, camera, October action! As the vibrant colours of October begin to fade and we cosy up in our blankets, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the cinematic and episodic treasures that graced our screens this month. In the last month, the entertainment industry brought us a stellar lineup of films and series that kept us glued to our seats. From thrilling blockbusters to heartwarming dramas, the past month was nothing short of a cinematic rollercoaster. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and join Tata Play Binge as we explore the top movies and series that shone brightly in October.

    Gadar 2 on ZEE5

    Gadar 2 is a Bollywood action drama film directed and produced by Anil Sharma. It is a sequel to the 2001 film Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and features the same old cast of Sunny Deol, and Ameesha Patel but now along with Utkarsh Sharma, and Aamir Naik in prominent roles. The storyline provides the original fans a glimpse into the Tara Singh family now set in 1971 as Tara Singh returns to Pakistan to rescue his imprisoned son Charanjeet “Jeete” Singh. The film became a commercial success as it grossed 685.19 crores worldwide, making it the seventh highest-grossing Bollywood film ever. This high-octane drama had everything the 90’s kids look for in a Bollywood Masala movie. So grab that popcorn and witness the iconic hand pump moment again in Sunny Paaji style.

    Permanent Roommates Season 3 on Amazon Prime Video

    TVF’s Permanent Roommates made its debut on YouTube in 2014, and its groundbreaking success led to a lineup of web series being produced as it opened up the content industry to the concept of long-format shows. Now, after a seven-year hiatus, the beloved cast, Nidhi Singh and Sumit Vyas and others reunite for Season 3. In this new season, Tanya contemplates leaving the country for new experiences, while Mikesh secretly resists the idea. The series not only delves into their lives but also explores their parents’ journeys. With five engaging episodes, it follows their quest for permanent residency in Canada and the events that unfold, while keeping the essence of Tannu and Mikki alive all through the season. With the quirks of Mikesh accompanied by the antics of Tanya, this season of Permanent Roommates will leave you wanting more, yet satisfied with the way the series concludes. Binge on all the episodes if you haven’t yet!

    Kaala Paani on Netflix

    Kaala Paani presents a compelling narrative set in the near future on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their unexplored history. In 2027, a deadly virus threatened the island, but authorities initially dismissed it, putting lives at risk. The series, created and co-directed by Sameer Saxena, explores the moral and ethical dilemmas in handling such sensitive situations, making it thought-provoking. The exceptional cast, including Mona Singh and Ashutosh Gowariker, delivers powerful performances, while the series weaves themes of human greed, politics of emotions, inclusivity, and man vs. nature into a heart-wrenching tale of separation and choice.

    Scam 2003: The Telgi Story on SonyLiv

    ‘Scam 2003’ follows in the footsteps of its acclaimed predecessor, ‘Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story’. This time, it delves into the world of Abdul Karim Telgi, a humble fruit seller who ascended to become the mastermind behind a colossal stamp paper fraud. While Gagan Dev Riar delivers a compelling portrayal of Telgi, the series, helmed by showrunner Hansal Mehta and directed by Tushar Hiranandan takes us through the intricate web of forgery and government corruption that fueled Telgi’s empire, offering a peek into his manipulative tactics and the entangled network of collaborators. With only a portion of the episodes released, ‘Scam 2003’ is yet to fully unveil the scale of Telgi’s operations leaving viewers intrigued but awaiting more.

    Aakhri Sach on Disney+ Hotstar

    Aakhri Sach is a crime thriller series inspired by the tragic Burari incident, which revolves around the suspected suicides of 11 family members spanning three generations. The show follows a dedicated police officer, Anya played by Tamannaah Bhatia, tasked with investigating the unsettling mass suicide. However, as the series unfolds, it grapples with the challenge of balancing the gruesome reality of the event with fictional storytelling. The story still manages to grip the audience even after the end is known. This definitely should be on your watchlist if you haven’t binged on it yet.

    John Wick : Chapter 4 on Lionsgate Play

    The awaited return of Keanu Reeves as the legendary assassin John Wick! Directed by Chad Stahelski, the film is the latest instalment in the action-packed franchise. In this chapter, John Wick faces off against the High Table, the organisation that has marked him for death. With an arsenal of weapons and his unparalleled combat skills, John Wick takes on new adversaries. As John Wick embarks on a mission to earn his freedom, the film promises more intense action sequences, complex choreography, and breathtaking visuals, making it a thrilling addition to the franchise.

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  • Legrand India revolutionises customer experience with E-Shop launch

    Legrand India revolutionises customer experience with E-Shop launch

    Mumbai: Today, Legrand India unveiled a groundbreaking digital strategy that promises to redefine the customer experience in the electrical and digital building infrastructure sector. Named “E-Shop,” this direct-to-customer (D2C) platform boasts a highly interactive website and a suite of digital channels. It is catering to a diverse clientele, including homeowners and remote electricians. As a market leader, Legrand is set to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity in India with free-of-cost deliveries.

    This exciting new venture was formally inaugurated by  Legrand Group in India MD & CEO Tony Berland in a recently held event, accompanied by a fresh logo, innovative services, and a pioneering marketing campaign. The E-Shop’s success was validated through a rigorous five-month beta testing phase, serving over 200 customers monthly and seamlessly integrating with Legrand’s extensive ecosystem.

    Legrand India director of sales Samir Kakkar stated, “In addition to our existing channels, such as projects, panel builders, system integrators, and retail counters, we recognised the burgeoning growth of e-commerce in India. To align with our ambitious goals, we have established a dedicated channel – digital business & emerging channel, which manages our e-commerce and omnichannel operations. Our sellers and fulfilment partners are our trusted distributors, fostering a robust nationwide distribution network.”

    While D2C marks a promising journey for Legrand, it builds on a digital foundation established through previous initiatives. Legrand India has already achieved substantial business success worth Rs 230 million through digital platforms like Meta, Google, Indiamart, and Amazon. This favourable response paved the way for the creation of a dedicated E-Shop for Indian consumers, which is poised for further growth with targeted customer acquisition and content strategies.

    Legrand India brand digital business and emerging channels Laxman Tari elucidated, “We are actively working on enhancing the customer experience through various projects aimed at simplifying the online purchasing journey. These initiatives will propel our product category into a prominent position on the online selling platform, with stages of implementation expected within the next six months.”

    Legrand India’s head of director marketing Sameer Saxena, emphasised, “Legrand is renowned for its product innovation and disruptive marketing strategies. We have meticulously studied consumer behaviour, trends, and patterns to ensure unmatched customer satisfaction. Our introduction of modern trade concepts in the electrical industry has borne fruit, with 45 showrooms across India. We aim to replicate this success in the realm of e-commerce.”

    Behind the seemingly simple concept of an E-Shop lies a web of innovation. To meet the critical demand for defined product availability, Legrand established a dedicated slot in its warehouse, swiftly accessible to sellers. The E-Shop is equipped with a dedicated call centre to promptly address customer queries and complaints. Additionally, Legrand has harnessed the power of machine learning with ‘Chatbot – LIVA,’ offering real-time transaction updates, product inquiries, and efficient complaint handling.

    To bolster consumer confidence in shipping and logistics, Legrand has forged a pan-India partnership with ‘Delhivery.’

    As the Internet of Things (IoT) drives demand for smart home products across India, Legrand’s E-Shop is poised to become the go-to destination for these offerings. Customers can now effortlessly embark on the journey to make their homes smarter. The E-Shop even offers the option to book an appointment with an expert for a personalized smart home experience.

    With this groundbreaking E-Shop, Legrand reaffirms its commitment to pioneering innovation in the electrical and digital building infrastructure industry, setting new standards for customer satisfaction and convenience. For more information and to experience the future of electrical infrastructure, visit Legrand E-Shop.

  • TVF eyes regional content and new genres in 2020

    TVF eyes regional content and new genres in 2020

    MUMBAI: After a year of “phenomenal growth”, The Viral Fever (TVF) is looking at 2020 to be more exciting and hectic. While TVF will continue to work with OTT platforms it collaborated with in 2019, it is also open to uploading content on its own app TVFPlay. The premium and one of the early digital content creators of India will also look at regional shows in this year.

    “In that way, we are very unique. We are one of the leading content creators. At TVF what we want to be known as the guys who give the best stories, best shows in the country. Where we do it, that’s something we are open to. We are open to collaborating with other OTTs, we are open to putting it on our own app,” TVF Originals chief content officer and head Sameer Saxena said talking about how they want to build TVF’s identity going forward.

    “We are actually looking at regional shows in 2020. We are working on Marathi shows. We want to line up shows in Tamil and Telugu too. In 2020, we will get into regional space and we will later expand into other languages,” Saxena commented.

    In 2019, the platform has produced shows for major OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, SonyLIV, MX Player, etc. According to Saxena, the deals have worked in favour of brand TVF. He said the alliances have helped them to increase reach because all these platforms have their own set of audience. Hence, working with them opens up the opportunity to reach them. The platform is also looking at expanding these numbers.

    The company produced Immature on MX Player, Tripling season 2 and Gullak for SonyLIV. Kota Factory was another hit from the creator which went on TVFPlay and YouTube. Saxena noted that they want to continue short-form content and branded content pieces for TVFPlay. They are concentrating on short form for TVFPlay which they are not doing for any other OTT platform.  

    “We will continue to work with brands; we will do short-form content. These channels can be a learning stage for new writers,” he added on TVFPlay.

    “Overall content strategy for TVF would be to make more shows, make shows in different genres, languages. We are exploring supernatural and horror amongst others,” he commented.

    Talking about noticeable changes in the OTT ecosystem, Saxena said that more players have come in and different types of stories are being told across platforms. He also added that new types of stories are getting accepted too. Saxena perceives it as a great sign as going forward TVF also wants to tell different stories.

  • Amazon Prime Video to launch Amazon Original Series ‘Hostel Daze’ on 13 Dec

    Amazon Prime Video to launch Amazon Original Series ‘Hostel Daze’ on 13 Dec

    MUMBAI: Amazon Prime Video has announced the launch of its latest Amazon Original Series Hostel Daze, created by The Viral Fever (TVF). Marking the first association with Indian youth's much loved content provider, TVF, the five-part comedy-drama brings to life the adventures of four hostel wing-mates, Ankit, Chirag, Jaat and Jhaatu as they embark on an adventurous journey full of challenges, adventures and friendships they will forever cherish. Starring budding talent, Nikhil Vijay, Luv, Shubham Gaur and Adarsh Gaurav, the series launches on 13th December, 2019 across 200 countries and territories on Prime Video.

    Amazon Prime Video India  director and head content Vijay Subramaniam said, “Amazon Prime Video continues to reiterate its promise of creating entertaining content for customers across all ages and genres of entertainment. The Viral Fever is known for their engaging content especially in the young adult space and Hostel Daze is a perfect example of that. It’s a highly entertaining series, and we are confident that it will resonate really well with today’s youth. Mark your calendars, for a fun, breezy and entertaining binge-watch, starting 13th December, 2019.”

    TVF Originals chief content officer and head Sameer Saxena said, "This is an exciting time for Indian content players, as the entertainment industry is witnessing a seismic change with the ever-growing demand for homegrown content. Amazon Prime Video has set its mark as a diversified content provider across the world and we are excited about collaborating with them. Hostel Daze is a light-hearted series underlined with emotions that brings to fore the journey of Indian students, as they learn to survive & thrive the ‘hostel life’. We’re optimistic that the show will bring back memories for the ones who’ve lived in hostels, relate to the ones who currently are and set expectations for the ones who’re preparing to start their hostel life.”

    Hostel Daze depicts the life of students living or we should say surviving in a Hostel through the adventures of four wing-mates -Ankit, Chirag, Jaat and Jhaatu. As they embark on this journey, facing a variety of challenges and overcoming most of them through new learnings; they develop strong bonds that they shall cherish forever. While navigating through this new phase in life and feelings of vulnerability and nervous excitement that surround the four boys, they find their true identities. In the process, they create a home away from their homes with their own set of random rules. They argue, jostle, hustle but sometimes unite to survive the first semester.

    Hostel Daze is poised to strike the right chord with the booming young adult audience. Catering to the needs of this segment, Amazon has made its Prime membership even more affordable with a “youth offer” of 50% cashback on its Annual Prime membership of INR 999. Customers in the age bracket of 18-24 years can avail this exciting offer by signing up for Prime and verifying their age on the Amazon app.