Tag: Saregama

  • Saregama and Filtercopy strike a new note with love, drama and music

    Saregama and Filtercopy strike a new note with love, drama and music

    MUMBAI: When love hits the right note, even a classroom can turn into a concert. Saregama and Filtercopy are tuning into a new frequency of music promotion with Ishq At Campus, a micro drama that doubles as a music launchpad. The project reimagines how India discovers songs, blending heart-fluttering storytelling with the rhythm of melody.

    In what’s being called an industry-first, Saregama has teamed up with Filtercopy to build a short-format narrative series around an EP marking a bold step away from traditional music videos. The collaboration spotlights Saregama’s exclusive artist Maahi and his debut EP Talab, transforming the release into a cinematic slice of college romance.

    Across 1–2 minute episodes, Ishq At Campus follows two students navigating the innocent chaos of first love as they prepare for their college fest. But this isn’t just another campus story, each episode weaves in one of the four songs from Talab (Talab, Dildaari, Rahein, and Vaari Vaari), turning everyday moments into lyrical discoveries.

    Released on October 14, 2025, Talab marks Maahi’s first foray as an EP artist under the Saregama Music label. Instead of relying on the usual promotional playbook, Saregama has chosen to embed the music into a story world where songs aren’t simply played, they’re felt.

    The concept borrows from Filtercopy’s growing expertise in micro dramas, short, binge-worthy narratives tailored for the scroll-happy attention spans of today’s audiences. Known for blending relatability with emotion, Filtercopy’s content naturally complements the breezy beats and youthful spirit of Talab.

    Together, the two powerhouses are rewriting the rules of music marketing, creating a new template for content-driven song discovery. By merging the pace of social media with the pull of storytelling, they’re turning passive listeners into engaged viewers and perhaps even hopeless romantics.

    Available now on Filtercopy’s Instagram and Youtube channels, Ishq At Campus is more than a music promo, it’s a feeling set to a soundtrack. Because in this classroom of content, every chord tells a story, and every scene hums with Talab.

     

  • Pocket Aces plays new card with Finnet investment

    Pocket Aces plays new card with Finnet investment

    MUMBAI: From filters to finance: Pocket Aces cashes in with Finnet. The Saregama-backed digital entertainment company has announced an investment in Finnet Media, a rising star in managing creators across finance, infotainment, and healthcare.

    Finnet, which represents more than 40 influencers including Anushka Rathod, Chandralekha, Shankar Bhalla, and Dr Pal, has worked with over 500 advertisers and built a 50-member team since its humble beginnings in Bhopal. With this deal, it now finds itself on a bigger stage, supported by one of India’s most dynamic media players.

    For Pocket Aces, the move marks a strategic expansion of its creator management arm, Clout, which already works with over 240 talents in entertainment, comedy, fashion, food, and wellness. Together with Finnet, the portfolio now stretches further into finance and health, categories booming with Gen z audiences looking for trustworthy voices.

    Finnet’s founder and CEO Ayush Shukla reflected on the journey: “I started out with no connections, no backing, just belief in creators. Today, to be invested in by Pocket Aces is validation of that belief. With this partnership, we’re set to go deeper into BFSI and health, driving trust, scale, and growth.”

    Pocket Aces co-founder and CEO Aditi Shrivastava echoed the enthusiasm, “Finnet’s creators are the voice through which millions of young Indians understand money, entrepreneurship, and wellness. We believe the creator economy will only grow bigger, shaping how people learn, shop, and engage.”

    From Filtercopy’s viral sketches to Dice Media’s hit shows and now Finnet’s finance-first storytellers, Pocket Aces seems intent on proving one thing, in India’s creator economy, the house always wins.

  • India’s music royalties hit the high notes with Rs 700 crore windfall

    India’s music royalties hit the high notes with Rs 700 crore windfall

    MUMBAI: India’s  music scene is singing a very different tune these days—one that sounds suspiciously like cash registers ringing. Music royalty collections in India have struck a crescendo at Rs 700 crore in 2024, surging 42 per cent year-on-year and quadrupling over five years in a performance that would make even Indian cinema proud.

    The star of this financial symphony? Streaming platforms, which have transformed from industry pariahs into the golden goose laying digital eggs. India’s global ranking for creators’ collections has leapt from a modest thirty seventh position in 2019 to twenty third in 2023, according to the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) in its latest annual report.
    Royalty collectionsBut before the champagne corks start popping in recording studios across the subcontinent, there’s a sobering reality check. Despite the impressive crescendo, India’s royalty collections remain woefully below potential for a market of this magnitude—a case of having the orchestra but missing half the instruments.

    The culprit? Indians’ stubborn reluctance to pay for premium music streaming services. While platforms like Spotify, JioSaavn and Gaana are desperately trying to wean users off their freebie addiction with subscription models—backed by music labels like Saregama—the conversion rate remains sluggish.

    Adding to creators’ woes is the dismal performance of non-digital revenue streams, which continue to hit bum notes. CISAC has been working overtime with the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) to bring global standards to governance, licensing and royalty distribution—essentially teaching old dogs new digital tricks.

    The organisations have crafted a fresh action plan for FY25, designed to explore untapped market potential and identify business opportunities. The blueprint targets improved collections from local digital services whilst diversifying revenue streams beyond the usual suspects.

    With India’s creative economy finally finding its rhythm, the question isn’t whether the music will stop—it’s how loud the next movement will be.

  • GoaFest 2025: Brands swipe right on GenZ  – Spotify, Nivea and Saregama decode the next big consumer wave

    GoaFest 2025: Brands swipe right on GenZ – Spotify, Nivea and Saregama decode the next big consumer wave

    MUMBAI: At Goafest 2025, the panel titled ‘Swipe Right for Relevance: Building Brands Gen Z Cares About’ brought together three brand leaders and one big question: How do brands win over a generation raised on infinite scrolls, sceptical of polished campaigns, and loyal only to authenticity?

    Moderated by journalist and producer Anuradha SenGupta, the panel featured Spotify India MD Amarjit Singh Batra, Nivea India MD Geetika Mehta, and Saregama India MD Vikram Mehra. Together, they delivered a candid crash course in decoding India’s most attention-deficit yet value-driven demographic.

    Batra opened by stating the obvious: Gen Z isn’t just part of Spotify’s strategy—they are the strategy. Over 50 per cent of Spotify’s listeners in India are under 25. “They’re not just listeners, they’re the creators, the curators, the interns, and our future employees,” he said. Spotify’s recent early career postings attracted 3,000 applicants in a few hours—a sign of cultural stickiness few brands can claim.

    Mehta called Gen Z “discerning, not distracted,” adding, “If you give them something of value, they’ll stay longer than six seconds. If you don’t, they’ll scroll faster than your media spend”. For Nivea, that has meant rethinking everything from product development to influencer selection. She admitted, “We never imagined handing the brand to 500 micro-influencers. It’s scary. But it works. We’ve learned to let go.”

    Mehra brought the data to the drama. “Eighty percent of Saregama’s digital engagement comes from Gen Z,” he revealed. But he didn’t stop there. At Saregama, anyone over 30 is officially banned from making music selection decisions. “Every song I pick flops,” he joked. “So we gave the reins to people who are the audience.”

    The panel underscored several hard truths: celebrities don’t sell to Gen Z anymore; authenticity beats aspiration; brand values must go beyond the packaging; and content must be real, not rehearsed. “We don’t just test ads,” said Mehta. “We test brand values—and Gen Z fact-checks.”

    Social listening emerged as a key tool. Batra said, “What Gen Z memes or shares tells us more than any focus group. But attention is expensive—you have to earn it.” Mehra warned against boardroom-led branding, urging top management to “let go” and hand creative control to younger teams.

    As the session closed, panellists shared their Gen Z frustrations. Mehra struggled with their work-life boundaries (“They don’t answer calls after 7 pm”). Mehra cited their need for constant senior engagement. Mehra found it tough to keep up with their multitasking and content standards. “You really have to wow them—just being good isn’t good enough.”

    Gen Z may be the toughest audience yet—but they’re also the most rewarding. And as Goafest day one showed, brands that don’t speak their language may soon be left un-sampled and unused.

    (Pictured above: From left to right – Amarjit Singh Batra, Anuradha SenGupta, Geetika Mehta & Vikram Mehra.)
     

  • Saregama hands public performance licensing rights to Novex

    Saregama hands public performance licensing rights to Novex

    MUMBAI: Entertainment and music catalogue giant Saregama – custodian of over 140,000 musical gems – has signed on the Ketan Kanakia founded Novex Communications for its music catalogue.

    The latter will now collect  public performance licence fees from organisers, if Saregama’s music is being played during on-ground events.

    Recognising Novex’s established presence in the music rights landscape, encompassing labels like Zee Music and YRF, Saregama aims to leverage its expertise to maximise the monetisation of its iconic tracks.

    The partnership, announced via LinkedIn, highlights a shared commitment to “preserving musical legacies” while delivering dynamic live experiences.

  • Saregama snaps up more of Pocket Aces, goes all in on youth initiative

    Saregama snaps up more of Pocket Aces, goes all in on youth initiative

    MUMBAI: Saregama has snapped up a further 36.63 per cent of Pocket Aces for a cool Rs 127.47 crore. This latest splurge, a second tranche if you will, pushes Saregama’s ownership to a dominant 90.37 per cent, leaving little room for anyone else at the digital buffet.

    The deal, finalised on 29 March  2025, sees Saregama hoovering up a veritable smorgasbord of shares, from equity to an array of convertible preference shares. Pocket Aces, boasting a digital empire of 175 million followers across its FilterCopy, Dice Media, Nutshell and Gobble channels, and a talent roster of over 215 influencers via Clout, is now firmly under Saregama’s wing. The company declared this to the BSE through a regulatory filing on Saturday. 

    Pocket Aces, with a back catalogue of over 35,000 content pieces, from digital originals  to those ubiquitous reels, is a digital goldmine for Saregama, keen to woo the 18-35 demographic.

    Pocket Aces’ financials reveal a turnover of Rs 8859.17 lakhs for FY 24, a slight dip from the previous year’s Rs 10267.93 lakhs, but Saregama is betting on synergies, not just spreadsheets. The acquisition, which includes a related party transaction with a Pocket Aces director – all done “at arm’s length”, naturally – is being touted as a strategic masterstroke.

    “This isn’t just about owning content; it’s about owning the conversation,” an industry observer chirped, with the knowledge that  Pocket Aces’ vast network can be used by Saregama to turbocharge its music library.

    With influencers, long-form content, and snackable reels all under one roof, Saregama is clearly aiming to be the king of the digital jungle.

  • Tips Music Limited records Rs 6,482.69 lakh revenue in Q3 FY25

    Tips Music Limited records Rs 6,482.69 lakh revenue in Q3 FY25

    MUMBAI: Tips Music Limited, one of India’s leading entertainment companies, has struck a harmonious chord with its Q3 FY25 results. Founded by the entrepreneurial Kumar Taurani, the company grew from humble beginnings to an entertainment powerhouse with an estimated valuation of Rs 2,500 crore. Known for its vast library of over 25,000 songs and its knack for identifying talent, Tips Music has become synonymous with Indian cinema hits and evergreen melodies.

    As competition heats up, Tips Music faces stiff challenges from heavyweights like T-Series and Saregama, which dominate the Indian music industry with their extensive catalogues of film, devotional, and indie music. But Tips isn’t just playing second fiddle—it’s expanding aggressively into the digital space, forging partnerships with streaming giants and exploring new verticals like live events and licensing. The acquisition of regional music rights and a foray into independent artist promotions show that Tips is striking all the right notes.

    But as with any chart-topper, the journey comes with its share of high notes and challenges. Will Tips Music hit a crescendo, or will it need to retune to keep up with the industry tempo?

    In Q3 FY25, Tips Music achieved total income of Rs 6,825.79 lakh, up from Rs 6,466.33 lakh in the previous quarter. Other income contributed Rs 344.70 lakh, adding depth to the financial performance. Expenses, however, surged to Rs 5,911.24 lakh, with content costs hitting Rs 2,271.01 lakh and employee benefits reaching Rs 344.70 lakh.

    Despite these expenses, the company played a strong financial tune. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at Rs 914.55 lakh, showcasing operational efficiency amidst rising costs. The Profit After Tax (PAT) for the quarter stood at Rs 422.65 lakh, reflecting solid profitability in a competitive entertainment industry. Notably, the EBITDA for the quarter came in at Rs 1,455.15 lakh, demonstrating the company’s ability to manage operations effectively.

    When it comes to shareholder rewards, Tips Music hit all the right notes with its consistent dividend strategy. The company declared a third interim dividend for the financial year 2024-2025 at Rs. 3/- per equity share (a staggering 300% on the fully paid-up shares of Re. 1/- each). Now, isn’t that the kind of tune investors love to groove to?

    For the nine months ended 31 December 2024, Tips Music posted total revenues of Rs 23,219.78 lakh, a significant rise from the previous year’s Rs 17,832.57 lakh. PAT for this period reached Rs 1,359.02 lakh, reinforcing the company’s ability to balance growth and profitability. With EBITDA for the nine months clocking in at Rs 4,107.34 lakh, the company has shown resilience and operational finesse despite a challenging landscape.

    The company’s continued focus on content creation and digital distribution has paid off, with streaming platforms driving revenue growth. The entertainment industry, buoyed by growing digital consumption, provides a ripe environment for the company to expand its presence.

    As the entertainment landscape evolves, competition intensifies. Will Tips Music continue to hit the high notes, or will the cacophony of new entrants drown out its melody? Can their vast library of over 25,000 songs keep listeners grooving, or will shifting consumer preferences force them to remix their strategy?

    But let’s face it—staying on top of the charts takes more than just one hit single. It requires a finely tuned orchestra of innovation, agility, and maybe even a few encores.

     

  • Saregama  partners with MTV Hustle 4 to elevate India’s rap game

    Saregama partners with MTV Hustle 4 to elevate India’s rap game

    Mumbai: MTV Hustle is teaming up with Saregama to elevate Indian hip-hop and provide emerging artists the spotlight they deserve. As per the press release music label gains exclusive audio-video rights to all music from MTV Hustle Season 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop and the first opportunity to sign any of the 15 talented contestants. This strategic alliance marks a key moment in the evolution of Indian hip-hop, pushing rap culture into the mainstream while offering a powerful platform for artists to break into the music industry.

    A press release states that with this partnership, MTV Hustle 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop is set to elevate Indian rap to new heights, ensuring wider visibility for contestants across major platforms. It further strengthens MTV Hustle’s reputation for nurturing fresh talent and expanding the boundaries of Indian rap within a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

    FilterCopy, a sister concern of Saregama, joins as an Associate Sponsor for MTV Hustle Season 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop. As part of this collaboration, FilterCopy will feature a segment, ‘FilterCopy Freshly Brewed Bangers’, showcasing standout rap performances from each episode. Popular FilterCopy talent will collaborate with contestants to create engaging content, leveraging the platform’s audience to amplify the rap movement. Fans can also contribute lyrics through user-generated content (UGC), fostering a community-driven celebration of rap culture.

    Anshul Ailawadi business head of youth, music & English, said, “MTV has a rich legacy of producing culture-shaping music. Over the years, MTV Hustle has grown to become the definitive melting pot of desi hip hop music, as extremely talented rap artists vie for glory in each edition. As we strive to build these young artists, Saregama makes for a great partner, to take this modern music format to new audiences. Personally, I am thrilled to see the Saregama team share our vision of building new talent and showcasing fresh music globally.”

    FilterCopy D2C business head Vishwanath Shetty commented, “As one of the first pop culture creators on digital, FilterCopy has always championed fresh talent and created content that resonates deeply with India’s youth. Our partnership with MTV Hustle, the biggest talent discovery platform for hip hop in India, reflects this ethos, enabling us to celebrate the dynamic art of rap while crafting immersive experiences for young audiences.”

    Season 4 of MTV Hustle Hip Hop Don’t Stop promises to be an unforgettable ride, with Saregama and FilterCopy’s collaboration setting the stage for unparalleled entertainment and showcasing the country’s best rap talent. Tune in and catch the latest in India’s rap revolution!

  • Saregama partners with Daler Mehndi to elevate his live performances

    Saregama partners with Daler Mehndi to elevate his live performances

    Mumbai: Saregama has announced the addition of iconic artist Daler Mehndi to its roster. This collaboration aims to enhance his live performance business across platforms, including colleges, festivals, and corporate events. Known as the ‘Messiah of Masti’ and the Father of Indian Pop Bhangra music, Daler Mehndi’s influence as a live performer aligns well with Saregama’s mission.

    Daler Mehndi has spent decades shaping the live music scene, captivating audiences with his stage presence and performances. His shows have set industry benchmarks. Partnering with Saregama, recognised for its artist management and live events, promises to elevate Daler Mehndi’s performances, offering fans an enhanced experience. Saregama’s recent successes, including concerts with Divine, the ‘Yeh Shaam Mastani’ show featuring Zeenat Aman, and the upcoming 13-city ‘Dil-Luminati India tour’ with Diljit Dosanjh, showcase the label’s expertise in producing large-scale events.

    Mehndi said, “I am thrilled to be joining hands with Saregama. Their reputation in artist management and live events is unmatched, and I’m excited to embark on this new journey with them. Together, we will bring more energy, more music, and more unforgettable performances to audiences around the world.”

    Amidst other releases by the artist, Daler Mehndi’s refreshed version of his iconic party anthem ‘Na Na Na Na Na Re,’ the song, which originally united generations on the dance floor, has been given a modern twist and is already being embraced by fans, globally across age groups. With over seven million streams in a week of release, this remix has reaffirmed its place as a timeless hit.

    “We are proud to welcome Daler Mehndi to our roster,” said Saregama’s SVP, films and events – Siddharth Anand Kumar. “Daler Mehndi is more than just an artist—he is an emotion. His energy, his music, and his presence have always had a special connection with fans. At Saregama, we have the expertise in both artist management and live event production to support him and take his performances to even greater heights. Together, we will continue to push boundaries and reach new milestones.”

    Beyond his musical endeavors with hits like ’Jaragandi’, Daler Mehndi has also been expanding his artistic footprint. Marking 30 successful years in the music industry, the legendary Daler Mehndi is expected to innovate and provide a new sound – Rabab. Fans can expect more on this from the artist in the coming months.

    With this powerful partnership, Daler Mehndi and Saregama are set to redefine the landscape of live performances and continue their legacy of delivering unforgettable music and entertainment.

  • One Health Assist appoints Divya Dixit as chief growth officer

    One Health Assist appoints Divya Dixit as chief growth officer

    Mumbai: One Health Assist has announced the appointment of business strategy veteran, Divya Dixit, as chief growth officer. In this role, Divya will be responsible for spearheading the organisation’s innovative growth initiatives, driving revenue generation through strategic partnerships and multi-channel marketing efforts, both in domestic and international markets.

    With over 25+ years of diverse experience in growth marketing, digital transformation, and business expansion, Divya has previously worked with leading organizations such as Alt Balaji, ZEE5, Saregama, Tata Docomo, Star TV, UTV, Sony Entertainment, and Barista Coffee. Her ability to scale businesses and transform brands has consistently delivered impressive results across sectors, establishing her as a leader in growth-driven roles. At Alt Balaji, under her four year leadership tenure, it witnessed a stupendous business growth, growing from a seven crore topline to a 110 Crore.

    As the CGO, Divya’s mandate focuses on driving business to consumer revenue for the brand and strategic business collaborations as well as focus on wellness and ecommerce divisions. Her role will encompass creating and executing growth-driven strategies that expand the company’s footprint in India as well as International Markets, ensuring the brand’s continued upward trajectory.

    One Health Assist founder Davinder Bhasin expressed his enthusiasm about her appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Divya onboard as our Chief Growth Officer. Her exceptional portfolio in scaling companies through growth as well as strategic initiatives speaks for itself and she will play a crucial role in our vision to be the market leader as we enter this dynamic phase in the healthcare sector.”

    One Health Assist co-founder Karan Arora added, “Divya’s proven track record of driving growth across diverse industries speaks volumes. As a forward-thinking healthcare ecosystem, One Health Assist will rapidly establish its market presence and Divya’s fresh perspective will be key to revolutionizing healthcare ecosystem”

    Speaking on her new role, Dixit said, “I’m excited to join One Health Assist at such an inflection point for the healthcare sector. Leveraging my experience across industries and startups, I look forward to driving top line initiatives that will further One Health Assist’s mission to revolutionize healthcare through digital transformation as well as driving incredible consumer experience. The brand is uniquely positioned to be an industry leader, and I’m eager to be a part of this growth curve.”