Tag: Sony LIV

  • RodBez makes waves on Shark Tank India 3

    RodBez makes waves on Shark Tank India 3

    Mumbai: Content has the power to drive behavioral change, surpassing traditional instructional methods. In the past two seasons, the tank has seen pitches spanning various industries, from apps and stationery to beauty and beyond. An innovative pitch poised to enter the tank is Rodbez—a revolutionary platform offering one-way taxi, taxipool, and carpool services. Notably, the latest shark, OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal was captivated by this pitch. He expressed enthusiasm for the emergence of localized solutions that enhance life in tier 2 cities, stating, “Pehle badhe badhe sheheron mein chhoti chhoti baatein hoti thi. Ab chhote chhote sheheron mein badhe badhe business ban rahe hain!”

    Co-founded by Dilkhush Kumar and Siddharth Shankar Jha hailing from Bihar aims to address the challenges posed by unorganised taxi services in the state, setting the stage for a transformative commuting experience with their business Rodbez. The core mission of the business is to enhance the commuting experience for countless passengers in Bihar by offering a cost-effective solution that reduces expenses by up to 40 per cent and eliminates the need for both-side fares. What sets RodBez apart is not just its innovative approach but also the personal journey of Dilkhush Kumar, who shares his inspiring story of overcoming job rejections to drive positive change in Bihar.

    Ritesh Agarwal said, “India’s entrepreneurship scene has come of age and startups like RodBez are a sterling example of that shift. No idea is too ambitious, and no dream is too big. It doesn’t matter where you come from as long as you’re focused on where you’re headed. There are hundreds of hinterland businesses like RodBez that have pioneered frugal innovation and have the potential to build not only for India but the world.”

    The big question still lingers – with an ask of Rs 50 lakhs for five per cent equity, will the Sharks join this mission to usher in a new era of taxi services in Bihar?

    Don’t forget to watch this extraordinary pitch on Shark Tank India 3 on Sony LIV.
     

  • Shark Tank India mein sabse important kya?

    Shark Tank India mein sabse important kya?

    Mumbai: In a hilarious turn of events, the seasoned Sharks found themselves caught in a lively debate over who truly reigns supreme in the entrepreneurial waters. Surprisingly, the contenders were not budding business tycoons but the unsung heroes of the set—the iconic door, the plush seating area, and the prestigious podium—all vying for the spotlight in their own unique ways.

    Amidst laughter and the sweet banter, these set elements boldly declared, “We are the stars here!” The Sharks responded with a proposal that left everyone in stitches—”why not turn this backstage showdown into a venture by auctioning off these scene-stealers?”

    Get ready to witness these Sharks in the tank! As they are not just investing in groundbreaking pitches but are selling the elements of the stage for success!

     

     

    The panel of season three includes – CarDekho Group – InsuranceDekho.com CEO & co-founder Amit Jain, Shaadi.com – People Group founder & CEO Anupam Mittal, SUGAR Cosmetics co-founder & CEO Vineeta Singh, Lenskart CEO & co-founder Peyush Bansal,

    Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd executive director Namita Thapar, boat co-founder & CMO Aman Gupta, Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal, Inshorts co-founder & CEO, Azhar Iqubal, OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal, Edelweiss MF MD & CEO Radhika Gupta, ACKO founder and CEO Varun Dua, UpGrad co-founder and chairperson Ronnie Screwvala.

    Watch Shark Tank India 3 from 22 January on Sony LIV!

  • Edelweiss Mutual Fund’s Radhika Gupta joins Shark Tank India 3 as judge

    Edelweiss Mutual Fund’s Radhika Gupta joins Shark Tank India 3 as judge

    Mumbai: The newest addition to the Shark Tank India 3 judging panel, Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund is the perfect blend of elegance and ambition. Sharing inspiring thoughts from her simple observations of day-to-day life, Radhika is ready to collaborate with India’s one of the most loved shows – Shark Tank India for Season 3. Celebrating Radhika’s unapologetic self and fierce approach we bring instances that had all of us thinking.

    Lauding the elegance of the most beautiful piece of clothing, a saree, Radhika supports Indian traditional attire and promotes Indian handloom and artisans. She brings her conversation into her attire by donning a beautiful peach saree with the Indian Rupee and investment symbol drawn all over it. She combined her feminine side to her finance background with the brilliance of fashion and styling, sending a powerful statement that women can reach great heights, generate substantial wealth, and bring about positive change in the world.

    Radhika was drawn by the unparalleled popularity and the influence Shark Tank India has on the new-age entrepreneurs. She wants to educate the people of India about the importance of investing and mutual funds by bringing her years of experience in analyzing Indian companies to this national stage. Radhika wants to encourage the undiscovered potential of the youth across cities to build businesses of 5 cr to 100 cr and more. Through this new season, our newest shark, Radhika, is pumped and excited to back its unique and thoughtful business.

    All set to stream on Sony LIV from the 22 January, the lineup of sharks this year includes Aman Gupta (boAt co-founder and CMO), Amit Jain (CarDekho, and InsuranceDekho CEO and co-founder), Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com – People Group founder and CEO), Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals ED), Vineeta Singh ( SUGAR Cosmetics co-founder and CEO), Peyush Bansal ( Lenskart.com founder and CEO), Ritesh Agarwal ( OYO Rooms founder and CEO), Deepinder Goyal (Zomato founder and CEO), Ronnie Screwvala (Upgrad co-founder and chairperson), and Azhar Iqubal (Inshorts co-founder and CEO). The show is hosted by comedian – Rahul Dua.

    Watch Shark Tank India 3 from 22 January on Sony LIV!

  • White Rivers Media gears up for the New Year by clocking 25 business accounts in Q4 2023

    White Rivers Media gears up for the New Year by clocking 25 business accounts in Q4 2023

    Mumbai: The last quarter of 2023 saw White Rivers Media do campaigns for Frooti, Dettol, Tata NourishCo, Astral, Crunchyroll India, boat, Pass Pass Pulse, Chingles, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Zoomcar, Radico Khaitan amongst others. The agency has seen its business grow on the back of generative AI activations, trend-setting influencer-brand integrations, and evocative digital films, delivering a diverse set of strategic and tactical campaigns for brands across categories.

    This year also saw White Rivers Media launch WRM Digital Studios, an agile digital-first production arm. The studio brought to life Astral Foundation’s initiative to support Rajasthan’s eco-feminist Piplantri village, a drought-proof oasis that celebrates the birth of its daughters by planting saplings.

    Another original production, the #DettolProtectsTomorrow digital film, encouraged the nurturing of childhood curiosity and learning, empowering today’s parents to let their children explore without fear of germs, with the protection of Dettol.

    Swiggy Dineout captured hearts in the cluttered Indian festive season with the #TogetherWaliDiwali film. Reliance Jewels adorned their new collections with films that rekindled India’s love for traditional art. All were conceptualised and produced by WRM.WRM in collaboration with the curativity platform created from scratch the identity of ‘Say Never’, the brand-new caffeine-based energy drink from Tata NourishCo.

    The agency is also entrusted with expanding Frooti’s online presence, while tailoring a bespoke short-video content strategy for Zoomcar. In addition, the agency landed big hits in the AI and CGI arena with compelling content envisioned and engineered for DS Group’s Pulse Candy, Zee5 Global, and Universal Pictures India amongst many others.

     

     

    WRM also carved an all-new niche in the localisation of international internet sensations for India. They brought the multicultural international dance group The Quick Style to the country on multiple occasions, with their most viral piece of content coming from the boAt collaboration.

    The agency also collaborated with boAt to bring global YouTube superstar IShowSpeed to India, who thoroughly enjoyed getting caught up in World Cup fever.

    White Rivers Media co-founder & chief creative officer Mitesh Kothari said, “2023 has been a transformative year for us and for advertising as a whole. We made our aspiration of making WRM a nationwide tech-first creative powerhouse a reality. Given that generative AI is fundamentally altering global creative business models, I am grateful to all our clients who recognise our ability to ensure their brands set pace.”

    Reinforcing their leadership status in the entertainment marketing ecosystem, WRM splashed a larger than life Gadar 2 mural on Mumbai’s tapestry for Zee Studios, crafted a unique Oppenheimer experience on WeTransfer for Universal Pictures India, and spearheaded digital promotions for some marquee shows from Sony LIV and Amazon miniTV.

  • OTT in 2023: A year of moderate success as streaming platforms hit the sweet spot

    OTT in 2023: A year of moderate success as streaming platforms hit the sweet spot

    Mumbai: In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms have become the go-to destination for consumers seeking on-demand content. From Disney+Hotstar to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony LIV, and JioCinema, it’s evident that streaming services have found the elusive sweet spot, achieving a year of moderate success. This success can be attributed to several factors, including content innovation and evolving user experiences.

    According to a report by Ormax Media, they have released select findings of the report, which reveal that the Indian OTT audience universe is currently at 481.1 million (or 48.11 Crore) people. This translated into a penetration of 34 per cent. The report defines an OTT audience who watched at least one online video (free or paid) in the last one month. The report breaks down this universe by gender, age, NCCS, pop strata, states, and cities.

    The report also revealed that there are currently 101.8 million active paid (B2C) OTT subscriptions in India, across 36.4 Million SvOD (B2C) audiences, i.e., an average of 2.8 subscriptions per paying audience member. B2C subscriptions in the report refer to subscribers who have taken a membership directly with the OTT platform, in contrast with B2B subscriptions, which are via telecom packs offered by various operators. Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru are the top three cities on paid subscriptions, with more than six million active paid subscriptions each.

    Regulations

    Another highlighting moment of this year was the introduction of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation Bill) 2023. According to the experts, the government’s move to regulate OTT video streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, SonyLiv, etc., under the bill, could affect content innovation and autonomy, derailing the growth path, experts said. Content on OTTs works on a “pull model”, wherein consumers choose the content. As such, any stringent programme and advertising codes might lead to content censorship and affect the audience experience.

    Once the Bill becomes an Act, it would bring streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hotstar completely within the ambit of the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) without having to rely on the Information Technology Rules, 2021, government officials said.

    The policy experts however said that first, the Bill should clearly mention if this would supersede the IT Act and second, the government can only amend certain codes of ethics in the IT Act instead of bringing them under a new legislation.

    Sports

    Disney+ Hotstar emerged as a powerhouse in 2023, with its decision to offer cricket tournaments — the Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup — free to its mobile users in India. With this, they have set new benchmarks for viewership, redefining the cricketing landscape. The highly anticipated final clash between team India and Australia has not only etched itself into the chronicles of sporting history but has also become the most-watched event ever on both linear TV and digital streaming. It recorded a peak concurrency of 13 Crore viewers on TV and 5.9 crore peak concurrency on Disney+ Hotstar (Digital).

    With the success of both the cricket tournaments, Disney+ Hotstar has also announced this year’s season of Pro Kabaddi League will be available to stream for all the mobile users in India starting 2 December 2023.

    Movies and series of 2023

    Hindi movies like Pathaan, Jawan, Animal, Vaccine War, Gadar 2 Tiger 3, OMG 2, Adipurush etc garned well at the box office and OTT platforms as well.

    There has been a plethora of series from The Railway Men, Kohrra, Trial By Fire, Chamak Scam 2003: The Telgi Story to Taaza Khabar, Farzi, Dahaad, The Night Manager, Citadel etc.

    According to a press statement from Jio Cinema stated that the platform registered 245 crore video views and 540 crore votes across the two months that Bigg Boss OTT 2 streamed on the platform. It also claimed to be the highest viewership for a live streamed event in India, after IPL.

    Reality OTT shows like Shark Tank India Season 2, MasterChef India Season 7, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 15, also fared well at Sony LIV.

  • DishTV’s Watcho – OTT Super App surpasses three million subscriptions within a year of launch

    DishTV’s Watcho – OTT Super App surpasses three million subscriptions within a year of launch

    Mumbai: Dish TV’s new OTT aggregation platform, Watcho – OTT Super App, a one-stop solution for OTT entertainment for all generations, urban and rural alike including the Gen Z, has exceeded the notable milestone of three million paid subscriptions, closely following its attainment of the 2 million subscriber mark in August this year. This is a significant highlight for the platform’s sustained growth in the competitive OTT aggregation and entertainment landscape since its launch in 2022.

    Watcho – Dish TV’s OTT platform has demonstrated exceptional growth, amassing a user base exceeding 90 million since launch, showcasing its dedication towards delivering high-quality entertainment solutions to a diverse audience. The platform not only gained a substantial user base but also solidified its position as a leading OTT solution.

    The success of Watcho is attributed to its unique approach, offering bundled packages of leading OTT platforms under a single subscription along with its own exclusive content under ‘Watcho Exclusives’. This provides users with a seamless and comprehensive entertainment experience, featuring 16 popular platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, Sony Liv, Lionsgate Play, Hungama Play, HoiChoi, Chaupal, Manorama Max, FanCode, Raj Digital, Tarang Plus, ShortsTV, ETV Win, Stage, Aao Nxt, and ‘Watcho Exclusives’.

    The OTT Super App also grants entry to Watcho’s extensive collection of original content, including 45 plus captivating web series, Swag (user-generated content), popular shows, and exclusive live TV. The diverse array of shows covers genres such as romance, corporate conspiracies, family drama, fantasy, adventure, and sci-fi providing seamless access to premium content.

    Commenting on the milestone achievement, Dish TV India Ltd CEO Manoj Dobhal said, “As we celebrate the achievement of three million paid subscriptions on Watcho – OTT Super App, it’s a moment of pride and gratitude. This milestone underscores the resonance of Watcho as a unique offering that provides complete 360-degree OTT entertainment on one platform ‘One hai to done hai’. The audience has validated this new concept and solidified our position as a preferred entertainment destination. We interpret these numbers not just as subscriptions but as a measure of trust, loyalty, and a validation of our commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment.”

    He emphasised, “At Dish TV and Watcho, we are committed to creating a new immersive content experience for our users, and driving business growth through innovative new business streams’

    Dish TV and Watcho corporate head – marketing head Sukhpreet Singh said, “The milestone of 3 million paid subscriptions of Watcho is a testament to the evolving preference of the Indian audience validating that it is a go-to destination of the youth for diverse and engaging entertainment. For user’s, the idea to create their own content and not just consume the given content has given us a significant foothold in the market. Reaching this landmark in just about a year reaffirms our commitment to providing compelling content and innovative products. We look forward to continuously evolving and sustaining this momentum by shaping the future of entertainment”

  • MAGGI Magic sparks up MasterChef India on Sony LIV

    MAGGI Magic sparks up MasterChef India on Sony LIV

    Mumbai: Sony LIV is reigniting the country’s passion for the art of cooking like never before, as MasterChef India is streaming exclusively on the platform from Monday to Friday at 8 p.m. This new season promises to be an absolute feast for viewers across the country. In a unique momentous collaboration, Sony LIV has joined hands with MAGGI Masala-ae-Magic, to set a new benchmark of culinary excellence on MasterChef India.

    MAGGI Masala-ae-Magic by Nestle comes on board as the ‘co-powered by’ sponsor for MasterChef India, bringing with it a unique blend of innovation and flavours. The brand will infuse the show with numerous themes like zero waste, sustainability and fuelling home cooks’ entrepreneurial aspirations.

    Through this partnership, the brand aims to engage with a wide range of consumers and become a trusted ally to home cooks across the country in enhancing the flavour of everyday meals. Nestle and MasterChef India’s share a common vision of celebrating culinary arts, nurturing talent and inspiring food enthusiasts across the nation.

    MasterChef India marks the return of Chef Vikas Khanna and Chef Ranveer Brar, along with the latest addition, Chef Pooja Dhingra, on the judging panel. With their unrivalled expertise serving as the guiding light, 12 passionate home cooks will engage in a fierce culinary battle in the iconic MasterChef kitchen, each vying to emerge as the ultimate MasterChef of the season.

    MasterChef India, co-powered by MAGGI Masala-ae-Magic, streaming exclusively on Sony LIV at 8 p.m.!

    Sony LIV head of ad sales revenue, Ranjana Mangla stated, “ MasterChef India exclusive on Sony LIV has opened to a grand reception. The show with its blend of intense competition and innovative culinary delicacies, offers a plethora of opportunities for curated content innovations. This dynamic environment opens doors for brands to seamlessly integrate their stories in effective and meaningful ways. Nestle’s collaboration with Sony LIV marks a significant milestone to drive associative value and enhance the brand’s core proposition through customized solutions that will enhance the thrill of the competition and reflect our shared commitment to fostering culinary talent.”

    Nestlé India Head – Foods Business Rajat Jain commented, “MAGGI Masala-ae-Magic has been an integral part of Indian kitchens for more than a decade. With a deep understanding of the ever-evolving cooking requirements, we stand as a trusted ally in making everyday meals extraordinary. We look forward to this first-ever association of MAGGI Masala-ae-Magic with MasterChef India. With this association, we hope to inspire all Indian home cooks to believe that they can create magic in their daily cooking.”

  • MasterChef India joins forces with leading brands for Sony LIV exclusive

    MasterChef India joins forces with leading brands for Sony LIV exclusive

    Mumbai: Over the years, MasterChef India has played an integral role in igniting the nation’s passion for food and culinary. In addition, the emergence of the digital age has fuelled the love for food across cultures and continents. Understanding the widespread reach, accessibility of digital platforms, and audience preferences, MasterChef India is now exclusively digital on Sony LIV. This season of MasterChef India captures the aspirations, dreams, and narratives of countless aspiring home cooks who are passionate about the culinary arts.

    This strategic move not only signifies the show’s adaptation to changing viewer patterns but also opens a world of opportunities for advertisers to connect with their audience. Sony LIV is delighted to partner with esteemed sponsors who share the platform’s passion for culinary excellence. Veeba, a leading name in condiments and sauces, has come on board as the co-presenting sponsor and is set to showcase various usages of its products to curate exclusive delectable dishes, adding a dash of unique flavour to MasterChef India. The show is also co-powered by ACKO Health Insurance and Maggi Masala Ae Magic, who will have customized challenges in the show curated specifically to showcase their product offerings and usage.

    Additionally, ITC Aashirvaad Atta, India Gate Basmati Rice, iD Fresh Food, Urban Company, and Welspun have stepped in as partner sponsors, along with Dyson, further enriching the show’s flavour palette.

    Tune in to MasterChef India from October 16 only on Sony LIV!

    Comments

    Sony LIV head ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangla

    Embracing the digital wave, MasterChef India is undoubtedly redefining culinary entertainment for viewers across the country. Each sponsor adds a unique flavour to the show, enhancing the experience for viewers. In this digital-exclusive format, where food meets fierce competition, we are showcasing exciting culinary skills and crafting engaging content bytes for an interactive experience. While we are cooking up a storm of innovation and entertainment, our sponsors are the secret ingredients that make it all possible.

    ACKO EVP marketing Ashish Mishra

    At ACKO, we are disrupting the health insurance space and in MasterChef India we found the perfect partner to drive awareness about it. A healthy lifestyle starts with a healthy diet. We believe that MasterChef India has the power and reach to educate millions of Indians on how to cook and eat healthy. ACKO “health ki baat” is the perfect device to deliver this.

    ITC Ltd COO, staples & adjacencies Anuj Rustagi

    We are delighted to announce our association as partner sponsors with MasterChef India. The show stands for the best-in-class culinary experience created by handpicked chefs. Just like MasterChef contestants infuse their magic into traditional recipes, Aashirvaad Select Atta too is crafted using 100% Sharbati wheat sourced from select farms of Madhya Pradesh, providing consumers with the finest roti experience. This partnership perfectly reflects our shared values of pursuing excellence and pushing the boundaries of innovation. We look forward to seeing how these talented contestants use their creative minds and Aashirvaad Select Atta to bring together innovative and delicious dishes every day.

    KRBL Ltd head of marketing Kunal Sharma

    Our continued partnership with MasterChef India is a testament to our commitment to excellence. As the ‘Masters of Basmati,’ this partnership is as perfect as the ‘Winning Recipe’ – A symphony of flavours, authentically prepared & beautifully served. In this alignment with MasterChef India on Sony LIV, we are also strategically leveraging the expanding OTT landscape to foster a more profound connection with our consumers, ensuring our brand thrives in their hearts and homes.

  • Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 to be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network

    Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 to be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network

    Mumbai: Hockey fans get another chance to watch the Asian Games Bronze Medalist Women’s Hockey team in action as the leading sports broadcaster, Sony Sports Network, is the official broadcaster and Sony LIV is the official streaming partner of the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy to be held in Ranchi from 27 October 2023 to 5 November 2023.

    The continental tournament will feature India alongside Japan, China, Malaysia, Korea and Thailand and will entail a total of 20 matches. The tournament will start with a match between Japan and Malaysia on 27 October 2023, from 4:00 pm IST onward while the Indian Women’s Hockey Team under the able leadership of Captain Savita and her deputy Deep Grace Ekka will play their first game against Thailand on 27 October 2023, from 8:30 PM IST onward. With Asian Games Gold medalist China also in the fray, the Indian team will vie for a stronger show in their backyard and lift the trophy for the first time since 2016.  

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & International business and head – Sports business Rajesh Kaul: “After the medal-winning performance of our women’s team at the Hangzhou, Asian Games, it gives us immense pleasure that we are getting another opportunity to bring high-octane field-hockey action to the fans with the best from Asia battling it out for glory at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy and that too in India. We are looking forward to a successful tournament and hope that we will be able to attract a new set of fans to the sport.”

    Hockey India president Padma Shri Dr Dilip Tirkey: “We are delighted to have Sony Sports Network as the official broadcaster for Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. The women’s team has had a successful campaign in Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games winning the bronze medal and will continue to strive for better in this tournament. Hockey fans will be delighted to watch leading Asian countries vying for top honours in this tournament and with Sony Sports Network on board, we urge everyone to watch our team fight for glory.”

    With its commitment to bringing some of the best action from the Indian sporting arena, Sony Sports Network continues to showcase some of the leading international action featuring Indian athletes after the Asian Games with the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.

    Watch all the action from the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi LIVE on the Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV from 27 October 2023, 4:00 pm IST onward.

    For the latest updates from the world of sport, follow the Sony Sports Network on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

  • MasterChef India – Hindi, Sony LIV introduces two new editions

    MasterChef India – Hindi, Sony LIV introduces two new editions

    Mumbai: Building upon the incredible triumph of reality show MasterChef India – Hindi, Sony LIV proudly unveils the new regional language adaptions, namely MasterChef India – Tamil and MasterChef India – Telugu. The Tamil judging panel will feature – Chef Koushik Shankar, Chef Shreeya Adka and Chef Rakesh Raghunathan whereas the Telugu judging panel will have Chef Sanjay Thumma, Chef Nikitha Umesh and Chef Chalapathi Rao.

    By embracing the Southern adaptation, the franchise aims to establish a sense of relatability and foster a connection between the audience and the cultural nuances. In India, a nation brimming with cross-cultural prospects, every region showcases its unique culinary identity. Through venturing into regional formats, the franchise celebrates and honours the incredible diversity found within the country.

    The shows will witness auditions across the country for the new editions. The competition will be fierce and tasteful as MasterChef India will serve a delectable spectacle, packed with suspense, innovation, and culinary brilliance that will leave viewers’ taste buds tingling and hearts racing!

    Sony LIV head of content Saugata Mukherjee commented, “India is a land of diverse cultures, languages and even of culinary choices. We are excited to announce the expansion of Masterchef in Tamil and Telugu, in keeping with our continued effort to program in regional Indian languages. This expansion of the franchise allows us to discover new cuisines as well as get a new set of home cooks into this already successful show.”