MUMBAI: The movie business just got a new soundtrack partner and this time, it’s playing to a global beat. Universal Music India (UMI), the Indian arm of Universal Music Group, has inked a strategic tie-up with Maddock Films and its new music label, Mad For Mussic, founded by producer-director Dinesh Vijan. The deal will see UMI serve as Maddock’s worldwide strategic partner for future film soundtracks and allied offerings.
For UMI, it’s more than just a duet, it’s a full-blown re-entry into India’s most dominant music category: film soundtracks. With UMG’s global network as its amplifier, Maddock’s repertoire will now find international stages, while UMI cements its foothold in a market where movies and music are inseparable.
Maddock Films, which has carved its niche with hits like Stree, Bhediya, Munjya and the upcoming Thama, has long treated music as central to its storytelling. Its chartbuster “Pardesiya” from Param Sundari is a case in point, having ruled social media and streaming platforms alike. “Our cinema is the cinema of real India,” said Vijan. “Music has always been one of its pillars. With UMG, we’re ready to scale that ambition.”
Universal, of course, is no stranger to Hindi film soundtracks. Its catalogue has spanned classics from Sholay and Deewar to Devdas and Bombay. But this partnership marks a sharp pivot to contemporary hindi film industry, with an eye on both local dominance and global resonance.
Calling the deal “a crucial step forward,” UMG’s Adam Granite hailed Vijan as “a first-class storyteller with an unparalleled ear for music.” UMI’s India MD Sanujeet Bhujabal called Maddock’s output “fearless, forward-thinking storytelling,” while India SA chairman & CEO Devraj Sanyal noted that the move comes at “the perfect time” for UMI to re-enter the Indian film music market.
With Maddock’s track record of genre-defining cinema from horror-comedies to mainstream hits and UMI’s global muscle, the stage is set for Hindi soundtracks to travel farther and louder than ever. Call it a match made in musical heaven, with India’s stories and songs primed for a world tour.
Mumbai: Move over metro pop and recycled remixes, India’s newest boy band is here, and they’re ready to make some noise straight out of Outstation. In a move set to reboot India’s pop landscape, Visva Records India, helmed by global music powerhouse Savan Kotecha, has launched Outstation, a five-member teen boy band aimed squarely at the hearts (and playlists) of young India.
The group Bhuvan Shetty (22, Udupi), Hemang Singh (20, Prayagraj), Mashaal Shaikh (21, Goa), Kurien Sebastian (20, Delhi-raised Malayali), and Shayan Pattem (17, Hyderabad) were handpicked from thousands through a nationwide talent hunt. The final five emerged after a high-intensity bootcamp in Goa with 12 shortlisted contenders, making their debut a blend of hustle, harmony, and hope.
At the helm of this pop experiment is Savan Kotecha, the 17-time Grammy nominee and songwriting brain behind hits for One Direction, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, and most recently, Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh’s chart-topping duet “Sapphire”. Kotecha’s latest venture aims to give India what it’s been missing, a fresh, youthful boy band that mirrors the diversity, charm, and talent of today’s young generation.
“India has always had the talent, but not the pop group to match,” said Kotecha. “With OutStation, we’re flipping the script these boys represent not just metros, but every corner of India.”
Backed by Republic Records and Universal Music India, OutStation’s launch is more than a band debut, it’s a strategic swing at creating India’s first mainstream Gen Z pop act, a space that’s long been dominated by Western imports. For Visva Records, which already boasts seven tracks in Spotify’s Global Top 25 (courtesy of its work on the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack), the group is a bet on building pop icons from the ground up.
With slick production, personality-driven storytelling, and a roadmap rooted in long-term artist development, Outstation isn’t just a boy band, it’s a youth movement on a melody mission.
As teen hearts and Spotify stats start to sync, one thing’s clear: the next big pop wave in India won’t be coming from a big city, it’ll be rolling in from OutStation.
MUMBAI: From showroom floor to streaming charts, Hyundai is back to tuning India into fresh sounds. On 8 April 2025, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) rolled out season three of Hyundai Spotlight, its buzzing artist-first music platform powered in partnership with Universal Music Group for Brands (UMGB).
The goal? Take rising artists from playlists to primetime.
After clocking over 150 million YouTube views and delivering 12 original tracks in its first two seasons, the platform now welcomes a brand-new wave of sonic storytellers. This time, expect a six-track series featuring dynamic collabs between big-ticket names and breakout stars. Think Javed Ali, Aditya Rikhari, Gajendra Verma, Wazir Patar, DigV and more jamming with exciting young voices like Vidhya Gopal, Jeona Sandhu, and Ravator. The first drop, Koyal, is already out and turning ears.
“At Hyundai, innovation and customer experience are at the heart of everything we do. Hyundai Spotlight embodies this vision, creating a platform that blends talent with innovation to deliver unparalleled entertainment. More than just a stage, it is a movement that nurtures and empowers young Indian artists to express themselves through music. Hyundai Spotlight deeply resonates with our aspirational customer base, offering an unforgettable experience and fueling the dreams of an enthusiastic audience. Our collaboration with UMGB over the past two years has been incredibly rewarding, built on a shared commitment to excellence. As we launch the third edition, I am confident that this year will be an even greater success, driven by the energy and artistry of exceptional musicians across our great country,” said Hyundai Motor India Ltd whole-time director & COO Tarun Garg.
Since its launch in December 2021, Hyundai Spotlight has pushed boundaries by pairing emerging talent with industry icons for collaborative originals. What began as an auto brand’s foray into culture has become a legit launchpad for the country’s next musical legends.
“Artist-first is a motto that we at UMG have ingrained within our very fabric. It’s at the core of our business and with Hyundai, we have found the perfect partner to take this forward into the consumer space. The very thought of giving new emerging music talent a chance to collaborate with some of the most established names in the business, in order to create music that is at once relevant and resonates, is an exciting one. We have worked on this dream painstakingly now for over three years, spanning two seasons, and created an enabling platform for artists of all ages to express themselves. We applaud and we stand as proud collaborators with Hyundai on this journey, as we enter Season 3. I hope we continue on this path for many seasons to come,” said Universal Music India and south Asia chairman & CEO Devraj Sanyal.
The launch event in Mumbai didn’t shy away from star power either. Artists, creators, and fans showed up in full throttle, proving that Spotlight isn’t just a campaign — it’s a scene. With AI-generated acoustics, acoustic remixes, and genre-bending collabs promised, this season isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about playing it loud, proud, and unapologetically different.
What next? Five more original tracks, genre mashups, and possibly the next viral voice. Hyundai Spotlight isn’t just hitting play. It’s rewiring how brands, beats, and dreams collide.
Mumbai: Hyundai Spotlight, the platform known for its innovative musical creations, is thrilled to announce the release of its 5th song- “Laike Gaddi”, a mesmerizing love story brought to life through music.
This enchanting composition narrates the heartwarming journey of love portrayed by the charismatic Jassie Gill, and his love interest, the talented Veera Takker. Set against the backdrop of vibrant Punjab, the song captures the essence of romance, longing, and the triumph of true love.
Jassie Gill, a household name in the world of Punjabi entertainment, effortlessly embodies the passion and fervour of his character, delivering a performance that is both soulful and captivating. His portrayal of the smitten protagonist resonates deeply with audiences, evoking a range of emotions with every note.
Reflecting on his thoughts, Jassie Gill shares, “Hyundai Spotlight is a great initiative and being a part of their exhilarating journey gives me immense Joy. It’s beautiful song that touches the soul, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lend my voice to such a lovely narrative.”
Veera Takker, a rising star with a soulful voice, shines bright in her portrayal of the introverted yet enchanting Veera. Through her emotive performance, she brings depth and authenticity to her character, captivating listeners with her talent and charm.
Veera expresses her excitement, stating, “Working on this song has been a dream come true for me. Collaborating with such esteemed artists and being a part of Hyundai Spotlight’s journey has been an enriching experience.”
Hyundai Motor India AVP & vertical head, marketing, Virat Khullar shared, “Hyundai Spotlight continues to showcase unique musical creations and promote emerging talent across the country. Our collaboration with rising music artists underscores our commitment to providing a platform for them to collaborate with renowned musicians, exhibit their talents, and foster artistic growth. Hyundai Spotlight embodies our shared vision of pushing creative boundaries and delivering unparalleled musical experiences to audiences throughout the region. We are confident that Hyundai Spotlight will inspire many young artists to create music that resonates deeply with both themselves and their audiences.”
Business head & SVP, UMG for Brands, India, and South Asia Preeti Nayyar stated, “I am delighted to witness the collaboration between Hyundai Spotlight and popular, much-loved artists like Jassie Gill, and Veera Takker. This partnership not only reflects our commitment to innovative storytelling but also underscores the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect with audiences on all level.”
Hyundai Spotlight in collaboration between Hyundai Motor India Ltd. and Universal Music India (Universal Music Group for Brands, India), is a ground-breaking music series that celebrates exceptional musical talents from around the world. Through powerful collaborations, innovative compositions, and captivating performances, Hyundai Spotlight supports emerging and established artists, celebrating the richness and diversity of music.
Mumbai: The Universal Music Group in India recently announced big growth moves including upping of its regional leadership during the visit of Adam Granite – CEO Africa, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) – to Mumbai & the Capital last week.
Chairman CEO Devraj Sanyal, along with Sanujeet Bhujabal, MD Universal Music India & South Asia & Preeti Nayyar, SVP & Business Head UMG for Brands, India & South Asia hosted two big celebrations in both cities in honour of Adam’s visit, which saw the who’s who of the artist, composer, producer, singer writer community in attendance, in respect to Universal Music’s always-on, artist- first way of life.
Badshah, Neha & Tony Kakkar, Harrdy Sandhu, Divine, Jaani, Kanika Kapoor, MC Stan, Kanishk & Kavita Seth, Dino James, Dhanda Nyoliwala (who flew in special from Australia), MC Square, Paradox, DG Immortals, Raga, Gulzar Cheniwala, Vilen were some of the stars that showed up and discussed the future of an artist-centric economy to come.
Amidst the performances from some of the most promising emerging stars of tomorrow, UMG for Brands felicitated three of their partners – also some of the biggest global majors in their respective categories – Hyundai, Coca Cola, Pernod Ricard.
Team UMGB along with Adam & Devraj celebrated these special partnerships for taking the lead in enabling cultural change through music & music-led IPs in partnership with Universal Music Group.
In an increasingly cluttered environment of consumers’ mind-space that exists today, brands across categories are resorting to differentiated thinking and marketing vehicles to capture share-of-voice.
Music has always been at the heart of engaging the consumer with the brand’s narrative. But the trio of brands: Hyundai, Coca Cola, Pernod Ricard – as diverse as automobile, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages – are taking this several steps further, by using the undeniable power of music and artistry as a focal point in their marketing strategy. These three brands have consistently collaborated with UMG for Brands over the last few years, to produce some incredible and distinctive music led IPs and getting together artists across a wide spectrum and languages. Thus, they have been at the forefront of effecting a cultural paradigm shift through music, with UMG for Brands being a solid partner all through.
Through Hyundai’s Spotlight, Coca Cola’s Coke Studio Bharat (Season 1 and 2) and Pernod Ricard’s “Royal Stag Boombox” (Season 2) – some of the most sought-after names in the music and entertainment business have churned out some chartbuster tracks. These brands have effectively used music to communicate their core messaging, bring fans closer to the artists and drive brand love. UMG for Brands appreciates their association and the evening that was to bring all these entities together to formally recognise their contribution.
Sanyal said, “Globally our Music & Brands business is the biggest & the most recognised because we partner with some of the smartest & most innovative CXOs in the world over & even here it’s really no different. My friends Tarun from Hyundai, Arnab from Coke & Karthik from PR are the best-in-class marketeers in their categories, willing to push the envelope every day to be better, ahead of the curve & absolutely world class and I couldn’t be more honoured to celebrate that especially in the presence of my boss & partner Adam.
Hyundai Motor India Ltd COO Tarun Garg said : Hyundai Spotlight is our one-of-a-kind enabler platform, that aims to discover, incubate, and promote emerging musical talent in India. Through Hyundai Spotlight, we are connecting with the young aspirational generation of India that wants authentic brand experiences. Collaborating with UMG India has been an incredible journey, where both brands have come together to blend their passion for innovation in musical heritage. Together, Hyundai Motor India and UMG India are harmonizing technology and artistry to create unforgettable experiences for the audiences, ensuring that each interaction leaves a lasting impression. This initiative not only uplifts young artists but also enhances the overall customer experience by providing exclusive, high-quality musical content. We are glad to be associated with UMG India and we are always looking to motivate young artists to blossom and come forward to showcase their talent.
Roy said : It has been a fantastic journey with UMG on Coke Studio Bharat – our number one vehicle to build the cultural connect in an authentic way . UMG has been helping us with powerful insights on the musical front that helped deliver super hits like Khalasi, Holi Re Rasiya amongst many other songs.
Mohindra said, “Boombox is a critical part of our youth outreach for Royal Stag #Liveitlarge and we’re super pleased that our partnership with UMGB has helped evolve this incredibly important property in a holistic and future forward manner setting it up for the next few years to become the most valuable and exciting music led IP, not just for India but for Bharat.”
Nayyar said: It’s encouraging and reassuring to see our partners and our artists coming together for both of our showcase events . We thank them all for trusting us over the years with their precious brands.
Mumbai: Universal Music India proudly announces the launch of “#BreakoutStar,” a brand-new talent hunt to discover India’s next singing sensation. This talent hunt will offer aspiring artists a global stage to shine.
With a rich catalogue spanning chart-toppers, classics, and contemporary hits that resonate across generations, UMG India has always been at the forefront of honing new talent. Now, with a sponsorship from YouTube Shorts UMG India is set to propel the stars of tomorrow into a much-deserved limelight.
Renowned music stars Amit Trivedi and Aastha Gill will headline the panel of judges for “#BreakoutStar,” adding their valuable expertise and insight to the whole initiative. The talent hunt will span over 3 months, promising an exciting journey spanning various stages. The winner of #BreakoutStar will receive a slew of prizes – namely a one-year contract with Universal Music India, a music video opportunity, and a home studio setup!
In a subtle nod to the partnership, Fever FM, the radio partner for “#BreakoutStar,” will showcase the top five contestants on their show Soundbox, amplifying their reach and exposure across their listeners.
Speaking about the initiative, Universal Music India & South Asia EVP & head of content Sanujeet Bhujabal commented, “The Breakout Star property in partnership with Universal Music India and YouTube Shorts is an exciting initiative to find the next singing star using the power of catalog. This initiative is a part of the catalog re-surfacing exercise under the REVIBE brand of Universal Music. UMI has always been about keeping the artists front and centre – and the next big artist can be found anywhere – from the biggest of metros to the smallest of towns. Youtube Shorts, which averages over 70 billion daily views globally, has fast emerged as a key short video tool for artists to express themselves and connect with fans. The collaboration of both these entities is a natural fit, as we leverage off each other in fashioning a narrative that enables budding artistes from absolutely anywhere in the world, to get a well-deserved platform to showcase their talent.”
Additionally, YouTube director, music partnerships (India, South Asia & SEA) Pawan Agarwal expressed excitement, stating, “At YouTube Shorts, we’re committed to empowering emerging artists and creators by offering them a stage to exhibit their unique talent and creativity to audiences across the world. By supporting UMG India with ‘#BreakoutStar’, we not only want to help breakthrough exceptional musical talent but also celebrate creativity in India’s vibrant digital landscape. “
Talking about #BreakoutStar, judge Amit Trivedi shared, “We have talent in every corner of our country. With #BreakoutStar, we aim to discover such unexplored singing talents from the comfort of their own places. There have been numerous talent hunts over the years, but #BreakoutStar stands out uniquely as it offers an opportunity for literally anyone to participate ! Aastha and I are extremely excited to chair the judging panel for this unique show and can’t wait to hear the entries!”
Expressing her excitement, Aastha Gill added, “#BreakoutStar is an incredible platform for artists to shine and showcase their talent as many of them go undiscovered due to the unavailability of resources. #BreakoutStar is one such opportunity for those dreams to come true at their own convenience. We are super thrilled to see what India has in store for us!”
“#BreakoutStar” is poised to redefine the music landscape, ushering in a new era of talent and creativity.
Mark your calendars for this groundbreaking initiative, as India’s brightest stars prepare to take center stage.
Mumbai: The Dharavi Dream Project (TDDP) expresses deep gratitude to Universal Music India (UMI) and Devraj Sanyal as it commemorates a significant milestone in its journey. Over the past decade, The Dharavi Dream Project has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity, leveraging the power of music to transform lives. As the first School of Hip-Hop in India’s second-largest ghetto, it has nurtured talent, empowered communities, and promoted a narrative of positive change.
The enduring partnership between TDDP and UMI has been instrumental in driving this mission forward. Since 2015, UMI has been a crucial ally in recognising the potential of music as a catalyst for social good. Founded by visionaries like the late Samir Bangara from Qyuki Digital Media, along with A.R. Rahman and Shekhar Kapur, TDDP found enthusiastic support from UMI, spearheaded by Universal Music Group of India and South Asia chairman & CEO Devraj Sanyal. Together, they have consistently championed positive change, using the universal language of music to transform lives.
Reflecting on this enduring collaboration, Devraj Sanyal remarked, “The partnership between Dharavi Dream Project and us has remained steadfast in its commitment to using music as a force for social good. This project is not just a corporate social responsibility initiative for us; it is a testament to the transformative power of music, as evidenced by the countless lives it has touched over the past decade. Together with TDDP, we aim to redefine artistic expression, revolutionise educational experiences, and spotlight the talents of underprivileged individuals who are integral to our society. May this partnership endure, and may it continue to create lasting impact.”
Through TDDP, UMI has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of music on individuals and communities. From establishing community centers in shanties to launching state-of-the-art recording studios, this partnership has enabled underprivileged youth to thrive and realise their potential. As The Dharavi Dream Project expands its global reach, UMI remains dedicated to using music as a catalyst for positive social change. Beyond mere entertainment, it’s about building resilient communities, fostering creativity, and rewriting stories of hope and resilience
Devraj and TDDP have also expressed their gratitude on social media, view their posts here:
Mumbai: Coke Studio with its phenomenal success as a music platform with different genres of music continues to celebrate talented & emerging artists with the launch of Coke Studio Bharat & Coke Studio Tamil in India, early this year. Coke Studio Bharat announces a significant milestone as Khalasi has been stealing the spotlight by surpassing an incredible 4.5 billion views.
As the festive season unfolds, Khalasi has not only resonated with fans worldwide but has also become a heartwarming anthem, positioning itself as a strong contender for the title of Song of the Year. While not a Garbo song, Khalasi has seamlessly woven itself into the celebration of Navratri and other festivities, offering a harmonious backdrop that adds depth to the joy of the season. Its catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics have made it a staple in celebrations, reflecting the love and pride of the fans. Not only are people enjoying the song, but over 250+ creators and brands created multiple renditions and dance performance videos have flooded social media platforms. The Norwegian dance group Quick Style, known for their viral dance videos, also impressed fans with their fantastic performance to Khalasi.
Khalasi is likely to be the first Gujarati song to cross over global charts as the song is currently trending on India’s leading audio streaming and search apps. As Khalasi reigns at #1 on the Shazam Top 200, it has also achieved:
A global presence with a peak at #8 on Global Viral Songs, #3 on Daily Viral Songs India, and #10 on Daily Top Songs India on Spotify
Over 1.6 million User-Generated Content (UGC) creations across popular social media platforms.
A remarkable milestone of crossing 3 billion views across platforms like IG, Facebook, YouTube shorts, YouTube, and MOJ etc.
An impressive 22 million+ streams across audio platforms.
Release in July 2023, this enchanting composition seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Gujarat. Khalasi tells the tale of the limitless sailor who has set out to explore through the shores of Gujarat. The song speaks of his tenuous, adventurous voyage, his delightful experiences, and his enthusiasm with which he takes on life while he is sailing away. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and moving melodies have brought people from different languages together, making it a song that resonates with authenticity and cultural pride.
Penned by acclaimed writer Saumya Joshi, the song has achieved remarkable milestones, resoundingly heard as “Gotilo, Godilo,” making its mark even beyond the Gujarati-speaking audience. Headlining the song is iconic music composer Achint Thakkar, joined by famous playback singer from Gujarat, Aditya Gadhvi, whose melodious voice, and iconic Gujarati rap have the country enthralled.
The Indian music scene is undergoing a profound transformation, guided by the discerning Gen Z. This generation seeks authentic stories and musical experiences that mirror their lives. Khalasi beautifully captures this zeitgeist, with emerging artists from India’s heartlands and seasoned maestros creating a unique fusion that resonates with this dynamic generation.
Reflecting on his experience with Khalasi, playback singer Aditya Gadhvi shared, “Khalasi is a musical journey close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to see it resonate with people on such a grand scale. Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, and the success of Khalasi is a testament to the power of authenticity and the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.”
Achint, the mastermind behind ‘Khalasi,’ shared his thoughts on the song, stating, “Khalasi’s success is a blend of tradition and innovation. We wanted to pay homage to Gujarat’s cultural roots while infusing a contemporary sound. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see how people have embraced this fusion of music and celebrated the culture of our land.”
Universal Music Group chairman CEO of India South Asia and SVP startegy Africa, Middle East & Asia Devraj Sanyal said, “At UMG we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. There’s no better example of this than what we see with Khalasi from Coke Studio Bharat S01. This song, despite being in a regional language, has become one of the most viral songs of 2023, and it’s not just a cultural moment but a moment that’s shaping culture, not only in India but also across the diaspora worldwide, and even among mainstream audiences who love its vibe, even if they don’t comprehend the song’s lyrics.”
Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia VP marketing Arnab Roy emphasized the brand’s commitment to promoting Indian music and culture, stating, “It’s heartening to see artists, creators and fans coming together on Khalasi, to create their own renditions and videos, turning the song into a success with 4.5 billion views. It exemplifies the vision of Coke Studio Bharat, taking regional talent and music forms in the country to a global landscape, with authenticity.”
Coca-Cola has partnered with Universal Music India (UMI) as executive producers for the launch of Coke Studio Bharat. Every track from Coke Studio Bharat appeals to the mindset of the younger generation, on the one hand helping them connect with their roots, and on the other hand coupling it with sounds, notes, and musical genres that are familiar to them. Coke Studio Bharat has been curated by award-winning musician and sought-after songwriter, Ankur Tewari. Ankur has collaborated with critically acclaimed poet, lyricist and scriptwriter Kausar Munir along with National award-winning sound engineer and music producer KJ Singh. Together they have handpicked regional artists to give their sound a new voice and independent freedom of expression.
Coke Studio fans can now embark on an extraordinary musical journey by experiencing the future of music and engaging directly with the brand. By simply scanning a Coca-Cola bottle with a QR code, fans will be transported to a mesmerizing AR music studio, enveloped by a constellation of talented artists. Within this immersive realm, fans can unleash their inner performers, belting out their favorite tunes through exhilarating karaoke sessions, seizing the opportunity to audition for the upcoming Coke Studio season.
You are invited to tune into Coke Studio Bharat, available across all audio OTT platforms including Spotify, Gaana, Saavn, Wynk Music, and Audible worldwide, with distribution managed by UMI.
MUMBAI: Further strengthening its presence in the media and entertainment category, full services digital marketing agency, TheSmallBigIdea has won the social media mandate for the Indian counterpart of globally acclaimed music label, Universal Music. Within just six years, TheSmallBigIdea has come to be a trusted partner to leading media and entertainment brands in India spanning across national as well as regional television channels, Bollywood and regional films, OTT streaming platforms, production houses, music labels, etc. for their social and digital marketing needs. The addition of Universal Music India to TheSmallBigIdea’s existing clientele marks the agency’s foray in the English music industry. Universal Music India boasts of an extensive catalogue of legendary recordings, music publishing, live events, production, brand partnerships and merchandising efforts throughout India. The music giant has been recognised for its association with leading global artistes.
With escalating consumption and growth of English music in India, especially beyond metro cities, TheSmallBigIdea’s extensive reach will further leverage Universal Music India’s position among existing consumers while establishing new followers and admirers for their artistes. Furthermore, TheSmallBigIdea’s flagship creative tool, ACE, will aid in understanding the consumer profile and the music industry more profoundly while crafting solid performance driven strategies for Universal Music in India.
Universal Music India & south Asia VP marketing Shantanu S Gangane said, “English Music consumption is becoming platform agnostic and is being enjoyed beyond streaming apps in multiple use cases. A holistic approach to this consumer is the need of the hour rather than a modular social media approach. TheSmallBigIdea has a solid track record of working on media and entertainment brands with a deep understanding of consumer insights at the heart of each project. We are confident that in TheSmallBigIdea, we have the right partner to wow English Music Fans and grow the category.”
TheSmallBigIdea co-founder and CEO Harikrishnan Pillai said, “The English music space is at the cusp of a huge uptake. Gone are those days when English music was an elite consumption phenomenon. With growing literacy, international exposure, and digital connectivity, English music is waiting to break new charts and Universal Music is at the helm of this revolution. It is an honour for us at TheSmallBigIdea to work with Universal Music in crafting their digital journey in India.”
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MUMBAI: Universal Music India has announced that Vinit Thakkar has been promoted to senior vice president, Universal Music India. Universal Music India is part of Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment.
Currently Head of Digital, Licensing and New Business in India, Thakkar’s new position will see him take a greater role in the operations of Universal Music Group’s Indian and South Asian business across Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. Reporting to Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director and CEO, Universal Music Group South Asia, Thakkar will be based in Mumbai.
The new role will see Thakkar head up iconic label EMI Records India, a sub label of Universal Music Group in association with leading Bollywood film director Mohit Suri. The label acts as a platform for discovering, nurturing and breaking talent into the world of Bollywood film music.
Of the promotion, Sanyal said: “I am thrilled to be promoting an executive of Vinit Thakkar’s stature and ability, his contribution over the last four years on both strategic and operational fronts has been extraordinary”.
Thakkar comments: “I am delighted to be working alongside Devraj, whose vision for our region has no bounds and we look forward to further developing strategies with our brilliant team. India ranks highly amongst the world’s most creative and musically vibrant markets and with UMG’s global support, the coming years will be a thrilling ride.”
Prior to joining UMG, Thakkar was Senior General Manager at Sony Music, handling P&L responsibility across Digital, Licensing and Publishing businesses. He previously worked with Titan and Citibank within their Sales and Marketing divisions.
