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Tag: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd

  • Industry celebrates Punit Goenka’s achievements over the years

    Industry celebrates Punit Goenka’s achievements over the years

    Mumbai: Punit Goenka has held the position of MD & CEO at ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. since 2010 and has achieved numerous notable successes during his tenure. His extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills have set him apart as a prominent figure in the media and entertainment sector. He is widely recognized for his pivotal role in establishing ZEE as a global entertainment brand, reaching audiences not only in India but also in 190 countries worldwide. With the support and confidence of India Inc., shareholders, employees, advertisers, and content creators, Goenka, at the age of just 48, possesses the necessary business acumen to guide the envisioned merger of ZEE and Sony towards a promising future.

    Goenka, boasts more than two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry, stands as one of the most accomplished business leaders in the sector, characterized by his acute business acumen. Over a span of three decades, he has steered ZEE successfully, identifying trends and transforming it into a media and entertainment powerhouse.

    Distinguished as one of the youngest and most prolific leaders, he has an impressive list of achievements to his credit. His profound understanding of audience preferences has been instrumental in driving ZEE’s expansion into regional markets, revitalizing the studio business, launching India’s second-largest music label, and more.

    His active involvement in shaping the future of the entertainment landscape spans diverse capacities. Currently, he serves as a board director for the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF). In the past, he held the position of Chairman of the TV measurement body BARC India, playing a crucial role in its founding team. He has also served as Chairman of IBDF, leading important discussions with policymakers. Additionally, as the President of the International Advertising Association’s (IAA) India Chapter, he addressed crucial industry-level interests and introduced several intellectual properties tailored to the advertising and marketing community. In many of these roles, he was re-elected for a second term by unanimous member consensus.

    Goenka’s success in elevating ZEE’s performance over the years stems from his ability to identify opportune moments for scaling and constructing a diversified portfolio. His forward-looking vision has propelled the company to global recognition, with ZEE establishing an international presence in over 190 countries and reaching more than 1.3 billion viewers. In his capacity as the leader of India’s largest publicly-listed Media and Entertainment Company, Goenka demonstrates a profound understanding of the overall legal and regulatory environment. He remains unwavering in his commitment to creating value for all the company’s shareholders.

    Leading an impressive portfolio that encompasses 50 domestic channels, 36 international channels, an OTT platform, a movie studio, and a music label, his experience in consistently managing profitability and surpassing industry margins quarter after quarter positions him well to replicate the success of ZEE within the anticipated merged entity, which is poised to become a formidable force in the Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector.

    Goenka’s unwavering and optimistic approach equips him to navigate challenging circumstances, as exemplified when TRAI introduced the New Tariff Order, creating uncertainty for businesses. In response, he actively engaged with partners and key stakeholders to facilitate solutions that fostered the growth of the pay-tv ecosystem. His profound understanding of both technology and content, two crucial elements in today’s evolving entertainment landscape, underscores his competence. Notably, Goenka enjoys robust support from ZEE’s shareholders and investors, and he has cultivated substantial industry relationships. His ability to prioritize the interests of all stakeholders in his decision-making process is a hallmark of his leadership.

    Hailing from an entrepreneurial background, he has instilled strong values and an entrepreneurial spirit within ZEE, fostering an environment where talent can flourish under his guidance. ZEE is recognized today as an Academy of Talent, nurturing numerous industry luminaries to their pinnacle of success.

    Continuing to attract top-tier talent to the company, not only from the M&E industry but also from sectors such as FMCG and Banking, is a testament to Goenka’s ability. In an M&E industry facing a shortage of high-quality talent, particularly for an organization of ZEE’s scale, his talent acquisition strategy is pivotal for ensuring stability and growth. He has demonstrated his readiness to make tough decisions when they are necessary for the company’s profitability and the collective interests of all stakeholders. This includes the strategic exit from sports broadcasting when it wasn’t financially prudent, followed by a robust re-entry into the sports business, capitalizing on improved monetization opportunities in the segment.

     

     

     

     

  • Why ZEE Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a hit with audience and advertisers?

    Why ZEE Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a hit with audience and advertisers?

    Mumbai: ZEE Kannada, the number one Kannada entertainment channel in the country seems to be getting it all right with its content and business strategy in recent times. The channel, which crossed  the significant milestone of completing 250 weeks of leadership in the Karnataka market continues to enjoy the acceptance and loyalty of its audience and advertisers alike.

    Known for its relentless efforts to craft the best fiction and grand non-fiction shows, all of the channel’s newest launches like Amruthadhaare, Seetha Rama and Bharjari Bachelors have gone on to become slot leaders and propelling the leader channel to increase the gap between them and competition. Its newest launch Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season 20 has already got the audience rooting for their favourite singers.

    For the uninitiated, ZEE’s flagship show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has been the longest-running reality show on ZEE Kannada completing 19 seasons, successfully establishing itself as one of the best singing platforms the country has witnessed. With the new season, the channel for the first time has opened the platform to singing talents from across the globe and has already launched to become the number one Kannada Reality Show.

    Prior to the launch, the ZEE Kannada team spent an entire month searching for the best singers in the age group of 14 and 60 years across the state and the country, and among Kannadiga NRIs between the age group was six to 60 years. Twenty precious and talented candidates were hand-picked from the record-breaking number of passionate contenders who attended the mega auditions, and they are now ready to cast a spell on the audience this season.

    The show boasts of a stellar judges panel comprising of iconic composer Naadabramha Hamsalekha as the Mahaguru along with singer Vijay Prakash and composer Arjun Janya with Ansuhree taking on the anchoring duties.

    Talking about the show’s legacy and the love of the audience ZEE Kannada & ZEE Marathi chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur said “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is our channel’s pride, and it has experienced substantial growth in its following over the years. What sets us apart is the fact that we have retained the soul of music as an art within the show and our judges panel plays a big role in it which the audience love. The show is rooted in its values while being presented with unmatchable grandeur.  This season going global is in line with our commitment to offer something new in each of our shows which I’m sure will add to the excitement of the audience.”

    What makes the show a big hit among the advertisers?  

    According to ZEEL chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal, “ZEE Network’s reality shows have a unique ability to captivate the diverse audiences in every market that they are launched, due to our profound expertise in creating content based on the cultural understanding. Leading the pack is the pioneer of music reality shows in India, ZEE’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa – an iconic brand and one of the most successful reality shows of India for more than two decades. The story is similar for our top channel from South, where ZEE Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has delivered blockbuster content for 19 seasons, discovered unique talents and created the singing stars of the future. With the launch of the 20th season this month, we have kept the promise of adding more depth and unique elements to the show to keep our viewers hooked. Complementing the popularity of the show, we have got a phenomenal response from the advertisers this season, with substantial interest from the retail market. I whole-heartedly welcome all the 14 sponsors of the show and I am extremely delighted to continue our partnership with Maruti Suzuki and White Gold, who joins us as the Co-Title sponsors. Each of the sponsors will get innovative brand engagement opportunities in every phase of the show to bring out their brands’ core propositions effortlessly and leave a long-lasting impression among the viewers in this festive season. I am certain that this new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa will inspire millions of our Kannada viewers to sing along with the talented contestants and generate massive value for our revered partners.”

    ZEEL chief sales officer – South cluster VS Raghavan agrees with Ashish. He added, “Being a market leader for over 250 weeks, ZEE Kannada has always been the first choice platform for brands targeting Kannada heartland to build reach, TOMA or drive consideration. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, being our flagship has always been investors’ preferred destination given the distinct set of viewers it caters to, enabling brands achieve sharper connections with consumers be it for new launches, build awareness or for better engagement. In our 20th season, we have  raised our bar a notch higher by taking it global and onboarded many great brands this season with as many as 14 sponsors as part of the show, including several home grown local brands, which testify the trust and aspirations behind a talent show like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.”

    Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Sr executive officer, marketing & sales Shashank Srivastava shared his thoughts on the association saying “On behalf of Maruti Suzuki, I’d like to extend my best wishes to another year of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on ZEE Kannada. It is exciting for all of us to partner again with the show in its 20th Season which promotes and celebrates the best of Kannada singing talents from India and across the globe.  This partnership helps us reach out to our relevant audiences in the most engaging manner making the association truly symbolic.”

    “At Amrith Noni company, we firmly believe in partnering with properties that align with our values and contribute positively to society and ZEE Kannada’s shows have been doing exactly that in the Karnataka market.  We have been closely associated with many of the channel’s marquee shows that have a strong following among our core consumers.  Our association with ZEE Kannada over the years has given us the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people, our products are aimed at making life easy and so are their shows and we see this as a harmonious marriage that go on for longer” said Amrith Noni CEO Narayan N.

    White Gold managing director Babu C J who is associating with the show for the first time said, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with ZEE Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. White Gold aims to transform the unorganized gold-buying market in India with its organized work process and 100% transparency. We have been serving people who wanted to sell gold by providing them with liquidity for their emergency money requirements and offering a fair value for their gold. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa embarks on a parallel journey where talent converges with opportunity and has scripted many underdog-winning stories. This collaboration further enhances our brand’s positioning within the pertinent audience and together we aspire to deliver an exceptional season that resonates with all.”

    Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season S20 airs every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30 pm, on ZEE Kannada and ZEE Kannada HD.

  • Zee Bangla welcomes Durga Pujo season with a grand design refresh

    Zee Bangla welcomes Durga Pujo season with a grand design refresh

    Mumbai: Zee Bangla, a prominent name in the Bangla entertainment  industry, has ushered in the festive season of Durga Pujo with a spectacular unveiling of its redesigned aesthetics, dedicated to enhancing the overall viewing experience. Timed perfectly with the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya, the channel’s design philosophy now reflects the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, embracing the vibrant spirit that defines the region. Central to this transformation is the symbol of the ‘fish’, deeply ingrained in Bengali culture. An omnipresent figure in the life of every Bengali, the ‘fish’ marks this new beginning with the promise of success, prosperity, and progress.

    The innovative design strategy, rooted in the latest advancements in “Neuroscience,”  maximises business impact by boosting brand partner visibility and ensuring greater platform recall. This scientific approach, built on a holistic understanding of the consumer journey across broadcast and digital platforms, enhances information retention and captures viewer attention for an unparalleled experience.

    Expressing his enthusiasm, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief cluster officer – East Samrat Ghosh said, “Zee Bangla has always been deeply connected with the hearts of the Bengali viewers. As we usher in the auspicious occasion of Pujo, we wanted to bring a fresh and enhanced viewing experience to our consumers, enabling them to rejoice in the festivities with their loved ones. To further deliver on our brand promise of ‘Notun  Chhondey Likhbo Jibon’, this year we are urging each Bengali to take a resolution – ‘Amra  Bhaalo Rakhbo Maa,’ – uniting all to pave the path toward a brighter tomorrow.”

    Speaking on the new development, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief marketing officer – content SBU Kartik Mahadev said, “Our unwavering mission at ZEE has always been to consistently craft and deliver extraordinary experiences to our viewers. As our stories touch the lives of millions, our design philosophy, rooted in our ‘Soul to Screen’ approach,  becomes an authentic reflection of our audience’s world. Led by this, Zee Bangla finds its new design expression in the ubiquitous ‘fish’ – a central figure, holding its place of pride in many traditions across Bengal. The fresh interface captures the Bangaliana energy and verve,  symbolizing the channel’s zeal to chart its next phase of growth, further solidifying ZEE  network’s commitment to continuously create value for our viewers and build deeper connection with our brands.”

    Zee Bangla business head Navnita Chakraborty added, “Our brand refresh is a celebration of the Bengali culture and takes inspiration from the vibrant spirit of our viewers. It represents our dedication to providing content that resonates and inspires. We are excited to embark on  this journey and are confident that the audiences will continue to shower their love and  support for Zee Bangla going forward as well.”

    Zee Bangla’s metamorphosis revolves around the theme of ‘Vibrance,’ encapsulating the burgeoning inner strength and unwavering confidence of Naya Bharat that is venturing into uncharted territories with unparalleled vigour. This distinctive design philosophy finds its expression through the visual metaphor known as the ‘Circle of Spark,’ illuminating life’s most pivotal moments with impactful stories and aspirational characters.

    In the spirit of elevating Pujo celebrations, Zee Bangla has given a unique twist to “Sabaike Bhalo Rakho Maa” – a phrase used in every Durga Puja with reverence. A promise to the  Goddess of keeping everyone well has been brought to life with the new expression – “Amra Bhalo Rakhbo Maa” – an offering to the Goddess from all of us.

    Furthermore, Zee Bangla is taking inspiration from the age-old Bangla saying, ‘Baro Mashe Tero Parbon,’ which translates to celebrating 13 festivals in just 12 months. The channel is recreating 10 of these rituals with its main characters, each engaging in various festivities. For instance, Porna will be part of the Kajol Utsav, while Simul and her friends will dance to  Tushu’s tunes, adding a touch of nostalgia and the true essence of Bangaliana to this festive season. These hyper-local cultural expressions of ‘Banglar Utsab Banglar Garbo’ will allow Zee  Bangla to connect at the grassroots level, depicting diverse festival celebrations across Bengal in our vibrant new brand world.

    By creating inspiring, immersive, and interactive experiences, the new chapter in Zee Bangla’s journey aligns with the larger network-level effort to prioritise consistency in consumer experience, as it continues to navigate the ever-changing entertainment landscape.

  • ZeeZest.com presents The Wise King X R Bar Takeover experience

    ZeeZest.com presents The Wise King X R Bar Takeover experience

    Mumbai: ZeeZest.com recently launched the second edition of its popular property – ‘Hottest Bars – Hong Kong’. The digital IP of zeezest.com showcases the five award-winning bars and spotlights the innovative bartenders and their cocktail concepts. After the success of hosting Yugnes (Yugi) Susela, ace mixologist and founder, The Elephant Bar, Singapore, ZeeZest.com brings The Wise King, Asia’s 50 Best Bars from Hong Kong to India.

    ‘The Wise King’ has firmly entrenched itself as a unique gem in the Hong Kong bar scene, celebrated for its distinctive Iberian influence. The name itself pays homage to Alfonso X of Castile, a 13th-century Spanish monarch, who played a legendary role in the creation of Spain’s tapas culinary tradition. It was his decree that stated no alcoholic beverage should be served without accompanying food, thereby enriching the country’s gastronomic heritage.

    The esteemed owner & head bartender at ‘The Wise King’ Hong Kong Sandeep Kumar has left an indelible mark on the global mixology stage with his innovative creations and unmatched expertise. ZeeZest.com along with Sandeep Kumar through its initiative is all set to offer the visitors of Bangalore a chance to embark on a unique cultural journey. At the enchanting R Bar, located within the Renaissance Hotel, Racecourse Road, Bengaluru, on the 6 October 2023, 7 PM.

    Commenting on the occasion, Zee Zest chief channel officer Amit Nair commented “India increasingly has seen a taste for upscale cocktails, along with a flourishing exposure to the world of cocktail bars and inventive mixology, Zee Zest is steadfast in delivering these distinctive encounters. Our commitment lies in offering exceptional moments that align with our ‘Unlimit Life’ philosophy. This event in Bangalore underscores our continued passion for providing audiences with unique and unforgettable experiences. We firmly believe in embracing and celebrating life’s richness, and The Wise King X R Bar Takeover is a perfect embodiment of this principle “

    Step into a world where tradition meets innovation and classic cocktails are reimagined with a modern flair! The upcoming event is set to be a feast for the senses, promising a delightful evening of creative concoctions that pay homage to the timeless allure of classic cocktails while introducing an exciting contemporary twist.

    Join us for an evening of exceptional mixology, cultural exploration, and unforgettable memories as we celebrate the convergence of global bartending excellence and Bangalore’s thriving spirits scene. Secure your spot now and witness the extraordinary journey.

    Embed links:

    Insider.In- https://insider.in/the-wise-king-rbar-renaissance-bengaluru-oct6-2023/event

    Book My Show –https://in.bookmyshow.com/activities/the-wise-king-rbar-at-renaissance-bengaluru/ET00371282

  • Zindagi and Applause Entertainment present ‘The Pink Shirt’

    Zindagi and Applause Entertainment present ‘The Pink Shirt’

    Mumbai: In a recently announced strategic partnership between the two renowned content studios Applause Entertainment and Zee’s Zindagi, for creating South Asian content; Sameer Nair and Shailja Kejriwal have announced yet another project- The Pink Shirt. The eight-episode web series, starring Pakistani superstars Sajal Aly and Wahaj Ali, marks Applause Entertainment and Zindagi’s second project together. The content studios together promise to be a remarkable addition to the world of entertainment as the drama gears up for its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival 2023 Sydney (SXSW) at Palace Central Cinema on 16th October. Moreover, The Pink Shirt is the only South Asian web series selected at the SXSW, Sydney this year.

    Following the announcement of Farar’s world premiere at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival earlier this month, The Pink Shirt adds a new feather to Zindagi and Applause Entertainment’s hat of achievements. To witness this global recognition at one of the largest annual festivals celebrating conglomeration of parallel cinema, interactive media, music, and much more; Pakistani superstars and lead actor Sajal Aly along with director Kashif Nisar, writer Bee Gul, and producer Shailja Kejriwal will be attending the grand festival in Australia.

    The Pink Shirt is a riveting take on modern-day relationships, their love, challenges, and struggles in a raw & real way. The drama revolves around the journey of Sophia cast as Sajal Aly and Umer as Wahaj Ali being stuck in their respective toxic relationships with their partners Sameer and Sara and how they then discover an alluring intensity and embark on a transformative journey towards love that mends them as people.

    The renowned SXSW festival marks its debut in Sydney this year, making its first foray outside Austin, Texas. The festival will have a diverse array of content, with an emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region.

    Expressing her excitement, lead actor Sajal Aly said, “The Pink Shirt challenged me in ways I never imagined, delving deep into the complexities of human connections. It’s a journey I’ve embraced with open arms, and as we prepare for its world premiere in Sydney, I can’t contain my excitement to share this emotional voyage with the world.’

    Sajal Aly’s co-actor and Pakistani heartthrob Wahaj Ali added, “Portraying the complexities of human relationships in The Pink Shirt has been a remarkable challenge and the script demanded an exploration of emotions and vulnerabilities that pushed me as an actor. My experience working with Sajal and Kashif has been an absolute delight. I can’t wait for the audiences to embark on this emotional rollercoaster with us.”

    Director Kashif Nisar said, “As the director of The Pink Shirt, I am humbled and thrilled by the opportunity to showcase our work at the prestigious SXSW Sydney as the only representative of the South Asian web series, hoping it will resonate with audiences worldwide and contribute to the rich tapestry of storytelling from our region. It was an absolute pleasure working with Shailja and Bee Gul on this project, and we couldn’t be happier for Zindagi and Applause Entertainment’s collaboration as this merger provides us with the ultimate platform this special project really needs.”

    Reflecting on this significant milestone, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief creative officer (special projects) Shailja Kejriwal added, “I couldn’t be happier to announce our yet another collaboration with Applause Entertainment. It’s truly thrilling to see ‘The Pink Shirt’ selected as the only South Asian web series at the prestigious SXSW Film Festival Sydney. This achievement underscores our commitment to bringing diverse narratives to a global stage. I’m immensely proud of our team and excited to witness The Pink Shirt captivate audiences at SXSW Film Festival, Sydney”

    Writer Bee Gul added, “As the writer of ‘The Pink Shirt,’ my intention has consistently been to weave a tale of love, loss, and unwavering strength that deeply connects with audiences around the globe. The exhilarating debut of our show at the SXSW Film Festival in Sydney is the realization of a long-held dream, affording us a worldwide stage to share this emotionally resonant narrative. I’m profoundly grateful to Shailja for recognizing the same potential we envisioned in ‘Pink Shirt’ and selecting it as the second collaborative endeavor between Zindagi and Applause Entertainment.”

    Presented by Applause Entertainment, a Zindagi original ‘The Pink Shirt’ an eight-part web series, is a South Asian collaboration between India and Pakistan. Directed by Kashif Nisar & written by Bee Gul, starring Sajal Aly and Wahaj Ali, the series highlights a riveting take on modern-day relationships, their love, challenges, and struggles. Narrated in a raw & real way The Pink Shirt is a simple & confusing, tragic yet funny tale of broken and complex relationships.

  • Enjoy the ultimate musical experience at home with &PrivéHD

    Enjoy the ultimate musical experience at home with &PrivéHD

    Mumbai: &PrivéHD is the home to nuanced cinema, bringing critically acclaimed films to Indian audiences. To take its offerings a notch higher, the channel had previously introduced Privé Theatre; a creative collaboration with Zee Theatre which has been mainstreaming premium theatrical content and teleplays to a worldwide audience since 2018. The synergistic aim was to keep the love for theatre alive amongst audiences, and now continuing the same legacy, the channel has announced Privé Musicals, another collaboration with Zee Theatre. Through the new property, the channel and Zee Theatre will co-present musical plays that are timeless classics and some even have been inspirations for blockbuster Hollywood films.

    Privé Musicals offer a form of entertainment that appeals to those seeking high-quality performances, refined storytelling, and a sophisticated theatre experience. It creates its relevance in the present time by incorporating contemporary themes, modern music styles, and relevant storylines. Musicals are a treat for those who enjoy music in all its forms. These include classics like ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Peter Pan Live!’, ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ and ‘Hairspray Live!’.

    Speaking about this new initiative, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief channel officer – English cluster Rishi Parekh shared, “Since its inception, we at &PrivéHD, have been committed to delivering differentiated and niche content to the TV-viewing audience and after introducing World Box Office and Privé Theatre, our next step in this direction is Privé Musicals. This new IP will host some of the most renowned musical plays on the channel, which must be on the bucket list of both music and theatre lovers. Musicals like ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Peter Pan Live!’, ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ and ‘Hairspray Live!’ are some evergreen classics that will be a part of our programming and our aim is to give viewers a chance to witness these masterpieces from the comfort of their homes.”

    ‘The Sound of Music’ is based on an original 1959 Broadway production which was inspired by Maria von Trapp’s, ‘The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.’  In 1965, came the iconic film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. This version stars Grammy winner Carrie Underwood as Maria.

    ‘Peter Pan Live!’ is based on Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie’s story about a boy with a never-ending childhood. Academy award winner Christopher Walke plays Captain Hook while Critics’ Choice Award nominee Allison Williams stars as Peter Pan.

    ‘Hairspray Live’ was watched by over nine million viewers and went on to win three Emmy awards in 2016 and revolves around Tracy Turnblad, a small-town girl who becomes an overnight success after appearing on a TV dance show. The musical boasts a dream cast including marquee names like Ariana Grande and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson.

    ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical,’ is an aspirational story set to Sir Elton John’s tunes. Set in a dreary English mining town, it traces the journey of a young boy who chooses ballet shoes over boxing gloves. It stars Elliot Hanna, Ruthie Henshall and Deka Walmsley.

    Privé Musicals resonate with the interests and sensibilities of all generations including the modern GenZs. This is a golden chance for all to enjoy the brilliance of world-renowned presentations, from the comfort of their homes, musicals that are certainly on every theatre lover’s bucket list.

    Stay tuned for more information on Privé Musicals.

  • Gear up for Mind Wars’ national spell bee competition 2023

    Gear up for Mind Wars’ national spell bee competition 2023

    Mumbai: Great news awaits for spelling enthusiasts among all the middle school students in India with Mind Wars, India’s leading educational initiative by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL). Mind Wars is all set for conducting its national spelling contest – Spell Bee 2023, for the first time. This exhilarating all India contest is now open to students from classes four to nine across India for demonstrating their mettle in English.

    The one-of-its-kind Mind Wars Spell Bee 2023 will follow a multi-stage format. The competition will commence with intra-school rounds in participating schools, with students participating in three categories. The champions and runners-up from each zone will then advance to the grand finale, which will be showcased on the Mind Wars YouTube channel. In the grand finale, the top three students from each category will be awarded the titles of winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up.

    Exciting prizes await the winners of Mind Wars Spell Bee 2023, including cash prizes worth 10 lakh, trophies, certificates, and other valuable rewards. Additionally, participants will gain invaluable experience and exposure throughout the competition, fostering their personal and academic growth.

    Mind Wars Spell Bee is designed to enhance students’ English skills, encompassing spelling, usage, pronunciation and vocabulary. By encouraging students to develop their language abilities, this initiative empowers them to excel in their academic pursuits and future endeavours.

    The contest features three categories based on grade levels: junior (classes four & five), middle (classes six & seven), and senior (classes eight & nine). Upon registration, participants will receive specially curated practice material, which will be provided after registration. This resource will serve as a valuable tool for students to prepare for the competition and enhance their English skills otherwise too.

    Registration for this prestigious competition is exclusively available through school offices. Interested schools are encouraged to contact the Mind Wars team on 09625933434 for further information and  registration procedures.

  • Zee TV elevates consumer experience with an innovative design approach

    Zee TV elevates consumer experience with an innovative design approach

    Mumbai: Staying ahead of the curve amidst an ever-evolving media & entertainment landscape, ZEE TV, India’s leading Hindi GEC has refreshed its design interface with an aim to enhance and elevate viewer experience. This transformative endeavour, centred upon the core thought of ‘Vibrance’, embodies the growing inner strength and confidence of the Naya Bharat that is charting new territories like never before. This unique design approach is brought to life through the visual metaphor called the ‘Circle of Spark’ that ignites life’s most defining moments through inspiring stories and aspirational characters.

    ZEE TV’s strategic evolution of its on-screen TV experience leverages design for optimal business impact through enhanced information registration. It augments key aspects such as brand partners’ visibility, providing a distinctive proposition to its esteemed partners. Backed by the latest in ‘Neuroscience’, this intelligent design system captures consumer attention and heightens memorability, enhancing viewer retention of tune-in details and reinforcing platform recall. A holistic understanding of the consumer journey across the broadcast and digital ecosystem and imbibing their behavioural & navigational aspects forms the bedrock of Zee TV’s innovative design approach.

    Speaking on the refreshed visual experience, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief marketing officer – content SBU Kartik Mahadev, said, “As pioneers of the television content landscape, our endeavour at ZEE has been to consistently deliver extraordinary experiences to our viewers. As we touch millions of hearts and homes across the many Bharats through our stories, our approach to design is in being native to culture, which we call ‘Soul to Screen’. This method enables us to be consumer centred and insight driven, making the brand and viewing experience personal. The new design for Zee TV captures the aspirations of the evolving Indian audiences. The ethos of ‘vibrance’ encapsulates the idea of a consumer who is confident, has innate strength and is taking action to shape an extraordinary tomorrow. In this new design language, we have combined cultural relatability with evolving CX trends, creating value for our viewers and advertisers alike, further fortifying our connection with our audiences and brands.”

    The central essence of ‘Vibrance’ stands as a potent visual analogy for one’s inner resilience, symbolizing a more assertive and luminous manifestation of self-confidence. This evolution aligns with the purposeful spirit of ‘Naya Bharat,’ capturing its energized, resolute essence, reflecting the shifting mindset of the audiences.

    For greater cultural relatability, Zee TV’s new design world derives inspiration from the  ‘Genda Phool’, an omnipresent symbol of celebration and catharsis across Indian rituals. It’s a signifier of auspicious beginnings, a custodian of overall well-being, in a way, almost completing the circle of life. This embodies the channel’s commitment to portraying a spectrum of emotions and experiences through its content.

    Driven by audience exposed to a plethora of non-linear content platforms with immersive and interactive experiences, the channel’s design system offers a modular structure. This shift in design approach also responds to a transformative audience mindset. Through this endeavour, ZEE has created a trail-blazing, future-ready approach that bridges the gap between linear and digital experiences.

  • Promax India 2023: Celebrating excellence in entertainment marketing & design!

    Promax India 2023: Celebrating excellence in entertainment marketing & design!

    Mumbai: Promax India, the leading community in the nation’s entertainment market, successfully hosted the 21 edition of the ‘Promax India Awards 2023,’ commemorating remarkable accomplishments in the realms of entertainment marketing and design. The Promax India Conference & Awards 2023 was held on 25 August at Mumbai’s Radisson Mumbai Goregaon, featuring informative sessions led by renowned global speakers. Ahead of the primary event, on 24 August, Promax India organised a creative boot camp – ‘The Anatomy of a Clip-Based Promo,’ along with a senior leadership luncheon.

    The grand event had industry media personality Amazon Prime Video head of India originals Aparna Purohit, as the awards chair along with Vidyanath Vaddi, head/on-air promotions, SPNI English Channels, English and Bangla Channels, Sony BBC Earth, Pix & Sony Aath; Shravanty Roy, Sr. vice president marketing, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd; and Rupesh Kashyap, partner & chief content officer, Hotcult Branded content as the advisory board members.

    Day one of the event featured industry experts who shared their insights on the latest industry trends, fostering stimulating conversations and the exchange of ideas among attendees. It started with an enlightening session on the topic ‘The Great Streaming Pivot’ by Lee Hunt who is a New York-based strategist and industry thought leader for media companies around the world. In his session, he shared details and stats about the changes that the world will see in the digital and entertainment landscape. Subsequently, a Senior Leadership Luncheon was hosted for the esteemed dignitaries which was followed by another discussion on the topic ‘Harsh Realities of the Future Workforce’ by David Shing (known as “Shingy”) who is an Australian futurist, speaker, creative director, strategic digital consultant, and entrepreneur. He engaged with the panel through a slew of activities to educate big brands about the unique opportunities afforded by emerging digital, social, and mobile technologies.

    Additionally, the creative boot camp, titled ‘The Anatomy of a Clip-Based Promo,’ took place at Atlas SkillTech University. Helmed by Vikki Stephenson, a senior creative consultant with 20 years of experience in creating award-winning campaigns for renowned brands, this boot camp was open to all professionals aiming to elevate their creative bar and produce world-class promos. The highly anticipated event witnessed prominent brands from all over the nation vying for the coveted awards.

    The second day’s conference began with Lee Hunt leading a session on ‘New Best Practices 2023,’ examining the competition between linear and streaming media, their new strategies, and how consumers continue to sample new entertainment services. Subsequently, Tamagna Ghosh, MD, APAC at Trailer Park Group, presented ‘World Gold,’ showcased some of this year’s incredible crop of Promax Gold winners in design and promotion. Another session by Sudipto Saha from PwC highlighted the use of analytics and AI to gain profound viewer insights. Additionally, ‘The Connected Human,’ a session by Shingy, a creative director, strategist, and futurist, delved extensively into the incredible process of connecting the brand with the world.

    Engaging in a fireside chat with Viacom18 head of brand and creative marketing Shagun Seda award-winning director Prasoon Pandey shared his thoughts on how he gets the ideas for his projects and commented, “When we get an idea, we keep dropping it because something is not surprising enough, I am looking always for ideas that keep surprising me first because if they do not surprise me they will not really surprise the audience and once you find it then you keep polishing it, keep looking at it from various sides and to keep polishing it. Once I feel this overall structure has been polished then I open and then I like layering my commercials because even if they want to be there just 10 times people should find something new, they should discover something new every”.

    ZEEL, chief channel officer, Bhojpuri bluster, Amarpreet Singh Saini said “Promax Workshop 2023 was invigorating for any creative spirit in the field of media. On the one hand, it gave an excellent landscaping of the evolving media world with directions to the future, it also blended in creative breakthrough sessions with amazing speakers like Shingy. It mixed knowledge with fun so well. Will look forward to more from their plate as it helps us get such fresh perspectives.”

    Some of the winners of the prestigious awards are best brand image campaign(In-house), won by Disney+ Hotstar for their Thoda Ruk Shah Rukh campaign; Best social media campaign for a channel or brand by Meta for Meta- creator day campaign; Best movies promo by Shemaroo Entertainment for Bahubali 1 & 2 stop motion; Best children’s promo by Zee Entertainment for Dance India Dance Li’L Masters, Best originated promo(out-of-house) by Sony Entertainment Television for Kaun Banega Crorepati S14; Best drama campaign by Sony Liv for Rocket Boys – The Mad Scientists; Best holiday/festival promo by Viacom 18(Nick-India) for Nickelodeon Dusshera Ident; Best entertainment promo by Sony Sports Network for WWE- Lootera Film Ft. John Abraham & Drew McInTyre; Best reality promo by Disney Star – Star Vijay for Big Boss 6 promo amongst others.

    The full winner’s list can be viewed at

     

  • Calling all home cooks: Saffola Soya presents ‘Ghore Ghore Zee Bangla

    Calling all home cooks: Saffola Soya presents ‘Ghore Ghore Zee Bangla

    Mumbai: Marico Ltd’s Saffola Soya Chunks has associated with Zee Bangla to bring the exciting ‘Saffola Soya Shera Home Chef Contest’ to its consumers. Through this partnership, the brand is inviting all passionate home cooks and food enthusiasts to stand a chance to be part of Bengal’s widely acclaimed TV reality show, ‘Ghore Ghore Zee Bangla’. Presenting the perfect blend of family entertainment and culinary adventures, the show is hosted by award-winning Bengali actress Aparajita Adhya.

    The contest celebrates the essence of India’s softest and tastiest soya chunks, offering participants a platform to showcase their culinary skills and unleash their creativity in the kitchen. To participate in the contest, those interested can submit their entries by sharing their Saffola Soya recipe via WhatsApp (9147052271). The Ghore Ghore Zee Bangla team will visit the homes of the top 4 finalists, and episodes will be shot on the same. The winner will stand a chance to win an impressive prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs and special gift hampers from Saffola and Zee Bangla.

    To create further awareness, Saffola has launched a 360-degree campaign that comprises a mix of TV, digital and on-ground in Kolkata and the rest of West Bengal. The brand aims to communicate the key benefits of being the softest and tastiest by opening this contest to the consumers via TV Sponsorships, FCT, Astons and In-Show integration.

    Marico Ltd COO- India & CEO – new business Sanjay Mishra said, “We are delighted to partner with Zee Bangla and their most famous reality show ‘Ghore Ghore Zee Bangla’ for the ‘Saffola Soya Shera Home Chef Contest’. We aim to highlight the passion and creativity of our consumers and celebrate the unique story of every kitchen. The partnership between Saffola Soya Chunks and ZEE Bangla is a testament to both the brand’s commitment to enhancing consumer experiences and ensuring our consumers are given the platform to showcase their talent. We look forward to witnessing the magic talented home cooks can create using our product.”

    Similar delight has been echoed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal said, “We, at Zee, are thrilled to partner with Marico for the ‘Saffola Soya Shera home chef contest’ on Zee Bangla. This exciting collaboration is reflective of our constant endeavour to develop innovative advertising solutions. Considering our extremely strong consumer connect in the market, we are sure this campaign will resonate deeply with the audience of West Bengal and generate immense value for Saffola Soya Chunks.”

    Madison Media Ultra COO Jolene Fernandes Solanki said, “Keeping our consumer and Market (West Bengal) at the core, our association and partnership with the Show ”Ghore Ghore Zee Bangla”  was just the relevant fit to creating ‘Saffola Soya Shera Home Chef Contest’. It also provides the perfect balance of reaching out to our consumers across TV, Digital and on-ground. We are extremely delighted to build this integration with our client & brand Saffola Soya chunks and Zee Bangla, hence creating a huge impact in the season for our brand.”

    The contest is open to every individual who is passionate about cooking and eager to explore the endless possibilities of incorporating the Saffola Soya Chunks product into their dishes. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills while experimenting with the versatile and protein-rich soya chunks. The contest encourages participants to unleash their creativity and create delectable masterpieces, from traditional Bengali recipes to innovative fusion dishes.

    Saffola Soya Chunks are processed in a way to makes them the softest soya chunks, which helps them absorb the flavours to make your soya dish tastier. The Mealmaker Soya Chunks are available on the Saffola Store along with other major e-commerce platforms.