Top Trending Advertising/Media News & Highlights
Why the fundamental fault lines in the business won't be resolved by the Omnicom–IPG merger
The Omnicom–IPG merger is now more than just a balance-sheet event as India's advertising sector faces one of its largest structural changes in decades. In a sector already struggling with AI disruption, customer distrust, and shifting talent economics, it is a stress test for scale, relevance, and trust.Veteran executives Ashish Bhasin, Anita Nayyar, Shubho Sengupta, and Kunal Lalani provide starkly different interpretations of what consolidation actually means, including whether it signals the emergence of a three-player oligopoly, a long-overdue efficiency reset, or a defensive reaction to an industry that has already moved on.One thing unites their opinions: size by itself is no longer a guarantee of advantage. The next stage of competition will be characterised by speed, specialisation, and credibility rather than scale as holding corporations compete to handle conflicts, merge cultures, and reassure clients. In 2026, artists, agencies, and advertisers will focus more on who still matters than on who is the biggest."This era of consolidation in advertising and media did not begin recently—it has been unfolding over the past decade," notes Ashish Bhasin, founder of The Bhasin Consulting Group and former CEO APAC, Dentsu. He reminds us that media owners and broadcasters have travelled the same route as agencies, with mergers like Star and CNBC indicating what was to come. Given that "the top four or five holding companies now account for nearly 80–85% of the market share," as noted by Bhasin, the merger of Omnicom and IPG seems like the next obvious step. The level of competition has changed. "A very formidable competitor emerges for WPP," which has long maintained the top spot in India, as a result of the merger. "Going forward, WPP, Omnicom, and Publicis are likely to become the three largest holding companies in India," according to Bhasin, who envisions a market dominated by three titans. Scale will continue to be important, especially in the media, driving rivalry and making "further consolidation inevitable."However, Bhasin takes pains to avoid portraying this as everyone else's demise. He acknowledges that "the overarching trend clearly points towards consolidation," but adds that "India remains a large and fast-growing market, so there is space for multiple players to coexist."
Published 31 Dec 2025 11:11 PM
Network18 defies industry slowdown; Rahul Joshi charts bold growth path for 2026
In a year when the majority of advertising-driven media firms struggled with diminishing earnings, dwindling viewership, and industry consolidation, Network18 has reported growth in all of its major businesses while increasing its emphasis on relevance, subscription, creative collaborations, and digital-first expansion.Rahul Joshi, Managing Director & Group Editor-in-Chief at Network18, stated in an internal year-end message to staff members that the organization had "beaten the odds" in a difficult year for classic news formats by emphasizing unique content, ecosystem thinking, and non-traditional revenue streams. The group established Creator18 to bolster its creator economy strategy, providing a platform for a variety of digital artists while also utilizing their audiences to increase relevance and income share. Additionally, the business emphasized a fresh emphasis on high-quality tools, research, and insights across its major brands, Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18, as opposed to chasing "click-baity" traffic.Joshi emphasized the quick expansion of Moneycontrol's lending platform, the success of MC Pro, which has over a million users, and the early popularity of SuperPro, which targets high-value traders and investors and increases average revenue per user. He reaffirmed that the company's next growth phase will be defined by non-news content, digital tools, and product innovation. Stronger advertiser access, even from emerging markets, is made possible by the regional news cluster's ongoing multilingual expansion, which is bolstered by a robust national sales network and improved digital outreach. According to Joshi, the firm is still "de-risked" in comparison to its traditional ad-dependent counterparts because subscriber income is growing, transactions are scaling, and events and IPs are bolstering heritage monetization.He acknowledged the structural changes in media consumption, particularly among Gen Z, and pointed out that speedier, platform-native storytelling is becoming more relevant than conventional news formats. With a greater emphasis on CTV and social media, he emphasized that Network18's brands will lead with subtlety, intelligence, and digital-first execution, driven by platforms like Firstpost, Kadak, News18 India, and CNN-News18. Joshi declared 2026 to be a "mission mode" year to foster youthful leadership, experiment vigorously, and keep reinventing the future of Indian news media as he celebrated his ten years with the organization. "We made 2025 count in a year that was really difficult for many. He used Roald Dahl to encourage teams to maintain their faith in "magic" in the face of change, saying, "Let's make 2026 rock."
Published 30 Dec 2025 10:03 PM
On December 26, 2025, India will have early access to Now You See Me, Now You Don't.
The widely watched heist-adventure show With an early access release set for December 26, 2025, NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T will make its digital premiere in India, offering viewers looking for a premium watching experience a rental fee of INR 499. The movie will be accessible on several key digital platforms, like as Google/YouTube, Apple TV, and Amazon, giving viewers a variety of ways to enjoy the magical series. The film NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON'T, which was directed by Ruben Fleischer, brings back the Four Horsemen along with a new generation of illusionists. It offers an exhilarating mix of mind-bending twists, shocks, and expansive magic sequences that have never been seen on screen before. With bold illusions and intense storytelling, the movie raises the stakes while maintaining the franchise's trademark blend of spectacle and tension.Along with an ensemble cast that includes Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson, and Jesse Eisenberg, the movie maintains the adventurous tone of the trilogy while adding new characters and audacious new heists. The Now You See Me franchise, which is well-known for its chic graphics and deft storytelling, has amassed a sizable worldwide following thanks to its distinctive blend of magic and criminality.
Published 23 Dec 2025 11:00 PM
How an Indian Gen Z leader is reinventing design education
Director of the JD Institute of Fashion Technology Rinesh Dalal talks with Adgully about his experience reinventing design education through innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Dalal, who joined the education sector at the age of 18, offers a unique combination of strategic thought and artistic vision to his leadership position. He considers creating experiential learning ecosystems outside of classrooms, from fostering creative communities and supporting emerging talent to extending the JD tradition into digital-first platforms like JDOnline and JD Podcast. Dalal also discusses how technology, narrative, and purpose will continue to influence design education in India.I was never ready to start working at such a young age, much less establish my own business. I had intended to continue my education in film in London, but because my family is very business-oriented, I decided to use that money to start my own company. In retrospect, I can see how much I have developed both myself and inside the company. I joined JD Institute four years ago, and it has been two and a half years since I assumed full leadership. I have acquired extensive practical experience throughout this period, which enables me to firmly continue this tradition. As a member of the same generation as today's youngsters, I am aware of their goals, mindset, and the help they require at various phases of their development.JDOnline was developed to close the accessibility gap by enabling anybody, anywhere, to receive top-notch design education without being constrained by traditional classroom settings. JD Podcast helps students grasp the real-world dynamics of the creative industry by providing them with authentic talks, thoughts, and experiences from artists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. This helps close the industry awareness gap.
Published 21 Dec 2025 09:53 PM
Advertising/Media
Advertising and Media are the essential verticals in any country and both goes parallely while deciding any strategy for promotions. Advertising has been segregrated between Online & Offline advertising which has further wings under them whereas the Media is also categorize in Offline which is Traditional Media like TV, Newspaper, Magazine and its Online Media form which is through digital platforms like Websites, Social Media, Video Channels and others.
Inside Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatts Mothers Day celebrations with mothers and mothers-in-law, with a special mention from Nick Jonas
For Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt, it's a family affair as they celebrated Mother's Day with affectionate photos and get-togethers. Alia and Priyanka shared beautiful photos and sentiments on social media on Mother's Day as a way to show their appreciation and love for their moms and mothers-in-law.Along with her mother Soni Razdan, sister Shaheen Bhatt, husband Ranbir Kapoor, and mother-in-law Neetu Kapoor, Alia enjoyed a beautiful day together. The family grinned with Ranbir while posing in matching white attire, with Soni embracing her girls and Neetu clutching a stylish umbrella. For the event, Alia wore a stylish button-down shirt dress. She accessorized her appearance with a sleek hairstyle, gold hoops earrings, and little makeup.Alia shared a touching photo of their Mother's Day festivities on Instagram before heading to London to see Gucci's debut Cruise collection. She wrote, "Precious moments with my precious ones," as the photo's description. Later, when she was leaving for London, she was photographed wearing an elegant travel attire, which went viral on social media.Alia gave her mother, Soni, a surprise bouquet of flowers before the Mother's Day celebration. Soni posted the image of the flowers on Instagram with the caption, "Blessed. " Neetu shared some old photos and a peek of the heartfelt notes she received from her granddaughter Samara and daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni.In the meantime, Priyanka Chopra posted a number of photos of her mother Madhu Chopra, mother-in-law Denise Jonas, daughter Malti Maries, and husband Nick Jonas on social media. Little Malti was a major character in every one of the touching moments of love and connection that were captured in the pictures. Priyanka is pictured in one of the pictures with her mother and Nick holding Malti in his arms. Malti is in every picture, and Nick's mother is included in additional ones as well.Priyanka thanked her mother, mother-in-law, and aunts for their love and support throughout her life in the note that went with the gift. "Happy Mother's Day to all those who have been fortunate enough to experience a mother's love, nurturing, and guardianship." I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had amazing influences on my upbringing from not only my mother and grandmothers, but also my aunts. It really does require a village," she wrote.
Results of the CBSE 2024: Class 10 announced. Where to look, vanishing patterns, & additional
On May 13, the Central Board of Secondary Education announced the results for Class 10. The board had previously declared the 2024 Class 12 Results. The Class 10 board exam was administered by CBSE this year from February 15 to March 13.On May 13, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared the Class 10 results. This year, 93.60 percent of candidates passed. Twenty-95,467 out of the 22,38,827 candidates that took the exam this year succeeded. There has been a 0.48 percent increase in the pass percentage this year. The Class 10 pass percentage in 2023 was 92.12%.According to officials, more than 47,000 pupils received grades above 95%, and more than 2.12 lakh received grades above 90%.With a 99.75% pass rate, Trivandrum topped the list among the regions, closely followed by Vijaywada with 99.60%. Ajmer, Bengaluru, and Chennai received scores of 97.10%, 99.26%, and 99.30%, respectively.Girls have outperformed boys so far this year. This year, girls have a 2.04% higher pass rate than boys. Girls pass with an overall percentage of 94.75 percent, while boys pass with a proportion of 92.71 percent. The Class 10 board exam was held this year by CBSE from February 15 to March 13. Students can verify and download their results by visiting the official website, cbse.nic.in, whenever the board declares the Class 10 result for 2024.Today, the board declared the Class 12 Result for 2024, revealing an 87.98 percent pass rate. According to officials, 91.52 percent of girls passed the exam, which is 6.40 percentage points more than the success rate for boys.
The Supreme Court punishes those who create and support misleading food and health advertisements following Patanjalis censure.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is now scrutinizing other sponsors and advertisers of dishonest food and health product ad campaigns, after Patanjali.Advertisers shall submit self-declaration forms certifying their compliance with cable TV laws and advertising standards prior to airing adverts, according to a bench made up of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice A. Amanullah that declared this on Tuesday. It stated that before the advertisements air, these statements had to be filed to the Broadcast Seva webpage.Additionally, it forewarned that promoters of false goods and services, such as celebrities and influencers, would be held equally accountable.The consumer affairs ministry was ordered by the court to set up a system that would allow advertisers to submit self-declarations for print media ads in four weeks.The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) took action against deceptive or fraudulent advertisements, especially those that pertain to food and health, and the court requested that the ministry provide a new affidavit detailing these steps.Case of Patanjali The court mandated that Patanjali items whose licenses have been revoked by state authorities be taken out of stores, emphasizing that suspended licenses must immediately stop sales. The court further censured a state licensing body for its inability to guarantee the elimination of certain products from retail displays.In addition, the top court served notice to Dr. R.V. Ashokan, the president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), over Patanjali's alleged derogatory remarks about the Supreme Court, which prompted Patanjali to file a contempt plea.The IMA filed a lawsuit against Patajnali and its founders, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, alleging that they were engaged in a smear campaign against modern medicine. This plea led to the Supreme Court rebuking Patajnali.The court had broadened the case's scope in earlier hearings to cover deceptive advertisements by other FMCG businesses about "cures." Additionally, it made a number of union ministries and state agencies parties to the ongoing legal dispute by ordering them to look into possible violations of the Consumer Protection Act, the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.IMA's lawsuit, which included a number of contentious remarks made by Ramdev, including those about COVID vaccinations and oxygen cylinders during the pandemic's second wave, brought to light concerns about Patanjali disseminating false information and criticizing contemporary medicine with unsubstantiated claims. The court threatened to punish Patanjali ₹1 crore on November 21, 2023, if the company did not stop disseminating false advertisements and claims regarding contemporary medicine. The day after the verdict, Patanjali released a public statement refuting any false claims it had made regarding its products.On February 27, the court banned Patanjali from advertising goods that made unproven claims of healing ailments like asthma and heart problems, and it served a contempt notice to Ramdev and Balkrishna. Additionally, it forbade the business and its representatives from denigrating any medical system in the media. Ramdev and Balkrishna were ordered to appear in person before the court on March 19 to address the contempt charges brought against them. The court granted them till April 16th to offer a public apology for their deceptive health cure marketing.
Top OTT releases this week include Mother of the Bride and Aavesham, as well as web series to watch over the weekend.
This week's top OTT releases are: OTT platforms are currently home to a number of intriguing theatrical movies and web series, and this weekend will likely see the debut of more. Mother's Day is almost approaching, therefore it would be enjoyable to spend the day binge-watching some recent, intriguing films. This is the complete list of this week's new OTT releases.On May 9, the highly anticipated Malayalam film Aavesham, starring Fahadh Faasil, will be made available on Netflix. Amazon Prime Video will broadcast the action-comedy film. The film, which also stars Ashish Vidyarthi, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Sajin Gopu, was directed by Jithu Madhavan. Three teens who relocate to Bengaluru for education and get into a quarrel are the subject of the Malayalam film. They ask a local mobster for assistance.Based on Benyamin's critically acclaimed 2008 novel of the same name, Blessy's Malayalam film depicts the true story of Najeeb Muhammad, an immigrant laborer from Kerala who is kidnapped and forced into slavery on a remote goat farm in a Middle Eastern country.Mark Waters is the director of "Mother of the Bride. " May 9 saw the romantic comedy launch on Netflix. The mother in the title role is portrayed by Brooke Shields. Her daughter, played by Benjamin Bratt, is marrying the man whose father crushed her heart when she was a college student.5) Season three of Acapulco It's time to make peace with the past and embrace thrilling new beginnings in season three of the Apple Original series. The older Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) returns to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes in the current plot. In 1985, Enrique Arrizon's younger version of Maximo pursues his ascent up the corporate ladder at the risk of upending all the bonds he has laboriously cultivated. Damian Alcazar, Fernando Carsa, Camila Perez, Vanessa Bauche, Rafael Alejandro, Regina Reynoso, Jessica Collins, Rafael Cebrian, Carlos Corona, Regina Orozco, Cristo Fernandez, and Jaime Camil are among the cast members. On May 1, the first two episodes of Acapulco's third season, which consists of ten episodes, will be released worldwide. From then until June 26, a new episode will air every Wednesday.
Alia Bhatt surpasses Kendall and Kim to become the "most visible attendee" at the Met Gala. What is meant by that?
The 2024 Met Gala featuring Alia Bhatt was more than simply a red carpet event; it became a social media sensation. The Bollywood actress, whose handmade Sabyasachi sari elevated both her own and the designer's brands to the forefront, was reportedly the "most visible attendee" of the event.This concerned cultural effect as much as celebrity. Social media went crazy after Alia's second Met Gala appearance. Images of her magnificent saree, which was created by 163 artisans, took over feeds and brought in an astounding $4.2 million in Earned Media Value (EMV).Sabyasachi was likewise propelled to the top of the list by his dominance on social media. The elaborate hand stitching of the sari, which included beads, silk thread, and shimmering semi-precious stones, captured the attention of viewers all around the world and brought in $471K in revenue. This demonstrated the influence of Indian design on a worldwide scale, surpassing well-known foreign fashion houses like Burberry and Oscar de la Renta. Let's examine what that implies.The 2024 Met Gala featuring Alia Bhatt was more than simply a red carpet event; it became a social media sensation. According to sources, the Bollywood diva was the "most visible attendee" of the event, and her handmade Sabyasachi sari elevated both her own and the designer's brands.
Ranveer Singh removes his wedding photos with Deepika Padukone; this is one example of how modern couples value their online privacy.
Celebrity psychologist Raashi Gurnani concurs, saying, "Among young couples on social media, I've noticed a shift towards more intentional sharing."In a time when posting personal photos of oneself online has become commonplace, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh startled his fans recently by deleting wedding photos he took with co-star Deepika Padukone from Instagram.Singh deleted not just their wedding pictures but also a number of previous posts. Singh is well-known for his lively social media presence and unashamed demonstrations of passion towards his partner.Singh subsequently revealed that his connection with Padukone couldn't be better, even though the cause of this is unclear. When asked about a piece of jewelry that he treasures the most in an interview with Vogue, he replied, "This one is very dear to me; it's my wedding ring, given to me by my wife. "This unexpected action demonstrates how young couples' perspectives on digital privacy and personal limits are evolving. Couples are deciding how to strike a balance between sharing special moments and protecting their privacy online as society struggles with the effects of living in a more connected world.This unexpected action demonstrates how young couples' perspectives on digital privacy and personal limits are evolving. Couples are deciding how to strike a balance between sharing special moments and protecting their privacy online as society struggles with the effects of living in a more connected world.
The goal of Swarajs advertisement with MS Dhoni is to demonstrate how simple and effective it is to use the Target 630 for farming tasks.
Mumbai: A campaign is presented by Swaraj Tractors, a well-known name in the local tractor market and a division of the Mahindra Group. MS Dhoni, a brand ambassador and customer, stars in it.The advertisement aims to convey how simple and effective it is to use the Swaraj Target 630 for horticulture, inter-row cultivation, puddling, and other farming tasks because of its sophisticated features and strong engine.When Dhoni visits a friend's property in the ad, he comes across the Swaraj Target 630. Dhoni drives the tractor through vineyards, paddy farms, horticultural areas, and sugarcane fields. This demonstrates the Swaraj Target's multi-utility capability.This is Dhoni's second appearance in a Swaraj commercial. The first advertisement highlighted Swaraj's dedication to provide top-notch, cutting-edge machinery. The new one improves upon the old one. The objective is to strengthen Swaraj's standing as a reliable brand among farmers.FCB Interface for Swaraj produced the new TVC, which will be accessible starting on May 10, 2024, in a number of regional languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Punjabi.
Ankit Sharma and Layla Khan are named senior vice presidents of strategy by BBH India.
Ankit Sharma and Layla Khan, who will join the agency as senior vice-presidents of strategy and planning, respectively, are the two senior level appointments made by BBH India, a division of Publicis Groupe India. The planning and strategy function will be led and driven by them. Leading the strategic direction on important client relationships will be both leaders. Khan and Sharma will work out of the agency's Mumbai and Gurugram locations, respectively.Himanshu Saxena, BBH India's managing director and chief operating officer, will get direct reports from the new leaders.Regarding the two significant hires, Saxena stated, "We are ecstatic to have Ankit Sharma and Layla Khan join our leadership group. Both of these leaders have an outstanding history of executing incredibly powerful and successful campaigns on a range of internationally and locally recognized major brands. Their depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for producing outstanding work in the areas of digital, design, experience, analytics, and advertising for our clients will solidify our standing as a dominant force in India.Sharma has over 16 years of broad experience in analytics, brand consulting, and advertising. His specialty is using semiotics, design thinking, and human behavior to brand construction in organizations like FCB India, DY Works, JWT, Analytics Quotient, and McCann Worldgroup.Among the various companies he has collaborated with include PepsiCo India, Dabur, Britannia, ITC (Aashirvaad and Sunfeast), TVS Apache, Hero Motocorp, Nike, and Dominos (US Market). Over the years, his work has been honored at several Effie Awards."I am excited to join an agency that embraces a culture of defying the norms," he stated about his new position at BBH India. I'm thrilled to be a part of this revolutionary journey since BBH's "Zag" philosophy offers a novel approach to brand building in the ever evolving advertising industry."Khan, on the other hand, has over 15 years of experience working at creative agencies in India and Sri Lanka, including Wunderman Thompson (now known as VML), Mullen Lowe Group, and Contract Advertising (WPP). Global companies including HSBC, Kellogg's, De Beers, Yardley London, Upfield Flora, and Unilever (Lakme, Tresemme, Knorr, Hellman Mayo, Marmite, Pureit, Surf Excel, and Vim) have all benefited greatly from her influence on their future.Several domestic brands, including Kotak Wealth, Haldiram's, Godrej Interio, Everyuth Naturals, Sugarlite, and D'décor, have also benefited from her success. She has won prized awards at the Effie Awards in India and Sri Lanka because of her passion for cracking regionally particular cultural and subcultural codes and creating tech-infused storylines.Regarding her new position, Khan stated, "Technology is not an idea," as BBH founder John Hegarty famously remarked at an age when artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our world. It's a tool for expressing ideas. and I really connect with this. I believe that quickly developing technologies have enormous potential to support compelling narratives that motivate, pique interest, and create novel approaches for businesses to stay relevant to their target audiences. I'm happy to be a part of BBH's history of groundbreaking work and am looking forward to contributing.
Following Delhi, schools in Ahmedabad receive bomb threats via email; a link to Russia appears
But in a formal statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) referred to the email as a "hoax." "There's no reason to freak out. It looks like the mail is a scam. The official statement from the MHA stated that the Delhi Police and security agencies are following protocol and taking the appropriate actions.Nearly three schools in Ahmedabad got bomb threats via email on Monday, following the targeting of over 130 schools in Delhi, according to newswire ANI. The matter is being investigated by the police."Don't panic or exaggerate—we are checking. Five or six schools have received threats via mail regarding bomb blasts. People shouldn't panic since tomorrow is election day; there's no need to create too much excitement, according to DCP Control Ahmedabad City.This occurred a few days after bomb threats were sent to 131 Delhi schools on May 1. The threat letter was addressed to Delhi NCR schools via the email address "sawariim@mail.ru." "Sawariim" is an Arabic term meaning "clashing of the swords." Since 2014, the terrorist organization Islamic State has utilized it to disseminate propaganda supporting Islam.In a formal statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) referred to the email as a "hoax." "There's no reason to freak out. It looks like the mail is a scam. The MHA issued an official statement and stated that "Delhi Police and security agencies are taking necessary steps as per protocol."Following the bomb scare emails, the Delhi Police Special Cell filed a complaint against an unidentified individual. The investigation has uncovered a link to Russia since the email address used to send the threatening emails to the schools was associated with the nation run by Vladimir Putin.Additionally, the government of Delhi released a warning asking schools to keep a close eye on their official emails and to report any threats to the police right once."School Administrators/Managers/Heads of Government/Government Aided and Unaided Recognised Schools under the Directorate of Education, GNCT Delhi, should ensure that emails/messages received on the official email ID of the school at any time of the day (before, during, or after school hours) are checked timely," the notice stated.
Manushi Chhillar looks stunning in a shimmering minidress designed by Shantanu & Nikhil. View the images inside.
Manushi Chhillar exudes elegance and charm with her impeccable sense of style and irresistible beauty as she rocks a gorgeous Shantanu & Nikhil short dress.Manushi Chhillar is an absolute beauty who never stops killing it in the fashion world. Whatever the diva chooses to wear—a stylish saree or a beautiful jumpsuit—she can pull it off flawlessly. Her Falguni Shane peacock suit from a few days earlier set the bar for ethnic design, and this time she flawlessly channeled glam in a sparkling black minidress. Manushi is highly active on social media, and her glamorous Instagram stories, which are full of gorgeous outfits, are a goldmine of fashion ideas for all of her fans. Her most recent glam appearance is no different and will astound you.(@manushi_chhillar on Instagram)Her attire, which has a striking grey color scheme, has a deep plunge neckline, a corset bodice, a bodycon fit, a small hemline, a warp pattern at the waist, and an additional piece of cloth connected to the side that reaches the floor to provide drama. (@manushi_chhillar on Instagram)Her attire, which has a striking grey color scheme, has a deep plunge neckline, a corset bodice, a bodycon fit, a small hemline, a warp pattern at the waist, and an additional piece of cloth connected to the side that reaches the floor to provide drama.Her gorgeous appearance was flawlessly complemented with a chic bracelet, matching ear cuffs, rings on her finger, an opulent diamond choker necklace, and a pair of blue pump heels. (@manushi_chhillar on Instagram)Her makeup consisted of flushed cheeks, contoured cheekbones, winged eyeliner, mascara-covered lashes, blackened brows, sparkling eyeshadow, brilliant highlighter, and a shade of nude lipstick. To complete her striking appearance, her lush locks were fashioned in delicate curls and left open at the side. (@manushi_chhillar on Instagram)
Indians steal the show at the Met Gala in 2024, from Mona Patel in a nude sculpted gown to Sudha Reddy in a 180-carat solitaire necklace.
Like they do every year on the first Monday of May, a flurry of South Asian celebrities wearing Indian designers and supporting their native country gathered on the famous steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.We witnessed many Indian names making their impact at fashion's biggest night, from Mindy Kaling in Gaurav Gupta to Alia Bhatt in Sabyasachi to Isha Ambani in Rahul Mishra. In light of this, let's examine every Indian who shone brightly at the Met Gala 2024, which embraced the theme "Garden of Time."Wearing a handmade Iris van Herpen, fashion entrepreneur and philanthropist Mona Patel made her Met Gala debut. The philanthropist's body-hugging, nude sculpted gown, butterfly corset, and scalloped train had the internet in a frenzy. The Vadodara-born fashion mogul, styled by Law Roach, incorporated slow-motion kinetic butterflies into her arm sleeves as a nod to the Met theme, "Garden of Time."With her non-profit Couture For Cause, Patel combines her passion for fashion with her charitable activities. She raises money and donates couture pieces through auction, many of which come from her own collection.The Gangubai Kathiawadi star, who had the look styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, posted a few "behind the scenes" glimpses on Instagram: This dreamy saree is the result of the combined labor of 163 committed people, including skilled weavers, embroiderers, artists, and dyers, who put in a total of 1965 man hours. I am so appreciative to be wearing this beautiful creation, which is a monument to unending love and laborious work, that I am wearing it.Indian designer Rahul Mishra's couture sari gown, hand stitched by hand, was worn by the director of Reliance Retail. Her stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania wrote on Instagram that the unique look "took over 10,000 hours to complete." "Sophisticated applique and embroidery techniques, including Fareesha, Zardozi, Nakshi, and Dabka, along with French knots, were used to painstakingly incorporate delicate samples of flowers, butterflies, and dragonflies from the archives into the design," the speaker continued.The thirty-one-year-old businesswoman was also carrying a gorgeous purse made by Swadesh, including miniature paintings and nakashi by Jaipur artist Hari Narain Marotia.The Executive Director of the Serum Institute of India wore a specially designed Maison Margiela that was fashioned by John Galliano. Christian Louboutin shoes were the perfect finishing touch for the ensemble.Using Instagram, she expressed her happiness and gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Galliano: "We adored the concept of life and time being fragile yet strong and everlasting, and combining my own sleeping beauties—my wedding set of jewels. Working on an enduring work of live art with a legend and such an open creative partner has been an honor.
A documentary series on Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun will premiere in June.
The ongoing controversy involving Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun has been in the news for a while and is soon to be shown on screen. The "gripping" disagreement between pop megastar Taylor Swift and music industry billionaire Scooter Braun will be the subject of a two-part documentary series called Taylor Swift vs. Braun: Bad Blood. Read more about Scooter Braun here. The music mogul with whom Taylor Swift is at odds)Variety reports that Warner Bros. Discovery UK and Ireland has commissioned a docuseries that will delve into Taylor's conflict with music producer Scooter.The two-part documentary, dubbed Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun: Bad Blood in the works, will delve deeply into the $300 million disagreement between the pop sensation and the business tycoon after Braun obtained the rights to Swift's first six albums in June 2019. The documentary will focus on the pop superstar's public spat with Braun. (Read: Taylor Swift lashes out at Scooter Braun, who currently has the rights to every song she has released thus far.)In addition to journalists and legal professionals, the two hour-long episodes, which air in June, will also include those who are close to Taylor and Scooter. The project will analyze the roles of gender dynamics, fandom impact, and artist rights while delving into Scooter's $300 million acquisition of her music archive from Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Records in 2019. Its goal is to fairly reflect both sides.The claims made by Swift that Scott prevented her from obtaining the rights to her first six albums will also be examined in the series. Additionally, viewers are expected to receive a "comprehensive masterclass on music rights."The show is a part of the "vs" series from Warner Bros. Discovery UK. The popular projects Johnny vs. Amber, which centers on the court case involving Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, and Kim vs. Kanye: The Divorce, which details Kim Kardashian's split from musician Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, are also featured in the series.
Indian beauty Alia Bhatt is wearing a gorgeous, gem-studded Sabyasachi saree that took 163 artisans 1905 hours to construct.
At the Met Gala in 2024, Alia Bhatt made her second appearance at what is commonly referred to as "fashion's biggest night." She looked stunning in a Sabyasachi sari.Following her breathtaking red carpet debut at the Met Gala the previous year, Alia Bhatt made a second appearance at what is commonly referred to as "fashion's biggest night." The Highway actor enthralled guests at the event held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York while wearing a Sabyasachi saree embellished with exquisite embroidery and priceless gemstones.Alia's wardrobe was thoughtfully chosen to complement the Met Gala's "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" theme this year. The saree featured a 23-foot-long train that was painstakingly embroidered with silk floss, glass beading, and semi-precious jewels in the shape of flowers.Speaking about her outfit, Alia remarked, "I feel fantastic. I am giddy with anticipation. This is the culmination of months of planning. My attire is from Sabyasachi Mukherjee. I've attended the Met twice, but this is my first time wearing a saree. Nothing is more timeless than a saree, or so I thought when I thought of the topic "The Garden of Time." Every stitch on this is done by hand. This outfit was made by 163 artisans, workers, and everyone in 1905 man hours.Alia posted a photo of her ensemble on social media, giving Sabyasachi credit for designing the gorgeous ensemble. "It was an ode to art and eternity—a call to the Garden of Time," the author wrote. We recognize that things made with care and patience can endure a lifetime, and that timelessness has no limits. During our quest to find an Indian take of this global concept, the attire developed a personality of its own. Nothing is more innovative and traditional than the saree, and in the expert hands of #SabyasachiMukherjee, this concept was fully realized.She expressed her gratitude to the 163 artisans who worked on the saree's creation. "Creating this has been quite an experience," she continued. enjoyable and demanding in equal measure. This dreamy saree is the result of 163 committed workers, including skilled weavers, embroiderers, artists, and dyers, who put in a total of 1965 man hours of work. I am really appreciative to be this beautiful creation's embodiment as I wear this attire.
Advertisers may design advertising more easily with Metas latest generative AI features.
On May 8, Facebook's parent company Meta expanded its paid verification program and revealed new generative AI-based advertising tools to help businesses grow.The massive social networking site has given advertisers access to full-image and text production tools to enable them produce ads more quickly and develop a variety of ad versions that will boost ad performance.With text overlay capabilities, businesses can now develop whole image variations based on the original advertising creative. The prior features of enlarging photos to better fit numerous surfaces and creating new backgrounds surrounding product photographs—first presented in October 2023—are now enhanced.According to the company, the picture expansion feature—which enables companies to modify creative assets to match various aspect ratios on various surfaces—will now be accessible on Reels and Feed on Facebook and Instagram. As a result, advertisers are able to create ads for various formats in a more efficient manner.For example, a coffee company promoting a cup of coffee can utilize this functionality to generate additional background variations, such as ones that represent a lovely farm, and can even modify the coffee cup to give more imaginative designs. According to Meta, in the upcoming months, advertisers will also be able to specify their preferred images through text prompts.Additionally, businesses will be able to add text overlay to AI-generated photos, giving them the choice of twelve of the most well-liked font typefaces.Marketers will be able to produce headline variations for their ads in addition to the main text thanks to the new text generating capabilities. By stressing the major selling points based on their past campaigns and the language inputs from businesses, Meta said the company is currently testing the generated text's ability to replicate the voice and tone of the brands.According to the firm, new functionalities will soon be developed using Meta's most recent large language model, Llama 3, which will enhance ad performance and yield suggestions of a higher caliber.By the end of the year, Meta hopes to have these generative AI features available globally, having begun to roll them out to marketers.The Advantage+ creative function, which automatically optimizes the images and videos to versions that the brand's audience is more likely to interact with, will make these features available in the company's Ads Manager."By bringing all of the generative AI features together in one place, businesses will be able to see the benefits of automation and generative AI at the same time" according to the business.
The XYXX-KL campaign Rahul wants to escape his agony.
The premium men's lifestyle brand in India, XYXX, has launched a new and inventive campaign called Ultimate Undie-pendence, which features investor and brand ambassador KL Rahul. The campaign draws attention to a widespread problem that has been disregarded for too long: men's persistent discomfort with traditional cotton underwear, which has become accepted as a way of life.The ad, which was created by Talented and produced by First December Films, imagines a future society in which men are physically restrained by their undergarments and find it difficult to perform everyday chores because they are in constant discomfort.KL leads off the campaign. Rahul seemed bewildered by this society where males are uncomfortable and struggle with everything they do, including riding a bike, lifting weights at the gym, and even working. As soon as KL recognizes the issue, he places an order for everyone to receive XYXX TENCELTM Modal Micro-made underpants so they can all feel "Undie-pendence." Men can be seen grinning and celebrating their newfound "Azaadi" despite feeling uneasy. The brand film calls for "Undie-pendence," a captivating term that team Talented playfully devised to express a sense of emancipation and independence from discomfort caused by your innerwear. It is backed by a soundtrack created by Varkey specifically for the campaign.The ad highlights how wearing comfy underwear may significantly improve one's everyday lifestyle. The ultimate in comfort is provided by XYXX TENCELTM Modal Micro-made underwear, which is improved with AirMax, 4-way Stretch, and CloudSoft. Reiterating that a man will make the move and genuinely believe the underwear upgrade is important because of the exceptional comfort he will have in his XYXX TENCELTM Modal Micro-made underwear. The goal of XYXX's campaign is to change attitudes and start a dialogue by encouraging men to consider the more advanced TENCELTM Modal Micro-made underwear rather than the conventional cotton varieties. The ad encourages men to switch by highlighting the sharp contrast between the restrictive environment of traditional underwear and the freedom that XYXX TENCELTM Modal Micro-made undewear offers. XYXX facilitates the shift to a more comfortable lifestyle by encouraging men to take the risk by providing samples and trials. With this campaign, XYXX hopes to improve men's daily comfort and well-being by addressing a common yet ignored issue."Your choice of underwear pretty much sets the tone for your entire day," says Petal Gangurde, Chief of Brand & Culture at XYXX, in response to the company's new film. Regretfully, the majority of men in India still don uncomfortable, ill-fitting plain cotton underwear.We had to get men to realize how bound and stuck they felt in their present underwear, which is how we came up with this extraordinarily rich concept of "Undie-pendence." We want men to break free from the stereotype that once they wear XYXX TENCELTM Modal Micro-made underwear, they will never go back to their former brand. This advertisement aims to dispel this notion. Every man should be able to feel that incredible difference, as well as unmatched comfort and independence. Initially, the concept of externalizing comfort was a jest. Never before has anyone thought of underpants as cufflinks. Not even on the most peculiar websites! What began with us shooting pictures of
Kareena is pleased to be a national ambassador for UNICEF India.
UNICEF India has named Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan as its national ambassador. Her longstanding affiliation with the organization since 2014, during which she has acted as a Celebrity Advocate, is recognized with this esteemed status.Young Advocates: Supporting a Range of Issues UNICEF India announced the appointment of Kareena along with the introduction of its inaugural class of Youth Advocates, four exceptional persons who will act as peer leaders and advocates for important issues impacting children and youth. The causes that the Youth Advocates are fighting for are: Gauranshi Sharma from Madhya Pradesh, advocating for the right to play and disability inclusion. Uttar Pradesh native Kartik Verma is an advocate for child rights and climate action. Nahid Afrin from Assam, raising awareness about mental health and early childhood development. Vinisha Umashankar from Tamil Nadu, a budding innovator and STEM pioneer.Kareena's dedication to the rights of children Kareena Kapoor Khan's commitment to the rights and wellbeing of children is demonstrated by her affiliation with UNICEF India. She has given her voice to numerous projects as a Celebrity Advocate, bringing attention to topics including child safety, nutrition, and education. As she assumes her new position as National Ambassador, Kareena is well-positioned to further up her efforts and use her powerful platform to make a significant difference in the lives of children in India and around the world.Youth Empowerment and Change-Driven UNICEF India's selection of Youth Advocates is a great step in empowering youth and recognizing their ability to effect positive change. In addition to serving as an inspiration to their peers, these advocates will help shape programs and policies that deal with the urgent issues that young people face. Kareena Kapoor Khan and the Youth Advocates will work diligently to guarantee that every child's rights are upheld and their voices are heard, forming a strong team.Children's Better Future Kareena Kapoor Khan and the Youth Advocates represent a fresh commitment to UNICEF India's great goal, which is to uphold the rights and welfare of children. The group wants to give children a better future where their rights, safety, and growth are respected and valued via their combined efforts. Kareena Kapoor Khan's impact and her passion for children's rights will surely encourage others to join the campaign as she sets off on her new adventure, causing a ripple effect that reverberates throughout the country and beyond.
Netflixs Heeramandi Shekhar Suman explains why the web series won be making a comeback by comparing himself to Aamir Khan and Dilip Kumar.
The Netflix online series Heeramandi has captivated the interest of all viewers. This is due to the immense anticipation around the film, which was directed by none other than Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Segal, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Richa Chadha are among the cast members of the web series. It is about the power struggles of Lahori courtesans. Heeramandi has split supporters. Some people are pleased with the online series, but others have criticized SLB's concept. Nevertheless, the actors are making every effort to maintain the excitement surrounding Heeramandi. A key character in the online series, Shekhar Suman, recently discussed his hiatus and other topics. Also Read: Heeramandi: Aditi Rao Hydari becomes a love guru, as evidenced by her professional dating adviseHe compared himself to Aamir Khan and Dilip Kumar in a recent conversation, stating that the reason for the break was that he wasn't getting enough exciting roles. Shekhar Suman stated, "I am essentially a theatre actor," in an interview with The Indian Express. There is never a resurgence. All you have to do is wait for the appropriate opportunity.Together with his son Adhyayan Suman and a host of other well-known actors, Shekhar Suman was a major character in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's masterpiece of a web series, featured popular TV personality Shekhar Suman. The actor defended the director in an interview, saying that he was a rigorous taskmaster who occasionally made his actors wait on set. Continue reading!Talking about his collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Heeramandi, Shekhar Suman Shekhar Suman plays Zulfikar in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, an important character in the Over-the-Top television series. When questioned if Sanjay Leela Bhansali had actors wait for long hours, the veteran actor responded that he is a maestro who strives for excellence in an interview with Zoom.Shekhar Suman went on to say that actors are not people who lose sight of their role while they are waiting. He defended SLB by drawing a comparison between them and soldiers, saying, "It's like a soldier waiting for the enemy to attack." He wouldn't declare, "I want to go home; I've been waiting for twelve hours." Does it take place? No, that's him! The moment the enemy approaches, he opens fire. Whether it's hot or snowing doesn't matter. An actor needs to be as ready as a military man.Shekhar Suman went on to say that if an actor is asked to sit still for two or three days by the director, they should comply if they are an actor. You can't say that you're having trouble focusing, so leave this place immediately. It is not your place to be an actress. You will look back with immense satisfaction and joy whenever you do. And for that reason, he was well respected," he said.
Why Indian fashion designers are conspicuously absent from the Met Gala 2024 event
The Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the creator of the immensely popular Papa Don't Preach, Shubhika Sharma, discuss the concerns of the Indian fashion community regarding their underrepresentation at the Met 2024.Celebrities from India, such as Priyanka Chopra, Isha Ambani, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt, have been raising the nation's prominence internationally over the past several years. But with all of the feathered dreams and sequined masterpieces, our rich fashion history is mainly missing.Designer Ridhi Mehra claims that due to persistent misconceptions that Indian fashion is only associated with traditional or ethnic dress, India's presence at the Met Gala has been restricted, despite a few celebrities donning traditional Indian clothing or accessories. Mehra stated, "Even though Indian fashion is immensely inventive and varied, changing these misconceptions on a global level may take some time and focused work from both designers and industry stakeholders. "The essay by Susan Sontag served as the inspiration for the 2019 theme Camp: Notes on Fashion, which appeared perfect for designer Manish Arora's exuberant designs. His distinctive look, which is renowned for its opulence and vivacity, wonderfully encapsulated the spirit of "camp." Not to be outdone, Arora dressed Australian actor Keiynan Lonsdale in a stunning gown that flowed from a neon green full-sleeved bodice and was embellished with 1,500 hand-embroidered butterflies in his typical colorful colors. The final flourish? That year, Arora's famous circus outfit was even on show at the Costume Institute exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is a real high point for any designer.We saw socialite Natasha Poonawalla dressed in a custom gold sari by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for 2022's In America: A Lexicon of Fashion. This was a historic first for a sari's one and only Met Gala debut. However, Naomi Campbell did dress in an uncommon vintage Chanel outfit inspired by saris for the 2023 Karl Lagerfeld tribute.
