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.
Part 1 of Beyond the Scroll: Deciphering Print's Unwavering Hold on Reader Loyalty and Trust
Print media's lasting appeal in an increasingly digital environment is evidence of its special advantages. Print nevertheless has a unique and frequently esteemed place in economies where media consumption is influenced by political consciousness and long-standing cultural links, even while the sheer amount of internet content threatens to overwhelm. This durability stems from qualities like believability, tangibleness, and a fostered environment for ongoing participation that digital platforms, despite their immediacy, find difficult to duplicate.According to the recently published WARC Global Ad Trends Report on "Advertising's Breaking News Problem," India is defying the global trend of declining ad spend on news content by seeing an increase in both print and internet sales. According to the report, newsbrand ad spending in India has increased by 6% annually.According to the recently published WARC Global Ad Trends Report on "Advertising's Breaking News Problem," India is defying the global trend of declining ad spend on news content by seeing an increase in both print and internet sales. According to the report, newsbrand ad spending in India has increased by 6% annually. In order to understand what keeps print media so strong in India despite the country's swift shift to digital, Adgully interviews a variety of print industry experts and marketers for this two-part investigation.This attitude is nicely expressed by Sakshi Media Director Rani Reddy, who notes, "Yes, we are witnessing a big digital deluge." However, print continues to hold its revered position as a reliable medium, particularly in southern regional areas where readers are more politically conscious and aligned. According to her, this trust is a result of print's tactile qualities, in-depth editing, and carefully chosen content, all of which work together to create a strong emotional bond with readers. Sakshi's well-established credibility, first-rate hyperlocal coverage, and crucial role in helping readers live their lives by pointing them in the direction of "a better tomorrow" all serve to further solidify their devotion. In a world when social media is full with constant notifications and frequently overwhelming information, print provides a much-needed break from the screen and encourages real interaction.
The new TV is YouTube, and it's very different from the old one! Section Two
In his yearly letter to the business this February, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan declared, "YouTube is the new television." He highlighted YouTube's transition into a major entertainment platform by saying that more people now watch the video on TV displays than on mobile devices."A growing number of people watch YouTube in addition to TV. Every day, viewers watch more than 1 billion hours of YouTube content on TVs, and in the US, TVs are now the main way that people watch YouTube. However, the appearance of the "new" television differs from that of the "old." In addition to the sports, sitcoms, and chat shows that people already enjoy, it's interactive and features content like shorts (yep, people watch them on TVs), podcasts, and live streams, Mohan said.Will YouTube take the place of traditional television as the new mainstream media? And how might this change reshape advertising, entertainment, and audience participation in the years to come? YouTube has changed over the last 20 years from being a place to post oddball, low-quality videos to becoming a major force in the entertainment sector and starting to look more and more like television. The distinction between YouTube and TV has become more hazy as viewers watch 1 billion hours of YouTube every day on smart TVs and broadcasters are now posting entire episodes. This convergence has been highlighted by the thriving partnerships between YouTubers and mainstream media, such as MrBeast's Prime Video series Beast Games and the Sidemen's Netflix reality program Inside.The integration has generated controversy, though, since some YouTube-based programs have come under fire for their content quality and production ethics, raising worries about a media "race to the bottom." YouTube now concentrates on serving as a distribution center while producers and broadcasters adjust to its business model, despite its brief foray into original content. Disney and other traditional TV networks are using YouTube to reach a wider audience. YouTube's popularity and production budgets indicate that it will continue to play a significant role in entertainment, even though it may not be able to compete with TV in terms of premium narrative in the foreseeable future. According to some analysts, YouTube and traditional television will merge to form a single media environment.
Harshvardhan Rane responds after Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane is removed off the "Sanam Teri Kasam" album covers on the music app.
On music apps like Spotify, the image of Pakistani actor Mawra Hocane has been digitally deleted from the Sanam Teri Kasam ad. The crew of the movie responds.It appears that Pakistani musicians have no place on our music CDs, not simply on their social media profiles. Actors who appear in Indian films from across the border are gradually being removed from the film's assets.On Monday, it was seen that Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane were the only actors on the Sanam Teri Kasam album. She is no longer featured on Spotify or YouTube Music's covers of the movie's album. When we contacted Deepak Mukut, the film's producer, he claimed to be unaware of this, saying, "They didn't ask me, it's their decision." Everyone must abide by whatever our government says.“Now they will say that my PR team got this done!” Harshvardhan tells HT City. No, I suppose it's just common sense; weeding is being done. In the 2017 movie Raees, Shah Rukh Khan and Pakistani star Mahira Khan performed a romantic number called "Zaalima." There is no sign of Mahira on the album cover on YouTube, YouTube Music, or Spotify, which just has SRK solo.
YouTube at 20: Part 1: From romantic fantasies to digital dominance
Unbelievably, when YouTube first debuted as a dating service in 2005, it was its original tagline. You heard correctly. Originally, people were supposed to provide videos that described their ideal spouses. Despite paying women $20 to post their videos to YouTube, the concept failed.The founders, Steve Chen, Jawed Karim, and Chad Hurley, who were once employees of PayPal, persisted. They finally came to the conclusion, according to Steve Chen, "OK, forget the dating aspect, let's just open it up to any video."What about the first video? Jawed Karim posted an 18-second video titled "Me at the zoo" from the San Diego Zoo on April 23, 2005. This little video shows Karim standing in front of zoo elephants and remarking on how long their trunks are. Even while it was far from the polished productions of today, it encapsulated the spirit of YouTube: anyone could share their moment, passion, or tale with the world. A little more than a year later, in October 2006, YouTube was purchased by Google for $1.65 billion, providing the platform with the resources, infrastructure, and reach it needed to develop into the worldwide behemoth it is today. As they say, the rest is history. Then, in honor of the millions of regular content creators influencing the digital era, Time magazine named "You" its Person of the Year for 2006. Despite not being specifically mentioned, YouTube was a major factor in this cultural change. A mirrored mirror was even used on the magazine's cover to represent the growth of user-generated content.With its remarkable transformation of the concept and process of content creation, distribution, consumption, and monetization, YouTube has emerged as the leading content powerhouse of our time, giving rise to the modern creator economy.
ASCI relaxes requirements for promoting generic financial and health products.
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) declared on Monday that influencers can disseminate general information about financial and health products and services without professional credentials. Influencers in the fields of finance and fitness must currently possess the requisite training and licenses in order to recommend any goods or services on social media. Only technical advice will now be subject to the obligation.Influencers without the necessary credentials may disseminate general information about goods or services that does not constitute technical advice. The most recent revision to the standards states, "For instance, a health food company partnering with a chef or food blogger to promote a meal service, or an insurance company using an influencer to discuss the necessity of yearly health examinations. "The goal of this ASCI action is to broaden the scope of brand endorsement to include professionals who lack qualifications but are well-known in the field for their expertise and kindness, which can strengthen a brand's messaging. "Influencer marketing has developed beyond straightforward endorsements and now frequently incorporates strategic alliances for a range of brand communication initiatives. In a news release on Monday, ASCI secretary general Manisha Kapoor said, "The revised guidelines bring in the necessary nuance for influencers operating in the BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) and health and nutrition space."
"With the exception of Priyanka, Karan Johar is praising Indian celebrities at the 2025 Met Gala. "
Indian celebs' Met Gala 2025 outfits were appraised by filmmaker Karan Johar. He named everyone, including Kiara Advani, Diljit Dosanjh, and Shah Rukh Khan, but Priyanka Chopra was not on his list.On Tuesday, as everyone's eyes were on the Met Gala 2025, filmmaker Karan Johar practically sat in the front row to examine the fashion. Johar, who is well-known for his passion for fashion, gave the notable appearances of Indian celebrities that illuminated the famous stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York high marks. He neglected to mention Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who also attended the event with her American husband-musician, Nick Jonas, even though he gave a thanks to all the Indian names showcasing their best fashion foot forward.Johar hand-picked his favorites among the Indian contingent in a series of Instagram stories, praising designer Manish Malhotra, Isha Ambani, Kiara Advani, Diljit Dosanjh, and Shah Rukh Khan. The appearance of Shah Rukh Khan was truly momentous. KJo concurred. As the first Indian male actor to walk the Met Gala red carpet, SRK wore a special Sabyasachi outfit, complete with a massive diamond 'K' pendant and a tiger sceptre. ALLL HAIL THE MET'S KING. He posted his Instagram story about the celebrity, saying, "The internet just broke into a gazillion hearts!!!!! @iamsrk. bhai you RULE! (sic)."
Navjot Singh Sidhu joins Artkonnect as an exclusive talent.
Renowned public figure Navjot Singh Sidhu has been exclusively onboarded by Artkonnect, a creative talent management firm. Artkonnect will oversee Sidhu's business dealings and assist in amplifying his social and personal endeavors as part of this collaboration.In order to provide viewers a more intimate, unvarnished glimpse into Sidhu's world, Artkonnect has started an official YouTube channel called "Navjot Sidhu Official." His personal transformation journey, daily workout routines, fashion, motivating philosophy, and his trademark commentary that combines comedy, charisma, and cricket will all be included in the channel's extensive selection of lifestyle material.It is the thought that initiates transformation. I want to share my path of self-control, devotion, and resolve with the world—not just as inspiration, but also as a message of hope. In this new chapter, I'm thrilled to collaborate with Artkonnect," Navjot Singh Sidhu stated.With this project, Artkonnect hopes to transcend Sidhu's legacy as a cricket player and commentator and reposition him as a thinker, inspiration, and significant public figure. His YouTube channel launch is the first in a planned sequence of digital-first projects aimed at showcasing his vibrant personality and love of life. Sidhu Ji is a great addition to the Artkonnect family. We are thrilled to share his transformational tale with a larger audience via captivating digital platforms because it is so inspiring. Through this collaboration, we are able to honor his incredible journey in a genuine, approachable, and inspiring manner," stated Anand Kanwar, Artkonnect co-founder.
The Possible creator explains to The Drum why he wants to make the popular event into marketing's equivalent of Davos rather than a CES or Cannes clone.Christian Muche appeared to be a Miami native. W
The Possible creator explains to The Drum why he wants to make the popular event into marketing's equivalent of Davos rather than a CES or Cannes clone.Christian Muche appeared to be a Miami native. Wearing a flamingo-pink suit from head to toe, he could have easily passed for the owner of the South Beach tequila empire as he strode around the Fontainebleau like a guy who understands exactly what he's built. However, Muche is here to promote a fresh idea for event promotion, not to sell alcohol.Possible, the show he started at the end of the pandemic, has grown to become one of the most talked-about events on the industry calendar in just three years. CMOs, internet innovators, media moguls, and platform giants are drawn to it because of its sun-drenched Miami Beach setting. Furthermore, Muche made it clear this year that this is something completely different from CES and Cannes.He told The Drum, "I hope Possible becomes the Davos of the marketing world. " We had never heard that before, and it seemed like a significant change from how the event has been positioned up to this point. Because of the lush landscaping, well-known speakers, and brand events, it was dubbed the "Cannes of the US." He remarked, "Davos brings together the biggest decision-makers from industry, science, and politics." "The same is required for marketing."Muche has an impressive record and is the kind of guy you usually listen to. With more than 60,000 participants and 1,200 exhibitors, he co-founded Dmexco in Germany in 2008 and helped it grow into one of the biggest marketing trade exhibitions globally. He started it in New Zealand, where he relocated after Yahoo in search of a more tranquil life for his family. But the desire to construct came back. He claims, "I told my wife I was doing something new three months after moving." In Germany, it's Dmexco. It caught her off guard.
As AI Advances, Meta's Q1 2025 Revenue Soars to $42.31B
For the first quarter of 2025, Meta Platforms, Inc. reported strong financial results, showing a notable increase in revenue and net profits from the previous year. In comparison to the $36.46 a trillion dollars reported in the same period last year, the company's first-quarter sales of $42.31 billion is a significant 16% gain. Additionally, net income increased significantly, rising 35% from $12.37 billion in the first quarter of 2024 to $16.64 billion. In line with this, diluted profits per share (EPS) increased to $6.43 from $4.71 the previous year.Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Meta, was upbeat about the company's performance, saying, "We've had a strong start to an important year, our business is performing very well, and our community continues to grow." With nearly 1 billion monthly actives, Meta AI and AI glasses are both making good strides. This impressive success was the result of several reasons. The company's main source of income, advertising revenue, increased by 16% year over year to $41.39 billion. A remarkable 10% increase in the average price per ad and a 5% increase in ad impressions throughout Meta's Family of Apps were the main drivers of this gain.Operationally, Meta's Family daily active persons (DAP) increased by 6% from the previous year to an average of 3.43 billion in March 2025. Reality Labs, Meta's metaverse branch, reported $412 million in revenue and an operational loss of $4.21 billion, while the Family of Apps sector demonstrated outstanding financial success with $41.90 billion in revenue and $21.77 billion in profitability from operations.
With five wins for the "Ink of Democracy" campaign, Havas Creative India wins the 2025 Clio Awards.
Havas Creative India, the company's creative agency, has made a significant impact on the world arena by taking home five precious metals from the 2025 Clio Awards for their powerful campaign, Ink of Democracy, which was created in partnership with The Times of India. This acknowledgment at one of the world's most prominent creative festivals solidifies the agency's expanding impact in producing audacious, mission-driven work that cuts across boundaries. Ink of Democracy, a powerful campaign created in partnership with The Times of India, earned five prestigious metals at the 2025 Clio Awards, marking a significant milestone for Havas Creative India, the company's creative agency.Ink of Democracy, a powerful campaign created in partnership with The Times of India, earned five prestigious metals at the 2025 Clio Awards, marking a significant milestone for Havas Creative India, the company's creative agency. This acknowledgement at one of the world's most prominent creative festivals solidifies […] Havas Creative India won five Clio Awards for their "Ink of Democracy" ad in The Times of India.
Reality check or cookie delay? How prepared is the adtech industry for a future where privacy comes first?
Google's current task is to make the Privacy Sandbox actually useful by improving its APIs, coordinating with authorities, and assisting the sector in implementing it without sacrificing efficiency. This change isn't only Google's, though. The entire ad tech ecosystem is being forced to shift as privacy becomes a brand requirement. The cookie delay draws attention to a more pressing need: creating advertising models that are sensitive to privacy. That entails adopting clean rooms for secure data sharing, investing in first-party data, and embracing contextual targeting.Not only is it time to phase out cookies, but it's also time to rethink digital advertising in a way that emphasizes openness, trust, and moral innovation. Though slower, more intricate, and more cooperative than anyone initially anticipated, the future is nonetheless coming. According to Sindhu Biswal, CEO & Founder of Buzzlab, Google put the ecosystem on hold because it isn't ready, not because it changed its intentions. According to him, eliminating third-party cookies may seem like a good idea in theory, but in reality, it would be like abruptly stopping a moving train without alerting the occupants.For targeting, measurement, and attribution, the ad tech sector still heavily relies on cookies, particularly outside of walled gardens. This delay essentially indicates that, at least not just yet, Google cannot afford to destroy the system it helped create. Publishers need to be monetized, advertisers still want responsibility, and alternatives like Topics API and Privacy Sandbox don't offer the same degree of control or accuracy. This is more of a reality check than a reprieve for the larger ad tech community.
A sedentary lifestyle, excessive use of painkillers, and other behaviors that compromise liver health
Your body's liver is an essential organ that aids in digestion, controls metabolism, and filters pollutants. Numerous daily lifestyle decisions have the potential to either improve or worsen liver health. Furthermore, unless they worsen, the majority of liver diseases go undiagnosed. Being conscious of the habits that may be causing more harm than you realize is therefore essential.Chronic drinking and liver damage are frequently confused, according to Dr. Swapnil Sharma, a consultant liver transplant, HPB, and GI surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai. Even social drinking might cause inflammation or fatty liver if it is done often over time. Repeated exposure to alcohol, even in modest doses, puts the liver into overdrive since it is metabolized there. Liver cirrhosis may result from this over time due to irreversible damage and scarring, he says.Although alcohol is a well-known cause, unhealthy eating practices can now pose an even greater risk to liver function. Dr. Sharma warns that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly becoming a serious liver issue, particularly in diabetics and overweight individuals. Without a trace of alcohol, diets high in sugar, processed carbs, and trans fats can lead to hepatic cell fat accumulation. The liver is further strained by a lack of physical exercise, which also leads to obesity and insulin resistance. Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle are what subtly create the foundation for liver disorders, he claims.
Britannia Marie Gold launches season 2 of 'Her Start-Up Show'
Season 2 of Britannia Marie Gold's Start-Up Show has begun airing. This national reality series, which was started in collaboration with Mindshare and GroupM Motion Entertainment, gives only female entrepreneurs nationwide a stage on which to present their ideas. With 40 finalists vying for the Rs. 10 lakh Britannia Marie Gold Grant, the show debuted on JioHotstar on April 19.The British Empire The result of the Her Start-Up Contest, which was introduced in July 2024 and attracted thousands of entries from all over India, is Marie Gold's Her Start-Up Show. Forty of the more than 100 women who received professional training were shortlisted. Funding, mentorship, national exposure, and ecosystem access will be provided to all participants. Some will participate in the NSDC Women Entrepreneurs Mentorship Program, while the top 10 will be awarded the Golden Grant. GroupM Motion Content was responsible for the show's conception. The 40 competitors, who represent places such as Indore, Aurangabad, Coimbatore, Jammu & Kashmir, and others, present concepts related to cuisine, fashion, sustainability, technology, and agri-solutions. Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada are the six languages in which the program is available, along with audio and subtitles. Eight episodes that cover everything from pitching to mentorship to the Rs. 10 lakh Britannia Marie Gold Grant are available on JioHotstar, with two new ones premiering every weekend starting on April 19.Aarti Gupta (Jagran Group), Riya Joseph (Britannia), actor-entrepreneur Neha Dhupia, MasterChef winner Shipra Khanna, artisan Ruma Devi, Suta's Sujata Biswas, and Shreshtha Gupta (NSDC India) make up the jury for the show, which is hosted by actress Shriya Saran. Every weekend, two episodes of the eight-episode series are released.
Following Dilwale, Rohit Shetty discusses his disagreement with Shah Rukh Khan. This is the reason they aren't working on movies together.
With Chennai Express, Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty's cooperation was a success, but Dilwale was unable to recreate the same enchantment. A rumor of a breach between the two has been circulating ever since. Now that Rohit has officially addressed the rumors, they may be put to rest. Also see: According to Rohit Shetty, young performers are "insecure" and afraid of failing. "They use social media excessively. "Following Dilwale's disastrous box office performance, Rohit Shetty addressed rumors of a falling out with Shah Rukh Khan in a recent interview with Komal Nahta on his Game Changers podcast. “Nahi aisa kuch nahi” (nothing like that), he said.Ek respect hai humare beech me aur Dilwale ke baad ye hua ki instantly phir humne humare khud ki production house kholi," Rohit continued. Kiya ki hum khud ki filmein banayenge humne decision kiya ki. Jabki loss nahi hua thi, agar loss bhi ho to humara ho. (We respect one another. After Dilwale, we opened our own production company. We made the decision to produce our own movies so that we would be responsible for any losses. We did not, however, lose in Dilwale.The director also mentioned how well-received Dilwale was abroad. Notably, Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan produced Dilwale under the Red Chillies Entertainment production company. Released on December 19, 2015, Dilwale clashed with Bajirao Mastani, a period drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Priyanka Chopra.
Francesco Poletti is welcomed by the Ad Club as the International Jury Chair for the One Show-powered ABBY Awards 2025.
Francesco Poletti, Chief Creative Officer of Le Pub Publicis Italy, has been appointed by the Ad Club to serve as an international jury chair for the Young Maverick Abby category of the ABBY Awards 2025, which are powered by One Show. As CCO, Francesco Poletti is in charge of Le Pub Publicis Italy. Previously, he served as Jung Van Matt's CCO, VMLY&R, and Creative Director. Francesco is one of the most successful creative executives in the business. He comes to Le Pub from VMLY&R, where he started in 2018 and rose to the position of CCO just two years later.Francesco collaborates closely with Bruno Bertelli on projects for domestic and international customers, such as Netflix, Barilla, and Heineken.Francesco has won multiple D&AD and One Show pencils, as well as the Cannes Lions and Grand Prix. His Rocking Mamas advertisement for Rolling Stone made him famous. On May 21, 22, and 23, 2025, the ABBY Awards 2025, presented by One Show, will be held at Goafest 2025 at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon in Goa.The Advertising Club and the Advertising Agencies Association of India co-host Goafest.As CCO, Francesco Poletti is in charge of Le Pub Publicis Italy. Previously, he served as Jung Van Matt's CCO, VMLY&R, and Creative Director. Francesco is one of the most successful creative executives in the business. He comes to Le Pub from VMLY&R, where he started in 2018 and rose to the position of CCO just two years later. Francesco collaborates closely with Bruno Bertelli on projects for domestic and international customers, such as Netflix, Barilla, and Heineken.
From financial constraints to AI brunch: Will Sora make Indian cinema more accessible?
There were conflicting responses when OpenAI presented its potent text-to-video model, Sora, to Hollywood studios. Others viewed it as a powerful disruptive force that could endanger creative jobs, while others regarded it as a revolutionary instrument.Will Indian filmmakers encounter a similar wave of ethical, legal, and creative issues that are already igniting discussions in the West, or should they adopt AI-powered video technologies to get beyond long-standing financial constraints? In India, filmmakers who frequently lack the financial resources of major production companies might benefit from tools like Sora.The promise is alluring on the one hand. AI tools like Sora could democratize access to high-end visual storytelling in a nation where independent filmmakers and regional creators frequently operate with limited resources. This would allow for realistic simulations of elaborate sets, action scenes, or fantastical worlds—all without the need for enormous budgets. They provide Indian film with a fresh avenue for creativity, pace, and genre exploration.However, the chance is accompanied by caution. Indian filmmakers must think about how AI will affect a sector that is based on human narrative, cultural diversity, and specificity, just as Hollywood struggles with issues of job displacement, copyright, and the erosion of creative authenticity. The path forward necessitates a careful balancing act that preserves the spirit and morals that characterize Indian cinema while embracing the efficiency and inventiveness AI can offer.
In a new advertisement, Ranbir Kapoor and Kriti Sanon make the globe say "O."
Kriti Sanon and Ranbir Kapoor have joined Ozone as brand ambassadors. Makes the World Go O is a new campaign that the corporation has started. The ad emphasizes how Ozone's designs change environments. Alok and Vrinda Aggarwal expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. The function of architectural hardware solutions was covered by Ashwin Varkey.Hardware solutions Ozone has launched a brand campaign called Makes the World Go O and appointed Ranbir Kapoor and Kriti Sanon as brand ambassadors. A highly accessible and true insight served as the foundation for the campaign. Every individual designing a space, whether it be residential or commercial, has a ton of ideas about what they want to accomplish with it. However, due to limitations like space, functionality, durability, and aesthetics, many of those concepts frequently remain just that—ideas.
Women leaders on vulnerability, strength, and structural changes in "Authentic Ascent"
An interesting panel discussion on the topic of "The Authentic Ascent: Leading with Vulnerability and Strength" took place at the 6th edition of the Women Disruptors Summit & Awards 2025. Industry pioneers gathered to talk about systemic changes that enable women in leadership positions in addition to their own personal journeys.Pritha Mitra Dasgupta, Chief Marketing Officer of Havas India, presided over the meeting, and panelists included: Kinnari Dave, Shemaroo Entertainment's Business Head for ShemarooMe Prachi Bali, Head of Saatchi Propagate and EVP Shwetal Basu, Polycab India's Senior Vice President and Head of Brand & Marketing"We are no longer applauding leaders who never flinch," said Pritha Mitra Dasgupta, who opened the conversation by saying .that the days of leaders who stood like rock without flinching were long gone. In actuality, we are admiring those who possess the capacity for tenderness, resilience, empathy, and ambition.She continued by asking Kinneri Dave how both astute strategy and flexibility are necessary to successfully navigate a legacy business through the digital maelstrom. "Could you describe a situation where you were able to bring things back on track when they were veering off course because of your transparency rather than just your strategic abilities?""When you take over a brand, a legacy brand as large as Shemaroo, the burden of the brand and the legacy is huge, and you're always on edge, making sure you're not denting it," Kinnari Dave said, citing a server crash as an example that demonstrated the leadership transfers. I can clearly recall that five years ago, I oversaw product and technology for another company before taking the helm at Shemaroo.I remember clearly the day one of our servers broke and we lost a lot of data because it's a legacy brand and we had a major tech move. At that period, leading product technology for a heritage company felt extremely risky because of the media and people' doubts about a legacy brand going digital in comparison to Netflix. We told stakeholders, "Yeah, we've had a crash, lost data, and need time to figure this out," rather than jumping into solution mode, I said. However, we'll make sure that things return to normal. I then said to the crew, "All right, so this is where we are." Let's focus on finding a solution and separating the problem from the who.That made things more relatable and encouraged cooperation. Because we came together and worked as a single, cohesive team, I believe that's where we found the solution and recovered more quickly than anticipated.
