27, Oct 2023
Eveready & ZEE join hands for a first-of-its-kind Brand Collaboration
National, 26 October 2023: Eveready, a trusted name in the world of batteries has partnered with ZEE, India’s leading content company to promote its new range of batteries. As part of the brand collaboration, Eveready ULTIMA will feature prominently on ZEE’s popular and homegrown reality shows, including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Dance Bangla Dance, Dance Karnataka Dance, and Telugu medium I school. ZEE’s linear channels that are an integral part of the brand association are Zee TV, Zee Sarthak, Zee Tamil, Zee Marathi, Zee Bangla, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu.
Eveready ULTIMA will be showcased in reality shows, and the brand’s logo will be integrated into the shows’ set design, graphics, and on-screen promotions. The battery brand has also worked closely with ZEE to create custom content for the shows, such as sponsored segments and product challenges.
Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Anirban Banerjee, Senior Vice President and SBU Head (Batteries and Flashlights), Eveready Industries India Ltd., “We have recently unveiled our new and improved Ultima range of batteries supported by a 360 campaign ‘Khelenge Toh Sikhenge’. The campaign highlights that children in any family can learn valuable life lessons like caring, sharing, love, and equality when playing in daily life with battery-operated toys. Thus to keep the child’s play ongoing effortlessly, our new 400% longer lasting Ultima batteries are just perfect. Our collaboration with ZEE seamlessly aligns with the campaign’s objective and values, as majority of ZEE’s shows are packed with energy, fostering a blend of entertainment while actively nurturing the young talents. Eveready is committed towards its mission to empower the youth with the essential support they require for a brighter and more promising future, and our partnership with ZEE amplifies our ability to achieve this noble endeavour.”
Adding to this, Ms. Niti Kumar, COO – Starcom India said, “At Starcom, we believe that a successful product launch requires a powerful platform that maximises consumer engagement and brand visibility. Such a key communication pillar was vital to drive home Eveready’s new message. ZEE’s reality shows enjoy immense popularity among Indians, which makes it a strong channel for brand collaboration. Accordingly, we forged this first-of-its-kind strategic partnership, which not only introduces Eveready’s robust product offerings but also harnesses ZEE’s expansive reach across diverse regions, languages, and content formats.”
Eveready ULTIMA recently launched its campaign, ‘Kheloge Toh Bahut Kuch Seekhoge’, which highlights the exceptional longevity of Eveready ULTIMA batteries, perfectly suited to power the modern gadgets and appliances that have become an integral part of daily lives.
- 0
- By Rabindra
27, Oct 2023
Federal Bank and Avanti Finance to provide income generation loans
Bengaluru, 27th October 2023: Federal Bank, a leading Indian Bank, and Avanti Finance, a digital financial inclusion platform, have entered into a co-lending partnership to enable hassle-free, affordable credit access to rural un/underserved borrowers. Avanti’s hyper-flexible lending platform and expertise in leveraging a diverse on-ground partner network, combined with Federal Bank’s strong balance sheet and mission alignment, will enable this partnership to serve this segment of borrowers in more than 20 states across the country.
The partnership will enable the development of fit-for-purpose loan products that cater to the specific needs of underserved communities, promoting financial inclusion and supporting livelihood sustainability.
Harsh Dugar, Executive Director, Federal Bank said, “The Avanti partnership blends well with our inclusive banking initiatives, as well as our digital focus. Avanti’s unique business model combining a flexible lending platform with a curated nationwide partner network provides a great opportunity for us to serve customers across the country with small ticket loans that will help them enhance their incomes.”
Rahul Gupta, CEO, Avanti Finance said, “The co-lending partnership with Federal Bank is another big step for us in our mission to serve the credit needs of the next 100 million households in India. Federal Bank, with its strong orientation to digital financial products & commitment to financial inclusion is an ideal partner for us to build a scalable and impactful programme in rural areas. The programme has been launched in Odisha, Maharashtra and Bihar in the pilot phase with ambitious plans of scaling it pan-India and disbursing INR 500 crores annually benefitting over 100,000 households.”
The co-lending partnership between Avanti Finance and Federal Bank represents a significant step forward in financial inclusion in India. It leverages the strengths and expertise of both institutions to create a powerful synergy between a digital financial inclusion platform & a reputed Bank with a strong balance sheet that will make credit more accessible to underserved and unbanked populations. The collaboration will not only transform lives but also contribute to the economic growth and development of the nation.
27, Oct 2023
U GRO Capital Q2 and H1 FY24 results.
New Delhi, October 27, 2023: UGRO Capital, a DataTech NBFC and India’s largest Co-lender in the MSME segment, today announced its robust financial performance for the Second Quarter and Half Year ended 30 September 2023. The Company continued its growth momentum in the second quarter of FY24 with an AUM of INR 7,592 Cr (as of Sep 23), up 74% compared to Sep’22. This surge can be attributed to its strategic investments in distribution channels, expansive lender base, and a data-centric underwriting model, which together ensure consistent monthly disbursals of over INR 500 Cr.
Financially, UGRO Capital highlighted a Total Income of INR 472.0 Cr for H1’24, up 70% YoY, while the figure stood at INR 253.6 Cr for Q2’24, up 63% YoY and 16% QoQ. Furthermore, the PAT for H1’24 scaled up to INR 54.1 Cr, up 329% YoY, and was INR 28.9 Cr for Q2’24, indicating an increase of 448% YoY and 14% QoQ. The robust quarterly performance, alongside the optimal GNPA/NNPA metrics of 1.9%/1.1% on the total AUM, reiterates the sterling quality of UGRO’s portfolio, underscoring a well-structured risk management approach.
UGRO Capital’s distinctive ‘Lending as a Service’ approach combined with the strategic use of co-lending partnerships with off-book AUM accounting for 45% has significantly propelled this growth trajectory. Further solidifying its reputation in the sector, UGRO Capital’s proprietary underwriting model, GRO Score 3.0, has demonstrated its efficacy. This strategic model, along with collaborations with over 10 co-lending partners, 60 lenders, 45 fintechs, and 500 GRO partners, facilitates data-driven, tailored financial solutions for more than 59,000 MSMEs across India.
Brief Financial Snapshot
|
Commenting on the results, Mr. Shachindra Nath, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of UGRO Capital said, “At UGRO Capital, we are committed to boosting India’s economic growth through the empowerment of small businesses. We envision building a large institution dedicated to small business financing, and this vision is closer to reality now more than ever. We have set ambitious goals for FY24, and through innovative financial strategies, dynamic collaborations, and our unwavering commitment to foster sustainable entrepreneurship, we’re strategically poised to meet these targets. As UGRO Capital strides towards enduring growth, it presents an attractive proposition for investors eyeing long-term value and robust returns.”
Key performance highlights for Q2’ and H1’FY24
- Growth, Expansion, and Portfolio quality
- AUM of INR 7,592 Cr as of Sep’23 (up 74% YoY and 12% QoQ)
- INR 2,506 Cr of Gross Loans originated in Q2’FY24 (up 52% YoY and 23% QoQ) and INR 4,543 Cr of Gross Loans originated in H1’FY24 (up 51% compared to H1’FY23).
- Total Income stood at INR 253.6 Cr for Q2’FY24 (up 63% YoY and 16% QoQ) and INR 472.0 Cr in H1’FY24 (up 70% compared to H1’FY23)
- Net Total Income stood at INR 148.2 Cr for Q2’FY24 (up 71% YoY and 18% QoQ) and INR 273.9 Cr in H1’FY24 (up 76% compared to H1’FY23)
- PBT increased to INR 40.8 Cr in Q2’FY24 (up 132% YoY and 14% QoQ) and INR 76.4 Cr in H1’FY24 (up 174% compared to H1’FY23)
- PAT increased to INR 28.9 Cr in Q2’FY24 (up 448% YoY and 14% QoQ) and INR 54.1 Cr in H1’FY24 (up 329% compared to H1’FY23)
- GNPA / NNPA as on Sep’23 stood at 9% /1.1% (as a % of Total AUM)
- Over 59,000 customers as of Sep’23
- 104 branches (as on Sep 23)
Liability and Liquidity Position
- The total lender count stood at 60 as of Sep 23
- Total Debt stood at INR 3,798 Cr as of Sep’23, and the overall debt-to-equity ratio was 2.8x
- Healthy capital position with CRAR of 24.84% (as of Sep 23)
27, Oct 2023
Auto Awards Season 3: Driving India’s Global Automotive Ambitions for 2030
Brace yourselves for the automotive event of the year as Auto Awards Season 3 by Zee Media makes its triumphant return!
Following the resounding success of Season 2, which attracted over 9 million enthusiastic users to the microsite and generated an astounding 22 million ad impressions, Season 3 is all set to celebrate the extraordinary journey of India’s automotive industry. This year’s overarching theme, ‘India’s Automotive Industry Set to Rise to Global Dominance by 2030’, encapsulates the industry’s remarkable evolution, the electrifying transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and the strategies shaping future growth. It will serve as a tribute to the unwavering spirit of individuals and organizations driving the industry forward and a formal recognition of the journey towards global leadership.
The Auto Awards Season 3 event is scheduled to take place on Monday 30th October 2023 in New Delhi, will be graced by Keynote Speaker – Mr. Dilip Chenoy, Chairman of Bharat Web3 Association and Former Secretary General of FICCI and will also be attended by Industry stalwarts. It is all set to ignite discussions on critical industry topics with panel discussions addressing the gravity of safety concerns and the pivotal role of electric vehicles (EVs) in shaping automotive trends.
The upcoming awards will also encompass the four-wheeler and two-wheeler award categories. For four-wheelers, the awards will recognize excellence across varied segments, such as mass-market facelifts, budget car designs, luxury car designs, SUVs, luxury cars, electric vehicles, luxury electric cars, high-tech cars, and the most trusted brand in the four-wheel category. Additionally, a spotlight will be cast on the most promising car of the year.
In the two-wheelers category, awards will also be presented for budget motorcycles, electric two-wheelers, outstanding scooters, premium motorcycles, and the most trusted two-wheeler brand, showcasing the breadth of innovation in the Indian automotive industry. The winners will be selected based on the highest votes received online and through a rigorous evaluation done by eminent jury members- Garima Avatar- Athlete, Extreme rally driver, Ranojoy Mukerji – Veteran Auto Journalist, Former SIAM DY Director and Simranjeet Singh- Professional superbike racer, Automobile reviewer.
Dr. I.M Loya (Chief Technology Officer, Essel Group) eloquently expressed, “AUTO AWARDS SEASON 3 serves as a distinguished platform for recognizing and applauding the relentless dedication and contributions of individuals, companies, and organizations within the Indian automotive industry throughout the year. We acknowledge the challenges and stand committed to forging effective solutions. This year’s theme reflects the industry’s innate potential to ascend to global dominance by 2030.”
Ms. Mona Jain (Chief Revenue Officer, Zee Media Corporation Limited) said, “As we surge ahead into the future, AUTO AWARDS SEASON 3 will embark on a profound exploration of India’s automotive industry growth, the ever-evolving preferences of our discerning customers, and the swift and compelling embrace of electric vehicles. It promises to be an electrifying journey, an adrenaline-pumping experience, and an earnest tribute to the trailblazers and industry leaders who are actively shaping the sector’s dynamic landscape.”
Auto Awards Season 3 will be by TATA CAPITAL (Financial Partner) and TATA AIG (Insurance Partner) and will broadcast LIVE on the Facebook and YouTube platforms of DNA and Zee News.
27, Oct 2023
Jaipur Jewels Unveils Exquisite Jewellery Collections at Amethyst Chennai on 26th and 27th October
Jaipur Jewels, the celebrated luxury jewellery brand with a rich heritage spanning over 150 years and seven generations, is thrilled to announce its exclusive jewellery exhibition in Chennai. The much-anticipated event began today 26th and will be open till the 27th of October at The Folly at Amethyst, Whites Road, Chennai, presenting a breathtaking selection of fine jewellery collections.
The inauguration of this exquisite collection was a star-studded affair, graced by renowned personalities, including Actress Poornima Bhagyaraj, Anupamaa Shivram, Director- Shriram Chits, Vineet Naheta (Managing Director of Jaipur Jewels), Ritisha Niveda (Entrepreneur, Fashion Interior Designer, Supermodel, and Beauty Pageant Titleholder), Reshma Srijay-Flora Wedding Planners and Karun Raman-Celebrity Fashion Choreographer.
Jaipur Jewels has been a name synonymous with timeless elegance and craftsmanship, and this exclusive exhibition in Chennai is an opportunity for connoisseurs of fine jewellery to witness the magic of their creations firsthand. The brand’s Managing Director, Vineet Naheta, a seasoned jewellery designer and trousseau consultant with three decades of experience, will personally grace the event, adding his expertise to this grand showcase.
Ritisha Niveda, the multi-talented entrepreneur, fashion interior designer, supermodel, and beauty pageant titleholder, is hosting this exceptional event. Ritisha, also the founder of NILA – a non-profit organization for women’s empowerment, has an impressive list of accolades, including the title of Mrs. United Nations Ambassador 2018 and Mrs. South Asia UN. Her commitment to empowering women and her passion for style make her the perfect host for this exclusive exhibition.
Event Details:
• Date: 26th and 27th October 2023
• Venue: The Folly at Amethyst, Whites Road, Chennai
Jaipur Jewels invites all jewellery enthusiasts and aficionados to be a part of this grand exhibition. Discover the finest craftsmanship and exquisite designs that have been cherished for generations.
27, Oct 2023
ET DigiPlus Fest’s DG+ Startup Zone: Fostering Digital Marketing Innovation
New Delhi, Oct 27, 2023: The fifth edition of ET DigiPlus Fest, the largest annual gathering of digital marketing leaders, has consistently led the charge in unraveling the latest digital marketing trends, opportunities, emerging technologies, practices, and challenges for brand leaders.
This year, a significant addition to the event promises to be a game-changer with the introduction of the DG+ Startup Zone. This new addition is designed to celebrate innovation, support budding entrepreneurs, and foster growth within the digital marketing landscape. The event will feature a ‘Startup Demo Zone,’ spotlighting 30 pioneering startups from across Asia, all of whom are actively disrupting the digital marketing space.
The DG+ Startup Zone has been envisioned with the guidance of influential mentors and jury members, including Akshay Sharma, VP- Investments, 3one4 Capital, Shashank Randev (Founder VC, 100X), Dr. Vishal Gandhi (Founding Director & CEO, BIORx Venture Advisors), Vikram Upadhyaya (Chief Mentor & Accelerator Evangelist, GHV Accelerator), Girish Shivani (Executive Director & Fund Manager, YourNext Venture Capital), Sanil Sachar (Founding Partner, Huddle), and Ashish Gupta (VP – Seed Investments, IvyCap Ventures). The most innovative digital marketing startup selected by this esteemed jury will be awarded a substantial cash prize, providing founders with the runway they need to innovate and scale.
The Startup Demo Zone is a dynamic platform uniquely tailored for emerging startups in the digital marketing space, offering them an exclusive opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking innovations, connect with industry leaders, and supercharge their growth. This all-encompassing experience includes a dedicated Innovation Showcase to exhibit products and services, live Investor Pitches allowing startups to present their ideas to prominent investors, valuable Networking Opportunities with industry leaders for potential collaborations, heightened Visibility as they gain exposure on a platform attended by over 500 industry delegates, and as a bonus, participating startups will be granted two complimentary delegate passes to ensure they don’t miss the main event, ET DigiPlus Fest 2023.
DG+ Startup Zone is an initiative of ETBrandEquity.com and is supported by Huddle and Lets Venture.
27, Oct 2023
Film ‘Mai’ starring Kunaal Roy Kapur & Shahana Goswami to screen at Jio MAMI
Mumbai: October 27, 2023 – ‘Mai’, a 41-minute film written and directed by Milind Dhaimade and produced by Colosceum Media Pvt Ltd. (Lalit Prem Sharma) and Macguffin Pictures (Honey Trehan and Abhishek Chaubey), is all set to screen at the upcoming Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The festival will run from October 27 to November 5, 2023, at multiple venues in Mumbai.
The film stars Kunaal Roy Kapur and Shahana Goswami and is based on the simple thought that we can’t find anything unless we are ready to lose something. The story revolves around how the 35-year-old Suman Das (played by Kunaal), who is obsessed with his mother’s cooking, discovers the value of love, loss, and sacrifice when he has to deal with her sudden death. The film is a part of the anthology series ‘Lost & Found’ which is a unique collection of exquisite stories from 7 storytellers and their interpretation of the concept of Loss and Gain.
“Being a food enthusiast, I find the intersection of food and humanity very intriguing. Is food only nourishment? An indulgence? Or, are there such strong memories attached to the taste of everything we love, that knowingly and unknowingly, we are constantly searching for that very taste? ‘Mai’ delves into the notion of letting go, of stepping away from the familiar to explore and experience something new, and of discovering love through the metaphor of food. We hope the audience enjoys watching this movie made with all heart as much as we have enjoyed making it,” said Milind Dhaimade, Director, Mai.
Suman’s mother had prepared a wonderful array of dishes before she was to depart for a week-long pilgrimage when she unexpectedly dies. Throughout his life, Suman has never tasted anything that could compare to his mother’s cooking. Now, he faces the challenge of preserving her culinary legacy for as long as possible. One day, he encounters Mona (played by Shahana), a woman with such exceptional taste buds that she can break down the recipe of any dish she tastes. Can Suman use Mona’s help to replicate his mother’s inimitable cooking?
Working on ‘Mai’ has been a truly enriching experience. The film’s exploration of love, loss, and the power of letting go is not only relatable but also heartwarming. My character’s stubbornness and selfish obsession, which holds him back, was a unique challenge to portray. It’s a story that touches the heart, and I’m excited to see how the audience reacts to this fabulous journey of self-discovery.”, Said Kunaal Roy Kapur
Shahana Goswami added, “Shooting with Milind Dhaimade was a whirlwind of fun and madness, and Kunal’s addition elevated the experience. ‘Mai’ beautifully captures the complexities of loss and finding, reflecting life’s inner and outer workings with depth and truth. I’m so happy to be a part of this simple, beautiful film that brings out the often taken-for-granted connection between food and the emotions associated with certain flavours and aromas.”
“We, at Macguffin are extremely proud to present Mai by Milind Dhaimade, a tenderly told story of a mother’s love, a son’s loss, and the food that nourished their bond.”, said Honey Trehan & Abhishek Chaubey, Producer, Macguffin.
“The ‘Lost and Found’ metaphor deeply resonates with this anthology series, emphasizing the need to let go of the familiar to discover transformation. We are honored to be part of the Jio Mami festival, engaging with film enthusiasts and professionals, and fostering lasting conversations. ‘Mai,’ a testament to our commitment at Colosceum, transcends mere entertainment, provoking thought. We eagerly anticipate its premiere, aiming to captivate and inspire audiences with its compelling narrative and heartfelt performances. By nurturing creativity, we contribute to the growth and evolution of the film industry.” Said Lalit Prem Sharma, Producer, Colesceum.
‘Mai’ will screen on 29th October, 5.30 PM (Goregaon PVR ICON, Oberoi Mall), 31st October,6:00 PM (Andheri PVR ICON, Infiniti Mall) and 3rd November, 3:30 PM (Malad INOX Inorbit Mall) at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023.
26, Oct 2023
Allcargo Group releases 2022-23 ESG Report, defines ESG goals
India, 26th October 2023: Allcargo Group, an Indian-born global logistics conglomerate, has released its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) 2022-2023 report with the theme ‘Navigating the Green Horizon.’ The report highlights the Group’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 through its green and renewable ways. It has also spelt out in detail the Group’s ESG goals which include energy and emissions, occupational health and safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), community development, labour practices and human rights, cybersecurity, and corporate governance.
Commenting on the launch of the ESG report, Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder & Chairman, of Allcargo Group said, “I am pleased to present our 2022-2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report. I firmly believe that true progress is never about profit alone. It’s about what good it can do for people and the planet.
This is why integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance aspects into business practices is so important, now more than ever. The report signals our transformative journey towards sustainability viz Environment (Energy, Emissions, Biodiversity), Social (Occupational Health and Safety, Community Development, Labour Practice and Human Rights, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and Governance (Sustainable Supply Chain, Customer Satisfaction, Corporate Governance, and Cybersecurity).
Being a global logistics conglomerate reaching out to over 180 countries, 530 destinations with more than 2400 direct trade lanes, and our robust multimodal capacity in India which reaches out to over 19,800 pin codes, we have a bigger responsibility and commitment to drive sustainability at a larger scale. In line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we’ll continue with our concerted efforts to bring in positive changes and achieve the ESG goals.
Allcargo Group provides integrated logistics services and solutions for a range of Indian and Multinational businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and retailers. These solutions are available pan India, round the clock through offices and distribution networks that reach every corner of the country.’’
India is working on achieving its net zero emission targets by 2070 and working towards attaining a 45% reduction in the emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 from the 2005 level. The ESG efforts are aligned with those broader goals.
Key highlights:
· Allcargo Group has been working relentlessly towards its ESG initiatives. The group is intensifying its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
Allcargo Group Company, Gati, is aggressively adopting green mobility through alternate fuel vehicles. It has expanded the scale of its eco-conscious operations to enable more businesses to go green. Gati has set a clear target of 2026 to convert its entire first and last-mile deliveries to alternative fuels in India.
• Allcargo Group prioritizes collaboration with carriers whose fleets are equipped with environmental technologies compliant with international standards to ensure responsible shipping.
Social impact: The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) at Uran and Belapur in Maharashtra are mentoring the local youth with logistics-related skills, thereby enhancing their employability in India and outside. The Group aims to expand the pool of well-trained young professionals for the logistics sector.
· Through its community development initiatives, Allcargo Group is contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Well-being (3), Quality Education (4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (11), and Life Below Water (14).
· Committed to Corporate Governance: The Allcargo Group targets to ‘maintain zero instances of non-compliance with regulatory requirements year-on-year.’
· ECU Worldwide, an Allcargo Group Company, 56% of the workforce comprises women. Allcargo Logistics and ECU aims to increase gender diversity to 50% women in junior and middle management and 40% in top management, at Allcargo Logistics by 2040. At Gati, the goal is to grow gender diversity to 40% in junior and middle management and 30% in top management by 2040.
· ECU Worldwide’s cutting-edge digital platform ECU360 will play an important role by optimizing end-to-end shipping transactions and making it more feasible to implement sustainability measures. For example, 80 percent of online bookings to reduce paperwork
· A key area of the Group’s strategic ESG approach, involves computing emissions based on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Revised Edition) (2015) with the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework and identifying ways to mitigate them.
Collaboration among multiple entities: The Group prioritizes its partnerships with core carriers who comply with international conventions to perform pest control and install ballast water treatment systems, under the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC), which obligates ship-owners to install on all vessels by 2024.
Allcargo, along with its subsidiaries and group companies, offers an extensive range of services in international supply chain solutions, which include less than container load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL), airfreight, trucking, and door-to-door services. For the domestic market, the Group offers services of express logistics, contract logistics, and supply chain management.
26, Oct 2023
Prime Video Releases the New Edition of O Womaniya! Report; India’s M&E Industry Pledges Support to Boost Female Representation
Mumbai — October 26, 2023 — Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today released the latest edition of O Womaniya! report, the most definitive study on female representation in Indian entertainment.
Researched and curated by media consulting firm, Ormax Media, India’s leading entertainment journalism platform, Film Companion, and championed by Prime Video, the study evaluates the statistical journey of women in various facets of content production, marketing and corporate leadership within India’s entertainment industry.
This year, the report analyzed 156 films and series, across streaming and theatrical released in 2022 in 8 Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, and Gujarati) to arrive at a comprehensive picture of the change that the industry has seen since 2021.
Along with Prime Video, the report has been supported by other partners from the industry including Clean Slate Filmz, Emmay Entertainment, Excel Entertainment, Jio Studio, Producers Guild India, RSVP, SonyLiv, Tiger Baby, and Zee5.
Additionally, this year also saw industry leaders, including studio heads, filmmakers, actors, and more come forward to lay down actionable steps towards improving female representation in their personal and professional capacities. These pledges are expected to serve as guardrails that can guide the entire industry.
Key findings of the report include:
Creative Talent – Only 12% of the 780 HOD positions analyzed across key departments of direction, cinematography, editing, writing, and production design were held by women. While this is slightly more than 10% in 2021, the growth has entirely been led by streaming films and series, while theatrical films have remained stagnant since 2021. On a positive note, 31% of the properties had a female commissioning in charge behind them, vis-à-vis 25% in 2021.
Content – While in 2021, 55% of the properties analyzed passed the Bechdel Test1, the number has gone below the halfway mark to 47% now. The biggest drop here has come from theatrical films; while 46% passed the test in 2021, only 34% managed to pass it in 2022. Series and films like Guilty Minds, Four More Shots Please! Season 3, Delhi Crime Season 2, Maja Ma, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, among others, emerged as the properties with the maximum scenes to pass the Bechdel Test.
Marketing – Women still get only 27% of talk time2 in trailers; the number is the highest for streaming films with 33% of talk time in trailers being allocated to women. Series and movies like Hush Hush, Gehraiyaan, The Fame Game, Ammu, A Thursday, and Sita Ramam, among others, performed the best with at least 50% of talk time in trailers given to female leads.
Corporate Talent – Of the 135 Director/ CXO positions studied across 25 top M&E firms in India, only 13% were held by women.
Sharing his thoughts on the latest findings in O Womaniya!, Shailesh Kapoor, Founder & CEO, Ormax Media said, “While there has been a slow but steady improvement in a few key parameters, the report has thrown light on the need to take a look at inclusion with a serious eye. Like the previous edition of the report, streaming continues to pave the way for female representation, however, the sub-par performance of theatrical films should serve as a wake-up call for the industry. I am glad to see the industry take note of the data and come together to pledge better representation, underscoring their genuine desire to see a positive change.”
Speaking about the report, Anupama Chopra, Founder and editor, Film Companion said, “Entertainment is a powerful medium which can and must highlight inclusivity and diversity. O Womaniya! is our attempt to push the needle to move faster. We are thrilled to see greater participation from the industry, with key individuals taking on specific targets and actions to take this conversation forward. The steps taken to bring change may seem small but each step, and each action matters, and with every edition of the O Womaniya! report, we believe we are moving a step closer to a more equitable ecosystem. I am grateful to Prime Video and Ormax Media for partnering with us on this unique initiative.”
“At Prime Video, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion, are not just needed, it is essential. As an organization, we have always believed in equitable representation, not just within Prime Video and in our content, but also within the wider creative industry. By nurturing and empowering talented women within our industry, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in the wider ecosystem,” said Aparna Purohit, head of Originals, India & Southeast Asia, Prime Video. “O Womaniya! represents a collective effort to unite the industry and collaborate on enhancing female representation. The latest edition of the report strongly underscores the urgency of accelerating these transformative efforts. It’s heartening to witness not only the committed support of partners but also the active participation of influential figures from the industry, including both men and women. They have not only pledged their personal commitment but also made broader corporate level commitments to champion greater female inclusivity.”
Some of the pledges taken include:
Alia Bhatt, actor and producer said, “I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my production projects.”
Shakun Batra, filmmaker said, “I pledge to promote diversity in my projects, to continue collaborating with and supporting intimacy professionals to ensure sets are a safe space for all.”
Gayatri & Pushkar, filmmakers said, “We pledge to continue to promote diversity in our projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms, and to continue to follow the government mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions said, “I pledge to continue to promote diversity across all our verticals at Dharma Productions & Dharmatic Entertainment.”
Madhu Bhojwani, partner, Emmay Entertainment said, “I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms, and to follow the government mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, writer, director & author said, “I pledge to tell women’s stories with a narrative that is unique to them.”
Supriya Yarlagadda, producer & executive director, of Annapurna Studios said, “We at Annapurna, are the first studio and production house to establish an ICC in the Telugu film industry. We shall continue with our endeavor to promote diversity in our productions and include women in writer’s rooms. Our environment is constantly evolving to support more women in the workplace.”
26, Oct 2023
Astral Expands Capabilities with the Launch of Dahej Manufacturing Plant
Ahmedabad/Dahej, 26th October 2023 – Astral Adhesives, a prominent adhesive manufacturer in India and part of Astral Limited, today proudly announced the inauguration of its cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Dahej, Gujarat.
Spanning across a vast 17-acre expanse, this state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to Astral Adhesives’ unwavering commitment to world-class manufacturing. Characterized by cutting-edge automation, strict safety compliance, and a relentless focus on ergonomics, this facility has been meticulously designed to align with the visionary mission of the company.
The grand inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, Mr. Sandeep Engineer, Chairman and Managing Director of Astral Limited, and the entire Engineer family, making it a momentous occasion for Adhesives business as it marks the company’s pioneering Greenfield project.
Commenting on the special occasion, Saumya Engineer, Chief Executive Officer, Adhesives Business at Astral Limited, said, “The opening of this manufacturing facility signifies a crucial milestone in our journey to expand our business. It fortifies our existing capabilities, streamlines processes, and standardizes production, thereby enhancing our product delivery. Equipped with substantial storage capacity for raw materials and finished products, we are well-prepared to meet the dynamic demands of the Indian market and our international clients. The Dahej plant symbolizes our dedication to excellence and our commitment to delivering quality and innovation to our valued customers.”
The strategic benefits of the Dahej plant are multifaceted, strengthening Astral’s capabilities on several fronts. It significantly enhances the company’s production capacity, enabling it to cater to a broader spectrum of consumer needs. Through advanced automation and quality control measures, Astral will ensure the uniformity and consistency of its products, streamlining production processes to reduce lead times and enhance product delivery.
Environmental sustainability is a core value at Astral, and the Dahej plant is no exception. The company is committed to achieving Zero Waste Discharge, minimizing its ecological footprint, and safeguarding the environment. Additionally, this plant is a testament to Astral’s support for the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, contributing to the growth and development of the nation.
