Archives February 2024

Actress Jaswinder Gardner, known for her roles in Ready, V for Victor, and Missing, recently portrayed the role of Divya Ahuja, the wife of Ansh Ahuja (played by Ashmit Patel), in the Watcho Exclusives series State v/s Ahuja. The actress has now revealed insights into her character and what made her say yes to being a part of the series, which is streaming on Watcho.

Sharing deets on her character Divya, Jaswinder said, “I play the character of Divya Ahuja, Ansh Ahuja’s wife in the Watcho Exclusives series State v/s Ahuja. So, Divya’s life changed after marriage. In one scene, she describes how she went to college, fell in love, her dream was to help Ansh fulfil his dream, and after marriage that became her priority. All she wanted was for him to achieve everything he dreamed of, always standing by his side. She also had to adjust to his stardom, which involved more betrayal, affairs, and mistreatment than she ever expected. She thought she would always be the one he would be with, so it all came as an unexpected shock to her.”

Revealing what convinced her to be a part of the series, “Divya’s character has a lot of range; she is a wife who undergoes turmoil when her husband is accused of a heinous crime such as rape. Her happy-go-lucky life suddenly goes haywire; it’s in bits and pieces. I liked the characterization and the character arc, which is challenging to play, but it also allows me to perform as an artist, to show my potential as an actor. So, I wanted my audience to see my potential, and I signed up for the role without any second thoughts. Also, it’s an intense thriller, which usually interests viewers. Plus, I got the opportunity to work with a fantastic team.”

State v/s Ahuja delves into the life of Ansh Ahuja (Ashmit Patel), a Bollywood superstar whose world is rocked by scandal when his maid accuses him of rape. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are immersed in a captivating realm of suspense, investigation, and courtroom theatrics, where unexpected revelations keep them on edge. The series poses a gripping question: Did Ansh truly commit the alleged crime, or is there a darker conspiracy lurking beneath the surface? Produced by Suresh Thomas under the banners of Crescendo Films and Amicable Crew, the show boasts an ensemble cast, including Anurekha Bhagat, Sarika Singh, Swapnil Ralkar, Apeksha Verma, Drishti Patil, Manish Jaitley, Arjun Krishna, Vicky Baidyanath, and Harsh Gautam. This Watcho Exclusives series is streaming on Watcho.

Mumbai, 20 February 2024: Whistling Woods International (WWI), in collaboration with the Screenwriters Association (SWA), successfully concluded the annual 5-Day Screenwriting Workshop, helmed by acclaimed screenwriter and HOD – Screenwriting, WWI, Anjum Rajabali. Held from January 31 to February 4, 2024, the workshop, conducted in a hybrid mode to encourage pan-India participation, provided participants with invaluable insights and tools to embark on their storytelling journeys.

The workshop kickstarted with Anjum Rajabali delving into the art of screenwriting, while stressing the importance of enjoying the process and adapting to evolving platforms like OTT. He also emphasised the Indian narrative heritage and the unique craft of storytelling ingrained in the culture.

Underscoring the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and enrich lives, Anjum Rajabali said, “Every time you put pen to paper to write a film, you are making a pact of trust with your audience. Come watch this film; you will not be disappointed. It is an interesting experience I will give you, which will move you, while touching you in a way that life itself cannot.”

Anjum Rajabali’s teachings extended beyond the realm of screenwriting to delve into psychological aspects, touching upon behaviourism, conditioning, humanistic schools of thought, and defence mechanisms. His holistic approach emphasised not only on the technical aspects of storytelling but also on the profound impact it has on both creators and audiences alike.

The workshop also delved into the transforming power of mythology and its enduring influence on storytelling. Anjum Rajabali’s insights into the Hero’s Journey, reflected on the challenges and triumphs inherent in the narrative arc.

Over the course of five days, participants immersed themselves in a dynamic exploration of various elements of screenwriting from narrative construction, character development, to the nuances of dialogue. Featuring distinguished guest speakers, the workshop illuminated the intricacies of storytelling, fostering a deeper understanding of the screenwriting process. Ishita Moitra and Raj Nidimoru graced the third day of the workshop. Both of them in their respective sessions emphasised the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the need for writers to embrace feedback, hone their craft, and persist in their pursuit of compelling storytelling.

Day 4 of the workshop witnessed the presence of Shridhar Raghavan and Abbas Tyrewala. While Shridhar Raghavan discussed the joy of storytelling, viewing it as a playful process of exploration and discovery; Abbas Tyrewala reflected on the transformative power of storytelling, emphasising the exploration of diverse lives and experiences through narratives.

In addition to artistic exploration, the last day of the workshop equipped the participants with practical insights and legal and contractual aspects of filmmaking. Rohit Vedprakash emphasised the significance of clarity and intentionality in screenplay design, urging writers to provide a taste of their characters and conflicts early on, to engage studio executives. Durgesh Singh and Palash Vaswani focussed on the essence of relatability and human connection in writing, encouraging writers to draw from personal experiences and infusing their stories with authenticity and emotion. Diwakar Abhishek and Sudeep Nigam stressed on the need for clarity and protection in agreements, particularly regarding intellectual property rights and credit clauses.

Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman of WWI, underscored the workshop’s commitment to nurturing creativity and collaboration and stated, “Crafting compelling stories require a deep understanding of human psychology and a relentless pursuit of authenticity.”

As the workshop concluded, participants emerged inspired and equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to embark on their storytelling journey. The annual 5-Day Screenwriting Workshop stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and collaboration, nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

Reflecting on the enriching experience, Anjum Rajabali remarked, “The workshop served as a platform for aspiring writers to delve into the art and craft of screenwriting, igniting their passion for storytelling.”

Saqib Iqbal, a financial analyst at Trading.Biz has found an auto stock bound to yield 41% in Q1 2024. He is referring to Allison Transmission Inc., (NYSE: ALSN). As one of North America’s leading manufacturers of commercial auto transmissions, Allison Transmission Holdings designs and manufactures high-quality automatic transmissions. Quality, reliability, and fuel efficiency are among the company’s strongholds.

He says, “When I found the intrinsic value of the stock, it’s undervalued by 29%. When you combine this undervaluation with the company’s overall growth, it can yield up to 41%. The company bought back half of its shares while its market value has been reduced most likely due to concerns of electric car adoption.”

Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) ended 2023 on a high note, with record year revenues of $3.035 billion, a 10% increase aided by a 13% increase in the North American on-highway market and an 18% increase in the service parts sector. Earnings per share reached a record high of $7.40, representing a 34% increase. Free cash flow also increased to $186 million.

Saqib says, investing $1000 right now in the stock is worth the try. He states,

“The stock price is $70.57, and for a $1000 you can buy around 14.28 shares. If you look at the undervaluation of 29%, then the price becomes $99.74. So, potential capital gains becomes $412.67. And add a current dividend yield of $0.23 per share. Then the total yield becomes $415.95 (0.23 x 14.28 = $3.28) which is a gain of 41.59%.”

To calculate, he used the following formula:

Potential gains = (Final stock price – Initial stock price) x Number of shares
Dividend earnings = Dividend amount x number of shares
Total = potential gains + dividend earnings

Mumbai, 20th February 2024: Taking the onus of guiding and assisting customers with right usage of cement in the most critical part of the house ie. Roof Column Foundation, Dalmia Cement is making a tectonic shift in its brand focus with its new campaign “RCF Strong toh Ghar Strong”. The new customer-centric messaging is aimed at creating awareness amongst the home builders and contractors in choosing the right cement, using it in the right way and following best construction practices to build their dream homes. 

The campaign that would consolidate Dalmia Cement as the ‘RCF Expert’ will feature Superstar Ranveer Singh. It will be launched through a comprehensive multimedia approach with Superstar Ranveer adding much efficacy to the brand’s message of predominant technical knowledge, and peerless service, as amplified by the slogan, “RCF Strong toh Ghar Strong”.

Commenting on the initiative, Shri Puneet Dalmia, MD & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “During our illustrious journey over the last eight decades, Dalmia Cement has stood shoulder to shoulder to build our nation from its roots, contributing to create iconic national landmarks as well as happy homes for millions. As individuals, we cherish our homes which hold a profound value and place in our lives. Thus, constructing such a generational asset with the proper application of cement and technical expertise not only ensures structural integrity, but also represents an investment for life.”

“Our new brand campaign manifests not just an eminent legacy, but also a commitment to consumer centricity – it conveys a core message that building a home with due care means building it for generations to come,” he said.

Commenting on his collaboration Superstar Ranveer Singh shared, “I have always admired Dalmia Cement for contributing to the construction sector for over 80 years. I am happy to partner with the company & advocate for the vital importance of Roof Column and Foundation in home construction. Together, we aim to educate individuals to make informed choices, ensuring that every structure stands the test of time.”

Mr. Sameer Nagpal, COO, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd. shared, “We believe that the brand must play a vital role in consumer’s lives so that they can make informed choices. Dalmia Cement has over the years developed proprietary know-how of optimising cement recipe that makes it most suitable for Roof Column and Foundation. These are the most critical elements in the structure of the house and are responsible for its strength and longevity. In addition to providing the right cement for RCF, we also have a strong on-the-ground technical workforce which assists home builders and contractors in using the cement in the right way. The RCF campaign brings to fore this value proposition”.

Bengaluru, 20th February 2024: Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“KMBL” / “Bank”) today announced the following appointments at leadership levels, giving impetus to its vision for ‘Accelerating Change’ in becoming a customer-centric tech-enabled financial institution.

Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “I am delighted to share key leadership announcements that will shape the future of our group. These leadership changes demonstrate the value of stewardship and the depth of talent we have at Kotak.”

• KVS Manian has been appointed as Joint Managing Director with effect from March 1, 2024. He will spearhead the growth of Wholesale Bank, Commercial Bank, Private Banking, Asset Reconstruction Division and Wholesale Credit. He will also continue to have oversight over the Institutional Equities and Investment Banking businesses of the Group.
• Shanti Ekambaram has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director with effect from March 1, 2024. She will continue to drive the growth of 811, Treasury and Global Markets businesses in addition to overseeing the functions of Human Resources, Group Marketing & Corporate Communications, Internal Vigilance, Internal Audit (administrative matters), Public Affairs, Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG. She will also continue to have oversight over Kotak Mahindra Financial Services Limited and Kotak Karma subsidiaries.

Both Manian and Shanti have demonstrated a tremendous track record of building successful and purposeful businesses over their long association with the Group.

• Devang Gheewalla will succeed Jaimin Bhatt as the Group Chief Financial Officer with effect from April 1, 2024. Jaimin Bhatt, Kotak Group’s current Group Chief Financial Officer superannuates on March 31, 2024.
• Milind Nagnur has been elevated as Chief Operating Officer of the Bank with effect from April 1, 2024. He will continue to be the Bank’s Chief Technology Officer and will take additional responsibility for Bank Operations, Group Technology Architecture and Cyber Security functions. In his new role, he will be responsible for building the critical enablers that will fuel our aspirations for scale.
• Paul Parambi has been elevated as Group Chief Risk Officer with effect from, March 1, 2024, thereby extending his role from the Bank to all Group companies. In his new role, Paul will be extending his expertise in assessing risk to our Group companies.

KVS Manian, Whole-Time Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “We are embarking on an exciting journey of growth and innovation, and I am honoured to step into this new role as Joint Managing Director. I am committed to working closely with my esteemed colleagues to drive our group forward, delivering value to our customers and stakeholders while upholding our core values of ethics and integrity”.

Shanti Ekambaram, Whole-Time Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “I thank the Board and the leadership team at Kotak for entrusting me with the role of Deputy Managing Director. As we embark on the next phase of scaling up Kotak, I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of our group. I am committed to collaborate closely with the team to drive strategic initiatives, foster innovation and uphold our commitment to excellence.”

New Delhi, 20th February 2024: Aviva Life Insurance, India’s most trusted private life insurance brand, announced the launch of Aviva Signature Monthly Income Plan. An endowment plan, that is designed to provide individuals and families with guaranteed lifetime monthly income and financial security #ForTheLongRun.

The new plan offers 2 options, designed to ensure that customers receive a Guaranteed Lifetime Monthly Income, providing a steady and predictable financial stream throughout their chosen payout period. This feature aims to enhance financial stability and cover regular expenses, offering reassurance in times of uncertainty.

For individuals of age 25-48, who wish to plan for their retirement, the plan provides Policy Term up to 35 years and Payout Period up to 45 years to guarantee a Lifetime Monthly Income. 

For individuals of age 49-60, a Policy Term up to 20 years and Payout Period up to 30 years guarantees a Lifetime Monthly Income for a worry-free retirement.

The plan also caters to the younger audience, with the minimum entry age being 3 years old to ensure a steady stream of regular income to meet the planned and unplanned expenses, such as trips, college fees, bills, gifts, etc.

This tailored approach to financial planning empowers individuals to customize their income streams according to their unique circumstances and goals.

Furthermore, the plan offers Life Insurance benefit, safeguarding loved ones by providing a lump sum benefit to the nominee in the event of the policyholder’s unfortunate demise during the Policy Term.

In the event of death of the policy holder during the Payout Period, their spouse/nominee shall continue to receive the Monthly Income as designated by the plan and also get a Return of Total Premiums Paid at the end of the Payout Period.

In addition to its protective features, the plan provides Tax Benefits at the time of premium payment as well as monthly payouts, in line with prevailing tax laws.

Moreover, the plan boasts Zero-Cost Savings Benefits, with all the premiums paid returned as lumpsum at the end of the Payout Period after the monthly income has already been paid.

Mr. Vinit Kapahi, Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing, said, “Aviva Signature Monthly Income Plan marks a significant milestone in our mission to redefine financial security. We aim to provide a Guaranteed Lifetime Monthly Income solution that secures our customers’ financial futures by fostering a culture of long-term savings. With flexible options, guaranteed benefits, and enhanced protection, it’s a testament to our commitment of meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”

For more details: https://www.avivaindia.com/saving-investment-plans/aviva-signature-monthly-income-plan

New Delhi, 20th February 2024: DashLoc, a trailblazing company in India specializing in hyperlocal discovery and growth, has announced the launch of DashLoc 2.0, a revolutionary upgrade to its dashboard platform. Building upon the success of DashLoc 1.0, this new iteration incorporates cutting-edge technology and advanced features to redefine the user experience, empowering brands with actionable insights and customizable solutions.

DashLoc 2.0 represents a remarkable milestone in the company’s journey, leveraging insights gained over the past 18 months to develop a platform that addresses even the most minute challenges faced by brands. With state-of-the-art AI algorithms and advanced ML models, this new version empowers brands to take center stage, leveraging data to shape their future endeavors with unparalleled precision. In addition, integration with GenAI technology enhances the platform’s functionality and effectiveness, establishing a new benchmark in hyperlocal discovery and growth solutions.

Key features of DashLoc 2.0 include:

• AI-driven Review Management: Streamlining response generation, summarization, and automation to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction across diverse platforms.

• Advanced Chatbot Feature: Offering customized flows tailored to brand interactions, reducing agent costs, and increasing conversion rates by over 26%.

• Intelligent Analytics with Smart Reporting: Generating advanced analytics to facilitate informed decision-making processes.

• Progressive Website Theme Control: Enabling unparalleled customization of website themes to align with brand identity.

Mr. Gaurav Kumar, Co-Founder and CTO at DashLoc, commented on the launch, saying, “We’re incredibly excited to unveil DashLoc 2.0, a culmination of our relentless pursuit of innovation and user-centric design. The Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of DashLoc 2.0 lies in its seamless blend of advanced technology with user-centric features. With this latest release, we aim to elevate the user dashboard experience as well as leverage a new tech stack for quicker and easier development of advanced features. This transition reinforces DashLoc’s dedication to offering advanced solutions and remaining at the forefront of technology and user expectations. We’re confident that DashLoc 2.0 will transform how brands engage with their audiences and navigate the ever-evolving complexities of the modern marketplace.”

Notably, DashLoc 2.0’s multilingual features provide a strategic edge, enabling brands to engage effectively with regional consumers. With over 50% of content viewed on Google Discover in Indian languages and a third of Google Assistant users in India utilizing it in an Indian language, DashLoc prioritizes providing online brand presence to multiple-tier cities. The platform’s multilingual functionalities facilitate effective communication with customers, enhancing brand visibility and engagement. Looking ahead, DashLoc aims to develop a comprehensive 360-degree platform that facilitates brand execution from search to conversion, empowering brands to achieve their business objectives efficiently.

Contemporary kitchens exude their own distinct personality, mirroring the unique lifestyle and traditions of the people living there. Among the various zones in the kitchen, one of the most bustling ones is the sink center serving a range of functions like rinsing vegetables & fruits, chopping them for preparations, and cleaning the cookware and utensils.

Bringing forth the rising trend of incorporating quartz surfaces in the kitchen, Häfele launches its new sinks range – Lithos which means stone in Greek, aptly named to represent its inherent sturdiness, longevity and reliability.  This range of Quartz Sinks come with an antibacterial coating, an inherent resistance against scratches, stains and dirt, and resistance to high temperature, thereby requiring minimal maintenance and offering a long-lasting endurance even if hot utensils are kept on it.

The timeless beauty of these sinks is defined by the trendy shades of Obsidian, Truffle, Ivory or Mocha that match seamlessly with the most preferred colour palette in the kitchen, imparting the right texture and tonality.

So embrace flawless kitchen aesthetics that reflect your impeccable taste and a commitment to quality that goes beyond the ordinary with Häfele’s Lithos Range of Quartz Sinks.

Mumbai, 20th February: upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning, skilling and workforce development majors makes an OTT debut with Edstead’s Indian Edtech Story on Disney+ Hotstar. The episode delves into the untold journey of Co-founders who embarked upon a mission to understand the learning pulse of India Inc. and enable them with the employability skills of tomorrow. Beyond tracing the brand’s journey, the episode features real upGrad learners who dared to dream big and embraced continuous learning for stronger career transitions.

Conceptualized and produced by Edstead – a research-led documentary studio, upGrad is part of a groundbreaking 11-episode Documentary series that sheds light on contributions made by India’s Edtech ecosystem while cementing the nation’s standing amongst global counterparts. The episode titled, “upGrad: Onwards and Upwards” captures the passion of the Co-founders and the brand’s commitment to making higher education and upskilling more affordable and accessible to every household in metros and across the length and breadth of the country.

The episode opens with upGrad Co-founder Mayank Kumar reflecting on India’s concerning issue of unemployable youth that triggered a penny-drop moment back in time leading to his passion for upGrad. This vision, coupled with Ronnie Screwvala’s entrepreneurial acumen and Phalgun Kompalli’s profound market understanding, not only enabled the brand to navigate initial challenges but also established its obsession for career outcomes as a formidable differentiator in the Indian market. Through a journey marked by resilience and YoY growth, upGrad has risen to the forefront of the skilling and workforce development segments, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in India and across Asia.

Commenting on the release and vision, Shekhar Bhattacharjee, Founder of Edstead, expressed, “The entire objective behind producing this series was to illuminate the transformation of education into an affordable and accessible realm for millions. The series not only captures the highs and lows of the Edtech sector but also underscores its ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact.”

The series is now live on Disney+ Hotstar and across Edstead’s digital channels: https://www.hotstar.com/in/shows/the-indian-edtech-story/1271268709

Mumbai, 20 February 2024:  In a monumental development, BW Energy and Confidence Petroleum India Limited have united forces, aligning their business goals to bolster LPG infrastructure and downstream operations across India.

The birth of BW Confidence signifies a pivotal shift—a beacon of investment and growth within the private sector. This collaboration not only promises to overhaul downstream LPG storage and distribution but also presents an opportunity to streamline the entire spectrum of associated LPG business processes.

Shri Nitin Khara, Chairman of Confidence Group, expressed, “We are thrilled to announce this strategic joint venture with BW LPG and investment in Confidence Petroleum. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Confidence Petroleum as we fortify our position in India’s burgeoning LPG market. We anticipate a fruitful partnership that will drive value for our stakeholders and foster mutual success.”

Mr. Niels Rigault, Executive Vice President Commercial and Chairman of the Board of BW LPG India, added, “Confidence boasts a formidable presence in the domestic LPG industry, while BW LPG possesses a robust global shipping and trading footprint. The synergy between Confidence’s local strength and BW LPG’s international presence is a catalyst to accelerate growth trajectories for both parties.”