Archives July 2025

The Indian Express Group and Screen announced Wednesday the launch of Screen Academy, a pioneering not-for-profit initiative that will nurture and showcase exciting new voices in Indian cinema.

With an exciting and fast-growing list of diverse members including Cannes and Oscar winners, Guneet Monga, Payal Kapadia and Resul Pookutty, and veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali, the Academy, working with India’s top film institutes, will identify and empower the next generation of filmmakers through education, representation, and recognition.

Established with the generous support of Founding Patron Abhishek Lodha of the Lodha Foundation,  Screen Academy will annually provide postgraduate fellowships to students nominated by their film schools, who demonstrate exceptional storytelling potential but lack the financial resources to pursue formal film education. (For details of the application process visit www.screenacademy.org).

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis said the timing and the location couldn’t be more relevant. “The film industry has an inseparable association with Mumbai. I am thrilled to learn of the inception of the not-for-profit Screen Academy by The Indian Express Group…I am certain that the Indian film industry will benefit immensely from the new filmmaking talent the academy aims to cultivate.”

Said Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, who steered the idea of the Academy: “Screen Academy represents a bold step toward institutionalising excellence in the entertainment and culture space. We will create an ecosystem that not only celebrates excellence but actively nurtures diverse and promising talent with both financial aid and access.”

For Abhishek Lodha, the Academy’s work is key to India’s soft power and growth as a global leader in the  creative arts. “The Lodha Foundation is committed to supporting India’s progress to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Films and creative arts are a key strength of our nation and the Screen Academy will play an important role in furthering India’s progress to a global leader in this field. The Lodha Foundation is pleased to partner with the Screen Academy in this ambitious initiative.”

Academic Excellence and Industry Integration

The Screen Academy Fellowships 2025 will cover full financial support for postgraduate studies at premier institutions, Film and Television Institute of India (Pune), Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (Kolkata), and Whistling Woods International (Mumbai). The Academy plans to expand its footprint across the country and add more film schools going forward.

Beyond funding, Screen Academy fellows will benefit from an unprecedented industry mentorship programme featuring India’s top studios and most respected film professionals as Academy members. These industry leaders will provide masterclasses, internships, and ongoing professional guidance.

 Said Dhiraj Singh, Director, Film and Television Institute of India: “ Screen is a very respected name in film journalism. FTII is very happy that a meaningful collaboration is taking shape. I am sure students and the industry will benefit greatly with this scholarship program.”

 Samiran Dutta, Director in charge of the Satyajit Ray institute, said the fellowships will plug a vital gap. “We have talent from diverse and unknown parts of India, not only from urban metros, producing great ideas and fabulous stories. Understandably, some of our students find it difficult to negotiate the expenditure of film education. The Screen Academy fellowship will help in their quest to make great cinema”

“At Whistling Woods International, we believe that access to quality education can transform lives. This scholarship, in collaboration with the IE Screen Foundation, ensures that financial constraints do not come in the way of creativity and ambition. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values — excellence, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to nurturing the storytellers of tomorrow,”said Meghna Ghai Puri, President Whistling Woods International

Selecting the fellows will be a panel headed by Anjum Rajabali, the veteran screenwriter and film academician. “This hugely generous initiative offers much-needed support to young people to avail of formal education in the craft, for which the film, TV, and the OTT sector will be grateful for having access to this talent pool. These scholarships will help in driving up the quality of writing and filmmaking here.”

Screen Academy Members reflect a diverse list with representation across the industry.

• Guneet Monga– Oscar-winning Producer
• Payal Kapadia – Cannes Grand Prix winner and Golden Globe nominee
• Resul Pookutty– Oscar-winning Sound Designer
• Ronnie Screwvala– Founder of RSVP Films and Upgrad
• Subhash Ghai– Director/Producer and Founder Whistling Woods International

Full list of Screen Academy members will be released shortly on www.screenacademy.org

Recognition of Excellence

In addition to its educational mission, Screen Academy will oversee the prestigious Screen Awards, recognising artistic brilliance, cultural excellence, and technical innovation across Indian entertainment. Academy members will serve as the voting body, ensuring industry credibility and expertise guide the recognition process.

To ensure excellence, Screen Academy has established a Resident Critics Panel which includes Dr Priya Jaikumar, Professor of Cinematic Arts in the Division of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Priyanka Sinha Jha (Curator of Screen Awards); Shubra Gupta (The Indian Express Film Critic); Nikhil Taneja (Co-Founder of We are Yuvaa); and Anjum Rajabali (screenwriter and Head of Screenwriting at WWI and FTII).

“The Academy will grow to define rigorous criteria, categories, and evaluation standards to ensure fairness and credibility in honouring outstanding contributions to cinema, music, theatre, regional cinema and other allied art forms,” said Priyanka Sinha Jha.

As India’s economic landscape evolves, so too are the retirement planning strategies of millions of individuals. No longer satisfied with the conservative approach to securing their golden years, people across the nation are embracing equity-linked solutions to build their retirement corpus. The shift in mind-set reflects a growing willingness to take on more risk, driven by higher aspirations and a greater desire for financial independence in retirement.

In the past, fixed-income products such as traditional pension plans and fixed deposits were the go-to options for those planning for their retirement. However, the changing financial climate and the steady erosion of purchasing power due to inflation have spurred a fundamental shift in how people view their retirement savings. Consumers are now increasingly turning to equity-linked products, such as Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) and market-linked pension funds, which offer greater long-term growth opportunities, making them a more appealing choice for those looking to safeguard their future.

The growing interest in these solutions is evident, with a surge in participation in equity-linked retirement funds, such as Tata AIA Life’s recently launched Top 200 Alpha 30 Index Pension Fund. The fund’s stellar performance during its NFO period from June 23 to June 30, 2025, saw participation grow by an impressive 144.44%, compared to previous retirement NFOs, signalling a rising demand for market-driven retirement solutions.

So, why are more people willing to embrace risk as part of their retirement planning?

Changing Aspirations and Financial Freedom:
Gone are the days when people were content with low-risk, low-return solutions. Today’s consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, are more aware of the potential for higher returns offered by market-linked investments. With aspirations for a more comfortable retirement and an improved standard of living, individuals are actively seeking out opportunities that can maximize their wealth over the long term. These products don’t just offer financial security; they promise an opportunity to build a robust financial future in a more dynamic and financially empowered way.

Risk Appetite on the Rise:
The rise in risk appetite is a clear sign of changing attitudes toward investing. As India’s workforce grows more formalized and job structures evolve, so does the understanding of risk and reward. The awareness that market-linked investments offer better inflation protection, potential for superior long-term growth, and tax benefits has led to a shift in thinking. More and more consumers are ready to embrace risk, understanding that taking calculated risks today can result in larger, more secure retirement savings tomorrow.

The Importance of Inflation Protection:
One of the most compelling reasons behind the growing adoption of market-linked products for retirement is their ability to act as a hedge against inflation. Traditional fixed-income products, while stable, often fail to keep up with inflation over long retirement periods of 20-30 years. With the rising costs of healthcare and living expenses, market-linked investments ensure that retirees preserve their purchasing power. By tapping into the potential of equities, individuals can create a significantly larger corpus, benefiting from compounding and market growth over time.

Equity-Linked Retirement Products: The Future of Retirement Planning in India:
The shift towards equity-linked retirement products reflects the changing financial priorities of India’s population. Today’s investors understand that the future requires more than just “playing it safe” — it requires a strategy that offers growth, inflation protection, and the ability to meet future needs. Tata AIA’s Top 200 Alpha 30 Index Pension Fund, with its superior risk-adjusted returns, is an excellent example of the future of retirement planning, combining investment potential with insurance protection in one comprehensive product.

As Indian investors increasingly opt for market-linked retirement solutions, the future of retirement planning in India is being reshaped. These products are no longer seen as high-risk outliers but as essential tools for building a retirement corpus that will not only protect financial security but also offer growth and prosperity in the long term.

Bengaluru, July 10, 2025 – London-based technology brand Nothing is offering Indian consumers the exclusive first opportunity to purchase its flagship Nothing Phone (3)—before its official open sale.

On July 12, Nothing will host an exclusive drop event at UB City, Bengaluru where customers will get the chance to buy the Phone (3) ahead of the rest of the world. As a special bonus, the first 100 customers will receive a complimentary Nothing Headphone (1) worth ₹21,999— making this a must-attend event for tech enthusiasts.

The Nothing Phone (3) introduces a bold new take on personal technology – one that’s joyful, expressive, and unmistakably Nothing. At its core, the Nothing Phone (3) runs on the powerful Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4 chipset and ships with Nothing OS 3.5 based on Android 15.

With a high-capacity 5500 mAh battery, 65W fast wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and IP68 water and dust resistance, the Phone (3) is engineered to keep up with every lifestyle.

Guests can expect a fun, upbeat setting with music, lights, and a high-energy atmosphere that makes a drop night truly special. There will also be a fun challenge where lucky winners will get a chance to win Headphone (1). Plus, other exciting activities and more chances to win amazing goodies. This global-first drop event promises an unforgettable experience, blending vibrant vibes with carefully curated moments designed to celebrate in style.

Customers at the event will also get hands-on experience with the Phone (3) and Headphone (1). Early arrival is encouraged as doors open at 7:00 PM IST, and entry will follow a first-come, first-served format. Additionally, attendees can unwind with free refreshments and barista-style coffee in custom collectible mugs.

National, July 10, 2025:  This Amazon Prime Day, GRIPIT, a leading enabler of global brand expansion in India, is bringing a world of innovation straight to Indian homes. Known for curating and delivering cutting-edge international products to Indian consumers, GRIPIT is spotlighting a premium lineup of global tech brands—each redefining how Indian consumers clean, power, live, and connect.

From smart home devices to portable energy solutions and lifestyle innovations, GRIPIT is transforming the e-commerce experience in India through partnerships with globally trusted brands. These include Narwal, offering intelligent robotic vacuum cleaners with sleek aesthetics; EcoFlow, known for portable power stations that deliver reliable off-grid energy; CHUWI, makers of high-performance laptops for everyday needs; LOOP, offering stylish earplugs for sound protection and focus; XGIMI, creators of portable projectors for immersive cinematic experiences; BISSELL, a globally trusted name in cleaning equipment solutions; OBSBOT, known for AI-powered cameras built for creators and professionals; and Yale, world-renowned for smart locks and home security systems.

Commenting on the announcement, Sagar Mehta, Co-founder & CEO, GRIPIT said, “At GRIPIT, our mission is to bridge global innovation with Indian accessibility. Amazon’s Prime Day is the perfect moment for Indian consumers to experience premium international products, backed by local service, reliable delivery, and strong after-sales support. We’re not just offering deals—we’re delivering world-class experiences.”

To make the customer experience seamless, GRIPIT is doubling down on service excellence with free installation across metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai and more. The virtual installation support team ensures that even customers in remote areas receive assistance. With an extensive network of 330+ service partners, GRIPIT is committed to resolving service requests within seven working days, setting a new industry benchmark for support in the tech retail space.

Additionally, in a move to make global tech even more accessible, GRIPIT will soon launch its dedicated mobile app. This app will allow customers to book live demos, schedule free doorstep product trials, and explore the latest in international innovation with a few taps on their smartphone.

Durgapur; July 10, 2025: To celebrate talent, ambition and potential, Global Indian International School (GIIS) hosted a grand felicitation ceremony on July 9, 2025, at Aerocity, Delhi, to celebrate the latest cohort of Global Citizen Scholarship (GCS) recipients. This marked the 18th edition of the prestigious GCS programme.

This year’s cohort includes 10 exceptional students—eight from India and two from the Middle East—recognised for their outstanding academic accomplishments, leadership abilities, and dedication to excellence.

Established in 2008, the GCS is GIIS’s flagship initiative, embodying the institution’s commitment to educational equity and quality. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, boarding, and living expenses for the crucial senior secondary education years (Grades 11 and 12), enabling scholars to thrive at GIIS SMART Campus, Singapore. Known for its world-class infrastructure, top-tier facilities, and highly skilled teaching staff, GIIS offers students the choice between the CBSE and IBDP curricula. Under this flagship programme, students also receive boarding, lodging, and a generous stipend, with zero tuition fees for the entire duration. The total investment amounts to Rs 1 crore per student for two years, fully funded by the GCS programme.

“The Global Citizen Scholarship goes beyond financial support; it empowers dreams,” remarked Mr Pramod Tripathi, Director, Academic, Global Schools Group. “We are investing in future leaders—students with vision, drive, and a commitment to not only excel in their careers but also make meaningful contributions to society. We take pride in supporting young minds who dare to think globally and act purposefully.”

Each recipient underwent a rigorous multi-phase evaluation process that assessed not only academic performance but also leadership potential, community engagement, problem-solving skills, and a dedication to driving positive change.

One of the recipients, Nishtha Nirmita Mahanta from Moran Town, Assam, reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, shared, “This opportunity has transformed my life trajectory. It’s more than studying at a prestigious institution; it’s about being part of a global community that encourages us to dream big, aim high, and serve well.”

The ceremony, attended by students, parents, and dignitaries, underscored the transformative power of education and reaffirmed GIIS’s commitment to creating opportunities for talented students worldwide, regardless of background or location.

“With each new cohort, the Global Citizen Scholarship redefines what’s possible when opportunity meets potential,” stated Mr Rajeev Koul, Deputy COO, Global Schools Group. “As these 10 bright scholars embark on their journey, they carry not only the aspirations of their families and communities but also the enduring values of leadership, empathy, and excellence instilled by GIIS.”

Surat, July 10, 2025 – The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) successfully hosted a landmark Garment Conclave in Surat on July 5, 2025, at Avadh Utopia. This full-day event was strategically designed to explore and accelerate Surat’s potential as a major garment manufacturing hub, building on its strong textile foundation.

The event, organised by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) – Gujarat Regional Office and powered by the Institute of Design and Technology (IDT), marked a milestone as the first National-level Conclave to be held in Surat. The Conclave unfolded across multiple engaging presentations and panel discussions covering topics such as brand building, artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, sustainability, government policies, and MSME schemes, with participation from Senior officials from the Gujarat and Chhattisgarh governments and the United Nations.

The Conclave commenced with a crucial session focusing on the Gujarat Government’s New Textile Policy. Shri K.C. Sampat, MD, INDEXTB, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the industry. Subsequently, Shri Naresh Babuta, GM, SIDBI, highlighted the institution’s emphasis on the MSME sector, particularly the garment industry. Billmart also presented its bill discounting solutions, aiming to streamline working capital for Surat’s businesses.

A key highlight was the participation of top leaders from prominent apparel brands like Ashish Dixit, MD, ABFRL, Namit Shrivastava, Ethnics by Raymonds, Jitendra Chauhan, CMD, Jade Blue, Manohar Chatlani, Co-Owner, Soch, Santosh Katariya, MD, Peppermint, Madhukar Sharma, Pantaloons, and Deepak Ahuja, Westside who delivered insightful presentations. They showcased garments crafted from Surat fabrics and expressed a strong willingness to collaborate with and integrate Surat manufacturers into the ready-made garment sector. Acclaimed Fashion Designer Nivedita Saboo further inspired attendees by sharing her positive experiences working with Surat and highlighting the immense opportunities ahead.

The Conclave also addressed critical industry trends with dedicated sessions on Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Representatives from the United Nations, Ms. Radhika Kaul Batra and Dr. Pankaj Kumar, contributed to the sustainability discussion, alongside Parvinder from GATS, sharing practical industry experiences. The AI session, presented by FYND, generated significant buzz and was highly interactive, demonstrating the industry’s keen interest in technological advancement.

Speaking at the conclave, Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI stated, “Surat is firmly establishing itself as a leading garmenting hub. Rising as an MMF powerhouse, Surat provides an integrated supply chain and well-developed trade infrastructure, uniquely positioned for significant growth. We are observing increased attention from global brands, a testament to Surat’s immense potential, particularly amidst instability in other garment-producing regions. This vital sector not only contributes significantly to the local economy through employment and revenue but also holds a collective vision to elevate our garment manufacturing to new global heights.”

Naveen Sainani, Hon. Gen. Secretary & Chairman-ESG Committee, CMAI, expressed “For India’s domestic apparel industry, embracing sustainability is an urgent, strategic imperative, not just a global trend. As conscious consumers increasingly demand ethical choices, our industry must transform. CMAI has spearheaded this commitment through the SU.RE project, encouraging Indian manufacturers and brands to integrate sustainable practices, fostering a cleaner environment and a responsible fashion future for our nation.”

Dr. Ajoy Bhattacharya, Chairman, Gujarat Regional Committee, stated “I am delighted at the tremendous response received by the Conclave from the Surat Industry. More than 450 attendees thoroughly appreciated the insights they received during the one-day Conclave, and express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated team of Mayur Golwala, Vishal Paheriwal, Vikas Agarwal, and Anupam Goyal for making this Conclave a huge success.”

Adding a vibrant dimension to the Conclave was “FASHIONOVA 2025,” a dynamic fashion show powered by the Institute of Design and Technology (IDT). Students of IDT showcased their creations, with a strong emphasis on sustainable fashion. A special sequence dedicated to “Operation Sindoor” further enhanced the show’s impact and message. IDT also provided comprehensive support in organizing the entire Conclave.

This event marks a significant milestone in Surat’s evolution, solidifying its position not just as a textile powerhouse, but as an emerging leader in India’s ready-made garment industry.

India, July 10, 2025: OPPO India has launched the second edition of its Photography Awards powered by LUMO. Formerly known as the imagine IF Photography Awards, LUMO represents OPPO’s renewed vision to push the boundaries of mobile imaging and visual storytelling in India.

Sushant Vashistha, Head of Product & Digital Marketing at OPPO India, said, “LUMO is our ode to creativity — a platform where every image tells a story, and every story becomes a moment of magic. The first edition, imagine IF, received thousands of stunning submissions from across India. It laid the foundation for this year’s competition, powered by LUMO. This season, we aim to celebrate not just the outcome but the creative journey behind every powerful visual, powered by OPPO’s imaging technology.”

OPPO, in collaboration with Discovery, launches the ‘Super Culture Moment’ category within Culture in a Shot Marketing Initiative. All participants for this year’s Photography Awards are encouraged to capture India’s vibrant cultural diversity using OPPO’s cutting-edge photography features/capabilities. Vikram Channa, VP at Warner Bros Discovery, and editorial chief for content production for Southeast Asia, joins the competition’s jury panel alongside acclaimed photographer Joseph Radhik.

The competition welcomes entries from Indian citizens aged 18 and above, across nine distinctive categories: Super Snap, Youth, Live, Me, Vibe, Story, Connection, Culture and Environs. Participants must submit a title and a 60–150-word description for each photograph, explaining what the image symbolises. An expert jury panel will evaluate entries in Round 1 and shortlist 50 finalists.

In Round 2, the finalists will take on a creative challenge using the OPPO Find X8 Pro smartphone. The jury, led by Joseph Radhik and Vikram Channa, will then select the winners based on creativity, impact, and storytelling. For more information, visit https://lumo.oppo.com/in/

Commenting on the initiative, Joseph Radhik said, “As a photographer, I constantly strive to push creative boundaries and inspire others to do the same. The OPPO India Photography Awards 2025 represent a bold step in celebrating imagination and innovation in mobile photography. I urge young creators to capture the extraordinary, imagine the impossible, and leave behind a legacy of inspiration.”

OPPO launched its global photography contest in 2023 and received over 7,00,000 entries from 51 countries. In 2024, the contest debuted in India, drawing over 34,000 entries. The 2025 edition marks its second chapter in India, inspired by the theme ‘Super Every Moment’ — a celebration of how photography can turn fleeting experiences into powerful, unforgettable stories.

Vikram Channa, VP at Warner Bros Discovery, and editorial chief for content production for South East Asia, commented, “At Discovery Channel, storytelling is central to our work. Our collaboration with OPPO India supports our mission to highlight diverse cultures. The ‘Super Culture Moment’ category encourages creators to capture and celebrate India’s cultural heritage using OPPO’s advanced technology.”

 Submission Deadline: Participants can submit entries for Round 1 until September 15, 2025 (Midnight IST). Final winners will be announced in November 2025.

Awards & Recognition

• 1 Gold Winner: ₹5,00,000 + chance to become official OPPOgrapher
• 1 Silver Winner: ₹2,00,000 each + OPPOgrapher opportunity
• 1 Bronze Winner: ₹1,00,000
• One winner will be selected from each category, and all winners will receive the latest OPPO flagship device.

2024 imagine IF photography contest winners

LUMO: OPPO’s Imaging Breakthrough

At the heart of OPPO’s imaging evolution lies the LUMO Imaging System — a powerful blend of advanced hardware and computational photography. This system delivers rich tones, nuanced lighting, and cinematic bokeh, enabling users to capture moments that feel as real as they look. By merging AI innovation with pro-grade camera capabilities, OPPO empowers photographers to tell stories that go beyond the lens.

Mumbai, 10, 2025: In a powerful observance of MSME Day, RizingTV Network hosted the Digital Renaissance Summit 2025 in Mumbai, reaffirming its commitment to India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Held in collaboration with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro & Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), IDBI Bank, Investor AI and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, the summit was a high-impact initiative designed to equip MSMEs with the strategies, networks, and insights needed to thrive in a rapidly digitizing economy.

The summit brought together entrepreneurs, investors, legal experts, and financial institutions to champion the growth of India’s MSMEs, which generate nearly 110 million in employment and contribute nearly 30% of the nation’s GDP. The Summit featured high-impact keynotes, panel discussions, and masterclasses focused on bridging credit gaps, accelerating digital adoption, and fostering sustainable business models.

Shweta Shetty, Assistant Manager at CGTMSE, addressing the attendees, said, “We at CGTMSE have been playing a key role in India’s startup and MSE ecosystem to meet the $5 Tn economy. Our partnership with RizingTV to support MSEs underscores the importance of uniting knowledge-sharing and financial support to unlock the true potential of India’s micro and small businesses.”

Technology and investment were in focus as Bruce Keith, CEO and Co-Founder at InvestorAi, spoke about how they built their own foundational AI in India rather than building on OpenAI, DeepSeek or other large platforms. “InvestorAi’s mission is to democratize wealth and asset management – putting AI in the hands of investors, while at the same time being responsible for outcomes,” Keith explained. “Combined with our deployment of agentic AI across our business we are aiming to grow by 400% this year, but only expect to add 10% to our headcount. MSMEs with ambition and imagination have the ability to punch well above their weight and really impact the industries that they operate in.”

Speaking on fueling MSMEs financially, CS Arya, General Manager (MSME Credit & Supply Channel Financing) at IDBI Bank said, “At our bank, we recognise that MSMEs don’t just need financial services — they need agility, insight, and support. Our goal is to empower founders with non-dilutive, growth-ready solutions that evolve with their journey. IDBI Bank acknowledges the critical role MSMEs play in India’s economic growth, and has thus prioritised this sector as a core focus for credit expansion and to participate wholeheartedly in nation-building.”

Legal and regulatory guidance was provided by Anirban Mohapatra, Partner TMT at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, who led a masterclass, “Innovation is the engine of small-business growth, but without proper IP safeguards, ideas can be lost or exploited. It is important for MSMEs to navigate complex regulatory frameworks, ensuring they retain full ownership of their inventions and brands as they scale.”

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of India’s economy, yet too many struggle to access the resources they need to thrive,” said Shrija Agrawal, Founder at RizingTV Network. “By dedicating a full day to MSMEs within our Digital Renaissance Summit, we reaffirm our commitment to equipping these enterprises with cutting-edge insights, powerful networks, and practical tools. When MSMEs flourish, India’s growth story is rewritten.”

The Summit also hosted – panel discussion on startup investment and masterclasses featuring speakers Parvathi Moorthy, CFA – Associate VP – National Stock Exchange (NSE), Manish Rathi – VP & Head – Digital Growth Marketing – DSP Mutual Fund, Vishal Maru – Global Processing Head – FSS, among others. The masterclasses covered topics such as GenAI, market strategy, capital markets and managing finance.

Ram Madhvani Unveils India’s First Mythological Virtual Reality Universe: An Immersive AI-Driven Journey Through Time and Devotion

~ With 24 more films in development and 100 planned by 2028, Equinox Virtual aims to build India’s largest AI-powered mythological, cultural, and spiritual content universe ~

Mumbai, July 10, 2025: National Award-winning filmmaker and Emmy-nominated creator Ram Madhvani, known for pushing cinematic boundaries with landmark works like Neerja and Aarya, has announced his latest foray into storytelling. It is an ambitious AI-VR venture that marks the beginning of India’s first spiritual, mythological, and cultural universe hosted in the mesmerising and immersive world of virtual reality.

Crafted over two years, the first short film is a cutting-edge AI adaptation of the Bhagavad Gita and has already begun private previews for select audiences.

With 24 more films in development over the next year and a goal to scale to 100 films by 2028, the venture aims to reimagine spiritual, cultural, and personal viewing experiences for the modern Indian audience.

“In theatres, we experience magic. At home, we have scale and comfort. But in personal viewing, we are often watching stories on split screens, sharing attention with emails, calls, or messages,” says Ram Madhvani, Co-founder, Equinox Virtual. “With VR, especially powered by AI, we have a chance to restore the sanctity of immersive storytelling—even in a solitary experience. And what better canvas than our own epics that have lived through centuries—spiritual texts that remain culturally resonant to this day?”

While industry attention has often been focused on VR hardware, Madhvani’s contrarian bet is on content. “Devices will improve. But the real challenge, and opportunity, is in the story, and the soul,” he says.

Choosing mythology, spiritual teachings, and devotional narratives as the foundation, the VR content leverages AI to create deeply immersive, culturally rooted experiences. This is not just a one-off experiment, but the beginning of a long-term vision: to build an AI Gita-inspired mythological universe in VR, steeped in Indian storytelling traditions, spiritual meaning and powered by state-of-the-art technology.

“At Equinox, we’ve always believed that technology should serve emotion, not overshadow it. This venture is deeply personal. It is an offering of faith, form, and future. With mythology as our compass and AI-VR as our vessel, we’re inviting audiences into a space where timeless stories can be experienced in profoundly new ways,” said Amita Madhvani, Co-founder, Equinox Virtual. “It’s not just about innovation, it’s about devotion—reimagined for a generation ready to feel, not just watch.”

In terms of distribution, Madhvani is in talks with device manufacturers. While the venture has already sparked significant investor interest, the filmmaker shares: “These are matters of scale and ongoing negotiation. I wanted to ensure the first film matched my creative vision before inviting partners into this journey.”

A Cannes Lion-winning ad filmmaker and one of India’s most visionary storytellers, Ram’s leap into immersive technology marks not just a new chapter for his own studio, Ram Madhvani Films, but a bold new precedent for India’s entertainment and tech landscape.

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – July 10, 2025: CaratLane, a 100% subsidiary of Titan Company Ltd and India’s leading omni-channel jewellery brand, is intensifying its focus on Uttar Pradesh as a key pillar of its regional growth strategy. The brand is making concerted efforts to expand its presence in the state, driven by consistent consumer demand and strong omnichannel performance across urban and emerging markets.

“Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a key market for us, not just because of its scale, but due to the clear and consistent growth we’ve seen across both offline and online channels. Our focus now is on deepening our presence in the state by entering new cities, strengthening customer relationships, and continuing to innovate around how people discover and purchase jewellery” said Mr. Saumen Bhaumik, Managing Director, CaratLane.

Looking ahead, CaratLane will deepen its footprint in Uttar Pradesh by launching 15 new stores across the state during FY26. This includes planned entry into eight new tier-2 and tier-3 cities—Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Rai Bareilly, Muzaffarnagar, Sultanpur, Ghazipur, among others—marking the next wave of the brand’s retail expansion in previously untapped markets.

CaratLane will open a new store in Lucknow in the upcoming week, reinforcing the city’s position as a critical retail and consumer hub for the brand.