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Forget Friday the 13th; it’s all about Friday the 9th now! Why? Because on February 9th, 2024, nine films and series are hitting OTT platforms. From Sushmita Sen concluding the ‘Aarya’ series with ‘Antim Vaar’ to Ashmit Patel’s return with Watcho Exclusives ‘State v/s Ahuja’, to Bhumi Pednekar’s exploration of shocking tales from India’s heartlands in ‘Bhakshak,’ and the uproarious laughter of the second instalment of ‘Khichdi,’ the OTT landscape offers a diverse range of offerings. This promises an exciting week brimming with entertainment to keep you engrossed and enthralled.

Get ready for a 9-9 fever with nine must-watch releases on the 9th that will keep you entertained and engrossed.

Aarya: Antim Vaar Part 2

Platform: Disney+ Hotstar

Date: 09th February

Prepare for an electrifying conclusion as Aarya returns in the second part of its third season, titled Aarya: Antim Vaar, streaming exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar from February 9. Crafted by the visionary Ram Madhvani, this instalment promises to be the ultimate showdown as Sushmita Sen reprises her role as the formidable Aarya. Amidst family dynamics and business intricacies, Aarya navigates through a maze of challenges, leading to a climactic confrontation. Joining Sen are an ensemble cast including Ila Arun, Sikandar Kher, Indraneil Sengupta, Viren Vazirani, Vikas Kumar, Maya Sarao, Geetanjali Kulkarni, and Vishwajeet Pradhan, ensuring a riveting viewing experience.

State v/s Ahuja

Platform: Watcho

Date: 09th February

State v/s Ahuja is a gripping web series that follows the story of Bollywood superstar Ansh Ahuja, accused of rape by his maid. As the plot unfolds, unexpected twists and turns lead to a suspenseful journey of crime investigation and courtroom drama. Viewers will be hooked as evidence surfaces, hinting at a shocking revelation. The series raises the question: Did Ansh truly commit the crime, or is he a victim of a sinister conspiracy? Featuring a talented cast including Ashmit Patel, Jaswinder Gardner, Sarika Singh, Anurekha Bhagat, and others, this Watcho Exclusives series promises suspense, intrigue, and a riveting storyline that will keep audiences glued to their screens. Binge on State v/s Ahuja exclusively on Watcho from February 9th, 2024.

Bhakshak

Platform: Netflix

Date: 09th February

Inspired by true events, Bhakshak is set in rural Bihar and revolves around the ground reality of crimes against women in the state. The movie is a fictionalised version of the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls that took place in a shelter home. Revolving around the journey of an unwavering woman’s quest to seek justice and her perseverance in getting a heinous crime to light, a struggling local journalist begins a dogged investigation into harrowing cases of abuse being covered up at a shelter for young girls. With its intriguing plotline, this OTT release should definitely be on your list, featuring Bhumi Pednekar, Sanjay Mishra, and Sai Tamhankar.

Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan

Platform: Zee5

Date: 09th February

Gather your family for a weekend of laughter with the latest OTT movie directed by Aatish Kapadia, starring Supriya Pathak Kapur, Rajeev Mehta, Anang Desai, Vandana Pathak, and Jamnadas Majethia. Follow the uproarious journey of Praful (Rajeev Mehta), an ordinary man thrust into the role of king in the whimsical land of Paanthukhistan, tasked with saving the world from destruction. However, his eccentric family ensures that chaos ensues, leading to a series of comically disastrous situations. Don’t miss out on the chance to bond over this delightful cinematic escapade filled with laughter, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable antics.

Lantrani

Platform: Zee5

Date: 09th February

Lantrani” on Zee5 takes you on a soul-stirring expedition as three national award-winning directors unite to unveil emotional narratives from the heartland of India, offering nuanced tales of anguish and resilience.”, the latest anthology film, is a collaborative effort of Gurvinder Singh, Kaushik Ganguly, and Bhaskar Hazarika, featuring their independent films – “Dharna Mana Hai,” “Hud Hud Dabang,” and “Sanitized Samachar” – all unified under the umbrella of ‘Lantrani’. Each film within the anthology offers a glimpse into the absurd realities of rural life, promising to captivate audiences with its authenticity and depth. Don’t miss out on adding this compelling cinematic experience to your binge-watch list.

Guntur Kaaram

Platform: Netflix

Date: 09th February

“Guntur Karam” marks Mahesh Babu’s 28th leading role film. The story revolves around Guntur Karam, a notorious underworld figure, who experiences a transformative journey after developing feelings for a journalist determined to uncover illegal activities. Providing a refreshing alternative to Bollywood releases, the film explores political intrigue, family drama, and personal vendettas spanning 25 years. As hidden truths come to light and loyalties are challenged, the narrative builds towards a gripping climax set to premiere on Netflix on February 9th.

Puppy Love

Platform: Lionsgate Play

Date: 09th February

Starring Lucy Hale and Grant Gustin, this heartwarming tale follows wild-child Nicole and socially anxious Max as they endure a disastrous first date, leading them to mutually agree to erase each other’s numbers. However, fate intervenes when they discover that their dogs are expecting puppies. Forced into the unexpected role of co-parents, Nicole and Max embark on a journey of responsibility that unexpectedly leads them to find love in each other’s company. Join them on this charming adventure and watch as their bond grows amidst the chaos of puppy parenthood. Perfect for a cozy movie night with friends or that special someone, this film promises to warm hearts and leave you with a smile.

Ashes

Platform: Netflix

Date: 09th February

The story follows a wealthy married woman on a quest to find the mysterious man mentioned in a book she had read. However, as she embarks on an affair with him, she is confronted with formidable choices that ultimately shatter her life irreversibly. From an intoxicating fantasy to a perilous affair, “Ashes” delves into the complexities of desire and consequence, promising a riveting viewing experience.

A KILLER PARADOX

Platform: Netflix

Date: 09th February

A Killer Paradox, adapted from Kkomabi’s Naver Webtoon of the same name, introduces viewers to a young man whose mundane existence takes a dramatic turn when he inadvertently kills a serial killer. As the situation escalates, a relentless detective becomes entangled in the case, piecing together evidence to uncover the truth. When one accidental killing begets another, an average college student finds himself ensnared in an endless cat-and-mouse pursuit with a cunning detective who stops at nothing to apprehend him. In this gripping tale of unintended consequences, the lines between predator and prey blur as a man who accidentally eliminates a serial killer faces off against a determined detective in a high-stakes game of wits and deception.

  Sony Entertainment Television’s epic saga, Shrimad Ramayan, narrates the life and teachings of Lord Ram, bringing back this timeless story into the hearts and minds of the viewers. In the ongoing narrative, viewers have seen Queen Kaikeyi falling prey to dormant insecurities fueled by Manthara, and she demands that King Dashrath fulfill the two boons he had promised her years ago. The first being that her son, Bharat, should be crowned King, and second being that Lord Ram should be exiled for 14 years. A shattered King Dashrath is left aghast at the thought of exiling his eldest son, but Lord Ram decides to uphold the promises King Dashrath made to Queen Kaikeyi and forfeits his crown and agrees to go into exile, accompanied by his newly wedded wife, Mata Sita, and devoted brother, Lakshman, who refuses to be separated from them.

 Talking about the ongoing narrative, Sujay Reu, portraying the character of Lord Ram shared, “As an actor, the transition from regal attire to the humble garb of vanvas has been a profound shift, but what remains constant is embodying Lord Ram’s traits of grace and resilience in all situations, which is central to the epic narrative. This show has been such a rewarding experience, it is not only helping me nurture my craft but also helping me shape my personality with the learnings we find while shooting for this divine character.”

 Actor Prachi Bansal, who plays Mata Sita, said, “Sita is a symbol of unwavering devotion, proving that true love transcends challenges, and the bond Ram and Sita share is a true inspiration to one and all to stand by their better halves in the face of life’s trials.”

 Keep watching Shrimad Ramayan, every Monday to Friday at 9 PM, only on Sony Entertainment Television.

National, February 09, 2024:

 Sony BBC Earth is all set to dazzle audiences this February with an array of ‘Deadly’ shows. The channel promises an entertaining experience that offers an insight into the wonders and perils of the natural world with Deadly 60 Series 1 and Deadly 60 Series 2, Specials.

Picture shows: Steve Backshall washing elephant.
Location : India. PRIMARY IMAGE.

  Leading the charge is the adrenaline-fueled adventure series, ‘Deadly 60 Series 1’, featuring renowned wildlife expert Steve Backshall. In the first series, Backshall embarks on a globe-trotting quest to uncover the planet’s 60 most lethal creatures. From the depths of the ocean to the heart of dense jungles, Backshall’s journey is a thrilling expedition into nature’s deadliest predators. In the second series i.e. ‘Deadly 60 Series 2, Specials’, Backshall’s mission intensifies as he braves harsh terrains and treacherous environments to confront nature’s fiercest adversaries. Each episode promises heart-pounding encounters with creatures that wield lethal weaponry in their quest for survival.

 As Sony BBC Earth gears up for an entertaining February, audiences can prepare to be transported into the heart of the wild, where every moment is a test of survival and a thrilling encounter with the world’s deadliest inhabitants. This month, share the thrill of a special ‘Deadly’ adventure, beginning at 8 PM, as we celebrate the fierce beauty of the natural world together.

 Catch ‘Deadly 60 Series 1’ on February 12th at 8 PM, and ‘Deadly 60 Series 2’ at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss the thrill!

 Hardhvarshan Rane, Ehan Bhat, Nikita Dutta and TJ Bhanu starrer Bejoy Nambiar’s Hindi-Tamil Bilingual film unveils the first song from the film ‘Le Le Pangey’ giving the audience a glimpse into the world of ‘Dange/ Por.’

 The song is a high on energy, passionate conflict between the college-mates highlighting the angst and roughness within the characters portrayed. ‘Le Le Pangey’ is sung by Sanjith Hegde, Anurag Kulkarni, Varsha S Krishnan, while the infectious music is composed by Sanjith Hegde, and lyrics written by Kausar Munir. The Tamil version of the song titled ‘Asaraadhe’ is sung by – Sanjith Hegde, Varsha S Krishnan, composed by Sanjith Hegde and penned by Krithika Nelson.

 The film challenges viewers to “Pick A Side,” as a rivalry between two friends take center stage in a cultural college festival. ‘Dange/Por’ is slated for a theatrical release on 1st March 2024.

 T-Series & Roox Media Present a T-Series Films & Getaway Pictures Production ‘Dange/Por’ directed by Bejoy Nambiar. Produced By  T-Series, Bejoy Nambiar, Prabhu Antony, Madhu Alexander.

Bengaluru 8th Feb 2024: Big Boy Toyz, a trailblazer in the pre-owned luxury car sector, is thrilled to announce the inauguration of its fifth showroom in Bengaluru, strategically positioned in the city’s bustling centre. This expansion marks a pivotal step towards amplifying the brand’s digital success, with a focus on driving revenue growth in Karnataka.

Located at Richmond Circle, the new showroom offers an extensive range of high-end luxury cars, including Audis, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces and Porsches.

Having witnessed a robust digital business that has already surpassed the INR 100 Crores milestone in Karnataka, Big Boy Toyz has cultivated a devoted clientele in Bengaluru, where luxury car aficionados have embraced the brand’s digital platform for seamless transactions. The new showroom is a strategic response to the growing demand for an immersive, in-person luxury car buying experience.

In a market traditionally characterised by its unorganised nature, the used luxury car segment in Bengaluru has emerged as a goldmine for Big Boy Toyz, showcasing remarkable growth. The brand’s fifth showroom will capitalise on this trend, delivering a meticulously curated selection of pre-owned luxury luxury cars that cater to the astute, value-conscious consumer. In an era of escalating new luxury car prices, the brand is well aware of the discerning buyers who seek not just opulence but also value for their investments.

This strategic expansion aligns perfectly with the current industry landscape, where automotive sales are breaking records year after year. Big Boy Toyz is primed to make a significant impact, leveraging its existing strong base, as it targets a revenue milestone of INR 200 Crores in FY25 in Karnataka alone.

“We are thrilled to expand our physical presence in Bengaluru. As a customer-oriented pre-owned luxury car brand, we believe our core values and relationship-based dealing are an assurance of superior quality and this trust is what we have are extending to Bengaluru as well with a physical showroom. This is our fifth store pan India and we look forward to providing car connoisseurs with the best luxury car experience from 30 exotic brands. This strategic expansion aligns perfectly with the current industry landscape as well. We are primed to make a significant impact, leveraging our existing strong base, as we targets a revenue milestone of INR 200 Crores in FY25 in Karnataka alone”, shared Jatin Ahuja, Founder & MD, Big Boy Toyz.

With a keen understanding of Bengaluru’s demographics and the city’s surpassing of Delhi in total car ownership, Big Boy Toyz is strategically positioned to meet the diverse needs of the flourishing luxury car market in the Silicon Valley of India.

Going beyond mere transactions, Big Boy Toyz is committed to delivering an unparalleled ownership experience. The brand will offer a suite of value-added services, including warranties, buybacks, maintenance packages, body kits, and top-tier car detailing services, enhancing its revenue-driven approach.

 Bengaluru, 8th February 2024: Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, plans to be synonymous with the corporate travel space, and the launch of its new corporate travel management product – Out of Office (OOO) – is a starting step in this journey. This unique corporate travel booking tool – OOO is designed to empower small, medium, and large enterprises. With 300 SMEs onboarded and ~10 large and enterprise corporations actively transacting, the platform is processing a monthly business volume of Rs 20 Crore.

 The platform’s flexible architecture and user interface design enables a seamless configuration to cater to the unique requirements of large enterprises and SME clients. The core principle of OOO’s approach is to enable the unique travel behaviour of every business.

 Early-stage adopters of the OOO platform include reputed firms like The Federal Bank, Sify Technologies, MGM Healthcare, Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd and ACC Limited. Key features that make OOO stand out amongst its peers include the ability to change or build policies in real-time, Integrated travel expense with travel offerings, the ability to access self-contracted corporate fares, real-time invoice and reconciliation engine. A Native app for IOS and Android is due to be released shortly.

 Speaking on the development, Ayyappan R., CEO, of Cleartrip, stated, “As businesses worldwide experience a notable resurgence, we observed an unprecedented spike in the demand for corporate travel. In this scenario, ‘Out of Office’ (OOO) emerges as a pivotal solution. Unlike conventional platforms, it provides an end-to-end travel experience, user-centric interface, policy adherence, and cost-effectiveness—all in one comprehensive package. OOO caters not just to the current demand surge but also helps redefine how businesses approach corporate travel.”

 OOO is a plug-and-play solution that adapts to organizational needs quickly. It can manage multiple booking behaviours (Self-booking, travel desk booking) and multiple entities in a single instance. The focus of the tool is 30% on bookings and 70% on policy adherence. Notably, the tool addresses a common pain point for corporates by enabling the procurement of hotel invoices.

Unique features of OOO

• One-click onboarding feature provides a quick onboarding process allowing businesses to start transactions immediately.
• Large enterprises can access savings through the GST billing function.
• The detailed expense report dashboard ensures accurate reporting of all travel-related expenses for easy tracking.
• The multiple provider options feature allows the tool to provide the cheapest fares from multiple vendors.
• The one-click switch lets users switch between reseller and agency models based on invoicing preferences.

 With OOO, Cleartrip has further strengthened its presence in the corporate travel domain. The tool’s unmatched adaptability, policy-centricity, and user-friendly interface make it a truly unique proposition that will help the company scale its B2B business to new heights.

Mumbai, 8th February 2024 – A sonic revolution that took over India and rippled into years of musical extravaganza, Budweiser Beats presents Vh1 Supersonic 2024 Co powered by Nexa and Ajio is back with its 9th edition with some legendary names ready to claim the stage as their own. As the excitement reached an all-time high with the latest release of artists, the festival is here to push the excitement to its peak with the renowned artist, and rapper, A$AP Ferg joining as a headliner! Amping up this sonic journey are striking artists such as Major Lazer Soundsystem, Adam Beyer, King, Yotto, Ben Sims, Denis Horvat, Hamdi, Patrice Baumel, The Midnight, Undercatt, Victor Ruiz, Gurbax, Taba Chake, Naezy, The Yellow Diary, and many more.

 Hailing from the Harlem neighborhood of New York city, Darold Durard Brown Ferguson Jr. aka A$AP Ferg is celebrated as the collective member of the hip hop community A$AP Mob with renowned tracks under his name. Winner of the BET hip hop awards, A$AP Ferg has collaborated with the best of the artists in the music community while delivering solo masterpieces.

 Prepare for a three-day musical and lifestyle festival spanning five vibrant stages – the Main Stage, offering the best of pop, hip-hop, jazz, and indie pop, the BudX Spectrum Stage, for the techno and house heads, the Nexa Live Stage, delving into the acoustic and live music, the Reggae Corner for rock and soul music lovers along with the The Box powered by Freq Stage, for the ultimate techno experience. Be a part of the this ride, embrace the freedom, and secure your tickets now at https://www.gosupersonic.in/ and www.skillbox.co, and BE THERE, BE FREE!

 Adding to the unforgettable journey, the party will not stop for our audiences just at the festival, from pregame parties with the best F&B rates, to best of after-parties, Vh1 Supersonic has them covered. The official Vh1 Supersonic pregame with the Supercrew with irresistible offers will be set at Escada Pune where the drinking games will be afoot with exciting contests, bladder burst, unlimited pours with a lucky chance to win an upgrade to VIP section. Freq Pune, will be the home for Official Budx Spectrum After Party for all techno an electronic music lovers and along with another After Party Venue scheduled for the commercial music lovers. Further building up the sonic experience, Impresario will be taking over the bar management and FCC hospitality will be curating the smacking food!

Kolkata, 8th February 2024: The 4th edition of IEEMA Eastern Region flagship event –Energise Empower East – E3 kicked off at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata today. Inaugurated by Mr. Reuben Ahimbisibwe, Director, Access and Distribution Dept., Energy Development Corporation, Rwanda, Mr. Debasish Banerjee, Managing Director (Distribution), CESC Ltd, Mr. Bibhu Bhuyan, Managing Director, Assam Power Generation Corporation Ltd, Mr. Sunil Singhvi, President – Elect, IEEMA, Mr. Devesh Goel, Chairman, IEEMA Eastern Region & E3, Ms. Charu Mathur, Director General, IEEMA, Mr. Vikram Gandotra, Vice President, IEEMA and Mr. Siddharth Bhutoria, NEC Member, IEEMA along with other delegates.

Over the next three days, companies from Eastern India will conduct focussed business meetings with large number of buyers. They will talk about their projects and technology and procurement requirements. In a significant development, large buyers from the utility and non-Utility sector will also share their procurement plans.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Sunil Singhvi, President – Elect, IEEMA, “E3 is not only an exhibition, it’s a platform for sharing ideas, innovation and business opportunities. The whole world electricity market is transforming and energy transition is taking place and for India, everybody in the world is looking for the opportunities beyond China. He added, this decade belongs to India and this year IEEMA will work to create awareness about the quality, reliability and safety.”

Mr. Devesh Goel, Chairman, IEEMA Eastern Region & E3 2024 said, “The 4thedition of E3 has many first and unique features, there is power-packed three-day conference along with Buyer Seller Meets.”

E3 is organised by Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA), which is the apex industry association of manufacturers of electrical, industrial electronics and allied equipment. The event brings together Electrical Industry, Technocrats, Government, Utilities, New Industry segments like Oil Refineries, Cement, Railways, Steel etc on the same platform.

India, 8 February 2024 – S4 Capital’s operating brand Media.Monks, a digital-first, unitary, advertising and marketing services company, promotes Robert Godinho as Managing Director of Content India, to focus on best-in-class creative innovation, fuelled by AI and its talent hub.

Robert Godinho has been elevated from his role heading the Media.Monks India production hub and will now oversee all operations as Managing Director, Content in India, to reflect an expanded scope. It comes as the company expands its India talent base, increasing existing capabilities in AI and creative technology to service and transform leading brands in India and around the world. Media.Monks India Director Poran Malani, who was core in setting up the Media.Monks team in India will leave the company.

Bruno Lambertini, Co-CEO, of the Content practice, says: “As one of the fastest growing markets in APAC, and indeed the world, we view India as an important strategic part of our own growth. The Media.Monks India business is also a hub for creative innovation, so it is well placed to help businesses harness the huge potential of AI, now. The new era for the India business, under the stewardship of Robert Godinho, is rooted in putting these capabilities into the hands of brands, be that hyper-personalisation, workflow automation or virtual production.”

Godinho is ideally placed to drive Media.Monks in this new era. An entrepreneur at heart, his creative studio WhiteBalance merged with Media.Monks in 2020 for its path-breaking work in film production and creative tech innovation.

His vision for building solutions that merge art and tech inspires his innovation teams to develop solutions that can help brands automate and build assets at scale to complement their digital content creation. Some achievements include setting up a Virtual Production studio in Film City, helping brands create AI-enabled campaigns personalized for regional consumers and building assets at scale for large brands that have been deployed from India to the World.

“We are building a Centre of Excellence for brands powered by insights, creativity, AI and innovation in India. This is not only to service our national clients but also international Media.Monks brands as well, through our established creative production and innovation hub. India has the opportunity to be at the epicenter of transforming brands by ensuring they are AI-friendly and AI-proof. We want to drive this by proving that AI is not a buzzword. We will do this by leading with it within our own business and handing on the learnings for clients to reap the benefits,” explains Robert Godinho.

Media.Monks was named by Adweek as its first-ever AI Agency of the Year in November. The award was given for demonstrating exceptional talent, creativity, and ingenuity in the application of generative AI in both internal operations and client work.

The Media.Monks India office services local, regional and global clients through its combination of local services and a specialist technical talent hub. Under Godinho’s stewardship, there will be enhanced collaboration between the two, alongside investment into talent to enhance creative, AI and technology capabilities.

Godinho reports to the recently appointed VP, Head of Content, APAC Matthew Godfrey, who joined Media.Monks in October 2023. The Data and Media divisions of Media.Monks India continue to report to Kenny Griffiths, Managing Director, APAC of DDM at Media. Monks.

Valapad (Thrissur): Manappuram Finance Ltd reported a consolidated net profit of ₹575 crore in its third quarter results for FY24, an increase of 46% over corresponding Q3 FY23 of ₹394 crore and a sequential increase of 2.6% over the preceding quarter. The NBFC’s consolidated assets under management (AUM) for Q3 stood at Rs 40,385 crore, registering an increase of 27% over the corresponding quarter of FY23 and up by 3.7% q-o-q. Net profit in the quarter for the standalone entity (which excludes subsidiaries) was reported at ₹429 crore. Total consolidated operating income during the quarter stood at ₹2,305 crore, an increase of 34% from the year-ago quarter. The company’s consolidated gold loan portfolio posted an increase of 12% to reach Rs 20,758 crore compared with the third quarter of FY23. The number of live gold loan customers stood at 2.5 million as on December 31, 2023.

 Sharing the results with the media, Mr V.P. Nandakumar, MD & CEO, said, “In the third quarter, at a consolidated level, we have made gains in profitability as well as AUM. Our efforts to establish ourselves as a major player in the non-gold businesses are bearing fruit, especially in microfinance and vehicles and equipment.”

 Gold loan AUM remained flat while Asirvad Microfinance Ltd closed the quarter with an AUM of ₹11,563 crore, a growth of 34% over ₹8,654 crore recorded, in the year-ago quarter. Asirvad’s net profit was Rs 127 crore with a growth of 80% Y-o-Y. The Vehicles & Equipment Finance division ended the AUM of Rs 3,597 crore, registering a strong growth of 70% year-on-year while maintaining good credit discipline. The home loans subsidiary, Manappuram Home Finance Ltd., has been showing a steady growth with an AUM of Rs 1,415 crore, which is up by 41% year-on-year. The fee-based, insurance brokerage business is growing nicely and reported Rs 28 crore profit this quarter and sees excellent prospects for its growth.

 The company’s non-gold loan businesses now account for a 49% share of its consolidated AUM. Average borrowing cost for the standalone entity is 8.7% in Q3 FY24 vs. 8.1% in the year-ago quarter. Gross NPA stood at 2% and Net NPA reported at 1.8%. The company’s consolidated net worth stood at Rs 11,063 crore as of December 31, 2023. The book value per share stood at ₹131 and its capital adequacy ratio (for the standalone entity) was at 30.7%. On a consolidated basis, the total borrowings of the company stood at Rs 31,927 crore while the total number of live customers stood at 6.5 million as on December 31, 2023.