Archives August 2025

• BLS International’s Revenue multiplied 4.6x in the last 5 years from Rs. 478 Crores in FY21 to Rs. 2,193 Crores in FY25 while its Operating Profit multiplied 15.3x in the same period from Rs. 41 Crores in FY21 to Rs. 629 Crores in FY25. The significant improvement in operating margins from 8.5% in FY21 to 28.7% in FY25 underscores the company’s prudent financial management and successful execution of growth strategies.
• Strategic expansion through marquee contracts with client governments such as India, Spain, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, US, Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, among others.
• Strengthening and diversification of service portfolio, moving beyond traditional visa and consular services to include value-added services, citizenship & residency services, and citizen services through its subsidiary, BLS E-Services Ltd.
• Active focus on emerging technologies—including AI-powered chatbots, facial biometrics, digital call centre transformation, and intelligent automation for visa processing—strengthening service efficiency and customer experience.
• Successful acquisitions that enhanced capabilities and market access across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific – through iDATA, Citizenship Invest, Aadifidelis Solutions, Zero Mass and Starfin India.

Speaking on the strong growth in Q1FY26, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International Services Ltd. said:  “As we step into Fiscal Year 2026, completing two decades of purposeful growth, I am immensely proud of the impact we have created across borders. From a single-country presence to becoming a trusted partner for over 46 client governments, we have stayed rooted in our mission to simplify, scale, and secure citizen services worldwide. The next five years are about building on this legacy, with a sharp focus on AI & technological transformation, and deepening our role in the global visa and citizen services market. We aim to be the first Indian-origin company to lead at scale in this space—redefining what global service delivery means.

Our robust performance in Q1FY26 reflects the strength of our diversified business model, supported by continued momentum across key markets and services. With Revenue increasing by 44% YoY and EBITDA by 53% YoY, we have yet again delivered highest ever quarterly financials while maintaining a sharp focus on operational efficiencies and margin expansion, as EBITDA Margin expanded by 171 bps YoY to 28.7% in Q1FY26. This performance underscores the strength of our asset-light model, disciplined execution, and expanding global footprint. Our endeavour is to continue to focus on our strategic priorities— focusing on technology-led global expansion to deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders.”

• • Revenue from Operations stood at Rs. 710.6 Crores, marking an increase of 44.2% YoY, compared to Rs. 492.7 Crores in Q1FY25. The growth was led by the existing business as well as due to consolidation of acquired businesses viz iDATA, Citizenship Invest and Aadifidelis Solutions during FY25.
  • EBITDA grew 53.4% YoY to Rs. 204.2 Crores, supported by improved operational efficiencies and the impact of recent acquisitions. EBITDA Margin expanded by 171 bps to 28.7% in Q1FY26, compared to 27.0% in Q1FY25.
  • PAT increased by 49.8% YoY to Rs. 181.0 Crores in Q1FY26, with PAT margins expanding by 95 bps to 25.5% during the quarter.
  • Following acquisitions completed in FY25, the company’s net cash balance stood at Rs. 1,126 Crores as of 30th June 2025.

• Revenue from the Visa & Consular segment rose by 11.2% YoY in Q1FY26 to Rs. 460.7 Crores, compared to Rs. 414.1 Crores in Q1FY25.
• Net Revenue (Revenue of visa business post deducting the cost of services of visa business) grew by 59.5% to Rs. 360 Crores in Q1FY26 from Rs. 226 Crores in Q1FY25. The growth in net revenue was due to change in business model from partner run centers to self-managed centers across many locations and due to consolidation of iDATA from July 2024 onwards.
• EBITDA of the Visa business grew by 53.4% YoY to Rs. 186.0 Crores in Q1FY26, up from Rs. 121.3 Crores in Q1FY25.
• EBITDA Margin improved to 40.4% in Q1FY26 from 29.3% in Q1FY25. Margin expansion is due to strong focus on cost efficiencies, moving away from partner run model to self-managed model and due to consolidation of iDATA.
• Net Revenue per Application stood at Rs. 3,167 in Q1FY26, up from Rs. 2,653 in Q1FY25, reflecting a YoY growth of 19.4%. The segment processed 11.4 lakh applications during the quarter compared to 8.5 lakh applications in Q1FY25, indicating a sharp YoY growth of 33.6%.

1. Digital Business 

• Revenue from the Digital Business increased by 218.2% YoY to Rs. 249.9 Crores in Q1FY26, compared to Rs. 78.5 Crores in Q1FY25. The growth is primarily driven by consolidation of Aadifidelis Solutions Pvt Ltd (ASPL) from November 2024 onwards.
• EBITDA for the Digital segment grew to Rs. 18.3 Crores, marking a YoY increase of 53.4%.
• Under the BC business, the Gross Transaction Value (GTV) stood at Rs. 26,200+ Crores which includes loan distribution of approximately Rs. 7,200 Crores. This is compared to GTV of approximately Rs. 20,000 Crores in Q1FY25 which included loan distribution of approximately Rs 780 Crores.
• During the quarter, the business witnessed following achievements
  1. In Q1FY26, the digital business strengthened its Business Facilitator (BF) model, onboarding 10,000+ retailers cumulatively, demonstrating robust growth in its retail network.
  2. The company expanded its partnerships by signing up with Bajaj Finserv for EMI Cards and rolling out new loan types with HDFC Bank, enhancing financial accessibility for customers.
  3. Additionally, BLS successfully leveraged lead generation synergies between BLS and Aadifidelis, driving efficiency and scalability.
  4. During Q1FY26, the company initiated a new project in Chhattisgarh for digitizing Sub-Registrar offices, streamlining land record registrations for enhanced transparency.
  5. Additionally, the company activated Aadhaar enrolment services under the Rajasthan eMitra project, expanding its digital identity solutions to more citizens.
  6. The company launched nationwide courier pickup and delivery services in partnership with Delhivery, offering added convenience to customers.

By Dr. Milind Shetti , Consultant Radiation Oncologist ,HCG Cancer Center – Hubli

Bone cancer is uncommon but serious. It can affect people at almost any age, including children and young adults. Considered as rare and its symptoms resemble those of common bone or joint problems, it often goes undiagnosed until it has progressed. In many cases, the early warning signs are subtle—mistaken for sports injuries, growing pains, or arthritis. These early clues are easy to miss, therefore a closer is very important.

An Excruciating Pain 

Pain is one of the earliest and most common signs of bone cancer. It usually doesn’t arise suddenly or severely, but often starts as a dull ache that lingers—sometimes for weeks or months. Unlike pain from an injury, this kind of discomfort may not have a clear cause and do not respond well to rest or pain relievers. It may feel worse at night or during activity, and does not improve the way you would expect a routine sprain or strain. When the bone pain does not ease up or continues to grow worse over time, it’s worth a closer look.

No Swelling or Lump Before

As the tumour grows, the area around it may swell. This swelling may appear gradually and often isn’t painful at first. Some people notice a firm lump near a bone—often near joints like the knee or shoulder. It might be written off as a pulled muscle or inflammation from overuse. But when the swelling does not go down, or the lump gets larger over time, it should not be ignored.

Subtle Changes in Movement

A tumour near a joint can reduce flexibility or make everyday movement feel stiff or strained. In children, this might show up as limping or avoiding certain activities. In adults, there might be reduced range of motion or unexplained discomfort while walking or climbing stairs. These changes may be gradual and easily dismissed, especially if there’s no obvious injury to explain them.

Fractures That Don’t Seem to Fit

Sometimes, the first sign of bone cancer is a fracture that occurs with very little force. A bone weakened by a tumour can break more easily—even during a minor fall or routine movement. These are called “pathological fractures.” If a person with no known bone condition sustains a fracture after minimal trauma, it should raise concern and prompt further evaluation.

Noticing What’s Easy to Miss

Many early signs of bone cancer are nonspecific, and that’s what makes diagnosis difficult. Symptoms like fatigue, low-grade fever, or weight loss may appear later and are not unique to bone tumours. But when they show up alongside persistent bone pain or swelling, they should not be brushed aside.

It’s also important to consider age and risk factors. Children and teens are more likely to develop certain primary bone cancers like osteosarcoma. In older adults, bone tumours are more likely to be secondary—spread from cancers of the breast, prostate, or lungs. In both cases, delays in diagnosis can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

When to Investigate Further

Act immediately when the symptoms do not follow the usual pattern. Bone pain that lasts more than two to three weeks, a lump that gets bigger, or movement that becomes increasingly limited—these are signs that deserve medical attention. The same is true for unexplained fractures or swelling that does not resolve.

Imaging studies like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can help identify suspicious lesions. But confirmation comes only with a biopsy, and this should be done by a specialist trained in orthopaedic oncology.

Bone cancer is rare, but the risks of missing early are real. When early signs are passed off as routine pain or strain, the chance to catch it in time may slip away. The sooner it’s found, the better—not just for treating the disease but for holding on to strength, movement, and peace of mind.

Kolkata 5th August 2025: JIS Group hosted the much-anticipated “Made in JIS 2025” at the Dhano Dhanyo Auditorium, Kolkata, with a vibrant celebration of student innovation, creative entrepreneurship and transformative leadership. This year’s edition was graced by the iconic Sonam Wangchuk, Engineer, Innovator and Education Reformist, who served as the Chief Guest. Wangchuk, widely recognised as the inspiration behind the character Phunsukh Wangdu in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, is the Founding Director of SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh). He is known globally for reimagining education and creating sustainable solutions for mountainous communities.

The event also welcomed leading figures from India’s startup and investment ecosystem, including Aditya Arora, Angel Investor, CEO, Faad Capital and Bestselling Author of Startups of Bharat; Mayank Bindal, Founder & CEO of Snap-E Cabs; and Ms. Jaspreet Kaur, Director, JIS Group.

The distinguished guests judged and mentored aspiring student entrepreneurs as they pitched innovative startup ideas, out of which outstanding teams were selected for the grand finale.

“Made in JIS 2025,” like its earlier editions, serves as a platform solely designed to spotlight student talent and provide tangible support in shaping ideas into scalable ventures.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Jaspreet Kaur, Director, JIS Group, said, “Having Shri Sonam Wangchuk amongst us was a deeply humbling and transformative experience. His life’s work, whether in education, environmental sustainability, or community-led innovation embodies the very values we aim to instill in our students. ‘Made in JIS’ is more than an event; it is a movement towards building a generation of socially conscious innovators and leaders. We’re proud to provide this platform to our students and watch them soar. The 2025 edition built on the overwhelming success of its previous years and once again proved that with the right guidance and a nurturing ecosystem, young minds can create impactful solutions that shape tomorrow.”

Pune, 05 August 2025: Fibe’s NBFC entity, EarlySalary Services Pvt. Ltd. has raised INR 225 crore through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCD) issuance with a face value of INR 1,00,000/- each. The fund raise was completed in July 2025 and saw participation from multiple institutional investors including Franklin Templeton Alternative Investments Fund, India (Franklin Templeton AIF), which had subscribed INR 20 crore in the primary issuance.

The funds raised will further accelerate the company’s innovation-led growth and strengthen its lending operations, addressing the credit demand from young, tech-savvy and salaried individuals.

“We have always remained focused on maintaining asset quality while working to diversify and institutionalize our funding sources. With the additional debt capital, we will continue to serve the credit needs of India’s rising, digitally savvy population. The participation of institutional investors, especially Franklin Templeton AIF India, is not just a reflection of confidence in our long-term vision, but the digital lending sector as a whole. It will further support our growth journey and help us cater to a wider customer base,” said Ashish Goyal, Whole-time Director, EarlySalary Services Pvt. Ltd.

Founded in 2015, Fibe which started with the Salary Advance segment, has expanded into multiple adjacent categories, to cater to the unmet needs of salaried professionals. It offers healthcare and education financing, solar rooftop financing, Loan Against Mutual Funds and assistance in digital FDs.

August 4, 2025; Mumbai India: Mr. Gaurav Banerjee, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)’s Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer has been appointed as Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India’s new Chairman at its Board Meeting on 1^st August 2025. This is with immediate effect. He takes over from Mr. Shashi Sinha, Executive Chairman of IPG Mediabrands India, who served as BARC India’s chairman for over three years.

Mr. Banerjee is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience in the Media and Entertainment industry and also represents Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) as its Vice President.  He is a director on the boards of MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Private Limited and Bangla Entertainment Private Limited.

Speaking on being elected as BARC India’s new Chairman, Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SPNI, said, “BARC India continues to empower stakeholders across the ecosystem with data driven decision making and it is a privilege to take on the role of Chairman at the world’s largest television audience measurement company. A big thank you to Shashi Sinha for his exceptional leadership and steady guidance over the last three years. As we navigate a rapidly converging media landscape, I look forward to continue strengthening BARC’s position as a trusted and credible currency for TV measurement in India.”

Shashi Sinha, Executive Chairman of IPG Mediabrands India, and the outgoing Chairman of BARC India, said, “Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to partner with BARC and the various committees at different levels. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at BARC for their unwavering support and collaboration. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new Chairman, Gaurav Banerjee. I am confident that with his unique leadership style, BARC will continue to grow and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our industry.”

Nakul Chopra, CEO, BARC India, added, “We welcome Gaurav Banerjee as our new Chairman. His leadership will be invaluable as BARC continues to evolve and serve the dynamic needs of the broadcast and advertising ecosystem. We would also like to express our deep respect and thanks to Shashi Sinha for his stewardship and commitment to BARC. His tenure has been instrumental in enhancing data granularity while reinforcing BARC’s dedication and commitment to the industry.”

New Delhi, 5th August 2025: Tradelink International  announced its strategic entry into the global sulphur market, marking a significant expansion of its commodity trading portfolio. The move comes in response to rising global demand, particularly from India, where sulphur consumption is witnessing steady growth driven by the fertilizer, refining, rubber, and petrochemical industries.

India’s sulphur market stood at approximately USD 1.24 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% in the coming years. A key driver of this growth is the increase in domestic refining output. With the implementation of Euro-VI fuel norms and higher crude processing levels, India’s sulphur production has almost doubled over the past decade, reaching nearly 3.9 million tonnes per annum in 2024.

“India represents a dynamic and fast-evolving market for sulphur, and our entry reflects our intent to support its growing industrial and agricultural needs,” said Abhishek Wadekar, Founder Chairman – Tradelink International Pvt. Ltd. “Our entry into the sulphur segment is a natural extension of our commitment to serve the essential sectors that drive national development agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.”

The fertilizer sector alone continues to be a major consumer, especially for sulphuric acid used in phosphate-based fertilizers. New projects like Coromandel’s Visakhapatnam and IFFCO’s Paradip sulphur burners are expected to add around 400,000 tonnes of annual demand. Additionally, the rubber and EV battery manufacturing sectors are contributing to sulphur’s increasing industrial use.

Tradelink International has already secured a shipment of 30,000 metric tonnes ±10% of elemental sulphur, set to be discharged at Vizag and Haldia ports, positioning the company to serve key industrial hubs across eastern and southern India. The company is sourcing primarily from the Middle East including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar balancing reliability with strategic import diversification.

Amid recent geopolitical tensions such as the Israel–Iran conflict, Tradelink remains committed to securing stable and cost-effective logistics. “While such disruptions have not directly affected production, they underscore the importance of resilient supply chains and diversified sourcing, which Tradelink has proactively built,” the spokesperson added.

In FY25, over 64% of India’s sulphur imports came through Vizag and Paradip ports, with prices fluctuating between USD 285–295/MT CFR as observed on July 3rd. Tradelink aims to leverage its global network to ensure timely availability and competitive pricing for Indian industries.

With supportive government initiatives including the Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme, the introduction of Urea Gold, and amendments to the Fertilizer Control Order sulphur is increasingly seen as a critical enabler of balanced and sustainable agriculture. Tradelink International’s entry into this segment aligns with both market needs and broader policy direction.

Bengaluru, 05th August 2025: Sumadhura Group, a leading real estate developer in South India, announces the leasing of five lakh sq. ft of space to marq  S umadhura Group, uee global businesses for office and retail use at its flagship commercial tech park, Sumadhura Capitol Towers, in Bengaluru. Located at Hope Farm Junction in Whitefield, the leasing transactions are projected to generate an annual revenue of ₹50 crore. The long-term leases have been signed by prominent companies operating across IT/ITeS, consulting, engineering, and artificial intelligence companies, further reinforcing Capitol Towers’ position as a premium commercial destination for the global players.

The commercial development has garnered strong traction in the retail segment—drawing a curated mix of established names in food & beverage, wellness, banking and childcare services—while elevating fine dining and offering an engaging, high‑street style experience.

Commenting on the leasing, Mr Madhusudhan G, Chairman & Managing Director, Sumadhura Group said: “Bengaluru’s Grade A+ office real estate continues to draw strong interest from both domestic and global occupiers, driven by robust infrastructure growth, rising demand, and enhanced connectivity. Among the city’s key urban hubs, Whitefield stands out as a thriving growth corridor, bolstered by metro expansion and its emergence as a preferred base for tech giants and global capability centers. The strong leasing momentum at Sumadhura Capitol Towers, backed by its prime location, world-class design, and tenant-centric features, reflects the sustained demand and resilience of Bengaluru’s commercial real estate market. With a solid footprint in Whitefield for over two decades now, Sumadhura has played a vital role in this micro-market’s transformation. As we continue to deliver premium office spaces and curated retail experiences, we remain focused on raising the bar in design, sustainability, and occupier satisfaction—creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Strategically located in Whitefield main road —just one minute from the Purple Line Metro—Sumadhura Capitol Towers spans across 8.67 acres with a leasable area of 1.5 million sq. ft and features one of Bengaluru’s largest commercial floorplates. Designed by the renowned Morphogenesis, the project is a Grade A+ office destination and holds the prestigious USGBC LEED Gold certification, reflecting its strong focus on sustainability. With its modern architectural design, environmentally conscious features, and integrated lifestyle amenities, Capitol Towers has quickly become a preferred address for leading corporations and prominent retail brands.

The Group remains focused on sustaining its strong leasing momentum with leading corporates, as it continues to elevate its commercial real estate portfolio to new heights.

According to Colliers India data, India’s office market has shown a strong growth in the second quarter of 2025 (April-June 2025) of the year, recording 17.8 million sq ft of gross leasing across the top seven cities. This is an 11% increase compared to the corresponding quarter in 2024, says the data. It adds that there has been a marked increase of 12% in office space demand as compared to the first quarter (Jan-March) of the year. Bengaluru led the leasing activity during the second quarter with 27% share at 4.8 million square feet, reaffirming its position as India’s top office market.

Mumbai, 5^th August, 2025: In a strategic leadership move, Aspect Global Ventures, one of India’s fastest-growing conglomerates, has appointed Mr. Mohit Kamboj as the Group Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, he will lead all business verticals under the conglomerate, including bullion, real estate, sports, venture capital, hospitality, infrastructure, energy, entertainment, and social impact, with a sharp focus on driving innovation, operational excellence, global expansion, and sustainable growth.

A seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, Mohit Kamboj is widely recognized as a visionary leader who has successfully built and scaled ventures across finance, trade, investment, and policy advocacy. His strategic mindset, people-centric leadership, and deep understanding of emerging markets position him uniquely to guide Aspect Global Ventures into its next phase of integrated, high-impact growth. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the Group deepens its footprint not only across India but also globally, with major expansion plans already underway in Dubai, Singapore, US and UK.

Ms. Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global Ventures, expressed her confidence in the appointment, stating, “Mohit brings unmatched energy, experience, and vision to the Group. As someone who understands the nuances of diverse sectors, he will play a vital role in aligning all our business verticals with the Group’s larger purpose of creating long-term, meaningful value.”

In response to his appointment, Mr. Mohit Kamboj said, “It is a privilege to take on the role of Group CEO at Aspect Global Ventures. I have immense respect for the incredible leadership Aksha has demonstrated, elevating the Group with purpose, clarity, and ambition. Aspect is a rare blend of enterprise and impact, and I look forward to building on this strong foundation, working closely with our exceptional teams to drive innovation, explore new global opportunities, and take the Group’s businesses to the next level through collaboration, technology, and community-driven growth.”

Aspect Global Ventures continues to emerge as one of India’s fastest-growing and future-ready conglomerates, marked by the remarkable success of its diversified ventures. With a sharp focus on innovation, strategic expansion, and operational excellence, the Group is not only redefining industry benchmarks but also making a profound impact through its sustained social initiatives. Deeply rooted in its core philosophy of responsible growth and nation-building, Aspect Global Ventures remains committed to creating long-term value, both economically and socially, by empowering communities, nurturing talent, and contributing to India’s global standing.

New Delhi, August 05, 2025: Tally Solutions, India’s leading technology company providing business automation software, has announced the launch of ‘Tally Startup Challenge’ under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, in partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The challenge was officially launched by Sri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, alongside senior representatives from Tally Solutions at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.

The challenge invites DPIIT-registered startups to develop innovative solutions that address core capacity planning and productivity issues faced by MSME manufacturers in India. Following the launch, Tally Solutions hosted a masterclass for participating startups on “Effective Marketing Strategies,” designed to help them craft impactful go-to-market approaches.

The challenge aims to empower the Indian startup ecosystem by encouraging the development of affordable, scalable, and adaptive solutions that can be readily deployed across MSMEs. Under the theme of ‘Smarter Planning, Better Productivity,’ there is a clear emphasis on the urgent need for smarter capacity utilization, predictive maintenance, and dynamic scheduling tools in a highly volatile and resource-constrained manufacturing landscape. This initiative reflects Tally’s deep commitment to fostering innovation in the startup ecosystem and its continued collaboration with DPIIT to enable tangible impact at scale.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Nabendu Das, Chief of Engineering & Product at Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd., said: “At Tally, our mission is to empower MSMEs through technology-led products that are powerful, simple, and practical. Our partnership with DPIIT underscores our shared vision to create a lasting impact through technology-led enablement. The ‘Tally Startup Challenge’ is an invitation for startups to design intelligent, India-ready solutions that address longstanding pain points for manufacturers. The objective is to achieve a significant shift in capacity planning and manufacturing efficiency. We encourage startups to innovate and leverage cutting-edge technologies to build a winning solution! Through this initiative, we hope to nurture innovation and generate breakthrough ideas that will simplify manufacturing operations for MSMEs and accelerate their journey towards efficiency, competitiveness, and growth.”

Sri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT said, “India’s startup ecosystem continues to unlock solutions tailored to the unique needs of our startups. The ‘Tally Startup Challenge’ is a step in that direction, an opportunity to channel entrepreneurial innovation towards enhancing capacity optimization across small businesses. With support from platforms like Startup India and enablers such as Tally Solutions, we aim to foster scalable, India-first solutions that can power the next leap in startup productivity and growth.”

The challenge will unfold in two key stages: application and solution development. Startups will first submit a concept note detailing their proposed solution, and shortlisted applicants will then have 30 days to build and submit the final prototype. The application window opened on 04th August 2025 and closes on 03rd September 2025.

The winning startup will be awarded INR 3 lakhs, while the first runner-up will receive INR 2 lakhs. In addition to the cash rewards, the winning solution will be further developed and tested by the Tally team as a three-month collaborative project with the winning team, before being scaled for market use.
Participating startups will receive extensive mentorship, visibility, and opportunities to pilot their solutions across a wide range of MSMEs.

Mumbai, 05 August 2025: Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC), a pioneer in 3D Animation, VFX, and Digital Design education, is proud to present two special sessions featuring Mr. Pranay Agarwal, Head of Creative Operations at DNEG India, a distinguished alumnus of MAAC. These exclusive in-person sessions were scheduled for 24th July in Lucknow and 25th July in Kanpur, offering MAAC students an exclusive opportunity to learn directly from a leader shaping the future of global visual effects.

Mr. Pranay Agarwal is widely regarded for his ability to build and lead high-performance VFX teams on some of the most ambitious projects. Beginning his journey at DNEG in 2011 as a compositor, his exceptional technical acumen and leadership saw him rise swiftly to Head of the Compositing Department in 2017 and, more recently, to Head of Creative Operations. With a deep understanding of VFX pipelines, business operations, and cross-site project management, Mr. Pranay Agarwal consistently drives both creative excellence and seamless execution on large-scale international collaborations. His contributions have been instrumental in landmark projects including the highly anticipated Ramayana, India’s biggest cinematic venture currently in production and already making waves globally, as well as Fast & Furious 9, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Tenet, Uncharted, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, Fighter, Sky Force, Munjya, Heads of State, Dune: Part One & Two, Murderbot, and several others that have redefined benchmarks in both Hollywood and Indian cinema.

During these sessions, students had the unique opportunity to hear Mr. Pranay Agarwal share inspiring insights into the evolution of the VFX industry and the importance of adaptability in creative careers. He demonstrated a behind-the-scenes look at project workflows, emphasising collaborative strategies and practical approaches to creative problem-solving. Pranay also offered candid advice for students aspiring to have global careers in animation and VFX, drawing on his journey from MAAC classrooms to leading one of the world’s top VFX studios.

Hosting a globally respected VFX leader and MAAC alumnus like Pranay Agarwal is a testament to MAAC’s mission of bridging academic excellence with direct industry mentorship. MAAC continues to provide students with real-world insights and best practices, ensuring they graduate prepared for the evolving demands of the global Media & Entertainment industry.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited, and Brand Custodian, MAAC, says, “Welcoming Pranay Agarwal, an alumnus whose influence reaches from MAAC classrooms to Hollywood’s grandest stages, perfectly embodies our commitment to nurturing industry-ready talent. His journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved with dedication, technical excellence, and a love for creative storytelling.”

Mr. Pranay Agarwal, Head of Creative Operations at DNEG India adds, “Returning to MAAC as a speaker is both an honour and a full-circle moment in my journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to engage with the next generation of talent and share insights from my experience. I hope to inspire students to pursue their passions with purpose, embrace every challenge as an opportunity, and recognise their potential to shape the future of cinema and digital artistry, both in India and on the global stage. These sessions were designed not just to inform, but to ignite ambition, demonstrating how technical excellence, perseverance, and a deep love for storytelling can create real-world impact.”