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India’s M&E sector likely to grow to INR 3.3 trillion by 2028; Sector grew 9% to INR2.78 trillion in 2025, driven by digital and live experiences: FICCI-EY M&E report Govt committed to building future-ready ecosystem to integrate creativity with cutting-edge technology, ensuring sustainable and globally competitive growth: Ashish Shelar, Minister, IT & Cultural Affairs, Govt of Maharashtra Digital media became the largest segment, crossing INR1 trillion in revenues for the first time The growing dynamism of large screens clearly demonstrates India as an ‘AND’ market, shaping a more integrated consumption ecosystem Live events grew 44% in 2025, supported by ticketed concerts, large public events and religious gatherings Advertising rose by 13% to INR1.5 trillion, contributing 0.41% to India’s GDP The M&E sector is expected to reach INR3.3 trillion by 2028, growing at over 7% CAGR MUMBAI, 24 March 2026: India’s Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector continued its expansion in 2025, growing 9% year‑on‑year to INR2.78 trillion, according to the report ‘Stories, scale and impact: Unlocking India’s media and entertainment economy’ released by FICCI and EY India, today. This growth was driven primarily by digital media, advertising and live experiences, even as select segments faced regulatory and cost pressures. According to the FICCI-EY report, digital media emerged as the single largest segment of the M&E industry in 2025, crossing the INR 1 trillion mark for the first time. Digital advertising recorded a 26% increase to INR 947 billion, accounting for nearly two‑thirds of total advertising revenues, as brands continued to shift spends toward performance‑led, measurable and commerce‑linked formats. The sector continues to evolve, with a notable rise in consumption on large screens. Linear Television is transitioning from a regulated utility to a dynamic, lifestyle-integrated ecosystem that complements digital growth, further reinforcing the “AND” nature of screen consumption in the country. The FICCI-EY report notes that advertising overall grew 13.5% in 2025, outpacing India’s nominal GDP per‑capita growth. Growth was led by digital platforms, including e‑commerce and point‑of‑sale advertising. While releasing the report, Mr Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information Technology & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra said, “The FICCI–EY Media & Entertainment Report has, over the years, evolved into a definitive benchmark for the sector—guiding both industry and policymakers with credible insights and a forward-looking vision. Today, India’s media and entertainment industry stands at an impressive Rs 2.78 lakh crore in 2025, reflecting not just scale, but the sector’s growing strategic importance to the nation’s economy.” “Mumbai continues to be the creative capital of India and the epicentre of our media and entertainment ecosystem. From films and television to music, advertising, and digital content, Maharashtra has consistently led from the front, driving innovation, investment, and talent development. Our government is committed to building a future-ready ecosystem that seamlessly integrates creativity with cutting-edge technology, ensuring sustainable and globally competitive growth, noted Mr Shelar. The Minister further stated that the global opportunity before India is unprecedented. The world is increasingly recognising India not just as a large market, but as a creative powerhouse and a trusted partner in content creation. The rising demand for Indian stories, talent, and production capabilities presents a defining moment for us to position India as a leading global hub for media and entertainment, he added. Mr Anant Goenka, President FICCI & Vice Chairman, RPG Group said “India’s media and entertainment economy is increasingly defined by the interplay of stories, scale and impact. As compelling stories scale seamlessly across platforms and screens, their value is amplified not just in terms of reach, but in economic contribution, job creation and cultural influence. Unlocking this potential will depend on how effectively the industry aligns storytelling, distribution and sustainable monetization across the ecosystem.” Mr Kevin Vaz, Chairman, FICCI, Media and Entertainment Committee said, “2025 emerged as a defining year for India’s Media & Entertainment industry, marking a new phase of scale, innovation and transformation. The industry not only surpassed last year’s estimates, reinforcing confidence in its long-term trajectory, but also reflected a fundamental shift in audience engagement, driven by the convergence of technology and storytelling. The digital segment crossing the INR 1 trillion mark is a highly encouraging milestone, underscoring the sector’s strong growth momentum. Television continues to remain a powerful and resilient medium, with Connected TV complementing it by enhancing large-screen experiences through more immersive, high-quality and shared viewing. As the industry evolves, measured regulatory forbearance, coupled with innovation, will be critical in sustaining long-term growth.” Mr Ashish Pherwani, Partner and Leader, Media & Entertainment Sector, EY India, said, “India’s media and entertainment sector crossed a critical inflection point in 2025, with digital media, advertising and live experiences emerging as the primary growth engines. While consumption continues to scale rapidly across screens and formats, the next phase of growth will be defined by sustainable monetization models, disciplined investment and the ability of stakeholders to adapt to shifting consumer behaviour and regulatory realities.”

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Dhanush Returns to the Ghats: ‘Tere Ishk Mein’ Set for a Grand World Television Premiere on Sony MAX this March 27th, 8pm Revisit the narrow lanes of Varanasi as the iconic Dhanush-Aanand L. Rai duo returns to redefine passion and romance Mumbai, March 2026: Sony MAX, India’s premier Hindi movie channel, proudly announces the World Television Premiere of Tere Ishk Mein, one of the most anticipated emotional spectacles of 2025. Twelve years after the cult classic Raanjhanaa redefined the landscape of romantic dramas in Indian cinema, the iconic duo of National Award‑winning actor Dhanush and master storyteller Aanand L. Rai reunite to bring audiences back to the mystical ghats and narrow lanes of Varanasi. More than just a film, Tere Ishk Mein is being hailed as the spiritual successor to Raanjhanaa. While Raanjhanaa gave audiences the innocent persistence of Kundan, Tere Ishk Mein introduces Shankar—a darker, more volatile shadow of that unforgettable character. For millions of fans, seeing Dhanush return in a dhoti on the banks of the Ganges was a nostalgic masterstroke, capturing the essence of obsession, devotion, and the high price of love. The film unites a powerhouse creative team that has redefined modern romantic storytelling. Dhanush delivers one of his most intense performances as Shankar, embodying restless passion, wounded pride, and the violence of love. Opposite him, Kriti Sanon offers a career‑best portrayal, grounding the film’s chaotic energy with nuance and depth. Aanand L. Rai’s vision captures the authentic pulse of small‑town India, while A. R. Rahman’s haunting score elevates the narrative with the spiritual echoes of Varanasi’s temples. The World Television Premiere of Tere Ishk Mein reinforces Sony MAX’s promise of showcasing powerful narratives and unforgettable performances, ensuring that audiences everywhere can experience the grandeur of cinema right in their living rooms. With the channel’s massive nationwide audience, the premiere will reach millions of viewers—making this television event as momentous and far‑reaching as a big‑screen debut.

TALENTED SINGER SHRAVANA

TALENTED SINGER SHRAVANA

By Guru Vijay Shanker Shravana Karthikeyan is a singer, songwriter, voice actor, musical theatre performer and Bharata Natyam dancer, who recently graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, currently based in Los Angeles. She focuses on authentic storytelling that sparks hope, joy through every medium she embraces. Shravana’s recent release, Electric Blue Star, is a groovy disco pop song you can dance to all day and she has more coming out soon that you can look forward to. Alongside her music releases, Shravana is performing in the Lost Princesses of OZ at Santa Monica Playhouse. Shravana hails from a family of music lovers, her mother Shobhinya is an accomplished Bharata Natyam exponent who heads the Dance academy, training young aspirants for over the past few decades. During her formative years in Singapore, Shravana learnt Bharata Natyam from her mother and Carnatic music too, later she developed a fascination for western classical music. Shravana says “ I have learnt Indian classical Carnatic music and Bharata Natyam as its always important to have knowledge of Indian classical arts which helps in developing a holistic perspective of music, which I realised after becoming a student of western classical music, nevertheless, it is harmony and melody that defines beautiful and enjoyable music. Having knowledge of music is always helpful in shaping you on to become a better singer, dancer or actress. After arriving in LA, I got associated with the Asian Music Ensemble as they were venturing into lot of fusion music- combining elements of Indian and western music which was quite interesting, complex and challenging too. My first love is music and always love to listen to all types of music as I feel that enhances your personality as a musician and artist too”. Shravana Karthikeyan is a multidisciplinary artist, whose work bridges music, storytelling and performance with warmth, sincerity and a sense of wonder. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Shravana works across disciplines as a singer-songwriter, voice actor, musical theatre performer and Bharata natyam dancer. At the core of her artistic practices is a deep committment to creating works that sparks joy, offers comfort and encourages audiences to celebrate themselves even during moments of uncertainty. Drawing from musical theatre, folk and pop, Shravana’s musical language feels both familiar and distinctly personal. Her songwriting blends infectious melodies with emotional clarity, pairing buoyant, feel good energy with themes of self-belief, resilence and introspection. This balance is evident across her recent releases. “In My Bones” is high energy anthem that radiates confidence and empowernment designed to get listeners moving and feeling unstoppable from the very first beat. In contrast, “Milk” takes a more reflective turn. Inspired by the legend of Cleopatra’s beauty rituals, the song explores the allure of luxury and the quiet extremes people reach in pursuit of an idealised life. Most recently, she released Electric Blue Star, a vibrant disco-pop track that expands her sonic palette while maintaining her signature theatrical flair. Together these songs highlight her range as a songwriter while preserving a cohesive and recognisable artistic voice. Equally at home on stage and in the studio, Shravana’s background in musical theatre and classical Bharata natyam dance deeply informs her performance style. Her work is marked by expressive physicality, emotional nuance and an instinctive sense of story telling that allows her to inhabit both songs and characters with ease. She is currently performing in the Lost Princesses of Oz, where she plays one of the lead characters, Dotty. Shravana plays Dotty, one of the three sisters inspired by Dorothy from the source material. As a central figure in the story, Dotty journeys alongside her sisters to save their family farm, facing obstacles that demand resilience, bravery and unwavering determination. Shravana brings emotional honesty and quiet strength to the role, allowing audiences to witness Dotty’s growth through moments of doubt, resolve and courage. Her acting is nuanced and heartfelt, her vocals clear and expressive with both tenderness and poise, her dance and movements adds dynamic energy to the show. Alongside her stage work, she continues to expand her voice acting portfolio, bringing character-driven narratives to life across multiple formats. Looking ahead, Shravana is entering an especially prolific phase of her career. Her upcoming single “Celebrate the Win”, an uplifting pop-rock meets musical theatre anthem, is set for release at the end of February. She is also developing full length album scheduled for release this summer. In parallel with her music projects, Shravana is co-producing an orginal animated YouTube series titled “The Farbounders”,extending her creative voice into the world of animation and family focussed storytelling. Across music, theare and voice,Shravana’s work is united by a clear through-line. She believes in art as a space for connection, hope and emotional honesty. With her bright presence, genre-spanning artistry and global perspective as a Singaporean Indian artist building her career in the United States, Shravana represents a new generation of storytellers who lead with warmth, intention and heart. *****

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Girl-Next-Door Charm & Scene-Stealing Performances: From Shraddha Kapoor to Ishita Raj Actresses Who Made Their Presence Felt In a film industry often driven by big banners and louder narratives, some actresses manage to leave a lasting impression—without overpowering the story. With relatability, restraint, and effortless screen presence, these women brought a refreshing “girl-next-door” energy while quietly stealing the spotlight. Shraddha Kapoor – A Debut That Felt Instantly Relatable With Luv Ka The End, Shraddha Kapoor stepped in as the kind of lead audiences could instantly connect with—fun, flawed, and fearless. Even in her early days, there was an ease to her performance that stood out, making her a natural scene-stealer long before mainstream stardom followed. Sanjana Sanghi – Soft, Sincere, and Silently Impactful Sanjana Sanghi brings a rare softness to her roles—one that doesn’t demand attention but earns it. Her performances carry an emotional honesty that lingers, proving that sometimes, the quietest characters leave the strongest impact. Pratibha Ranta – The Rooted Performer Who Stole the Spotlight In Laapataa Ladies, Pratibha Ranta emerged as a refreshing presence, effortlessly embodying innocence and strength. Without dramatic theatrics, she managed to hold attention in every frame—making her one of the film’s most memorable takeaways. Vedika Pinto – Poised, Polished, and Naturally Striking Vedika Pinto’s screen presence lies in her subtlety. There’s a quiet confidence and elegance in the way she carries her roles, allowing her to stand out without trying too hard—a quality that makes her instantly watchable. Ishita Raj – The Girl-Next-Door Who Always Finds Her Moment Across films like Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Ishita Raj Sharma has consistently brought a relatable charm to the screen. Whether as the friend, the love interest, or the emotional anchor, she has a knack for making her presence felt—often walking away with moments that stay with the audience.

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&TV Artists Share Their Eid Celebration Plans! Eid, the joyous festival that celebrates gratitude, togetherness, and the spirit of sharing, brings with it warmth, festive cheer, and delicious feasts. It is a time to offer prayers, reconnect with loved ones, and spread happiness all around. For &TV artists, Eid is not just about rituals but also about creating special moments on and off set, celebrating with their extended work family, and embracing the festive spirit with enthusiasm. Sharing their fond memories and exciting celebration plans are Aasif Sheikh (Vibhuti Narayan Mishra in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0) and Salim Zaidi (Tilu in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0). Aasif Sheikh playing Vibhuti Narayan Mishra in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0, shares, “Eid has always been a very special and emotional occasion for me, filled with love, gratitude, and togetherness. I still cherish my childhood memories of starting the day with namaaz, followed by seeking blessings from elders and enjoying a grand feast at home. Dishes like sheer khurma, biryani, and kebabs were always a highlight. Over the years, the celebration has only grown bigger as it now includes not just family but also close friends and colleagues. This year, I am planning a small get-together with friends at home, and I am also excited to host a special Eid treat for my co-actors on the set. We spend so much time together that the set feels like a second home, and celebrating festivals there makes it even more memorable. Eid, for me, is about spreading smiles, strengthening bonds, and sharing happiness with everyone around.” Salim Zaidi playing Tilu in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0, adds, “Eid is all about joy, laughter, and being surrounded by people you love. As a child, I remember the excitement of wearing new clothes, collecting Eidi, and visiting friends and relatives throughout the day. One of my favourite traditions has always been meeting friends and indulging in festive delicacies like seviyan and sheer khurma. Even today, I make it a point to catch up with my close friends during Eid, as it’s the perfect time to reconnect. This year, I am looking forward to celebrating both at home and on set. I plan to bring homemade sweets and organise a small Eid celebration with the entire team, complete with good food and lots of fun. It’s always wonderful to share these moments with my extended family on set. For me, Eid is about gratitude, generosity, and creating joyful memories with everyone around.” Don’t miss the fun on &TV every Monday to Friday, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai 2.0 at 10:30 PM. Stream all episodes anytime on Hindi Z5

MUMBAI INDIANS AND BOOKMYSHOW LIVE CONCLUDE THE FIRST EDITION OF THE MIX IN STYLE, AT FULL CAPACITY, MARKING A NEW CHAPTER IN FAN EXPERIENCES

MUMBAI INDIANS AND BOOKMYSHOW LIVE CONCLUDE THE FIRST EDITION OF THE MIX IN STYLE, AT FULL CAPACITY, MARKING A NEW CHAPTER IN FAN EXPERIENCES ~ Hardik Pandya made his fans’ day, walking into the festival, posing with his larger-than-life statue, signing merch and taking pictures too ~ ~ A memorable fireside chat between Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya - a mix of fun, passion and cricket ~ ~ Mumbai Indians’ players Trent Boult, Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir spotted at the MI Bus on Day 1, graffiting with fans ~ ~ Collabs that turned heads: Hardik Pandya at Sanju Rathod’s set and the Mumbai Indians squad closing DIVINE’s set ~ ~ Virality found a new meaning as The MIX’s Instagram handle raked up over 133 million video views~ National, March 23, 2026: The MIX (A Mumbai Indians Experience), the first-of-its-kind fan experiential festival, produced and promoted by Mumbai Indians and BookMyShow Live’s BrandLabs, concluded on a spectacular high at full capacity, transforming a two-day celebration of sport, music and culture into a defining moment for fan engagement in India. Virality found a new meaning as The MIX’s Instagram handle raked up over 193 million video views. Day 2 opened with one of the most anticipated moments of the festival. India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya surprised fans, strutting to the MI Dugout, posing with his towering statue as the audience gathered in throngs to catch a glimpse of the star, some lucky enough to get a signed merch and a selfie too. This was followed by Hardik’s stop at the specially designed MI graffiti bus. Soon after, fans gathered for an exclusive fireside chat featuring coach Kieron Pollard and Captain Hardik Pandya. Hardik spoke about how he was scouted by Mumbai Indians, the love he feels from the Paltan as well as the importance of working hard and chasing dreams. He referred to the Paltan as the team’s heartbeat. MI legend Pollard picked his favourite innings for MI as well as his coaching philosophy and transition from player to coach at the #OneFamily that he has been a part of for almost two decades. A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said, “The MIX was built with a simple intent to bring fans closer to Mumbai Indians in a way that feels real, immersive and participative. What we witnessed over the last two days was not just engagement, but genuine connection. When fans show up with that kind of energy and emotion, it reinforces that this is more than fandom - it’s family. This is the power of #OneFamily, and what makes this journey so special.” Owen Roncon, Chief of Business - Branded IPs, BookMyShow added, "What stood out with The MIX was the way fans showed up not just for sport, but for everything that surrounds it. There is a growing appetite for experiences that bring together music, culture and community and we’re seeing fandom evolve into something far more participatory. For us, this was about creating a space where that energy could come together in a meaningful way. It reinforces the idea that the future of sport lies as much in cultural connection as it does in competition.” Drawing large crowds early in the day, the session offered fans a rare, candid window into the journeys of two of Mumbai Indians’ most celebrated players. From dressing room stories and defining career moments to candid reflections and light-hearted banter, the conversation set the tone for the day. When asked about a song that mirrors his journey, Hardik Pandya didn’t miss a beat - he named DIVINE’s ‘Apna Time Aayega’. With a spark in his eyes, he shared how the anthem stayed with him through every low, pushing him to keep going when it mattered most. He left his fans with a powerful reminder to never give up, even when the odds felt stacked against them. As the evening progressed, the music took centre stage, bringing the festival to a high-energy crescendo. GauriWho led with her bass-forward, genre-blending sound, keeping the energy dynamic and crowd-driven. Rising electronic-dance maestro Anyasa, transformed the grounds into a pulsating dancefloor with crowd favourites like ‘Castles’ and ‘Metaphysical’ and more. GRAMMY nominees, global electronic duo CamelPhat delivered a powerful set featuring tracks like ‘Cola’ and ‘Panic Room’, pulling the crowd into a deep, immersive sonic experience, as fans came together for a euphoric final stretch that marked the close of The MIX. The opening inning, Day 1, also roared to life with a grand arrival of the Mumbai Indians players, setting off a wave of excitement across the venue. Fans gathered in huge numbers to catch a glimpse of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga and others, as they interacted with audiences through the day, bringing the #OneFamily spirit alive in a way that goes far beyond the field. The energy seamlessly carried onto the stage, where a power-packed line-up took over. Sugahunny B2B Hamshyre set the pace with a banger start, while Sanju Rathod added a vibrant, crowd-friendly Marathi flavour and a surprise appearance by Hardik Pandya. DIVINE delivered a commanding performance, turning the crowd into a chorus of voices as fans rapped along to anthems and even warmed the stage, playing Nucleya‘s ‘Bass Rani’ and their ‘Scene Kya Hai’, as the Mumbai Indians squad came up on stage excited to meet their biggest fans before the seasons begins. Nucleya delivered a high-octane finale, making audiences dance to his tunes. Taking things up several notches, The MIX redefined the live experience, breaking the barrier between artist and audience, creating an exclusive on-stage fan section for the ultimate superfans, close enough to feel every player chant and every beat drop. Fans didn’t just attend - they played, explored and had the best time at The MIX. Across the grounds, energy pulsed through every corner. The gaming truck turned into a battleground of bragging rights, with console clashes and interactive games sparking friendly competition. Just a few steps away, the carnival zone burst with colour, movement and moments as lucky fans walked away flexing exclusive The MIX merch. The MI Dugout remained a key highlight, offering fans an up-close look at championship trophies, official jerseys in an immersive locker room set-up and iconic memorabilia. Style met sport in the most effortless way, as India’s homegrown designers dropped customisable fashion staples that fused cricket culture with streetwear edge. Every corner doubled as a photo-op and the photobooths made sure no standout moment went uncaptured. The Khau Gali (F&B zone) was a full-blown sensory takeover, where the unmistakable flavours of Mumbai met specially curated MIX indulgences. Every bite became part of the experience, turning pit stops into highlights of their own. From the first roar on stage to the final mic drop, The MIX was a high-voltage collision of sport, music and community. Sustainability was thoughtfully woven into the experience, with creatively designed reusable cups encouraging m

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Pallichattambhi” Teaser Packs Power, Scale & Pan-India Appeal; Tovino Thomas Targets Hindi Belt Mumbai: The teaser of “Pallichattambhi”, directed by Dijo Jose Antony and starring Tovino Thomas, has taken the spotlight with its power-packed visuals and high-octane action, instantly grabbing attention across audiences—including the Hindi belt. Right from the first frame, the teaser stands out for its grand scale, intense action sequences, and striking cinematography, hinting at a larger-than-life period drama. With its gripping background score and mass appeal, the teaser positions Pallichattambhi as a strong pan-India contender, especially for North Indian audiences who enjoy high-impact storytelling. The film is set for a wide release in Hindi along with Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, further strengthening its reach across the country. The teaser clearly reflects a cinematic experience designed for big screens, blending action, emotion, and visual spectacle. Adding to the film’s nationwide connect, music composer Jakes Bejoy teams up with popular Bollywood singer Vishal Mishra for the song “Kaatu Chembakam”, marking his Malayalam debut. The track, already trending, enhances the film’s cross-regional appeal. Avani Malhar also lends her voice, while the lyrics are penned by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri. The teaser also offers glimpses of Tovino Thomas in a powerful and intense avatar, supported by veteran actor Vijayaraghavan and female lead Kayadu Lohar. Their presence adds depth and freshness to the narrative. Another key highlight is the successful collaboration between Dijo Jose Antony and Jakes Bejoy, a duo known for delivering chart-topping music in films like Queen, Jana Gana Mana, and Malayali from India. Already featured in IMDb’s most anticipated list, Pallichattambhi is building strong momentum ahead of its release. Backed by World Wide Films and C Qube Bros Entertainment, the film is slated for a grand worldwide release on April 10 in five languages, with a significant push in the Hindi market. With a teaser that promises scale, action, and emotion, Pallichattambhi is shaping up to be a pan-India cinematic event.