MAM
Zee’s Sharlton Menezes joined LeEco’s new Content Business as head of strategy; Debashish Ghosh to be the COO
MUMBAI: Former biz head of Original Digital Content at Zee Digital Convergence has joined chinese technology giant LeEco as head of strategy of Content Business effective since May 23 2016. He will be responsible for overall strategy of Le Eco’s soon to be announced content business in India that will include an Over-The-Top video service. In addition to that he will also oversee the new marketing and membership initiatives put forth by the company.
Menezes is expected to directly report to the newly christened COO of the content business. As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, Menezes’ former senior and ZMCL CEO Debashish Ghosh is set to take over as the COO at LeEco’s new content outfit by June 1. In what industry called ‘a major reshuffle’, both Menezes and Ghosh left their former portfolios at ZMCL earlier in May.
As per a source close to the development the new content business, details of which is expected to be announced by June 8, will run separate but parallelly with the company’s already established technology business in India. It is to be noted that LeEco is well known for its content business in the home country, often referred to as the ‘Netflix of China’ and word has it that the technology giant is taking a similar route with its business strategy in Indian market.
Brands
HP launches Smart Champs learning game show with JioStar for students
Sanya Malhotra hosts quiz series blending fun, learning and prizes
NEW DELHI: HP India has teamed up with JioStar to launch HP Smart Champs, a new learning-based game show designed to make education engaging for school students across the country.
Hosted by Sanya Malhotra, the 10-episode series brings together students from Grades 5 to 9, who compete in teams through quiz and puzzle-based challenges that test knowledge, logic and teamwork. The show will begin streaming on JioHotstar from April 11 and will premiere on Nick on April 18, with weekend episodes airing at 7 PM.
Powered by HP Smart Tank printers, the format integrates print-based learning into the gameplay, using worksheets, clues and visual problem-solving tools to encourage hands-on participation. The idea is to move students beyond rote memorisation and towards more applied, curiosity-led learning.
The competition promises high stakes, with winners set to receive a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while runners-up will take home Rs 5 lakh. Additional rewards include HP AI laptops, Smart Tank printers and accessories, while the winning school will be awarded an HP Smart Tech Lab.
Speaking about the initiative, HP India managing director Ipsita Dasgupta said, “At HP, we believe nurturing India’s youth is key to the country’s progress, and technology plays a foundational role in enabling this. With HP Smart Champs, we wanted to create something beyond traditional learning, a fun-filled platform where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking take centre stage.”
On the show’s reach, JioStar head entertainment sales Mahesh Shetty said, “HP Smart Champs reflects how children today learn through exploration and experience. With Nick and JioHotstar, we are creating a multi-screen approach that is both engaging and meaningful.”
Highlighting the role of print, HP India senior director print Satish Kumar said, “The show brings print-based learning to life in an engaging format, helping students develop deeper understanding through hands-on experiences.”
The journey to the finale began with participation from over 1,000 schools across 26 cities, narrowing down to 34 finalists who will compete in a studio showdown in Mumbai.
With its blend of entertainment, education and technology, HP Smart Champs is positioning itself as more than just a quiz show. It is a nationwide push to make learning interactive, accessible and, above all, a lot more fun.
