iWorld
Realistic web series launched to engross the internet-savvy
NEW DELHI: With the average Indian spending more than eight hours on the internet and with TV content being aimed at women over 35 years, the first ever tech thriller web series has been launched in India.
Hankaar on the theme of drugs, real-estate dirty deals and prostitution in Mumbai entails ‘realistic fiction’ content that explores the stories of five ordinary people who go through extraordinary life changing experiences. Unfortunately, in the real world of television, ‘realistic fiction’ is not the most ideal space for producers to put their money in.
Writer Yogi Chopra said, “As producers, we realize that Indian television is not ready for this kind of content. But we are keen to create not just one, but at least three seasons of this series. It is certain that there is an audience for this type of content, but because it is deemed non-commercial, it is difficult to find required funding.”
Hankaar is looking to raise Rs 8 lakh in 50 days and is live on Wishberry.in.
People who back the project will get an opportunity to be co-producers and give their inputs in the making of the series. Crowd funding has become a new favourite way for filmmakers to find genuine backing – monetary and non-monetary.
e-commerce
ITC Sunfeast, Zepto host mango-themed experiential ‘Paglu Party’
Event blends Alphonso desserts, DIY sessions and interactive formats
MUMBAI: When mango season peaks, some savour it others go full ‘paglu’. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations, in collaboration with Zepto, turned summer indulgence into an immersive brand experience with its ‘Mango Paglu Party’, a high-energy, mango-themed event designed to blur the line between dessert and discovery. Built around the brand’s ‘Mad Over Mangoes’ universe, the space leaned into a sensory overload bright, playful and unapologetically mango-drenched. From curated installations to social-first corners, every element was designed to be as shareable as it was experiential.
At the centre of the celebration was the fruit itself, elevated into a menu crafted using fresh, carbide-free Alphonso mangoes sourced by Zepto. The spread ranged from a flaky Mango Pista Kouign Aman to Mango Coconut Serradura Pudding and a Mango Mascarpone Cake, balancing indulgence with seasonal freshness.
But this was not a passive tasting affair. Guests were drawn into the experience through interactive formats, including a DIY dessert session led by the brand’s chef, where attendees created classics like Mango Tres Leches. Zepto chief business officer Chandan Mehndiratta also joined the session, adding a touch of brand personality to the proceedings.
A quirky highlight came in the form of the ‘Aam Paglu Prescription’, a playful, doctor-themed concept that positioned mango indulgence as the only “treatment” worth taking, turning a simple insight into a memorable activation.
The event built up to a theatrical finale, with the crowning of the ‘Aam Paglu of the Day’ followed by the cutting of an oversized mango-shaped Mango Mascarpone Cake, closing the experience on a high note.
More than just a seasonal showcase, the Mango Paglu Party reflects a broader shift in brand storytelling, where products are no longer just consumed, but experienced. For ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations and Zepto, mango season was not just about flavour, it was about creating a moment that audiences could step into, engage with and, quite literally, devour.
