Brands
Zee reimagines Yamaha anthem with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contestants
MUMBAI: Subtle branded content is all the rage. And Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zee) has been working overtime to give that value-added oomph to advertising partners and sponsors. One such partner is Yamaha Motors, India.
Yamaha Motors has an iconic anthem The Call of the Blue which was first launched in 2018 and has gone through various iterations, the latest being in September 2024 as the 4.0 version, which was tailored to resonate with the musical preferences of today’s youth. A new TVC was also released along with the song featuring young folks getting captivated by a film in the theatre, showcasing Yamaha’s iconic two-wheeler models, including global favorites. As they step out, they are thrilled to find these models right in front of them on the road.
And of course, there is Zee’s legendary path-breaking original singing talent show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa which is probably regaling a fourth or fifth generation of young viewers. Zee roped in the contestants of the reality show to sing the celebrated Yamaha anthem. For the first time ever, the young budding, musical talents reimagined the anthem, composed and performed their own renditions of it. This helped create a powerful and emotionally resonant experience that captivated audiences across the Punit Goenka-led network’s channels Zee TV, Zee Tamil, Zee Telugu.
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has now become the canvas for a first-of-its-kind integration, where contestants from across India bring their unique style to the Yamaha anthem. This initiative extended beyond traditional marketing, allowing the spirit of Yamaha to echo through music and storytelling in an innovative, refreshing way.
A press released from Zee stated that the collaboration strikes at the heart of music’s universal power to connect, inspire, and create lasting memories. As the contestants infused Yamaha’s anthem with their passion, energy, and individual creativity, the result was an electrifying mix that embodied the brand’s core values of adventure, freedom, and brotherhood. The partnership therefore went beyond mere promotion—it was a celebration of creativity, artistry, and individuality.
The campaign garnered a massive cumulative reach of approximately 25 million viewers across Zee’s platforms, amplifying Yamaha’s message of adventure and passion and making it resonate with music lovers, especially the youth, adds the press release. Through this collaboration, Yamaha and Zee have forged a meaningful connection with their audiences, proving once again that music and storytelling can transcend the ordinary and create extraordinary experiences.
Zee chief growth officer-digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal points out that the Yamaha partnership is the perfect embodiment of the network’s philosophy of bringing brands closer to their audiences.
He adds: “The synergy between Yamaha’s adventurous spirit and the creative energy of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contestants has led to an exciting and impactful collaboration that has not only amplified Yamaha’s core message but also created a truly memorable experience. This campaign has resonated deeply with viewers, bringing the brand’s values to life in a way that is both engaging and inspiring. It’s a perfect example of how music and storytelling can come together to create something remarkable.”
Yamaha Motor India general manager marketing Vijay Kaul is of the view that motorcycles and music are two wonderful ways to connect with the world around. He adds: “Through this association, we look forward to connecting with young music lovers at a more intrinsic level, celebrating the shared values of freedom, passion, and self-expression. The thrill of the open road mirrors the rhythm of music, creating experiences that inspire and energize. For the first time on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, contestants have crafted their unique renditions of a brand anthem, each piece capturing the essence of freedom, individuality, and the joy of riding.”
Motivator India chief growth officer & managing partner Aman Kochhar highlights that the partnership worked better than using overt brand placement. He adds: “Reimagining The Call of the Blue anthem in their unique styles helped us connect with younger audiences, seamlessly integrating the brand into the content with fresh, vibrant energy. The talented contestants on the platform showcased immense potential in understanding the brand’s requirements and delivering them with style. Hence, the collab was exceptional.”
To watch the latest version of The Call of the Blue TVC click here: The Call of the Blue
As The Call of the Blue anthem continues to strike a chord with audiences nationwide, Yamaha and Ze reaffirm their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. This collaboration marks just the beginning of what promises to be a lasting partnership that fuses music, storytelling, and brand values to deliver impactful, unforgettable experiences, the Zee press release elaborates.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
