iWorld
Weekend Unwind with content creator Ruchika Lohiya
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that delve into the minds of digital content creators through a fun lens, aiming to understand the person behind the creative journey a little better.
In this week’s session, we have Ruchika Lohiya, a 22-year-old creative dynamo from Jodhpur. Ruchika wears many hats – she’s a poet, storyteller, writer, director, and spoken word artist. Her unique style combines storytelling with poetry, making her a source of inspiration for many.
Ruchika stepped into the digital world and won hearts with her special content. She’s also launched a podcast called “Chikka on Roll” on Spotify, where she shares personal stories that connect with her audience. In a world full of quick trends, Ruchika stands out with her authentic creativity. She recently took the stage at Spoken Fest on 4 February and mesmerised the audience with her live poetry performance.
Without further ado here it goes…
Your mantra for life
You live only once, so do it anyway!
A book you are currently reading or plan to read
I’m currently hooked on “Unposted Letters” by Mahatria Rao – a book that’s like a peaceful escape. It’s a breeze to read and perfect for anyone starting their reading journey.
Your fitness mantra
When it comes to staying fit, I keep it simple: don’t overthink. Whether it’s eating or daily activities, a stress-free approach builds a friendly connection with your health. Get to know your body, take it easy, and cut yourself some slack.
Your comfort food
Rajma Chawal is my happy place.
A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down
‘Tere kismat da likhta tera toh koi Kho nahi skda ke us do mehar hoye toh tenu oh vo miljaye joh tera ho nhi skda’- It’s a Punjabi saying.
Whatever is written in our fortune will happen anyway, but if there is a blessing from above, things will happen even if it was not written in your destiny!
Your guilty pleasure
The simple joys of Netflix and chill. A guilty pleasure that wraps me in comfort.
The last time you tried something new
Every day is an opportunity for a new experience. The world of content creation ensures that each day brings a fresh challenge and a chance to learn.
A life lesson you learned the hard way
Learning to let go was a tough one. Life’s unpredictability sometimes demands detachment. Walking forward with grace, even when it’s difficult, has been a crucial lesson.
What gets you excited about life?
Work is my fuel, my passion. It infuses my life with fire, water, and everything in between. The excitement and fulfillment it brings make each day worth living to the fullest.
What’s on top of your bucket list?
Well, nothing too specific, but I’d love to blend more of my work with travel. Those trips where you get to explore while working.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Honestly, no advice needed. Looking back, she was amazing—full of grace, strength, and a whole lot of fun. I love her spirit, and well, I still do!
One thing you would most like to change about the world
I wish for a kinder world, where everyone has an equal shot at achieving their dreams. A place where kindness prevails, and dreams aren’t just for a fortunate few.
An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times
it’s honestly my work. Staying busy, creating opportunities—when I’m working, I’m mentally in my happy place.
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
Without a doubt, my parents. They are my rock, the unwavering support I’m lucky to have.
Your go-to stress buster
Chatting with friends and just hanging out! Keeping it simple, just chilling, does wonders for the stress levels.
Gaming
MTG gaming chief Benninghoff joins NODWIN board as esports firm primes for IPO
The Gurugram-based esports firm is pursuing a public listing, has returned to profitability and is growing revenues by 42 per cent
GURUGRAM: NODWIN Gaming is moving fast. The Gurugram-based gaming and esports company has launched a pre-IPO fundraising round, appointed UBS as lead adviser for both the round and a subsequent public listing, and landed a heavyweight board director, all in one go.
The new board member is Arnd Benninghoff, executive vice president of gaming at Stockholm-listed Modern Times Group (MTG), who has overseen the group’s strategic investments and portfolio growth since 2014. He is no stranger to building things: Benninghoff has founded and built fifteen companies, served as chief digital officer at ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, managing director of SevenVentures, and chief executive of Holtzbrinck eLAB. He began his career as a journalist at Deutsche Presse Agentur and various TV networks, holds a Diplom-Kaufmann in business and administration from the University of Münster, and previously sat on the board of Edgeware AB.
The numbers back the ambition
NODWIN is not pitching a story without substance. The company has returned to EBITDA profitability and posted a 42 per cent year-on-year revenue surge, reaching $58.5m in the first nine months of FY2026. The pre-IPO round will combine a primary issuance to fund global expansion through organic growth and acquisitions, alongside a secondary sale to give existing shareholders some liquidity.
Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming, said Benninghoff understands “the entire lifecycle of the gaming and media ecosystem, from the boots-on-the-ground reality of building startups to the strategic complexity of managing multi-billion dollar global portfolios.”
Benninghoff, for his part, said the company “sits at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and technology, making it one of the most exciting players in the global gaming landscape today.”
A portfolio built for the global south
Founded in 2014 by Rathee and Gautam Virk, NODWIN has quietly assembled one of the more compelling esports portfolios outside the Western hemisphere. Its properties include DreamHack India and Comic Con India, and it recently acquired StarLadder, the Ukraine-based tournament organiser behind premier events in CS:GO and Dota 2. The company also serves as a long-term strategic marketing partner for the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the world’s most prominent fighting game tournament, helping push it into new geographies.
Its geographic focus spans South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Backers include Nazara Technologies, KRAFTON, Sony Group Corporation, JetSynthesys, and the founders’ investment vehicle Good Game Investments.
What comes next
With UBS running the books, a board freshly reinforced with European media and gaming expertise, and revenue heading in the right direction, NODWIN is laying the groundwork deliberately. The esports industry has burned investors before with big promises and thin margins. NODWIN’s return to profitability, combined with a real portfolio of owned intellectual properties across gaming, music and youth culture, gives it a more credible runway than most. The IPO clock is now ticking.
