iWorld
OTTplay Awards returns for its second grand celebration
Mumbai: The OTTplay Awards, India’s most prestigious recognition of outstanding achievements in the realm of over-the-top content, is back with its much-anticipated second edition, presented by Danube Properties Dubai. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, the OTTplay Awards continue to honour excellence and innovation, setting the gold standard for the Indian OTT industry.
The OTTplay Awards 2023 promises to be a night to remember, featuring a star-studded lineup of guests. The purple carpet event at the iconic Taj Lands End in Mumbai is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 pm on 29 October 2023, offering an unparalleled glamour quotient.
This year, the OTTplay Awards proudly announces its telecast partnership with Colors Infinity, adding an extra layer of grandeur to the event. With this collaboration, the awards ceremony will reach an even wider audience, celebrating the brilliance of Indian OTT content across the nation.
The OTTplay Awards will recognize achievements across a remarkable over 30 categories, encompassing all genres. The event’s one-of-a-kind distinction is its mission to celebrate India’s diverse cultural landscape, making it the first-ever PAN-INDIA OTT Award – truly embodying the spirit of “One Nation, One OTT Award.”
The prestigious awards night will witness the presence of the who’s who of the OTT industry, from celebrated actors to visionary directors, talented writers, and producers who have contributed to the growth and success of India’s digital entertainment landscape.
“The OTTplay Awards have always been about acknowledging and appreciating the incredible talent that the OTT platforms have brought to the forefront,” said OTTplay CEO and co-founder Avinash Mudaliar. “This year, our focus remains unwavering, as we celebrate excellence in every genre, reinforcing the idea that content knows no boundaries. We are delighted to be hosting our second edition of the awards, and we look forward to the presence of some of the most iconic names in the industry.”
As the anticipation builds for the OTTplay Awards 2023, the stage is set for a remarkable evening that will shine a spotlight on the brilliance and innovation of India’s ever-evolving OTT industry. With the promise of iconic guests and a record-breaking number of categories, this event marks a significant milestone in the digital entertainment landscape.
Gaming
Roblox appoints Sunil Rao as India managing director to drive growth
Former AWS leader to lead creator ecosystem, partnerships and local strategy
MUMBAI: Roblox has appointed Sunil Rao as managing director for India, as the company looks to deepen its footprint in one of its fastest-growing markets.
Rao, who will join in May, will serve as the senior-most representative for Roblox in India, leading local strategy, partnerships and day-to-day operations. His mandate includes strengthening the platform’s presence, supporting the creator ecosystem and aligning India’s market needs with global priorities.
A key focus area will be nurturing India’s growing community of developers and creators, enabling local studios to leverage Roblox’s tools for scaling and monetisation. Globally, the platform’s creator community earned over $1.5 billion in 2025, underlining the economic potential of user-generated content ecosystems.
“Roblox is at the forefront of enabling a new generation of creators and games. India’s scale, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy present a massive opportunity,” said Rao. “I’m excited to build a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem that empowers developers and creators across the country. Ensuring child safety and aligning closely with India’s regulatory framework will be among my top priorities.”
Welcoming the appointment, Roblox vice president international Zhen Fang said India represents a high-potential market for the company. “Sunil brings deep expertise in building operations across diverse markets, and his passion for community-centric platforms makes him the ideal leader to drive our next chapter of growth in the country.”
Rao brings over two decades of experience across technology platforms, venture capital and developer ecosystems. He was previously part of the leadership team at Amazon Web Services, where he led strategy and corporate business development across Asia-Pacific and Japan. He also served as a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, working closely with startups and founders.
Earlier in his career, Rao played a key role in building developer ecosystems at Symbian, Nokia and Google, contributing to the growth of major mobile and internet platforms.
With India’s large youth population and rapidly evolving digital landscape, Roblox’s latest leadership move signals a sharper focus on long-term growth, local relevance and creator-led innovation in the market.
