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Shivtek appoints Trusar Bagul as independent director
GURUGRAM: Shivtek Spechemi Industries has appointed Trusar D Bagul as an independent director, adding deep scientific firepower to its board as the specialty chemicals group pushes into greener manufacturing and high-value chemistry.
Bagul, who holds a PhD in organic chemistry from the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, brings nearly three decades of experience across drug discovery, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and specialty chemicals. He is a prolific inventor and researcher with multiple US and Indian patents and international publications to his name.
The appointment is designed to strengthen board-level technical oversight and governance as Shivtek accelerates its R&D-led expansion into advanced and import-substitution chemistries, particularly in high-value, low-volume segments where precision and cost discipline are critical.
“We are reinforcing India’s self-reliance in the chemical sector through green manufacturing and advanced products,” said Shivtek Spechemi Industries managing director Amitt Nenwani. “Trusar Bagul’s scientific depth and advisory insight will be invaluable as we scale with discipline and strong governance.”
Bagul has held senior leadership roles across chemistry-led enterprises and currently advises pharmaceutical, biopharma and chemical companies on research and strategy. He has also undertaken post-doctoral research at Kyoto University and is a recipient of the Japan Society for Promotion of Science fellowship.
“I am delighted to join Shivtek at a pivotal stage of its growth,” Bagul said. “The company’s focus on sustainability, quality and global ambition aligns closely with my professional values.”
Founded in 1987, Shivtek is the flagship of the Shiva Group and operates manufacturing units in Kurnool, Rajpura and Dahej, exporting to more than 75 countries. Its capacity has scaled to 150,000 MTPA, as it positions itself as a global hub for green specialty chemistry.
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Netflix acquires Ben Affleck’s AI film-tech firm InterPositive
Streaming giant picks up production startup to streamline digital filmmaking
LOS ANGELES: Netflix has officially acquired InterPositive, an AI film-technology startup founded by actor and director Ben Affleck. The move marks a significant investment by the streaming service into assistive AI tools designed to support the technical side of movie production. While many AI companies focus on generating new images or scripts, InterPositive focuses on the logistical challenges of filmmaking. The firm’s technology is designed to handle technical tasks that often delay post-production, such as correcting lighting inconsistencies and ensuring visual continuity across different takes.
The acquisition is not about replacing human actors or writers. Instead, Netflix intends to use the technology as a digital assistant for directors. The software understands cinematic logic, meaning it can automatically adjust background elements or environmental effects to ensure a film looks polished and consistent without months of manual editing.
In a Netflix post on Thursday, Affleck emphasised that the project was born out of a desire to support the craft rather than automate it. “I knew I had a responsibility to my peers and our industry, to protect the power of human creativity and the people behind it. In creating InterPositive, I sought to do just that,” Affleck wrote. “From the invention of the moving image to the transition to digital, from motion capture to virtual production, technology has evolved alongside the artists who use it. Our shared commitment to continuing this legacy makes joining together a natural next step.”
Netflix chief product and technology officer Elizabeth Stone said, “Our approach to AI has always been focused on meaningfully serving the needs of the creative community. InterPositive’s technology is purpose-built for filmmakers and showrunners to naturally support their visions. We’re excited to welcome the team to Netflix and continue building a future where technology enhances storytelling, while people remain at the core.”
Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria added, “New tools should expand creative freedom, not constrain it. Ben and his team are part of a long tradition of artists leading innovation in storytelling. Their work gives filmmakers more choices, control, and protection for their vision.”
The deal coincides with a broader partnership between Netflix and Artists Equity, the production company led by Affleck and Matt Damon. Following the success of their recent projects on the platform, this acquisition cements Affleck’s role as both a creative and technical advisor to the streamer. Affleck noted that the partnership was a logical fit due to “Netflix’s decades of experience applying and scaling technology responsibly.” He will serve as a senioradvisor for the integration of the technology, ensuring the tools remain focused on helping filmmakers.
For the film industry, this acquisition signals a shift in strategy. Rather than just buying finished movies, Netflix is now owning the specialized technology used to build them. By bringing these tools in-house, the company aims to reduce the rising costs and lengthy timelines associated with high-budget original films while giving their productions a technical edge in speed and visual quality.
