Brands
Thums Up backs Battleground S2 as Priyanka, Rahul join mentors
Amazon MX Player show returns with new faces and high-energy brand push
MUMBAI: Thums Up has come on board as the presenting partner for Battleground Season 2, as Rusk Media gears up to bring back its high-energy reality format on Amazon MX Player this April.
The new season introduces fresh mentors, with Priyanka Chahar Choudhary and Rahul Chaudhary joining returning face Abhishek Malhan. Leading the charge once again is Shikhar Dhawan as super mentor, adding star power and continuity to the format.
Positioned as a fitness-driven reality show, Battleground S2 blends strength, endurance and strategy, with teams such as Delhi Dominators, Mumbai Strikers and Telugu Tigers competing across physically and mentally demanding challenges. The format is designed for mobile-first audiences, extending beyond episodes into social media, creator collaborations and community engagement.
The addition of Thums Up as presenting partner underscores the show’s growing appeal among advertisers looking to tap into youth and mass audiences. The brand integration is built into the narrative, allowing it to move beyond traditional ad placements and become part of the viewing experience.
Speaking about the new season, Rusk Media co-founder and CEO Mayank Yadav said, “Battleground has grown into one of our most exciting IPs because of its ability to connect with audiences at scale while staying deeply rooted in culture. With Season 2, we’re expanding that vision further by building it as a Bharat-first premium property that reflects diverse voices from across the country.”
On the brand integration approach, Rusk Media head of ads Rahul Arora said, “Battleground S2 is designed as a high-impact advertising environment where brands can go beyond visibility and become part of the story. The scale of the IP, combined with daily engagement and strong regional connect, allows us to offer partners meaningful integrations across formats.”
Sharing her experience, Priyanka Chahar Choudhary said she is excited to lead the Mumbai Strikers, highlighting the competitive spirit and emotional connect of the format. Rahul Chaudhary added that the show’s focus on discipline and teamwork aligns closely with his sporting philosophy.
With a stronger mentor line-up, deeper brand partnerships and an expanded digital footprint, Battleground Season 2 is shaping up to be more than just a show. It is positioning itself as a full-fledged content ecosystem where entertainment, community and commerce come together.
Brands
HP launches Smart Champs learning game show with JioStar for students
Sanya Malhotra hosts quiz series blending fun, learning and prizes
NEW DELHI: HP India has teamed up with JioStar to launch HP Smart Champs, a new learning-based game show designed to make education engaging for school students across the country.
Hosted by Sanya Malhotra, the 10-episode series brings together students from Grades 5 to 9, who compete in teams through quiz and puzzle-based challenges that test knowledge, logic and teamwork. The show will begin streaming on JioHotstar from April 11 and will premiere on Nick on April 18, with weekend episodes airing at 7 PM.
Powered by HP Smart Tank printers, the format integrates print-based learning into the gameplay, using worksheets, clues and visual problem-solving tools to encourage hands-on participation. The idea is to move students beyond rote memorisation and towards more applied, curiosity-led learning.
The competition promises high stakes, with winners set to receive a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while runners-up will take home Rs 5 lakh. Additional rewards include HP AI laptops, Smart Tank printers and accessories, while the winning school will be awarded an HP Smart Tech Lab.
Speaking about the initiative, HP India managing director Ipsita Dasgupta said, “At HP, we believe nurturing India’s youth is key to the country’s progress, and technology plays a foundational role in enabling this. With HP Smart Champs, we wanted to create something beyond traditional learning, a fun-filled platform where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking take centre stage.”
On the show’s reach, JioStar head entertainment sales Mahesh Shetty said, “HP Smart Champs reflects how children today learn through exploration and experience. With Nick and JioHotstar, we are creating a multi-screen approach that is both engaging and meaningful.”
Highlighting the role of print, HP India senior director print Satish Kumar said, “The show brings print-based learning to life in an engaging format, helping students develop deeper understanding through hands-on experiences.”
The journey to the finale began with participation from over 1,000 schools across 26 cities, narrowing down to 34 finalists who will compete in a studio showdown in Mumbai.
With its blend of entertainment, education and technology, HP Smart Champs is positioning itself as more than just a quiz show. It is a nationwide push to make learning interactive, accessible and, above all, a lot more fun.
