MAM
Shreyas Srinivasan resigns post Zomato acquisition
Mumbai: In a significant leadership transition, Shreyas Srinivasan, chief product officer (CPO) of Paytm and founder of Paytm Insider, has resigned following Zomato’s acquisition of the ticketing platform. This move marks a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of India’s digital entertainment and fintech sectors.
Srinivasan, who co-founded Insider.in in 2014, played a crucial role in shaping India’s live entertainment ticketing industry. Under his leadership, the platform expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of events, from stand-up comedy shows to adventure treks, catering to a broad audience base. In 2017, Paytm acquired a majority stake in Insider.in, integrating it into its ecosystem and rebranding it as Paytm Insider.
The recent acquisition of Paytm Insider by Zomato signifies the food delivery giant’s strategic entry into the live events and entertainment sector. This move aligns with Zomato’s broader vision to diversify its services and enhance user engagement beyond food delivery.
Srinivasan’s departure raises questions about the future direction of Paytm’s product development and its strategy in the entertainment domain. His resignation follows a series of leadership changes within Paytm, including the exit of president and COO Bhavesh Gupta earlier this year.
MAM
McDonald’s India NE names Sara Arjun brand ambassador
Actor returns for nostalgic Buddy Meal campaign at Rs 119 for two.
MUMBAI: Sara Arjun just came home to McDonald’s because some love stories start with a childhood ad and end with sharing fries as grown-ups. McDonald’s India – North and East has appointed actor Sara Arjun as its brand ambassador, bringing her back to the brand that first captured her on screen as a child. The collaboration launches with a playful TVC introducing the Buddy Meal, a value offering priced at Rs 119 for two burgers (McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise), two Cokes and one medium fries.
The film recreates the classic “girlfriend-boyfriend” banter from her original McDonald’s ad, with Sara joking about today’s “demanding” relationships before her buddy admits he just wants a simple McAloo Tikki. The voiceover lands the punch: “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just Rs 119,” closing on the tagline “Khao Meal, Baat Karo”, a celebration of uncomplicated joy and shared moments.
MMG Group and CPRL vice chairman Anant Agarwal said, “Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”
Sara Arjun added, “McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends.”
Available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India via dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App and leading delivery platforms, the Buddy Meal taps into the brand’s legacy of creating relatable, feel-good moments.
In a fast-food world chasing trends, McDonald’s brings back a familiar face and a simple truth: sometimes the best dates don’t need grand gestures just good burgers, cold drinks and great company at a price that leaves everyone smiling.
