MAM
Sameer Nair steps down as CEO of Applause Entertainment
Veteran media executive exits after a decade at the Aditya Birla Group-backed studio.
MUMBAI: After a decade of calling the shots, Sameer Nair is taking a bow from Applause Entertainment. The veteran industry leader and CEO of the prominent content studio is stepping down from his role, according to sources familiar with the development. This marks a significant leadership transition at one of India’s key players in the television and digital content space.
Applause Entertainment, part of the Aditya Birla Group, has built a strong reputation under Nair’s leadership for its high-quality adaptations of international formats and a slate of original series across OTT platforms. Nair, who joined the company a decade ago, was instrumental in shaping its growth and positioning it as a notable force in India’s evolving streaming landscape.
Prior to Applause, he held senior roles at major media organisations, including Star India, where he played a pivotal part in the launch of the iconic show Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2000. He also worked with Balaji Telefilms and NDTV Imagine.
It remains unclear who will succeed Nair or what his next professional move will be. Queries sent to Nair did not receive a response, and Applause Entertainment declined to comment on the matter.
His exit comes at a time when the Indian content ecosystem is undergoing rapid changes, with streaming platforms recalibrating investments, focusing on profitability, and adjusting content strategies amid shifting viewer preferences and increasing competition.
Industry insiders suggest the transition could signal a strategic reset for Applause as it navigates the next phase of growth.
In the fast-paced world of Indian entertainment, where hits can fade as quickly as they rise, Sameer Nair has enjoyed a remarkably steady and influential run. As he steps off the stage at Applause, the spotlight now turns to what comes next for both the executive and the studio he helped build.
Brands
RR Kabel expands FMEG portfolio with kitchen appliances and air coolers
Company forays into mixers, cooktops and hand blenders under RR Signature brand.
MUMBAI: RR Kabel has just cooked up something new and it’s not just another wire. The leading wires and cables manufacturer has announced a significant expansion of its Fast-Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) portfolio by entering the kitchen appliances segment and strengthening its air coolers range under the premium RR Signature brand. The company has introduced Mixer Grinders, Electric Cooktops (both Induction and Infra-Red variants), and Hand Blenders. These products mark RR Kabel’s strategic foray into everyday kitchen essentials, allowing it to reach deeper into Indian households beyond traditional electrical categories.
The Induction and Infra-Red Cooktops are seeing particularly strong demand amid global developments affecting LPG pricing and supply. Consumers are increasingly shifting to electric cooking for its energy efficiency, precise control, and safety features. RR Signature is reinforcing its ‘Aapke Kaam Ki Baat’ promise with best-in-class warranties across the range.
The company also plans to introduce additional kitchen appliance categories in FY26-27. In parallel, it has expanded its Air Cooler portfolio with new Industrial (Semi-Commercial) models featuring higher tank capacities and superior air throw, catering to both commercial users and households seeking powerful cooling during intensifying summers.
RR Kabel executive director Mahhesh Kabra said, “Our expansion into kitchen appliances allows us to connect with consumers at more touchpoints in their daily lives, while our expanded air cooler range addresses the rising need for effective cooling solutions. These launches reflect our continued focus on quality, innovation, and market relevance.”
By stepping into kitchen appliances and enhancing its cooling solutions, RR Kabel is wiring itself more deeply into Indian homes proving that even a cables company knows how to heat things up in the kitchen and keep things cool elsewhere. The move positions the brand for broader growth as it evolves from wires to a more complete home solutions player.
