GECs
Jenica Kalra takes on a new role to promote Japanese content in India
MUMBAI: Jenica Kalra, an experienced professional at the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro), has transitioned from the intellectual property rights (IPR) department to the Japanese content development department. In her new role as assistant director, she is set to focus on fostering stronger cultural and creative exchanges between India and Japan.
During her three-year tenure in the IPR Department, Kalra worked closely with colleagues and industry partners, gaining valuable insights into intellectual property laws and practices. Now, she steps into a dynamic role with a mission to enhance awareness of Japanese content in India while building bridges between Indian buyers and Japanese creators.
“My aim is to promote Japanese titles in diverse fields such as anime, music, live-action films, movies, gaming, and artists. By connecting Indian buyers with Japanese title holders, we can deepen the cultural ties between our two nations,” said Kalra.
The new position will allow her to play a pivotal role in integrating Japanese content into India’s creative industries, ensuring seamless collaborations and exchanges. “This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the India-Japan relationship in the creative sector. I’m eager to create impactful partnerships that highlight the best of Japanese culture in the Indian market,” she added.
Kalra’s career reflects her passion for cultural exchange and education. Before joining
Jetro, she worked as a Japanese language teacher at the Tsubomi Japanese Institute. Her background in language and cross-cultural understanding makes her well-suited to bridge gaps between the two nations in the entertainment and creative domains.
Her message to industry professionals is clear: “If you’re interested in collaborating or exploring opportunities in this space, feel free to reach out. Let’s work together to create meaningful exchanges in this vibrant industry.”
Kalra’s transition underscores Jetro’s ongoing commitment to enhancing cultural and creative cooperation between India and Japan. With a growing appetite for Japanese content in India, her efforts are expected to open up exciting possibilities for collaboration in fields ranging from anime to gaming and beyond.
As Kalra embarks on this new chapter, her work promises to further strengthen the India-Japan bond, fostering a shared appreciation for creativity and innovation across borders.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
