MAM
Cosmos-Maya launches five new shows in 2020
MUMBAI: Cosmos-Maya the studio known for animated shows like Motu Patlu and Selfie with Bajrangi is having a more than a promising 2020. In the face of paradigm shifts in the macroeconomic scenario and the meaning of the workplace itself, the studio has consistently churned out one offering after the other throughout 2020, for TV as well as streaming services.
In May, the animations studio released Bapu, a show based on Mahatma Gandhi and his principles which got airing on Disney Channel and Zee5. The show has been immensely successful and is already scheduled for a second season. During the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, Gadget Guru Ganesha, a show about a boy’s friendship with the revered God figure and how they they solve various problems using mystical gadgets made its debut. Other than thesetwo season two of Guddu, a 3D show centered around a circus lion and his posse released on Disney and Zee5.
The studio released its fourth new IP, Titoo on Pogo in July-end. It has been the top-performing kid's entertainment TV show for four weeks consistently since release. Come Diwali, Cosmos-Maya will be releasing its latest IP this year, Lambuji Tinguji in partnership with Turner on Cartoon Network.
The studio started its IP library with one show in 2012.Today it has five high-performing IPs just within a span of six months since March 2020. This has seen the studio capture above 60 per cent of the Indian doemstic animation market space.
Other than new projects, the studio licensed one of its IPs, Selfie With Bajrangi to Disney+Hotstarl. The platform ordered 234 episodes of the show being touted as the next biggest thing for the studio after the vastly successful characters Motu Patlu. While increasing the scale of its content umbrella, Cosmos Mata has also ensured creative diversity in the kind of topics addressed and the genres defined by their characters. Each show has something different to offer, talking to kids in an entertaining, non-pedantic manner.
Every major industry including media has suffered logistical and performance setbacks in 2020. In light of that, releasing five IPs with multiple international projects on the side is a feat unlike any other for Cosmos Maya, especially considering that few production houses have made any fresh releases in 2020.
Cosmos-Maya CEO Anish Mehta said, “We are really glad to have found a way to work around the rigours of the lockdown and be able to provide new content as was planned for the current year. All content that we have made available in 2020 was born out of production plans drawn up as far back as 2019, and the real credit for our well-timed content delivery goes to our entire team of creative and executive professionals who handled the shift from office to home smoothly and collectively ensured that we stay as close to our release plans as possible. We are proud of our drive to consistently cater to kids’ entertainment requirements and have them enjoying while staying at home for this extended period. Additionally, I would like to deeply thank our OTT and broadcaster partners for the relationship they have endeavored to maintain with us, and the manner in which they modeled their ‘stay home, stay safe’ campaigns around our characters, which stands testament to our promise of sustainability – to keep on delivering clean, enjoyable entertainment for kids and their families.”
MAM
Strategy, storytelling and leadership: The expanding role of women in marketing communications
By Masuma Siddique, Founder & Chief Strategist, InkCraft Communications
MUMBAI: When I began my journey in communications over a decade and a half ago, the marketing and PR landscape looked very different. Conversations around brand building were often dominated by traditional advertising approaches, and communications was largely seen as a supporting function rather than a strategic one. Over the years, however, I have witnessed a powerful shift not only in how brands communicate, but also in who is shaping those conversations.
Today, women are playing an increasingly influential role in defining modern marketing communications. From strategy and storytelling to reputation management and audience engagement, female leaders are helping brands move beyond transactional messaging toward narratives that are more human, empathetic, and purpose driven.
In many ways, this shift is not accidental. Women have always been natural storytellers, communicators, and relationship builders. In an industry that now relies heavily on authenticity, emotional intelligence, and audience understanding, these strengths are becoming central to effective brand leadership.
Marketing today is no longer about simply broadcasting a message. It is about building a conversation. Brands are expected to have a point of view, to stand for something meaningful, and to engage audiences across multiple platforms in ways that feel genuine and relevant. This is where storytelling becomes a strategic tool rather than just a creative exercise.
In my own experience building InkCraft Communications, I have seen firsthand how powerful strategic storytelling can be. A brand’s narrative has the ability to shape perception, influence trust, and create lasting connections with audiences. When done right, it transforms marketing from promotion into reputation building.
What makes this moment particularly exciting is that women are not only participating in this evolution; they are helping lead it. Across agencies, brand teams, and media platforms, women are stepping into leadership roles where they are defining communication strategies, guiding brand voices, and influencing how businesses engage with the world.
However, the journey has not always been straightforward. Like many industries, marketing and communications has historically presented challenges for women seeking leadership positions. Early in my career, I often found that women were encouraged to contribute creatively but were not always positioned as strategic decision makers. That dynamic is gradually changing as more women claim space at the leadership table and demonstrate the value of perspective driven thinking.
One of the most significant changes I have observed is the growing recognition that communications must be integrated with business strategy. PR is no longer just about media coverage, and marketing is no longer just about campaigns. Today’s brands require holistic communication frameworks that combine narrative building, digital amplification, influencer engagement, and reputation management.
Women leaders are increasingly driving this integrated approach. Many bring a collaborative leadership style that values insight, adaptability, and cross functional thinking. In an environment where consumer attention is fragmented and trust is fragile, this ability to balance creativity with strategic thinking is invaluable.
Another important dimension of women’s growing influence in marketing communications is the emphasis on authenticity. Audiences today are far more discerning than they were even five years ago. They can quickly identify messaging that feels performative or disconnected from reality. As communicators, we have a responsibility to ensure that brand narratives reflect genuine values rather than superficial positioning.
In my view, effective storytelling begins with listening. Before shaping a narrative, we must understand the audience, the cultural context, and the broader conversation taking place in society. Women leaders often bring a strong sense of empathy and contextual awareness to this process, allowing brands to communicate in ways that feel relevant and responsible.
At the same time, the expanding role of women in marketing communications also carries an important responsibility. As more women step into leadership positions, we have the opportunity to mentor emerging professionals and create environments where diverse voices can thrive. The next generation of communicators will shape how brands engage with audiences in an increasingly complex digital world, and it is essential that they feel empowered to bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Looking ahead, the future of marketing communications will be defined by agility, credibility, and meaningful storytelling. Brands will need to move faster, communicate more transparently, and adapt constantly to evolving consumer expectations. In this environment, strategic communicators who understand both narrative and business objectives will play a critical role in guiding organizations forward.
For women in the industry, this is an exciting time. The boundaries between marketing, media, and culture are becoming more fluid, creating new opportunities to influence how brands show up in the world. With the right combination of strategy, creativity, and leadership, women are not only shaping the future of communications, they are redefining what modern brand leadership looks like.
Ultimately, storytelling is about more than messaging. It is about impact. And when women lead with strategy, empathy, and vision, the stories they help build have the power to resonate far beyond the campaign itself.
