People
Sony SAB ropes in Varun Dhawan for a heartwarming video for the launch of its new show – ‘Tera Yaar Hoon Main’
MUMBAI: Sony SAB will soon launch a new show titled Tera Yaar Hoon Main, which highlights the dynamics of the new-age father-son relationship and a father’s effort in trying to become his son’s friend. To drive home the uniqueness and freshness of this subject, Sony SAB has brought on board Bollywood heartthrob Varun Dhawan to endorse the show and truly bring out the intricacies of a father-son relationship through a series of warm and endearing memories of his relationship with his own father.
In a sixty second heart-warming video to introduce the concept of the show, Varun takes a stroll down memory lane, recounting the various instances when his father, instead of behaving like a conventional father, chose to be a pal, a guide, a confidant helping him become the man he is today. Varun beautifully encapsulates his father’s affectionate side by saying “Dosti Ke Farz Mein, Woh Mere Baap Nikle”. It is this very emotion of gratitude, friendship and immense love that Varun feels for is father that forms the core of Tera Yaar Hoon Main, making him the ideal choice as an ambassador for this show.
What viewers will find in this uplifting video is a son remembering all those bittersweet moments in life, when his father stood by him, not as a preaching authority figure, but as a friend who encouraged him to make mistakes so he could learn better and a guide who steered him towards achieving his wildest dreams!
Sony SAB business head Neeraj Vyas, “Tera Yaar Hoon Main highlights the nuances of new-age father-son relationship, the emotions, the affection and even some dilemmas it brings. Having worked with him earlier, we are delighted to associate with Varun Dhawan again, it’s always great to work with him. We found Varun to be a perfect fit to portray the classic Indian father-son relationship, his narration of the same has been beautifully weaved into this promo for the show. Sony SAB has been at the forefront of showcasing values driven lighthearted content that brings the entire family together, we hope Tera Yaar Hoon Main becomes a quick family favourite too.”
Varun Dhawan said,“The bond between a father and a son is indeed unique and finding a yaari in your father is special. Sony SAB’s Tera Yaar Hoon Main is a beautiful journey of every middle-aged father and his attempts at being friends with his teenage son. It is a heartwarming story that reminded me of some of the most cherished moments with my father.”
People
Senior exec Madhu Soman reflects on stepping away from Indian TV news
Sometimes the toughest story in a newsroom is the one about the newsroom itself.
MUMBAI: For Madhu Soman, a media executive whose career spans more than two decades at global news organisations including Reuters and Bloomberg, the decision to step away from India’s television news industry followed conversations with several leading networks.
Soman returned to India in 2022 to take up a senior leadership role in television news.
He transitioned to the business side of the industry in 2014, joining Bloomberg in Hong Kong to lead broadcast sales, news syndication and strategic partnerships across Asia-Pacific. He held the role for nearly eight years before returning to India.
“WION and Zee Business were the reason I chose to return to India after long years with Reuters and Bloomberg, transitioning from telling stories to selling them,” Soman said.
“The landing strip back home was always narrow, but it was one I was happy to take.”
The stint at Zee Media Corporation Ltd., however, proved shorter than expected.
“It didn’t take very long to realise that my runway within Zee (Media) was going to be rather short,” Soman said.
“Let’s just say I was a cultural misfit.”
Even so, he says the experience had its rewards, including exceptional colleagues and a few good friends.
After stepping away from the organisation, Soman was in discussions about potential roles.
“I spent the better part of the last two years in conversations with a few leading networks, long enough to realise the difference between being unemployed and being unemployable.”
Some of the feedback, he says, was unusually candid.
“Two of them informally told me I’m perhaps one of the best media executives in the television news business. But someone like me fronting a television news network would be considered a business risk,” Soman said in conversation with IndianTelevision.com.
For Soman, the implication was clear.
“A news network fronted by someone whose instincts were formed in journalism rooted in independence, accuracy and editorial distance from power was unlikely to find much favour with the powers that be.”
Beyond the personal dimension of his decision, Soman says the experience reflects broader pressures shaping the news industry today.
“Journalism’s job is simple: ask hard questions and hold power accountable. Keep it honest,” he said.
Quoting former Washington Post editor Marty Baron, he added: “We’re not at war with the government. We’re at work.”
“That principle applies to anyone in a position of influence, whether in government, business, sport or entertainment.”
At the same time, he says the industry faces growing pressures.
“Authoritarian regimes that resist scrutiny, along with rapid technological change including AI, are reshaping and often undermining journalism’s traditional business model.”
“There’s also a growing credibility deficit, as the race for eyeballs rewards whoever delivers the news first rather than whoever confirms it best.”
Having worked on both the editorial and commercial sides of the industry, Soman says he is acutely aware of the economic realities media organisations face.
“Running a media organisation today means being a pragmatic P&L owner. The challenge is to keep investing in strong journalism while making the economics work at a time when a growing share of the industry’s revenue is increasingly being captured by technology platforms.”
“If we drop the ball on accuracy and trust, we do a grave disservice to the democracy we’re meant to serve.”
His experience straddling both content and commerce has shaped his view of how the industry must evolve.
“Good journalism and good business strategy are not opposites,” he said.
“The best media businesses are built when editorial integrity, audience trust and sustainable economics reinforce each other.”
“And ultimately, none of it works without strong teams. Leadership in media is as much about building people and institutions as it is about building products.”
Soman is now preparing to return to his hometown of Trivandrum, barely four years after returning to India.
“Delhi NCR has a way of testing your patience, your stamina and occasionally your sanity,” he says. “But it also leaves you with stories that will last a lifetime.”
“So as I pack up and head home to Trivandrum, I do so with no complaints and no regrets.”
“I didn’t sell my soul. Some things, after all, aren’t for sale.”
Soman’s reflections underscore the tensions between editorial independence, commercial realities and political pressures shaping television news today. His experience offers a window into the challenges facing media leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. For him, the decision marks a moment to step back after decades spent across global newsrooms and media businesses.
