iWorld
Content makes social media influencers popular
MUMBAI: A session on young media influencers was held on day 2 of FICCI FRAMES,the global media and entertainment conclave. These media influencers are being used by brands to promote their brands through social media. These infleuncers have a huge following on their social media platforms.
"I think earlier it was about the fact that if you are a celebrity, there should be a mystery around it. Now your celebrity status has everything to do with your relatability to the people." Said Rohan Joshi.
"I think when it comes to sponsorship and collaboration, brands come to us depending on the age group of our audience and if that matches up to their brand value." Srishti
Actor Gaurav Gera, popular on social media for his characters like Chutki and Shopkeeper, said: "I think we are like TV channels. You know where we have subscribers and steady audience like the way TV channels have. We are primarily making videos to entertain and to engage with people."
Talking about maintaining consistency of the content, Prajakta Koli, a YouTuber known as MostlySane, said: "It has to be a full-time job. We have to be in search of content and there is no day off for us. Especially, in our initial days, when we are doing everything — writing, performing, editing. But then, once you get a strong connection with the audience, you just go on."
Have the digital influencers got their dues?
"I was having a conversation with someone who was saying how much budget is allotted for digital marketing, and the amount was massive. It tells us how the whole ballgame of marketing has changed. Whereas they want a Bollywood star for his/her reach, they also want a social media influencer for its relatability factor."
iWorld
Airtel bets big on digital lending with Rs 20,000 Cr NBFC push
Telecom giant aims to transform India’s credit scene with a high-scale NBFC plan
NEW DELHI: Bharati Airtel is taking a bold step into the financial world. The telecom giant has announced plans to supercharge its Non-Banking Financial Company, Airtel Money Limited, with a whopping Rs 20,000 crore over the coming years.
Airtel will fund 70 per cent of the capital, with the remaining 30 per cent coming from the promoter group via Bharti Enterprises Limited. The move is designed to narrow India’s credit gap and bring simple, secure digital lending to more consumers.
The company is not starting from scratch. Its existing digital lending platform has already disbursed over Rs 9,000 crore, backed by smart underwriting, disciplined portfolio management, and real-time risk monitoring. With 500 plus data scientists and robust analytics, Airtel claims it has built one of the country’s most trusted lending service provider models.
Bharti Airtel executive vice chairman Gopal Vittal said, “Our success over the past two years shows how technology, data, and customer trust can create impact at a national scale. With this NBFC expansion, we aim to build a future-ready digital lending business that stands for trust, innovation, and inclusion.”
Airtel Money received its NBFC licence from the Reserve Bank of India on 13 February 2026. The expansion taps into India’s fast-growing financial sector, where formal credit accounts for just 53 per cent of GDP, highlighting huge room for growth.
The NBFC’s operations will integrate seamlessly with Airtel’s existing lending platform, keeping processes clear for customers while delivering a smooth experience. By leveraging its vast telecom customer base, Airtel aims to set a new benchmark in digital financial services and make lending accessible, simple, and reliable.
The Reserve Bank of India has noted that while Airtel Money has a valid registration certificate, it does not guarantee the company’s financial soundness or the repayment of liabilities.
