iWorld
The Viral Fever wins big at 22nd Asian Television Awards
MUMBAI: The Viral Fever, creators of the web content in India and makers of the series “TVF Pitchers”, “Permanent Roommates” have added another feather to their cap! Their original web series TVF Tripling which released last year has bagged the award for the best scriptwriting for web programme/series at the recently concluded 22nd Asian Television Awards in Singapore.
TVF Originals head Sameer Saxena said, “Tripling is a very special show for TVF. Thanks to Sumeet & Akarsh, we had a story that was true to the experiences we share with family, and loved by Indian audiences. With this award, we are confident that these stories are true beyond India as well.”
Directed by Rajesh Krishnan, the web series which premiered in August last year, is an unforgettable, unplanned road trip that the three siblings – Chandan (played by Vyas), Chanchal (played by Maanvi Gagroo) and Chitvan (played by Amol Parashar) – are on to meet their parents. The tale is loaded with the emotions that highlight the unique and enduring relationship between siblings. The show, which is written by lead actor and scriptwriter Sumeet Vyas along with Akarsh Khurana, has won this award in its 1st ever year. This was also The Viral Fever and India’s 1st nomination in this category. The series broke new grounds in digital entertainment in India with story-telling, production scale, and viewership. Tripling is available to watch on TVF’s original content platform, TVFPlay.
Vyas said, “Tripling was created from very personal experiences. Beyond funny situations and crazy people, there’s a warm story that we were trying to tell, and I’m so so proud that people got it. Thank you ATA for recognising and appreciating our effort.”
Khurana added, “The win was a wonderful surprise and a reminder of how much love there is for the series. It’s the perfect motivation for Sumeet and me as we are in the process of writing Season 2. It’s also lots of pressure!”
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
