MAM
Anuj Sawhney & Manav Subodh launch The Big ‘Small Talk’ podcast
Mumbai: Anuj Sawhney managing director of Swiss Military Worldwide & former Bollywood actor, joins forces with his childhood best friend Manav Subodh, the founder of 1M1B ( One Million for One Billion) a United Nations accredited organization, to introduce a groundbreaking podcast: The Big Small Talk! This captivating show promises to unravel the intricacies of daily life, shedding light on seemingly inconsequential moments that profoundly shape our collective experiences.
In today’s world, inundated with Podcasts covering a plethora of topics, The Big Small Talk emerges as a breath of fresh air. Hosted by Sawhney and Subodh, this innovative podcast ventures into the heart of everyday nuances, often overlooked but carrying immense significance.
The Big Small Talk delves into varied “seemingly insignificant” situations encountered by everyone in their daily lives. From moments of humour to instances of confusion or frustration, these scenarios affect our well-being, often leaving us clueless about how to navigate them.
Anuj Sawhney, marking his 50th birthday as a milestone, chose to launch this podcast on this significant occasion and said, “It’s a show where best friends come together and discuss anything and everything, with no holds barred and bearing their soul to each other without any fear or risk of getting judged. It is an opportunity to talk about bottled-up emotions and instances that are ‘seemingly’ nothing but factually everything! It’s finally a show I’ve been thinking about for years and had decided my 50th birthday to be the landmark when I would finally take the plunge back into the limelight”.
Adding to the sentiment, Manav Subodh emphasises the inclusivity of the podcast, stating that “The Big Small Talk isn’t just a podcast— it’s a platform for connection and reflection. As best friends & co-hosts, we’re excited to delve into the intricacies of daily life, inviting guests and listeners alike who are the local heroes under our “Hidden Gems” section to share their stories and perspectives. We have attempted to discuss these instances in a humorous yet non-judgemental way”.
Upcoming Episodes Preview:
Episode 2 – Fake it…to Make it!: Join Anuj and Manav as they explore the dynamics of authenticity and success, sharing personal anecdotes and challenging perspectives on achieving goals and then flaunting the same to fulfil underlying insecurities all of us have within.
Episode 3 – The Role of Abuses in Everyday Life: Uncover the nuances of language and societal norms with candid discussions on when and where colourful language is acceptable or crass.
Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and thought-provoking conversations on ‘The Big Small’ Talk podcast. Join Anuj Sawhney and Manav Subodh as they navigate life’s subtleties with honesty, wit, and humour. Don’t miss out on the next episode!
MAM
India’s experience economy grows as live events market hits Rs 17,000 crore
EY-Parthenon and BookMyShow report finds 78 per cent Indians prefer experiences over products
MUMBAI: India’s live entertainment scene is no longer just about music, comedy or festivals. It is increasingly becoming a powerful stage for brands seeking deeper connections with consumers.
A new report titled Beyond Attention, Into Immersion by EY-Parthenon and BookMyShow suggests that India’s experience economy is entering a strong growth phase, driven by consumers who are choosing memorable moments over material purchases.
According to the study, the country’s live events ecosystem, which includes concerts, comedy tours, festivals and immersive exhibitions, is estimated to reach around Rs 17,000 crore in 2025. The growth reflects a broader cultural shift in how Indians spend their time and money.
The report finds that 78 per cent of Indian consumers now prefer spending on experiences rather than physical products. From attending concerts and festivals to participating in interactive brand installations, audiences are increasingly seeking engagement, community and shareable moments.
This change in consumer behaviour is particularly evident among younger audiences who want to participate rather than simply watch. Instead of passively consuming entertainment, many now look for experiences that allow them to interact, express themselves and connect with like minded communities.
For marketers, this shift has turned experiential marketing into a strategic priority rather than a promotional add on. Brands are moving away from interruption driven advertising and towards immersive formats that allow consumers to discover, test and emotionally connect with products.
The report suggests that experiential marketing now plays a role across the entire consumer journey. It can spark brand discovery, strengthen storytelling, encourage product trials and ultimately influence purchase decisions and loyalty.
The impact is already visible. Post event surveys conducted among 7,450 attendees at major events including Lollapalooza India and concerts by Ed Sheeran and Guns N’ Roses highlight the effectiveness of these experiences.
Around 59 per cent of attendees recalled brands they interacted with during the events, while 55 per cent said those interactions increased their likelihood of purchasing from the brand. A further 63 per cent reported that brand activations actually enhanced their event experience rather than distracting from it. Nearly 29 per cent also said the interaction improved their perception of the brand.
Brands are also changing the way they approach events. Instead of simply putting logos on stages or banners, companies are building experiences into the fabric of the event itself.
Financial services brands, for example, are offering early ticket access, exclusive lounges and curated event experiences for cardholders. Fashion and beauty companies are using festivals to showcase products through pop ups, interactive installations and social media friendly spaces that encourage visitors to share their experiences online.
The scope of experiential marketing now stretches far beyond live entertainment. Retailers are designing experiential stores where customers can explore products in lifelike environments. Entertainment platforms are extending popular intellectual properties into immersive exhibitions and fan events. Technology is also playing a growing role through augmented reality and virtual try on tools that blend digital discovery with physical interaction.
Cultural festivals remain one of the most powerful platforms for such engagement in India. Celebrations such as Navratri and Holi bring together large communities, emotional participation and heightened consumer spending. For brands, these moments offer an opportunity to become part of the celebration rather than simply advertise around it.
Despite the momentum, the report notes that some companies still hesitate to adopt experiential marketing at scale. Budget constraints, limited expertise and uncertainty around measuring return on investment remain common concerns.
However, the growing body of data around consumer engagement and brand impact is gradually addressing these challenges. More marketers are expected to allocate a larger share of their budgets to experiential formats over the coming years.
Taken together, the findings point to a clear trend. As consumers seek meaning, memories and moments worth sharing, live experiences are emerging as one of the most powerful ways for brands to stay relevant in a crowded media landscape.
