MAM
boAt appoints Jasleen Royal as brand ambassador
Mumbai: boAt, a consumer electronics brand renowned for its innovative audio & wearables products, is thrilled to announce Jasleen Kaur Royal, the acclaimed Indian singer-songwriter, as its newest brand ambassador. Known for her soulful voice and distinctive musical style, Jasleen Royal has captured the hearts of millions with hits like “Heeriye”, “Ranjha”, “Din Shagna Da” and “Love You Zindagi”.
Jasleen is a self-taught musician who has taken the Indian music industry by storm. Despite having no formal training in music, Jasleen Royal’s journey is a testament to her immense talent and dedication. She effortlessly combines singing and composing, often playing multiple instruments simultaneously, showcasing her versatility and creativity. Her ability to blend folk, indie, and contemporary genres has garnered widespread acclaim, making her a beloved figure in the Indian music industry.
Royal’s achievements include winning the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director in 2022 for the film Shershaah, being the first female music director to win the award and composing songs for movies including Shershaah (2021), Baar Baar Dekho (2016), Gully Boy (2019) and more.
As boAt’s brand ambassador, Jasleen Royal will embody the brand’s ethos of youthful energy, innovation, and passion for music. Her authentic connection with audiences aligns perfectly with boAt’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences that resonate with consumers across India and beyond.
Commenting on the association, boAt co-founder and chief marketing officer Aman Gupta expressed excitement about the collaboration: “Jasleen Royal is not just a talented musician but also a cultural icon who represents the spirit of today’s youth. Her song “Heeriye” became a national sensation, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with. We are delighted to have her on board as our brand ambassador. Her unique style and widespread appeal will undoubtedly strengthen boAt’s connection with music enthusiasts and fans.”
Jasleen Royal shared her enthusiasm for partnering with boAt, saying, “I am thrilled to join forces with boAt, a brand that has revolutionized the audio industry with its innovative products. Music is a universal language, and I believe boAt’s commitment to delivering superior sound experiences aligns perfectly with my own passion for creating music that resonates deeply with listeners.”
With Jasleen Royal on board, boAt continues to reinforce its position as a frontrunner in the consumer electronics market, offering a diverse range of audio solutions that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of music lovers worldwide.
MAM
Paramount set to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in $81 billion deal
Shareholders back merger, combined entity could reshape streaming and studios.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… consolidation, Hollywood’s latest blockbuster might be happening off-screen. Shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery have voted in favour of selling the company to Paramount in a deal valued at $81 billion rising to nearly $111 billion including debt setting the stage for one of the biggest shake-ups in modern media. The proposed merger, still subject to regulatory approvals, would bring together a vast portfolio spanning HBO Max, CNN, and franchises such as Harry Potter under the same umbrella as Paramount’s own heavyweights, including Top Gun and CBS.
At the heart of the deal is streaming scale. Executives have indicated plans to combine HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single platform, potentially creating a stronger challenger to giants like Netflix and Amazon’s Prime Video. Current market data suggests HBO Max holds around 12 per cent of US on-demand subscriptions, compared to Paramount+’s 3 per cent, together still trailing Netflix’s 19 per cent and Disney’s combined 27 per cent via Disney+ and Hulu.
Paramount CEO David Ellison has signalled that while platforms may merge, HBO’s creative identity will remain intact, stating the brand should “stay HBO” even within a broader ecosystem.
Beyond streaming, the deal would redraw the map for film production. Combining two of Hollywood’s oldest studios Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros., the new entity aims to scale output to over 30 films annually, while maintaining a 45-day theatrical window. Warner Bros. currently commands around 21 per cent of the US box office, compared to Paramount’s 6 per cent, underscoring the strategic weight of the acquisition.
But scale comes with scrutiny. Critics warn that fewer players could mean reduced consumer choice, rising subscription costs, and potential job cuts as the combined company looks to streamline overlapping operations while managing billions in debt.
The news business, too, faces a reset. CNN would join forces at least structurally with Paramount-owned CBS, raising questions about editorial independence and positioning. The merger has already drawn political attention in the United States, particularly given perceived ties between the Ellison family and Donald Trump, though the company maintains that newsroom autonomy will be preserved.
If approved, the deal would mark another milestone in Hollywood’s consolidation wave shrinking the industry’s traditional “big six” studios to a “big four”, with Paramount joining Disney, Universal, and Sony at the top table.
In an industry built on storytelling, this merger may well become its most consequential plot twist yet.
