MAM
Dharma Cornerstone Agency onboards Neha Kakkar
Mumbai: In a significant development in the music artist management scene, Dharma Cornerstone Agency’s (DCA) music division has welcomed singer Neha Kakkar to its dynamic roster of talents. Following the agency’s recent onboarding of several established and emerging artists, this move is set to further solidify DCA’s foothold in the music talent management landscape.
Neha Kakkar’s range is evident in soulful songs like Mile Ho Tum Humko and party-bangers like Kala Chashma. It was her creativity, grit and perseverance that has seen her become a household name in the industry today. Meanwhile, DCA is strongly backed by decades of experience and well-established leadership from the Indian entertainment industry, making it a brand paving a trailblazing path in the talent management space. Neha’s addition to the DCA marks a remarkable move for both entities.
While this addition to the impressive roster will strengthen DCA’s diversified repertoire of talents, it will further boost Neha Kakkar’s considerable reach. The synergetic partnership will leverage DCA’s widespread network and expertise to stage Neha as a pop sensation in the M&E industry, not just nationally but also globally.
Karan Johar added, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Neha Kakkar on several Dharma films. Her invincibility, immense talent, and unabashed love for the craft have helped her carve her niche in the industry and become the brand she is today. We, at DCA, are elated to welcome such a powerhouse of talent. We aim to further push the envelope by promising a collaborative environment”.
Singer and DCA music talent Neha Kakkar mentioned, “I am thrilled to join the Dharma Cornerstone Agency family! Karan Johar Sir’s vision and passion for creativity align perfectly with my own artistic goals. I’m excited to be a part of a roster that celebrates innovation and excellence. This new chapter in my journey promises to be an unforgettable one, and I can’t wait to create magic with the DCA team!”
Dharma Cornerstone Agency CEO Uday Singh Gauri said “Neha Kakkar’s induction into the Dharma Cornerstone Agency family marks a significant milestone for us. Her phenomenal talent, combined with her dedication and passion, makes her an invaluable addition to our roster. We’re eager to leverage our expertise and resources to amplify her artistic vision and take her career to unprecedented heights. Neha’s unique sound and style will continue to captivate audiences, and we’re proud to be her partners in this exciting new chapter.”
Talking about this exciting onboarding, Dharma Cornerstone Agency head of music division Hamza Kazi said, “Dharma Cornerstone Agency has always strived to cultivate a music community, welcoming artists of all genres to the family. We are thrilled to welcome a talent like Neha Kakkar, who has impacted the Indian audience not only with her exceptional singing and diverse discography but also with her presence and attitude. DCA will act as a catalyst for Neha, boosting her talents and brand by unlocking several branded and musical avenues.”
DCA has become an eminent brand, catering to distinct industry needs, which include celebrity associations, sponsorships, IP development and affiliations, as well as brand activations. Currently, music artists are looking for agencies where they can experiment and get equipped with resources to reach wider audiences. DCA houses such talents and helps them manoeuvre through the glitzy world of music by providing them with the resources and strategic placements to gain visibility.
Brands
Wipro hires 7,500 freshers, withholds FY27 hiring outlook
Profit rises to Rs 3,522 crore, Rs 15,000 crore buyback announced.
MUMBAI- Hiring may be on, but visibility is off, Wipro is adding talent even as it pauses the crystal ball. The company hired 7,500 freshers in FY26 but stopped short of offering any hiring outlook for FY27, underscoring the uncertainty gripping the IT services sector as it pivots towards an AI-led operating model.
The disclosure came alongside its fourth-quarter earnings, where management flagged volatile demand conditions and refrained from committing to future workforce expansion. Chief human resources officer Saurabh Govil noted that over 3,000 of the total hires were onboarded in the March quarter alone, signalling continued intake despite a lack of clarity on deployment pipelines.
This divergence active hiring without forward guidance reflects a broader industry pattern where talent acquisition continues even as deal conversions remain uneven and client spending cycles stretch. Wipro expects its IT services revenue for the June quarter to range between a decline of 2 per cent and flat growth sequentially in constant currency terms, reinforcing near-term caution.
Chief executive officer Srini Pallia pointed to artificial intelligence as both a disruptor and an opportunity. He said evolving client priorities are pushing the company towards outcome-driven engagements, with Wipro increasingly focusing on a services-as-software model through its AI Native Business and Platforms unit. The shift marks a structural change from traditional headcount-led growth to AI-enabled delivery frameworks.
The company has already committed over $1 billion to its AI ecosystem, with investors closely watching how these investments translate into revenue. For now, the numbers present a mixed picture. Net profit rose sequentially to Rs 3,522 crore, while revenue grew 3 per cent to Rs 24,236 crore. However, core IT services performance remained under pressure, with full-year revenue declining 0.3 per cent in dollar terms and 1.6 per cent in constant currency.
Large deal bookings offered a counterpoint, rising 45.4 per cent year-on-year to $7.8 billion, highlighting a widening gap between deal wins and actual revenue realisation. On a quarterly basis, IT services revenue slipped 1.2 per cent sequentially, signalling continued softness in execution.
Margins, however, told a more optimistic story. Operating margins expanded to 17.3 per cent in the fourth quarter, up from 14.8 per cent in the previous quarter, reflecting improved cost discipline. That said, the company cautioned that upcoming wage hikes and the ramp-up of large deals could exert pressure going forward.
Attrition stood at 13.8 per cent in the March quarter, indicating stabilisation after periods of elevated churn. Alongside its earnings, Wipro also announced a Rs 15,000 crore share buyback, reinforcing its focus on shareholder returns, with a payout ratio of 88 per cent over the past three years.
Taken together, the numbers capture a company in transition investing in AI, maintaining hiring momentum, but navigating a demand environment where growth is uneven and visibility remains limited.
