MAM
Fremantle Media bags rights to telenovela Betty La Fea in Europe
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has announced that it has bagged the rights to roll out the hit Colombian telenovela format, Yo Soy Betty La Fea, (I am ugly Betty) in Europe.
Fremantle has acquired the rights from Colombian broadcaster RCN, which first aired the show in 1999. The novela went on to be a major hit in a number of other countries.
FremantleMedia CEO Europe, Latin America, The Middle East & Asia Pacific Doug Gluck said,”We are really pleased to be rolling out this hit format around Europe. The demand in telenovelas is going from strength to strength and as always FremantleMedia is ahead of the market. Betty La Fea is an example of a great telenovela formula. There is no doubt that broadcasters around Europe are as enthusiastic as we are.”
Fremantle’s acquisition builds on increasing demand for telenovelas on the international market. Recently, the company secured a commission for the format with John De Mol’s Dutch channel, Talpa. The local version of the telenovela, which is entitled De Liefdes van Lotte, is being produced by FremantleMedia’s Dutch production company, Blue Circle, and is scheduled to air in February.
A German version of Betty La Fea entitled Verliebt in Berlin is produced by FremantleMedia’s local production company, Grundy UFA. The series first aired in February 2005 and regularly attracted 4.5 million viewers, consistently exceeding the time slot average share by over 100% for adults 14 to 49.
The format of Yo Soy Betty La Fea follows a young woman who is bright, dedicated, innovative, kind but has one flaw – she is unattractive. She starts a new job surrounded by beautiful colleagues and tries to win the heart of her handsome boss.
Brands
Hyundai India posts record April sales with 17-per cent growth
Domestic sales hit 51,902 units, exports stand at 13,708 units
MUMBAI: Hyundai is clearly shifting gears and April has put the pedal firmly to the metal. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has reported its highest-ever domestic sales for the month of April, clocking 51,902 units in April 2026, marking a 17 per cent year-on-year growth. The milestone sets a strong tone for the new financial year, signalling sustained demand momentum across its portfolio. Alongside domestic performance, the company recorded export volumes of 13,708 units for the month, underlining its continued strength in overseas markets.
The growth has been driven by a mix of refreshed models and special editions across segments. Recent launches and updates including the Exter, Verna, Ioniq 5, Creta Summer Edition, Grand i10 NIOS Vibe Edition and Venue Knight Edition have helped keep the line-up competitive in an increasingly crowded market.
A standout performer was the Venue, which recorded its highest-ever monthly domestic sales of 12,420 units. The model’s 5-Star Bharat NCAP safety rating, including for the VENUE N Line, appears to have bolstered consumer confidence, reflecting a broader industry shift where safety credentials are becoming a key purchase driver.
Tarun Garg, Managing Director and CEO, HMIL, said the company has carried forward recent momentum into the new financial year, with product interventions and safety-focused positioning playing a central role in driving growth.
The numbers suggest Hyundai’s strategy is ticking multiple boxes fresh product cycles, safety-led messaging and steady export performance. If April is any indication, the company isn’t just starting the year strong, it’s aiming to keep the engine running at full throttle.
