MAM
From Bigg Boss to big nights as Dubai hosts season 19 stars
MUMBAI: From house drama to high seas, Bigg Boss 19 is getting a glossy Dubai afterparty. Danube Group founder and chairman Rizwan Sajan is set to host contestants from the blockbuster reality show at an exclusive two-day celebration in Dubai on January 6 and 7, 2026, marking the finale of one of India’s most-watched television seasons.
The celebrations follow Danube Properties’ high-profile association with Bigg Boss Season 19, hosted by Bollywood star Salman Khan, a season that kept audiences hooked for over three months with its trademark mix of rivalry, spectacle and celebrity drama. Actor Gaurav Khanna emerged as the winner, with Farhana Bhatt finishing as the runner-up.
As part of the post-season celebrations, Sajan will host an intimate dinner at his private Dubai residence on January 6, followed by a luxury yacht party on January 7. The events promise a curated taste of Dubai’s high-life, bringing together key faces from the season alongside influencers and creators from the wider entertainment ecosystem.
The guest list is expected to feature Gaurav Khanna, Ashnoor Kaur, Tanya Mittal, Awez Darbar, Nagma Mirajkar, Nehal Chudasama, Abhishek Bajaj, Baseer Ali, Natalia Janoszek, Pranit More, Farhana Bhatt, Neelam Giri, Kunickaa Sadanand, Mridul Tiwari, Amaal Mallik, Shehbaz Badesha and Malti Chahar, among others.
Calling the show a cultural juggernaut, Sajan said Bigg Boss goes beyond television, cutting across age groups and geographies. The Dubai celebrations, he noted, are a way of recognising the contestants’ journey while spotlighting the city’s global appeal.
For Danube, the association underscores a broader brand play blending real estate with pop culture, entertainment and aspirational experiences. For Bigg Boss 19, it’s a final flourish that swaps confinement for celebration, proving that when the cameras stop rolling, the party is only just beginning.
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
