MAM
Nicktoons to become ad-supported in the US from August
MUMBAI: Nicktoons, the animated kids channel from the Nickelodeon stable, will beam ads from August.
Nickelodeon Television president Cyma Zarghami says, “Nicktoons’ emerging popularity enables us to use another screen as an avenue to reach kids in a more targeted way. Now that it is in almost 34 million homes, Nicktoons is well on its way to becoming a top viewing destination for animation lovers and a sought-after brand with an identity all its own.”
Featuring current and classic programming that is 75 per cent exclusive to the channel, Nicktoons targets kids and tweens. Launched in May 2002, Nicktoons has been a commercial-free television network and website since its inception.
Nickelodeon Digital Television executive VP and GM Tom Ascheim said, “It is exciting for us to be bringing another one of Nickelodeon’s networks to the ad sales market. Under the leadership of general manager Keith Dawkins, Nicktoons will continue to develop its own unique flavor and showcase original animated programming from around the world, building on the current line-up of classic Nicktoon hits.”
As had ben reported earlier by indiantelevision.com next year Nicktoons will launch three new series. Skyland is a sci-fi action adventure series set in the year 2251 that follows a heroic young brother and sister team searching for their parents in a new world order. Kappa Mikey centers on an American actor named Mikey who inadvertently becomes a huge star in Japan after joining the cast of a struggling Japanese anime series. Shuriken School — produced by Xilam Entertainment is a quirky comedy with a martial arts twist about a boy’s adventures at Ninja school.
Brands
Lovetc appoints Tamannaah Bhatia as brand face
Ananya Birla’s premium colour cosmetics line gears up for strong second year with 30 per cent monthly growth and fresh face category launch.
MUMBAI: Lovetc is tinting its success story with a starry new shade Tamannaah Bhatia has just been named the face of Ananya Birla’s premium beauty brand. As the colour cosmetics label under Birla Cosmetics completes a vibrant first year in April 2026, it is entering its second chapter with impressive momentum. The brand has delivered 30 per cent month-on-month growth, expanded thoughtfully into offline and quick-commerce channels, and built a loyal following through a digital-first approach mixed with genuine consumer connections.
Priced between Rs 650 and Rs 1,850, Lovetc focused its debut portfolio on lips and eyes categories. Hero products such as Tint, Talk, Etc Radiant Glow Hydrating Tint (SPF 30 PA++), Pout, Perfect, Etc Matte Bullet Lipstick, and Melt, Miracle, Etc Treatment Oil-Infused Lip Balm quickly won hearts. Early shoppers showed strong purchase intent, with average order values ranging from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,800 and an average of two items per transaction, signalling healthy basket-building and repeat purchases.
The brand made its mark in key metros including Mumbai, NCR, Chennai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Patiala, Ludhiana, and Cochin, while Tier-2 cities surprised with robust demand and loyalty. On the distribution side, Lovetc entered 90 offline retail doors in year one and is on track to cross 150 doors by Q2 2026, choosing each outlet carefully to match its premium positioning.
To mark the milestone, Lovetc is stepping into the face category with the launch of Ace, Face, Etc 4K Blur Matte Foundation in eight shades tailored for diverse Indian skin tones. Additional innovations like the multi-purpose The Etc stick and longwear lip tint Love Bites are also in the pipeline.
Tamannaah Bhatia, known for her pan-India appeal across films and her authentic love for beauty, brings cultural relevance and credibility to the brand. Ananya Birla, founder of Birla Cosmetics, said, “Year Two is going to be big. The brief for every new launch remains the same: Does it perform? Is it playful? Is it kind to the person wearing it? Performance, playfulness, and kindness that is the promise we intend to keep. Bringing Tamannaah on board feels especially pertinent because she brings together an authentic love for beauty with a connection that cuts across audiences and geographies.”
Tamannaah Bhatia added, “I have always loved beauty as a form of self-expression, and what drew me to Lovetc is that it feels playful, thoughtful, and modern at the same time. I am excited to be the face of a brand that is creating products with both performance and personality.”
With deliberate growth, quality-focused retail expansion, and a celebrity partner who genuinely connects with beauty lovers nationwide, Lovetc is blending performance with personality in a market hungry for thoughtful premium options. As it steps into year two, the brand is proving that in beauty, the right tint can make everything glow a little brighter. Delhi, Mumbai, or a Tier-2 favourite Lovetc is colouring India’s beauty shelves with confidence and charm.
