Brands
Rahul Dravid pads up for Paradeep Phosphates campaigns
MUMBAI: Rahul Dravid has taken guard again, this time not on the pitch, but in the fields. Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL), one of India’s largest private fertiliser producers, has roped in the cricketing legend as its brand ambassador to champion innovative and sustainable farming practices.
The partnership brings together two names known for trust, consistency, and performance. Dravid’s steady hand and PPL’s farmer-first ethos aim to inspire India’s growers to adopt smarter, more sustainable methods through two nationwide campaigns, “Kheti Ka Game Changer” and “NPK & Organic Fertilizers Ki Winning Team.”
The campaigns use cricketing analogies to make agronomy simple and engaging. In the first, Dravid fronts Jai Kisaan Navratna Nano Shakti Nano DAP, likening nano fertilisers to game-changing strategies that improve yield and efficiency. In the second, balanced fertilisation takes centre stage with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium playing star “team roles,” promoting soil health and stronger crops.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rahul Dravid to the PPL family,” said Paradeep Phosphates managing director and CEO Suresh Krishnan. “His discipline and integrity mirror our values. Just as he led teams to victory through patience and planning, our products empower farmers to achieve winning outcomes season after season.”
Dravid echoed the sentiment, saying, “Farmers and sportspersons share a similar spirit, both rely on patience, timing, and the right support to succeed. I’m proud to be part of an initiative that helps India’s farmers make practical, informed choices.”
Backed by sister company Zuari FarmHub Ltd (ZFHL) in collaboration with TERI, PPL’s nano fertilisers have shown strong results in boosting crop yield while promoting sustainability. The new campaigns will roll out across television, print, and digital platforms, taking Dravid’s calm resolve and PPL’s innovation to millions of farmers nationwide.
Looks like Dravid’s next innings will be played on fertile ground, where discipline meets growth and every crop has a shot at victory.
Brands
JioHotstar EVP, head subscriptions (SVOD) and media Piyush Kothari exits
Streaming executive signs off after 6.5-year run across DisneyStar and JioStar
MUMBAI: Piyush Kothari, EVP and head subscriptions (SVOD) and media at JioHotstar, has stepped down from his role, bringing the curtain down on a 6.5-year stint spanning the DisneyStar and JioStar eras.
Kothari shared the update in a note reflecting on what he called a “transformative” phase for the media industry and a personal journey through the fast-evolving world of streaming and sports entertainment.
“The last few years have been transformative for the media industry and experiencing this journey up close over the past 6.5 years with DisneyStar and now JioStar has been a thriller,” he wrote, thanking colleagues and collaborators who shaped his time in the business.
Kothari joined JioHotstar in November 2024 as EVP, head subscriptions (svod) and media, where he oversaw subscription revenues and subscriber growth for the platform’s svod business.
Before that, he spent over five years at The Walt Disney Company in a series of leadership roles. His last position there was head of product, growth, partnerships and international expansion for Disney+ Hotstar, where he led efforts to scale subscription revenues across direct to consumer and partnership channels. The role also involved overseeing the service’s standalone businesses in markets such as Singapore, Canada and the UK.
Earlier, he served as lead, corporate office and strategic projects, working across the company’s entertainment, sports and streaming businesses. He also headed business operations at Mashal Sports, the entity behind the Pro Kabaddi League, where he helped steer the league through key commercial milestones including a five year broadcast and streaming media rights deal.
Alongside his operational roles, Kothari also served as nominee director on the board of Mashal Sports and was a director on the board of Novi Digital, the company that operates Hotstar.
Before entering the media and entertainment space, Kothari held senior roles across consulting, fintech and conglomerates. He worked with Welspun Group as head, group executive office, with Aditya Birla Group as joint president and business head, digital, analytics and strategy at Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank, and earlier served as vice president in the chairman’s office at the group.
His career also includes stints at Accenture as principal, Accenture Strategy, and earlier at Shell in channel development and sales.
Reflecting on his time in the media sector, Kothari said he leaves with a lasting belief in India’s subscription economy. He also joked about picking up a new affection along the way.
“Carrying with me love for kabaddi, a deep belief in the potential of the subscriptions business in India, and fond memories and friendships,” he wrote, adding that he is now “onward to the next chapter”.
