MAM
Shagun TV outsources ad sales to Aidem Ventures
MUMBAI: It made all the right buzz when it announced last month that it was launching India‘s first 24 hour wedding entertainment TV channel. Now Shagun TV is looking to cash in on the buzz and the viewers that will be tuning into it. The channel‘s management has signed on ad sales firm Aidem to manage and sell its ad inventory.
“We are happy to be associated with Aidem Ventures. We are looking forward for a fruitful bonding and a long term relationship with this organisation of national repute,” adds Vertent Media Soft Pvt Ltd chairman Chakardhar Dhoundiyal.
“10 million couples get married in India every year! Marriage is indeed considered one of the biggest celebrations in an Indian‘s life. The channel carries the same ?avour,” says Shagun TV‘s Arunanjan Jha. “The Indian wedding industry is estimated to be a staggering 1,25,000 crore and the number just gets bigger every year. It is for this reason that the largest Food and beverages, apparel, jewelry, consumer durables and furniture players want a piece of this pie. With Shagun TV, we want to ensure that we set the pace for the changing face of the Indian broadcast industry.”
Aidem Ventures director Vikas Khanchandani is thrilled to bits on his company‘s new partnership. Says he: “The entire Aidem team is glad to be associated with Shagun TV. With the second phase of digitisation, the TV audience will be able to access diverse content and sampling of such content will continue to witness a surge.”
He points out that Shagun TV‘s innovative content has tremendous potential with existing and new advertisers alike. “Beyond the usual FCT buys, a channel offers a wide range of possibilities ranging from events, in-show integrations, selective & premium non-FCT ad elements and sponsored specials,” he reveals.
According to him, the weddings business is growing at a 25 per cent clip year on year and is recession proof. “We are also looking forward to work with stakeholders in the wedding business ecosystem to enhance opportunities,” Khandchandani highlights.
A press release states that “the channel‘s content is unquestionably, like no other. It features pre-nuptial and post-nuptial programmes, issues and relevant information around marriages. There is ‘Mere Jeevansathi‘, a primetime show that complements the theme and concept of the channel. It is the first match-making show in the history of Indian television. There is ‘Toh Baat Pakki‘, a chat show that focuses on how a prospective groom and bride look forward to leading a life of shared joys, emotions and aspirations. ‘Gold n Beautiful‘ features trends and patterns prevailing across India in the wedding jewelry market. ‘Honeymoon Travels‘ unravels exotics honeymoon destinations. The channel will soon be announcing its Hindi fiction line up.”
Brands
HP launches Smart Champs learning game show with JioStar for students
Sanya Malhotra hosts quiz series blending fun, learning and prizes
NEW DELHI: HP India has teamed up with JioStar to launch HP Smart Champs, a new learning-based game show designed to make education engaging for school students across the country.
Hosted by Sanya Malhotra, the 10-episode series brings together students from Grades 5 to 9, who compete in teams through quiz and puzzle-based challenges that test knowledge, logic and teamwork. The show will begin streaming on JioHotstar from April 11 and will premiere on Nick on April 18, with weekend episodes airing at 7 PM.
Powered by HP Smart Tank printers, the format integrates print-based learning into the gameplay, using worksheets, clues and visual problem-solving tools to encourage hands-on participation. The idea is to move students beyond rote memorisation and towards more applied, curiosity-led learning.
The competition promises high stakes, with winners set to receive a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while runners-up will take home Rs 5 lakh. Additional rewards include HP AI laptops, Smart Tank printers and accessories, while the winning school will be awarded an HP Smart Tech Lab.
Speaking about the initiative, HP India managing director Ipsita Dasgupta said, “At HP, we believe nurturing India’s youth is key to the country’s progress, and technology plays a foundational role in enabling this. With HP Smart Champs, we wanted to create something beyond traditional learning, a fun-filled platform where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking take centre stage.”
On the show’s reach, JioStar head entertainment sales Mahesh Shetty said, “HP Smart Champs reflects how children today learn through exploration and experience. With Nick and JioHotstar, we are creating a multi-screen approach that is both engaging and meaningful.”
Highlighting the role of print, HP India senior director print Satish Kumar said, “The show brings print-based learning to life in an engaging format, helping students develop deeper understanding through hands-on experiences.”
The journey to the finale began with participation from over 1,000 schools across 26 cities, narrowing down to 34 finalists who will compete in a studio showdown in Mumbai.
With its blend of entertainment, education and technology, HP Smart Champs is positioning itself as more than just a quiz show. It is a nationwide push to make learning interactive, accessible and, above all, a lot more fun.
