iWorld
Amitabh Bachchan turns narrator for Warner Bros Discovery’s new series
Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery, the leading global media and entertainment company, is in celebratory mode with India’s “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” on its 75th year of Independence and is all set to unveil its new series, The Journey of India, on October 10. Narrated by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who is also the face of Incredible India, the series is ready to memorialise the country’s rich tapestry of heritage, innovation and contemporary marvels that have paved the way for the country’s cutting-edge advancement.
The six-part special series premieres globally on the streaming platform, discovery+, in India, the US, the UK, and the Philippines. It will be broadcast in more than 140 countries, including India, Japan, Singapore, France, Switzerland, UAE, Egypt, Brazil, Iran, and Kenya, among others, on the Discovery network of channels.
The series weaves a tale of India’s legacy with contributions from a range of esteemed personalities and leaders. Spanning a wide range of subjects, this one-of-a-kind series provides an in-depth look at the nation’s progress, influences and accomplishments during the past 75 years; from advancements in science and technology and our ambitious and successful space missions to the world of cinema that not only entertains but also inspires.
From fascinating stories of faith found across the length and breadth of the country to a diverse food culture that is adored around the world, India in the last 75 years has slowly but steadily made its presence felt on the global stage. Featuring an extensive collection of historical footage, it also hears from a stellar line-up of respected personalities and subject matter experts.
Warner Bros. Discovery general manager South Asia Arjun Nohwar said, “As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, this commemorative new series reflects Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to bringing to life unique stories that inspire. We are proud to work with the iconic Amitabh Bachchan to take the audience on a vibrant journey through India, capturing the ethos of the nation, its diverse culture, and the spirit of its people.”
The Journey of India will premiere in India on Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and DTamil. More details on the series will be announced in the coming weeks.
iWorld
Netflix cuts jobs in product division amid restructuring
Layoffs hit creative studio unit as leadership and strategy shifts unfold.
MUMBAI: The streaming wars may be fought on screen, but the latest plot twist is unfolding behind the scenes. Netflix has reportedly begun laying off several dozen employees from its product division as part of an internal reorganisation, according to a report by Variety. The cuts are believed to have primarily affected the company’s creative studio unit, which works on marketing assets such as in app trailers, promotional visuals and live experience content for the streaming platform.
The company has not disclosed the exact number of employees impacted.
According to the report, the layoffs were not tied to employee performance. Instead, the restructuring eliminated certain roles while other employees were reassigned to different teams within the organisation.
The roles affected are understood to include designers, producers and creative specialists responsible for marketing and brand experience initiatives.
The job cuts come as Netflix adjusts its leadership structure and reshapes its product and creative teams. Last month, Elizabeth Stone was promoted from chief technology officer to chief product and technology officer, giving her oversight of product, engineering and data operations across the company.
Earlier, in December 2025, Netflix also appointed Martin Rose as head of creative for global brand and partnerships, a move seen as part of a broader restructuring of the company’s brand and product functions.
Despite the layoffs, Netflix remains one of the largest employers in the streaming sector. The company is estimated to employ around 16,000 people globally, with roughly 70 percent of its workforce based in the United States and Canada. In 2023, the company reported approximately 13,000 employees, indicating that its headcount had grown significantly before the latest restructuring.
The workforce changes arrive at a time when Netflix is navigating a shifting financial and strategic landscape in the global entertainment industry.
The streaming giant recently secured $2.8 billion in additional cash after receiving a breakup fee from Paramount Skydance following its withdrawal from a deal involving Warner Bros. Discovery.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Netflix co chief executive Ted Sarandos explained that the company had evaluated multiple scenarios during the negotiations but chose not to match the competing offer once it learned that a higher bid had been submitted.
Netflix had capped its offer at $27.75 per share and ultimately stepped back rather than pursue Paramount’s $111 billion acquisition deal, which included a personal guarantee.
Sarandos also cautioned that the financing structure behind the Paramount Skydance transaction could have ripple effects across the entertainment industry.
According to him, the debt heavy deal could trigger significant cost cutting, with David Ellison, chief executive of Paramount Skydance, expected to eliminate about $16 billion in costs and potentially cut thousands of jobs as part of the integration process.
For Netflix, the current restructuring appears to be part of a broader attempt to streamline operations while continuing to invest in product, technology and global content even as the streaming industry enters a new phase of consolidation and financial discipline.
