iWorld
Bingeworthy audio & web series for your Friendship Day party!
Mumbai: There are countless national holidays, but this is undoubtedly one of our favorites! Aditi from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was damn right when she said, “kuch logon ke saath sirf waqt bitaane se hi sab theek ho jata hai.” So, here’s to celebrating and spending quality time with our best friends, and what better way to do it than by lapping up some interesting audio shows, and web series together? From ‘Desi Down Under’ to ‘Mismatched,’ this thoughtfully curated collection of titles caters to everyone, having something for everyone to enjoy!
Platform: Audible
Set on the shores of Sydney, Desi Down Under is a coming-of-age story that follows three hopeful 20-somethings from Mangalore who cross the ocean to learn surf-lifesaving skills at the stunning Coogee Beach in Australia. The plot revolves around best friends Deven, Meenu, and Rahul and their trip of a lifetime. Listen to this funny and uplifting comedy about friendship, dream fulfillment, culture clash, and humanity, in English and Hindi, on Audible.
Adulting: It’s a Jungle Out There
Platform: Audible
‘Adulting: It’s a Jungle Out There,’ is a coming-of-age series that chronicles the lives of two young women, Ray and Nikhat, as they navigate the complexities of independent adulthood in the vibrant city of Mumbai. Join them on their journey through the rollercoaster of being twenty-somethings, where friendship plays a crucial role in their unique approaches to tackling the challenges of adulthood. Get ready for an immersive experience as you witness their adventures and triumphs in the jungle of life, on Audible.
Platform: Audible
Follow the incredible journey and friendship of two fourteen-year-old girls from Karachi from 1988 to present-day London in this audiobook. As Pakistan’s political scene undergoes a dramatic transformation, with a dictator toppling and a powerful woman taking charge, the world brims with newfound possibilities, strengthening its unbreakable bond. Brace yourselves to be captivated as their story unfolds, exploring themes of friendship, politics, and the complexities of power.
Platform: Amazon Prime
As they struggle to get through the first semester at a hostel, four young and vulnerable roommates develop a strong friendship through the series. Amazon Prime’s ‘Hostel Daze’ is filled to the brim with the craziness, conflicts, and even disasters that are a part of hostel life, demonstrating the challenges that every student who lives in a hostel must overcome. With a unique sense of humour that makes it a highly engaging binge, this series is a must-watch, leaving you wanting for more!
Platform: Amazon Prime
Experience the complex world of ‘Four More Shots Please!’ on Amazon Prime, where the unbreakable bond of four women takes center stage. Set against the backdrop of vibrant Mumbai, these women celebrate their friendship while toasting tequila shots. Fearlessly embracing their imperfections, they navigate the intricacies of complex relationships, learn from their mistakes, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. The series serves as an unflinchingly honest portrayal of strong female friendships and women who dare to stand up for themselves!
Platform: Netflix
‘Mismatched’ is a Netflix original series about a young woman named Dimple Ahuja who dreams of finding the perfect wife and a young man named Rishi Singh who dreams of finding the perfect wife. In the course of this series, the duo discovers more about themselves. It is an entertaining watch that explores traditional cultural practices like arranged marriages play out in the modern world. With a young cast, starring Rohit Saraf, Vihaan Samat, Taaruk Raina, and Sanjana Sarathy among others, this show focuses not only on voicing certain issues that the youth face but also on the charm of friendship that helps endure the trials and ordeals of life. ‘Mismatched’ captures the essence of strong bonds and leaves viewers yearning for more of Rishi, Dimple, and their wonderful circle of friends!
Platform: Netflix
Embark on a thrilling adventure filled with friendship and laughter in the city of Kota, Rajasthan. Join Vaibhav, a spirited 16-year-old, as he bids farewell to his hometown and dives headfirst into the exciting chaos of Kota’s educational hub. This series brings to life the ups and downs of student life, as Vaibhav and his gang navigate the cutthroat world of coaching centres in their quest to conquer the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) entrance exam. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of hilarious moments, heartwarming friendships, and unforgettable experiences that define the true spirit of campus life.
iWorld
Warner Chappell Music launches India ops, Jay Mehta to lead unit
WMG shifts to direct model, unifying publishing and recorded music
MUMBAI: Warner Chappell Music has officially launched direct operations in India, marking a strategic shift by parent Warner Music Group to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.
The move replaces the company’s earlier sub-publishing model with a full-fledged, on-ground operation, aimed at giving Indian songwriters stronger access to global networks, rights management tools, and creative infrastructure.
To lead the push, Jay Mehta has been handed an expanded mandate. Already serving as managing director of Warner Music India, Mehta will now oversee both recorded music and publishing across India and neighbouring South Asian markets, effectively bringing the two sides of the business under one roof.
The unified structure is designed to streamline how artists and songwriters work with the company, offering a more integrated ecosystem that spans compositions, recordings, and global distribution.
Warner Music Group managing director, recorded music and publishing, India and SAARC Jay Mehta said, “India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity.”
The timing is no coincidence. According to CISAC, creator collections in India jumped 42 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7 billion in 2024, while IFPI ranks India as the 15th largest recorded music market globally. At the same time, the industry is undergoing a structural shift, with independent and non-film music gaining ground over traditional Bollywood soundtracks.
Warner’s bet is that a direct presence will help it capture this changing dynamic. The company is also offering India-based creators access to its proprietary tools, including AI-powered royalty matching systems and real-time analytics platforms, aimed at improving transparency and earnings visibility.
Warner Chappell Music co-chair and CEO Guy Moot said the move is about shaping a publishing ecosystem that “works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl underlined India’s importance to the company’s global strategy, noting that the new structure creates a “unified powerhouse” for both creators and audiences.
With local studios, global reach, and tighter integration across its business lines, Warner is clearly doubling down on India. And as streaming habits evolve and independent music rises, the company is positioning itself to be not just a participant, but a key architect of the country’s next music chapter.
