News Broadcasting
Boom and Belonging, News18 Bangla’s Puja Tale Rings Twice on Global Stage
MUMBAI: If storytelling were an art form, this one’s painted in vermillion and gold. News18 Bangla’s Durga Puja brand campaign, crafted in collaboration with Daaker Shaaj, has struck global gold again earning a coveted spot on Ads of the World for the second consecutive year. The campaign celebrates Bengal’s biggest festival through a cinematic blend of emotion, artistry, and community spirit that feels as timeless as the beats of the dhaak itself.
Durga Puja isn’t just a festival, it’s five days of goosebumps, glitter, and grace that transform Kolkata into a living, breathing artwork. It’s where neighbourhoods turn into museums, and the faithful become storytellers. Channeling that magic, the campaign uses the ubiquitous boom, crafted with Daaker Shaaj’s signature detailing, as its visual thread connecting everyday Puja moments in a shared celebration of togetherness.
The film’s Bengali copywriting hums with poetry and pride, weaving diversity, devotion, and the festival’s chaotic beauty into one seamless story. It captures the pulse of the city the late-night pandal-hopping, the sparkle of new clothes, and the laughter echoing over bhog and beats. Every frame feels soaked in nostalgia yet freshly relevant, offering viewers an emotional walk through Bengal’s cultural soul.
Created by Inner Circle, this is not just a campaign but a cultural postcard, one that continues News18 Bangla tradition of elevating festive storytelling. Its repeat recognition on Ads of the World cements the brand’s reputation for innovative, inclusive, and locally rooted creativity that resonates globally.
“Durga Puja is not only a religious festival but an emotive experience for people of Bengal. This campaign brilliantly captures that spirit, blending its rich culture with compelling storytelling,” said Xiaomi India RMM East Gourav Sinha.
Echoing that sentiment Wow! Momo, CMO and co-founder L. Muralikrishnan added, “Durga Puja is not just a festival, it’s a celebration of myriad hues of what Bengal stands for; which is ‘For All. By All.’ This campaign beautifully captures that spirit, blending cultural authenticity with inclusive storytelling.”
By celebrating the vibrancy and inclusivity of Durga Puja, News18 Bangla’s campaign doesn’t just showcase Bengal’s creative might, it reminds us why great ideas, like great festivals, are “for all, by all”. As the dhaak beats rise once again, this campaign proves that when culture meets creativity, the world can’t help but dance along.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
