eNews
Celebrating pioneers and underrated comedians is crucial: Ravina Rawal
Mumbai: DeadAnt is the comedy vanguard of India, marrying in-depth narratives with memorable live moments. Featuring an online publication that covers the comedy spectrum, ‘DeadAnt Live’ that presents unparalleled live experiences for audiences and ‘DA Studio’, a creative studio and full service agency that works beyond comedy with both brands and talent across formats, DeadAnt has a special focus on using the arts for impact. DeadAnt launched in 2019 with an online publication to track the evolution of one of the fastest growing forms of entertainment in the country.
The company has since expanded to include an Events & IPs vertical, and an award-winning full-service creative studio that works on brand solutions, content development, influencer and digital campaigns/marketing, and works with a comprehensive pool of talent across media and pop culture. The creative studio also believes strongly in finding ways to use the arts (music, comedy, design) for social impact, to raise awareness and inspire action towards the urgent issues of our time including climate change, women’s health and misinformation.
Indiantelevision.com caught up with DeadAnt CEO & founder Ravina Rawal where she delved deep into numerous aspects including her inspiration to start, their comedy festival, headline events, shows, and much more.
Edited excerpts
On the inspiration to start DeadAnt
The rapid growth of the comedy scene as an alternative entertainment option sparked my interest. There was a noticeable absence of a dedicated portal for the comedy genre, despite my deep personal investment in pop culture. My prior experience at Viacom18, managing brands like Comedy Central, highlighted the need for a robust foundation in comedy. Legacy Media covers top names and controversial topics, but there’s a significant pool of unrecognized talent. Thus, I founded DeadAnt to chronicle comedy’s evolution.
On the creation of Laughing Dead Comedy Festival
While others attempted one-off festivals, I envisioned a prestigious, evolving event serving as a discovery platform for emerging artists. The pandemic necessitated adjustments, delaying our plans for comprehensive curation and a diverse lineup that caters to all comedy enthusiasts, blending international and Indian comedy.
On leveraging comedy to create an impact on social awareness issues
Comedy, like other arts, effectively addresses cultural, political, and social issues, making complex topics more accessible. It touches on issues such as sexuality, gender equality, climate change, sustainable living, and women’s rights.
On DeadAnt’s creative studio:
The creative studio operates as a full-service agency and content hub, collaborating with diverse talent beyond comedy, including brand partnerships and campaigns.
On the importance of conducting DeadAnt Comedy Awards
Celebrating pioneers and underrated comedians is crucial. Recognition should extend to those innovating in their craft, taking risks, and contributing behind the scenes. This spotlight encourages ongoing innovation and sets performance standards.
On the evolution of comedy in India and globally
Comedy often courts controversy globally, navigating sensitive topics that provoke diverse reactions, including legal challenges. In India, regional comedy is gaining traction in this evolving landscape.
On DeadAnt’s upcoming plans
Exciting developments include an upcoming announcement *for “The Loop”, which is an IP bringing international comedians to India. We also hosted the first edition of the Laughing Dead Comedy Festival, headlined by Daniel Sloss There is much more in store.
eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
