iWorld
Chaitanya Verma releases soulful indie pop track ‘Meri Banke Rehna’
Mumbai: Emerging singer and songwriter Chaitanya Verma releases his latest single, ‘Meri Banke Rehna’, through Hoopr, India’s first music licensing platform. This Indie-Pop track expresses the universal desire to hold onto a loved one, with an infectious rhythm and emotionally resonant lyrics. The song serves as a heartfelt dedication for anyone wishing to express their deepest feelings.
Alongside the track, a lyrical video is available on YouTube, adding depth to the soulful tune. ‘Meri Banke Rehna’ demonstrates Verma’s talent for translating raw emotions into music that resonates with listeners. The song touches on love, connection, and commitment, and is available for streaming on Hoopr (https://hoopr.ai/track/meri-banke-rehna) and YouTube.
Chaitanya Verma, originally from Nainital, Uttarakhand, is a semi-classically trained singer based in Mumbai. He combines his heartfelt songwriting with sound engineering expertise, crafting a unique sound that blends soulfulness with contemporary flair.
Chaitanya Verma commented, “I’m incredibly thankful to Hoopr for providing a platform that not only supports independent artists like myself but also connects us with a wider audience. ‘Meri Banke Rehna’ is very special to me, and it’s exciting to see it reach new listeners through Hoopr. I’m looking forward to creating more music and continuing this journey with the amazing support from Hoopr.”
Hoopr’s co-founder and ceo, Gaurav Dagaonkar added, “At Hoopr, we believe in empowering all kinds of music artists, whether they’re just starting out or are established in their careers. Chaitanya Verma’s ‘Meri Banke Rehna’ is a beautiful addition to our platform, and we’re proud to provide a space for artists like him to share their unique talents with the world. Our mission is to give musicians the tools and opportunities they need to grow, and we’re thrilled to see such incredible talent being showcased on Hoopr.”
Hoopr’s general manager of music, Bhumika Shukla emphasised, “At Hoopr, our focus is on nurturing the indie music landscape by giving talented artists like Chaitanya Verma the platform to reach a wider audience. ‘Meri Banke Rehna’ exemplifies the rich, emotional depth that indie music brings to listeners. We are dedicated to fostering creative voices and ensuring that artists have the tools they need to thrive and connect with their fans.”
Chaitanya’s artistic mission is to inspire love and contentment in his audience. ‘Meri Banke Rehna’ extends his vision, marking another step in his musical journey. He looks forward to continuing this path and seeing where his music takes him next.
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
