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Digital singing contest Hipi G.O.A.T returns with season two
Mumbai: Short video platform Hipi is excited to announce the launch of season two of Hipi G.O.A.T., a nationwide digital singing competition, packed with fun-filled, pitch-and-video-perfect challenges. This competition is open to all types of singers like amateur vocalists, semi-professional singers and hobbyists of all ages and styles, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents to a wider audience and potentially kickstart their music careers from the comfort of their homes.
Encouraged by the success of the Hipi G.O.A.T. season one, which attracted thousands of outstanding singers, the competition this time around is again held entirely online, with participants able to enter by submitting entries on the Hipi app. The three-month pan-India contest will have a new challenge every fortnight, and entries are accepted, in any Indian language. The contestants that prevailed in the challenges will square off in the grand finale for four weeks, post which, the Hipi G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) will be crowned. The winner will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to record a music video under the Zee Music label.
This season’s judges’ panel is stacked in stardom. The chart-topping Bollywood playback singer Palak Muchhal will lend her sharp ear to identify this magical voice. As an experienced performer known for belting out hits like ‘Chahun main ya na’ and ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo,’ Palak will be looking for contestants who can deliver exceptional songs and top-notch video performances.
Joining her in promoting the contest is the last season’s winner, Sireesha Bhagavatula, who wowed the judges and took home the grand prize alongside Chirag Tomar. Since her victory, Sireesha served off-the-chart hits with ‘Ghodey Pe Sawaar’ and ‘Phero Na Najariya’ of the Qala album released on Netflix, and the Tamil Magnum opus PS1. Being the joint winner of season one with Sireesha Bhagavatula, Chirag Tomar’s booming voice has become a sensation among the Hipi audience with the recent release of his original, Teri Yaad.
In this season, with unique challenges every two weeks, four winners will be chosen from each region of the country. The 24 winners will get a cash prize of Rs. 15,000 and a direct ticket to the grand finale. The mega winner gets to record a music video under the prestigious Zee Music Company label along with a cash prize of Rs. 1 lac. The first runner-up will get the exclusive opportunity to playback for the title track of a Zee TV show. Additionally, the contestants can win Rs. 1000 every day if their entry receives the highest likes from the Hipi audience.
Commenting on Hipi G.O.A.T. 2, the chief business officer GBS Bindra said, “ Hipi G.O.A.T season 1 was introduced with the goal of providing a platform for emerging singers to showcase their talents and gain recognition in the music industry. With season two, we are doubly excited to discover the next generation of music stars yet again! “
So, for all the aspiring singers who have been seeking a platform to showcase their talent and take a step forward in their musical journey, this is their chance.
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.
