eNews
Kuku FM launches Hindi audio series ‘Chacha Chaudhary: Returns’
Mumbai: Kuku FM, India’s audio entertainment platform has announced the launch of an exclusive new audio series, ‘Chacha Chaudhary: Returns,’ based on the beloved Indian comic book character in partnership with Pran’s Features LLP. This strategic collaboration brings to life 10 episodes, each weaving unique adventures that blend nostalgia with contemporary storytelling.
Chacha Chaudhary, a wise old man from a quaint Indian village, defies the traditional ‘hero’ archetype with his sharp intellect and resourcefulness. His adventures underscore the timeless lesson of ‘brains over brawn’—an idea that remains profoundly relevant even today. This series is Kuku FM’s humble effort to celebrate Chacha’s legacy and the unique position he holds in Indian pop culture.
Kuku FM VP of content Kunj Sanghvi said, “Another childhood favourite now comes alive in the audio format as our latest release! The imagination behind Chacha Chaudhary’s world lies in its ability to create a uniquely Indian universe that combines the mundane with the fantastic, the traditional with the modern, and the local with the global. This rich, multifaceted imaginary world has allowed generations to explore, dream, and learn – proving that intelligence and wit are timeless heroes in their own right.”
For many, Chacha Chaudhary is more than just a character; he is a symbol of wit, intelligence, and the everyday heroism that resonated with readers across generations. This audio series aims to reintroduce the charm and wit of Chacha Chaudhary to both old fans and new listeners, capturing the essence of Pran’s timeless work. Each episode is infused with modern supernatural and mysterious elements, offering a fresh and immersive experience that aligns perfectly with trending content themes of our times.
“My heartiest congratulations to the Kuku FM team for producing a great show based on one of our most popular IPs, Chacha Chaudhary,” said Pran’s Features LLP director Nikhil Pran. “The stories are packed with excitement and full of adventure, where Chacha Chaudhary uses his intelligence to solve problems when people are in trouble. I am sure everyone will enjoy listening to this thriller story based in supernatural settings. Looking forward to having more such series.”
This one-of-a-kind collaboration is another feather in the cap of Kuku FM’s rapidly expanding footprint in the audio entertainment space following landmark content partnerships with the likes of Storytel, Jeffrey Archer, Rupa Publications, Harper Collins and more. This move strengthens Kuku FM’s multilingual and multi-genre content offerings, providing listeners access to global entertainers and further cementing its position as a leader in India’s booming audio market.
“This partnership with Pran’s Features is a testament to our ongoing commitment to diversify and enrich our content library,” said Kuku FM co-founder and CEO Lal Chand Bisu. “India is all set to be a global content powerhouse, and it’s time for Indian stories to get the recognition they deserve.”
‘Chacha Chaudhary: Returns’ is now streaming on the Kuku FM app, and users can enjoy the first few episodes of this VIP audio series absolutely free.
eNews
PNB partners Kiwi to launch credit-enabled UPI for users
Targets 180 million customers; RuPay card offers 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent cashback
MUMBAI: Swipe, tap, or scan credit is quietly slipping into the rhythm of everyday payments, and Punjab National Bank wants in on the action. The state-run lender has partnered with Kiwi to roll out credit-enabled UPI payments for its 180 million customers, marking a significant push to blend traditional banking with India’s fast-evolving digital payments ecosystem.
At the centre of the collaboration is the launch of the PNB Kiwi Credit Card on the RuPay network. The card is designed with a digital-first approach, offering fully online onboarding and seamless integration with UPI, allowing users to transact via scan-and-pay while accessing credit.
The offering also brings in a rewards layer, with cashback ranging from 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent on online transactions, positioning the product as both a convenience play and a spending incentive.
The move comes as UPI continues to dominate India’s digital payments landscape, increasingly blurring the lines between debit-led transactions and credit access. For PNB, which operates over 10,000 branches around 60 per cent in semi-urban and rural areas, the partnership signals a targeted effort to extend formal credit to segments that have traditionally remained underserved.
The collaboration also reflects a broader industry shift, where banks and fintech platforms are converging to embed credit directly into payment flows, reducing friction while expanding access.
With RuPay credit cards gaining traction and UPI evolving beyond peer-to-peer transfers, the PNB–Kiwi tie-up positions both players at the intersection of scale, accessibility, and the next phase of digital finance in India.
