GECs
‘MTV Whatever Things’ contest gets rolling this month
MUMBAI: Since talent hunts are the order of the day, it comes as no surprise that MTV and Philips India Limited have embarked on a mega scale talent hunt for their new show MTV Whatever Things. The show will start airing in India from mid-November.
MTV Whatever Things, which is inspired by Philips, is looking for the next scintillating star to co-host its 30-minute show along with the host of the show – Shenaz Treasurywala.
Aspirants across the country have already sent in their registrations and one among them will be chosen. This contest is pan Asian and viewers in India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand will get a chance to be in the MTV spotlight. Early this month, the shortlisted participants will meet in Bangalore, where the India finalist will be chosen.
The Whatever Things Show Host Contest is about wit and heroic stunts.
On the Philips-MTV association, Philips India Limited general manager (wireless, consumer electronics) Arshit Pathak said, “MTV shares a mindset similar to ours and this association furthers our commitment to technology, communication, fun and all the elements that come with it. Philips personal expression is about empowering today’s youth to do the things that matter most to them – their way, through stylish and intuitively designed innovations that form the essential things in their lives. Hence, Philips celebrates the spontaneity of youth by associating with MTV – the leading youth entertainment brand, which represents pioneering communication strategies with young trendsetters of today.”
In Bangalore, the finalists will get to use Philips gadgets during the on-ground contests to add zing to their performance. On the other hand, the on-air show will feature all the tickling, funny, craziest moments from the on-the-ground contests to know which citys got the most bizarre, in-your-face talent.
The best stunt-maker from India will then be taken to Shanghai (TBC) for the grand finals in January. The chosen one will get a one-year contract to host next season’s series of MTV Whatever Things.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
