iWorld
Netflix lights up the sky with 1,000 drones to reveal ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’
Mumbai: The trending hashtag #HeeramandiKabReleaseHoga (when will Heeramandi release?) has an answer, at last. In a mesmerizing aerial spectacle above Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Race Course, Netflix and renowned director Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced that Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar premieres on 1 May.
The media and college students were joined by the heeras of Heeramandi — Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Shaikh — alongside Prerna Singh, CEO, Bhansali Productions and Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India, at the grand reveal. Together, they marvelled as a fleet of 1,000 drones took flight, leaving onlookers spellbound. As the anticipation reached fever pitch, the drones unveiled the series’ launch date, igniting waves of excitement among the gathered crowd.
On the eve of the date announcement, creator-director Bhansali said, “I am grateful to the entire team for their relentless passion and dedication to bring the world of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar to Netflix. With the release scheduled for May 1st, we can’t wait for audiences worldwide to watch it and shower us with their love and appreciation.”
With a lot of excitement, Monika Shergill, Vice-president-Content, Netflix India said, “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is undoubtedly India’s biggest cinematic series, and the auteur, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, in his true signature style, has created a mesmerizing world with powerful characters that fight for their fate and that of their country. A one-of-a-kind series, it will offer a visual and visceral experience of a world only he can bring to life with such beauty and boldness. As we gear up for the worldwide premiere on May 1st, we can feel the excitement building up.”
Amidst the city’s twinkling lights, the drones formed the iconic Netflix ‘N’, followed by elements found in the series: a ghungroo (anklets), jharokha (ornate window), and an adaab (greeting). Gradually crafting the silhouette of a dancer, the drones move in unison to unveil the title logo, symbolising noor, nazaakat aur andaaz (light, refinement and style) before finally unveiling the premiere date.
iWorld
Crocs India ropes in Rakesh Bedi for quirky new digital campaign
Veteran actor brings humour and nostalgia to brand’s latest ‘Crocshake’ film.
MUMBAI: Crocs has decided to shake things up quite literally by teaming up with veteran actor Rakesh Bedi for its latest digital campaign. The campaign, conceptualised by One Hand Clap, cleverly taps into the current wave of nostalgia and character-led content. It features Rakesh Bedi, who is currently enjoying renewed popularity after Dhurandhar, in a series of increasingly chaotic yet humorous everyday situations.
At the centre of the film is a simple handshake that spirals into a chain of unexpected twists, culminating in the fun “Crocshake.” The light-hearted narrative highlights how ordinary social moments can turn into memorable ones, perfectly aligning with Crocs’ brand ethos of individuality, comfort, and self-expression.
Crocs India country manager Manoj Juneja said the campaign reflects the brand’s desire to stay culturally relevant. “This collaboration with Rakesh Bedi blends humour, nostalgia, and contemporary trends to create content that entertains and sparks conversations,” he noted.
Rakesh Bedi added, “What I loved about this campaign was how naturally the humour came through. It takes a simple, everyday situation and turns it into something completely unexpected. It’s always exciting to be part of something audiences can instantly connect with.”
The campaign builds on Crocs India’s ongoing strategy of creating relatable, digital-first storytelling that resonates with a wide audience while staying true to the brand’s playful personality.
In a crowded footwear market, Crocs continues to stand out by keeping things fun, comfortable, and conversation-worthy proving once again that sometimes all you need is a good shake (or Crocshake) to make your mark.
