iWorld
Planet Marathi founder launches ‘Planet Goem’ for exclusive Konkani content
Mumbai: Planet Marathi founder Akshay Bardapurkar has revealed his new venture, Planet Goem, which is an exclusive Konkani content OTT. The entity aims at boosting Goa’s media, entertainment, and cultural economy and was launched by the Goa chief minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The app’s brand ambassador, renowned actress Sonalee Kulkarni, was also present at the grand unveiling launch.
Planet Goem, an over-the-top (OTT) service, will offer exclusive Konkani language content in the form of movies, web series, chat shows, plays, short-format videos, music, news, and much more.
It will be possible to access this over-the-top platform on any Android, iOS, or TV device. Beyond just being an OTT, Planet Goem wants to establish Goa as a top spot for media and entertainment needs. Accordingly, a film institute will be built in the state and affiliated with a reputable international university.
To educate students for the impending digital era, some courses will be provided in animation, web 3.0 technologies, gaming, and blockchain. To improve the employability of young people and individuals across India, this skill centre will provide diploma, degree, and certificate courses as well as masterclasses from top teachers. To further this along, a partnership with multinational firms like There Digital, Unreal Engine, and Kingdom Technologies will be formed. These firms will be brought to Goa to set up studio services that would entice top-tier performers and filmmakers to work there.
With an emphasis on talent, education, entertainment, and technology, Akshay now hopes to reform and revitalise Goa’s media and entertainment sector. Akshay Bardapurkar met with the Goa chief minister earlier this year to explore the prospects and potential of the industry, and he has since revealed his vision.
During the launch, Goa chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant said, “Our state welcomes Planet Goem with open arms. The various offerings, including OTT, the film institute, and the skill centre, are a welcome boost to our economy, which will benefit from being diversified from its dependence on tourism. Our rich cultural heritage and language will now get an organised web platform aimed at increasing the recognition and popularity of our humble Konkani industry. We are confident about Akshay Bardapurkar’s vision for the industry, careers, and facilities and will extend our support towards initiatives meant for the betterment of Goa.”
Planet Marathi OTT and Planet Goem founder & CEO Akshay Bardapurkar said, “Regional industries are an untapped gold mine of immense potential and power. Planet Marathi OTT has seen a great run in Goa and has earned eager audiences who have given Marathi content so much love. Goa’s entertainment sector remains unexplored, and we wish to put the spotlight on the capabilities of this industry and its talent. Our focus will be to advance opportunities for the state of Goa by creating varied opportunities through web content, learning and training avenues and by creating Goa’s very own film city.”
Planet Goem aims to take Goa beyond being a tourist destination and entice professionals to the state’s entertainment industry.
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.
