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Planet Marathi launches anthem song featuring Marathi film & TV celebs
Mumbai: Planet Marathi, the first-ever Marathi OTT platform for exclusive regional content, has released an anthem saluting the pride of the Marathi language.
The song features prominent names from the Marathi film and television fraternity, namely, Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sonalee Kulkarni, Tejaswini Pandit among many others.
Directed by Pushkar Shrotri, the song is penned by lyricist Sameer Samant and composed by Kaushal Inamdar. Mithilesh Patankar and Amit Padhye have arranged the musical treat. Swapnil Bandodkar, Adarsh Shinde, Yogita Godbole, and Vaishali Made have crooned it, with backing from Suzanne D’mello and Leon D’souza.
Actor Sharad Kelkar shared his thoughts on being a part of this anthem and said, “Today Marathi industry is looked upon as a regional entertainment industry, whereas we are more than the language. We are part of a legacy that is centuries old. The planet Marathi anthem truly honors that legacy and so does this platform.”
Amruta Khanvilkar commented, “Being a part of Planet Marathi Anthem was like being a part of Marathi history, culture, pride, and its heritage. It was an amazing experience to be sharing the screen with almost every Marathi superstar. Planet Marathi has taken a bold and revolutionary step towards strengthening the industry and binding us together. This song signifies the spirit of togetherness. Also talking about Akshay who comes with a strong vision and I trust with what he steps into.”
Tejaswani Pandit said, “It is so exciting to be a part of this movement that Planet Marathi OTT has started. The movement of digital transformation in Marathi entertainment is marked by this anthem that speaks about the unified force that the Marathi entertainment industry is. I am so overwhelmed to be a part of this one big family that is steering the industry towards a better future.”
Planet Marathi head & CMD Akshay Bardapurkar said, “Planet Marathi has always been on an endeavour to raise the bar for Marathi language, entertainment, art and talent. With the launch of our Planet Marathi OTT platform, we have redefined Marathi entertainment for the world. The new wave in Marathi has already begun, it is only right to coronate this landmark moment with an anthem that invokes the same pride in every Maharashtrian heart. I am grateful that every prominent face of the Marathi entertainment industry has proactively joined this movement. This industry has time and again demonstrated that we are one big family that steers the industry towards a glorious future. This anthem will surely inspire the audiences with the same comradery.”
Planet Marathi OTT, powered by Vistas Media Capital, was launched with the release of first-ever Marathi TVOD film “June” on 30 June.
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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.
