iWorld
Planet Marathi OTT brings standup special ‘Ubhya Ubhya’
Mumbai: Planet Marathi OTT, the pioneer in Marathi digital content, is all set to tickle your funny bone with its latest offering, “Ubhya Ubhya,” a celebrity-packed standup comedy show that promises to be a riot of laughter and entertainment. The series is all set to stream on Planet Marathi OTT, starting 1 March 2024.
With the introduction of the series, Planet Marathi OTT is strengthening its non-fiction AVOD slate. Along with ‘Ubhya Ubhya’, the platform’s non-fiction AVOD slate has original not fiction programming like Maitribodh, Patla Tar Ghya With Jayanti, Ek Kavita Down, NCPA Pratibimb, Colorful Kokan and Sonalee Kunal (Sonalee Kulkarni’s wedding). This content can be watched for free. Also, Planet Marathi OTT emerges first among Marathi content players offering non-fiction content through AVOD.
Featuring a stellar lineup of 12 diverse artists, including renowned actors, digital sensations, and standup maestros, this show is gearing up to be a laughter-packed ride that will leave audiences in splits. The star-studded cast of “Ubhya Ubhya” includes Mahesh Manjrekar, Viju Mane, Sidhant Sarfare, Kranti Redkar, Ankita Prabhu Walawalkar (Kokanhearted girl), Ashay Kulkarni, RJ Pranit, Anish Goregaonkar, Parth Bhalerao, Ninad Gore, and Shrutik Kolambekar. With such an eclectic mix of talent, viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, from hearty laughs to heartwarming moments.
“Ubhya Ubhya” is a unique blend of humour, wit, and charisma brought to life by some of the most talented personalities in the Marathi entertainment industry. Each episode promises to deliver a fresh dose of laughter, making it a delightful viewing experience for audiences of all ages. What sets “Ubhya Ubhya” apart is its live audience setup, creating an energetic, lively atmosphere. The laughter, applause, and reactions from the audience add an authentic touch, making viewers feel like they are part of the comedic celebration.
Planet Marathi OTT founder Akshay Bardapurkar expressed “Comedy is a challenging non-fiction genre, but when executed with finesse, it becomes a source of pure joy. We have curated a lineup of personalities that is bound to captivate audiences and hold them spellbound in their seats. “Ubhya Ubhya” is bringing a special kind of comedy that will be enjoyed by both live and streaming audiences. To ensure it reaches more audiences we have added it to our non-fiction AVOD slate”
The 12-episode series will be released every week exclusively on Planet Marathi OTT. This will ensure that viewers can savour the comedic brilliance of “Ubhya Ubhya” without missing out on the excitement that builds up with each episode. Presented by Akshay Bardapurkar and Planet Marathi, the series is produced by Zen Entertainment and directed by Shravan Ajay Bane.
iWorld
Airtel bets big on digital lending with Rs 20,000 Cr NBFC push
Telecom giant aims to transform India’s credit scene with a high-scale NBFC plan
NEW DELHI: Bharati Airtel is taking a bold step into the financial world. The telecom giant has announced plans to supercharge its Non-Banking Financial Company, Airtel Money Limited, with a whopping Rs 20,000 crore over the coming years.
Airtel will fund 70 per cent of the capital, with the remaining 30 per cent coming from the promoter group via Bharti Enterprises Limited. The move is designed to narrow India’s credit gap and bring simple, secure digital lending to more consumers.
The company is not starting from scratch. Its existing digital lending platform has already disbursed over Rs 9,000 crore, backed by smart underwriting, disciplined portfolio management, and real-time risk monitoring. With 500 plus data scientists and robust analytics, Airtel claims it has built one of the country’s most trusted lending service provider models.
Bharti Airtel executive vice chairman Gopal Vittal said, “Our success over the past two years shows how technology, data, and customer trust can create impact at a national scale. With this NBFC expansion, we aim to build a future-ready digital lending business that stands for trust, innovation, and inclusion.”
Airtel Money received its NBFC licence from the Reserve Bank of India on 13 February 2026. The expansion taps into India’s fast-growing financial sector, where formal credit accounts for just 53 per cent of GDP, highlighting huge room for growth.
The NBFC’s operations will integrate seamlessly with Airtel’s existing lending platform, keeping processes clear for customers while delivering a smooth experience. By leveraging its vast telecom customer base, Airtel aims to set a new benchmark in digital financial services and make lending accessible, simple, and reliable.
The Reserve Bank of India has noted that while Airtel Money has a valid registration certificate, it does not guarantee the company’s financial soundness or the repayment of liabilities.
