iWorld
Red FM beats the Pujo drum as Dugga Dugga debuts in Delhi this September
MUMBAI: When the dhol beats meet the Delhi streets, you know Pujo has arrived. 93.5 Red FM, India’s largest private radio and entertainment network, is bringing its much-loved Dugga Dugga – Shakti Roopena Sansthita festival to the capital for the very first time. After three packed-out editions in Kolkata, the fourth chapter of this cultural extravaganza unfolds on 20 September 2025 at Talkatora Stadium.
More than just a gig, Dugga Dugga is a full-bodied Pujo experience where literature, theatre, craft, food, fashion and faith come together in one grand celebration of Shakti. Think soulful ragas, electrifying guitars, graceful dance, and the irresistible aroma of Bengali delicacies all under one roof.
The star-studded line-up reflects Bengal’s creative soul: Dona Ganguly and her troupe will bring classical dance elegance, Iman Chakraborty lends her stirring voice, Anupam Roy Band injects contemporary edge, and Anjan Dutta with The Electric Band ensures an electric finale. The mix promises everything from folk traditions to modern rhythms, making Pujo feel both timeless and fresh.
“Dugga Dugga isn’t just a festival, it’s a living expression of unity, joy and resilience,” said Red FM and Magic FM Director & COO Nisha Narayanan. “With Delhi as our new canvas, we are weaving tradition with modernity where classical ragas meet spoken word and Pujo’s soul is reimagined for everyone.”
R FM’s hyper-local spirit shines through here too. Beyond the music, festivalgoers can expect poetry, crafts, artisanal creations and authentic Bengali cuisine. It’s designed as a multi-sensory journey that mirrors the devotion, artistry and community of Durga Puja, but with a Delhi twist.
With a footprint of 69 stations and over 663 award-winning campaigns to its name, Red FM is no stranger to cultural evangelism. But this edition of Dugga Dugga marks a milestone bridging Kolkata’s Pujo legacy with Delhi’s cultural pulse. For one night, the Talkatora Stadium won’t just echo with sound, it will resonate with the spirit of Shakti.
iWorld
JioHotstar enters micro-drama space with 100 shows under Tadka banner
Short-form push targets 300M users as content meets commerce in new format
MUMBAI: JioStar has made a bold play in India’s fast-growing micro-drama space, rolling out over 100 short-form shows under its new Tadka banner on JioHotstar, timed with the massive viewership surge of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The scale of the launch signals clear intent. Rather than testing the waters, the company has dived in headfirst, releasing a wide slate of content on day one. Each show is designed for quick consumption, with episodes running 60 to 90 seconds in a vertical format tailored for mobile-first audiences.
The move comes as India’s micro-drama market, currently valued at around $300 million, is projected to grow tenfold to over $3 billion by 2030. Globally, the format has already proven its mettle, with China’s micro-drama sector recording explosive growth in recent years.
What sets this rollout apart is its built-in monetisation strategy. The shows are free to watch and ad-supported, with brand integrations woven directly into storylines from the outset. It reflects a broader shift where content and commerce are increasingly intertwined, rather than operating in silos.
The timing is equally strategic. With more than 300 million users already tuning in for IPL action, JioHotstar is effectively turning cricket’s biggest stage into a discovery engine for its new format.
The company is not entering an empty arena. Early movers like Kuku TV, MX Player and platforms backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises have already laid the groundwork, building audiences and validating demand for snackable storytelling.
Now, with scale, distribution and advertiser interest aligning, the big players are stepping in. For JioStar, Tadka may well serve as a proving ground for the next evolution of digital entertainment, where every minute counts and every second sells.
If the bet pays off, India’s next big content wave might just arrive in under 90 seconds.
