iWorld
Shahabuddin Shaikh joins ALTBalaji as CTO
MUMBAI: ALTBalaji has appointed Shahabuddin Shaikh as the chief technology officer (CTO). In his new role, he will be responsible for designing a strong tech-driven ecosystem that seamlessly aligns with the brand’s tech vision and leading their overall technology transformation goals. Shaikh will directly report to ALTBalaji CEO and Balaji Telefilms Group COO Nachiket Pantvaidya.
With an experience of 20 years in the technology infrastructure, Shaikh’s expertise lies in envisioning solutions that propel product development. His in-depth knowledge of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, internet of things, and big data, among others, will help in expanding company growth. Prior to this, he has worked with brands like Vuclip Pvt Ltd , Mauj Mobile, Orios Ltd, Informatic Systems, among others.
Shaikh launched the VIU app to support 21 million active user base and generate 2.3 billion video minutes a month with an increase in revenue by 2.5 million. During his stint with Mauj Mobile, he was responsible for expanding and stabilising growing MVAS content management platforms.
Pantvaidya said: “We at ALTBalaji have been working towards building a strong application that’s supported by a talented team and flourishing technology. Shahabuddin has an impeccable record of building and aligning technology organisations with business objectives to achieve results. We welcome him to our organisation.”
Shaikh said: “I am elated to be undertaking a new responsibility with a leading OTT brand like ALTBalaji. I look forward to working towards building a more seamless and engaging experience for the customers while meeting brand’s tech needs.”
iWorld
Tata Play Binge adds Pocket Films to micro drama platform Shots
Over 210 micro dramas and 220 hours of content strengthen short form play
MUMBAI: Short stories are getting shorter and sharper. Tata Play Binge is doubling down on snackable storytelling, adding Pocket Films to its micro-drama hub Shots as it looks to capture India’s fast-growing appetite for quick-consumption content. The move expands Shots into a deeper, more diverse catalogue, now featuring over 210 micro-dramas and 220 hours of short-format programming across genres such as action, drama and thriller. The content spans Hindi and key regional languages, reflecting the increasingly local yet mobile-first nature of viewing habits.
Pocket Films brings with it a library of emotionally driven, culturally rooted narratives, including micro-dramas like Chaturanga, Vidushi, Maasa, Silent Cycle and Pilibhit, alongside short films such as Lock-up, Dubki and The Disguise. The addition builds on existing partnerships with Bullet and Stage, strengthening Shots as a one-stop destination for bite-sized storytelling.
Designed for vertical viewing, the platform leans into scroll-friendly interfaces, auto-play sequencing and seamless discovery mirroring the habits of always-on, digital-first audiences. The content remains ad-supported and is available within the Tata Play Binge app at no additional cost.
The integration also sits within a broader aggregation strategy. Tata Play Binge currently offers access to 30 plus OTT services including Prime Video, JioHotstar, Zee5 and Apple TV+ through a single subscription and interface, aiming to simplify fragmented streaming consumption.
As platforms race to keep up with shrinking attention spans, Tata Play Binge’s bet is straightforward: when stories get shorter, the catalogue needs to get bigger and faster.
