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Shemaroo Entertainment promotes Diversity with the Confluence initiative
Mumbai: This International Women’s Day marks an important moment for Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd. as it celebrates the impact of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiative, “Confluence – Where Diversity Becomes Strength,” launched this year in January. Committed to promoting DEI, Shemaroo has achieved a significant milestone with women now constituting 25 per cent of its workforce, reflecting a strong emphasis on gender diversity and increased representation of women across various levels.
To catalyze this transformative journey, Shemaroo has implemented a suite of initiatives – from flexible working hour policies to the creation of a nurturing mother’s room for new mothers, and the facilitation of sensitization workshops, Shemaroo ensures every employee feels valued and supported.
Central to this ethos are internal communities like “Femme Power” and “Sisters In Shemaroo (SIS),” providing a haven where women can exchange insights, receive mentorship, and revel in shared triumphs, nurturing a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity.
Speaking about ‘Confluence’ and its significance to the organisation, Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd CEO of Hiren Gada said, “At Shemaroo, inclusivity is not just a principle; it’s ingrained in our ethos. From our very inception, we’ve held the firm belief that diversity strengthens us, and women have been an integral part of our journey. We’ve always honoured and recognized their power, understanding that their contributions are essential to our success. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.”
Elaborating upon the initiatives Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd COO Arghya Chakravarty. said, “With the launch of our ‘Confluence’ initiative, we embrace the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion to drive meaningful change. Our commitment is not just about celebrating women today; it’s about fostering a culture where everyone, regardless of gender or background, feels equally empowered to contribute to our collective success.”
Human Resources head Shiza Ansari added, “Our ‘Confluence’ initiative has been vital in promoting inclusion at Shemaroo. It has sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to share their stories and perspectives. By embracing diversity, we’re making sure that every voice matters and every person is included. We are looking forward to a future where equity and inclusion are even stronger.”
Aligning seamlessly with the International Women’s Day 2024 theme – “Inspire Inclusion,” Shemaroo transcends gender boundaries, extending its DEI initiatives to embrace all diverse groups. By promoting dialogues on the challenges men encounter in the workplace, Shemaroo champions a holistic approach to inclusion, ensuring every voice resonates in the corporate landscape.
As an important step towards progress in DEI, Shemaroo’s “Confluence” initiative emphasises the significance of inclusive practices. By embracing diversity and augmenting equity and inclusion, Shemaroo is committed to continually enhancing its workplace, ensuring every voice is heard, and every individual is equally empowered to succeed.
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Netflix launches Playground app to bring games and interactive play for kids
Interactive games, fresh series and returning favourites aim to blend play and learning
MUMBAI: Netflix is doubling down on kids entertainment with a major expansion of its family-friendly slate, anchored by the launch of Netflix Playground, a new interactive app designed to blend play with storytelling.
Aimed at children aged eight and under, the app allows young viewers to engage with familiar characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street through games and activities, all within a safe, ad-free environment. The app is already live in select markets and is set for a wider global rollout later this month.
The move signals Netflix’s push to turn passive viewing into a more immersive experience. Alongside the app, the platform has unveiled a mix of new titles and returning favourites, including fresh episodes of Trash Truck and The Creature Cases, as well as a new preschool series, Young MacDonald. Popular titles such as CoComelon Lane and Ms. Rachel are also set to expand with new seasons and episodes.
Speaking about the strategy, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family tv John Derderian said, “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”
The expanded offering also leans heavily on convenience for parents, with offline access, curated content, and robust parental controls designed to ensure a safe and tailored viewing experience. Features such as profile locks, content filters, and activity tracking aim to give families greater control while allowing children to explore independently.
The timing is strategic. Kids and preschool content has emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched categories in recent years, making it a key battleground in the streaming wars. By combining games, education, and entertainment, the platform is looking to deepen engagement and build long-term loyalty among younger audiences.
With interactive play now joining its content arsenal, Netflix is not just streaming stories but inviting kids to step inside them, turning screen time into something a little more hands-on.
