iWorld
Shemaroo Youtube channel Crosses 60 million subscribers in India
MUMBAI: Shemaroo Entertainment has hit a major digital milestone as its flagship Youtube channel surpasses 60 million subscribers, ranking as the 7th most subscribed entertainment channel in India. The channel also registers over 200 million monthly views, highlighting its enduring connection with audiences across generations.
Boasting a library of more than 2,000 titles, Shemaroo blends classic Bollywood gems like Amar Akbar Anthony, Khuda Gawah, Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke, and Mann with contemporary favourites such as the Golmaal and Housefull series, Highway, Welcome, Gupt, Mohra, and Tridev.
This milestone reflects the wider impact of Shemaroo Entertainment’s digital ecosystem, which now spans over 100 Youtube channels, amassing more than 400 million cumulative subscribers and generating upwards of 2.5 billion monthly views. Channels including Shemaroo Movies (38 miliion subscribers), Shemaroo Comedy (22 million), and Shemaroo Filmi Gaane (73.3 million) continue to dominate the Bollywood and entertainment space.
Shemaroo Entertainment, chief operating officer – digital business, Saurabh Srivastava said, “Reaching over 60 million subscribers on our flagship YouTube channel is a true testament to Shemaroo’s ability to stay relevant and resonate with diverse audiences… This growth reflects the trust of millions of viewers who turn to Shemaroo YouTube channel for wholesome, accessible entertainment, and we are excited to continue shaping the digital entertainment landscape with engaging content offerings.”
As Shemaroo strengthens its digital footprint, the milestone underlines the company’s commitment to providing accessible, timeless, and contemporary Indian cinema to audiences across the globe.
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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.
