GECs
Synovate boosts Asia Pacific capabilities with Indian acquisition
HONG KONG: Global market research company Synovate has announced its full acquisition of Blackstone Market Facts in India. Mumbai headquartered Blackstone Market Facts is one of the largest full-service research agencies in India, with twelve offices around the sub-continent, says a company release.
According to Synovate Global chief executive officer Adrian Chedore, Blackstone Market Facts becomes Synovate’s first fully-owned Indian operation. “Synovate already had partial ownership – 25 per cent – of the company, but we felt the Indian market had so much potential that we wanted to ensure our full involvement in and commitment to what we see as a stellar future,” says Chedore.
Synovate, which generates consumer insights that drive competitive marketing solutions provides clients with cohesive global support and a comprehensive suite of leading research solutions. Companies which became Synovate on 6 January 2003 were Market Facts and its subsidiaries in the Americas; Asia Market Intelligence and Research Fact in Asia Pacific; and Market&More, Pegram Walters, Demoscopie, The Sample Surveys Research Group, INNER Strategic Research and MEMRB Custom Research Worldwide in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Says Blackstone managing director Alok Shanker, “The deal would give the company the scale, scope and reach it needs to take full advantage of opportunities in the Indian marketplace.”
Synovate will integrate Blackstone Market Facts into the group, giving existing clients in India immediate access to all Synovate research solutions and the global network of more than 80 offices in 47 countries, says the release.
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
