iWorld
‘Unstoppable with NBK 2’: aha to stream mega episode starring Prabhas in two parts
Mumbai: Prabhas and his best friend Gopichand are set to appear on the celebrity chat show Unstoppable with NBK, hosted by actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. As per the initial schedule, part one of the mega-episode will stream on 30 December while the second part is scheduled to stream on 6 January.
Unstoppable 2 with NBK, and his advent has grabbed the eyeballs of many. The episode is set to serve a full-course meal to the fandom as it has captured countless memories of Prabhas and Gopichand with Nandamuri Balakrishna. That being the case, aha has had a tough time editing the episode because the moments one should experience are worthwhile. Therefore, the 100 per cent local platform decided to air the Baahubali episode in two parts.
In the history of the show, this is the first episode to be cut into two different episodes. While the first episode is a fun interaction between Nandamuri Balakrishna and Prabhas on 30 December exclusively on aha as a new year treat, the 6 January episode is about Prabhas and his best pal, actor Gopichand, and NBK, where they share their struggles in the industry and how their friendship blossomed over the years.
According to an official source, “We have received numerous messages from fans asking us not to edit the episode. Additionally, aha and Prabhas have been delighted with the outcome. Therefore, we decided to go ahead with the two parts after consulting Prabhas, Nandamuri Balakrishna, and the team internally. There is no better way to celebrate the new year than with the Prabhas episode with NBK on aha. Expect the unexpected, as so much fun, and revelations will hit the aha screens on 30 December and 6 January.”
In the episode Baahubali: The Beginning of Unstoppable 2 with NBK, Nandamuri Balakrishna reveals a bit of fun by asking Prabhas about his relationship with Seetha, to which the latter reveals a lot of things that were unheard and unseen by the people across.
iWorld
Warner Chappell Music launches India ops, Jay Mehta to lead unit
WMG shifts to direct model, unifying publishing and recorded music
MUMBAI: Warner Chappell Music has officially launched direct operations in India, marking a strategic shift by parent Warner Music Group to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.
The move replaces the company’s earlier sub-publishing model with a full-fledged, on-ground operation, aimed at giving Indian songwriters stronger access to global networks, rights management tools, and creative infrastructure.
To lead the push, Jay Mehta has been handed an expanded mandate. Already serving as managing director of Warner Music India, Mehta will now oversee both recorded music and publishing across India and neighbouring South Asian markets, effectively bringing the two sides of the business under one roof.
The unified structure is designed to streamline how artists and songwriters work with the company, offering a more integrated ecosystem that spans compositions, recordings, and global distribution.
Warner Music Group managing director, recorded music and publishing, India and SAARC Jay Mehta said, “India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity.”
The timing is no coincidence. According to CISAC, creator collections in India jumped 42 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7 billion in 2024, while IFPI ranks India as the 15th largest recorded music market globally. At the same time, the industry is undergoing a structural shift, with independent and non-film music gaining ground over traditional Bollywood soundtracks.
Warner’s bet is that a direct presence will help it capture this changing dynamic. The company is also offering India-based creators access to its proprietary tools, including AI-powered royalty matching systems and real-time analytics platforms, aimed at improving transparency and earnings visibility.
Warner Chappell Music co-chair and CEO Guy Moot said the move is about shaping a publishing ecosystem that “works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl underlined India’s importance to the company’s global strategy, noting that the new structure creates a “unified powerhouse” for both creators and audiences.
With local studios, global reach, and tighter integration across its business lines, Warner is clearly doubling down on India. And as streaming habits evolve and independent music rises, the company is positioning itself to be not just a participant, but a key architect of the country’s next music chapter.
