iWorld
UP Govt Project executed by Network 18 ‘Sound of Kumbha’ nominated for Grammy
MUMBAI: Network18’s Sounds of Kumbha, a sweeping 12-track production celebrating India’s spiritual grandeur, has earned a nomination at the 68th Grammy Awards in the best global music album category.
Commissioned by the government of Uttar Pradesh as a cultural tribute to the Mahakumbha in Prayagraj and globally distributed by Universal Music India, the album brings together more than 50 artists from India and across the world. Recorded across continents, it seeks to capture the pulse and prayer of the world’s largest gathering of humanity, the Mahakumbha, which drew over 600 million pilgrims earlier this year.
Produced by Siddhant Bhatia alongside Jim “Kimo” West, Madi Das, Ron Korb, Charu Suri, Raghav Mehta, and Devraj Sanyal, the album’s ensemble is as diverse as its message. From Ravi Shankar and Bhanumathi Narasimhan to Raja Kumari, Kanika Kapoor, Aditya Gadhvi, Kala Ramnath, V. Selvaganesh, Yashraj, and Pravin Godkhindi, Sounds of Kumbha blends classical, devotional, and global sounds into one transcendent chorus.
At its heart, the album echoes the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” one earth, one family, one future, embodying Mahakumbha’s message of peace and unity.
“The whole world is one human family, and we belong to one light, one spirit,” said Ravi Shankar. “This message comes alive through the music of Sounds of Kumbha.”
Producer and composer Siddhant Bhatia called the Grammy nod “a tribute to oneness”, adding, “The Mahakumbha united over 500 million souls in prayer and purpose. Its recognition on the Grammy stage reminds us that faith and music together can heal, unite, and uplift our world.”
With Sounds of Kumbha now resonating on a global stage, India’s eternal festival of peace has found a timeless new voice, one that sings of harmony beyond borders.
iWorld
Prime Video bets big on India with global originals, films and franchise expansion
Execs highlight scale, travelability and new IP bets as India anchors global strategy
MUMBAI: At Prime Video Presents 2026, the message was clear and confident. India is not just part of the plan, it is central to it.
In a lively fireside chat hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Kelly Day, vice president of prime video and amazon mgm studios international, Nicole Clemens, vice president of international originals, and Gaurav Gandhi, vice president for Apac and Anz, laid out an ambitious roadmap. Think bigger stories, wider reach and a sharper focus on building franchises that travel.
Kelly Day, a regular visitor to India, set the tone early. Calling the country “one of the most important markets globally”, she pointed to the sheer scale and diversity of audiences as a driving force behind Prime Video’s growth. Indian Originals, she said, are not just local hits but global engines powering subscriptions and engagement.
That global appeal is already visible. According to Clemens, around 25 percent of viewership for Indian content now comes from outside the country. Shows rooted deeply in local culture are finding fans worldwide, proving that specificity, when paired with universal themes, travels well. From gritty dramas to sharp thrillers, Indian storytelling is increasingly crossing borders with ease.
Clemens, who joined recently to lead international originals, was particularly upbeat about India’s creative range. She highlighted a growing slate of over 100 shows in development and production, with more than 60 percent returning for multiple seasons. For her, the formula is simple. Authentic stories, told well, resonate everywhere.
Adding to the buzz, she teased new and returning titles, alongside a fresh superhero universe, the Kalyug Warriors. It signals a push into new genres while doubling down on familiar fan favourites.
If content is king, distribution is the clever courtier. Day outlined Prime Video’s layered business model in India, which blends subscription, rentals, add on channels and ad supported viewing through Amazon MX Player. The idea is straightforward. Give viewers choice, whether they want premium, free or pay per view.
India, she noted, has also become a testing ground for innovation. Tiered pricing, mobile only plans and language diversity have all been sharpened here before being exported to other markets. In many ways, the India playbook is now influencing global strategy.
For Gaurav Gandhi, the next chapter is about scale with intent. He outlined four priorities. Making Prime Video more accessible, pushing Indian content globally, building stronger franchises and supercharging the films business.
On films, the platform is moving beyond licensing into co productions and now theatrical releases in partnership with amazon mgm studios. These films will eventually stream on Prime Video, creating a full circle from cinema halls to living rooms across 240 countries.
Franchise building remains another key pillar. With hits like The Family Man, Mirzapur and Panchayat already enjoying multi season success, the focus is now on creating the next wave of enduring IP. Newer titles are already lining up for second seasons, signalling a steady pipeline.
What stood out through the conversation was a shared belief. Streaming in India is still in its early innings, and the runway is long. With a mix of local flavour and global ambition, Prime Video is betting that stories from India will not just stay at home, but travel far and wide.
Or as the executives seemed to suggest, the world is watching and India has plenty more to show.
