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ZEE5’s 2024 roadmap: ILT20 S2, quality content, and AVOD expansion: Abhirup Datta
Mumbai: The OTT sector at large has grown in India with a remarkable appetite originating from the smaller markets. On the AVOD front, the demand has grown significantly as better quality and variety is made available free of cost. This growth is propelled by multiple factors like localization of content, affordable smartphones, cheap internet facilities, cross-device compatibility to cite a few. General entertainment content (GECs) and live streaming of sporting tournaments have also significantly contributed to the increased adoption of AVOD. Furthermore, this expansion has resulted in onboarding of digital marketers from diverse geographical locations.
In 2023, we expanded our content offerings on the platform across languages, genres, and formats. We ventured into cricket and esports with the streaming of ILT20 S1 and IESF Big Bang Asia alongside releasing exclusive films based on social atrocities like ‘Ardh’ with Rajpal Yadav, ‘Am I Next’ with Anushka Sen, Anshuman Jha’s ‘Lakadbaggha’, and Priyamani’s ‘Sarvam Shakti Mayam’, amongst others. Titles like ‘Ardh’ and ‘Lakkadbaggha’ are based on social vices with compelling narratives. Investing in these unique stories not only fostered social awareness but also attracted diverse audience cohorts.
We also released premium international titles dubbed in local languages through our properties like ZEE5 World Hits and ZEE5 Spark. Popular Korean series owing to its popularity amongst the young audience was dubbed in Hindi and released on the platform. During the festive season, multiple campaigns and content offerings were launched which were received positively by the audience, and also made additions to our AVOD slate with live devotional content, family entertainers, and old classics. This led to a massive ~15 BN total streaming minutes on AVOD in the last 6 months.
Going forward, our focus will remain in strengthening our presence in the smaller markets with good quality localized content and better in-app experience.
On the anticipated forecasts or predictions for the year 2024
The AVOD sector is set to expand a lot more, not only in India but on a global scale as well. The key drivers for growth will continue to be quality storytelling, premium titles, a surge in demand for regional content, and the enduring popularity of sports. The rising demand for enhanced viewing experiences, coupled with the growth of connected devices and smart TVs, is anticipated to give rise to AVOD consumption in smaller markets. Achieving a seamless in-app experience coupled with creative avenues like gamification and play-ons are set to captivate audiences more effectively. This will further diversify advertising opportunities on OTT. With precise targeting, data-driven insights, and the ability to customize messages for viewers, OTT advertising will continue to be a great tool for brand building, generate awareness, engagement, and conversions.
For ZEE5, the upcoming year looks promising as we begin 2024 by streaming ILT20 S2 and move on to other prominent projects for the rest of the year. The strategy will remain insights-driven, navigating the dynamic entertainment sector through constant trend mapping and identifying consumer demands. Offering comfort and convenience in content consumption, looking ahead, our priority remains on creating engaging properties, investing in exclusive content, and exploring new formats to provide unique and compelling experiences for our viewers.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
