GECs
GiMA 2015 enthrall audiences
MUMBAI: The fifth Gionee Star Global Indian Music Awards witnessed some stellar performances by some of the most celebrated names in the music industry. The hosts , Mikha Singh and Manish Paul elevated the mood with high levels of zest and humor. The two entertained the crowd as they indulged friendly banter much to the amusement of the films and music industry seated in the audience.
The audience was in splits as the duo spot Daler Mehendi in the audience and proceeded to exclaim at the brotherhood between Mika and Daler. Shankar Mahadevan performed a soul stirring piece from Taare Zameen Par with kids from his own music academy while Pritam on the other hand enthralled the audience with some of his popular hits.
The ceremony also saw a proud A R Rahman gleaming with joy as he watched his band NAFS make their debut on the GIMA stage. Speaking on the occasion, Rahman said, “The ultimate goal of NAFS is to spread joy. The band will strive not only to entertain musically but will also be a visual treat for its audiences in India and abroad”
The award winning Nooran sisters steered their way into hearts as Zakir Hussain, Atif Aslam, Arijit Singh, Kanika Kapoor, Sulaiman Merchant, Daboo Malik, A R Rahman, Ramesh Sippy , and Mika among others cheered them as they crooned a few lines from their well acclaimed track ‘Patakha Guddi.’
The Music Awards is powered by Hungama.com and Kelloggs Chocos and will telecast on 15 March at 8 pm.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
