GECs
KBC’s new season crosses 19.8 mn registrations
MUMBAI: The fervour and popularity of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by the biggest superstar Amitabh Bachchan, can be seen from the number of entries received this year.
The whole nation went into a frenzy from the moment the first announcement was made by Big B himself on micro blogging website. Within minutes of registration lines opening, fans of the show hauled to various platform in anticipation to get a chance to be on the hot seat.
With entries crossing 19.8 million, this season broke records of previous ones making it a maximum number of registrations made in the history of Kaun Banega Crorepati. And that’s not all! Over 51 lakh entries were received on last day, making it highest single day registration.
Talking on the development, Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan said, “The record breaking registration numbers reinforces the immense popularity KBC enjoys in our country. Year after year, the show celebrates power of knowledge with the biggest superstar of India — Amitabh Bachchan. With these astounding numbers, we are extremely bullish for this season which will be a six week, Mon-Fri season.”
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.
