GECs
Star News exposé on Indian Ambassador to UAE
Indian Ambassador to UAE hosts Republic Day event to throw a party for his newly wed daughter; misuses the National Emblem too
April 7, 2006: The Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chandra Mohan Bhandari used government funds and the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India (deferred to March 02, due to the demise of the Sheikh) to introduce his newly married daughter Aparita and son-in-law Rajesh Duggal to the Abu Dhabi elite.
Star News found out that not only was the official invitation card with the national emblem used for a personal party but the Government of India footed the bill for the reception Dinner held at the Embassy residence, Plot No 10, Sector W-59/02 Diplomatic Area, Abu Dhabi.
This is being seen as a major breach of protocol. As per protocol the ambassador cannot use the solemn occasion of the Republic Day reception, where he hosts international dignitaries on behalf of the President of India, for a personal reception.
The Card issued by the Embassy clearly states: “On the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India and to meet my daughters: Aparita with her husband Rajesh Duggal and Samahita, the Ambassador of the Republic of India H.E. Mr. Chandra Mohan Bhandari cordially invites _______ at a deferred Dinner Reception.”‘
Bhandari when contacted by Star News admitted that the government paid for the dinner reception. He said he was not aware that it was improper for using an official occasion for introducing his family to guests.
For further information
Navin Tauro / Swati Sundareswaran; Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
Tel: 5656 8787 / 8755 / 8743; Fax: 5656 8788
GECs
ZEEL overhauls sales structure to chase growth across TV and digital platforms
New structure sharpens digital push as viewing habits fragment fast
MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. is reshuffling its sales playbook as it looks to keep pace with a fast-changing media landscape, where audiences are scattered, screens are multiplying and advertisers are following the data.
According to media reports, the rejig is anchored in the company’s push to build a more integrated, data-led monetisation engine, one that can straddle both traditional television and fast-growing digital platforms with equal ease.
At the heart of the move is a reworked sales architecture designed to deliver cross-platform solutions. With connected TV gaining ground and digital consumption surging, ZEEL is aligning its teams to move quicker, think broader and sell smarter.
The restructuring is being led by chief operating officer, advertisement revenue, Sandeep Mehrotra, at a time when the company says it is seeing tremendous growth. The idea is simple: match the right talent to the right opportunity in a market that is anything but static.
As part of the overhaul, several long-serving executives have been elevated to chief sales officer roles across regions and content clusters. Sanjoy Chatterjee will head the east market, while Gunjarav Nayak takes charge of the west along with high-margin verticals such as hmg, brand works, intellectual properties and digital sales. Rajnish Gupta will oversee bengaluru and chennai markets alongside the kannada and tamil clusters.
In other key moves, Divjyot Dhanda will lead hyderabad and kochi markets and manage zee tv, zee keralam and the telugu cluster. Roshan Vasu Kotian will supervise a diverse portfolio including Zee Marathi, &tv, Zee Punjabi, Zee Anmol, Big Magic and Zee Biskope.
The company is also strengthening its bench, appointing national sales heads across retail, regional clusters, digital and brand solutions. Ankur Kapila’s appointment to lead digital sales signals a sharper push into a segment that continues to outpace traditional formats.
Behind the scenes, dedicated strategy and operations roles have been carved out for both linear and digital businesses. Nitin Shetty, Rajkiran Shrivastav and Priya Nambiar will take on key responsibilities to ensure the new structure runs with precision.
The broader aim is clear. ZEEL wants a bigger slice of advertising budgets that are steadily drifting towards digital and connected TV ecosystems. By integrating its offerings, the company hopes to deepen client relationships while unlocking new revenue streams.
The new structure takes effect immediately, with Mehrotra continuing to report to chief executive officer Punit Goenka and steer the company’s advertising revenue strategy. Senior executive Laxmi Shetty will support the transition, with her revised role expected to be announced soon.
In a market where content is everywhere but attention is scarce, ZEEL’s latest move is less about rearranging the org chart and more about staying in the game.
