People
Industry touches base with family, this Diwali
It is that time of the year again! Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, lives up to its name, filling every nook and corner of our streets with bright decorations and fireworks. Whether you talk about shimmery clothes, tasty food or wonderful traditions, one cannot deny the excitement associated with this festival. We buy gifts for ourselves and loved ones, feast on good food, visit our relatives and decorate homes with glowing lamps and rangoli. A festival that signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, the story behind Diwali has a strong base in Indian mythology. Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Shri Ram with his wife Sita and Lakshman from his 14 year long exile after killing the Ravana. In joyous celebration of his victory, the people of Ayodhya lit up tiny lamps at their homes, signifying positive energy. These days, people host a range of Diwali bashes to celebrate the occasion. A typical day normally starts with a Lakshmi puja, followed by visiting family and friends. Diwali is also an occasion for us to meet our loved ones, exchange gifts, socialise and bond. The festival can also signify a chance for us to bring light into the lives of others. With all these meanings attached to this event, it is no wonder that Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and abroad. Likewise on this day, we found out how the media industry is celebrating Diwali. Take a look!
Divya Radhakrishnan, Managing director, Helios Media
“We are keeping an open house at my office today post 4 pm where friends, colleagues and families can come in to celebrate the occasion with us for some good food and alcohol.”
JD Majethia, Actor-Director-Producer, Hats Off Productions
“This year, there are lots of good things happening work wise. Our show Badi Door Se Aaye Hain just completed 100 episodes. Our viewers have given us so much love that even we want to give back the same kind of affection. We have prepared Diwali special episodes for the show. On a personal front, Diwali is very nostalgic for me. As I am a Gujarati, it signifies a new year for us. I just came back from a vacation with my family. And I intend to visit my relatives and celebrate Diwali with a bit of fireworks!”
Karthik Lakshminarayan, COO, Madison Media
“This Diwali, children from an orphanage have been invited to our office. Food and donations were collected as we want to spread happiness in their lives. At home, I will spend time with family and visit friends. I will avoid bursting crackers as I believe in an eco-friendly Diwali.”
KVL Narayan Rao, executive vice chairperson, NDTV
“I would be having a small celebration at home with family and friends.”
Navin Khemka, managing partner, north and east region, Maxis
“At office, we had a puja followed by lunch with colleagues. On a personal front, I plan to spend the time with family and friends at home. A puja will be conducted at home and it will be an eco-friendly Diwali at my place.”
Nisha Singhania, co-founder, Infectious
“We are just having a quiet Diwali celebration. I am taking my office colleagues out for lunch at a vegetarian restaurant in Mahim.”
Shantanu Gangane, marketing head-Movies Now, Times Television Network
“At work place, Diwali snacks and gifts are being distributed. I also plan to visit my weekend home with my family and friends. I want to spend quality time with my kids and teach them about the mythological characters pertaining to Diwali instead of just bursting fire crackers. I prefer a noise-free Diwali.”
Sudhir Sharma, producer, Sunshine Productions
“I will be going ‘party hopping’ to different Diwali events hosted by colleagues in the industry. Diwali means happiness. It is like a motivation to work harder for the upcoming year. This year will be different as I will not be going back to my parents’ house. Instead, I will be attending a lot of parties in Mumbai hosted by my fellow co actors and friends from the industry.”
Yash Patnaik, producer, Beyond Dreams Entertainment
“I am in the midst of getting my office renovated. This year will be a working Diwali for my entire team.”
Here’s wishing all our readers a very happy and prosperous Diwali from the entire team of Indiantelevision.com !
People
Steven Davis joins Sony Pictures Networks India as Content Licensing Manager
Seasoned media professional brings over 14 years of syndication and distribution expertise.
MUMBAI: Steven Davis has found a new reel home and this time, it’s at one of India’s biggest entertainment powerhouses. Steven Davis has joined Sony Pictures Networks India as manager of content licensing, marking a significant new chapter in his career within the media and entertainment industry. With more than 14 years of rich experience in content licensing, syndication, distribution, and sales, Davis brings deep operational knowledge and a proven track record of driving revenue through strategic content partnerships.
Prior to this move, he served as senior manager for content licensing & syndication at Rajshri Entertainment for over five years (November 2020 – March 2026), where he orchestrated the full cycle of content licensing and distribution. He has also held leadership roles at Veon Events, Bizzy Baby Media, Yoboho New Media, Vuclip, Saregama India, and Hungama.
In his new role at Sony Pictures Networks India, Davis will contribute to expanding the company’s diverse content portfolio and strengthening its reach across global markets.
The appointment adds valuable expertise to Sony Pictures Networks India’s content licensing team as the company continues to grow its presence in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.
From managing syndication at Rajshri to now licensing content at Sony, Steven Davis clearly knows how to keep the stories flowing. His move signals yet another seasoned hand joining the ranks to help some of India’s biggest shows and films find new audiences worldwide.
