• L&T Finance has launched ‘Spoorthi,’ a specialised program for women Home Loan and Loan Against Property (LAP) borrowers with relaxed eligibility and reduced interest rates

• Targeted at key women decision-makers in major metropolitan hubs

On the occasion of Women’s Day, L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), (formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, is proud to announce the launch of Spoorthi, a specialised program designed to empower women entrepreneurs by facilitating finance for the purchase of house property or providing Loan Against Property (LAP) for business expansion and working capital.

 L&T Finance accelerating the rise of emerging women-led businesses

This initiative recognises the critical role women play in the economy and aims to support those who are solely or jointly running a business or profession. Under the Spoorthi program, LTF offers a range of specific relaxations and benefits, including extended loan tenors of up to 25 years for Home Loans and LAP for specific profiles. Furthermore, Industrial LAP tenors are offered for up to 12 years, and the program introduces enhanced eligibility norms such as higher debt-to-income ratios to provide greater financial flexibility.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, LTF, said, “Our Company is deeply committed to supporting women borrowers because they consistently demonstrate a disciplined and strong repayment history, which makes them ideal borrowers. By launching Spoorthi, the firm aims to harness this reliability while providing women with the necessary capital to scale their enterprises and secure their personal assets, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and robust financial ecosystem.”

The program is initially rolling out in major metropolitan hubs, including Mumbai MMR, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. To be eligible, the woman borrower must be a key person managing the business with at least a 50% stake in non-individual entities, and her income must constitute at least 50% of the total appraised income when clubbing with other borrowers. Additionally, the business must show an annual cash profit of at least Rs. 5 Lakhs as per the latest Income Tax Return (ITR) and must not have incurred a net loss in the last two years.

Mr. Jinesh Shah, Chief Executive – Urban Secured Assets & Third-Party Products, LTF, said, “Spoorthi is built upon a foundation of relaxed eligibility criteria and better pricing specifically tailored for women. The program offers lower interest rates to ensure that financial barriers are minimised. By reducing the business vintage (i.e., age of a company) requirement to just two years for loans up to Rs. 75 Lakhs, LTF is making it easier for emerging women-led businesses to access the high-value credit they need to thrive.”

In the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3FY26), LTF’s Home Loan and LAP segment recorded disbursements of Rs. 2,879 Crore, reflecting a 16% Year-on-Year and 6% Quarter-on-Quarter increase. The total book size grew to Rs. 28,682 Crore, a rise of 22% Year-on-Year and 5% Quarter-on-Quarter, driven by robust distribution networks and new partnerships.

About L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) (www.LTFINANCE.com), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd. (LTFH), is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated ‘AAA’—the highest credit rating—by four leading domestic rating agencies.  In August 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded LTF’s long-term Issuer Credit Rating to “BBB/Stable” from “BBB-/Positive” and short-term issuer credit rating to “A-2” from “A-3.” Fitch Ratings has assigned LTF Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook.  It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work® and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project—Digital Sakhi—which focuses on women’s empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the ‘right businesses’ has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company’s strategic roadmap—Lakshya 2026. The Company has over a 2.8 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers.

X: x.com/LnTFinance

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LnTFS

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lntfinance

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance

During MWC2026, Huawei hosted a forum themed “Advancing All Intelligence, Empowering the Future Power System.” Together with Meralco (Philippines) and SANXING Ningbo, Huawei launched the Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) and announced a joint lighthouse initiative to advance power system development.
 

From left: Simon Zhou (General Manager of Overseas Marketing, SANXING Ningbo), David Sun (CEO, Huawei Electric Power Digitalization BU), Roque D. Bacani (Chief Information Officer, Meralco), and Perry Yang (Vice President, Huawei Optical Business Product Line) launching Huawei IDS

Communication, digitalization, and AI: Emerging cornerstones of future power systems that will accelerate the intelligent evolution of distribution networks

David Sun, CEO of Huawei’s Electric Power Digitalization BU, highlighted four drivers for energy transition: green energy and diversity, resilient grids, transparent distribution, and load electrification. He called for policy changes toward dispatch-market coordination. He also emphasized that communication, digitalization, and AI are becoming core production systems, requiring stronger capabilities in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and sustainable development.

At the forum, Mr. Sun unveiled the White Paper on Communication Target Networks for the Future Power System, introducing a pioneering architecture that features an intelligent and robust main network, integrated medium-voltage and transparent low-voltage networks, high-speed secure connectivity, and space-ground integration. The paper also outlines key tech trends, from optical and wireless to carrier and satellite communications, and underscores their transformative value.

Huawei highlighted its focus on intelligence and digitalization, working with industry players to drive power transformation. Global industry leaders also shared their insights: Al’Louise van Deventer (Technology and Engineering General Manager, Eskom) on future-ready digital practices; Momar Awa Sall (Transmission Grid Director, Senelec) on private wireless networks accelerating power modernization; Deniz COSKUN (Deputy General Manager, TEİAŞ) on restructuring communication networks for grid resilience; and Andy Liu (Overseas Solutions and Marketing Director, SANXING Ningbo) on the application of Huawei IDS.

Global industry leaders and partners join to explore the future of power systems

Power distribution networks are evolving from mechanized to automated and intelligent systems, driving technological and business model innovation. Despite creating new challenges for O&M, they have unlocked further opportunities for improving grid reliability and resource allocation.

At the forum, Huawei, Meralco, and SANXING Ningbo, unveiled the IDS that delivers four core capabilities—reliable communication, edge computing, cloud-edge collaboration, and low-voltage transparency—based on a cloud-pipe-edge-pipe-device architecture. It enables an intelligent low-voltage (400 V) distribution network with controllable line loss, visualized distribution rooms, and manageable renewables, transforming fragmented digital silos into open, integrated digital systems. The three companies also announced a lighthouse showcase initiative, sharing replicable and scalable digital transformation best practices.

Advancing digital and intelligent integration for a greener, more reliable grid

Communication, digitalization, and AI are at the heart of future power systems. Huawei will deepen R&D in digital, intelligent technologies, integrating advanced intelligence into power production. Together with global partners, Huawei is committed to developing with the power industry toward greater reliability, stronger security, and a low-carbon future.

“I’ve tried everything — diets, gym memberships, early morning walks. Nothing works.”

Dr. Saravana Kumar, Lead Consultant – Department of Obesity & Diabetes Surgery Centre, GEM Hospital, Coimbatore

This is a sentence doctors hear almost every day. It reflects not failure, but deep frustration. On the occasion of World Obesity Day, it is important to recognise that obesity is not merely a lifestyle issue – it is a chronic, progressive disease that often requires structured medical care.

A 54-year-old woman recently walked into our clinic weighing 109.5 kilograms, with a body mass index (BMI) of 50.7 – categorising her condition as severe obesity. For years, she had been battling uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension. Despite taking four oral anti-diabetic medications and a staggering 115 units of insulin daily, her blood sugar levels remained poorly controlled, with an HbA1c of 11.8%.

Further medical evaluation revealed additional complications, including severe fatty liver disease, gallstones and symptoms strongly suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea – a condition often linked with obesity and associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

After careful medical evaluation and preparation, she underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery along with laparoscopic gallbladder removal. The procedure was performed using minimally invasive techniques, allowing for faster recovery and reduced surgical trauma. Within two days of surgery, her medications were reassessed and significantly reduced, and she was safely discharged on the third postoperative day.

The results over the next six months were remarkable. She lost 25 kilograms, and her insulin requirement dropped dramatically from 115 units per day to just 16 units, along with only one oral diabetes medication. Her HbA1c improved from 11.8% to 7%, indicating much better diabetes control. Her liver enzymes normalised, reflecting recovery from fatty liver disease, while her blood pressure medications were reduced and cholesterol medication was discontinued.

Commenting on the case, Dr. Saravana Kumar, Lead Consultant – Department of Obesity & Diabetes Surgery Centre, GEM Hospital, Coimbatore, says, “World Obesity Day reminds us that obesity is not simply about weight — it is a complex metabolic disease. Patients often struggle for years with diets and medications before seeking medical help. Metabolic surgery offers a scientifically proven option for individuals with severe obesity and uncontrolled diabetes. In many cases, it not only helps patients lose weight but also significantly improves or even reverses diabetes and other metabolic conditions, helping them regain health and quality of life.”

This case highlights the powerful role of bariatric surgery, not merely as a weight-loss intervention but as a treatment for metabolic disorders. For many patients struggling with severe obesity and uncontrolled diabetes, timely medical intervention can reduce medication dependence and dramatically improve overall wellbeing.

“I’ve tried everything — diets, gym memberships, early morning walks. Nothing works.”

Dr. Saravana Kumar, Lead Consultant – Department of Obesity & Diabetes Surgery Centre, GEM Hospital, Coimbatore

This is a sentence doctors hear almost every day. It reflects not failure, but deep frustration. On the occasion of World Obesity Day, it is important to recognise that obesity is not merely a lifestyle issue – it is a chronic, progressive disease that often requires structured medical care.

A 54-year-old woman recently walked into our clinic weighing 109.5 kilograms, with a body mass index (BMI) of 50.7 – categorising her condition as severe obesity. For years, she had been battling uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension. Despite taking four oral anti-diabetic medications and a staggering 115 units of insulin daily, her blood sugar levels remained poorly controlled, with an HbA1c of 11.8%.

Further medical evaluation revealed additional complications, including severe fatty liver disease, gallstones and symptoms strongly suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea – a condition often linked with obesity and associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

After careful medical evaluation and preparation, she underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery along with laparoscopic gallbladder removal. The procedure was performed using minimally invasive techniques, allowing for faster recovery and reduced surgical trauma. Within two days of surgery, her medications were reassessed and significantly reduced, and she was safely discharged on the third postoperative day.

The results over the next six months were remarkable. She lost 25 kilograms, and her insulin requirement dropped dramatically from 115 units per day to just 16 units, along with only one oral diabetes medication. Her HbA1c improved from 11.8% to 7%, indicating much better diabetes control. Her liver enzymes normalised, reflecting recovery from fatty liver disease, while her blood pressure medications were reduced and cholesterol medication was discontinued.

Commenting on the case, Dr. Saravana Kumar, Lead Consultant – Department of Obesity & Diabetes Surgery Centre, GEM Hospital, Coimbatore, says, “World Obesity Day reminds us that obesity is not simply about weight — it is a complex metabolic disease. Patients often struggle for years with diets and medications before seeking medical help. Metabolic surgery offers a scientifically proven option for individuals with severe obesity and uncontrolled diabetes. In many cases, it not only helps patients lose weight but also significantly improves or even reverses diabetes and other metabolic conditions, helping them regain health and quality of life.”

This case highlights the powerful role of bariatric surgery, not merely as a weight-loss intervention but as a treatment for metabolic disorders. For many patients struggling with severe obesity and uncontrolled diabetes, timely medical intervention can reduce medication dependence and dramatically improve overall wellbeing.

In the educational sphere, the idea of award and recognition transcends merely titles and operational landmarks and extends to the profound effect of leadership roles in the background, crafting the future of institutions and human lives worldwide. Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal, Hon’ble Trustee of Mumbai Educational Trust (MET), was conferred with the ‘Distinguished Academic Leadership Award’ at the Valedictory Ceremony of the 5th CiiA Innovation Awards 2026, held on 07 February 2026.

MET Trustee Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal being honoured with the Distinguished Academic Leadership Award at the Valedictory Ceremony of the 5th CiiA Innovation Awards

This accolade recognises individuals who have exhibited exemplary and remarkable performance in strengthening educational ecosystems and developing and enhancing innovations to ensure institutions sufficiently meet the needs arising in society over time. The honour was presented to Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal by the event’s Chief Guest, Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan, Advisor & Professor of Eminence, Reliance Jio University, Mumbai, during the Innovation Award Ceremony.
 

As a Member of the Legislative Council of Maharashtra and a prominent figure in public life, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal, has been instrumental in activities that foster excellence in all walks of life in the domains of education, society, and culture. Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal remains focused on inculcating his philosophy of leading institutions towards becoming places of the future with academic rigour and applicability to the real world at large. He brings together public service and educational leadership, ensuring that institutions under his stewardship remain socially oriented and globally aligned.

At MET, Mumbai, his leadership has been instrumental in strengthening institutional governance mechanisms, driving academic innovation and facilitate a greater intersection of learning and industries. His vision of experiential learning, real-world relevance, and strong academic values continues to shape MET’s approach to curriculum, faculty engagement, and student preparedness.

Under his guidance, MET has expanded programmes across diverse fields such as Management, Media, Pharmacy, Information Technology, International Studies, and K–12 education through MET Rishikul Vidyalaya – continuing the legacy established by Founder Chairman Mr. Chaggan Bhujbal in 1989.
 

Reflecting on the recognition, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal said, “Innovation has been central to MET since its inception. We have always focused on research, industry engagement, and building future-ready leaders. I am honoured to receive this award and grateful for the collective efforts of everyone who shares this vision.”

The Distinguished Academic Leadership Award stands as a testament to leadership that goes beyond administration—one that builds systems, empowers people, and shapes institutions to serve society with purpose and impact.

In the educational sphere, the idea of award and recognition transcends merely titles and operational landmarks and extends to the profound effect of leadership roles in the background, crafting the future of institutions and human lives worldwide. Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal, Hon’ble Trustee of Mumbai Educational Trust (MET), was conferred with the ‘Distinguished Academic Leadership Award’ at the Valedictory Ceremony of the 5th CiiA Innovation Awards 2026, held on 07 February 2026.

MET Trustee Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal being honoured with the Distinguished Academic Leadership Award at the Valedictory Ceremony of the 5th CiiA Innovation Awards

This accolade recognises individuals who have exhibited exemplary and remarkable performance in strengthening educational ecosystems and developing and enhancing innovations to ensure institutions sufficiently meet the needs arising in society over time. The honour was presented to Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal by the event’s Chief Guest, Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan, Advisor & Professor of Eminence, Reliance Jio University, Mumbai, during the Innovation Award Ceremony.
 

As a Member of the Legislative Council of Maharashtra and a prominent figure in public life, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal, has been instrumental in activities that foster excellence in all walks of life in the domains of education, society, and culture. Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal remains focused on inculcating his philosophy of leading institutions towards becoming places of the future with academic rigour and applicability to the real world at large. He brings together public service and educational leadership, ensuring that institutions under his stewardship remain socially oriented and globally aligned.

At MET, Mumbai, his leadership has been instrumental in strengthening institutional governance mechanisms, driving academic innovation and facilitate a greater intersection of learning and industries. His vision of experiential learning, real-world relevance, and strong academic values continues to shape MET’s approach to curriculum, faculty engagement, and student preparedness.

Under his guidance, MET has expanded programmes across diverse fields such as Management, Media, Pharmacy, Information Technology, International Studies, and K–12 education through MET Rishikul Vidyalaya – continuing the legacy established by Founder Chairman Mr. Chaggan Bhujbal in 1989.
 

Reflecting on the recognition, Mr. Pankaj Bhujbal said, “Innovation has been central to MET since its inception. We have always focused on research, industry engagement, and building future-ready leaders. I am honoured to receive this award and grateful for the collective efforts of everyone who shares this vision.”

The Distinguished Academic Leadership Award stands as a testament to leadership that goes beyond administration—one that builds systems, empowers people, and shapes institutions to serve society with purpose and impact.

PlayboxTV, India’s leading OTT aggregation and digital entertainment platform, today announced a landmark addition to its executive leadership team with the appointment of Tariq Malik as Chief Business Officer (CBO). The move signals a bold new chapter for PlayboxTV as it continues to disrupt the streaming landscape through aggressive expansion and high-level strategic innovation.

A Visionary Leader for a Growing Giant

Tariq Malik joins PlayboxTV with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the media, telecom, and digital entertainment sectors. An alumnus of the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad with an MBA in Marketing from Kashmir University, Malik is widely recognised as a powerhouse in driving P&L management and business development.

Tariq Malik, CBO PlayboxTV

Prior to joining PlayboxTV, Malik served as the Vice President, Business at OTTplay (HT Media), where he was instrumental in scaling the platform’s subscriber base and refining its content aggregation strategy. His career also includes a high-impact tenure as Vice President at DEN Cable, where he managed massive portfolios across OTT, Broadband, and Value-Added Services.

Samson Jesudas, Director PlayboxTV

“Tariq’s arrival is a definitive moment for PlayboxTV,” said Samson Jesudas, Director of PlayboxTV. “His deep-rooted expertise in the cable and OTT ecosystem, combined with his visionary approach to business scaling, aligns perfectly with our mission. We are not just building an app; we are building the future of digital consumption, and Tariq is the right leader to drive that growth.”

Strategic Expansion and C-Suite Strength

The appointment of Malik comes at a time of unprecedented momentum for PlayboxTV. As the platform transitions from a startup to an industry titan, its leadership bench has been fortified with seasoned experts to ensure sustainable and exponential growth. Malik joins a C-suite focused on:

• Nationwide Market Penetration: Leveraging last-mile cable operators to bring premium OTT content to every corner of India.

• Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening ties with global content providers and ISPs to offer unparalleled value to the end consumer.

Why the Industry is Watching

PlayboxTV has already carved out a significant niche as a “Super Aggregator,” offering access to over 30+ OTT platforms and 500+ Live TV channels through a single sign-on. By hiring a CBO of Malik’s caliber, the company is sending a clear message to the industry: PlayboxTV is ready to lead the global shift toward unified entertainment.

“I am thrilled to join PlayboxTV at such a pivotal juncture,” said Tariq Malik, CBO. “The company has already laid a phenomenal foundation. My focus will be on accelerating our revenue streams, enhancing our partner ecosystem, and ensuring that PlayboxTV remains the most trusted and sought-after name in the digital entertainment space.”

About PlayboxTV

Founded in 2017 by Aamir Mulani, PlayboxTV is a Mumbai-based OTT video aggregation platform. Through PlayboxTV (content aggregation) and PlayShots (content production), the company provides a seamless, cost-effective entertainment experience for millions of users, bridging the gap between content creators and consumers through a robust network of ISPs and local cable operators.

PlayboxTV Email: support@playboxtv.in 

Website: www.playboxtv.in

PlayboxTV, India’s leading OTT aggregation and digital entertainment platform, today announced a landmark addition to its executive leadership team with the appointment of Tariq Malik as Chief Business Officer (CBO). The move signals a bold new chapter for PlayboxTV as it continues to disrupt the streaming landscape through aggressive expansion and high-level strategic innovation.

A Visionary Leader for a Growing Giant

Tariq Malik joins PlayboxTV with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the media, telecom, and digital entertainment sectors. An alumnus of the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad with an MBA in Marketing from Kashmir University, Malik is widely recognised as a powerhouse in driving P&L management and business development.

Tariq Malik, CBO PlayboxTV

Prior to joining PlayboxTV, Malik served as the Vice President, Business at OTTplay (HT Media), where he was instrumental in scaling the platform’s subscriber base and refining its content aggregation strategy. His career also includes a high-impact tenure as Vice President at DEN Cable, where he managed massive portfolios across OTT, Broadband, and Value-Added Services.

Samson Jesudas, Director PlayboxTV

“Tariq’s arrival is a definitive moment for PlayboxTV,” said Samson Jesudas, Director of PlayboxTV. “His deep-rooted expertise in the cable and OTT ecosystem, combined with his visionary approach to business scaling, aligns perfectly with our mission. We are not just building an app; we are building the future of digital consumption, and Tariq is the right leader to drive that growth.”

Strategic Expansion and C-Suite Strength

The appointment of Malik comes at a time of unprecedented momentum for PlayboxTV. As the platform transitions from a startup to an industry titan, its leadership bench has been fortified with seasoned experts to ensure sustainable and exponential growth. Malik joins a C-suite focused on:

• Nationwide Market Penetration: Leveraging last-mile cable operators to bring premium OTT content to every corner of India.

• Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening ties with global content providers and ISPs to offer unparalleled value to the end consumer.

Why the Industry is Watching

PlayboxTV has already carved out a significant niche as a “Super Aggregator,” offering access to over 30+ OTT platforms and 500+ Live TV channels through a single sign-on. By hiring a CBO of Malik’s caliber, the company is sending a clear message to the industry: PlayboxTV is ready to lead the global shift toward unified entertainment.

“I am thrilled to join PlayboxTV at such a pivotal juncture,” said Tariq Malik, CBO. “The company has already laid a phenomenal foundation. My focus will be on accelerating our revenue streams, enhancing our partner ecosystem, and ensuring that PlayboxTV remains the most trusted and sought-after name in the digital entertainment space.”

About PlayboxTV

Founded in 2017 by Aamir Mulani, PlayboxTV is a Mumbai-based OTT video aggregation platform. Through PlayboxTV (content aggregation) and PlayShots (content production), the company provides a seamless, cost-effective entertainment experience for millions of users, bridging the gap between content creators and consumers through a robust network of ISPs and local cable operators.

PlayboxTV Email: support@playboxtv.in 

Website: www.playboxtv.in

MnM Talkies, one of India’s leading podcast studios, has officially revived its award-winning audio detective series Bhaskar Bose, marking the return of one of the country’s most beloved fictional investigators. After a three-year hiatus, the new season titled ‘Bhaskar Bose: He’s Here – Part 1’ premiered on Spotify recently, ushering in a new chapter for the iconic show and introducing a first-of-its-kind innovation in Indian audio entertainment.

Bhaskar Bose by MnM Talkies

For the first time, select episodes of the series will feature AI-generated visuals, created using OpenArt AI technology, transforming the listening experience into an immersive graphic-novel-style journey. The format allows audiences to experience the story in two ways — by closing their eyes and imagining the world through sound, or by watching it unfold through cinematic visuals designed to complement the audio storytelling.

MnM Talkies launches new season of Bhaskar Bose

The creative force behind Bhaskar Bose is Mantra Mugdh who serves as the co-writer, director, producer and the voice of the titular detective. Mantra’s vision has helped establish the series as a benchmark in India’s evolving audio storytelling landscape.

Founder of MnM Talkies, Mantra Mugdh says, “With the new season of Bhaskar Bose, we are not replacing the theatre of the mind—we’re giving it a visual companion. This is about seeing the sound.” Reflecting on the journey of the show, Mantra added that Bhaskar Bose has been one of his most successful collaborations with Spotify, describing the series as an ongoing exploration of what audio storytelling can achieve when approached with the same scale, ambition, and cinematic vision as film.”

The show follows Bhaskar Bose, a brilliant detective known for his sharp intellect and instinctive problem-solving, played by Mantra. He is joined by his loyal friend and investigative partner ACP Bikesh Das, portrayed by actor Shadaab Hashmi. Together, the duo solves complex cases in a world inspired by classic detective comics, blending suspense, wit, and richly layered characters.

Since its debut in 2019, Bhaskar Bose has evolved into one of India’s longest-running and most celebrated audio fiction series. The show was among the first three podcasts—and notably the only fiction series—launched during the entry of Spotify into India’s podcast ecosystem. Over the years, the series has grown into a cultural phenomenon, amassing more than 250+ episodes, featuring over 100 investigative cases, and delivering 5000+ minutes of immersive storytelling. With millions of listens worldwide, Bhaskar Bose has established a powerful presence in the podcast landscape and continues to attract a loyal global audience.

Bhaskar Bose has received widespread industry recognition and several prestigious accolades over the years. The series won Gold at the New York Festivals Radio Awards and has also been honored at the Exchange4Media Golden Mikes for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023). In addition, the show has been recognized at the E4M Play Streaming Media Awards and received the Impact Digital Influencer Award. Together, these accolades highlight the show’s significant impact on the audio entertainment industry and its pioneering role in popularizing audio fiction in India.

Over time, the show has cultivated a vibrant global fan community, complete with dedicated fan clubs, online discussion groups, and pages analyzing conspiracy theories and hidden clues from the series’ most memorable episodes. Its return has already generated a powerful response from audiences. Within hours of the new season’s release, the show began trending on Spotify India, with longtime fans flooding social media with reactions, theories, and nostalgic tributes to the detective they had missed for three years.

The new season of Bhaskar Bose is streaming now on Spotify and new episodes will be released every 15 days. Watch the trailer – www.instagram.com/p/DVdHnbGjrNS.

About MnM Talkies
MnM Talkies is a story-first audio-visual content studio that builds multi-format storytelling platforms across fiction, documentary, and branded content. From podcasts and cinematic web series to documentary narratives, MnM creates stories that connect audiences with real people, real journeys, and the cultural pulse of modern India. Besides Bhaskar Bose, MnM Talkies has produced several chart-topping and award-winning shows, including Batman Ek Chakravyuh, Marvels Wastelanders, Kaali Awaazein, Commander Karan Saxena, Aakhri Sawaal, Virus 2062, I Hear You, Shanaya Ek Teenage Dayan Ki Kahani and many more.

For more information about MnM Talkies, please visit – www.mnmtalkies.com.

MnM Talkies, one of India’s leading podcast studios, has officially revived its award-winning audio detective series Bhaskar Bose, marking the return of one of the country’s most beloved fictional investigators. After a three-year hiatus, the new season titled ‘Bhaskar Bose: He’s Here – Part 1’ premiered on Spotify recently, ushering in a new chapter for the iconic show and introducing a first-of-its-kind innovation in Indian audio entertainment.

Bhaskar Bose by MnM Talkies

For the first time, select episodes of the series will feature AI-generated visuals, created using OpenArt AI technology, transforming the listening experience into an immersive graphic-novel-style journey. The format allows audiences to experience the story in two ways — by closing their eyes and imagining the world through sound, or by watching it unfold through cinematic visuals designed to complement the audio storytelling.

MnM Talkies launches new season of Bhaskar Bose

The creative force behind Bhaskar Bose is Mantra Mugdh who serves as the co-writer, director, producer and the voice of the titular detective. Mantra’s vision has helped establish the series as a benchmark in India’s evolving audio storytelling landscape.

Founder of MnM Talkies, Mantra Mugdh says, “With the new season of Bhaskar Bose, we are not replacing the theatre of the mind—we’re giving it a visual companion. This is about seeing the sound.” Reflecting on the journey of the show, Mantra added that Bhaskar Bose has been one of his most successful collaborations with Spotify, describing the series as an ongoing exploration of what audio storytelling can achieve when approached with the same scale, ambition, and cinematic vision as film.”

The show follows Bhaskar Bose, a brilliant detective known for his sharp intellect and instinctive problem-solving, played by Mantra. He is joined by his loyal friend and investigative partner ACP Bikesh Das, portrayed by actor Shadaab Hashmi. Together, the duo solves complex cases in a world inspired by classic detective comics, blending suspense, wit, and richly layered characters.

Since its debut in 2019, Bhaskar Bose has evolved into one of India’s longest-running and most celebrated audio fiction series. The show was among the first three podcasts—and notably the only fiction series—launched during the entry of Spotify into India’s podcast ecosystem. Over the years, the series has grown into a cultural phenomenon, amassing more than 250+ episodes, featuring over 100 investigative cases, and delivering 5000+ minutes of immersive storytelling. With millions of listens worldwide, Bhaskar Bose has established a powerful presence in the podcast landscape and continues to attract a loyal global audience.

Bhaskar Bose has received widespread industry recognition and several prestigious accolades over the years. The series won Gold at the New York Festivals Radio Awards and has also been honored at the Exchange4Media Golden Mikes for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023). In addition, the show has been recognized at the E4M Play Streaming Media Awards and received the Impact Digital Influencer Award. Together, these accolades highlight the show’s significant impact on the audio entertainment industry and its pioneering role in popularizing audio fiction in India.

Over time, the show has cultivated a vibrant global fan community, complete with dedicated fan clubs, online discussion groups, and pages analyzing conspiracy theories and hidden clues from the series’ most memorable episodes. Its return has already generated a powerful response from audiences. Within hours of the new season’s release, the show began trending on Spotify India, with longtime fans flooding social media with reactions, theories, and nostalgic tributes to the detective they had missed for three years.

The new season of Bhaskar Bose is streaming now on Spotify and new episodes will be released every 15 days. Watch the trailer – www.instagram.com/p/DVdHnbGjrNS.

About MnM Talkies
MnM Talkies is a story-first audio-visual content studio that builds multi-format storytelling platforms across fiction, documentary, and branded content. From podcasts and cinematic web series to documentary narratives, MnM creates stories that connect audiences with real people, real journeys, and the cultural pulse of modern India. Besides Bhaskar Bose, MnM Talkies has produced several chart-topping and award-winning shows, including Batman Ek Chakravyuh, Marvels Wastelanders, Kaali Awaazein, Commander Karan Saxena, Aakhri Sawaal, Virus 2062, I Hear You, Shanaya Ek Teenage Dayan Ki Kahani and many more.

For more information about MnM Talkies, please visit – www.mnmtalkies.com.