• In conversation with Tarun Katial

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 26, 2015

    Today?s episode of Talking Point brings Exec Life to the Reliance Broadcast Network Limited office to chat with their dynamic CEO, Tarun Katial.

    At the helm of one of India?s youngest media houses Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd., and with impressive stints at Star TV and Sony Entertainment Television, Tarun Katial, is considered to be one of the most successful executives in the Indian media industry.

    Find out what inspires him in life, his tryst with Vipasana, and about his love for gadgets.

    indiantelevision.com Team
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  • Father?s Day with execs

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 19, 2015

    Nothing compares the bond a father shares with his ward. That is why, no matter how tough their schedule gets, our exec dads make sure not to forget the role of a father amongst the many portfolios that they juggle daily. On this Father?s Day, watch them open up on how they make the most of the time they spend with their kids

    indiantelevision.com Team
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  • ?I only shop online or via TV?: Best Deal TV COO Meghna Krishna

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 18, 2015

    In a highly competitive media industry where cut throat competition is the way of life and being one up on your competition is the only way to succeed, it is rare to come across someone who still believes in the power of empathy.

    And that's why Best Deal TV COO Meghna Krishna strikes as a pleasant surprise.  Krishna believes that there is nothing that you can get done alone as an individual.

    Hailing from a small town called Khurja in UP, Krishna armed herself with an MBA from the reputed INSEAD in France before moving to US to work with startups like Walmart. Through varied exposures in different organisations that she worked with, Krishna has had exposure in front of the camera, behind the camera, on the marketing side of things and as a consumer as well. Now, after almost two decades of being in the industry, she opens up to Exec Life on her tryst with Homeshop18, her reasons for shopping mostly through television and online marketplaces, and her experience of working with Raj Kundra.

    Excerpts:

    What is your take on the concept of using celebrities to market home-shopping products on Best Deal TV? 

    Best Deal TV is exactly how I envisioned TV shopping to be. This is the way to bring credibility to a space that suffers from lack of trust. Here, we are not just getting products and slapping celebrity faces to it. They are truly involved in creating the brand, selecting the product and using it. Having been in this industry for eight years now, I think it runs in my blood. I have been in front of the camera, behind the camera, on the marketing side of things and on the buying side of things.

    What part of home-shopping appeals to you?

    The good thing about home-shopping is that you cannot predict what your day would be like. Launching a product is a lifetime experience and in home-shopping, we launch 80-90 products a month. These are not products that are picked from what exists in the market; they are customized and sometimes conceptualized by our sourcing team keeping in mind the demand of the customers.

     

    What are the major challenges that you face in selling a product through television?

    The primary challenge would be customer recruitment. Because of the not so positive reputation of home-shopping in general, people do not relate shopping from television to quality products. It will take time and consistency to change this perception.

    Secondly, there's the challenge of logistics and infrastructure like delivering in locations that do not even have motorable roads. Lastly, talent. There is so much growth in the retail space that it is difficult to hire talent and retain it. Challenge of identifying the correct technology that will make us future ready should also concern those involved in home-shopping.

    Do you shop online?

    I only shop online or from TV except when I am traveling. I don?t have favorites, but it?s addictive. Once you start browsing and looking, you get hooked. Innovation obviously matters in staying ahead of the curve, selling a differentiated product as well as knowing what is going to be in demand tomorrow. At the same time, innovating in servicing the customers is also imperative. Making sure the customers have a good experience is essential.

     

    Who do you consider your role model or inspiration in the industry (or outside)?

    I learn from everyone I meet, every person has some inherent quality that you can learn from. But if I had to name one person inspires me, it would be Mr. Sundeep Malhotra, he is my ex-boss and even today when I am lost or need help, I think of how he would handle the situation and if that does not work- I call him and ask.

    How has the experience of working with Raj Kundra been?

    Working with Raj has been fantastic so far. He has been a mentor and a friend more than a boss. The best part is that he gives a lot of space, which makes this a very exciting opportunity.

    What is that one thing for which you are proud of yourself?

    There is no one thing for me, but I am very proud of the fact that I was a part of the founding team of India?s largest Home-shopping channel. We did not just set up a company, we started an industry.  When we began, trained talent did not exist. We started from scratch and trained each and every anchor and producer for television shopping. We created a communication strategy to differentiate ourselves from all the infomercials that ran late at night. Setting a brand that is trusted in an industry that was fested with lack of trust has been one of the most exciting experiences

    Is e-commerce and digital market going to be the market leader when it comes to lifestyle commodities?

    In my opinion, the future is innovation and having a pulse on customer needs. This is just the beginning, I think customers are so much better off today as they get better variety at much better prices. Additionally they can also buy the latest trends so it?s a lot more easier now.

    What is success to you? 

    Success to me is building a passionate organization with a strong customer franchise. My mantra is to focus, get it right and then build on it.

    Any words of wisdom that you want to share with our readers?

    Imbibe knowledge as knowledge gives you confidence, and brings empathy in your work as there is nothing that you can get done alone as an individual.

     

    As told to Papri Das

    indiantelevision.com Team
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  • In conversation with Abhijit Avasthi

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 12, 2015

    After six long months of speculations, Abhijit Avasthi, the former National Creative Head of Ogilvy and Mather India has finally broken his silence, and spoken at length about his reasons for quitting a comfortable job and starting something on his own.

    In this episode of Talking Point, catch him open up on his life as an army brat, his relationship with Piyush Pandey, and his vision behind Sideways, his new creative venture.

    indiantelevision.com Team
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  • ?Beauty for me is all things natural?: Blossom Kochhar

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 12, 2015

    By Papri Das

    The name Dr. Blossom Kochhar needs no introduction in the world of beauty and lifestyle. From conducting extensive research in the field of Aromatherapy, to applying the same for beauty solutions through her own range of products, this veteran beautician, doctor and entrepreneur has been a stalwart in promoting a healthy and natural lifestyle in our country. When it comes to beauty solutions Kochhar lives by the motto ? ?What we apply should be as healing and effective as what we eat.?

    The idea of using everything ?nature derived? was deeply seeded in Kochhar?s mind since her childhood days spent on the coffee plantations with her family.  And the same philosophy formed the backbone of Blossom Kochhar Group of  Companies. In this candid chat with Exec Life, Kochhar bares her heart on her own beauty mantra and the idea behind her beauty empire.

    How did you conceptualise Aroma Magic?

    My childhood was spent on coffee plantations with my very large family; everything we consumed was organically grown and taken from the earth. This idea of everything being ?Nature Derived? led to the beginning of the Blossom Kocchar Group of Companies.  I have been practicing and researching the science of ?Aromatherapy and Herbalisim? for over 25 years. This extensive research led to the manufacture of aromatherapy based skincare and beauty products under the brand name ?Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic.?

    I realized the need to have a scientific system backing it by stitching together the science and art of Aromatherapy and the modern day science of Terra therapy to create a pure product with 35 per cent concentrates of essential oils and organic extracts.

    What is Aromatherapy?

    Aromatherapy is holistic method of healing based on the skilful use of pure essential oils, which stimulate the natural regenerative processes of the body. Essential oils are extracted from flowers, herbs, bark, fruit and spices by either steam distillation, dissolving in solvents or by simple pressure. They have been called the lifeblood of plants? containing their healing properties in a very concentrated form.

    In what ways can it be used?

    Today essential oils are collected from all over the world and science is confirming their usefulness. They can be used to treat a broad spectrum of conditions including physical, mental and psychosomatic stress problems. Research has shown that smelling them alone has the power of alter one?s state of mind. Many oils have excellent antiseptic and anti-bactericidal properties and have been known to kill bacteria on contact in laboratory trials.

    The oils can be utilized in a variety of ways as perfume, for inhalation, in vaporization compresses as bath and massage oil. Owing to their great power of skin penetration, the oils are diluted in almond or any vegetable oil for massage and skin care.

    Are you developing any new product?

    We have been coming up with our new facial kits ? Jewel Facial Kit, Vitamin C Lightening Facial Kit, Derma Chill Facial Kit, Detox Bamboo Charcoal Facial Kit, Advance Acne Facial Kit and some more depending on the skin types are in production.

    What is your personal beauty mantra?

    My personal beauty mantra is to use products that are nature derived, stay happy, remain positive and feel beautiful. My beauty regime comprises the cleansing, toning, oiling and moisturising (CTOM) at least twice a day. Sunscreen ? Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20 is my mantra of keeping my skin from getting tanned. Apart from this I resort to meditation, exercise, drink lots of water and eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. I also eat fruits and nuts.

    A lot of women these are doing cosmetic surgery and face-lifts. What are your comments on this practice?

    Natural cosmetics are safer for people and friendlier to the nature, so are definitely better than chemical-based products or surgeries. They will not cause any serious harm to your skin or your hair, but long term usage of chemical based products will definitely tend to leave behind effects on your skin and hair that might not be very healthy for both. So try to use as much of natural products as you can, the effect might be slow to show, but there will not be any long term harm associated with it.

    How do you define beauty?

    Beauty for me is all things natural, which inspired in me a love for an alternative way of living, healing and staying beautiful. Have gratitude and be positive? that is enough to make you feel beautiful throughout the day. Beauty comes from within.

    What are the latest consumer trends when it comes to the beauty products?

    The demand for chemical-free skin care products is on the rise. The plant-derived ingredients remain powerful; the proliferation of new and exotic ingredients has caused consumers to be more skeptical and discerning regarding their purchase. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the efficacy and side effects of ingredients, and have access to a range of Internet and consumer review sources to inform their decisions.

    What is your opinion on teenagers and pre-teens using make up and cosmetics?

    I feel in your early days you have beautiful flawless skin so you do not need any make up. With the new trend of using make up at an early age there is no problem, however, one should use safe and reliable cosmetics for looking better. Try to use as little cosmetics as possible. Light make up with a little gloss and kajal can be used, but loud make up should be avoided. If usage of makeup starts from a very early age then skincare regime to maintain a healthy and flawless clear skin for a long time should also start immediately. Cleansing, toning, oiling and moisturizing should frame a major part of the skincare regime.

    Three beauty products we can always find in your clutch?

    In my vanity case some of the things are permanent:

    ?       Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20

    ?       Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Sunlite Spray SPF 30 PA ++

    ?       Lipstick from MAC

    Apart from aromatherapy what are you passionate about?

    I love photography, I like playing golf, and my passion is spending quality time with my grandson.

    indiantelevision.com Team
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  • Student Diaries

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 05, 2015

    No matter how successful you become in life, your student life is something that you always hold close to your heart. And when we think of student life we think of friends, seniors, campus life, loads of fun, and life building lessons. This weekend, Exec Lifestyle took some of the top media executives on a nostalgic trip down memory lane to their childhood. Here are some anecdotes from their lives as students!

    indiantelevision.com Team
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