Mythology major Swastik Productions has announces the expansion of its digital leadership team with the appointment of Jitendra Joshi as Head of Digital Monetisation and Brand Partnerships and Smita Roy as Head – Digital Operations. While Joshi will oversee content monetization through strategic partnerships and ad revenue initiatives to drive the company’s digital growth, Roy will be responsible for driving the focus on expanding digital presence across medium and content absorption in order to deliver exceptional content to a broader audience.
Jitendra Joshi
Jitendra Joshi and Smita Roy’s appointments are with immediate effect. They both are based out of Mumbai and will report into Siddharth Kumar Tewary.
Said Siddharth Kumar Tewary, Founder and Chief Creative, Swastik: “We welcome Smita and Jitendra to our Swastik family, I believe both of them will drive our journey towards telling stories to newer audiences through the digital medium. With our experience and understanding of Indian history and culture for over a decade now, we are really excited about this journey as it enables us to tell stories of our past to our future.”
Swastik Productions, makers of the ongoing mega-show Shrimad Ramayan, has announced the appointment of Manish Agarvwal as Head of Digital, Marcom and Special Projects. He will establish and implement efforts to drive digital revenues. He will report to Swastik founder Siddharth Kumar Tewary.
Speaking on the appointment Tewary said: “We are excited to have Manish fuel Swastik’s digital growth. His qualified experience in the digital domain brings valuable insights to Swastik Productions. As we embark on a journey of continued growth and innovation, we look forward to simultaneously thriving in the digital landscape, as we do in television.”
Added Agarvwal: “I am delighted to join Swastik Productions to drive its growing audience engagement agenda. With a significant presence in television, we look forward to growing the franchise of our content and music on digital platforms too.”
It’s not the first that mega-epic Ramayan is being aired on television. Various versions – in costume drama and animation – have been seen. But everytime a new avatar is set to launch, there’s much excitement. Why, everytime even a re-run is aired, there is excitement. Remember the lockdown when Doordarshan played a masterstroke by airing a rerun?
Well, this time, it’s Sony Entertainment Television that’s bringing to its screens (and streaming service Sony Liv) an all-new version of Ramayan. Called Shrimad Ramayan. Starting Monday, January 1, at the 9pm primetime slot.
Sony Entertainment Television has signed on Swastik Productions, a seasoned player with big bang mythologicals/historicals whose founder Siddharth Kumar Tewary had interestingly started his independent Swastik journey with Sony in 2007 (see interview from 2017).
So who’s playing Lord Ram? Actor Sujay Reu and Sita is Prachi Bansal. Amongst others in the cast: Nikitin Dheer as Ravan and Arav Chowdharry as Dashrath. Notes a communique: “The attention to detail in the costumes, a mega set design, and visual effects will further enhance the viewing experience, transporting the audience to the enchanting world of Ayodhya and Lanka.” Hmmm.
Neeraj Vyas
In a statement, this is what Neeraj Vyas, Business Head – Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Sab, PAL, and Sony Max Movie Cluster said: “This is not just a show… it is our attempt to bring the essence of our rich heritage into the homes of millions and create a shared experience for families across the nation. The learnings of this distinctive epic are relevant even today and resonate across generations, emphasizing the importance of family values and the significance of relationships. As we embark on this divine journey with Swastik Productions, we are committed to crafting an authentic and immersive experience for the viewers.”
Siddharth Kumar Tewary
Added Tewary: “Bringing one of the biggest epics to life is not just a creative endeavour but a profound responsibility. The launch of ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ signifies a commitment to quality storytelling with meticulous research and seamless execution. I am delighted to partner with Sony Entertainment Television and together, we look forward to the retelling of this timeless narrative that resonates deeply with viewers, fostering a renewed connection with our cultural heritage and values. I am thankful to amazing talent which is helping me create this – the star cast and the production crew which is working tirelessly on this mega project.”