ITV

Category: Brands

  • Pedigree strikes the right note for pets this Diwali

    Pedigree strikes the right note for pets this Diwali

    MUMBAI: Now here’s a pawsitive tune-up for Diwali! India’s leading dog food brand  Pedigree, from Mars Petcare, has launched an AI-powered ‘Pawsome Playlist,’ a first-of-its-kind musical initiative designed to keep furry friends calm and relaxed amid the festive fireworks.

    Developed with inputs from veterinarian Jasleen Kaur, the playlist uses AI to generate soothing, rhythm-based tracks that help reduce canine anxiety. Hosted on Youtube, the Pawsome Playlist draws on scientific insights into how dogs respond to calming frequencies and consistent beats.

    “At Mars Petcare, we know pets do more than keep us company, they help us feel calm and connected,” said Mars Petcare India chief marketing officer Ayesha Huda. “This Diwali, we wanted to return that love by creating something that brings peace and comfort to them.”

    The campaign also comes with a touch of creativity from 22feet Tribal Worldwide, whose executive creative director Shyam Nair revealed that each AI-generated track, with witty titles like ‘Sugar? No Please.’ and ‘Wait for Wags.,’  was designed to soothe pets while gently reminding owners to show more empathy.

    Echoing the sentiment, Kaur added, “Music can profoundly influence animal behaviour. It’s wonderful to see technology being used so intuitively to improve pet wellbeing.”

    With Pawsome Playlist, Pedigree has found a way to mix compassion, technology and rhythm, proving that this Diwali, the sweetest sounds of all might just be a happy, wagging tail.

     

  • Thunderplus, Bijliride team up to power India’s EV charging network

    Thunderplus, Bijliride team up to power India’s EV charging network

    MUMBAI: If chai breaks could charge your scooter, India’s EV story just got its perfect plug. Thunderplus, the country’s fastest-growing EV charging network, has teamed up with Bijliride, a SaaS-powered electric two-wheeler rental platform, to supercharge urban mobility with a partnership that’s equal parts speed, sustainability, and smarts.

    The alliance aims to zap away India’s biggest EV worries, range anxiety and charging delays by integrating battery-swapping and fast-charging services across all 250 plus Thunderplus hubs. Think of it as the digital-age pit stop for everyone from gig workers on the go to students zipping through city traffic.

    Under this collaboration, every Thunderplus hub will now feature BijliRide battery-swapping machines, allowing users to swap batteries in seconds instead of waiting for hours. For those who’d rather top up than swap out, there’s the new “Thunder Tej” 12 kW LEVDC fast charger, which powers two- and three-wheelers to 80 per cent in just 10 minutes, the time it takes to sip a cutting chai.

    “At Thunderplus, we believe in collaboration over competition,” said Thunderplus CEO Rajeev YSR. “Our hubs will now evolve into multi-activity economic centres, offering not just fast charging but battery swapping and community access points for EV users.”

    Hyderabad where Bijliride first plugged in continues to lead India’s electric mobility charge. The city’s vibrant mix of professionals, gig workers, and students makes it the perfect launchpad for Bijliride’s hub-and-spoke STAR expansion model.

    “Our goal is simple make sustainable mobility as easy and convenient as ordering a cab,” said Bijliride CEO and co-founder Shivam Sisodiya. “By combining ThunderPlus’s infrastructure with our rental ecosystem, we’re creating connected pickup and drop-off points with charging, swapping, and service support all under one roof.”

    The result? A city where no EV user is more than a few minutes from power. Whether it’s a delivery rider racing against time or a commuter heading to college, the partnership ensures smooth, stress-free rides without the dreaded battery panic.

    Thunderplus and Bijliride also see this as the start of a nationwide circuit. After powering Hyderabad, Bijliride plans to roll out its STAR model in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, expanding its 24/7 operational hubs and integrating charging, swapping, and rentals across India’s major metros.

    For now, the first 24/7 flagship hub in Madhapur, Hyderabad sets the template, a connected, data-driven, user-first experience that redefines what “refuelling” means in an electric age.

    “Together, we’re building not just charging stations but a smarter, cleaner, and more connected ecosystem,” added Rajeev. “The goal is simple: to make EV ownership as convenient as it is responsible.”

    With Thunderplus providing the volts and Bijliride bringing the wheels, India’s EV future looks set to move faster, cleaner, and one chai break at a time.

     

  • HDFC Securities busts fraudsters with flair

    HDFC Securities busts fraudsters with flair

    MUMBAI: HDFC Securities has launched Kya Aap Taiyyar Ho?, a nationwide fraud awareness drive that brings Bollywood storytelling to the world of financial security. The campaign, part of the company’s Knowyourmoney initiative, uses humour, drama, and realism to show how easily scams can slip into everyday life, and how awareness can be the ultimate defence.

    Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal and Chhichhore fame, the campaign stars Manoj Pahwa, Bhuvan Arora, and Sapna Sand as part of a quirky ‘Fraudster Family’ that hilariously exposes modern investment scams. Through engaging short films, the series demystifies online trickery and emotional manipulation that have cost countless families their savings.

    “When you see people lose their hard-earned money, you realise awareness isn’t optional, it’s essential,” said Tiwari. “This campaign empowers every investor to stay informed and protect what they’ve built.”

    With a mission to make financial literacy entertaining and accessible, HDFC Securities has turned Knowyourmoney into one of India’s largest hybrid awareness programmes, reaching over 1.1 crore people weekly through videos, podcasts, community sessions, and gamified learning in 13 languages.

    HDFC Securities EVP & CMO Puneeth Bekal noted, “Fraud has evolved in scale and sophistication, and the only sustainable defence is awareness. Kya Aap Taiyyar Ho? gives people the tools to make informed decisions and safeguard their money.”

    The campaign’s creative offshoots, from a comic strip series called Bear and Bull to interactive games like Investment Heist and a forthcoming Fraudster’s Dossier, make money matters feel less intimidating and more engaging. It even celebrates citizens who have successfully spotted and stopped scams, proving that financial vigilance can be learned.

    By combining cinema, community, and conversation, HDFC Securities isn’t just teaching people how to protect their money, it’s turning awareness into a movement. After all, when it comes to scams, prevention is the smartest investment of all.

     

  • Wrap2Earn takes brands on a ‘bus-ted’ new ride

    Wrap2Earn takes brands on a ‘bus-ted’ new ride

    MUMBAI: Talk about a move in the right direction! Wrap2Earn is hitting the advertising fast lane with its latest partnership with Uber Shuttle, Uber’s intracity bus service for corporate commuters. The Mumbai-based transit advertising firm now holds exclusive rights to manage both exterior and in-vehicle branding across Uber Shuttle’s fleet of over 1,000 buses zipping through more than 50 curated routes in two of India’s busiest metros.

    With over a million monthly bookings, Uber Shuttle has become the preferred ride for professionals who value comfort, reliability and consistency. And that’s precisely the audience brands are keen to catch on the move. From the outside wraps that dominate cityscapes to in-bus displays targeting over 50,000 monthly riders, the collaboration promises high visibility, measurable reach and cost-effective impact.

    Uber Shuttle India Head Amit Deshpande said, “Uber Shuttle has quickly emerged as the preferred daily choice for working professionals. With this partnership, it becomes a canvas for brands to engage with professionals through smart advertising.”

    The partnership also arrives at a time when static outdoor ads are losing traction. For the price of a single hoarding, brands can instead wrap up to 20 shuttle buses, each covering hundreds of kilometres daily and connecting with millions of urban commuters.

    Wrap2Earn founder and CEO Elmer Dsilva added, “Uber Shuttle represents one of India’s most loved and trusted shared mobility networks. Our partnership makes it possible for advertisers to connect with a highly relevant audience through media that is both effective and measurable.”

    With routes spanning major residential and business hubs, this alliance ensures brands aren’t just seen, they’re remembered. After all, in the race for attention, it seems the wheels of creativity are firmly in motion.

     

  • Kia India promotes digital chief to top marketing role

    Kia India promotes digital chief to top marketing role

    Mumbai: Vijay Kumar has climbed to the top of Kia India’s marketing ladder, taking on the role of general manager and head of marketing and public relations in September after spending seven years transforming the Korean carmaker from an unknown entity into one of India’s most recognised automotive brands.

    When Kumar joined in June 2018, Kia was a blank slate in India. His mandate was straightforward: make the brand register. Mission accomplished. Through launches of the Seltos, Sonet, Carnival, Carens, Syros, and electric models EV6 and EV9, Kia has muscled its way into India’s cutthroat car market, earning consumer trust and—Kumar’s preferred metric—love.

    Kumar’s ascent from digital marketing responsibilities to the corner office puts him in charge of brand strategy, above-the-line and below-the-line campaigns, digital operations, public relations, media planning and buying, and consumer insights. His earlier digital work earned Kia global recognition, including best digital marketing campaign honours from headquarters in 2019 for the Seltos launch, beating out 70 subsidiaries worldwide. 

    Under his watch, Kia cracked India’s top three digital automotive brands by online engagement.

    Now overseeing media strategy across Kia’s internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios, Kumar reports to Shakti Upadhyay, whom he credits as mentor and guide. His stated ambition: cement Kia as India’s most loved automotive brand and a thought leader, built on creativity and emotional connections with buyers.

    Before Kia, Kumar spent over two years at Cheil Worldwide handling Samsung’s flagship mobile and television products, and nearly three years at Interactive Avenues managing digital media for brands including Reckitt and ITC. At Kia, he’s overseen performance marketing across 450-plus dealer outlets and racked up 22 marketing awards between 2019 and 2025.

    Seven years in, Kumar reckons the hard part—building recognition—is done. What comes next is keeping India’s fickle car buyers smitten. In a market where loyalty is fleeting and competition ferocious, that might prove the tougher assignment.

  • Godrej’s creative chief walks out after role mismatch

    Godrej’s creative chief walks out after role mismatch

    MUMBAI: Swati Bhattacharya is leaving Godrej Consumer Products, effective January 1st 2026, barely months into her tenure as head of Lightbox Creative Lab. The reason? Blunt and unvarnished: the role “did not leverage her strengths and objectives.”

    The Mumbai-based consumer goods company disclosed the resignation to stock exchanges on October 24th, offering corporate platitudes about appreciating her contribution. But Bhattacharya’s departure signals a rare public admission of a mismatch between executive expectations and reality—a failure that typically gets buried in boardroom euphemisms.

    As senior management personnel at one of India’s largest consumer products firms, Bhattacharya helmed the company’s creative laboratory, presumably tasked with injecting innovation into a portfolio spanning soaps, hair colour and household insecticides. That the experiment fizzled speaks volumes.

    Godrej Consumer Products, listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, now faces the task of finding someone whose strengths actually align with what Lightbox demands. The company’s shares closed at their previous levels; investors, it seems, are unfazed by the creative exodus.

    In corporate India, where resignations are usually dressed up in diplomatic language about “pursuing other opportunities”, Bhattacharya’s candour is almost refreshing. Almost.

  • Cognizant runs the extra mile as title sponsor of New Delhi Marathon 2026

    Cognizant runs the extra mile as title sponsor of New Delhi Marathon 2026

    NEW DELHI: Talk about fast networking! Cognizant has signed on as the title sponsor of the New Delhi Marathon 2026, set to hit the capital’s streets on 22 February 2026.

    Now rechristened the Cognizant New Delhi Marathon, the event marks a milestone partnership between one of the world’s most respected tech companies and one of Asia’s premier long-distance races.

    Celebrating its eleventh edition, the marathon has become more than just a race, it’s a national ritual of endurance, unity, and pure adrenaline. Every year, over 30,000 runners, from elite athletes to spirited amateurs , lace up for the challenge, joined by corporate teams, defence personnel, and fitness enthusiasts from across the globe.

    Cognizant India president – global operations and chairman & managing director Rajesh Varrier said, “We’re thrilled to become the title sponsor of the New Delhi Marathon from 2026. Marathons transcend boundaries and cultures, they celebrate the indomitable human spirit.”

    Globally, Cognizant’s sports portfolio spans golf, racing, and cricket, symbolising its belief in the energy, diversity, and social impact of sport.

    Neb Sports CMD Nagaraj Adiga added, “Cognizant’s partnership adds immense strength and credibility as we continue to inspire a culture of fitness and social responsibility.”

    The Cognizant New Delhi Marathon 2026 will feature four race categories: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k, welcoming participants of all ages and fitness levels. True to its community spirit, the event will continue to support NGOs and social causes, ensuring its impact stretches well beyond the finish line.

    A certified Aims (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) event, the race promises world-class accuracy, safety, and organisation. The scenic route will take runners past Delhi’s most iconic landmarks: India Gate, Rajpath, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, offering a breathtaking blend of heritage and endurance.

    With Asics as official sports goods partner and Volini as recovery partner, the 2026 edition is all set to deliver a marathon experience that’s equal parts sweat, spirit, and spectacle.
     

  • Hindustan Unilever’s profits flatten as margins take a beating

    Hindustan Unilever’s profits flatten as margins take a beating

    MUMBAI:  Hindustan Unilever limped through the September quarter with anaemic growth and shrinking margins, a performance that underscores the headwinds buffeting India’s consumer-goods bellwether. The maker of Dove soap and Surf detergent eked out a mere two per cent rise in sales whilst profit after tax before exceptional items slipped four per cent.

    Revenue from operations nudged up to Rs 16,034 crore for the quarter ended 30 September 2025, compared with Rs 15,703 crores in the year-ago period. But the real story lay in the margins: EBITDA margin contracted a painful 90 basis points to 23.2 per cent, down from 24.1 per cent last year. The culprit? Surging raw-material costs, which jumped 15 per cent year-on-year to Rs 5,746 crore.

    Profit after tax before exceptional items came in at Rs 2,482 crore, down from Rs 2,594 crore in the September 2024 quarter. But here’s where it gets interesting: exceptional items swung the needle dramatically. A one-off Rs 273-crore windfall from resolving tax disputes between UK and Indian authorities turned what would have been a profit decline into a four per cent gain. Reported PAT stood at Rs 2,694 crore versus Rs 2,595 crore last year.

    The half-year picture proved equally tepid. For the six months ended September, sales rose just four per cent to Rs 32,330 crore from Rs 31,200 crore. EBITDA for the period came in at Rs 7,539 crore with margins at 23.3 per cent. Profit after tax before exceptionals at Rs 4,960 crore marked a five per cent decline from Rs 5,201 crore in the first half of the previous year.

    Segment performance revealed a mixed bag. Home Care, the company’s largest division with Rs 11,441 crore in half-year sales, saw operating profit slip to Rs 2,212 crore from Rs 2,250 crore. Beauty & Wellbeing proved the bright spot, with sales surging 10 per cent to Rs 7,363 crores, though operating profit dipped marginally to Rs 2,060 crore. Personal Care posted a robust four per cent sales growth whilst Foods, contributing Rs 7,885 crore  saw profits decline 10 per cent to Rs 1,281 crore.

    The company’s acquisition spree added fresh complications. Purchase consideration for business combinations totalled Rs 2,661 crore during the half-year, primarily related to the Minimalist skincare brand acquisition completed in April. This aggressive M&A activity, whilst positioning HUL for future growth, weighed on near-term cash flows and contributed Rs 38 crore in acquisition-related costs.

    Managing director and chief executive officer Priya Nair faces a delicate balancing act. The board declared an interim dividend of Rs 19 per share, maintaining shareholder payouts even as profits sputtered. Meanwhile, the proposed demerger of the ice-cream business into Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited awaits regulatory clearances—a restructuring that could reshape HUL’s portfolio but added Rs 51 crore in expenses this quarter.

    Cash generation remained robust despite operational headwinds. Operating cash flows for the half-year stood at Rs 6,267 crores, though down from Rs 6,657 crore last year. The company deployed Rs 5,639 crore in dividend payments whilst splashing Rs 617 crore on capital expenditure.

    Earnings per share for the quarter came in at Rs 11.43, up marginally from Rs 11.03 last year, though this flattered the underlying performance due to exceptional gains. For the half-year, EPS stood at Rs 23.16 versus Rs 22.14, a five per cent increase that masked the compression in core profitability.

    The September quarter’s travails suggest India’s consumption story has lost some fizz. With costs climbing faster than pricing power allows and competition intensifying across categories, HUL’s playbook of premiumisation and market-share gains faces a stern test. The Rs 273-crore tax bonanza provided cosmetic relief this quarter, but the underlying business needs more than accounting alchemy to regain its mojo.

  • Priya Malik brings poetic touch to Interio by Godrej’s ‘Moments that matter’

    Priya Malik brings poetic touch to Interio by Godrej’s ‘Moments that matter’

    MUMBAI: Home got poetic this week as Interio by Godrej teamed up with celebrated storyteller Priya Malik to turn furniture into feelings and design into dialogue.

    At the launch of its sprawling new 22,000 square feet, experiential flagship store in Vikhroli, Mumbai, the brand deepened its ‘Moments that matter’ campaign with Malik’s moving spoken-word piece “Ghar, Ghar Jaisa Hota Hai.” True to her evocative style, the poet painted scenes that every homebody knows by heart: that quiet cup of morning coffee, the chatter around a dining table, or the comfort of simply belonging.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Interio by Godrej head of integrated marketing and communications Reshu Saraf said, “Our campaign ‘Moments That Matter’ shifts the conversation from furniture as mere utility to pieces that help nurture genuine connections both with ourselves and with our loved ones. We’re delighted to have Priya Malik take this thought a step further through her poetic narration, which beautifully captures the emotions and everyday moments that make a house truly feel like home…”

    The collaboration, conceptualised by Contract Advertising, extends beyond words, it’s a celebration of spaces that hold life’s small, significant stories. The new store, anchored in Godrej’s century-old design legacy, blends nostalgia and modernity with curated look books, an archive gallery, and even a Mangrove kitchen café inspired by Vikhroli’s lush biodiversity.

    Visitors also got a taste of Indian craftsmanship through collaborations with artisans and design studios including Adigami Studio by Aditi Anuj, BR Pandit, Cane Concept, Heirloom Naga, Makaan by Tahir Sultan, Oorja, Sirohi and Svabhu Kohli. The event also featured a fireside chat with designer David Abraham on Bauhaus’ influence in India and an immersive digital experience by Aaron Myles.

    With plans to open 500 new stores by FY29, Interio by Godrej seems set to shape not just homes, but the moments that make them truly matter.

     

  • Mccain serves a musical treat this Diwali with Usha Uthup’s ‘Jugalbandi’

    Mccain serves a musical treat this Diwali with Usha Uthup’s ‘Jugalbandi’

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, McCain is striking all the right chords. The brand’s new campaign, Jugalbandi, brings together three generations of the Uthup family in a heartwarming celebration of food, music, and togetherness.

    Created by Schbang, the film stars the queen of Indian pop, Usha Uthup, alongside her daughter Anjali and grandson, in a delightful musical face-off that turns into a moment of family unity. Set at a lively Diwali house party, the film captures Uthup’s iconic disco charm blending with Anjali’s spirited beats and her grandson’s modern DJ flair. The playful competition melts into harmony when the irresistible aroma of Mccain snacks fills the air, bringing everyone together over hot, crispy treats.

    With Jugalbandi, Mccain celebrates the idea that food bridges more than just hunger, it bridges generations. By fusing two of India’s biggest passions, food and music, the campaign transforms a simple snack into a symbol of connection and joy.

    “These days, families are often spread across cities and time zones, and it’s only on special occasions that everyone comes together,” said Mccain Foods India managing director Mainak Dhar. “Our Jugalbandi campaign celebrates how different generations, each with their own rhythm, can find harmony over a plate of Mccain snacks. Usha Uthup embodies this spirit perfectly, rooted in culture yet modern and relevant.”

    Schbang president – brand solutions Jitto George added, “When we set out to create a generational ‘jugalbandi’, the first and only choice was Usha Uthup and her family. Their real bond brought the idea to life, blending nostalgia, music, and the joy of food which is the very essence of Mccain’s philosophy of togetherness.”

    The campaign runs across digital platforms, reinforcing Mccain’s role as the snack that turns festive gatherings into shared moments of warmth, laughter, and love.