ITV

Category: Brands

  • Caratlane turns a new leaf with Peepal collection

    Caratlane turns a new leaf with Peepal collection

    MUMBAI: When it comes to jewellery, Caratlane has truly turned over a new leaf. The Tata-backed jeweller has launched its latest festive line, ‘Peepal’, just in time for Dhanteras, drawing inspiration from the serenity and symbolism of the sacred fig tree.

    The designs shimmer with diamonds and green alpanites, carefully set in 14 karat and 18 karat yellow gold with delicate touches of green rhodium, echoing the natural elegance of the leaf. A launch film captures the mood with diya-lit visuals around a peepal tree, underscoring its deep cultural significance in Indian tradition.

    “Jewellery is more than adornment,” said Caratlane managing director Saumen Bhaumik. “The peepal leaf, long revered as a symbol of divinity and new beginnings, felt like the perfect muse for pieces that are festive, versatile and timeless.”

    True to its ethos of fusing heritage with contemporary design, Caratlane has crafted a collection that promises to shine as brightly at daily brunches as at Diwali soirées. Adding sparkle to the launch, customers can bag free gold coins on purchases starting from Rs 15,000.

    Founded in 2008 and now with over 330 stores worldwide, Caratlane continues to marry modern design with Indian sentiment, proving once again that tradition and trend can sit beautifully side by side.

     

  • Havas India teams up with Banijay Asia to bring entertainment firepower to advertising

    Havas India teams up with Banijay Asia to bring entertainment firepower to advertising

    MUMBAI: Advertising is eating entertainment—or is it the other way round? Havas India has struck a strategic partnership with Banijay Asia, the regional arm of Europe’s largest studio, to fuse the art of selling with the craft of showmaking. The alliance marks a bet that brands can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines of culture; they must wade into the thick of it.

    Banijay Entertainment, the Paris-headquartered titan behind global juggernauts like Survivor, Big Brother and Temptation Island, has built its Asian operation into a content factory. In India alone, Banijay Asia has churned out The Kapil Sharma Show, Bigg Boss, Nach Baliye, The Night Manager and The Voice—hits that have shaped prime-time viewing and water-cooler chatter.

    Under the new arrangement, Havas India will plug into Banijay Asia’s storytelling muscle to create what it calls “entertainment-led brand storytelling”. Translation: adverts that don’t feel like adverts. The partnership stretches beyond India to cover Havas clients across South-East Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan.

    “Advertising today is no longer confined to conventional mediums; it thrives at the intersection of entertainment, content and culture,” said Havas India, South-East Asia and North Asia group chief executive Rana Barua. The goal, he added, is to help brands “drive cultural and business impact” by thinking bigger and bolder.

    Banijay Asia founder & group chief executive Deepak Dhar argued that India and the wider Asia-Pacific region are “ready for a more immersive, content-first approach to brand building”. With Havas’s network reach and Banijay’s format expertise, the two aim to make brands “part of everyday conversations”.

    The tie-up reflects a broader trend: the blurring of boundaries between advertising and entertainment. Banijay Entertainment has already launched a specialist division, Banijay Branded Entertainment, to capitalise on brands’ hunger for original content. This partnership takes that ambition eastward, where audiences are younger, mobile-savvy and increasingly allergic to traditional ad formats.

    Havas India, which operates 24 agencies and divisions across media, creative and health verticals, has been on a tear. The network has won multiple clients and industry gongs over the past three years, including being named a Great Place to Work three times running. With over 2,500 staff across Mumbai, Gurugram, Bengaluru and four other cities, it is positioning itself as one of India’s nimblest advertising shops.

    Banijay Asia, meanwhile, continues to expand its slate. The studio has Indian adaptations of Monk, House and Suits in the pipeline, alongside non-scripted fare like Rise and Fall and Temptation Island. Its parent company, Banijay Entertainment, operates over 130 production companies across 21 territories and delivered more than 17,000 hours of content in 2024. Revenues hit €3.35bn last year, with EBITDA of €528m.

    Whether brands can truly become entertainment—or merely crash the party—remains to be seen. But with this partnership, Havas and Banijay are betting that the future of advertising looks less like a 30-second spot and more like a binge-worthy series.

  • Amazon Fresh serves up a feast across 270 cities

    Amazon Fresh serves up a feast across 270 cities

    MUMBAI: Talk about a shopping sprint. Amazon Fresh is racing ahead this festive season, now available in more than 270 cities across India. The expansion, timed with the Amazon Great Indian Festival (AGIF), marks a 4.5 times growth in reach in just two years and a 40 per cent year-on-year surge in orders within the first two days of AGIF.

    From Gorakhpur to Coimbatore, Jalandhar to Hubli, and Jamshedpur to Vellore, customers can now access over 40,000 products delivered to their doorsteps in convenient two-hour slots. The selection spans farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, staples, dairy, packaged foods, frozen items, personal care, beauty, baby and pet essentials, as well as 3,000 regionally loved favourites, including Rajdhani atta, Eastern masalas, GRB sweets, and Sri Bhagyalaxmi staples.

    Amazon Fresh India director Srikant Sree Ram said, “Amazon Fresh has grown 4.5 times in reach and 10 times in selection in just two years, transforming how families across India shop for groceries online. By expanding to over 270 cities, we are bringing everyday essentials and festive favourites to more households than ever before. This has been possible thanks to the growth of our seller network and our advanced delivery capabilities, creating one of India’s largest omnichannel grocery networks.”

    The initiative is powered by a robust farm-to-doorstep network, working with over 13,000 registered farmers. Every product undergoes a four-step quality process including local collection point inspections, grading and sorting, temperature-controlled storage, and final quality checks to ensure freshness and reliability.

    More Retail Limited (MRL), a seller on Amazon Fresh, reported that converting more than 370 offline stores to serve Amazon Fresh customers has fueled a 65 per cent year-on-year growth in 2024, which continues to rise during AGIF.

    During the festival, shoppers can snap up deals starting at just Rs 1 and claim a maximum cashback of Rs 400 on their grocery baskets. Diwali décor essentials, including lights, rangoli kits, and traditional sweets, have also been added, giving families the convenience of festive shopping alongside daily essentials. Every weekend, Amazon Fresh Super Value Days provide extra savings on weekly groceries and household products.

    With over 40,000 products now on offer, a 10-fold increase from just 4,000 in 2023, Amazon Fresh is bridging the gap between farm and doorstep while celebrating regional diversity. This blend of convenience, variety, and freshness makes online grocery shopping effortless, helping families save time and focus on celebrating with loved ones.

    Amazon Fresh, available across 300 cities, delivers products through a temperature-controlled supply chain, combining value, wide selection, and fast delivery. From staples to fresh produce and personal care, the service ensures customers enjoy quality and convenience with personalised features that make shopping seamless.
     

  • TVS revs up global design with Italian CoE launch

    TVS revs up global design with Italian CoE launch

    MUMBAI: Talk about shifting gears. TVS Motor Company has hit the accelerator on global innovation, unveiling its new Global Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Design and Engineering in Bologna, Italy. The move comes with the full acquisition of Engines Engineering S.p.A., the Italian powerhouse behind high-performance motorcycles and Motogp prototypes.

    “This Centre marks a milestone in reimagining mobility,” said TVS Motor Company chairman Sudarshan Venu. “By blending Engines Engineering’s racing expertise with our global design and engineering capabilities, we aim to deliver premium, connected, and electric vehicles that set new benchmarks.”

    The Italian CoE will act as a concept-to-product innovation hub, integrating world-class engineering teams to speed up product development, enhance design flexibility, and expand TVS Motor’s premium portfolio. It also strengthens Norton Motorcycles, supporting its ambition to craft modern luxury motorcycles that honour its iconic legacy while pushing the boundaries of performance.

    Key focus areas include digital simulation, rapid prototyping, modular platform development, AI-driven design tools, advanced materials, and global collaboration with universities, startups, and suppliers. The initiative promises faster development cycles and a pipeline of next-generation scooters, high-displacement bikes, and electric mobility platforms.

    With this move, TVS Motor is not just racing ahead in design and engineering but is steering the global motorcycle industry into a future where innovation meets performance and sustainability.
     

  • Roff sticks the landing with cheeky ‘Naak kat gayi’ ad after India’s win

    Roff sticks the landing with cheeky ‘Naak kat gayi’ ad after India’s win

    MUMBAI: Talk about a pitch-perfect fix. Hours after India’s nail-biting win over Pakistan, Pidilite’s Roff slid in with a TVC that stuck just right. Extending its tongue-in-cheek ‘Naak kat gayi’ theme, the campaign gave fans a reason to chuckle as much as cheer.

    The quickfire ad was more than a lucky break. Roff had already laid the groundwork with a witty OOH campaign, rooted in cultural references that sparked chatter across social media and outdoor hoardings alike.

    Fresh off an active run during the Asia Cup, the tile-fixing brand ensured its latest dig landed with maximum impact, stitching humour into the high-voltage cricketing moment.

    By sticking to its signature quirk and timing the release to perfection, Roff once again cemented its place as a moment-marketing master, proving that sometimes the best way to unite India is not just through sport, but through shared laughter. 
     

  • Paras Desai takes the reins at Faitta

    Paras Desai takes the reins at Faitta

    MUMBAI: Paras Desai, executive director of Wagh bakri tea group, has been elected chairman of the Federation of All India Tea Traders’ Association (FAITTA), the apex body representing tea traders nationwide. 

    Wagh Bakri director Vidisha Desai, joins the executive committee, reinforcing the group’s influence in the sector. 

    A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Desai has been with Wagh Bakri since 1993, transforming it into one of India’s largest packaged tea businesses, present in 24 states and exporting to over 60 countries. He spearheaded initiatives such as NABL-accredited in-house testing labs, instant tea premixes, wellness blends, and the Wagh Bakri Tea Lounges, while modernising operations and building a robust retail network.

    “The tea industry is evolving fast, shaped by consumer tastes and challenges like climate change,” said Desai. “I look forward to working with members, government, and regulators to strengthen the category and tackle emerging opportunities and hurdles.”

    Desai also serves as president of the Western India Tea Dealers Association. He holds a diploma in management studies from Ohio State University and is a skilled tea taster with over 30 years of experience. He champions corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly in women’s empowerment, education, and rehabilitation.

    Founded in 2014, FAITTA unites traders across India to address auctions, wholesale and retail trade, packaging, warehousing, and exports. It promotes compliance with food safety standards, including FSSAI residue norms, and advocates for transparency in auction practices.

    Wagh Bakri Tea Group, established in 1892, has an annual turnover of Rs 2,000 crore, distributes over 50 million kilograms of tea, and is one of India’s most trusted and widely consumed tea brands.

  • Chhota Bheem leaps from screen to snack bar

    Chhota Bheem leaps from screen to snack bar

    HYDERABAD: India’s most popular animated character is hoping to strike gold by jumping off the telly and into the kitchen. Green Gold Animation, creator of Chhota Bheem, has partnered with EBG Group to launch India’s first Chhota Bheem-themed cafes—a Rs 200 crore bet that children’s entertainment can translate into family dining gold.

    The first two outlets will open in Hyderabad’s Hitech City by December 2025, with an ambitious rollout of 50 cafes planned for 2026 and 300 across India thereafter. The venture could eventually expand globally, say the partners.

    The cafes will come in two formats: a compact 25 x 40 ft express model and a larger 50 x 40 ft full-scale version. Franchise partners will stump up the capital whilst EBG manages operations, branding and training under a company-owned, company-operated model. The expansion is expected to create over 250 jobs, from chefs to merchandising staff.

    Far from being mere eateries, these venues promise interactive play zones, storytelling corners, licensed merchandise and activities featuring Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Mighty Raju and other characters from Green Gold’s stable. The aim is to create what the partners call a “360-degree family entertainment ecosystem” where dining meets play.

    Green Gold Animation  founder & chief executive Rajiv Chilaka  said: “Over the last 17 years, Chhota Bheem has grown beyond being just an animated character to becoming a cultural phenomenon loved by millions of children and families across India and beyond. This partnership allows us to extend this universe into a unique, real-world experience.”

    Added EBG group founder & chief executive Irfan Khan:  “This is not just about food, but about creating joyful experiences that families will cherish.”

    Green Gold Animation, founded in 2001, has produced over 30,000 minutes of content across television, film and digital platforms. Its shows reach viewers in more than 100 countries through partnerships with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros Discovery. EBG Group is a multi-sector conglomerate spanning mobility, health, property, lifestyle, food, services, technology and education.

  • Devi Shankar bids farewell to Anarock after building India’s data-centre juggernaut

    Devi Shankar bids farewell to Anarock after building India’s data-centre juggernaut

    MUMBAI: Five years, $2.7bn in closed deals, and two of India’s largest data-centre platforms later, Devi Shankar is leaving Anarock.

    The managing director of investment banking built the firm’s data-centre business from nothing into a powerhouse. Her crowning achievements: EverYondr ($1 bIllion) and Colt-RMZ ($1.7 billion), two landmark transactions that helped establish India as a serious player in digital infrastructure. Advising global investors and private-equity funds on market entry became her signature move.

    “This wasn’t just a job; it was home,” Shankar wrote in her farewell message, referencing her early-morning arrivals and her notorious “Devi Standard Time” departures to beat Mumbai’s traffic. She gave special thanks to Ankita Sahu, whom she described as her “backbone for the last five years”.

    The move caps a 20-year career spanning KPMG, Deloitte, Jones Lang LaSalle and Ask Property Fund. Shankar’s expertise in structuring complex transactions—from introductions through to commercial negotiations, term sheets and due diligence—has made her one of India’s most respected dealmakers in alternative real estate.

    Alongside her corporate work, Shankar has been pursuing a parallel venture since January 2023: Irea Life, a private fashion label where she serves as creative lead and business adviser. The brand focuses on AI-driven solutions for customer experience and marketing automation.

    Shankar hinted that an announcement about her next move is imminent, though she declined to share details. Industry watchers will be watching closely to see where one of India’s leading investment bankers lands next.

  • Diviniti crafts National Film and Phalke Awards

    Diviniti crafts National Film and Phalke Awards

    MUMBAI: Talk about a golden touch! Diviniti, famed for its fine craftsmanship and timeless elegance, has once again etched its mark in Indian cinema by creating the National Film Awards trophies and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country’s highest cinematic honour.

    For legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Mohanlal and Rani Mukerji, holding a Diviniti-crafted trophy was more than recognition, it was artistry meeting achievement. “It is an extraordinary privilege for Diviniti to craft honours that celebrate the finest talent in Indian cinema,” said Diviniti director Amushree Jha. “Every creation must embody not just beauty but also legacy, and seeing icons hold our work fills us with immense pride.”

    Diviniti’s association with the nation’s most prestigious awards is no one-off. The brand has long worked with government ministries and the office of the president of India, creating exclusive mementoes presented at national occasions of great significance.

    From its beginnings in spiritual and luxury gifting to becoming a trusted name in bespoke honours, Diviniti continues to craft artefacts that stand as symbols of pride, prestige and permanence. This enduring partnership with India’s highest cinematic accolades underscores not just craftsmanship, but a legacy woven into the very fabric of the nation’s cultural milestones.  
     
     
  • Indusind Bank celebrates festive joy of giving with ‘Account bada toh dil bada’

    Indusind Bank celebrates festive joy of giving with ‘Account bada toh dil bada’

    MUMBAI: This festive season, Indusind Bank is making generosity go viral! The bank has launched its new campaign ‘Give More Get More’, built around the touching theme “Account bada toh dil bada”: a reminder that when savings grow, so does the ability to spread happiness.

    At the heart of the campaign is an emotional film that follows a humble baker and his son. The story shows how the son, empowered by Indusind Bank, fulfils his father’s lifelong dream of owning a bakery shop. The moving narrative underlines the campaign’s philosophy: financial growth isn’t just about wealth, it’s about the joy of giving.

    To complement the film, the bank is rolling out festive offers across its products and services, including: up to 50 per cent off on processing fees for loans such as home, vehicle, personal, and loan against property, and special debit and credit card deals across 15 plus leading brands like Vijay Sales, Goibibo, Zomato, and Bigbasket.

    The campaign also extends to a series of short, snappy digital films released on Instagram, Facebook, X, Linkedin, and Youtube. These spotlight Indusind Bank’s offerings, from instant loans to Indie for business, showcasing how the bank makes everyday banking simpler and more rewarding.

    With ‘Give more get more,’ Indusind Bank is reminding customers that the festive season is not just about receiving, it’s about giving more love, more joy, and more reasons to smile.