Category: Brands

  • TV9 Festival strikes a high note with Shaan, Sachet–Parampara in Delhi

    TV9 Festival strikes a high note with Shaan, Sachet–Parampara in Delhi

    MUMBAI: When beats meet bhajans and pop collides with pujo, you know Delhi’s in for a spectacle. The third edition of the TV9 festival of India promises to be bigger, brighter and louder, bringing together music, culture, food and fashion in a five-day carnival at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from 28 September to 2 October 2025.

    TV9 Network, which has seen huge success with the past two editions, is upping the tempo this year with star-studded concerts, celebrity DJs, dazzling dandiya nights and Delhi’s tallest Durga Puja pandal. “With the grand success of the last two editions, we are raising the bar this year. The festival reflects the spirit of India: culture, tradition, festivity and modernity,” said TV9 Network, COO, K Vikram.

    Headlining the line-up are Bollywood favourites Sachet–Parampara and Shaan. The duo, known for chartbusters like Bekhayali, Maiyya Mainu and Raanjhan, will perform on opening night, 28 September, while Shaan, the golden voice behind classics such as Chand Sifarish and Woh Pehli Baar takes the stage on 1 October.

    But the music doesn’t stop there. Dandiya nights will keep the floor alive with a Bollywood-meets-Garba twist: DJ Sahil Gulati spins on 29 September, DJ D’ark on 30 September, and a top international DJ closes the celebrations on 2 October. Add to that day-long live acts ranging from folk and fusion to indie beats, and you’ve got a non-stop sonic feast.

    The festival, however, is not just about music. A sprawling lifestyle expo will showcase everything from handicrafts and home décor to fashion, beauty, tech and jewellery, alongside international stalls. Foodies can eat their way across the country with delicacies from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, while workshops, contests and art corners keep younger visitors entertained.

    At its spiritual heart lies the awe-inspiring Durga Puja celebrations, with rituals, décor and a towering pandal that promises to be a visual and devotional centrepiece.

    With something for everyone, whether you’re a shopaholic, a foodie, a culture buff or just chasing a great night out, the TV9 Festival of India is shaping up to be the capital’s biggest festive bash. Tickets for concerts and dandiya nights are available on Bookmyshow, while the lifestyle expo is free to attend daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

     

  • Visit Dubai’s new campaign says ‘Yeh Bhi Dubai Hai, Bro!’ with Bassi & Harsh Gujral

    Visit Dubai’s new campaign says ‘Yeh Bhi Dubai Hai, Bro!’ with Bassi & Harsh Gujral

    MUMBAI: Dubai is cracking jokes and breaking travel clichés. Visit Dubai has rolled out its latest campaign, ‘Yeh Bhi Dubai Hai, Bro!’, starring Indian stand-up favourites Anubhav Singh Bassi and Harsh Gujral. The campaign takes a playful spin on discovery, showing that just when you think you’ve seen it all, Dubai pulls another surprise.

    Targeted at India’s comedy-loving audience, the campaign follows the two comics as they swap punchlines for adventures. Bassi introduces Harsh to the serene mountain landscapes of Hatta, while Harsh straps Bassi in for a heart-thumping ride across the world’s longest urban zipline at Xline Dubai Marina. Along the way, they plunge into the world’s deepest pool at Deep Dive Dubai, play chess in a sunken city, admire vintage bikes, indulge at Asia Asia in Pier 7, take a yacht ride across the Marina, and unwind at Koko Bay.

    The campaign taps into India’s love for stand-up comedy, a genre that’s exploded in popularity over the past decade. Bassi and Harsh, household names for their relatable humour, bring a touch of authenticity and friendship to the narrative. Their banter feels less like a marketing film and more like a comedy sketch-turned-travel diary.

    Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, regional director of proximity markets, Bader Ali Habib, said the idea was to capture the blend of fun, spontaneity and discovery that resonates with Indian travellers. “Their journey shows Dubai is full of moments that spark excitement, from thrilling adventures to hidden gems, all wrapped up in the city’s unbeatable energy,” he added.

    For Bassi, the project was a reunion with a friend in one of his favourite cities. “Working on something that didn’t feel like typical marketing but more like two friends exploring and having fun was amazing,” he said. Harsh echoed the sentiment, laughing about Bassi’s reaction to the zipline and reflecting on Dubai’s ability to surprise him even after multiple visits.

    With its short flight time, seamless connectivity and ever-expanding list of experiences, from adventure sports to shopping, food, culture and iconic landmarks, Dubai continues to position itself as India’s go-to getaway. And as Bassi and Harsh prove, there’s always a new punchline waiting around the corner.

  • Motorola dials up ‘Big billion moto rush’ with record-low festive smartphone deals

    Motorola dials up ‘Big billion moto rush’ with record-low festive smartphone deals

    MUMBAI: The big billion buzz is here, and Motorola is leading the charge. Motorola has announced its ‘Big billion moto rush,’ unveiling its lowest-ever prices on bestselling smartphones during Flipkart’s big billion days sale 2025, which kicks off at midnight on 23rd September (early access from 22nd September).

    Leading the charge is the motorola edge 60 pro, a flagship powerhouse featuring a Pantone-validated triple 50MP camera system, the world’s most durable 6.7” 1.5K true colour quad-curved display, and a 6000mah battery with blazing 90W turbo-power charging. With motoAI and deep integration with Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity, it packs cutting-edge AI tools at festive special prices starting Rs 24,999.

    The motorola edge 60 fusion, dubbed the “all-rounder under Rs 20,000,” lands with a Pantone-validated 1.5K display, Sony LYTIA 700C camera, and military-grade durability, available from Rs 19,999.

    In the mid-range, the moto g96 5G brings a 144Hz curved Poled display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, and 50MP OIS Sony camera for just Rs 14,999, while the moto g86 power shines with the segment’s brightest 1.5K display and a 6720mAh battery, priced at Rs 15,999.

    Style meets smarts in the motorola razr 60, India’s most stylish flip under Rs 40,000. With a gesture-controlled video camera, titanium-reinforced hinge and the largest 3.6” Poled external display in its class, it’s available at a festive steal of Rs 39,999.

    But the savings don’t stop at phones. Motorola is also offering festive-first discounts on its moto buds ‘Loop’ and ‘Bass’ earbuds, moto pad 60 pro, and even laptops, TVs and washing machines.

    With flagship specs trickling down to mid-range prices, Motorola is clearly setting the tone for a blockbuster festive season.

  • V-guard launches ‘Luxecube’ water heater with romantic new ad campaign

    V-guard launches ‘Luxecube’ water heater with romantic new ad campaign

    MUMBAI: V-Guard industries ltd., a leading name in consumer electricals and appliances, has unveiled a new campaign film for its premium Luxecube water heater series, extending its popular ‘Hum, tum aur V-guard’ storyline.

    The film, titled ‘Hum, tum aur kuch extra’, brings back the much-loved couple from the summer campaign. In a playful exchange, the husband hints at “something extra” in their lives, only to reveal he was talking about the Luxecube water heater. The narrative highlights its 38 per cent extra hot water delivery and sleek design, described as “extra hot looks” that enhance the bathing experience.

    The campaign debuted during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, ensuring mass visibility, and will now extend across OTT platforms, connected TV, and social media to capture digital-first audiences.

    Commenting on the launch, V-Guard Industries Ltd, vp – brand & communication Nandagopal Nair said, “Luxecube reflects V-Guard’s promise of making everyday living smarter, more stylish, and more comforting. By bringing back the same couple, we’ve built continuity while keeping the narrative witty, aspirational, and relatable.”

    Ralph & Das, director & cco, Anil Ralph Thomas, who wrote and directed the film, added, “The film playfully weaves product benefits into a couple’s banter, balancing romance with humor while staying true to V-Guard’s distinctive storytelling.”

    Echoing this, Ralph & Das, director & ceo, Kaustav Das said, “We’ve always believed in breaking category norms. Instead of shouting features, we’ve crafted a tone that is warm, engaging, and different: the V-guard way.”

    With Luxecube, V-Guard continues to expand its premium water heater portfolio, targeting aspirational homeowners seeking a balance of functionality, design, and comfort.

  • Shubman Gill turns up the heat with Beats’ fiery ‘Burn Bright’ campaign

    Shubman Gill turns up the heat with Beats’ fiery ‘Burn Bright’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Gill’s got game, and now, he’s got Beats to match. Beats has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Burn Bright’, starring Indian cricket sensation and brand ambassador Shubman Gill, alongside the brand’s flagship workout earbuds, Powerbeats pro 2.

    For Gill, training isn’t just routine, it’s ritual. “Training is where I build my game. It’s quiet, focused, and personal. Having the right sound with Beats helps me lock in and zone out the noise,” he said. “Beats isn’t just about music, it’s about bold energy and staying true to yourself. I’m proud to bring that spirit to this campaign.”

    The Powerbeats pro 2 are built with athletes in mind, boasting heart rate monitoring, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, and up to 45 hours of battery life with the case. They also support Qi wireless charging and come in four bold shades, jet black, quick sand, hyper purple, and electric orange, retailing at Rs 29,900 on apple.com/in.

    Beats, chief marketing officer, Chris Thorne said Gill embodies more than cricketing skill. “Shubman is more than just a cricket star. He represents a new generation of athletes who bring style, substance, and individuality to everything they do. This campaign is a celebration of his precision, passion, and the powerful role music plays in his mindset both on and off the pitch.”

    ‘Burn Bright’ is the latest in a series of global campaigns featuring sporting icons, joining a roster that already includes Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Erling Haaland, Kobbie Mainoo, Qinwen Zheng, and Lamine Yamal.

    With Gill fronting the campaign, Beats is betting that cricket’s rising flame will keep glowing, and burning bright.

  • Hero Motocorp and VML launch ‘Naye Indian ki deluxe bike’ campaign

    Hero Motocorp and VML launch ‘Naye Indian ki deluxe bike’ campaign

    MUMBAI:  Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has unveiled a new campaign for its ‘HF deluxe pro’ motorcycle in partnership with VML, the global brand and digital transformation agency. Titled ‘Naye Indian ki deluxe bike’, the campaign pays tribute to the resilience, optimism, and quiet heroism of everyday Indians who move the nation forward.

    The all-new ‘HF deluxe pro’ brings bolder styling, smarter features like an LED headlamp, and enhanced fuel efficiency to India’s leading 100cc motorcycle. The campaign takes a significant creative leap from conventional category advertising, anchoring the bike’s reliability in a heartfelt narrative of courage and compassion.

    At the centre of the film is the story of a rider who embarks on a daring mission through dense forests to reunite a lost baby elephant with its mother. The ‘HF deluxe pro’ becomes his trusted ally: strong, dependable, and built to endure every challenge. Through this powerful metaphor, the campaign celebrates the new-age Indian who doesn’t just aspire for change but actively builds it.

    “At Hero Motocorp, our journey has always been intertwined with the spirit of real India: the quiet force that propels our nation forward,” said Hero Motocorp, head of marketing, Aashish Midha. “With the HF deluxe pro, we proudly present a motorcycle that mirrors the very essence of every Indian rider: resilience, innovation, and unwavering trust. VML has masterfully translated this vision into a campaign that is both deeply emotional and powerfully purposeful.”

    VML India, ceo, Babita Baruah added, “Great brands don’t just sell products; they inspire culture and spark emotion. With Hero MotoCorp, we found the perfect synergy to tell a story that celebrates the resilience and quiet heroism of everyday Indians. This campaign reflects our belief in purposeful creativity, where every frame leaves a lasting impact.”

    VML, group chief creative officer, Kalpesh Patankar said, “The most successful work is always rooted in truth. This film was created to resonate with millions of Indians in the country’s heartlands, using emotion as the strongest connector between brand and people.”

    With refreshed graphics, chrome accents, a segment-first LED headlamp, and a horizon digital console, the ‘HF deluxe pro’ is built for both style and everyday practicality. Its 97.2cc engine with i3s technology delivers smooth performance and superior mileage, making it a reliable partner for millions of families.

    The campaign is now live across television, digital, print, and outdoor platforms.

  • JBL, VDO.AI and Havas Media tune into festive storytelling on CTV

    JBL, VDO.AI and Havas Media tune into festive storytelling on CTV

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, JBL is giving festive advertising a new sound. The premium audio brand has joined hands with advertising technology leader VDO.AI and Havas Media India to launch an interactive connected TV campaign for its latest wireless earbuds, JBL live beam 3.

    Timed to the Diwali shopping rush, the campaign blends discovery with purchase in a single screen experience. At its heart is VDO.AI’s ad suite, featuring a scannable QR Code wrapper that let’s viewers shift seamlessly from watching to buying. A quick scan unlocks the JBL live beam 3 product page, turning the television into both showcase and store. The campaign will reach households in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Cochin and other fast-growing cities.VDO.AI

    “At JBL, innovation has always been at the core of our brand. With the JBL live beam 3 earbuds, we’re turning sound into a truly immersive experience,” said Harman India consumer audio, head of digital marketing, Akhil Sethi. “This festive season we’re reimagining how product campaigns come alive on CTV. Partnering with Havas Media India and VDO.AI we are transforming awareness into interaction and curiosity into action.”

    VDO.AI, ceo and co-founder, Amitt Sharma added, “With JBL, we saw an opportunity to take a premium brand and give it an equally premium advertising journey. Our CTV technology makes video interactive, ensuring viewers don’t just watch JBL’s product but engage with it. This is the future of advertising.”

    Havas Media India, chief digital officer, Rohan Chincholi said, “CTV is fast emerging as the new prime time. With JBL and VDO.AI, we have created a festive campaign that brings creativity, technology and storytelling together for maximum impact.”

    The campaign is now live across premium CTV environments, creating a festive push in the run-up to Diwali and setting a new benchmark for connected brand experiences.

  • Lucira shines bright with 5.5m dollars seed round led by Blume Ventures

    Lucira shines bright with 5.5m dollars seed round led by Blume Ventures

    MUMBAI: Lucira Jewelry is proving that lightning and sparkle can strike twice. The fine jewellery startup, founded by ex-Candere creator Rupesh Jain alongside Vandana Jain, has raised a dazzling 5.5 million dollars in seed funding, the largest seed round ever for a jewellery startup in India.

    The round was led by Blume Ventures, with participation from Spring Marketing Capital, Siriusone Capital Fund, and marquee individual investors including the founders of Dot & Key, Livspace, Snitch, and Bewakoof. The raise marks a strong show of faith in Jain’s ‘second innings’ after successfully building Candere, later acquired by Kalyan Jewellers.

    Lucira is positioning itself as a design-first, sustainable luxury brand aimed at India’s new-age jewellery buyers who want more than just investment value. They want authenticity, craftsmanship, and emotional connection. Since its launch, Lucira has built a portfolio of 1,000 plus customisable lab-grown diamond designs, all IGI/GIA/SGL/BIS certified and backed with lifetime exchange and buyback guarantees.

    The brand is also stepping into physical retail, with its first Mumbai store opening this month and plans to add four flagship outlets by the end of FY 2026. The fresh funds will fuel this omni-channel expansion while strengthening digital-first buying experiences and technology-driven personalisation.

    “Indian consumers are moving beyond jewellery as mere investment,” said Lucira, co-founder, Rupesh Jain. “They want design, trust, and a brand they can emotionally connect with. With this backing, we’re ready to make Lucira India’s most trusted design-first fine jewellery brand.”

    For Blume Ventures, it’s a chance to back a category they see ripe for disruption. “Rupesh has already proven his ability to build and scale with Candere,” said Blume, managing partner, Karthik Reddy. “What excites us most is Lucira’s omni-channel vision, blending cutting-edge digital with physical retail to create a category-defining brand.”

    With capital in hand, Lucira is doubling down on design leadership, scaling its studio, hiring top talent, and embedding consumer trust at every step. As Jain puts it, “We’re not just selling jewellery, we’re shifting mindsets.”

    Cumulative Ventures advised the transaction, with Novolex serving as legal counsel.

     

  • Kaya finds its true glow with Fatima Sana Shaikh as brand ambassador

    Kaya finds its true glow with Fatima Sana Shaikh as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: When science meets stardom, the glow is hard to miss. Marico Limited has announced actor Fatima Sana Shaikh as the new brand ambassador for its Kaya range of skincare products, bringing together 20-plus years of dermatological expertise and a star known for her bold, authentic persona.

    Kaya, trusted for formulations designed specifically for Indian skin, boasts a portfolio of over 75 products spanning acne care, sun protection, anti-ageing, pigmentation, hair, and body solutions. The brand’s dermat-led approach aims to simplify routines while delivering visible results cutting through the clutter of skincare trends that often leave consumers confused.

    For Marico, the move signals a fresh chapter for Kaya. Marico executive vice president and head of beauty & styling digital business Akash Banerji said Fatima embodies “confidence, relatability, and a progressive take on beauty,” qualities that resonate with today’s informed yet overwhelmed skincare audience. He added that Kaya’s mission remains simple: science should empower, not complicate.

    Fatima echoed this sentiment, saying Kaya stood out because it “cuts through the noise” with products co-created with dermatologists and built on trust. For her, authentic beauty is about confidence and clarity, not chasing fleeting trends.

    With this partnership, Kaya looks to sharpen its storytelling edge while reinforcing its credibility as a science-backed, results-driven skincare brand. In an industry crowded with quick fixes, its pitch is clear, stop second-guessing, trust the experts, and let confidence be the true glow-up.

  • Pee Safe’s new DVC champions toilet hygiene, one spray at a time

    Pee Safe’s new DVC champions toilet hygiene, one spray at a time

    MUMBAI: Think your spotless toilet at home is squeaky clean? Think again. Pee Safe, India’s leading hygiene and wellness brand, is out to change the way the country views bathroom hygiene with its new digital video campaign: “Hygiene ki aadat banao, Pee Safe ke saath.”

    This isn’t just another health PSA. It’s a call for a culture shift. The campaign highlights a blind spot in everyday hygiene: while people are cautious about using public toilets, they often overlook the invisible germs lurking on toilet seats in their own homes.

    “A toilet that looks clean can still be teeming with bacteria,” said Pee Safe, founder, Vikas Bagaria. “We want people to understand that hygiene doesn’t end at what the eye can see. Sanitising toilet seats should be as routine as brushing your teeth.”

    Backed by data showing India’s female workforce participation rising to 40.3% in 2023–24, the campaign also underscores the increased exposure to shared work and public restrooms. With more women navigating dynamic environments, Pee Safe is championing a hygiene habit that supports both health and confidence.

    But the initiative isn’t just for office-goers or commuters. It’s inclusive and family-focused, targeting everyone: men, women, and children with a simple, powerful message: sanitisation is self-care.

    By encouraging Indians to adopt toilet seat sanitisation as a daily ritual, the campaign aims to make the act as instinctive as washing hands. With this bold push, Pee Safe hopes to spray away old habits and usher in a new era of mindful, everyday hygiene.