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Category: Marketing

  • Phoenix Marketcity Chennai ignites Diwali euphoria

    Phoenix Marketcity Chennai ignites Diwali euphoria

    MUMBAI: Talk about elemental energy! Phoenix Marketcity Chennai is turning up the festive heat with ‘Euphoria – A celebration of sorts,’ a Diwali bash that promises to set every sense alight this Sunday, 12 October.

    The city’s favourite lifestyle destination is embracing the theme of The Five Elements- Earth, water, fire, air and ether transforming its space into a living, breathing spectacle of lights, music and couture. Expect no less than a fashion-meets-fantasy showcase where glamour flows as freely as festive cheer.

    Headlining the evening is Dino Morea, who will blaze the runway as celebrity showstopper in a grand fashion presentation curated by Prasad Bidapa. Soulful singer Charu Semwal will lend her voice to the vibe, setting a perfect tone for the night’s visual symphony.

    Guests can also revel in theatrical performances, carnival dancers and immersive displays, ensuring that every corner of the venue hums with celebration. And what’s a festival without feasting? The event’s gourmet spread, inspired by the five elements, promises flavours as dynamic as its décor.

    With its mix of style, sound and sensory delight, Euphoria is poised to be Chennai’s showstopper event this Diwali, where fire meets fashion, air meets artistry, and celebration is truly in its element.

  • Unit Linked Insurance Plans Explained: How Do They Actually Work for Investors?

    Unit Linked Insurance Plans Explained: How Do They Actually Work for Investors?

    Balancing security and growth is one of the hardest choices investors face. A savings account may feel safe but earns little. Equity investments may offer growth but can be volatile. Insurance protects families but doesn’t grow wealth. A Unit Linked Insurance Plan, commonly called a ULIP, was created to bring these threads together. It offers life cover alongside investments in financial markets, giving you both protection and the chance to build wealth in a disciplined way. But how does this combination actually work? Let’s explore the features and long-term value of ULIPs in detail.

    The Structure of a ULIP

    When you commit to a ULIP, you are essentially entering into a dual contract:

    1. Insurance protection: A part of your premium secures life cover, which means your family receives a payout in case of an unfortunate event.

    2. Market-linked investment: The rest of your premium is channelled into funds chosen by you, these may be equity, debt or hybrid funds.

    This structure ensures you don’t have to choose between insurance and investments. Instead, your money works simultaneously on both fronts.

    How the Premium Really Flows

    The flow of money inside a ULIP is transparent but layered:

    . Deductions upfront: Charges such as administration, mortality (for insurance cover) and fund management are deducted. These ensure the plan remains sustainable.

    . Investment allocation: The remaining portion is used to purchase units in your chosen funds. These units are priced according to the Net Asset Value (NAV), which changes daily.

    . Value accumulation: Over time, as the NAV rises or falls, the value of your portfolio grows.

    . Benefit payouts: On maturity, you receive the fund value. If the policyholder passes away, beneficiaries receive either the sum assured or the fund value, whichever is higher.

    This clear mechanism makes it easier to track exactly how your money is working within the plan.

    The Role of Flexibility

    Unlike traditional policies, ULIPs are built with flexibility in mind:

    •    Choice of funds: You decide how much exposure to equity or debt you want and this can change over time.

    •    Switching options: Most ULIPs allow you to switch between funds during the policy term, often without tax consequences. For example, if markets turn volatile, you could move from equity to debt.

    •    Top-ups: Extra contributions beyond the regular premium are allowed in many ULIPs, giving you a chance to invest more when income grows.

    •    Partial withdrawals: After the lock-in period (usually five years), you can withdraw funds without having to close the policy.

    This flexibility makes ULIPs adaptable to life’s changing needs.

    How ULIPs Fit into Different Stages of Life

    •    Early career: With lower mortality charges at a younger age, a larger portion of premiums goes into investments. This creates long-term growth potential.

    •    Family-building years: At this stage, the protection element matters more. ULIPs balance this by continuing to invest while also securing dependents.

    •    Approaching retirement: The switching option allows you to gradually shift from equity to debt, reducing volatility as you near important financial milestones.

    This life-stage relevance is what makes ULIPs more than just a generic investment product.

    Key Benefits for Investors

    1. Dual advantage: Protection for your family alongside wealth creation.

    2. Goal orientation: Perfect for long-term objectives like retirement planning, education funding or building assets.

    3. Liquidity when required: Access partial funds after the lock-in, useful for emergencies.

    4. Tax efficiency: In many regions, premiums and maturity benefits qualify for tax advantages, subject to local laws.

    5. Transparency: Regular statements and NAV tracking help you stay informed about your investment.

    What Investors Should Keep in Mind

    ULIPs do involve charges such as premium allocation, administration, mortality and fund management. While these reduce the investible amount in the early years, the impact lessens as the policy matures. Staying invested for the full term is key to unlocking maximum value.

    Patience and consistency are the cornerstones of a successful ULIP strategy. Short-term exits don’t allow the dual benefits of compounding and protection to play out effectively.

    Making a Thoughtful Choice

    Before buying a ULIP, reflect on:

    . What financial goals you are targeting.

    . The tenure you can commit to.

    . Your risk appetite—whether you prefer higher growth potential or stable returns.

    . The flexibility and charges of different ULIP offerings.

    To make this easier, most insurers provide tools such as an ULIP calculator. Enter your premium, tenure and fund choice to estimate how your investment might grow and whether it aligns with your objectives.

    Final Thoughts

    A Unit Linked Insurance Plan is not just another financial product. It is a structured framework that allows you to secure your loved ones while building wealth through disciplined, market-linked investing. Its adaptability, transparency and dual purpose make it a valuable part of modern financial planning.

    By understanding how ULIPs work and by staying invested for the long term, you can turn them into a cornerstone of your financial journey: one that combines peace of mind with the promise of growth.

  • Rivals unite to shape Mumbai’s creative future

    Rivals unite to shape Mumbai’s creative future

    MUMBAI: In an industry known for cutthroat competition, Mumbai’s ad world hit pause on rivalry for one night of pure creative synergy. Portfolio Night 2025, hosted by BBDO, DDB Mudra Group and TBWA India, wasn’t just about portfolios; it was about passion, purpose, and a pinch of personality.

    Organised by The One Club for Creativity, the global event gathered students, recent grads and young professionals for a high-energy evening of one-on-one portfolio reviews. In fast-paced 15-minute sessions, hopefuls met top creative directors, got real feedback, and maybe even their big break.

    DDB Mudra CCO Rahul Mathew, called it a necessity, not just a vision. “Our only real asset is talent. Events like this help us find, mentor and protect it, and that benefits everyone.

    Each participant faced multiple rounds of reviews, rated on ideas, execution, originality, variety, consistency, presentation, and yes, attitude. But it wasn’t all critique and scorecards; it was also about connection.

    FCB Group India digital creative partner Kartikeya Tiwari, said he looks beyond the basics, “I look for courage and personality. Most portfolios are skilful, but what stands out is soul.”

    For FCB Group India CCO Neville Shah, the future needs boldness, “Some portfolios were too perfect. We need work that surprises us, that makes us say, ‘What is this?’”

    Meanwhile, Leo Burnett national creative director Vikram Pandey (Spiky), found hope in the next generation’s openness to technology. “The ones embracing AI are the ones shaping the future. AI won’t take jobs, people who use AI well will.”

    Among the buzzing crowd was Shivani Unnikrishnan, a student at École Intuit Lab, who left the night inspired, “It was our first time, and we learned so much. Meeting creative directors gave us new perspectives and confidence.”

    At the close of the evening, Kareena and Sumit were crowned Mumbai’s All-Stars. They will now represent the city in the global All-Star programme, competing with winners from around the world. A final win could take them to New York City for a week-long, in-person workshop.

    In the end, though, every participant walked away richer, with sharper insights, stronger networks and a renewed sense of creative confidence. Because at Portfolio Night, even rivals agree on one thing: when creativity wins, everyone does.

  • Royal Stag goes large with AI festive greetings

    Royal Stag goes large with AI festive greetings

    MUMBAI: AI, aye, captain! This festive season, Seagram’s Royal Stag packaged drinking water is taking celebrations to the next level with an AI twist. Its new campaign, Celebratelarge – Hum Hain Generation Large, Humaara Har Celebration Large, turns the art of wishing into a tech-powered experience, with none other than Rohit Sharma helping India “live it large.”

    Unveiled in Gurugram, the campaign reimagines how the country swaps festive greetings. Using regenerative AI and advanced voice synthesis, fans can now create personalised video messages featuring Rohit Sharma himself,  transforming a simple wish into a hyper-real moment of connection.

    Adding another layer of sparkle is a 3D Festive Map, an AR-driven visual playground that captures the vibrancy of India’s celebrations. Meanwhile, India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav steps in with curated festive tips spanning gifting, food, fashion and music, making every celebration feel a touch grander.

    The campaign is also teaming up with Gaana to amplify the festive mood through music. “Festivals in India are about culture, expression and togetherness, and music makes these moments even more special,” said ENIL CEO Yatish Mehrishi. “This collaboration reimagines celebrations through creativity and innovation, encouraging today’s generation to live large.”

    Consumers can craft their own personalised greeting with Rohit Sharma and even win ICC T20 World Cup tickets by visiting royalstagliveitlarge.com. True to its name, Royal Stag’s latest campaign doesn’t just celebrate festivals, it celebrates them large.

  • Own less, live more: Bytepe redefines phone ownership

    Own less, live more: Bytepe redefines phone ownership

    MUMBAI: Time to swipe right on freedom! Bytepe, India’s first tech subscription platform, is turning the smartphone game on its head, offering a flexible, affordable, and stress-free way to own the latest devices.

    Founded by serial entrepreneur and ex-Flipkart leader Jayant Jha, Bytepe lets consumers access the newest Iphone 17 series with a simple monthly fee, lower than traditional EMIs, complete with yearly upgrades and 100 per cent one-time damage protection. Users pay only for what they use, with options to upgrade, return, or continue ownership at the end of 12 months, and even enjoy up to 50 per cent assured buyback if they choose upfront payment.

    “After years in India’s consumer electronics industry, I’ve seen how long EMIs and outdated devices frustrate customers,” said Bytepe founder & CEO Jayant Jha. “With Bytepe, we’re not just making premium tech affordable, we’re putting choice and control back in the hands of consumers.”

    The subscription model is refreshingly simple: pick a phone, pay a flexible monthly fee, and upgrade annually. Bytepe EMI options cater to both credit card and non-credit card users, ensuring wide accessibility. With no hidden fees, zero lock-ins, and the latest devices at your fingertips, Bytepe is redefining what it means to “own” in a fast-moving world.

    As India’s tech-savvy consumers seek smarter ways to stay current, Bytepe is leading the charge, making luxury technology lighter on wallets, better for the environment, and always up to date.

  • Explurger steps up to PM Modi’s call for homegrown tech

    Explurger steps up to PM Modi’s call for homegrown tech

    MUMBAI: Time to log off and step out! Responding to prime minister Narendra Modi’s call for indigenous innovation, Explurger, a proudly made-in-India social media app, is reimagining how we connect online, and offline.

    Launched with the mantra “Get out – get social,” Explurger encourages users to explore the world, meet people in real life, and share authentic travel and lifestyle experiences. Every journey, check-in, or post automatically creates a digital travelogue, making social media as much about living life as sharing it.

    “The prime minister’s call underscores India’s growing confidence in building its own tech frameworks,” said Explurger founder and CEO Jitin Bhatia. “Our app is entirely developed in India, powered by Indian talent, and designed to resonate globally. Explurger shows that Indian technology can inspire, innovate, and compete on the world stage.”

    Rooted in the Make in India and Digital India missions, Explurger reflects the spirit of self-reliance. With over 17 million users, it signals a new era of homegrown digital innovation, one where technology doesn’t just connect, it empowers and enriches real-world experiences.
     

  • La Chérie’s Dancing Cloud Japanese cheesecake lands in Mumbai

    La Chérie’s Dancing Cloud Japanese cheesecake lands in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Pune’s much-loved dessert house La Chérie has wafted into Mumbai with its headline act — the Dancing Cloud Japanese Cheesecake — a dessert so airy it trembles like silk.

    A runaway hit in Pune, the souffle-style cheesecake has become a sensation for its cloud-soft texture, subtle sweetness and melt-in-the-mouth finish. Steering clear of dense, sugary cheesecakes, La Chérie’s version is baked fresh in small batches with no preservatives or artificial stabilisers — just pure technique and clean ingredients.

    “We wanted to offer something that feels familiar yet surprising — comforting but elegant,” says the La Chérie team. “The Dancing Cloud is our idea of quiet indulgence — it doesn’t shout; it stays with you.”

    With Mumbai currently in the grip of a Japanese culinary wave — from omakase dining to kawaii cafés — the brand’s entry could not be better timed. Its cloud kitchens serve a full range of cheesecakes, though the Japanese variant is the undisputed hero. Available on Swiggy and Zomato, the line-up includes the Mini Dancing Cloud (Rs 299), the Chocolate variant (Rs 359) and the Big Dancing Cloud Whole Cheesecake (Rs 899).

    What sets La Chérie apart is its restraint. There’s no gelatin, compound chocolate, agar or bulking agents — only precision baking and honest ingredients. Made with eggs, the cheesecake can be savoured warm or chilled, offering a different experience each time.

    Founded in 2020, La Chérie has built its name on craftsmanship and purity — from its signature Japanese cheesecake to its indulgent New York version. Its Mumbai launch signals more than just expansion — it’s a sweet shift in the city’s dessert culture: thoughtful, modern, and blissfully light.

  • Ajay Devgn takes a swing at India’s whisky drinkers

    Ajay Devgn takes a swing at India’s whisky drinkers

    MUMBAI: Hindi cinema stars launching whisky brands is hardly novel. Ajay Devgn is having a crack anyway. The actor and entrepreneur has co-founded The GlenJourneys, a single malt scotch brand developed with premium spirits outfit Cartel Bros, which launched its Cask Series in India in October with the ambitious goal of capturing 20 per cent of the country’s luxury single malt segment within two years.

    The brand made its global debut with the Pioneer Edition, a 21-year-old Highland single malt priced at Rs 50,000 and limited to 600 bottles worldwide, available only in select international duty-free shops. The India launch takes a more accessible approach. The Cask Series—finished in rum, bourbon and sherry casks—is priced at Rs 6,409 and crafted specifically for the domestic market, which is growing at seven per cent year-on-year.
    GlennjourneysMaharashtra gets first dibs. The GlenJourneys has targeted 10,000 cases in the state by the end of this financial year, with rollouts planned for Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Chandigarh in November 2025, followed by other metros in early 2026. The brand has positioned itself as bridging tradition and modernity, appealing to both seasoned collectors and younger drinkers exploring premium spirits.

    Living Liquidz and Mansionz founder and Cartel Bros co-founder Mokksh Sani delivered the expected patter about craftsmanship. “Age refines a whisky—but a great cask defines it,” he said, claiming each expression in the Cask Series reveals “distinctive character” that sets it apart from conventional single malts. Devgn chimed in with talk of tradition meeting innovation and “the quiet power of time, wood, and artistry.”

    The GlenJourneys comes backed by Cartel Bros’ track record. The company makes The Glenwalk Scotch Whisky, which won gold at Mexico’s Spirits Selection Awards and best single malt scotch at the India Wines & Spirits Awards 2025. Whether those accolades translate into market share is another question entirely.

    India’s premium whisky segment is crowded with international heavyweights like Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal and Glenfiddich, alongside domestic players pushing upmarket. Celebrity endorsements open doors but don’t guarantee shelf space or repeat purchases. Devgn’s star power may generate initial buzz, but sustaining a 20 per cent market share target in a competitive, slow-growing category requires more than name recognition.

    The brand’s pricing strategy suggests pragmatism. At Rs 6,409, The GlenJourneys Cask Series sits below ultra-premium territory whilst claiming luxury credentials through cask finishing and Scottish provenance. It’s a crowded middle ground where execution matters more than marketing spin. Whether Indian whisky drinkers buy into Devgn’s vision—or simply buy the bottle once out of curiosity—will become clear soon enough.

  • European spirits maker bets big on India’s thirsty elite

    European spirits maker bets big on India’s thirsty elite

    MUMBAI: India’s premium spirits market has a new player with continental ambitions. Puranique Spirits launched its Indian operations in Mumbai on 7 October with nine-times-distilled vodka and VSOP cognac, betting that the country’s growing appetite for luxury tipples will fuel rapid expansion. By the end of 2026, the company plans to offer 24 premium products across five categories.

    The timing is strategic. India’s premium spirits segment is booming as disposable incomes rise and younger drinkers trade up from domestic brands. Puranique, which draws from distilleries in Cognac, France and the Scottish Highlands, hopes to ride that wave with products already sold in 18 countries. The company claims two decades of European distilling pedigree, producing award-winning cognac, armagnacs, liqueurs, gin, rum, absinthe and akvavit.

    “India is at the heart of the global premium spirits growth story,” said Puranique Spirits India promoter & chief executive Anoop Mohan at the Taj Lands End launch event. He framed the expansion as a “cultural bridge” between European craftsmanship and Indian taste, name-checking deepening UK-India trade ties for good measure.

    Puranique Spirits chairman Rahul Puranik struck a more measured note. “Bringing them to India feels like a natural progression in our journey,” he said, adding that the full portfolio rollout would create a “complete premium spirits ecosystem.” 

    Country head for India, Viren Moholkar promised “authenticity and unmatched quality” across 24 offerings spanning cognac, gin, rum, vodka and artisan craft spirits.

    The company also unveiled veteran actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar as brand ambassador. Manjrekar delivered the expected platitudes about heritage, craftsmanship and refinement, declaring Puranique a brand that “doesn’t just create beverages, it creates experiences.” 

    Whether Indian consumers agree depends on pricing, distribution and whether European pedigree translates into repeat purchases.

    India’s premium spirits market is crowded and unforgiving. International brands jostle for shelf space whilst domestic players like Diageo’s McDowell’s and Pernod Ricard’s Imperial Blue dominate volume. Puranique’s challenge is carving out enough premium territory to justify an ambitious 24-product pipeline within 16 months. The company’s European heritage may open doors, but execution—and taste—will determine whether it stays for the long haul.

  • Bridgers teams up with IIT Kanpur for Upstart 2025

    Bridgers teams up with IIT Kanpur for Upstart 2025

    MUMBAI: From ideas to impact, Bridgers is bridging the gap. India’s leading integrated communications agency has signed a strategic MoU with IIT Kanpur’s Entrepreneurship Cell, becoming the official media partner for Upstart 2025, the flagship pitching event designed to empower India’s budding entrepreneurs.

    The Nationals kick off in Delhi on 11th October, followed by Hyderabad (1st November), Bengaluru (8th November), and Mumbai (6th December), culminating in the finals at IIT Kanpur from 23rd–25th January 2026. Bridgers will provide end-to-end communications solutions, helping amplify the event’s reach and spotlight the most promising startups across India.

    “Startup communication is our forte,” said Bridgers founder Anubhav Singh. “Partnering with IIT Kanpur E-Cell lets us support tomorrow’s founders while contributing to India’s Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.”

    IIT Kanpur E-Cell’s Laksh Bansal added, “Bridgers’ expertise ensures Upstart 2025 gets the attention it deserves, highlighting the impact of this event and empowering our country’s future unicorns.”

    The collaboration spans strategic campaigns, community storytelling, reputation management, and media engagement across cities and national and regional platforms, bringing India’s next generation of entrepreneurs into the spotlight.