Category: Media and Advertising

  • Dolby & LG bring cinematic magic home with QNED AI: A new era of immersion

    Dolby & LG bring cinematic magic home with QNED AI: A new era of immersion

    Mumbai: From the moment superheroes first graced the silver screen, I was hooked. I’ve spent what must amount to lakhs of rupees over the years, all to chase that exhilarating, larger-than-life feeling that only a darkened theatre, rumbling sound, and vivid visuals can provide. With every swoosh, crash, and battle cry, it was as if I was right there, living out the hero’s mission myself—part of something bigger, something extraordinary. Now, in a land where Bollywood blockbusters and cricket legends capture the nation’s heart, two tech powerhouses are coming together to bring that same cinematic magic straight into our living rooms. Dolby Laboratories and LG Electronics are orchestrating a groundbreaking campaign centred around the premium QNED AI series—an experience that marries state-of-the-art technology with the rich tapestry of Indian culture, promising a captivating journey that goes beyond the screen, into the very soul of India’s passion for storytelling.

    In a recent interview, Dolby India, director of marketing, Sameer Seth and LG India, business head of home entertainment, Abhiral Bhansali, shared insights into their partnership and its implications for the Indian market. The duo emphasised how their joint efforts not only enhance product offerings but also connect emotionally with consumers through localised content.

    Dolby has long been synonymous with superior audio experiences, and its #LoveMoreInDolby campaign is a testament to this legacy. “India has a deep-rooted culture of celebrating movies, music, and sports,” noted Seth. “This emotional connection to entertainment shaped our campaign, spotlighting the heightened emotional bond fans can share with their favourite artists or content through Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.”

    The collaboration with LG is pivotal in democratising these premium experiences. “This partnership enables us to bring Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos into more Indian homes through LG’s premium 4K LED TVs,” Seth explained. The integration ensures that consumers enjoy cinematic-quality visuals and immersive sound directly in their living rooms.

    Technical Synergy

    At the heart of this partnership lies a seamless integration of technologies that elevates the viewing experience. “Dolby Vision provides stunning, dynamic HDR imaging,” said Bhansali. “Paired with the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos, viewers are transported right into the heart of the action.” This combination not only enhances picture quality—offering deeper blacks and a wider colour spectrum—but also creates a multidimensional sound experience that captivates audiences.

    Both executives acknowledged the challenges faced while localising global campaigns for Indian audiences. “To address this, we created two films, ‘Dance With Me’ and ‘Desert Wanderers,’” Seth shared. These films leverage virtual production techniques to recreate culturally rich narratives that resonate with Indian consumers’ love for cinematic storytelling.

    The campaign’s tagline, ‘Love More in Dolby’, encapsulates a broader strategy aimed at forging emotional connections through technology. Seth elaborated, “Watching movies on a Dolby Atmos-enabled screen unlocks the full emotional impact of every film.” By focusing on genres that evoke strong feelings—be it thrillers or dramas—Dolby aims to enhance viewer engagement.

    For LG, this collaboration aligns perfectly with its strategy to lead in premium television offerings in India. Bhansali stated, “The biggest differentiator for this campaign is how we are bringing alive use cases for the technologies.” By showcasing user benefits through localised content, LG positions itself as a frontrunner in meeting consumer demands for high-quality entertainment.

    Measuring Success

    Looking ahead, both companies are keen on measuring the campaign’s success through various metrics including consumer engagement at retail outlets and digital platforms. “We’ll look at how the campaign influences retail sales for the premium LG QNED AI series,” said Bhansali. Additionally, social media engagement and media visibility will serve as critical indicators of public sentiment towards both brands.

    The partnership between Dolby and LG is built on a rich history of innovation. “We continuously innovate by listening to consumer needs,” noted Bhansali. This commitment to pushing boundaries ensures that both brands remain competitive while delivering unparalleled home entertainment experiences.

    As they look to the future, both executives expressed optimism about further collaborations. “We expect to bring Dolby’s cutting-edge innovations to more consumers through LG products,” said Seth. With plans to localise global campaigns further, they aim to ensure that their innovations resonate with India’s unique cultural landscape.

    With this groundbreaking innovation from Dolby and LG, it’s as if India is welcoming its next superhero or a young Sachin Tendulkar right into the heart of our homes. The immersive atmosphere that once seemed beyond reach has now arrived at our doorsteps, wrapping us in a cinematic experience so surreal it feels like magic. In a world where content reigns supreme, Dolby and LG are not just setting the stage—they’re transforming every living room into a throne room of entertainment, where the best in sight and sound come together in a perfect symphony. For Indian audiences, the wonder of cinema isn’t miles away on the big screen anymore; it’s now just a click away, ready to unfold its spellbinding stories at the touch of a button.

     

  • Fortune calls for transparency with #SirfDaamNahiGramBhiDekho campaign

    Fortune calls for transparency with #SirfDaamNahiGramBhiDekho campaign

    Mumbai: Fortune, an edible oil and food brand, has launched the ‘#SirfDaamNahiGramBhiDekho’ campaign to raise awareness about some brands selling less than one litre (910 gm) of oil in a pack, only mentioning the weight but not the volume.

    This practice started after the government permitted non-standard edible oil packaging in 2022. While legal, it could mislead consumers into buying smaller quantities while assuming the pack holds one litre. For instance, some soybean oil brands sell packs of around 850 gm, which may appear similar to a 910 gm or one-litre pack. Fortune clearly displays both the weight (910 gm) and volume (one litre) on its packaging.

    A Kantar study shows only 15 per cent of consumers check oil weight when purchasing, often assuming packs hold 1 litre (910 gm) based on appearance. Additionally, 95 per cent of respondents believed oil pack weights range between 900 and 1000 gm, regardless of whether they check the grammage.

    Fortune Edible Oils group product manager Prashant Pandey said, “While cooking in our kitchens, we measure oil by volume, be it through the usage of spoons or ladles or the depth of oil in a kadhai while deep frying. It is misleading to mention only the grammage and not the volume of oil on a particular pack.”

    Fortune is stepping forward to highlight the non-disclosure of volume by certain oil brands on packs that look similar to one-litre packs. “You do not expect consumers to do a volume-weight calculation for edible oil when buying a product. We believe in full disclosure of both volume and weight of our edible oils and expect all brands to do so to help consumers make an informed decision. Not only weight, but there have also been concerns around the quality of edible oils. Our brand follows more than 100 stringent quality checks before a product reaches to the market,” Pandey added.

    Head of media & digital Jignesh Shah said, “Reaching and informing a wide base of consumers is increasingly challenging in today’s fragmented media landscape. To maximize our reach, we are utilizing TV, print, digital platforms, social media along with influencers. We also call on the media fraternity to support us in driving broader awareness and ensuring the success of this campaign.”

    With the festive season driving higher demand for edible oils, Fortune urges consumers to check the fine print on packaging to make informed choices. From Navratri and Diwali to Christmas and the wedding season, there will be a surge in festive cooking across India. Failing to check the details could lead consumers to realise later that they’ve been buying less oil for more money.

    Fortune’s commitment to transparency through clear labelling has earned consumer trust and recognition from Kantar. The brand continues to deliver high-quality products, reinforcing its position as a leader in the edible oil industry.

  • Flipkart promotes ‘Minutes’ with its ‘Thank You’ campaign

    Flipkart promotes ‘Minutes’ with its ‘Thank You’ campaign

    Mumbai: Flipkart Minutes discovered an amusing coincidence in its competitors’ marketing strategies. Many quick commerce giants have been promoting their delivery services with phrases like “Get groceries in minutes” or “Get pet supplies in minutes,” which inadvertently aligns with Flipkart’s new quick commerce app, ‘Minutes.’

    Flipkart seized this funny coincidence and turned it into a clever ‘Thank You’ campaign. Starring chess legend Vishwanathan Anand, the ad humorously shows Anand, the grandmaster himself, coming to the realization that every time competitors say “in minutes,” they’re indirectly referencing Flipkart Minutes.

    The ad wraps up with a playful tone, as Flipkart warmly thanks its competitors for unintentionally promoting their new app. It’s a tongue-in-cheek campaign that adds humor to the Q-commerce game while positioning Flipkart Minutes in the spotlight.

  • Faasos launches ‘Soan Papdi Exchange Program’ to celebrate Diwali

    Faasos launches ‘Soan Papdi Exchange Program’ to celebrate Diwali

    Mumbai: Faasos, the flagship brand of Rebel Foods, unveils its unique campaign, ‘The Soan Papdi Exchange Program,’ to make this Diwali sweeter and more enjoyable. This innovative initiative aims to transform the common practice of re-gifting Soan Papdi into an opportunity for delicious meals, offering participants their favourite wrap instead.

    As part of the campaign, Faasos invites participants to share their reasons for wanting to part ways with their Soan Papdi by filling out a simple Google form between 18-27 October. The funniest and most creative responses will win a free Faasos meal, with up to 500 winners announced just before Diwali. Faasos will deliver meals to the lucky recipients between 28-30 October.

    “Diwali is about joy and togetherness, but we all know the amusing saga of Soan Papdi re-gifting. With this campaign, we wanted to tap into a fun cultural quirk and offer people a way to share a laugh and celebrate the festive season with something they’ll truly enjoy. At Faasos, we’re always looking for ways to connect with our customers in a light-hearted yet meaningful way,” said Rebel Foods, chief marketing officer, Nishant Kedia.

    The Soan Papdi exchange program is promoted through various interactive mediums, including the ‘Dude with a Sign’ initiative, where people carry humorous signs in public spaces like train stations, university campuses, local trains, office complexes, and markets. The campaign generates engagement through a blend of newspaper advertorials, hilarious memes, interactive polls, and relatable videos, while cleverly crafted WhatsApp forwards in society and college groups amplify its reach. To boost excitement, influencers from the comedy world share their own Soan Papdi experiences on Instagram and YouTube, encouraging their followers to participate.

  • Niyo launches #ZeroToHero campaign

    Niyo launches #ZeroToHero campaign

    Mumbai: Niyo, a travel-banking fintech company, is kicking off the festive season with a new campaign that aims to make international travel and financial services easier and more affordable for all.

    Niyo is putting customers first, just in time for the holiday season, with an unbeatable offering of zero fees across various services, including forex, flights, visas, ATMs, remittances, and mutual funds.

    Leveraging pop culture – the campaign converts popular themes and imagery associated with mainstream movies into a series of tongue-in-cheek commercials that bring alive the value proposition of the brand.

    Taking creativity to the next level, iconic characters have been reimagined to spotlight the zero-fee promise in a fun and relatable way. From Lion King becoming the ‘Zero Forex Markup King,’ to Taare Zameen Par transforming into ‘Forex Markup Zameen Par’ and Captain America turning into ‘Captain O Forex’; these are designed to resonate with our audience.

    Niyo

    Niyo SVP – head of marketing & growth, Sushanth Ravikumar said, “At Niyo our endeavour has always been to simplify financial services while ensuring our users get value for their money, our goal with this campaign is to deliver both value and engagement to our users. This campaign reflects that ethos by combining our zero-fee promise with a creative, pop culture-inspired approach. By turning ‘zero’ into a hero, we have crafted a campaign that’s both engaging and informative, perfectly aligning with our mission to make financial solutions accessible and enjoyable. This festive season, zero is the real hero, and we are excited to see how our users embrace it.”

    Through creative outreach across various channels, the campaign encourages travelers to maximize their savings and experiences with Niyo’s products and services. Niyo’s upcoming festive campaign highlights the significant savings that can be achieved by using its unique services. Whether flying, sending money, or paying bills, Niyo users will always be at the forefront of the financial revolution.

  • Gargi launches ‘Minimalist Diwali Glow’ collection for festive elegance

    Gargi launches ‘Minimalist Diwali Glow’ collection for festive elegance

    Mumbai: Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons (PNGS), a renowned name in the fashion jewellery industry, unveils its stunning new collection, ‘Minimalist Diwali Glow.’ This exquisite line features beautifully crafted pieces designed to elevate festive dressing for every occasion.

    The collection includes a variety of jewellery items, such as antique mangalsutra sets in silver, classic studs and hoops, drop earrings, pearl earrings, and elegant brass necklaces, all catering to those who appreciate elegance in simplicity. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to reflect the grace and style of the modern woman while honoring the rich heritage that Gargi represents, making it the perfect companion for your Diwali celebrations.

    “We are thrilled to launch the ‘Minimalist Diwali Glow’ collection this festive season. Our designs are a blend of modern elegance and traditional craftsmanship, ensuring that every piece complements the beauty and grace of the women who wear them,” said Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons, co-founder, Aditya Modak.

    Committed to nationwide reach, Gargi ensures that its elegance touches every corner of India. With shipping available to over 4000+ pin codes, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, the brand makes it easy for everyone to add a touch of class to their festive wardrobe.

    Inspired by the ancient Indian scholar Gargi, the brand embodies beauty, fearlessness, and sophistication. Backed by the legacy of P N Gadgil & Sons, which boasts an annual turnover exceeding Rs 10,000 crores, Gargi continues to set new benchmarks in the fashion jewellery industry through its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. With plans to become a 100-crore company by the end of March 2025, the brand is poised for tremendous growth while maintaining its core values.

    https://www.gargi.shop/collections/diwali-collection

  • Jockey relaunches ‘Bras as Versatile as I Am’ campaign

    Jockey relaunches ‘Bras as Versatile as I Am’ campaign

    Mumbai: Page Industries, the exclusive licensee of Jockey International, has announced the relaunch of its ‘Bras as Versatile as I Am’ campaign, timed for the festive season. This campaign celebrates the diverse lives of women with bras designed to support various moods and lifestyles.

    Over the past decade, the women’s innerwear category has grown significantly, leading Jockey to expand its offerings. The refreshed campaign features collections tailored for work, lounge, travel, and everyday wear, including strapless and plus-size options. Each piece is made with high-quality fabrics, prioritising comfort and support for every moment of a woman’s day. 

    Jockey India CMO Nihal Rajan said, “Our women’s collection is not just a range of products; it’s a powerful celebration of the diverse and dynamic lives women lead. With ‘Bras as Versatile as I Am,’ we aim to inspire every woman to embrace her individuality and strength. Our bras are designed to provide unparalleled comfort and support, tailored for every moment, from the hustle of a workday to the serenity of a restful night. While the core target demographic remains women around 23 years old, the collection is inclusive and celebrates women across age groups. We understand that womanhood encompasses a myriad of roles and experiences and with our bras we aim to redefine what innerwear means, turning everyday essentials into expressions of confidence and versatility.”.

    The campaign will engage women through various platforms, including television, outdoor advertising, Jockey Woman exclusive stores, digital, and social media, highlighting the versatility and comfort of Jockey bras.

    Over the last twenty-five years, Jockey has transformed the innerwear industry through innovation and design. The relaunch of the ‘Bras as Versatile as I Am’ campaign reaffirms Jockey’s commitment to providing thoughtfully designed innerwear that meets the needs of women throughout their lives.

  • Gemba Capital strengthens advisory board with Somak Ghosh’s expertise

    Gemba Capital strengthens advisory board with Somak Ghosh’s expertise

    Mumbai: Gemba Capital enhances its advisory board with the addition of Somak Ghosh, a seasoned banking and investment management expert. With over 30 years of experience spanning corporate and development banking, venture capital, private equity, infrastructure finance, and corporate strategy, Ghosh is poised to bring invaluable insights to the table.

    Ghosh began his career in 1993, spending a decade at prominent firms like ICICI, Reliance, and Rabo India before joining Yes Bank as Group President in 2004. At Yes Bank, he led the bank’s Corporate and Development Banking Charter and was recognized as a Professional Co-Founder for his pivotal role in establishing one of India’s most successful mid-sized banks. By the time he departed in 2012, Ghosh managed over ₹40,000 crore of the bank’s assets and contributed to over 50% of its profits.

    Driven by a passion for the startup ecosystem, Ghosh established the SEBI-registered Contrarian Vriddhi Fund in 2013 and made seed investments in 12 startups, including Pratilipi, Progcap, Signzy, Squadstack, and Minjar.

    In addition to his role at Gemba Capital, Ghosh serves on the Investment Committee of Motilal Oswal Real Estate Fund. He earned his MBA from FMS (Delhi) and is an Advanced Leadership Fellow at Harvard University in the USA.

    On joining the advisory board at Gemba Capital, Somak Ghosh stated, “I always wanted to contribute towards the development of the startup and fintech ecosystem in India. This engagement with Gemba Capital is an effort to help the ecosystem with my experiences and learnings. I have known both Adith and Govind for a long time, and I look forward to adding strategic value to Gemba Capital and their portfolio companies.”

    Gemba Capital founding partner, Adith Podhar commented, “Ghosh brings a vast wealth of experience across BFSI and Venture Capital domains. The Fund will seek his advice on governance and strategic decisions. With his expertise and mentorship, we will add real value to our Portfolio Companies since fintech is a core investment focus for our Fund-II. We are super elated to have him as part of the Gemba Capital family.”

    Gemba Capital has already invested in over 50 startups, including Plum Insurtech, Grip Invest, Wint Wealth, Zuper, Navadhan, Volt Money, Click Post, Showroom, Strata, and Kredmint. The firm recently received a SEBI license for its second fund of $30 million, which aims to invest in seed and pre-seed stage startups across Fintech, Consumer Tech, and B2B platforms.

  • UNICEF and Dove renew partnership to boost youth self-esteem in India

    UNICEF and Dove renew partnership to boost youth self-esteem in India

    Mumbai: UNICEF and Dove renew their partnership to empower 16.4 million young people in India with vital self-esteem education over the next two years. This collaboration builds on their previous efforts, which began in 2019, to provide educational resources focused on self-esteem and body confidence. In the first phase, the initiative successfully reached over seven million students with the ‘Who Am I’ self-esteem lesson kits, surpassing its initial goal of supporting 6.25 million students by the end of 2023.

    In this new phase, UNICEF will work closely with the state governments of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to enhance the life skills programme. The initiative specifically targets young people aged 11-14 and 15+, addressing self-esteem concerns through engaging learning materials, including comic books that discuss gender stereotypes, media appearance ideals, and harmful body talk. These resources aim to help students become advocates for body confidence.

    UNICEF plans to distribute the content through a variety of channels, including in-person training, the government’s e-learning platform Diksha, other state learning management systems, and the Passport to Earning digital platform. The programme encourages parents, siblings, and teachers to actively support boys and girls in becoming self-esteem champions.

    “When young people do not feel confident, their ability to be changemakers and build a stronger future diminishes. With the renewal of our partnership with Dove, even more young people will be supported to feel confident in their ability to stand up for their rights and fulfill their promising potential,” said UNICEF, director of private fundraising and partnerships, Carla Haddad Mardini.

    Positive self-esteem not only fosters essential life skills but also enhances young people’s chances of gaining and retaining employment. This critical work contributes to body confidence and supports the retention, transition, and completion of their education, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in school, work, and life.

    “Since 2004, Dove has supported 114 million young people to build their body confidence and self-esteem. With so many young people feeling pressure to look a certain way, we hope that our partnership with UNICEF can support many more young people to advocate for themselves and challenge beauty standards,” stated Dove Personal Care North America & Dove Masterbrand, chief growth officer, Marcela Melero.

    In addition to the programmes in India, the initial phase of the partnership also reached over 130,000 adolescents in Brazil with body confidence and self-esteem materials through both in-person sessions and UNICEF’s Topity chatbot. In Indonesia, over 180,000 teachers attended online training sessions to learn how to deliver self-esteem and body confidence lessons.

  • Ambuja Cements empowers Gujarat’s coastal communities with CSR initiatives

    Ambuja Cements empowers Gujarat’s coastal communities with CSR initiatives

    Mumbai: Ambuja Cements, part of the diversified Adani Portfolio, actively transforms Gujarat’s coastal communities through impactful CSR initiatives. For over 30 years, the company has collaborated with rural populations around its Ambujanagar plant to tackle pressing challenges such as water scarcity, agricultural development, and livelihood enhancement.

    In the Gir Somnath district, Ambuja Cements combats salinity ingress, which threatens both agriculture and drinking water sources. Through strategic interventions like check dams, pond deepening, and river interlinking, the region evolves from a ‘Dark Zone’ plagued by severe water depletion to a thriving area with abundant groundwater. These efforts enable farmers to boost crop yields, transitioning from single-crop farming to cultivating three-season crops, which significantly enhances their income and food security.

    Beyond water resource management, Ambuja Cements empowers over 44,000 farmers in Saurashtra by promoting improved agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and sustainable farming techniques. The establishment of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and skilling centers provides local women and youth with financial independence and employment opportunities, underscoring the company’s commitment to gender equality.

    “The work of Ambuja Cements has not only replenished our land but also brought new hope to our lives,” says a local farmer from Kodinar. “Now, we can grow three seasons of crops instead of just one.”

    Through its CSR initiatives, Ambuja Cements remains dedicated to facilitating sustainable livelihoods for communities where it operates. These grassroots efforts cement the company’s role not only in infrastructure development but also in building resilient communities for the future.