ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Hitwicket appoints Anand Ramachandran as creative director

    Hitwicket appoints Anand Ramachandran as creative director

    Mumbai: Gaming startup Hitwicket has announced the appointment of Anand Ramachandran as its new creative director. Anand, ex-creative director at Disney Byju’s Early Learn app, brings with him over two decades of experience in game development, interactive entertainment and storytelling. His strategic vision and expertise are set to drive Hitwicket’s global engagement and expand its user base.

    Over the past year, Hitwicket has experienced significant growth, exceeding 10 million downloads and targeting a 5X increase within the next two years. With Anand onboard, the company aims to strengthen its position as a global leader in the gaming industry. Anand will play a key role in enhancing the user journey for both current and new players, shaping game design, product roadmap, and ensuring ongoing evolution. He will work closely with the team to improve the overall user experience.

    Anand Ramachandran expressed his enthusiasm about joining Hitwicket, stating, “I am thrilled to become a part of India’s leading cricket gaming franchise. As a kid, I was always creating cricket games—with dice, playing cards, and pen and paper—but my rough designs and prototypes rarely saw the light of day. Now, with Hitwicket, I get the chance to bring those childhood actions to life. My goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cricket gaming, infuse new creative ideas to gameplay, and ensure that every player, whether a seasoned pro or a newcomer, finds something exciting and engaging. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Hitwicket along with the founders Keerti Singh and Kashyap Reddy, to explore new avenues of creativity, innovation, and user experience, and to make this game a global phenomenon.”

    A gaming industry veteran, Anand Ramachandran has been a driving force behind some of the most popular games on the market that has shaped the landscape of interactive entertainment. With a remarkable career that includes pivotal roles such as creative director for the Disney Byju’s Early Learn app, director of design at Hike Messenger, and lead designer for Zynga’s first India-launched game, Hidden Shadows, Anand has consistently pushed the boundaries of game design. His impressive portfolio boasts contributions to iconic titles like Mafia Wars, Hidden Chronicles, and Yoville, showcasing his knack for creating engaging experiences that resonate with millions of gamers

    Co-founders Kashyap Reddy and Keerti Singh shared their thoughts on Anand’s appointment saying, “We are delighted to welcome Anand to the Hitwicket team. His wealth of experience and creative vision will undoubtedly open new horizons for us in game creativity and design. Having an industry veteran like Anand, who has been instrumental in shaping some of the most engaging and popular games, choose Hitwicket as his next venture gives us the confidence to further solidify our brand’s position in the gaming industry and continue our journey to becoming a global leader in cricket games. We believe Anand’s addition to our team will propel Hitwicket to new heights, enabling us to innovate not just gameplay but also player engagement and community building. Together we are set to explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of what a cricket game can achieve.”

    Joining Hitwicket, Anand is set to leverage his extensive experience and creative vision to elevate the gaming experience to new heights. As Hitwicket progresses on its journey, the company remains focused on shaping the future of mobile gaming, aiming to be a leading brand from India with global appeal, competing with top gaming brands. With Anand’s arrival, players can expect exciting developments in the game that will engage current fans and attract new gamers to cricket. His appointment is a significant milestone for Hitwicket, bringing innovations and a promising future in the gaming industry. Anand’s expertise will be vital in enhancing the gaming experience for millions worldwide, ensuring that Hitwicket remains distinctive in a market dominated by international titles. 

  • Kaun Banega Crorepati season 16 attracts top sponsors

    Kaun Banega Crorepati season 16 attracts top sponsors

    Mumbai: Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) continues to captivate audiences across India with its unique blend of knowledge, entertainment, and life-changing opportunities. As season 16 unfolds, the show’s enduring popularity is evident in the impressive lineup of top-tier sponsors it has attracted.

    With 12 sponsors onboarded there has been 100 per cent growth over the last year, Leading the way are ACKO and Aditya Birla Group as co-presenting sponsors, IDFC First Bank returns for the third consecutive year as the exclusive banking partner with Atomberg, Vimal and Sensodyne as co-powered sponsors, Veeba as the taste partner, Ultratech Cement and Kalyan Jewellers as partners. Raymond as the wardrobe partner, and Godrej Locks as the safety partner.

    The show’s innovative features, such as the real-time interactive KBC Play Along on Sony LIV, continue to enhance viewer engagement. The KBC Play Along feature allows audiences from across the globe to participate in real-time continues to offer advertisers unique and valuable opportunities to reach a highly engaged audience.

    KBC offers unique opportunities for deep and diverse in-show integrations. By embedding themselves within the show’s narrative, brands can forge meaningful connections with viewers and achieve measurable outcomes, making KBC a powerful platform for brand storytelling and engagement. 

    . ACKO: Partners with the KBC LIFELINES, leveraging contextual moments within the show to integrate the insurance category effectively.

    .  Aditya Birla Group: Sponsors the education of children equivalent to the number of questions asked, aligning with their corporate social responsibility.

    . IDFC First Bank: Acts as the banking partner with a presence across winning moments throughout the show.

    .  Atomberg Fans: First-time sponsor that rewards winners with hampers, enhancing the viewer experience.

    .  Sensodyne: Takes ownership of the “Expert Question of the Day” moment, aligning its brand with expertise and trust.

    .  Raymond: Onboarded as the wardrobe partner, contributes to the show’s style and presentation.

    .   RBI: Integrates the message “Jankar Baniye Satark Rahiye” within the bonus questions, promoting awareness and caution.

    .  Godrej Locks: Rewards contestants at the crucial ₹25 lakh “padav” and integrates their brand message around safety at the right moments.

    These points highlight how various brands are strategically integrating themselves within KBC, enhancing both their visibility and viewer engagement.

    The current season of KBC has already set new benchmarks for viewership and engagement.

    Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16 is now streaming on Sony LIV, offering viewers and sponsors another season of extraordinary experiences.

    Sony LIV head ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangla said, “Large-scale reality shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati spanning across 142 days of activity (100 episodes) have finally been acknowledged to deliver value at scale in the digital ecosystem creating a paradigm shift in the market. Kaun Banega Crorepati stands as one of India’s most iconic shows, providing an unparalleled platform for brands to connect with audiences. We are thrilled to welcome esteemed 12 sponsors, whose commitment to KBC on Sony LIV  underscores the immense value of this collaboration. With growing advertiser interest, we are confident that KBC Season 16 will once again deliver exceptional benefits to both our viewers, sponsors and partners.”

    ACKO EVP marketing Ashish Mishra said, “KBC occupies an iconic position in the Indian reality show landscape, making ACKO’s decision to continue with our partnership a natural fit. The show’s widespread popularity across ACKO’s core target audience enhances the value of this collaboration. Additionally, we recognized a unique synergy between KBC’s lifelines and our insurance offerings. Just as lifelines offer crucial support to contestants, ACKO provides protection solutions for life’s uncertainties, spanning life, health, car, travel insurances and more.”

    Atomberg Technologies founding member & chief business officer Arindam Paul said, “As a home-grown Indian consumer durables brand started by two IIT-ians, being a co-sponsor of India’s leading entertainment show- Kaun Banega Crorepati, is a massive feat.  Atomberg has always been a brand that’s stood at the intersection of innovation and customer delight; solving unseen, unstated consumer problems, such as introducing energy efficient BLDC fans to India and more. KBC is a show driven by curiosity – as is our  brand, and so this seemed like an organic fit for us.”

  • Hindustan Pencils launches campaign for Nataraj Gelix Pens

    Hindustan Pencils launches campaign for Nataraj Gelix Pens

    Mumbai: Nataraj, a legacy brand under the iconic Hindustan Pencils umbrella, has crafted a new campaign for their Gelix pens, known for their superior quality and innovation in writing instruments.

    Equipped with advanced Japanese waterproof ink, Gelix pens enhance the writing experience with smoothness, precision, and a smudge-free performance. The quick-drying formula ensures each stroke remains crisp and clear, avoiding smears even in humid or rainy conditions. Gelix pens glide effortlessly on paper, offering a controlled flow that resists fading, bleeding, or blotting, keeping your writing neat every time.

    The brand has launched a compelling print advertisement with the bold statement, “The only thing that doesn’t get washed away by Mumbai rains,” capturing the pen’s smudge-free writing promise during monsoon season.

    Building on the print ad’s impact, the campaign features a CGI video set against Mumbai’s iconic landmarks. The visual centers on a paper boat sailing through waves with Nataraj Gelix Pens writing smoothly on its sail. The boat moves past landmarks like the Gateway of India and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, showcasing the pen’s resilience and precision. Despite water splashes and rain, the writing remains clear, highlighting the pen’s smudge-free performance in challenging weather conditions.

    The campaign also includes a billboard series placed throughout the city, emphasizing the pen’s reliability and durability, even in heavy Mumbai rains. The ad campaign is created by Ogilvy, with OOH advertising managed by Occtagon Media Networks and CGI work by Elevite Media.

    “We are excited to introduce this comprehensive campaign, which encapsulates the essence of what Nataraj Gelix Pens stand for—innovation, reliability, and unmatched quality. Through this campaign, we aim to demonstrate how our pens deliver flawless writing experiences, even under the most challenging conditions, like monsoon season. Nataraj Gelix Pens are more than just writing instruments; they are a testament to our commitment to excellence,” said Hindustan Pencils president Pradip Ughade.

    Nataraj Gelix Pens demonstrate the brand’s commitment to providing high-quality writing instruments that combine tradition with innovation. Focused on delivering a flawless writing experience, Nataraj sets new industry standards. The latest CGI campaign reflects this dedication, highlighting how Gelix Pens perform effectively even in challenging conditions.

  • JK Paper unveils its Teacher’s Day campaign

    JK Paper unveils its Teacher’s Day campaign

    Mumbai: To mark Teacher’s Day, JK Paper has unveiled a film that highlights the relationship between teachers and students. The film focuses on Sumeet Sanjay Patil, an art teacher at Snehajyoti Nivasi Blind School in Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra, who has developed an innovative approach to tactile learning. Sumeet has taught over 1,000 visually impaired students to paint using his “Rang-Gandh” technique, which links colors to fragrances. This method encourages students to paint and boosts their confidence, showing that art can be experienced through senses other than sight. Some of these paintings have been exhibited across the country and used to raise awareness.

    This campaign is not just a tribute to Sumeet and all the teachers but a celebration of the human spirit’s resilience and creativity.

    Set against the contrasting backdrops of Mumbai’s bustling city and the serene Konkan villages, the film narrates Sumeet’s journey as he introduces his visually impaired students to art and creativity. It begins with a blank canvas, symbolizing the untapped potential in every child. As the story unfolds, viewers see Sumeet’s innovative methods—linking colors to fragrances and using 3D outliners—that allow his students to experience and create art in a tangible way.

    The narrative includes testimonials from students, sharing their fears, struggles, and eventual triumphs, highlighting the impact of Sumeet’s teaching. His commitment goes beyond the classroom in Mumbai, extending to the remote villages of Konkan, where he brings his unique art education to ensure every child has the opportunity to explore their creativity.

    The film concludes with a message featuring the students’ vibrant, textured artworks that tell their stories through touch rather than sight, representing the possibilities that emerge when imagination is nurtured by a dedicated teacher.

    JK Paper chief of sales & marketing Partha Biswas commented on the campaign, “This Teacher’s Day, we wanted to shine a light on the incredible impact that teachers like Sumeet have on their students, especially those with special needs. His innovative approach to teaching art is not just a lesson in creativity but a testament to the power of tactile learning. The objective of this campaign is to highlight the crucial role of teachers in shaping the lives of their students, particularly those with special needs. It also emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for differently abled individuals to express themselves creatively. Just like our teachers are dedicated towards playing a crucial role in shaping the lives of their students, JK Paper is also dedicated towards shaping an eco-friendly world. Our paper is sourced from 9.50 lakh acres of Agro Social Farm Forestry Program, which not only supports sustainable practices but also provides livelihoods for close to 1,30,000 farmer families.”

    The campaign highlighted how visually impaired students connected with JK Paper on a tactile level. The texture, weight, and feel of the paper became their canvas, enabling them to perceive art through touch and creating a strong emotional bond with the medium. For these students, JK Paper is more than just a medium; it’s a source of emotional expression. The feel of the paper evokes emotions and allows them to create art that reflects their experiences, making it an integral part of their artistic journey. The connection between the students and JK Paper reflects the brand’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with special needs. JK Paper honors teachers like Sumeet, who go the extra mile to ensure every student has a chance to shine.

    By showcasing this film, JK Paper and Snehajyoti Nivasi Blind School aim to inspire support for initiatives that foster creativity in education. With 295 million visually impaired individuals worldwide, including over 10 million in India, waiting for their creative potential to be realized, this campaign underscores the ongoing, transformative nature of learning and teaching.

  • Social Panga marks a decade of success

    Social Panga marks a decade of success

    Mumbai: Social Panga, an integrated creative and digital marketing agency now part of LS Digital, proudly celebrates its tenth anniversary, marking a decade in the industry. Founded in 2014 by Himanshu Arora and Gaurav Arora with a small team of three in Bangalore, the agency has grown into a robust team of over 400 across Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Dubai.

    Social Panga offers a wide range of services, including Creative and Digital Strategy, Media Planning and Buying, Branding and Marketing Communications, Influencer Marketing, Video Production, and technology-driven brand solutions. To commemorate #ADecadeofMafias, the agency has released a rap anthem reflecting their journey and unique vibe.

    Co-founder and chief mafia Himanshu Arora said, “It’s been a great ride, packed with lessons, laughs, and a few late-night ‘what are we doing?’ moments, all filled with just gratitude. I’m beyond stoked about the challenges we’ve crushed and the wins we’ve celebrated, but most of all, I’m grateful to everyone who’s been part of this 10-year Panga. As we gear up for the next chapter, we’re doubling down on our people (mafia)-first mantra, eyeing new global markets, and solution-first approach. Honestly, it feels like we’re just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where this crazy journey takes us next!”

    Co-founder and chief mafia Gaurav Arora added, “10 years! It’s amazing how fast the time has flown by! This #ADecadeofMafias at Social Panga has been an exhilarating journey, filled with new opportunities, meaningful experiences, and tremendous growth. Despite intense competition in the industry, we haven’t just held our ground—we’ve flourished. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, it’s clear that our well-timed decisions and strategic moves have been pivotal to our success. We’re thrilled to embark on the next chapter of our journey and look forward to sharing it with all our well-wishers!”

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  • 157 disruptive campaigns shortlisted for MMA SMARTIES India 2024

    157 disruptive campaigns shortlisted for MMA SMARTIES India 2024

    Mumbai: MMA Global India has unveiled the shortlist for the 13th edition of SMARTIES India 2024, recognising and celebrating the most impactful marketing campaigns that have redefined the boundaries of innovation. These campaigns have left an indelible mark on brands, agencies, media companies, and solution providers across India with their cutting-edge work.

    This year, a total of 157 entries made it to the shortlist, received from various sectors including FMCG, OTT, retail, BFSI, and technology. The shortlist highlights the breadth of creativity and effectiveness in the respective categories, setting new benchmarks for marketing excellence.

    MMA Global India Country Head and BOD Member Moneka Khurana reflected, “Congratulations to all the finalists of SMARTIES India 2024. Reviewing this year’s Smarties entries was a masterclass in excellence. The shortlist isn’t just a collection of campaigns – it’s a spotlight on ideas that truly push the boundaries and set new standards, making the shortlist a definitive guide to what brilliance looks like in our industry today. I am eagerly looking forward to celebrating the achievements of these outstanding campaigns at the Smarties gala.”

    The diverse pan-industry selection jury comprised leaders from Havas Media, Lionsgate Play, FCB, Jio, Domino’s, Abbott, Flipkart, WPP, Dentsu, Mindshare, Niti Aayog, Times Network, LoveChild by Masaba, Zee5, Genpact, amongst many.

    The final set of deliberations spread over a 3-day enriching jury meet was conducted by our marketer-only jury comprising leaders from Myntra, Hindustan Unilever, Tata, HDFC, Marico, Aditya Birla Group, Pepsico, MakeMyTrip, Godrej, Castrol, Wipro, Nivea, Perfetti, Leela, Hershey, HP, amongst more.

    The jury was led by esteemed jury chairs, including Lenovo managing director Shailendra Katyal; Tata Consumer Products president – packaged foods Deepika Bhan; and Rohit Bhasin, MMA India Board Member; president, head – Affluent, NRI, business banking and CMO, Kotak Mahindra Bank.

    Explore the full jury roster here.

    New categories such as AI Marketing and Connected TV have garnered significant interest, reflecting the industry’s evolution towards AI-powered marketing strategies. It’s heartening to see a spectrum of brands and agencies leveraging these new categories to create impactful campaigns. Submissions in these categories came from the likes of Publicis, Amazon, Omnicom, Disney, Leo Burnett, Performics, Hansa Cequity, and Britannia, amongst others.

    Jury chair Rohit Bhasin, MMA India Board Member; President, Head – Affluent, NRI, Business Banking and CMO, Kotak Mahindra Bank remarked, “Judging the SMARTIES 2024 entries was an exhilarating experience filled with on-the-edge moments and close calls. The level of competition was incredibly high, with many entries pushing the boundaries of innovation. I thoroughly enjoyed the free-flowing perspectives and deep insights shared by my fellow jury members. It was a privilege to witness firsthand the creativity and strategic brilliance that are shaping modern marketing.”

    Key Highlights

    Among the diverse array of categories featured in SMARTIES 2024, several sub-categories have stood out as magnets for innovation and creativity, attracting a substantial number of entries, the top ones being Creator/Influencer/Celebrity Marketing, Data Insights/Contextual Marketing, and Brand Experience.

    Jury chair Tata Consumer Products, president of packaged foods Deepika Bhan shared, “In FMCG, innovation and consumer engagement are critical to measurable success. The SMARTIES Awards highlight how creative marketing can drive significant business impact. The entries this year, especially in new categories like AI Marketing and Connected TV, demonstrate how marketers are leveraging technology to create personalized and impactful consumer experiences. It’s inspiring to see such a high level of creativity and strategic thinking in the shortlisted campaigns.”

    In interesting news, SMARTIES 2024 is globally certified in partnership with RECMA, the leading media agency research organization, ensuring that winners are recognized in globally acclaimed platforms.

    Access the Full Shortlist Here.

    Jury chair Lenovo managing director Shailendra Katyal remarked, “Being part of the SMARTIES jury and chairing the process this year has been an enlightening experience. The quality and diversity of the entries reflect the rapid advancements in our industry. It’s fascinating to see how marketers are integrating technology and creativity to drive engagement and business results. The shortlisted campaigns are a testament to the innovative spirit and strategic acumen that define marketing excellence.”

    Next Stop: SMARTIES Unplugged & Gala

    As the anticipation builds, the marketing industry eagerly awaits the SMARTIES 2024 Awards ceremony to celebrate the ingenuity, creativity, and business impact achieved by these outstanding campaigns. The winners will be announced at the gala event scheduled on 11th October in Mumbai, promising an evening of inspiration and recognition for the best in class modern marketing.

    Ahead of the gala, the industry will gather for the return of SMARTIES Unplugged, a pre-gala enriching conference bringing together marketing thought leaders who will share innovative and creative work designed to benefit tomorrow’s marketers and the consumer’s changing mindset. Unplugged will uncover the transformative impact of technology-powered creative and media strategy and its impact whilst embracing marketing excellence in the AI era. This exclusive platform offers partners, industry luminaries, shortlisters and the best brains in the biz an opportunity to showcase exceptional work and share invaluable expertise.

    Register for the gala + unplugged here – https://www.mmaglobal.com/smartiesindia2024#register

  • SuperBottoms launches ‘It Feels Right’ campaign featuring Alia Bhatt

    SuperBottoms launches ‘It Feels Right’ campaign featuring Alia Bhatt

    Mumbai: SuperBottoms has launched its new campaign, ‘It Feels Right’ starring their investor and brand ambassador, Alia Bhatt. This campaign is a heartfelt celebration of the comfort, quality, and eco-friendly values that define SuperBottoms’ product line.

    The “It Feels Right” campaign by SuperBottoms is crafted to celebrate the emotional and physical satisfaction that comes with choosing the best for one’s baby. At its core, the campaign highlights how high-quality cloth diapers are made of organic cotton, absorbent, economical and no chemicals present in it as compared to disposable diapers. By focusing on the innate parental instinct to offer superior comfort and safety, ‘It Feels Right’ resonates with the joy and fulfillment that arises from making thoughtful, responsible choices.

    The brand’s commitment to sustainability and excellence ensures that every SuperBottoms product not only meets rigorous quality standards but also supports a greener planet. This campaign with Alia Bhatt connects with parents on an emotional level, affirming that choosing SuperBottoms is not just a decision, it’s a gratifying experience that truly feels right.

    SuperBottoms CEO & co-founder Pallavi Utagi explained the thought behind the campaign, “At SuperBottoms, we understand that parenting is driven by the deep desire to provide the best for your child. Our latest campaign captures the innate satisfaction that comes from choosing products that combine unparalleled comfort with eco-friendly values. We are committed to help families make informed choices that are beneficial for their children and environmentally responsible.”

    Featuring in the ‘It Feels Right’ campaign, Alia Bhatt, Investor & Brand Ambassador, SuperBottoms states, “As a mother, I’m thrilled to join SuperBottoms in their mission to build a sustainable future for our children. Their commitment to creating eco-friendly diapers that don’t compromise on safety or comfort empowers us as parents to make meaningful choices. I’m excited to be part of this positive change for our kids and the planet.”

    The brand has over 500 retail stores across India, making its products accessible to parents nationwide. Additionally, the brand has its own website, www.superbottoms.com, and is also available on major e-commerce platforms, including FirstCry, Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, JioMart, Ajio, and many more, making it convenient for parents to find and purchase their favorite products.

    In addition to their renowned cloth diapers, SuperBottoms has expanded its offerings to include bumwear products that prioritizes both the safety of the baby and zero compromise on the planet. The brand’s success story is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives and the impact of community-driven business models.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Superbottoms (@superbottoms)

     

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  • EMotorad launches ‘Dil Se Aawaaz Ayegi’ campaign

    EMotorad launches ‘Dil Se Aawaaz Ayegi’ campaign

    Mumbai: EMotorad launched its brand new campaign, ‘Dil Se Aawaaz Ayegi’. The ad stars cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni and showcases the brand’s best-selling foldable and fat-tyred e-cycle, Doodle V3.

    In the ad, MS Dhoni is seen in a garage surrounded by various bikes, imitating the unique sounds each one makes, like ‘vroom vroom’ and ‘vaun vaun’. The ad builds intrigue when Dhoni asks, “What sound will your cycle make?” To which an EMotorad representative responds, “Dil se aawaaz ayegi”, transitioning to a scene of Dhoni riding the e-cycle going ‘’weeeeeee’ ‘woooooooo’.

    The campaign resonated with nationwide audiences, garnering an overwhelming response for MS Dhoni and EMotorad’s second quirky collaboration.

    On the campaign, EMotorad co-founder and CMO Aditya Oza said, “Dil se Aawaz aayegi is more than just a tagline; we wanted to highlight what it feels like riding our bikes. And across everyone we spoke to after their first ride, their expression was a feeling of joy! With every campaign we create, we aim to instill the soul of the brand and express it through our content. Good advertising and great products have one thing in common: They evoke emotions, and that’s what our latest campaign is about. What’s even more remarkable is our partnership with MS Dhoni and doing all crazy things with us in such a sporty manner. We couldn’t be prouder to have the ultimate brand ambassador, who is not only an investor but also remains our Captain Cool forever.”

    Building on the success of their viral ‘Bole Jo Koyal’ campaign featuring MS Dhoni, EMotorad has released a follow-up that amplifies the same heartfelt emotion with the tagline ‘Dil se awaaz ayegi’.

  • Saudi Welcome to Arabia launches ‘Spectacular Saudi’ campaign

    Saudi Welcome to Arabia launches ‘Spectacular Saudi’ campaign

    Mumbai: Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ has launched its first-ever integrated consumer campaign for the Indian market – ‘Spectacular Saudi’. With a captivating blend of ancient tales and modern marvels, this campaign reveals a side of Saudi that transcends all expectations.

    Launching in English across the country, ‘Spectacular Saudi’ takes viewers on an immersive journey through Saudi’s golden sands, pristine waters, and endless skies, revealing the country’s iconic landscapes and experiences.

    The campaign visuals bring to life all that makes Saudi a spectacular destination – from the ancient mud-brick architecture of Diriyah’s At-Turaif and the pristine waters of the Red Sea to the historic streets of Al Balad in Jeddah and the majestic Nabataean tombs in Hegra, AlUla. Spotlighting Saudi’s open and welcoming culture which resonates with Indian hospitality in many ways; the campaign further cements Saudi’s close affinity with Indian culture. It invites couples, families, and people in search of iconic experiences rooted in culture and heritage, to explore the unexplored. It narrates the story of a Spectacular Saudi, one steeped in heritage, history, and modern wonders while encouraging prospective Indian travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.

    Speaking on the campaign, Saudi Tourism Authority president of APAC markets Alhasan Aldabbagh said, “Indian travellers have long shown a deep appreciation for authentic and unique experiences. They are keen to explore novel destinations, cultures and gastronomy, and that is exactly what Saudi has to offer. With iconic destinations like Diriyah, Al Balad, and Hegra in AlUla – three of Saudi’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, they can walk through history dating back millennia, and with tailor-made packages, experience world-class culture, adventure, and cuisine.

    We are excited for Indians to experience the warm Saudi welcome, a core part of our heritage, and something intrinsic to Indian culture as well. India holds an incredibly special place in our hearts, and we are committed to making India the number one source market by 2030. In 2023 alone, 1.6 million Indians travelled to Saudi. We are thrilled to welcome Indian visitors to truly experience the Heart of Arabia.”

    With a 240 per cent increase in leisure visits from India compared to last year, visiting Saudi has become more accessible, with over 330 direct weekly flights and eight airline operators. Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the U.S., the U.K., or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry, are eligible for an eVisa and visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports. Those not eligible can apply for a visa through 11 Tasheer Centres across India.

    For more details, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations. Indian travelers can also apply for a free Stopover visa, valid for up to 96 hours, available 90 days in advance on the Saudia Airline and Flynas websites.

    To explore Saudi Arabia, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/campaigns/india and book your trip with exclusive packages and offers from 12 trade partners in India.

  • IGP adds a stone age twist to birthday gifting in latest ad film

    IGP adds a stone age twist to birthday gifting in latest ad film

    Mumbai: International gifts platform, IGP has launched its second ad film under its ‘Amazing Gifts, Samay Par’ campaign, adding a creative and comical twist by setting a birthday party in the stone age. This latest installment humorously reimagines the age-old challenge of finding the perfect birthday gift, showing that even in primitive times, choosing the right gift was crucial. The campaign highlights that a thoughtful gift, given at the right time, can leave a lasting impact—a theme central to the campaign.

    The ad takes us back to the Stone Age, where even early humans knew a birthday bash needs the perfect cake. In a time when fire is rare and stone tools are advanced, a young cave boy surprises his crush with a cake and flowers from IGP. The cake becomes the highlight of the party, impressing everyone in the tribe. The message is clear: whether hunting for dinner or managing today’s tasks, a thoughtful gift can make a lasting impression in any era.

    IGP founder and CEO Tarun Joshi shared his excitement about the new film, saying, “With this second ad in our ‘Amazing Gifts, Samay Par’ campaign, we wanted to bring a playful twist to the idea of birthday gifting. The Stone Age setting adds a humorous layer to the story, showing that no matter the time period, a well-timed gift can make a big impact.

    Understanding how important birthdays are, we at IGP are committed to ensuring that your thoughtful gift arrives precisely when it’s needed. Our popular 30-minute and midnight delivery services are tailored to meet this need, making every celebration truly memorable.”

    This ad follows the success of the inaugural Raksha Bandhan ad and is part of a series of eight films called “Main Samay Hu”. As the ‘Amazing Gifts, Samay Par’ campaign continues, IGP will release more films that creatively mix historical themes to modern-day relevance with a humorous touch. Each film focuses on different occasions like Diwali, Christmas, birthdays, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, and so on, showcasing the timeless essence of gifting.