Category: Media and Advertising

  • Moms rolls out Mother Dairy’s expansive OOH campaign in Lucknow & Varanasi

    Moms rolls out Mother Dairy’s expansive OOH campaign in Lucknow & Varanasi

    MUMBAI: Moms, the outdoor specialised unit of Madison World, has successfully rolled out a high-impact outdoor campaign for Mother Dairy, covering the key cities of Lucknow and Varanasi.

    The campaign spans a diverse mix of media formats, including billboards, unipoles, metro station branding, train wraps, LEDs and FOB facades — all strategically placed across high-footfall zones. The objective was to reinforce Mother Dairy’s strong presence in the region and engage consumers through a visually striking and expansive outdoor network.

    Speaking on the campaign, Moms VP – North & East, Prashant Mishra said, “Our strategy was to drive high-frequency and high-impact visibility through a blend of static and dynamic formats. Lucknow and Varanasi are key markets for Mother Dairy and this campaign ensures the brand connects with consumers through smart placements and extensive reach.”

    Mother Dairy spokesperson added, “This outdoor campaign, rooted in our Maa Jaisi brand narrative, is a step forward in reinforcing our presence in key markets of Uttar Pradesh. Through a vibrant and wide- reaching OOH network, we aim to strengthen brand visibility and deepen our connect with consumers in Lucknow and Varanasi.”

  • Canon India brings two power lenses into focus with new Cinema EOS Ambassadors onboard

    Canon India brings two power lenses into focus with new Cinema EOS Ambassadors onboard

    MUMBAI: In a move that blends art with optics, Canon India has rolled out the red carpet for two of the country’s most accomplished visual storytellers. The brand announced on 23 June 2025 the onboarding of Kiran Deohans and Sudhir Koushik as its newest Canon Cinema EOS Ambassadors, adding weight to its commitment to championing cinematic brilliance across India.

    With careers that span decades and formats, both Deohans and Koushik bring unmatched industry experience to Canon’s expanding creator community. Known for his iconic work in mainstream cinema, Deohan’s lens has shaped classics such as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jodhaa Akbar, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. His portfolio also boasts over 1,500 commercials and a membership in the Indian Society of Cinematographers. Koushik, meanwhile, has been the man behind the camera for India’s biggest unscripted entertainment hits, from Kaun Banega Crorepati to The Great Indian Kapil Show and MTV Hustle.

    “At Canon, we see cinematography not just as a technical pursuit, but as a cultural force. The stories being told today whether through a feature film, a reality show, or a digital series are shaping how we view the world. Our aim is to support and empower storytellers who are redefining these narratives. Kiran Deohans and Sudhir Koushik bring immense experience and creative integrity to the table, and we are thrilled to have them as ambassadors of Canon’s larger vision for visual storytelling in India”, said Canon India Imaging Communication Business Centre assistant director Vishesh Magoo.

    “Cinema is not just about capturing visuals; it’s about shaping culture, evoking emotion, and preserving memory. Canon has always understood that storytelling is as much a craft as it is a responsibility. I’m excited to be part of a brand that empowers creators not just with cutting-edge tools, but with a deep commitment to shaping the future of Indian cinema”, said Deohans.

    “What sets Canon apart is not just its products, but its purpose. The brand truly believes in elevating the art of cinematography not just through innovation, but by creating a platform for collaboration and creativity. As someone who has seen this industry evolve from analog to digital, it’s heartening to partner with a brand that evolves with us, not just for us”, added Koushik.

    Through its Cinema EOS Ambassador Program, Canon has created a talent-powered platform that brings together filmmakers, cinematographers, and content creators under a shared mission of visual mastery. Ambassadors serve as product consultants, mentors, and evangelists, offering insights and support across genres, languages, and screens big and small.

    With Deohans and Koushik stepping into ambassadorial roles, Canon is banking on creative synergy to not only advance its cinema product line but also help foster a more collaborative, craft-driven industry narrative.

  • Ikea rolls out the rainbow rug with ‘Welcome everyone with Pride’ campaign

    Ikea rolls out the rainbow rug with ‘Welcome everyone with Pride’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Ikea India is kicking off Pride Month with a splash of colour and a bold message—everyone is welcome, starting right at the front door. Its new campaign, ‘Welcome Everyone with Pride’, reimagines the humble doormat as a symbol of allyship with the launch of ‘PILLEMARK’ — a rainbow-coloured mat that’s part décor, part declaration.

    Created by Leo India, the accompanying film puts the mat at the centre of the story — showing how a simple object can quiet the questions many LGBTQIA+ individuals face when entering new spaces: Will I be accepted? Am I safe here? The answer, in this case, is literally underfoot.

    Commenting on the video, country integrated media manager, Jayendra Gupta said, “At IKEA, we believe that a true sense of home goes beyond four walls; it’s about feeling accepted, respected, and free to be yourself. With PILLEMARK, we are encouraging people to take a small but powerful step to show that their homes are safe spaces for all. This film is an invitation to every ally, every neighbour, every family to open their hearts, their homes and welcome everyone with pride.”

    “The idea was to enable people to feel welcome even before the door opens. And with PILLEMARK, we got that opportunity. Our attempt was to turn the everyday welcome mat into an everyday movement for inclusion so India could turn their quiet belief into a visible sign of allyship,” said Leo India national creative director Pravin Sutar.

    The campaign is picking up steam on social media, with creators and community voices joining the chorus and showing off their rainbow welcome. Because at Ikea this Pride, it’s not just about opening doors — it’s about opening minds.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by IKEA India (@ikea.india)

     

  • Foxtale brings Neena Gupta and Orry face-to-face in a glow-up that outshines filters and facades

    Foxtale brings Neena Gupta and Orry face-to-face in a glow-up that outshines filters and facades

    MUMBAI: When an old-school icon and an internet sensation walk into a dressing room, you don’t get small talk—you get culture shock therapy. In a video that felt less like a campaign and more like a social experiment, Foxtale paired Neena Gupta with gen z’s hyper-charged mascot Orry, and the result was anything but filtered.

    Foxtale launched the bold new visual on Instagram, tossing out the traditional beauty playbook in favour of candid chaos. The video opens in the greenroom of an upcoming shoot, where Orry greets Gupta with trademark over-the-top energy, while she sizes him up with quiet intrigue. Cue the sparks.

    What follows is a delicious volley of life lessons, lingo confusions and cross-generational comedy gold. Gupta shares her glowing secrets—sunscreen and facials. Orry counters with his ride-or-die: Foxtale’s Super Glow Face Wash with papaya extracts. “I would choose this glow boost over facials any day”, he declares. Between ‘Don’t chase the bag’ and ‘Your glow is your story’, the two carve out something rare: a beauty ad that doesn’t preach but provokes.

    Behind the laugh lines is Foxtale’s subtle product placement—smart, seamless and soaked in realness. The campaign plays to contrast not for comedy alone, but to highlight a bigger truth: that skincare and selfhood come in many shapes, decades and dialects.

    “This idea was born from our desire to move the beauty conversation forward—not through preachiness, but through personality”, said Foxtale CSO Anindita Biswas. “Neena Ma’am and Orry stand for radically different versions of selfhood, and yet their connection proves how powerful honesty, humour, and a little chaos can be”.

    With this campaign, Foxtale continues its streak of chucking the traditional in favour of the disruptive. It isn’t just pushing product; it’s pushing perspective. In an industry crowded with glass skin promises and perfection filters, this video dares to champion the imperfect, the intergenerational, and the intensely human.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Orhan Awatramani (@orry)

     

  • Liji Godbole exits Balaji Telefilms, signs off as group HR Head after stint in senior leadership

    Liji Godbole exits Balaji Telefilms, signs off as group HR Head after stint in senior leadership

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms has seen a key leadership shuffle. Liji Godbole, who led the company’s human resources vertical as group head – HR, officially stepped down on 20 June 2025. Her resignation, attributed to a decision to pursue other career opportunities, was confirmed by the company in a formal stock exchange filing to BSE and NSE.

    In her letter addressed to the group CEO and group CFO dated April 25, Godbole expressed gratitude to the board, senior management and colleagues for their support during her tenure. “I hereby tender my resignation from the position of group head – HR of the Company to pursue other career opportunities outside the Company”, she wrote.

    The move, in line with regulatory requirements, was disclosed under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, and SEBI’s July 2023 circular that mandates transparency in senior personnel changes.

    Balaji Telefilms stated that Godbole’s association with the firm had ended and confirmed that the update has been uploaded on the company’s website. While no successor has been named yet, the development reflects ongoing flux within the television and digital content production house that has long been synonymous with Indian soap opera dominance.

    With no directorial linkages involved, the resignation stands purely professional and voluntary. The company did not release any statement on a potential replacement or organisational restructuring within the HR function.

    The last few months have seen Balaji Telefilms tighten its internal governance and streamline departments amid industry-wide shifts in content consumption patterns and platform distribution.

    While Godbole’s next chapter remains under wraps, her exit adds another page to the story of India’s rapidly evolving entertainment workforce.

  • India ends Cannes Lions 2025 on a high, bags 32 metals in a roaring run

    India ends Cannes Lions 2025 on a high, bags 32 metals in a roaring run

    MUMBAI: India wrapped up its Cannes Lions 2025 campaign in style, pocketing a cool 32 Lions—nearly double last year’s tally of 18. The final medal, a Silver Lion on Day 5, came in the Sustainable Development Goals category for BBDO India’s long-running Ariel #ShareTheLoad campaign. It capped a festival that saw Indian agencies sprint, leap and roar across the Croisette.

    The BBDO campaign, now a decade-old crusade challenging patriarchal laundry norms, was hailed for its creative consistency and cultural clout. Josy Paul, chairperson and chief creative officer at BBDO India—also this year’s SDG Lions jury president—called it “a movement, not just a message.” Well, the jury agreed.

    Though Day 5 brought just the one metal, the closing spotlight stayed firmly on impact. FCB India’s blockbuster “Lucky Yatra” for Indian Railways, already a Grand Prix and multi-Gold winner, made the Titanium shortlist but didn’t convert. The Womb’s nostalgic “We Broke the Jinx. We Won the World Cup” for Jim Jam Pops also reached the Film shortlist but walked away empty-handed.

    Still, India’s medal chest sparkled: 1 Grand Prix, 9 Golds, 9 Silvers, and 13 Bronzes. That’s a barnstorming 32 Lions. FCB India led the pride, while Ogilvy, Leo India, Havas Creative India, Talented and others made strong showings in categories ranging from Brand Experience & Activation to Creative Commerce.

    What clicked? A sharp mix of culture and conscience. From turning train tickets into lottery dreams, to custom-tailored heart health awareness, to menus that doubled as eye tests—Indian creativity pulled off the rare trick: selling with soul.

    Cannes Lions 2025 proved the Indian ad world is no longer an emerging force—it’s arrived, swagger and all.

  • ITC wraps up a win with Filo, its new planet-friendly packaging series

    ITC wraps up a win with Filo, its new planet-friendly packaging series

    MUMBAI: Can sustainable packaging be sleek, scalable and safe enough to handle food? ITC thinks so. With its new Filo Series, the Indian conglomerate is rolling out a plastic-free, compostable packaging solution aimed at businesses ready to clean up their act — and their supply chains.

    Launched with a slick digital campaign, the Filo Series is made from biodegradable, food-grade paperboard and is designed to withstand grease, moisture and scrutiny — all while staying recyclable and planet-friendly. Think pizza boxes without the guilt and pastry trays that don’t cost the earth.

    Part of the paperboards and specialty papers division, the innovation reinforces ITC’s broader circular economy push. Already plastic-neutral for four years, the company is now stepping up its commitment with solutions like Filo and a new moulded fibre unit in Madhya Pradesh.

    Filo doesn’t just check eco boxes — it ticks business ones too. It promises food safety, functionality and scalability, aimed at replacing single-use plastics across FMCG and food delivery segments. Certified as both biodegradable and recyclable, it’s the kind of packaging that could future-proof an industry under increasing regulatory and consumer pressure.

    Speaking on the company’s vision, ITC Ltd  divisional chief executive, paperboards and specialty papers business, Rajesh Ponnuru said, “As part of our commitment to circularity and innovation, we are proud to offer a range of planet-friendly, sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of several industries while improving their environment footprint. With the Filo Series, we set out to address a fundamental challenge—how to deliver food-safe, high-performance boards, which are sustainable and scalable. Filo is not just a product innovation; it represents a significant step in reimagining solutions for a wide range of industries seeking viable alternatives to single-use plastic.”

    With 2030 goals focused on sustaining plastic neutrality and scaling responsible alternatives, ITC is making it clear: going green isn’t a compromise — it’s a competitive advantage. And with Filo, the wrap game just got a smart, sustainable upgrade.

  • Burger King India serves up a juicy collab with Zee5’s Detective Sherdil

    Burger King India serves up a juicy collab with Zee5’s Detective Sherdil

    MUMBAI: Burger King India has cooked up a cheeky partnership with ZEE5 to mark the release of Detective Sherdil, the new comedy caper starring Diljit Dosanjh as an eccentric sleuth with a taste for the unexpected. Directed by Ravi Chhabriya, the film also stars Boman Irani, Diana Penty, Chunky Panday, and Banita Sandhu, and premieres exclusively on Zee5 from 20 June.

    To celebrate the release, Burger King is rolling out the ‘Detective Sherdil Combo’, a limited-edition meal that packs as much punch as the film’s plot twists. For just Rs 299, fans can tuck into a veg or chicken whopper jr. with cheese, saucy fries, and a chocolate thick shake—available at all Burger King restaurants for a short time only.

    The campaign doesn’t stop at the counter. Burger King is also launching a Ugc meme challenge, inviting guests to craft quirky memes using stills from the film. With Dosanjh’s signature charm and Irani’s comic timing, the internet is in for a treat. Lucky winners can bag exciting prizes, with the brand serving a double scoop of fun and fandom.

    Burger King India CMO Kapil Grover shared, “At Burger King, we’re always looking for new ways to create memorable experiences that resonate with our guests. Our collaboration with ZEE5 for Detective Sherdil allows us to blend cinema and food culture in a way that excites our Gen Z and millennial audience. The exclusive ‘Detective Sherdil Combo’ reflects the charm and intrigue of the film while delivering the indulgent taste we’re known for.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd CMO Kartik Mahadev shared, “At ZEE5, we believe great stories deserve to be experienced beyond the screen. Our partnership with Burger King for Detective Sherdil is a fun, flavourful extension of the film’s quirky, entertaining spirit. Collaborations like these help us connect with audiences in fresh, unexpected ways and turn every new release into a shared cultural moment. We look forward to serving fans a generous dose of entertainment, both on and off the screen.”

    Whether you’re a burger buff or a Dosanjh devotee, this collab is your cue to bite into the action-literally.

  • Tata Motors’ Shubhranshu Singh earns spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of world’s top CMOs at Cannes

    Tata Motors’ Shubhranshu Singh earns spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of world’s top CMOs at Cannes

    MUMBAI: Some marketers chase trends.

    Others shape them.

    At the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Forbes tipped its hat to the latter by naming Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles CMO Shubhranshu Singh to its coveted World’s Most Influential CMOs list. Singh’s inclusion marks a high point in a career defined by strategic clarity, brand building, and sharp cultural insight.

    Forbes announced the list this week, spotlighting global marketing leaders who go beyond campaigns to redefine culture, drive purpose, and deliver business impact. It assessed contenders on digital engagement, campaign effectiveness, media visibility, and community resonance—placing Singh among the likes of Apple’s Greg Joswiak, Google’s Lorraine Twohill, and L’Oréal’s Asmita Dubey.

    “Being named to the Forbes World’s Most Influential CMOs List is more than an accolade—it is a recognition of marketing’s evolving role as a driver of business value, social relevance, and global reputation. CMOs on this list are not only architects of brand strategy but also leaders who influence culture, champion innovation, and create lasting business impact across industries and geographies”, Forbes noted.

    Known for leading transformative brand campaigns at Tata Motors, Singh has positioned the commercial vehicle division as a symbol of trust and innovation. His digital-first approach and focus on aligning business goals with societal narratives have drawn industry-wide admiration. His leadership reflects the new breed of marketers—part strategist, part storyteller, and full-time change-maker.

    “Shubhranshu Singh, stalwart marketeer, columnist and thought leader currently serving as chief marketing officer of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, has been named to this year’s prestigious list, placing him among the most influential voices in global marketing today”, the announcement added.

    Singh’s recent appointment to the inaugural board of the Effie Lions Foundation further signals his growing influence. The nonprofit, headquartered in New York, aims to nurture diverse marketing talent worldwide. As a board member, Singh will help shape the future of industry leadership with a lens on inclusivity and global impact.

    “As a member of the board of directors, he will have a unique opportunity to: Have a voice in shaping the marketing industry’s future talent; Help ensure that the marketing industry attracts the diverse talent needed for its future success”, said the foundation.

    Over the last decade, Forbes’ annual list has recognised the likes of Disney’s Asad Ayaz, Coca-Cola’s Manolo Arroyo, and Netflix’s Marian Lee—each redefining how brands connect with a fast-evolving world. Singh’s addition not only adds an Indian voice to that conversation, but underscores the rising global relevance of purpose-led marketing from the subcontinent.

  • Digiace lands in India with YMT Ads to decode the $4 bn programmatic puzzle with creative AI

    Digiace lands in India with YMT Ads to decode the $4 bn programmatic puzzle with creative AI

    MUMBAI: Mumbai just got another byte louder in the digital ad space. Digiace, the latest entrant in India’s programmatic scene, formally stepped into the ring on 20 June 2025 through a strategic collaboration with southeast Asia’s martech heavyweight, YMT Ads. The plan? To shake up how programmatic campaigns are conceived, delivered and measured—with artificial intelligence holding the brush and data calling the strokes.

    The company launches into a market pegged at approximately $4 billion, offering what it calls a ‘creative-first, AI-powered programmatic solution’ aimed at marketers and agencies looking to blend efficiency with innovation. Positioned at the crux of tech and storytelling, Digiace promises to unify what the industry often separates: data and creativity.

    “Digiace is transforming digital advertising by unifying creative intelligence and data—two assets traditionally managed in silos. This integrated approach enables us to deliver more efficient media performance, sharper targeting, and measurable business outcomes at scale”, said Digiace India business head Himanshu Nagrecha.

    Nagrecha, a veteran with stints at Yahoo, Microsoft Advertising, SVG, and Condé Nast, brings years of digital DNA to the table. His experience in building audience roadmaps and scaling marketing ecosystems makes him a fitting pilot for Digiace’s Indian ambitions.

    The firm has set up shop in Mumbai and plans to capitalise on a rising demand for programmatic advertising that offers both scale and specificity. Its AI-led solutions stand on three key pillars:

    . AI-led creative optimisation: Creatives that auto-personalise in real-time to suit behavioural and contextual    triggers.

    . Full-funnel data integration: Insights stitched together from multiple consumer touchpoints to power smarter  campaigns.

    .  End-to-end programmatic execution: Precision media buying across digital platforms, managed centrally.

    The alliance with YMT Ads adds global muscle to Digiace’s local ambition, offering Indian marketers access to tools that have already made waves across southeast Asia.

    As brands scramble for agility in an ecosystem that doesn’t sit still, Digiace bets on adaptive storytelling layered with intelligence. If done right, it might just turn media buying into media mastery—one real-time impression at a time.