ITV

Category: Media and Advertising

  • Aqua Plumbings taps Ogilvy to rebrand bathware with flair, finesse and a splash of storytelling

    Aqua Plumbings taps Ogilvy to rebrand bathware with flair, finesse and a splash of storytelling

    MUMBAI: There’s more to the bathroom these days than soap and solitude.

    For Aqua Plumbings, it’s a canvas for design, elegance and daily rituals—one that now gets a sharp creative partner in Ogilvy.

    The Mumbai-based bath solutions brand has officially partnered with the ad giant to reshape how India sees and experiences its bathroom fixtures.

    The collaboration marks a push by Aqua Plumbings to deepen its brand narrative in the booming bathware space, where design has gone from function to lifestyle statement. With Ogilvy, part of the WPP Group, Aqua Plumbings aims to elevate its two distinct brands—Plumber Bathware and Aquini—with strategic storytelling that blends luxury, design and consumer aspiration.

    “At Aqua Plumbings, we’ve always focused on quality, innovation, and understanding our customer’s evolving aspirations. Partnering with Ogilvy gives us the opportunity to take that story further—with clarity, creativity, and consistency”, said Aqua Plumbings Pvt. Ltd ED Sudhir Chaudhary.

    Aqua Plumbings operates through two verticals. Plumber Bathware, the flagship range, champions design, water efficiency and smart living—offering taps, showers and accessories with features like motor-driven, sensor-controlled fittings. At the upper end, Aquini caters to India’s ultra-luxury bath segment with sanitaryware and faucets built with high-end materials and European craftsmanship.

    Rooted in European design standards and tailored to Indian expectations, Aqua Plumbings has built its identity on precision, sustainability and form-meets-function. Its push to redefine how Indian consumers perceive bath spaces mirrors a broader shift in how interior luxury is being consumed in the country.

    Ogilvy Delhi (north) president & head of office Prakash Nair added, “This partnership brings together two companies with a shared belief in craft—whether in product or communication. We’re excited to work alongside Aqua Plumbings to build a brand presence that’s both culturally resonant and category-defining”.

    The campaign will aim to build enduring narratives around bathware’s evolution in India, balancing utility with an aesthetic that appeals to the growing tribe of home-upgraders and interior purists.

    As more Indians aspire to have spa-like bathrooms in their homes, Aqua Plumbings and Ogilvy have set their sights on making taps and tiles as much about aspiration as application.

  • Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    Citiustech names Navneet Khandelwal as CFO to sharpen numbers, strategy and compliance game

    MUMBAI: There’s nothing like a good spreadsheet to keep things in order—and Navneet Khandelwal knows how to balance more than just the books. The seasoned finance leader, who has spent the better part of 25 years navigating the numbers behind India’s IT services boom, has now taken the financial reins at healthcare tech firm Citiustech.

    His new title? Chief financial officer—and the job comes with no shortage of decimal points or strategic decisions.

    Citiustech confirmed Khandelwal’s appointment this week, signalling a sharper focus on fiscal rigour and operational clarity. As CFO, he now leads the company’s global finance, legal, and compliance functions—areas that have grown increasingly complex with Citiustech’s expanding global footprint.

    Navneet brings deep expertise in financial management, controllership, accounting, business process transformation, mergers & acquisitions, acquisition integration, and investor relations.

    Khandelwal started his career at Wipro Technologies and remained there for 16 years, rising through the ranks across audit, controllership, and business finance, eventually serving as VP – finance. He then served as CFO at several major firms, including ITC Infotech, Microland, and Zensar Technologies—both listed and unlisted—adding depth to his financial repertoire.

    Known for transforming processes without breaking the flow, Khandelwal has consistently led initiatives focused on strategic growth and performance efficiency. He has built finance teams from the ground up and led merger integrations with a steady hand.

    The appointment comes as healthcare IT companies face rising compliance expectations, global expansion challenges, and pressure to deliver value in a shifting regulatory climate. With Khandelwal on board, Citiustech seems to be hedging its bets on someone who doesn’t just crunch numbers—but also knows how to navigate them with purpose.

  • Hush Puppies laces up comfort with Vir Das in new ‘Ease Please’ campaign

    Hush Puppies laces up comfort with Vir Das in new ‘Ease Please’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Hush Puppies, the global comfort-first footwear brand retailed in India by Bata, is giving workwear a cheeky upgrade with its new campaign ‘Ease Please’, fronted by comedian and actor Vir Das. A new collection of office sneakers blends the cushy swagger of a sneaker with the sleek polish of formal shoes.

    The campaign is a sartorial nudge to overworked professionals—ditch the grind, not your style. The message is clear: success doesn’t need to pinch. And with Hush Puppies’ signature Zero G tech and ultra-light soles, these kicks prove you can race at your own pace.

    The playful campaign film taps into that familiar work-life blur with a message that lands gently but firmly—when you feel good in your shoes, you think better on your feet. Das walks the talk, literally, as the brand’s iconic Basset Hound trails him through moments of laid-back genius.

    “With Ease Please campaign, we want to inspire a refreshing take on modern work culture—where feeling good, staying confident, and being effortlessly stylish coexist. Hush Puppies has always stood for ease and sophistication, and with Vir Das bringing this thought to life, we’re excited to offer footwear that supports people in every step of their journey,” said Bata India head of marketing, Deepika Deepti.

    Das added, “Ease Please’ for me is a mindset. We often get so caught up in chasing goals that we forget to enjoy the ride. Hush Puppies brings a fresh perspective, proving that style and comfort can go hand in hand. I love how the office sneakers let me transition effortlessly through my day—whether I’m on stage, traveling, or just taking it easy.”

    Crafted for all-day comfort with classic Oxford silhouettes and sleek uppers, the new range is available at select Bata stores, Hush Puppies EBOs, and online at Bata.com. With this launch, Hush Puppies isn’t just putting sneakers in the boardroom—it’s putting ease at the centre of ambition.

  • Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    Karan Johar joins The Bridal Retreat to help brides-to-be script their inner fairytale

    MUMBAI: Karan Johar’s latest role doesn’t come with a megaphone or a film set—it comes with a mirror. The renowned Hindi cinema filmmaker has been named the official brand ambassador for The Bridal Retreat, India’s first immersive platform designed to help brides-to-be navigate the emotional terrain of marriage beyond the glitz of the big day.

    The announcement marked a unique crossover of cinema, self-reflection and ceremonial celebration. The Bridal Retreat, conceptualised by E-Factor Experiences Limited, aims to offer brides a five-day wellness-infused journey with movement therapy, communication coaching, identity workshops and cultural reflection sessions. The idea is simple: prep for the vows, yes, but start with a vow to oneself.

    “I’ve spent years telling love stories through cinema—but The Bridal Retreat is about the story behind the scenes”, said Johar. “It’s not about perfect weddings—it’s about preparing women for what comes after. This retreat offers a rare opportunity: a chance for brides to meet themselves before the world meets the bride”.

    Johar’s involvement brings cultural cachet and emotional heft to the project. Known for his cinematic takes on love, longing, and personal evolution, the partnership aligns with his interest in identity and introspection—this time, off-screen.

    The first-of-its-kind initiative is led by co-founders Manika Garg and Sonali Thakore, and will span key Indian metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa through 2025. Participation is capped to ensure each bride receives one-on-one guidance and deep personal engagement.

    E-Factor Experiences MD Samit Garg explained the intent behind the venture, “The Bridal Retreat is not just a concept—it’s a commitment. It recognises that while weddings are important milestones, what truly shapes a woman’s journey is how she enters this new phase—mindfully, emotionally equipped, and in tune with her sense of self”.

    Designed to create meaningful change, the retreat will feature thought leaders from fashion, mental health, storytelling, and relationship coaching. It aims to offer not only tips for trousseau but tools for transformation.

    What started as an elevated bridal experience is quickly shaping into a social movement. The Bridal Retreat signals a shift from choreographed dances and couture fittings to inner clarity and emotional grounding. As Johar puts it, the real story starts not at the altar but within.

  • Sehgal outlines Prasar Bharati’s future at IAA industry meet in Mumbai

    Sehgal outlines Prasar Bharati’s future at IAA industry meet in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: From Agra expressways to All India Radio, Navneet Sehgal’s media journey has had one goal, reaching Bharat, better. At the latest edition of IAA Conversations, hosted by the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in partnership with The Free Press Journal, the spotlight fell on Prasar Bharati, chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal in an engaging tête-à-tête with Groupm COO for South Asia Ashwin Padmanabhan.

    Held at Mumbai’s Taj Lands End, the session welcomed a full house of brand custodians, agency leaders, and media professionals, reflecting the industry’s growing interest in public service media’s evolution.

    IAA India chapter president Abhishek Karnani kicked off the evening by reaffirming the IAA’s 2025 focus “Conversations, Skilling, and Artificial Intelligence” as tools to futureproof the communication ecosystem.

    Described as a legacy administrator with a media mission, Sehgal spoke candidly about navigating the dual identity of Prasar Bharati, a half-government, half-autonomous behemoth with unmatched rural reach and new-age ambitions.

    “With over 1000 transmitters, 36 plus TV channels, and 58 radio stations, our footprint is vast. But our challenge now is agility and relevance,” Sehgal said.

    Some of the initiatives he outlined include, Building a robust OTT platform that unifies live TV, radio, e-commerce, and digital-first content. Launching direct-to-mobile TV broadcasting that bypasses internet requirements. Investing in creator and youth ecosystems through initiatives like Waves, a content summit kickstarted by the prime minister.

    Ashwin Padmanabhan noted that under Sehgal’s leadership, Prasar Bharati had become remarkably collaborative, inviting participation from advertisers, influencers, and platforms alike.

    “This is not a closed-door legacy broadcaster anymore,” he said. “It’s a space where creators can experiment, and brands can build authentic Tier 2 and Tier 3 engagement.”

    Sehgal recounted a memorable storytelling project with Big FM and Nilesh Mishra that used emotion, not explanation, to communicate government schemes. “A good ad commercial or social moves people to act. That’s the power of public storytelling,” he said.

    He emphasised that while public service media often carries the weight of bureaucracy, its evolution must be people-first. “We are not just public. We are people-first. And to stay people-first, we must constantly innovate.”

    The evening closed on a high note, with warm appreciation from the audience, which included advertising veterans, brand marketers, and digital leaders. Special thanks were extended to the IAA team, including Rahul and Heta, for curating a conversation that was more than just a fireside chat, it was a call to reimagine public media for a new India.

    As Sehgal quipped with a smile, “Legacy is not a burden, it’s the launchpad.”

  • Film Gate opens AI-fuelled VFX division at Yas Island to rewrite the future of cinema

    Film Gate opens AI-fuelled VFX division at Yas Island to rewrite the future of cinema

    MUMBAI: Abu Dhabi’s storytelling game just received a high-tech upgrade. Film Gate, a rising player in the MENA region’s media infrastructure, has launched a new visual effects and film technology division at Yas Island’s twofour54. And it’s not just about flashy post-production. This new unit wants to hardwire artificial intelligence into every reel.

    The launch marks a major leap in Film Gate’s journey, with chairman Mansoor Alyabhouni Aldhaheri steering the ship. “The inclusion of AI in our workflow is not simply about innovation – it’s about making production more agile, more accessible, and globally competitive”, Aldhaheri said.

    The initiative brings together a powerful cross-continental collaboration. UK-based Do It Creative Ltd and Big Films Media have joined hands with Film Gate to integrate cutting-edge AI and VFX workflows into content creation. Among the standout tools in their arsenal is Dsync, Do It Creative’s proprietary multilingual lip synchronisation tech, which has already made its mark in a recent awareness campaign. The system uses AI to produce seamless lip-syncing across languages, cutting both dubbing costs and corners.

    Award-winning VFX director and Big Films Media producer Sam Bhattacharjee joins the team to elevate Abu Dhabi’s media output. “Technologies like Dsync allow us to explore new boundaries in storytelling and localisation”, Bhattacharjee said. “Abu Dhabi is leading the way in bringing technology and cinema together”.

    From high-budget features and commercials to educational content, the new division aims to offer full-cycle services. And it’s not only about global expansion-local capacity building remains at the heart of the venture.

    The announcement follows Abu Dhabi’s recent global first of offering Chatgpt access to all UAE citizens, making the emirate a beacon for digital innovation. Film Gate’s latest launch taps directly into that tech-forward momentum.

    “This is only the beginning”, Aldhaheri noted. “We have a strong pipeline of forward-looking projects, and this collaboration allows us to deliver high-quality content while building local capabilities”.
     

  • Cannes gets a WIN-dow to the future of creativity and inclusion

    Cannes gets a WIN-dow to the future of creativity and inclusion

    MUMBAI: The Women Inspiring Network (WIN) turned up the volume at Cannes 2025 with its buzzing #WINLounge, a high-energy hub at Hotel Martinez that celebrated diversity, daring ideas and disruptive conversations. With over 50 speakers from more than 20 countries, the event proved WIN isn’t here to whisper—it’s here to roar.

    WIN’s golden moment? Anupama Ramaswamy, chief creative officer at Havas Worldwide India CCO Anupama Ramaswamy and a #WINLounge speaker, clinched India’s first Gold Cannes Lions of 2025 for Ink of Democracy. Cue the standing ovation, and a thousand proud hearts back home.

    The day-long creative jam on 18 June opened with a keynote from Bridget Evans, global head of business marketing at Spotify, and segued into 10 powerhouse panels, interactive workshops, and fireside chats featuring everyone from Snap AR’s Resh Sidhu to Vevo’s Natalie Gabathuler-Scully and TikTok-famous changemakers from across continents.

    If the agenda felt like a mixtape of the future—it was. Panels tackled themes like inclusive innovation, philanthropy 2.0, emotional branding, and the metamorphosis of marketing with AI and AR thrown into the blender. Highlights included ‘The 21st-Century Blueprint for Purpose-Driven Brand-Building’, ‘Culture is Capital’, and ‘Disrupting the Default’—each one as punchy as its title.

    WIN also turned up the heat at Spotify Beach, where its podcast platform WIN Voices spotlighted a rising tribe of African storytellers including South African media dynamo Kim Jayde, UK-Nigerian director Meji Alabi, and Kojo Marfo of My Runway Group. From Afrobeats to blockchain, these voices brought cultural currency to the Croisette.

    Speaking about Cannes 2025, Women Inspiring Network (WIN) founder Stuti Jalan remarked, “Cannes was raw, electric, and unforgettable—a melting pot of ideas, creativity, and global change makers. It was incredible to see WIN in the middle of it all. Riding this momentum, we are now gearing up for our next chapters across New York, Davos, India and other global stages.I would like to acknowledge and express gratitude for the support from our partners—Dasra, Camphouse, Masimo, and Vevo. Their belief in our mission made this powerful exchange of ideas and inspiration possible.

    Workshops kept the spark alive. Bonnie Wan’s The Life Brief helped guests craft purpose-driven roadmaps, while Leading Beyond Imposter Syndrome by Trust Your Creative was an emotional tune-up for leaders navigating uncertain terrain. In a special fireside chat, Jalan went tête-à-tête with Caspar Lee, former YouTube star turned co-founder of Influencer.com, who shared his $65 million journey from creator to VC.

    With New York, Davos and India in its crosshairs.

     

  • Libas and Zepto’s billboard chemistry is turning heads in Mumbai

    Libas and Zepto’s billboard chemistry is turning heads in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: The streets of Mumbai are heating up, and it is not because of the weather. It’s the billboards in the city turning heads, garnering attention, and sparking conversations. Libas, India’s leading ultra-fast fashion brand, and Zepto, the 10-minute delivery app, have unleashed a playful OOH (Out-Of-Home) campaign that’s got everyone doing double-takes. Blending fashion-forward wit with lightning-fast delivery, the OOH campaign reflects the spirit of spontaneity that defines the brands.

    Strategically placed in high-footfall locations like Prabhadevi, these billboards are doing more than just advertising; they’re entertaining passersby. The campaign perfectly captures the mood of today’s digital generation: quick, bold, meme-worthy.

    Libas head of marketing, Nisha Khatri said, “We wanted to have a little fun with our audience while highlighting how seamless shopping from Libas has become. Zepto’s strong logistics capabilities will help us bring our customers closer, as we strengthen our omnichannel presence. With this association, we are empowering modern Indian women with instant access to our products. And what better way to tell that story than by entertaining the entertainment capital with some good-humoured banter on billboards?

    The banter-packed campaign isn’t just fun. It is part of a larger push by Libas to expand its omnichannel presence and engage with a younger, digital-savvy audience. After all, fashion doesn’t wait, and now, neither do Libas shoppers.
     

  • Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha headline Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts’ new campaign

    Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha headline Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts’ new campaign

    MUMBAI: Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts is back in the spotlight with its newest campaign, ‘For the Select Ones’, starring the discerning duo Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha. Conceptualised by FCB NEO, the sleek new film champions craft, character, and the courage to chart one’s own course — echoing the brand’s core philosophy of celebrating purposeful storytelling and refined choices.

    In a market flooded with noise, ‘For the Select Ones’ whispers a quieter truth: that greatness lies not in following the crowd, but in choosing with intent. Both on-screen and off, Rajkummar and Patralekha exemplify that ideal, having carved careers defined by depth, not dazzle.

    The campaign pays homage to artists who’ve walked the talk — past collaborators on the Barrel Select Shorts platform include cinematic heavyweights like Anurag Kashyap, Sujoy Ghosh, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Tigmanshu Dhulia. Now, with this film, the brand doubles down on its commitment to creating an ecosystem for intelligent, bold narratives that refuse to pander.

    Speaking on the campaign, Pernod Ricard India CMO Kartik Mohindra said, “Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts has evolved into creating an ecosystem that brings world-class narratives to curious and discerning audiences, thus becoming the destination for short films in India. With our new thematic campaign, For the Select Ones, we continue this next chapter of our brand’s select storytelling journey by celebrating those who embody success through their distinct choices.”

    “This film is a quiet tribute to the art of choosing well. In a world overflowing with options, true identity is shaped by what we say no to as much as what we embrace. The process of creating this story with Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha was about capturing that subtle, internal journey, where each choice becomes a building block of a legacy. It aligns beautifully with the Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts ethos of celebrating individuals with a refined eye and fearless vision,” expressed FCB NEO CCO Mayuresh Dubhashi.

    Sharing his thoughts, Rao said: “Over the years, I’ve learned that true success lies in staying authentic and making choices that reflect who you are at your core. Whether it’s in the characters I play or the decisions I make in life, I’ve always aimed to strike a balance between substance and intention. For the Select Ones is a powerful reflection of that mindset— valuing integrity, thoughtfulness, and individuality. I’m proud to be part of Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts’ campaign that celebrates the strength of discerning choices.”

    Adding her perspective, Patralekha said: “Throughout my journey, I’ve always believed in carving my own path. I’ve long admired the short films from Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts for their depth, craft, and storytelling. Their narrative closely aligns with my belief in making choices that reflect true artistic vision. I’m honoured to collaborate with a brand that champions discernment and excellence.”

    Backed by a high-voltage amplification plan, the campaign is set to inspire a generation that values thoughtful ambition — a salute to those who refuse to settle.

     

  • Snitch redefines fashion emergencies with campaign that turns last-minute style into swagger

    Snitch redefines fashion emergencies with campaign that turns last-minute style into swagger

    MUMBAI: For the modern man sprinting through chaos, a last-minute meeting or unplanned Goa trip can spell disaster for wardrobe decisions. But Snitch, India’s direct-to-consumer menswear disruptor, is flipping the script. With its new campaign, ‘Last Minute? Snitch It’. the brand turns eleventh-hour dressing into a style power move—with no panic, only panache.

    The campaign a trio of slick ad films built around the brand’s signature promise: over 7,000 trendy designs delivered in under 48 hours. Each film captures relatable moments with a twist—be it a sudden client pitch, a serendipitous date confirmation, or the rare miracle of a boys’ trip plan actually taking off.

    The stars of the campaign? Three distinct archetypes. A sharp millennial battling boardroom curveballs. A gen z lad working last-minute magic before meeting his crush. And a laid-back guy who surprises his Whatsapp group with tickets to Goa. What connects them is not just speed, but the style confidence that Snitch enables at short notice.

    “With ‘Last Minute? Snitch It’, we’re owning the space our customers live in: spontaneous, always on the go, but never compromising on style,” said Snitch CMO Chetan Siyal. “This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a brand ideology. We’re redefining urgency as power, but not a panic situation. We have made an effort to translate this into videos to connect with our audience in real time”.

    The campaign, live across Youtube, Instagram, and Meta, reinforces Snitch’s position as a brand built for the fast lane. In a content-choked world where time is luxury, the brand positions its service as a clutch solution: fast delivery, bold designs, and just the right dash of swag.

    The campaign films can be viewed here: