Category: MAM

  • Shalimar Paints gives its painter squad a fan-tastic brush with cricket

    Shalimar Paints gives its painter squad a fan-tastic brush with cricket

    MUMBAI: They say the devil is in the details—but at Shalimar Paints’ latest event in Delhi, the devil was definitely in the DIY cricket games, branded gear, and pure painter-powered energy. In a bold move to fuse fandom with functionality, Shalimar Paints kicked off its partnership with Mumbai Indians for the 2025 season with a vibrant, invite-only celebration for its painter community and influencers.

    Held in the capital on 10 April 2025, the bash featured a heady mix of games, contests, giveaways, and limited-edition Mumbai Indians x Shalimar merchandise, offering a technicolour evening of bonding, banter, and brushes.

    “Our community of painters is at the core of everything we do… this partnership allows us to create fresh and exciting experiences for this community,” said Shalimar Paints director Kuldip Raina.

    More than just an appreciation dinner with fancy lighting, the event was a grassroots masterstroke in upskilling and brand building, tapping into both nostalgia and next-gen marketing muscle. It also featured exclusive schemes on Shalimar products, along with opportunities for painters to engage directly with influencers and fellow community champions.

    “This was not just a branding opportunity… this is only the beginning,” noted Shalimar Paints head of marketing Varun Malik, hinting at more citywide paint-and-play events to come.

    The Delhi event marks the first in a series of painter-first engagements to roll out across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Patna, Kolkata, Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and more. It’s a move aimed at igniting brand love where it matters most: on the ground, in the streets, and in the hands of the people with the brushes.

    With over 120 years in the business, Shalimar Paints knows a thing or two about long-lasting finishes. And with Mumbai Indians backing them this IPL, it looks like they’re just getting started on a bold new coat of fan-first branding.

  • Clear Premium Water turns plastic waste into Benches at National Games

    Clear Premium Water turns plastic waste into Benches at National Games

    MUMBAI: Clear Premium Water has launched its ‘Drink, Dispose and Transform’ campaign during the 38 National Games, converting a staggering nine lakh plastic bottles into recycled benches at Maharana Pratap Sports College (MPSC), Dehradun.

    The initiative was officially unveiled in the presence of Uttarakhand’s sports minister Rekha Arya, following the conclusion of the national event. It underscores the brand’s firm commitment to reducing plastic waste and fostering innovation in public spaces.

    Developed under Clear’s eco-conscious campaign, the benches are crafted using high-quality recycled PET (rPET) bottles—offering a powerful symbol of the tangible outcomes of responsible waste management. Of the total bottles collected, six lakh were gathered before the games and three lakh during. An impressive one lakh bottles were segregated at source across 11 venues and transformed into durable seating, effectively reducing landfill waste and curbing carbon emissions.

    “The installation of recycled benches at MPSC Dehradun, in partnership with Clear Premium Water, showcases our commitment to sustainability. By transforming plastic waste into public utilities, we are driving a circular economy and reinforcing our vision for a cleaner, greener future,” said Arya, sports minister of Uttarakhand.

    Clear’s founder & CEO Nayan Shah added, “The installation of recycled benches at MPSC Dehradun reflects our belief that sustainability must be driven by practical, real-world solutions. By transforming used plastic bottles into public utilities, we are closing the loop on plastic waste and creating a model for environmental action that directly benefits the people. The initiative showcases the potential of circular economy solutions, where even discarded bottles are turned into something meaningful. With this drive, we are leading the way and showing to the world that Mission Zero Plastics Bottle Waste is achievable with collective commitment and efforts.”

    The campaign’s impact extended beyond recycling. Over 200 ragpickers and 100 cleaning staff were mobilised across 11 venues to collect and repurpose the waste. Their collective effort not only saved nearly 10,000 kilos of carbon emissions but also conserved 2.67 lakh megajoules of energy—7.5 per cent of which came from green sources.

    Clear Premium Water’s Mission Zero drive made history as the 38 National Games became India’s first national event—and the second globally after the Olympics—to spearhead a large-scale green initiative. The project supports the broader goals of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Mission Life, setting a strong precedent for sustainable action at future global events, including the proposed 2036 Olympics in India.

    By combining innovation, inclusion, and environmental responsibility, Clear Premium Water has shown how corporate sustainability can spark nationwide change—one recycled bottle at a time.

  • Indian distiller uncorks a spirited legacy in Indri single malt

    Indian distiller uncorks a spirited legacy in Indri single malt

    MUMBAI: India’s whisky revolution has taken another dram-atic leap forward with Piccadily Agro Industries unveiling its most ambitious spirit yet: Indri Founder’s Reserve, an 11-year-old single malt that has already collected more medals than an Olympic swimming team.

    The limited-edition bottling—just 1,100 bottles worldwide—pays tribute to the company’s founder Kidar Nath Sharma, whose entrepreneurial zeal transformed a family business into the diversified Piccadily Group. Aged in ex-Bordeaux red wine casks, the whisky comes with more than a splash of ambition, aiming to put Indian single malts firmly on the global spirits map.

    The  distiller, located in Haryana’s subtropical north, has made a virtue of India’s punishing climate swings. While Scottish distillers might consider 20°C a heatwave, Indri’s barrels endure scorching 50°C summers before plunging to freezing winters—conditions that accelerate maturation and impart what the company describes as “complexity and depth unique to the region’s terroir.”

    Bottled at a robust 50 per cent ABV for domestic consumption (and an even punchier 58.5 per cent for international markets), the amber liquid promises dark fruits and spices on the nose, with caramelised nuts and vanilla on the palate—followed by what the company calls an “indulgent finish” of oak and wine-influenced sweetness.

    “This expression embodies the essence of our founder’s dream: to create world-class Indian single malt whisky with soul, structure, and enduring quality,” says Piccadily Agro Industries  marketing head Shalini Sharma.

    The distiller’s confidence isn’t merely liquid courage—its latest creation has already charmed international judges, collecting platinum at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards with an impressive 98 points, and ranking eighth in the International Whisky Competition’s “Top 15 Whiskies of the World.”

    For those intrigued by this subcontinental dram, the company has adopted the ultimate luxury marketing approach: “Price on request.”

    The message is clear—Piccadily isn’t merely producing whisky; it’s bottling ambition and selling it by the dram.

  • Sunrise Spices adds an AI tadka to Bihu with selfie-savvy celebrations

    Sunrise Spices adds an AI tadka to Bihu with selfie-savvy celebrations

    MUMBAI: If you thought Bihu was all about folk tunes, gamusas and those perfect jolpan spreads, think again. Sunrise Spices, a proud ITC brand with deep Assamese roots, just tossed tradition into the tech blender with its latest brainchild-an AI-powered image filter that lets you turn your humble selfie into a festival-ready Assamese portrait. Saree, jewellery, the works.

    Launched nationally on 12 April 2025, this digital dhol beats with heart and holograms. With a simple click or QR scan, users can experience the joy of Rongali Bihu in a modern yet authentically cultural way. Whether you’re in Dibrugarh or Dubai, Sunrise is making sure the beat of the dhol and the spirit of the season reaches you.

    This initiative is more than just a digital delight—it’s a heartfelt effort by Sunrise to ensure that the spirit of Bihu can be felt and shared across the country, no matter where you are.

    The AI filter, hosted on a microsite, works by transforming any uploaded image into a stylised Bihu-themed portrait – think classic Assamese mekhela sador, traditional jewellery, and vibrant background flourishes. Users can click a pic or upload an existing image to get the full festive makeover.

    This clever campaign doesn’t just digitise a cultural experience—it democratises it. The filter is accessible to anyone with a smartphone, effectively turning the entire country into a Bihu-ready canvas. No stage required. No taal missed.
    https://sunrisebihumemory.in

     

  • Team Marksmen engages industry heavyweights to sharpen its strategic edge

    Team Marksmen engages industry heavyweights to sharpen its strategic edge

    MUMBAI: In a move that screams ‘boardroom but make it bold’, Team Marksmen Network (TMN) has taken a solid step up the influence ladder by unveiling its newly minted advisory board—a hand-picked league of industry legends, policy powerhouses, and innovation whisperers.

    Known for stirring India’s business cauldron with hot-brewed insights and sharp-edged forums, TMN has now doubled down on its mission to lead transformation across sectors with a boardroom stacked with brainpower and bragging rights.

    Let’s talk lineup. You’ve got Tayeb Kamali—education bigwig from the UAE Ministry of Interior and a man whose Rolodex probably includes half of Silicon Valley and most of Abu Dhabi. There’s C.P. Gurnani, the man who made digital transformation sexy back when people still said “blockchain” with a straight face. Add to that Datin Seri Sunita Rajakumar, a climate warrior in a boardroom blazer, juggling global councils, professorships, and multiple directorships while saving the planet.

    If that wasn’t enough, Suresh Prabhu—yes, that Suresh Prabhu—brings his weight as a six-time MP and former Union Minister across 10 different ministries (we’re exhausted just writing that). Rounding it out is Ajay Dua, economic policy ace and former Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, who knows how to make sense of GDPs, FDI flows, and government jargon like nobody else.

    This star-studded power panel has one goal: steer TMN’s future with grit, gravitas, and global vision.

    “Collaboration is key to meaningful change. With such accomplished leaders guiding us, we are set to elevate industry dialogue and knowledge-sharing to new heights,” said co-founders Rajesh Khubchandani, Akash Tiwari, and Sharad Gupta.

    CEO Rishi Kapoor added, “This marks a new phase of growth for TMN. With our Advisory Board’s guidance, we will strengthen our strategic initiatives, drive impactful discussions, and create lasting industry transformation.”

    As the network broadens its footprint across sectors, expect sharper debates, smarter policies, and boardroom brawls with a side of insight. With this squad steering the ship, the business ecosystem should buckle up for a wild, wise ride.

  • JK Tyre shifts into top gear as Indian Racing Festival hits the North-East

    JK Tyre shifts into top gear as Indian Racing Festival hits the North-East

    MUMBAI: The sound of screeching tyres is about to echo through the hills as JK Tyre & Industries, India’s leading tyre manufacturer and motorsports trailblazer, flags off its “JK Tyre powered Indian Racing Festival, a carnival of Total Control” in the North-East. Scheduled from 12th to 22nd April, the adrenaline-fuelled tour will race across Kohima, Aizawl, Shillong, Guwahati, and Gangtok turning winding mountain roads into thrilling motorsport runways.

    With more than four decades of racing legacy, JK Tyre is going full throttle to bring professional motorsport closer to the people. And in the North-East, a region that hums with cultural vibrancy and adventure, the fit couldn’t be more perfect.

    Speaking about the upcoming tour, JK Tyre & Industries director for sales & marketing Srinivasu Allaphan said, “For JK Tyre, the North-East is not just a stronghold for our brand, but a region where our passion for adventure and performance truly resonates with the people. With this festival, we are deepening that engagement bringing adrenaline-driven experiences to the heart of the hills while also reinforcing our leadership in the market. We are especially grateful to the governments of the North-Eastern states for their unwavering support in helping us foster a thriving motorsport ecosystem in the region. The JK Tyre Powered Indian Racing Festival is a celebration of performance, innovation, and excitement values that define both our products and our long-term vision for this dynamic and culturally rich part of the country.”

    Backed by the governments of the North-Eastern states, the tour aims to deepen JK Tyre’s emotional and commercial footprint in a region where the SUV segment and by extension, JK Tyre’s Levitas Ultra range rules the roads. The festival promises high-octane action with a thrilling lineup designed to get pulses racing. From International Formula 4 and Wolf cars roaring in straight from the Indian Racing Festival, to tyre-scorching drifting showcases in BMWs and Lexus machines, the adrenaline will be in full flow. Superbike stunt riders will defy gravity with jaw-dropping manoeuvres, while prodigious talents in Rotax Karting including nine-year-old speedsters will prove that age is no barrier to burning serious rubber on the track. Each city will play host to these dazzling displays of speed and skill, culminating in an experience that celebrates motorsport as lifestyle, entertainment, and aspiration.

    This region isn’t new territory for JK Tyre. From its presence at Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival to the Orange Festival in Arunachal, the brand has long raced beyond the track nurturing grassroots talent, aligning with local culture, and steering community involvement.

    And when the engines cool, the legacy still revs. JK Tyre’s influence has shaped the careers of motorsport giants like Narain Karthikeyan and Gaurav Gill, and its flagship JK Tyre National Racing Championship (JKNRC), now in its 28th year, remains the country’s most enduring racing event.

    So, whether you’re a hardcore gearhead or a curious onlooker, this festival promises to be a pit stop like no other one where the scent of burning rubber blends with the mountain air, and the roar of engines harmonises with the rhythm of the hills.

  • OneClickDrive- UAE’s Top Platform for Used Car Sales & Rental Offers Exclusive Deals.

    OneClickDrive- UAE’s Top Platform for Used Car Sales & Rental Offers Exclusive Deals.

    Dubai, with its iconic luxurious lifestyle and automobile marketplace, has become a dream city for car enthusiasts and buyers willing to pay a fair price for luxury cars. Luxury cars in Dubai are now more affordable than ever, thanks to OneClickDrive, the top UAE platform for used cars and rentals. A platform that is changing the game when it comes to the buying and renting of luxury and premium cars in the UAE. OneClickDrive offers exclusive promotions on used luxury cars in Dubai sales.

    OneClickDrive has long been recognized as a platform for both car rentals and used car sales in the UAE. By connecting buyers with a variety of vehicle selection, it offers a smooth, transparent, and hassle-free experience. When looking for a luxury vehicle at reduced costs, OneClickDrive’s listings from local dealerships and sellers is the perfect stopover for buyers.

    The website offers customers to handpick vehicles from a range of luxury brands, whether it is a sporty automobile, an SUV with smoking tires, or a quiet gentleman sedan. From the household names of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Porsche to the more exotic names of Maserati and Lamborghini, the marketplace boasts of a large inventory of top-end vehicles.

    What distinguishes OneClickDrive from the rest of used car websites in Dubai is that it can provide customers with special discounts on luxury cars. With alliances with luxury dealerships and private individuals in the UAE, the platform provides clients with the lowest Ferrari price in Dubai and limited time offers. The discounts are being provided to make luxuries accessible to more clients at a considerable discount than purchasing brand-new models.

    OneClickDrive simplifies the process of finding a car that fits varied budgets and requirements. The ease of use of the platform makes it possible for prospective buyers to sort cars according to make, model, price, and features, making it easy for them to choose the car that meets their requirements.

    For prospective buyers of used luxury vehicles in Dubai, OneClickDrive offers an unparalleled combination of variety, affordability, and ease. Whether looking for a high-performance sports car or a sophisticated executive sedan, the sellers on the platform have something for everyone. With their commitment to customer satisfaction and exceptional service, OneClickDrive is the go-to platform for luxury car buyers in Dubai.

  • Madhur Bajaj, auto industry stalwart and Bajaj scion, dies at 73

    Madhur Bajaj, auto industry stalwart and Bajaj scion, dies at 73

    MUMBAI:  Madhur Bajaj, non-executive director of Bajaj Auto and a key figure in India’s automobile sector, passed away on Friday morning at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. He was 73.

    Bajaj, who had been hospitalised due to health complications, suffered a stroke two days ago and succumbed to it around 5 am, company sources confirmed. Further details on the funeral arrangements are awaited.

    Born on 19 August 1952, Madhur Bajaj was a driving force behind Bajaj Auto’s growth and played a pivotal role in shaping the auto and finance industries in India. A graduate of Sydenham College, Mumbai, he later earned an MBA from IMD Lausanne, Switzerland.

    His career spanned across diverse sectors, from automobiles to consumer durables and financial services. He was the past president of Siam, India’s apex automobile manufacturers’ body, and also led the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA).

    Bajaj held senior positions within the Bajaj group, including non-executive vice chairman of Bajaj Auto and chairman of Maharashtra Scooters Ltd. He also served as a director on the boards of Bajaj Holdings, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Electricals, and Bajaj Finance. His contributions to Aurangabad’s industrial and social landscape, including the development of the Kamalnayan Bajaj Hospital and Nath Valley School, remain a lasting legacy.

    Beyond corporate boardrooms, Bajaj was a passionate philanthropist. A trustee of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, he was deeply involved in rural development and water conservation initiatives. He firmly believed that “the secret of living is giving,” dedicating much of his life to social causes.

    Bajaj’s passing marks the end of an era for both the auto industry and Indian business leadership. His vision, influence, and contributions will long be remembered.

  • Virat Kohli drops Puma for Agilitas

    Virat Kohli drops Puma for Agilitas

    MUMBAI: Indian cricket maestro and RCB long-timer  Virat Kohli switched teams. The 36 year old has pulled the plug on his eight-year partnership with Puma, and has reportedly put his best foot forward to back Agilitas Sports, an Indian athleisure startup. The star batter, currently in red-hot form in IPL 2025, is now not just the face of Agilitas but also an investor, signalling a bold move to champion homegrown brands.

    Agilitas was founded in 2023 by Abhishek Ganguly, Puma India’s former managing director. The brand has already made waves, securing long-term rights for Italian sportswear giant Lotto in India, Australia, and South Africa. Now, with Kohli on board, Agilitas is gearing up for a serious innings in the global sportswear arena.

    Kohli’s split from Puma marks the end of a landmark Rs 110 crore deal that revolutionised Indian sports marketing. The partnership saw him lead multiple campaigns and launch the popular One8 line, a crucial driver in Puma’s rise in the Indian market.

    Puma acknowledged the departure, thanking Kohli for an “outstanding journey filled with memorable campaigns and collaborations.” The brand vowed to continue investing in the next generation of athletes.

    Meanwhile, Kohli remains focused on both his new business venture and his cricketing form. The RCB stalwart has racked up 180 runs in his last five IPL innings and is set to face Rajasthan Royals on 13 April.

    Whether on the pitch or in the boardroom, Kohli continues to rewrite the game.

  • Sula Vineyards toasts to record revenue in FY25, wine tourism pours in double-digit growth

    Sula Vineyards toasts to record revenue in FY25, wine tourism pours in double-digit growth

    MUMBAI: : Sula Vineyards, India’s largest wine producer, has uncorked its Q4 and FY25 sales update, reporting a record annual revenue of Rs 618.8 crore – a modest 1.7 per cent rise year-on-year. The last quarter was flatter, up just 0.7 per cent, but wine tourism stole the show with a strong 24.6 per cent jump in Q4 and a 10.2 per cent gain for the full year.

    SulaFest’25, a crowd-puller, helped boost revenue alongside higher spend per guest and strong occupancy rates. While the elite and premium wine categories held steady in the domestic market, the elite segment alone grew a healthy 8 per cent. The Source range was the standout performer, enjoying robust double-digit growth.

    In a major milestone, Sula secured listings for four new wines with the canteen stores department (CSD) after a two-year effort, expanding its range to nine wines. The first shipments rolled out in March, setting the stage for a strong CSD performance in FY26.

    Flying high, Sula’s premium wine cans—Chenin Blanc, Zin Red, and Zin Rosé—are now served aboard IndiGo’s international business class, giving the brand a taste of global skies as India’s top airline spreads its wings overseas.

    Meanwhile, the 2025 grape harvest delivered in both quantity and quality, marking five straight years of stellar vintages. With ample wine stocks, Sula is well positioned for a sparkling FY26.

    Commanding over 50 per cent of the Indian wine market, Sula  is the country’s largest wine producer and a pioneer in wine tourism. Its portfolio of nearly 70 labels is crafted across five state-of-the-art wineries in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Sula’s vineyard resorts and tasting rooms in Nashik and Bangalore attract over 400,000 visitors annually.