Category: MAM

  • Nikon’s nocturnal marvel: Z5II raises the bar for low-light photography

    Nikon’s nocturnal marvel: Z5II raises the bar for low-light photography

    MUMBAI: Nikon has unleashed its latest weapon in the camera wars—the Z5II, a full-frame mirrorless marvel that promises to turn night into day. Unveiled yesterday in Mumbai, this 24.5-megapixel powerhouse boasts what the company rather immodestly calls “unparalleled performance” in challenging conditions, particularly when the lights go down.

    The Z5II’s party trick is its astonishing -10EV autofocus detection range—the lowest in Nikon’s stable—allowing photographers to capture sharp images in environments so dim that rivals would be fumbling for a torch. Paired with a hefty 5-axis in-body stabilisation system offering up to 7.5 stops of shake compensation, the camera practically laughs in the face of tripods.

    Speed demons will appreciate autofocus that’s three times nippier than its predecessor, with a 14fps burst rate to freeze even the flightiest subjects. “Whether to capture a bird taking flight or a split-second moment in sports,” Nikon boasts, “the Z5II is the perfect camera to capture fleeting instances with precision.” One might say it puts the “snap” back in snapshot.

    Filmmakers haven’t been forgotten, with 4K 60p recording in crop mode and 4K 30p in full-frame—using 6K oversampling for extra detail—plus 12-bit N-Raw for those who enjoy torturing their computers during editing. Slow-motion aficionados can revel in Full HD at 120fps, perfect for capturing dramatic hair flicks or champagne corks in exquisite detail.

    The Z5II flexes its artificial intelligence muscles with nine types of subject detection—tracking everything from dogs to trains—and introduces a dedicated picture control button for quickly cycling through “Imaging Recipes,” Nikon’s rather culinary term for its filters and presets.

    For those shooting in harsh sunlight, the electronic viewfinder pumps out a retina-searing 3,000 cd/metre square  of brightness, while a 3.2-inch vari-angle screen handles awkward angles with aplomb.

    Nikon remains mum on pricing and availability, directing eager shutterbugs to its website for more information. With its impressive specs and focus on low-light performance, the Z5II appears poised to light up the mirrorless market—even in the darkest corners

  • Marketing bricks with clicks Kanika Sharma joins Neworld as VP

    Marketing bricks with clicks Kanika Sharma joins Neworld as VP

    MUMBAI: From billboards to blueprints, Kanika Sharma is laying down a fresh marketing foundation, this time as vice president of marketing at Neworld Developers. The appointment signals a strategic push by the real estate firm to bolster its brand and buyer connect across India’s most competitive markets, including Delhi-NCR.

    Sharma, who’s built a reputation for turning real estate brands into household names, now takes charge of Neworld’s marketing strategies across residential and commercial verticals. Her mission? Elevate the brand’s presence and drive customer-centric campaigns that strike a chord with today’s discerning buyers.

    “I am honoured to join Neworld Developers at this exciting juncture,” Sharma said. “The company’s dedication to innovation and excellence resonates with my passion for creating meaningful brand experiences. I look forward to leading initiatives that will contribute to Neworld’s growth and deepen engagement with our customers and stakeholders.”

    Sharma’s real estate credentials are as solid as the properties she’s helped market. Most recently, she helmed corporate marketing at Geetanjali Homestate Private Limited, where her campaigns made measurable dents in brand recall and visibility. Prior to that, she played a pivotal role at Gupta Builders & Promoters in Chandigarh, focusing on both business expansion and brand storytelling in a notoriously crowded market.

    Her addition to Neworld’s leadership comes as the company ramps up its development pipeline, aiming to blend premium real estate with sustainability. With Sharma at the marketing helm, the goal is to cut through the clutter and craft narratives that stick, not just in metros, but in emerging urban hubs too.

    For an industry that often builds first and brands later, Sharma’s appointment is a nod to the growing power of perception in property. And if her track record is anything to go by, Neworld might just be constructing more than buildings, it’s setting the stage for a bold brand revival.

  • Kwality Wall’s launches Golden Spoon, giving family dessert time a sweet twist

    Kwality Wall’s launches Golden Spoon, giving family dessert time a sweet twist

    MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s just gave the dessert aisle a shiny new scoop. On 4 April, the ice cream giant dropped a brand-new in-home dessert range called Golden Spoon—a name that’s all about indulging in family time with a spoonful of joy and a dollop of drama.

    From two in one flavour mashups to a mithai-inspired showstopper, this isn’t your typical vanilla affair. With Indian households craving novelty and accessibility, Kwality Wall’s aims to scoop up a bigger slice of the frozen dessert market through this delightfully democratic offering.

    Leading the line-up is Mithai Magic, a one-of-a-kind modern take on Indian sweets, complete with boondi (yes, you read that right). Rounding out the collection are the always-in-style Vanilla, and double-whammy combos like two in one Chocolate Vanilla and two in one Mango Vanilla—all served up in cosy family-size packs.

    To top it all, Hindi cinema’s eternal charmer Kajol fronts the campaign with her signature flair. In the TVC, she’s mid-rant with her family until Golden Spoon enters the scene and shuts her up—literally. One spoon and she’s so stunned by the flavour, all she can do is savour.

    “I personally love the Mithai Magic and the all-time classic two in one packs. This campaign captures the excitement I had when I tried Golden Spoon for the first time,” said Kajol.

    “Our new brand Golden Spoon aims to nurture togetherness among Indian families and friends… With such new and exciting flavours, we hope to accelerate our journey of spreading happiness to everyone,” added HUL head of ice cream business Toloy Tanridagli.

    DDB Mudra CCO Rahul Mathew who helped churn out the campaign, added, “Working with Kajol… inspired us to create a campaign that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.”

    The launch is backed by a full-blown summer offensive-TV, influencer firepower, social content, and more—to ensure Golden Spoon isn’t just dessert; it’s dinner table drama.

    Watch the film: New Kwality Wall’s Golden Spoon

  • Nivea Purna and Zee Kannada champion a cultural shift in self-care

    Nivea Purna and Zee Kannada champion a cultural shift in self-care

    MUMBAI: Nivea India has teamed up with Zee Kannada to launch Nivea Purna – Self-Care is Complete Care, a campaign that transforms body lotion marketing into a movement celebrating women’s well-being and empowerment.

    The campaign struck a deeply emotional chord by integrating beloved TV characters Seetha (Vaishnavi Gowda) and Shravani (Asiya Firdouse) into its narrative. These fan-favourite figures helped deliver the message authentically, positioning self-care as an achievable and essential part of women’s daily lives.

    By partnering with Zee Kannada and its digital extension Zee5, the campaign embedded itself into the cultural heartbeat of Karnataka. It brought the self-care conversation into living rooms through content that women already trust and connect with.

    The activation gained further momentum with the Nivea Purna Contest, which encouraged women across Karnataka to share personal stories of self-care. What started as a call to action quickly evolved into a community-driven movement, amplified by genuine engagement on social media.

    The campaign reached its crescendo at the Zee Entertainers event, celebrating participants and spotlighting women’s wellness through engaging activities such as rapid-fire rounds, meet-and-greets, and a felicitation ceremony. It was more than an awards night-it was a vibrant community celebration that solidified the emotional link between the brand and its audience.

    “This campaign wasn’t about marketing a product; it was about being part of a larger movement,” the brand stated, underscoring the campaign’s broader purpose and impact on brand sentiment and market performance.

    “Nivea Purna was more than a campaign-it was a movement to make self-care essential, not optional. Partnering with Zee Kannada helped us connect deeply with women in Karnataka, bringing this message to life in a culturally relevant way. The overwhelming response inspires us to keep driving meaningful conversations that empower women to prioritise their well-being every day.”

    Nivea India marketing director Shweta Dalal “Nivea Purna highlights how brands that authentically connect with their audience-through storytelling, inclusivity, and cultural relevance-can drive lasting changes in perception while achieving tangible business results.”

    OMD India associate vice-president Tanushree Chakraborty “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to delivering impactful brand solutions by leveraging Zee’s vast network and strengths to seamlessly amplify brand stories across multiple touchpoints and drive maximum impact on brand equity. As the undisputed leader in the Kannada market, our channel and content enjoy a cult following, enabling us to craft authentic, high-engagement brand campaigns. With Zee’s beloved characters, who share a deep emotional bond with audiences, we provide the perfect platform to spark meaningful brand conversations in millions of homes. A big kudos to the entire team, with a special mention to Nivea and the OMD team, who partnered with us to make this campaign a resounding success. We remain committed to setting new benchmarks with more such innovative and high-impact brand collaborations.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal, Through Nivea Purna, the brand didn’t just promote a product-it created a movement rooted in cultural relevance, emotional connection, and empowerment.

  • Milind Soman unmasks ageing myths in Centre for Sight’s eye-opening campaign

    Milind Soman unmasks ageing myths in Centre for Sight’s eye-opening campaign

    MUMBAI: When the Ironman of India tells you to open your eyes—literally—you pay attention. Centre for Sight launched a bold new campaign starring Milind Soman that doesn’t just jog memories; it sprints straight into the truth about ageing and eyesight.

    The campaign opens with Soman looking like he just stumbled off a retirement home pamphlet—grey, wrinkled, and sluggish. Just as viewers settle into the stereotype, the twist arrives: he pulls off the disguise. The real Soman, ageless and athletic, drops a truth bomb—“If you don’t see clearly, you make mistakes. Don’t compromise on your vision. Trust the experts.”

    The message is sharp, clear and right on target. Eye health is often ignored in the fitness conversation, and Centre for Sight is here to change that narrative. The campaign tackles vision villains like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related deterioration, reminding viewers that being fit includes staying visually sharp.

    “Vision is one of the most underestimated aspects of health and yet it shapes the way we experience life,” said Centre for Sight chairman & medical director Mahipal S. Sachdev. “With the latest global technologies like the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS and the power of our highly skilled doctors, we ensure precision in every procedure.”

    The film is already going viral, with viewers doing a double take and asking—is that really Milind Soman? Spoiler alert: it is. And he’s here to prove that while age may leave a mark, your vision doesn’t have to blur with it.

    Centre for Sight has kicked off a full-blown 360° media assault—digital, influencer, print, radio and outdoor—all laser-focused on getting Indians to book that long-pending eye check-up.

     

  • Motorola dials up marketing game, appoints Gagandeep Bedi to lead India brand blitz

    Motorola dials up marketing game, appoints Gagandeep Bedi to lead India brand blitz

    MUMBAI: Motorola just hit the speed dial on its India playbook. On 4 March 2025, the company announced Gagandeep Bedi as its new head of marketing for Motorola Mobility India. And let’s just say, this hire isn’t a soft launch—it’s a statement.

    Reporting to Motorola Asia Pacific head of marketing Shivam Ranjan, Bedi will lead the brand’s marketing orchestra across the Indian terrain—where the smartphone war isn’t fought with specs alone, but with story, swagger and smart strategy.

    “I am thrilled to join Motorola at such an exciting time in its growth journey. Motorola is an iconic brand with a strong legacy of innovation, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to further strengthen its market presence in India,” said Bedi. “With a rapidly evolving consumer landscape, I am eager to drive impactful marketing strategies, enhance brand engagement, and contribute to the brand’s continued success in the country.”

    Bedi comes equipped with a 17-year track record across top-tier names—Infinix, Tecno, Beetel, Reliance Jio, Samsung and Bharti Retail—where he’s launched and scaled brands, cracked GTM strategies, and helmed show-stopping product rollouts. From telcos to tech, his marketing toolkit’s seen more action than a flagship launch day.

    “As we continue to expand our presence in India, I am excited to welcome Gagandeep Bedi to the team,” said Ranjan. “India is a key growth market for us in Asia Pacific and we are committed to grow aspiration and desire for our brand in the market.”

    And it’s not just corporate optimism talking. Over the past two years, Motorola has seen double-digit premium-to-market growth and triple-digit YoY growth over the last three quarters. That’s not just momentum—it’s a market mood swing.

    As Motorola revs up its innovation engine and sharpens its brand voice, Bedi’s entry could be the high-impact, high-decibel move the brand needs to dominate India’s hyper-competitive smartphone space.

  • Kyoorius reveals star jury for 2025 creative awards across key categories

    Kyoorius reveals star jury for 2025 creative awards across key categories

    MUMBAI: The Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025 is shaping up to be a celebration of unmatched creative excellence, as Kyoorius unveils its star-studded jury panel. Known for its transparent and rigorous judging, the awards continue to uphold integrity by assembling a diverse group of top creative minds from across India and abroad.

    Kyoorius founder & CEO Rajesh Kejriwal said, “The Kyoorius Creative Awards have always stood for integrity and creative excellence. We take the time to get the jury right, ensuring an inclusive panel that truly represents the breadth of talent in the industry. With diverse perspectives coming together, we’re excited to see how this year’s jury upholds our commitment to recognising work that truly leaves its mark.”

    The jury spans across disciplines, from integrated campaigns and branded content to film, digital craft, regional storytelling, health, and purpose-driven work.

    Here’s a snapshot of the jury across categories,

    Integrated, Commerce, Media, PR, B2B Industry stalwarts such as Prasoon Joshi (Mccann Worldgroup), Hephzibah Pathak (Ogilvy India), and Sandipan Bhattacharyya (Grey Worldwide India) join forces with names like Vikram Pandey (Leo India) and Theresa Ong (Meta).

    Branded Content, Gaming, Direct, Experimental Global and homegrown talents including Paul Nagy (VML APAC), Jung A Kim (Innocean), Vasudha Misra (MullenLowe Lintas), and Pallavi Chakravarti (Fundamental) bring their unique storytelling lens.

    Digital + Social + Tech, Digital Craft Creative tech minds like Rajdeepak Das (Publicis Groupe SA), Julie Jihyun Kang (Serviceplan Korea), and Pooja Ambulkar (Accenture GN Song) will evaluate work at the intersection of innovation and digital storytelling.

    Film, Broadcast Visionaries like Kainaz Karmakar (Ogilvy India), Swati Bhattacharya (Godrej Creative Lab), and Adarsh Atal (Tilt Brand Solutions) join others to recognise excellence in visual storytelling.

    Film Craft Renowned directors including Afshan Hussain Shaikh (Not Bad Films), Akanksha Seda (Good Morning Film), and Aakash Bhatia (LoudMouth) will honour the art behind the camera.

    Press, Outdoor, Radio + Audio, Regional, Industry Craft Names like Surjo Dutt (Dentsu Creative India), Mayur Hola (Swiggy), and Suchitra Gahlot (FCB Ulka) add gravitas to this multifaceted category.

    Health and Pharma Specialists like Praful Akali (Medulla Communications), Lyndon Louis (McCann Health India), and Juneston Mathana (Ogilvy) bring domain-specific insight.

    Creativity for Good and Zee Equality Award Visionaries driving social impact, including Manish Bhatt (Scarecrow M&C Saatchi), Asha Kharga (Mahindra Group), and Rohan Mehta (FCB Kinnect), will lead this powerful category.

    Judging begins on 24 April 2025, and the much-awaited Kyoorius Creative Awards Night will be held on 24 May 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai.

  • Lotus Herbals unveils marketing blitz for souped-up sunscreen serum

    Lotus Herbals unveils marketing blitz for souped-up sunscreen serum

    MUMBAI: India’s natural beauty heavyweight Lotus Herbals is ramping up promotion for its latest sun-shielding innovation with a multimedia marketing assault. The company’s Safe Sun Ultra Rx Sunscreen Serum SPF60+ PA++++ is being thrust into the spotlight via a campaign blanketing OTT platforms, television channels and social media.

    The new offering aims to solve the sun-protection conundrum that has long plagued consumers: effective coverage without the dreaded white-cast ghosting or breakout-inducing heaviness. This water-based formulation, infused with skin-strengthening Cica and hydrating hyaluronic acid, promises to disappear into  the skin within seconds while delivering industrial-strength sun protection.

    The promotional film employs a see-saw metaphor to highlight how most sunscreens force users into an unwelcome compromise between protection and appearance. Enter the protagonist who demonstrates how this serum tips the scales in favour of both benefits.

    Says Lotus Herbals  chairman and managing director Nitin Passi. ” Our new campaign for the Safe Sun UltraRx Sunscreen Serum highlights the unmatched protection this sunscreen offers and also celebrates the aspirations and needs of the modern woman. This revolutionary water-based serum, with SPF60+ PA ++++ emboldens women to combat the sun, with unwavering confidence, while nurturing healthy blemish free skin.”

    The marketing push includes presence across JioHotstar, regional TV channels, and social platforms, complemented by in-store promotional materials designed to lure shoppers at the point of purchase.

    Lotus Herbals’ Safe Sun range now boasts over 22 variants, having pioneered several sunscreen innovations in the Indian market, including the country’s first matte gel sunscreen and sports-focused sun blocks. This latest serum appears to be their answer to young consumers tired of being forced to choose between sun safety and social-media-ready skin.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88v9QzIMkoA
     

  • Clevertap and Infobip join forces to power RCS in omnichannel engagement

    Clevertap and Infobip join forces to power RCS in omnichannel engagement

    MUMBAI: Clevertap has partnered with global cloud communications platform Infobip to integrate Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging into its omnichannel offering, promising a new era of dynamic, visually rich, and highly personalised brand-customer interactions.

    With over 1.2 billion monthly active users across 60+ countries and Apple set to support RCS with iOS 18 the format is fast emerging as a game changer in digital communication, set to reach over 2 billion users by late 2025.

    Through this collaboration, brands using Clevertap can now craft captivating RCS messages featuring high-quality visuals, carousels, and real-time, two-way interactions enabling more engaging conversational marketing and deeper customer connections.

    “RCS represents the future of brand-customer interactions—dynamic, interactive, and personalised experiences that continuously evolve with consumer expectations. By integrating RCS into our omnichannel platform, we’re empowering businesses to elevate their customer interactions to the next level. Our partnership with Infobip helps us realise this vision and ensures that businesses can continuously meet and exceed customer needs,” said Clevertap co-founder & chief product officer Anand Jain.

    Beyond aesthetics, RCS ensures trust through verified brand identities and detailed analytics, such as read receipts and real-time feedback crucial for campaign performance and loyalty building.

    With Clevertap’s platform, brands can further enhance RCS with, segment users and analyse behaviour using real-time, predictive insights, boost campaign success through AI-powered testing and iteration, integrate RCS with email, push, Whatsapp, SMS and more for seamless journeys, deliver tailored content using contextual and behavioural data.

    Infobip chief alliances officer Veselin Vuković commented, “Our partnership with Clevertap unlocks new opportunities for businesses to fully integrate RCS alongside other channels into their omnichannel offerings. By combining our robust channel capabilities with Clevertap’s advanced orchestration and personalisation engine, we are empowering businesses to enhance their conversational marketing experiences, drive real-time engagement through AI-powered automation, and deliver highly personalised interactions that strengthen customer relationships and support long-term growth.”

    This integration marks a major leap in digital communication, enabling brands to manage and measure their RCS campaigns effortlessly through one unified platform—turning every customer touchpoint into an interactive, meaningful experience.

  • Education Loan Prepayment: Advantages and How to Manage

    Education Loan Prepayment: Advantages and How to Manage

    While it may seem like a challenge, prepayment helps you clear the debt faster, and the savings in interest can make a big difference in the long run. This article explores the benefits of early loan repayment and how it can ease your financial burden.

    7 Easy Steps to Prepay Your Education Loan

    1. Review Loan Terms: Before making any extra payments, take a close look at your loan terms. Some loans may have penalties or specific rules for prepayment that you must know to avoid unexpected charges. 

    2. Assess Your Finances: It’s essential to ensure that prepaying your loan doesn’t strain your finances. Take stock of your income, savings, and monthly expenses. Try to balance prepayment with having enough money set aside for unexpected costs.

    3. Notify Your Lender: Always inform your lender about your intention to make a prepayment. This helps avoid any confusion and ensures your extra payment is processed correctly, either to reduce the principal or interest.

    4. Decide on the Amount: Think about how much you want to pay. You could go for a lump sum, clear a portion of the loan, or even pay the entire remaining balance. Choose an amount that fits your budget and provides the most benefit by lowering the principal.

    5. Make the Payment: Complete the prepayment through your lender’s preferred method—whether it’s an online transfer, cheque, or bank draft. Ensure that it’s clearly marked as a prepayment to guarantee it goes towards reducing your principal.

    6. Request an Updated Statement: After making the prepayment, always request a fresh loan statement from your lender. This will confirm that your payment has been applied correctly and show the updated balance, keeping you on top of your loan.

    7. Stick to Regular Payments: If your prepayment was partial, continue making your usual EMI payments. This way, you’ll stay on track to pay off your loan while benefitting from the reduced interest as a result of the lower principal balance.

    Want to study at a top university but worried about loan security requirements? Learn how to apply for an education loan without collateral and make your dream education a reality.

    Benefits of Prepaying your Education Loan 

    Prepaying your education loan can bring several financial advantages:

    1. Save on Interest: By paying off your loan early, you reduce the principal, which ultimately lowers the interest you’ll pay over time. 

    2. Pay Off Debt Faster: Early repayments allow you to clear your loan sooner, helping you get out of debt quicker and freeing up your income for other priorities.

    3. Boost Your Credit Score: Making early payments can improve your credit score, showcasing your financial responsibility.

    4. Ease Financial Pressure: With a smaller outstanding balance, your monthly payments become more manageable, relieving stress and giving you more breathing room in your budget.

    5. More Room to Save for the Future: Once the loan is paid off, you can focus on saving for future goals like buying a home, traveling, or investing, with fewer obligations.

    Just be sure to check if your loan allows prepayment without penalties, and take advantage of the opportunity to gain long-term financial freedom.

    Why Propelld?

    The following are the primary benefits of Propelld.

    Particulars

    Details

    Max Loan Amount

    50 Lakhs

    Collateral 

    Not Required

    Moratorium

    Available

    Processing Time

    10 Times Faster than Banks

    Disbursal Time

    7 Days

    Approval Rate

    Higher than Other Banks

    Special USP

    Marks Based Approval

    % Financed

    100% of Fees