ITV

Category: MAM

  • Shah Rukh Khan powers Castrol’s 3X Protection campaign

    Shah Rukh Khan powers Castrol’s 3X Protection campaign

    MUMBAI: Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan returns to the screen in a high-octane new campaign for Castrol Activ’s 3X Protection, where he plays a tough cop navigating the searing heat of Rajasthan in pursuit of criminals. In the ad, SRK’s bike, powered by Castrol Activ, continues to perform flawlessly without overheating, while the criminals’ bike stalls during a dramatic chase.

    Khan stated, “The heat can be relentless, whether you’re chasing criminals or battling real-life traffic. Castrol Activ’s 3X protection ensures engines stay cool and the bike keeps moving. It’s been a pleasure collaborating with Castrol on this campaign.”

    Castrol India vice president & head of marketing, Rohit Talwar stated, “Overheating is a common issue for bikers, especially in India’s harsh summers. This campaign highlights Castrol Activ’s promise of superior engine protection, while connecting with riders facing the challenges of long, hot commutes.”

    The TVC, conceptualised by Ogilvy India, blends action-packed drama with the brand’s core message of engine protection. It will debut during the Champions Trophy final and will run across digital, print, and outdoor platforms in 10 languages.

    Ogilvy India chief creative officer, Sukesh Nayak stated, “With Shah Rukh Khan’s magnetic presence, we’ve created an ad that is as thrilling as an action film while communicating the product’s key benefit—superior engine protection.”

    The campaign also features social media activations and influencer partnerships. The new Castrol Activ is now available at retail outlets and online across India.
     

  • Canon India launches campaign to empower women and accelerate change

    Canon India launches campaign to empower women and accelerate change

    MUMBAI: In celebration of International Women’s Day, Canon India has launched its ‘She Canwithcanon’ campaign, focusing on the need to accelerate meaningful, sustainable change for women. Aligned with this year’s theme of ‘Accelerate Action’, the campaign underscores that empowering women should be an ongoing commitment, creating long-term opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

    The campaign is highlighted by a poignant video that illustrates the daily challenges women face and reinforces Canon India’s dedication to gender equality and inclusive progress. It positions women as key pillars of success, emphasising that inclusivity is more than just a policy—it’s a practice. Canon India’s progressive initiatives, such as mentorship programmes, pair experienced women with newcomers to foster professional development. Additionally, the De-Light initiative promotes work-life balance by ensuring office lights are turned off at 5:30 pm, while dedicated cab services provide safe commutes for women employees.

    Canon India has long championed flexible work practices, with hybrid options and flexible hours in place since 2002. With its ‘Health 1st’ philosophy, the company has cultivated an environment where women can thrive professionally without sacrificing personal well-being. A new two-month walkathon has been introduced, encouraging a lifelong commitment to well-being while symbolising collective steps towards lasting change.

    Canon India senior director of product & communication, C. Sukumaran stated, “At Canon, empowering women goes beyond celebrating achievements—it’s about creating an environment where everyone can succeed, personally and professionally. Through ‘She Canwithcanon’, we are emphasising real change, ensuring that equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality. By mentoring, supporting, and investing in women daily, we are building a future of stronger, more diverse leadership.”

    Building on the success of its previous ‘I Canwithcanon’ campaign, which showcased the impact of Canon’s solutions on individuals and businesses, the ‘She Canwithcanon’ campaign reaffirms the company’s commitment to fostering a culture where women are empowered to succeed. By continuing to promote equality and positive change, Canon India aims to inspire a future where every woman can confidently say, “I Can.”

  • Apollo Green and Apollo Fashion honor Women’s Day with power and equality

    Apollo Green and Apollo Fashion honor Women’s Day with power and equality

    MUMBAI: As the world marks International Women’s Day, Apollo Green Energy Limited and Apollo Fashion International Ltd. have launched two impactful campaigns ‘Growing Up, Growing Equal’ and ‘Strength in Every Story’ highlighting the journey from inequality to empowerment.

    Apollo Green Energy’s ‘Growing Up, Growing Equal’ sheds light on the biases once ingrained in society and the progress made towards inclusivity. The campaign challenges outdated norms and highlights real stories of individuals who defied convention trailblazers who shattered barriers, professionals who redefined caregiving, and changemakers driving workplace equality.

    Apollo Fashion International’s ‘Strength in Every Story’ pays tribute to the many faces of resilience. Whether in the quiet strength of daily sacrifices, the courage to break barriers, or the unwavering support of allies, the campaign redefines strength as a collective force that uplifts and inspires.

    Both campaigns are igniting conversations across digital platforms and industry forums, reinforcing Apollo’s commitment to a future where ambition, opportunity, and strength know no gender.

  • Godrej unlocks a new chapter in empowerment with Women’s Day campaign

    Godrej unlocks a new chapter in empowerment with Women’s Day campaign

    MUMBAI: What does a key unlock? For Godrej Enterprises Group, it opens doors to innovation, leadership, and limitless possibilities led by the trailblazing women across its organisation. This Women’s Day, Godrej is setting the stage for a powerful tribute with its campaign, ‘Unlock New Worlds,’ celebrating the unwavering spirit of women who are reshaping industries, one breakthrough at a time.

    Narrated by renowned poet and storyteller Helly Shah, the campaign’s centrepiece is a visually compelling and emotionally resonant film that takes viewers on a journey through the company’s diverse landscape. From manufacturing and aerospace research to design innovation and large-scale infrastructure, the film showcases real Godrej women who are pushing boundaries and unlocking new frontiers in their respective fields.

    Conceptualised and directed by Lowe Lintas, the campaign isn’t just a celebration, it’s a call to action. Through captivating storytelling, it highlights Godrej’s unwavering commitment to gender inclusivity, fostering an environment where women don’t just participate but lead and innovate.

    With ‘Unlock New Worlds’, Godrej goes beyond symbolic gestures, reinforcing the importance of investing in women-led initiatives. By spotlighting female professionals operating heavy machinery, spearheading cutting-edge research, and driving transformative projects, the campaign challenges norms and redefines what’s possible in male-dominated sectors.

    As Women’s Day 2025 approaches, Godrej Enterprises Group continues to champion a future where glass ceilings are shattered, opportunities are unlocked, and inclusivity isn’t just an idea it’s a movement.

  • Maruti Suzuki & Hero Fincorp offer customised car financing across India

    Maruti Suzuki & Hero Fincorp offer customised car financing across India

    Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has entered into a MoU with Hero Fincorp Limited to offer tailored financial solutions for new and pre-owned car loans. The partnership aims to combine Maruti Suzuki’s extensive network with Hero Fincorp’s customised financing options, providing customers with a broader range of choices.

    The MoU was signed by senior officials from both companies, including Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer, Marketing & Sales, and Kamal Mahtta, vice president of allied business from Maruti Suzuki, alongside Abhimanyu Munjal, MD & CEO of Hero Fincorp.

    Banerjee stated, “At Maruti Suzuki, our focus is always on the customer. This collaboration with Hero Fincorp strengthens our ability to provide innovative, transparent, and attractive financing options, offering customers over 40 retail finance partners to choose from.”

    Munjal added, “This partnership further advances Hero Fincorp’s mission to make car ownership easier and more accessible across India, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Our seamless digital solutions ensure we continue empowering Indians’ aspirations for upward mobility.”

    The alliance is expected to offer a hassle-free, comprehensive solution for car financing, expanding access to a wider customer base.

  • Media Mantra sparks dialogue with MMDialogues365 anniversary celebration

    Media Mantra sparks dialogue with MMDialogues365 anniversary celebration

    MUMBAI: In an era where communication is both an art and a science, Media Mantra Group has once again taken the lead in shaping its future. To mark the first anniversary of its flagship knowledge-sharing initiative ‘MMDialogues’, the company hosted ‘MMDialogues365 – Decoding Effective Communications’ at The Roseate, New Delhi. The event gathered an illustrious assembly of 50 distinguished voices from the media and communications fraternity, engaging in thought-provoking discussions on PR’s evolving landscape, media’s transformation, and the trends redefining corporate storytelling.

    The event commenced with a special address by veteran journalist GonewsIndia founder Pankaj Pachauri who reflected on his journey from newsroom to entrepreneurship, sharing insights on adaptability and the shifting expectations from news media. Setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the communication industry, a fireside chat featuring Media Mantra Group Director Puja Pathak and BW Businessworld chairman & editor-in-chief Annurag Batra dissected the balance between technical expertise and emotional intelligence in communication.

    Two riveting panel discussions followed, where stalwarts from journalism and corporate communications offered their perspectives on the future of media and PR. The first panel, moderated by PRCAI CEO Deeptie Sethi featured Pankaj Doval (Times of India), Shweta Punj (Moneycontrol.com), and Shishir Sinha (Hindu Business Line). The discussion addressed pressing issues such as media fragmentation, AI’s role in journalism, and effective PR-media engagement strategies.

    The second panel, helmed by renowned communications expert Arun Sudhaman, featured corporate communication leaders like Nandini Chatterjee (Shree Cement), Ajey Maharaj (Fortis Healthcare), Arpana Kumar Ahuja (Jindal Steel & Power), and Abhishek Mahapatra (Independent Consultant). The discussion delved into the creator economy, regionalisation of media, the impact of AI in content creation, and the challenge of measuring PR impact.

    Reflecting on the journey of MMDialogues, Media Mantra Group founder director Udit Pathak said, “We launched MM Dialogues to bridge the knowledge gap in PR and communications by bringing together industry leaders for impactful conversations. MMDialogues365 celebrates this milestone while reinforcing our commitment to fostering learning and growth for communications professionals.”

    Puja Pathak founder director Media Mantra Group stated, “The communications industry thrives on agility and continuous learning. #MMDialogues allows our teams to interact with the brightest minds, gaining perspectives beyond textbooks.”

    Media Mantra Group CEO Rahul Mehta added, “MMDialogues has grown into an unparalleled knowledge-sharing platform, offering insights on strategic PR campaigns, digital transformation, impactful storytelling, and media engagement. As Media Mantra expands its presence both in India and internationally, initiatives like these will remain integral to training the next generation of communicators.”

    With MMDialogues365, Media Mantra not only celebrated a milestone but also reinforced its role as an industry pioneer in fostering learning and collaboration. Rekha Gehani, People & Culture Leader at Media Mantra, highlighted the platform’s role in enhancing employee training and making industry insights accessible through social media.

    As the event concluded, one thing was clear, the dialogue is far from over. With MMDialogues 2.0 on the horizon in 2026, Media Mantra is set to continue leading the way in redefining effective communication for the future.

  • Indians among most progressive on gender equality, Ipsos survey finds

    Indians among most progressive on gender equality, Ipsos survey finds

    MUMBAI — Indians rank among the world’s most progressive citizens in their views on gender equality, with 78 per cent believing in the importance of achieving gender parity, according to a new global survey released ahead of International Women’s Day 2025.

    The 30-country study by Ipsos reveals strong alignment between Indian men (77 per cent) and women (80 per cent) on gender equality issues, contrasting sharply with more polarised views in South Korea (52 per cent) and the Netherlands (54 per cent).

    Nearly half of Indians surveyed (48 per cent) perceive domestic responsibilities such as housekeeping and cooking as shared obligations rather than gender-specific tasks. Only 28 per cent attributed these responsibilities solely to women, while 18 per cent associated them with men.

     Ipsos India chief executive officer Amit Adarkar  noted the significance of these findings in light of the World Economic Forum’s projection that full gender parity remains over a century away.

    “According to the WEF, at the current rate of progress, it would take until 2158—roughly five generations from now—to reach full gender parity,” said Adarkar. “It is heartening to see that both men and women in India are aligned in their views on equal treatment and opportunity for women.”

    The survey, conducted in alignment with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme of #AccelerateAction, identified several key findings about Indian attitudes:
    * 69 per cent believe women holding positions of responsibility in business and government is crucial for accelerating gender equality
    * 66 per cent perceive increased pressure on men to support gender equality
    * 64 per cent feel that in promoting gender equality, men are sometimes discriminated against
    * 60 per cent consider men who stay home to care for children as “less of a man”—a view that has become more pronounced since 2019, when only 39 per cent held this opinion

    Regarding gender stereotypes, the survey revealed increasingly progressive attitudes in several areas. For unpaid family care, including childcare and looking after elderly relatives, 53 per cent of Indians attributed responsibility to both genders. Similar balanced views were expressed on gender-based violence (48 per cent), physical assault (48 per cent), parental leave (48 per cent), and healthcare access (52 per cent).

    Adarkar attributed these progressive shifts to changing family structures and government initiatives.
    “Urban Indians would be by far more progressive in their views on gender equality versus those residing in rural India. With urban pressures of work and home responsibilities, parents are showering their love on their child minus gender bias. Even rural India is witnessing progressive shifts with projects like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Lakhpati Didis,” he said.

    The Ipsos survey interviewed 24,269 people across 30 countries between 20th December 2024 and 3rd January 2025. The India sample comprised approximately 2,200 individuals, with 1,800 interviewed face-to-face and 400 online.

  • Allied Blenders & Distillers appoints two marketing directors

    Allied Blenders & Distillers appoints two marketing directors

    MUMBAI: Allied Blenders & Distillers Ltd  has announced the appointment of Arvind Hangal and Roshni Chatterjee as marketing directors with immediate effect from 6 March 2025.

    The board of directors approved both appointments, with the executives designated as senior management personnel of the company.

    Hangal has been with Allied Blenders since November 2011. He holds a bachelor of science degree from the university of Mumbai and a master’s in management studies in marketing from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies. Before joining Allied Blenders, he served as category manager at Novartis India.

    Chatterjee brings over 18 years of experience across FMCG and B2B sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. Her career spans roles at major consumer goods companies including Unilever, Kraft, and Heinz. Most recently, she served as global head of brand and communications at Sleek Tech in Singapore.

    Her track record includes successfully leading brand turnarounds for Vaseline in Thailand and Indonesia. While at Kraft Heinz, Chatterjee spearheaded the company’s expansion into the snacking segment across the APAC region and developed the strategy for India’s market turnaround.

    Allied Blenders & Distillers is one of India’s leading spirits manufacturers, with the appointments reflecting the company’s commitment to strengthening its marketing leadership.

  • Mufin Group bags LKP Finance in Rs 370 crore all-cash power move

    Mufin Group bags LKP Finance in Rs 370 crore all-cash power move

    MUMBAI: Mufin Group just made a big-money move. In an all-cash deal that sent ripples through the financial sector, Mufin Group has acquired a majority stake in LKP Finance Limited, boosting its net worth by a hefty Rs 370 crore. More than just an acquisition, this is a power play-one that positions Mufin as a dominant force in the lending industry.

    Mufin Group MD Kapil Garg described the move as a strategic game-changer, “This acquisition is a pivotal step in our journey to scale and transform our business. By leveraging LKP Finance’s capital base alongside Mufin’s expertise in lending, we will drive financial inclusion, enhance liquidity, and introduce cutting-edge financial products. Our vision is to empower businesses and individuals with seamless access to credit, fuelling sustainable economic growth.”

    The acquisition is not just about numbers; it’s about reach. LKP Finance brings with it a strong western India market presence, a deep-rooted financial legacy, and an established reputation. By absorbing LKP’s network and credibility, Mufin Group is gearing up to scale lending operations, expand financial services, and drive sustainable economic growth across key regions.

    With this deal, Mufin Group’s capital base swells by Rs 370 crore, giving it a significant liquidity boost to fuel expansion. LKP Finance’s industry experience, paired with Mufin’s aggressive lending approach, creates a formidable financial powerhouse. The acquisition is set to accelerate Mufin’s mission of providing accessible, innovative, and tailored financial solutions to businesses and individuals alike.

  • Media Distillery pours AI power into search with game-changing discovery suite

    Media Distillery pours AI power into search with game-changing discovery suite

    MUMBAI: Ever felt like finding the right show to watch is harder than choosing what to eat for dinner? Media Distillery has heard the struggle and is uncorking a revolutionary solution, its new Search and Discovery Suite. Designed to make finding content as effortless as a Tik tok scroll, this AI-powered suite ensures viewers spend less time searching and more time watching.

    The video streaming industry has long battled with decision fatigue, with research showing that consumers spend over 10 minutes deciding what to watch often giving up entirely. Media Distillery’s latest suite tackles this head-on, using cutting-edge AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Visual Language Models (VLMs), and semantic search to help viewers discover exactly what they’re looking for sometimes before they even know it.

    “2025 is the year of search and discovery,” said Media Distillery CEO and co-founder Roland Sars. “With so much content available, viewers can’t always see the forest for the trees. Our AI-powered suite ensures they never miss out on great content again.”

    Instead of the usual ‘because you watched xyz’ recommendations, the Search and Discovery Suite uses AI to dynamically generate suggestions across multiple sources. Say a viewer searches for the Academy Awards the tool doesn’t just show Oscar-winning films, but also TV shows featuring the winners, red carpet highlights, interviews, and more.

    A pilot test with a major cable operator delivered impressive results, with 75 per cent of viewers discovering sports content they wouldn’t have found otherwise, while 65 per cent received more relevant sports recommendations directly on the platform, reducing their need to search elsewhere. This AI-powered intelligence goes beyond on-demand content, enabling broadcasters, live TV providers, and OTT platforms to unlock the full potential of their catalogues and enhance viewer engagement.  

    Media Distillery’s Search and Discovery Suite complements its Preview Distillery solution, offering a seamless content discovery experience. By integrating real-time broadcast content analysis, the suite enables broadcasters, operators, and OTT services to boost engagement and monetisation while keeping viewers glued to their screens.

    So, if you’re tired of endless scrolling, Media Distillery’s latest innovation ensures your next binge-worthy show is just a smart search away.