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Category: MAM

  • Spykar’s new podcast stitches heritage with ambition in ‘It’s in our jeans’

    Spykar’s new podcast stitches heritage with ambition in ‘It’s in our jeans’

    MUMBAI: All sewn up, Spykar is threading stories, not just jeans. India’s homegrown denim label has unzipped a new chapter in storytelling with the launch of its podcast, ‘It’s in our jeans/genes.’ The series promises conversations as textured as a vintage denim jacket, spotlighting change makers who are stitching heritage into modern ambition.

    The debut episode features the dynamic Suta sisters: Sujata and Taniya. The brand has reimagined the saree for today’s generation while empowering more than 17,000 artisans across India. True to the show’s theme, the duo even paired denim with sarees in a playful diy experiment, blending tradition with trend in one seamless drape.

    “Fashion is about more than denim, it’s about identity and the stories that connect us,” said Spykar Lifestyles, co-founder and ceo, Sanjay Vakharia. “The Suta sisters embody the balance of heritage and modernity, reflecting the ambition of a new India that thinks global while staying rooted.”

    For Sujata and Taniya, the podcast felt like a natural fit. “Suta has always been about effortless, joyful sarees and supporting artisans. Spykar’s podcast celebrates the same values: authenticity, storytelling, and pride in taking Indian traditions to the world,” they shared.

    With more episodes lined up across technology, food, music, and start-ups, ‘It’s in our jeans/genes’ aims to inspire students, entrepreneurs, and dreamers alike. Available on Spotify, Youtube, Apple podcasts and more, the series cements Spykar’s role not just as India’s denim favourite, but also as a storyteller for a new India: authentic, ambitious, and global.

  • Sanjay Mehta launches Ananta Quest to reimagine life after 50

    Sanjay Mehta launches Ananta Quest to reimagine life after 50

    MUMBAI: Sanjay Mehta, best known for founding Mirum, a pioneering digital agency, has launched a new venture, Ananta Quest. The platform targets Indians aged 50 to 65 who are grappling with questions of identity, health and purpose.

    Ananta Quest is built on three pillars: health (prana), wealth (artha) and community (ekatra). Its aim is to provide structure and action, not just reflection.

    Mehta has a record of spotting opportunities early. He created Homeindia.com in 1998, among the country’s first e-commerce sites, and Mirum in 2009, when social media marketing was nascent. His latest project stems from his own exploration of ageing, which he has documented through a content series called What If You Live to Be 100?.

    “Even the most accomplished individuals face hard questions after 50,” he said at the launch. “We want to create a trusted space where they can move from ambiguity to reinvention.”

    India’s over-50 population is expanding fast. Ventures such as Ananta Quest seek to shift the narrative about ageing, framing later life not as decline but as renewal.

  • How Expats Can Get True Copy Attestation for UAE Visa Applications

    How Expats Can Get True Copy Attestation for UAE Visa Applications

    Applying for a UAE visa entails more than simply forms and documentation. True copy attestation is an important step that many expats tend to overlook. Without it, applications may be delayed or even rejected. This article describes what true copy attestation is, why it’s important for visa applications, and how to complete the process efficiently and accurately.

    What Is True Copy Attestation in Dubai?

    True copy attestation refers to an attestation method by which a skilled lawyer verifies that a photocopy of an original document is authentic and identical to the original. In Dubai, only licensed lawyers typically offer this service.

    Unlike other photocopies, a certified true copy attestation in Dubai carries legal weight and confirms that the original document has been verified against the true copy.

    Why Expats Need True Copy Attestation for Visa Applications

    Expats often need to present certified copies of documents to prove their identity, education, or proof of residence. As a result of this, UAE visa authorities commonly request attested copies of: 

    • Passports 

    • Address proof that can be obtained through utility bills or tenancy contracts 

    • Employment or experience letters 

    • Educational certificates  

    So what happens if you submit an uncertified copy? Your document approval could be delayed or rejected. With true copy attestation, expats demonstrate that their documents are genuine and officially verified.

    Certified True Copy Attestation in Dubai vs. Notarization 

    It is important to distinguish between attestation and notarization.  

    Certified true copy attestation in Dubai: A licensed lawyer certifies that a photocopy matches the original document.  
       
     Notarization: A notary public verifies but does not typically certify photocopies of passports or bills.  

    For UAE visa applications, immigration departments and free zones usually require certified true copies and not notarized documents.

    Step-by-Step Guide to True Copy Attestation in Dubai 

    1. Check Requirements

    The first step is to confirm with the visa authority or employer which documents need certified true copies.

    2. Prepare Photocopies

    Ensure all copies are clear, complete and free from distortions. Poor quality or blurred copies do not get approved.

    3. Bring Originals to a Lawyer

    Lawyers must inspect the original document before certifying the copy. Originals are essential for verification.

    4. Certification by Lawyer

    Following document inspection, the lawyer signs and stamps the copy, adding a statement that it is a true copy of the original, along with the date.

    5. Use in Visa Applications

    You can then submit the certified true copies instead of the originals to immigration or other authorities.

    6. Additional Legalization if Needed

    Documents issued overseas, such as marriage certificates or university degrees may require additional embassy legalization or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation, following the true copy certification.

    Why Use Professional True Copy Attestation Services in Dubai? 

    While expats can approach lawyers directly, many prefer professional services that simplify the whole process for convenience. These professional services connect applicants with licensed lawyers. Many of these service providers also handle scheduling and ensure documents meet the legal requirements. This is particularly helpful when several documents from different countries need to be attested for a single visa application.

    For expats, true copy attestation Dubai is not just a formality but a vital requirement in the visa process. It confirms the authenticity of essential documents and reassures authorities of their validity. By understanding the difference between notarization and certified true copy attestation, preparing documents properly and using professional services when needed, expats can ensure their visa applications proceed smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

  • Wipro marks 20 years of its global run with record turnout

    Wipro marks 20 years of its global run with record turnout

    BENGALURU: Wipro’s annual Spirit of Wipro Run hit a milestone on Sunday as over 62,000 employees, families, clients and partners pounded the streets in more than 100 cities worldwide.

    Executive chairman Rishad Premji flagged off the flagship event at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium, while chief executive and managing director Srini Pallia led the East Brunswick, New Jersey leg. Bengaluru alone drew 14,000 runners, the highest ever.

    “This year we celebrate not just a number, but the spirit of togetherness that defines Wipro,” said Saurabh Govil, chief human resources officer.

    Each registration is matched by a corporate donation through Wipro Cares, aiding more than 85 non-profits in healthcare, education and environmental projects. The run unites employees of Wipro Limited, Wipro Enterprises, Premji Invest, the Azim Premji Foundation and Azim Premji University.

    The event dovetailed with the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon, where 35,000 runners—including elite athletes—took part. Wipro remains title sponsor for the third year running.

  • Maheima Kapur takes charge as Kayura’s chief marketer

    Maheima Kapur takes charge as Kayura’s chief marketer

    BENGALURU:  Maheima Kapur has joined Kayura as chief marketing officer, adding heavyweight experience to the digital-first lifestyle brand’s leadership bench.

    Kapur is a marketing and product specialist with nearly 20 years in consumer goods and start-ups. She founded culinary-tourism platform Talking Street, scaled interior-design player Design Cafe as vice-president of marketing and customer experience, and has advised a clutch of health-tech and B2B firms on go-to-market strategy, product design and digital communication.

    Earlier, she drove innovation at Tata Global Beverages, relaunched Lifebuoy Hand Wash at Unilever with a 250 per cent growth spurt, and shaped Britannia’s dairy portfolio. Recent projects include Manam, a mental-wellness programme for Manipal Academy of Higher Education students, and digital-transformation mandates for Nutriwiz, Vectura Fertin Pharma and The Media Ant.

    At Kayura, Kapur will steer brand strategy, product marketing and growth, sharpening the company’s push to become a pan-India lifestyle name.

  • Sanchayeeta Verma bows out of Carat India after a high-octane two-year stint

    Sanchayeeta Verma bows out of Carat India after a high-octane two-year stint

    BENGALURU:  Sanchayeeta Verma has stepped down as chief executive of Carat India, closing a chapter that transformed the dentsu agency’s standing in the country’s crowded media market.

    Verma, who took the helm in July 2023, leaves after what she calls “a marquee period of bold pivots and meaningful impact”. During her tenure Carat almost doubled business performance, integrated creative and customer-experience units under the One-dentsu model, and pushed the network into what she dubbed the “algorithmic era.”

    Her leadership brought a flurry of firsts. Carat popularised “attention economy” as a core media metric, built the Brand EQ Index to measure emotional connection, and unveiled the Media++ operating system to give clients data-rich, AI-powered planning tools. She also struck new alliances with e-commerce platforms to unlock what she described as “triple value” for clients, partners and the agency.

    “None of us can exist in isolation,” Verma said, quoting her mentor, the philosopher Daisaku Ikeda, as she thanked her teams, media partners and clients. “To be aware of these connections, to feel appreciation for them, and to give back to society in a spirit of gratitude is the proper way for human beings to live.”

    A recognised thought-leader and champion of women in leadership, Verma has spent more than 25 years shaping India’s advertising and media landscape. Before joining Carat she logged an 11-year run at Wavemaker, where she turned its south India operations from a loss-maker into a multi-city profit engine—growing media billings 15-fold and revenues six-fold—while later heading the ITC India strategic business unit.

    Earlier, she built national communication-planning frameworks at Mindshare, managed key accounts such as GSK and Motorola, and led planning teams at Lowe Lintas and J. Walter Thompson. She began her career in the mid-1990s in product marketing at Kiwi TTK.

    Verma, who has also served on advisory boards in education and civic-tech start-ups, has not yet disclosed her next professional move but remains a sought-after mentor and strategist. Dentsu, for its part, praised her “bold vision and collaborative leadership” and wished her well as Carat readies a successor.

  • Reshmy Warrier returns to WPP Media to lead Unilever business planning

    Reshmy Warrier returns to WPP Media to lead Unilever business planning

    MUMBAI: Reshmy Warrier has rejoined WPP Media as head of business planning and operations for Mindshare’s Unilever account, marking a homecoming after more than 14 years shaping content strategy at Star and Zee5.

    Warrier will steer advanced planning, strategic insights, product development and automation for WPP’s Team Unilever, bringing a mix of media savvy and data-driven flair to one of the world’s most powerful brand portfolios.

    She spent nearly six years at Zee5 as senior vice-president of global content strategy and platform operations, driving a 30 per cent surge in SVOD conversions and an 8 per cent rise in viewership. Earlier, at Star, she led strategy and programming for the English entertainment business, keeping shows like MasterChef Australia and Koffee with Karan at the top of the ratings.

    This is Warrier’s third stint at WPP Media and her second at Mindshare Fulcrum, where she once handled Unilever’s beauty and haircare brands, managing a Rs 200-crore media budget and executing high-profile campaigns such as Dove’s “Hair Damage Meter” and India’s first logo-based augmented reality ad.

    Her career began in outdoor advertising with Cactus Imaging and Kinetic Worldwide before moving into client leadership at Mindshare. Warrier described the move as “a new chapter powered by AI, tech and data to deliver impact-driven solutions for Unilever.”

  • TCS opens NYC design studio to reimagine digital experiences with AI

    TCS opens NYC design studio to reimagine digital experiences with AI

    MUMBAI: Big apple, bigger ideas. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has unwrapped its flagship ‘Interactive design studio’ in the heart of New York city, bringing a fresh wave of innovation to midtown Manhattan.

    Spread across 4,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art studio will help clients design seamless, human-like digital experiences by harnessing advanced multimodal AI, digital twin technology, and next-generation design practices.

    “This marks the advent of a new era for design,” said TCS Interactive, president, Kamal Bhadada. “The studio will be a hub for co-creation, giving our designers and clients the tools to create iconic, enduring experiences.”

    The space will also showcase TCS’ cutting-edge work, including its ‘Future athlete project,’ which uses digital twins to monitor health and optimise performance.

    TCS north America, president, Amit Bajaj added “Technology is redefining the art of the possible in customer experience. By expanding in New York, one of the world’s most creative capitals, we aim to help clients reinvent how consumers interact with brands in this new AI-driven world.”

    TCS Interactive has a track record of delivering award-winning digital solutions, from mobile apps for major sporting events to reimagined omnichannel journeys for global brands. The new Manhattan hub builds on this expertise while reinforcing New York’s reputation as a tech and creative powerhouse.

    With over 46,000 associates already in north America and more than 50 years of presence in the region, TCS’ latest investment is both a nod to the city’s commercial resurgence and a commitment to shaping the future of digital experiences.

    Because when it comes to design, TCS is proving that the city that never sleeps just got a studio that never stops creating.

  • Taste the thunder, ride the storm: Thums Up & Hero launch Thunderwheels 2.0

    Taste the thunder, ride the storm: Thums Up & Hero launch Thunderwheels 2.0

    MUMBAI: When thunder strikes twice, it only gets louder. Thums Up and Hero Motocorp are back with Thunderwheels 2.0, a high-octane sequel to last year’s blockbuster partnership, this time giving young India the chance to ride off on the all-new Hero xtreme 250R.

    The campaign fuses Thums Up’s legendary ‘Toofani’ spirit with Hero’s engineering prowess, serving up a motorcycle that embodies individuality, power, and raw thrill. The Xtreme 250R, a premium 250cc streetfighter, is built for riders who live life on the edge, just like the cola brand’s daredevil persona.

    The hook? “Dum hai toh scan kar.” Special-edition Thums Up packs now feature QR codes that unlock the chance to win the Xtreme 250R, along with a series of energetic, action-packed experiences.

    Hero Motocorp, head of marketing – India BU, Aashish Midha said: “The phenomenal response to Thunderwheels last year reaffirmed how deeply this connects with the new generation of riders. With the Xtreme 250R, we’re delivering a machine designed for those who ride with intent: agile, powerful, and stylish.”

    Coca-cola India, category head – Sparkling Flavors, Sumeli Chatterjee added: “Every Thums Up experience is built to fuel adrenaline. Thunderwheels 2.0, with Hero’s xtreme 250R, is all about engaging thrill seekers and inspiring them to be unstoppable in their dreams.”

    The campaign will thunder across screens and feeds with a full-blown 360 rollout, from TV and digital films to influencer activations and artist collaborations, celebrating the spirit of bold self-expression.

    With Thunderwheels 2.0, Hero and Thums Up aren’t just selling a bike or a bottle, they’re bottling the rush of adventure, daring India’s youth to taste the thunder and ride the storm. 
     

  • Toy story triumph: Funskool wins top honour for export excellence

    Toy story triumph: Funskool wins top honour for export excellence

    MUMBAI: Playtime just turned into prize time. Funskool India, the country’s biggest toymaker, has clinched the coveted platinum award from the Sports goods & toys export promotion council (SGEPC) for outstanding export performance in 2024–25.

    The award, highest in its category, was presented to, Funskool India Ltd., CEO, K A Shabir at a ceremony in New Delhi attended by union minister of youth affairs and sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

    Celebrating the win, Shabir said, “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects our team’s relentless focus on quality, innovation, and excellence. At Funskool, we have always believed in showcasing India’s toy-making capabilities to the world, and this award reaffirms our mission to make India a global hub for toy manufacturing.”

    Founded in 1987 and backed by the MRF Group, Funskool has been a pioneer in introducing safe, high-quality toys to Indian households, while also exporting a vast range of products worldwide. With state-of-the-art facilities in Goa and Ranipet, the company continues to raise the bar for India’s toy industry.

    For parents and children alike, Funskool’s success means more than just play, it’s proof that Indian toys are winning hearts and markets across the globe. After all, when it comes to fun, this homegrown brand knows how to play to win.