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Category: MAM

  • The Body Shop sparks joy with marigold glow and changemaking Diwali gifts

    The Body Shop sparks joy with marigold glow and changemaking Diwali gifts

    MUMBAI: Diwali just got a fresh coat of glow and this time it’s painted marigold. The Body Shop has rolled out the third edition of its award-winning initiative, Spark A Change 3.0, with a stirring festive film starring Saachi Bindra and Saiee M Manjrekar and the launch of a limited-edition Marigold Bodycare range. The campaign puts kindness at the heart of celebration, showing how the smallest acts can light up not just homes, but lives.

    At the centre of this season’s sparkle is the Marigold Bodycare collection, part of The India Edit. Inspired by the flower synonymous with prosperity and new beginnings, the line includes a Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Body Mist with a warm, earthy fragrance. Priced from Rs 495 onwards, the collection sits alongside the brand’s colourful Changemaking Gifts, wrapped in festive hues of marigold, pink, green and red.

    The campaign film carries an intergenerational narrative, weaving belonging and empathy into a traditional Diwali moment. “With Spark A Change 3.0, we are building on our legacy of beauty with purpose,” said The Body Shop India chief brand officer Harmeet Singh. “Our collaboration with Plastics for Change shows how conscious business can transform lives and protect the planet.”

    The partnership with Plastics for Change (PFC), based in Bengaluru now the world’s largest source of fair trade-verified recycled plastic continues to power the social impact of Spark A Change. Last year’s edition funded donations equivalent to 19 E-tricycles for waste collectors. This year, the brand aims to expand that drive, giving collectors safer and more sustainable ways to earn a living.

    For the actors, the campaign’s message resonates beyond the screen. “It reminds us that even the smallest acts of inclusion can light up someone’s life,” said Saiee M Manjrekar. Saachi Bindra added: “Spark A Change 3.0 goes beyond gifting, it creates real impact. The Marigold range feels pure and rejoicing, a perfect festive gift.”

    From customisable gift sets to pre-packed hampers and gift cards, The Body Shop is offering treats that combine indulgence with intent. Beyond festive shimmer, the initiative stands as a reminder that beauty, when matched with purpose, can truly spark change, one marigold-tinted act at a time.

  • Roadcast launches India’s first made-in-India alcohol breath analyser

    Roadcast launches India’s first made-in-India alcohol breath analyser

    MUMBAI: Roadcast, a saas-based, hardware-agnostic tracking platform backed by Jubilant Foodworks, has unveiled India’s first fully homegrown alcohol breath analyser. The launch marks a significant leap in road and workplace safety, as well as a push for indigenous innovation under the ‘Make in India’ vision.

    Compact and easy to use, the device integrates with Roadcast’s telematics system to prevent vehicle ignition if a driver is intoxicated. Real-time data is simultaneously transmitted to fleet administrators, making it a powerful tool for transport companies, government fleets, taxis, ambulances and public transport operators. Beyond roads, it can also be deployed in warehouses, factories and offices, with features such as facial recognition for attendance management combined with alcohol detection.

    “With this launch, our aim is to make safety proactive rather than reactive,” said Roadcast, co-founder & ceo, Vishal Jain. “The alcohol breath analyser is not only technologically advanced but also proudly made in India. It brings accountability into everyday operations while demonstrating India’s ability to create lasting impact on society and industry.”

    The launch comes at a time of rising global demand for alcohol detection technologies. The global breath analyser market is projected to grow from 715.5 million dollars in 2024 to 1,154.3 million dollars by 2034 (CAGR 4.9 per cent), while India’s market is expected to expand at an even faster 8.2 per cent CAGR. Roadcast has set itself a milestone of one million dollars in business from this product over the next two years and is targeting two times overall growth by adding safety tech to its portfolio.

    Unlike conventional alcohol tests that rely on blood or urine samples, Roadcast’s analyser offers a non-invasive, on-the-spot solution. Historical data storage and reporting further enhance compliance, making it especially valuable for industries with strict safety mandates.

    By tackling one of India’s most pressing road safety issues like drunk driving and extending safety standards into workplaces, Roadcast is positioning its new solution as more than just a product. It’s a public safety tool designed to save lives and set new benchmarks for responsible mobility.

  • Technogym brings Italian design-led fitness to India with first boutique launch

    Technogym brings Italian design-led fitness to India with first boutique launch

    MUMBAI: Technogym, the Italian fitness and wellness giant, has officially stepped into India with the launch of its first boutique: a sleek space designed to showcase the brand’s award-winning equipment and immersive training experiences.

    Founded in 1983 by Nerio Alessandri in his family garage, Technogym has grown into a global benchmark for design-driven fitness. Its products are as much about style as performance, seamlessly fitting into living rooms, home gyms, offices and commercial fitness centres. Take the Technogym bench, for instance: a compact, elegantly designed unit that conceals all the essential tools for a full-body workout without cluttering a space.

    The brand’s dedication to marrying form and function has won it global recognition, including the If design award, good design award and red dot design award. Trusted by elite athletes and professional teams, from Formula 1 to leading football clubs, Technogym has also been the official supplier to nine Olympic games, most recently Paris 2024 and the Paralympics.

    The new Indian boutique offers a hands-on experience of Technogym’s most iconic products, all crafted in Italy. Highlights include:

    ‘Technogym Run’ is a high-performance, whisper-quiet treadmill that blends running with strength training and ‘Technogym Ride’ is developed with cycling champions, it features a 22-inch immersive screen and seamless integration with top training apps.

    Technogym’s ethos is rooted in precision and biomechanics, ensuring workouts that are effective, safe and tailored to everyone from elite athletes to fitness beginners or those with specific health needs. With over four decades of expertise, the brand is now looking to transform India’s fitness culture by combining luxury, science and innovation.

    “Technogym has always believed fitness is more than exercise, it’s a lifestyle,” said the company in a statement. “Our Indian boutique brings that philosophy to life, inviting enthusiasts, athletes and professionals to experience the future of wellness first-hand.”

  • Reelo launches ‘Membership’, a prepaid platform to power restaurant loyalty

    Reelo launches ‘Membership’, a prepaid platform to power restaurant loyalty

    MUMBAI: India’s F&B sector is getting a new loyalty lifeline. Reelo has rolled out ‘Membership’, a prepaid platform that helps restaurants drive recurring revenue while deepening customer relationships.

    The launch comes as restaurants struggle with shrinking margins and high third-party commissions. According to Food Delivery Unwrapped, a report by The Mavericks India, hidden aggregator costs run into thousands of crores each year. ‘Membership’ by Reelo aims to shift the balance back in restaurants’ favour by encouraging direct engagement through prepaid plans and rewards.

    “With Membership, we’re enabling restaurants to generate predictable revenue, build loyalty, and regain control of their customer relationships,” said Reelo, ceo and co-founder, Parin Sanghvi.

    The platform allows restaurants to design custom prepaid programs from coffee subscriptions and festival bundles to prepaid wallets where customers might load 5,000 and unlock 7,500 in spending power. Seamless integration with 35 plus POS systems means automation of sales, redemption and reconciliation at scale.

    Early pilots show promise. NOA by the Nutcracker in Mumbai enrolled 175 plus members in two months, adding over Rs 3 lakh in revenue. Niro in Ahmedabad saw visit frequency nearly double, while The Beer Café has launched its beer ocrat plan targeting Rs 50 lakh in the first month.

    “With loyalty in place, membership was the natural next step,” said NOA, ceo, Gordon D’Souza. “It builds deeper relationships and brings in steady, repeat business.”

    Reelo, which already supports 28,000 plus restaurants across India, the Middle East and Africa, says ‘Membership’ is about more than technology. “We’re catalysing a movement,” Sanghvi added. “This is the future of F&B in India: empowering restaurants to build legacies of loyalty.”

     

  • Dentsu Creative names John Mescall global chief creative partner

    Dentsu Creative names John Mescall global chief creative partner

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Creative has appointed John Mescall as its global chief creative partner, a move designed to sharpen the agency’s creative edge and align standards across markets.

    Based in New York, Mescall will work closely with Yasu Sasaki, Dentsu’s global chief creative officer, to strengthen creative craft, foster collaboration and integrate emerging technologies like AI into workflows. He will also focus on talent development across the network.

    “What drew me to Dentsu Creative is its deep belief in the power of creativity to drive meaningful impact,” said Mescall. “It’s rare to find a global organisation so aligned in purpose yet so attuned to the strengths of its local teams.”

    Mescall is one of advertising’s most decorated creative leaders. At Mccann Worldgroup, where he served as global executive creative director and president of its global creative council, he helped steer the network to Cannes Lions and Effie global network of the year titles. His career haul includes more than 100 Cannes Lions, eight of them Grand Prix, along with top honours at D&AD, One Show, Clio and beyond. Adweek has named him to its creativity 50, while Business Insider ranked him among the world’s top 10 most creative people in advertising.

    Dentsu Creative, global president, Abbey Klaassen said Mescall’s “ability to unite teams around a shared vision” will be key to scaling the agency’s creative impact. Sasaki added that his appointment reflects the network’s “commitment to transformative creativity that delivers cultural and business impact.”

     

  • Italy’s OVS to debut at Pacific Mall, New Delhi

    Italy’s OVS to debut at Pacific Mall, New Delhi

    MUMBAI: Italian fashion powerhouse OVS is stepping into India with its first store at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi, this October. The launch marks a milestone in the brand’s global journey, introducing its signature philosophy, “Love people, not labels”, to one of the world’s most dynamic fashion markets.

    Spread across 9,000 square feet, the New Delhi outlet will showcase OVS’ latest store concept, designed for a modern and seamless shopping experience. Customers can explore a versatile portfolio ranging from everyday essentials to premium lines, including PIOMBO, B angel, Les Copains, and Utopja. Each collection blends Italian craftsmanship with contemporary design and affordability.

    With more than 2,200 stores worldwide,1.63 billion euros in sales in 2024, and over 6 million loyal customers, OVS has long established itself as a global fashion leader. Its entry into India signals the brand’s commitment to making trend-driven Italian fashion accessible to all.

    OVS India, managing director, Sundeep Chugh said, “India is one of the most dynamic fashion markets in the world, driven by its young demographic and a growing appetite for global style. With our launch in New Delhi, we are introducing OVS’ unique proposition: Italian design, quality, and affordability, to Indian consumers. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we are confident OVS will soon become a go-to fashion destination in India.”

    Adding a creative note, OVS creative director Massimo Piombo said, “I design my collections for everyone, with the goal of inspiring customers to let their imagination run free. Italian style, with its infinite variety, infuses all OVS collections. India presents a tremendous opportunity, and I am thrilled to bring the OVS experience to such a vibrant, style-conscious market.”

    True to its values, OVS also brings a strong sustainability focus, emphasising conscious sourcing and production practices that make fashion both stylish and responsible.

    To celebrate its India debut, the first 100 customers on launch day will receive a surprise gift.

  • Guru Samruddhi serves up GS Delhi Aces with Leander Paes as ambassador

    Guru Samruddhi serves up GS Delhi Aces with Leander Paes as ambassador

    MUMBAI: Guru Samruddhi House of Investments has stepped onto the sporting court with the acquisition of the GS Delhi Aces franchise in the Tennis Premier League (TPL). The announcement comes ahead of the league’s seventh edition, with tennis icon Leander Paes joining as brand ambassador.

    The launch, held in Dubai on 10 September, was a historic first for TPL as the team unveiled itself on an international stage. The evening drew over 500 attendees, with Paes receiving a rousing welcome alongside blessings from Sadguru Shri Guruji. [sic]

    18-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic medallist, Paes said, “I have been a part of TPL since its inception. This year is a special one for the league as it will become India’s fourth sporting league to complete seven successful seasons, and I am delighted to be associated with GS Delhi Aces.”

    With this acquisition, Guru Samruddhi, a diversified group spanning co-operative societies, insurance, tourism, and real estate, has added professional sport to its portfolio. CMD Vijay Pusdekar said, “We are immensely proud to represent the confidence of putting on a good show for tennis fans in Delhi and across the country.”

    The Tennis Premier League, featuring eight franchises, continues to expand its star-studded roster. Alongside Paes, the league boasts ambassadors and owners such as Sania Mirza (Gurgaon Grand Slammers), Mahesh Bhupathi (SG Sports), Rakul Preet Singh (Hyderabad Strikers), and Sonali Bendre (Chennai Smashers).

    Welcoming the new team, TPL co-founder Kunal Thakkur said, “This year, for the very first time, the league will feature ATP top-ranked players within 30–50.” Fellow co-founder Mrunal Jain added, “With visionary partners like Guru Samruddhi, we are confident this season will be historic, competitive, and truly memorable. 

  • Candyman turns kids into storybook stars with ‘Once Upon a Time’

    Candyman turns kids into storybook stars with ‘Once Upon a Time’

    MUMBAI: Bedtime stories just got a sugar rush. ITC Candyman, the confectionery brand known for its vibrant flavours and cheeky charm, has launched a new initiative ‘once upon a time by Candyman’ that turns children into the heroes of their very own storybooks.

    In a world where digital distractions often steal reading time, the brand is reimagining storytelling as a personalised, interactive experience for families. Parents can now log onto the Candymanclub website, pick from a range of whimsical tales, and with just a few clicks seamlessly weave their child’s name and photograph into the storyline. The result? A printed or digital book where the child doesn’t just read the adventure, they live it.

    The stories, brimming with mischief, magic, and epic little quests, are designed to keep young readers engaged on every page. The idea is simple but powerful: instead of watching others play the hero, children see themselves centre stage.

    “With Once Upon a Time by Candyman, our goal is to spark kids’ imagination and make reading a delightful family ritual,” said ITC Limited vice president and head of marketing for chocolates, coffee and confectionery, foods division Anuj Bansal. “When children see themselves as the heroes of their own adventures, it builds confidence, joy, and memories that last.”

    The platform is secure, easy-to-use, and family-friendly, blending creativity with digital innovation. Parents can personalise multiple stories, creating keepsakes that combine entertainment with bonding.

    For Candyman, a brand rooted in fun and flavour, this initiative is more than playful mischief, it’s about making reading irresistible in the swipe-and-scroll age. By giving children the spotlight in their own tales, the brand is not just sweetening storytime but fostering a love of storytelling that could last well beyond childhood.

  • Sanya Malhotra takes Flite forward with style in new Saatchi campaign

    Sanya Malhotra takes Flite forward with style in new Saatchi campaign

    MUMBAI: Bollywood’s Sanya Malhotra is putting her best foot forward, literally as the new face of Flite, India’s leading family fashion footwear brand from Relaxo. In a fresh campaign by Saatchi & Saatchi India, the actor breathes life into Flite’s iconic tagline, “Sar Utha, Kadam Badha”, repositioning the brand as more than everyday comfort, it’s a stride of confidence, ambition, and style.

    The campaign’s heart beats for the everyday achievers people who rise above modest beginnings and keep walking tall despite challenges. Sanya embodies this journey herself, reflecting the grit and determination of millions across India. The campaign film concludes with the rallying call of “Sar Utha, Kadam Badha”, positioning Flite as the stylish companion on this onward march.

    “It’s been a whirlwind journey down several new roads,” said Saatchi & Saatchi India chief creative officer Rohit Malkani. “From finding the right celebrity to creating a contemporary visual language, this narrative builds on the ethos but evolves it showcasing not just struggles, but Sanya’s grit and fashionable flair.”

    For Relaxo, the association signals more than celebrity endorsement. Relaxo Footwears Ltd VP for marketing Manoj Lalwani called it “the start of an exciting new chapter,” with a 360° campaign spanning digital, retail, and television to ensure deep consumer connect. “With ‘Har Kadam Stylish’ as your way of life and ‘Sar Utha Kadam Badha’ as your way forward, we’re confident this will spark strong resonance,” he added.

    Since winning the business in 2021, Saatchi has consistently evolved Flite’s brand language. Saatchi & Saatchi India head for North & East Hindol Purkayastha, noted that the new film leverages the strong recall of the tagline to reach younger audiences while cementing Flite as a design-led lifestyle choice.

    The campaign blends Flite’s comfort, durability, and contemporary design into a narrative of ambition. Rolling out across television and digital platforms, it reinforces the footwear’s role as a stylish partner in resilience and progress urging Indians everywhere to keep their heads high and steps bold.

  • Sony tunes into new voice with Gaurav Laghate as comms head

    Sony tunes into new voice with Gaurav Laghate as comms head

    MUMBAI: When the newsroom meets the boardroom, sparks are bound to fly. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has tapped journalist-turned-communications strategist Gaurav Laghate as its new head of PR and corporate communications, effective September 2025.

    Reporting directly to Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO of SPNI, Laghate will be tasked with steering the company’s communications blueprint shaping narratives, sharpening reputation, and strengthening engagement with stakeholders across its diverse media businesses.

    Armed with 17 years of newsroom experience, Laghate is no stranger to storytelling at scale. Until recently, he was senior editor and head of the consumer bureau at Mint, where he became one of India’s most authoritative voices on the media and entertainment sector. His portfolio spanned linear TV, OTT platforms, advertising, and regulatory affairs, making him a familiar face across the industry’s power corridors.

    From tracking the rise of streaming wars to decoding regulatory shake-ups, Laghate built a reputation for analytical accuracy, deep domain knowledge, and sharp editorial instincts.  He began his career at indiantelevision.com and is prized for analytical rigour and a contact book that spans studios, regulators and agencies. Now, he crosses over to the corporate side, bringing with him the credibility of journalism and the strategic perspective needed to shape SPNI’s narrative in a fast-evolving media landscape.

    For SPNI, the appointment underscores a renewed push to build authentic storytelling and stakeholder trust as it eyes its next growth chapter in India’s hyper-competitive content market.

    Welcoming him onboard, Gaurav Banerjee said: “Gaurav’s deep domain knowledge and strategic perspective make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. His transition from a journalist to a communications leader will bring a unique perspective on how we shape our narrative and engage with multiple stakeholders. We are excited to have him onboard as we aim to strengthen our position as a leading content powerhouse.”

    With the shift from penning headlines to making them, Laghate now faces the challenge of ensuring Sony’s stories resonate not just with viewers, but with every corner of the media and entertainment ecosystem. And if his track record is any indicator, this will be one headline worth watching.