Category: News Headline

  • Plush and Instamart join forces

    Plush and Instamart join forces

    MUMBAI: No more last-minute period hacks! Plush has partnered with Instamart to redefine period care with a breakthrough solution, Plush’s Seamless Period Panty. Combining innovation, convenience, and comfort, this game-changing product is transforming the disposable period panty space with a seamless, undie-like design – nothing like the bulky, diaper-like options out there. Now, with just a tap, Plush Period Panties arrive in 10 minutes via Instamart, making period care effortless, and eliminating the need for last-minute makeshift fixes that women have relied on for generations.

    Their latest ad film takes a quirky, relatable spin on period prep struggles, capturing a classic jugaad moment where an older sister creatively layers multiple pads as a DIY leak-proofing hack, only to be stopped by her younger sister, who effortlessly orders a Plush Seamless Period Panty in a snap. This collaboration is a call to move beyond outdated solutions and embrace the future of period care.

    “For years, period care has been about adjustments and compromises. At Plush, we set out to change that,” said Plush co-founder Prince Kapoor. “Our Seamless Period Panty redefines period care – blending innovation, style, and superior leak protection for ultimate comfort.  Periods come with enough worries, but finding the right care shouldn’t be one of them. Teaming up with Instamart ensures just that.”

  • Mother Sparsh brings grandma’s secrets back in vogue with #RecreateRituals campaign

    Mother Sparsh brings grandma’s secrets back in vogue with #RecreateRituals campaign

    MUMBAI: Mother knows best, but grandma might have said it first. In a nostalgic-yet-modern digital push, Mother Sparsh has launched #RecreateRituals, a campaign that champions age-old Indian baby care practices, reimagined for today’s millennial mum.

    At the heart of the campaign is Mother Sparsh’s Milky Soft Baby Care Range, infused with the age-old goodness of milk and coconut oil, ingredients Indian families have trusted for generations. Running in three interactive phases, the month-long digital blitz features polls, carousels, and influencer-led storytelling, all culminating in an emotional photo-sharing moment celebrating the timeless bond between grandparents and their tiny descendants.

    Mother Sparsh CEO & co-founder Himanshi Gandhi spoke about the vision behind the campaign: “Through the #RecreateRituals campaign, we wish to bring back the time-tested solutions that our grandmothers used for little children. While many scoff at them as redundant, time stands testament to the fact that a wise grandmother has always solved all of the baby-related problems for a new mother. Thus, we are celebrating this bond with mothers and creating awareness by providing them a solution to take care of their baby’s sensitive skin.”

  • WPP Media and Indriya turn cinema ceilings into starry runways with ‘Aasmaniyat’

    WPP Media and Indriya turn cinema ceilings into starry runways with ‘Aasmaniyat’

    MUMBAI: Who said the sky’s the limit? WPP Media has gone above and beyond, quite literally, with a category-busting cinema ceiling activation to launch Indriya’s new diamond collection, Aasmaniyat, for Aditya Birla Jewellery.

    In a dazzling first, theatre-goers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad were treated to an overhead spectacle as cinema ceilings shimmered with celestial visuals synced to Indriya’s brand film. The campaign, timed during high-traffic screenings of Sitare Zameen Pe, was conceptualised and executed by WPP Media’s OOH Solutions and Mindshare teams, transforming auditoriums into immersive jewel boxes.

    By cleverly aligning the star-studded theme of the film with its own constellation-inspired collection, Indriya delivered an unforgettable “look up and wow” moment, a bold departure from standard screen-only storytelling.

    Part of a 360-degree media blitz that spans cinema, OOH, TV, and print, the campaign is set to run until early August, aiming to drive top-of-mind recall and emotional resonance for the brand.

    WPP Media South Asia, client solutions, Amin Lakhani said, “This campaign shows how media can evolve when creativity, insight, and technology unite. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in brand storytelling, not just reaching audiences but moving them. The ‘Aasmaniyat’ activation for Indriya reflects our focus on innovation that is bold, memorable, and drives results. It’s about creating moments that matter, where media becomes a stage for emotion and impact.”

    “As media consumption patterns evolve, the role of OOH has expanded from visibility to immersive storytelling. This campaign is a defining example of how we can reimagine traditional spaces like cinema halls into high-impact brand experiences. Our focus is on innovation that captures attention, creates emotional resonance, and drives measurable value. The cinema activation is not just a media first, it’s a category-defining moment that showcases what’s possible when creativity meets contextual intelligence.” said WPP Media head of media solutions, Ajay Mehta.

    Indriya CMO Shantiswarup Panda added, “For the first time in the industry, a brand has leveraged the immersive power of cinema to connect with a broader audience in a truly innovative way. Inspired by the vast, mysterious beauty of the cosmos, Aasmaniyat captures celestial elegance through exquisitely crafted diamond pieces that sparkle like constellations in the night sky. And what better stage for this brilliance than a darkened cinema hall, where Indriya’s diamonds shimmer and illuminate the ceiling with every frame.”

    With Aasmaniyat, Indriya isn’t just launching jewellery, it’s elevating the very stage on which it sparkles. And thanks to WPP Media’s innovation, the sky is not the limit, it’s the canvas.

  • Opptra names Afshan Banu as CEO – fashion and beauty

    Opptra names Afshan Banu as CEO – fashion and beauty

    MUMBAI: Opptra, the AI-powered omnichannel platform helping consumer brands scale into Asia, has appointed Afshan Banu as chief executive officer – fashion and beauty, bringing on board a heavyweight with over three decades of retail and digital expertise.

    Banu, whose career spans iconic names like Nike, Victoria’s Secret, GAP, Triumph and Lazada, will lead Opptra’s expansion strategy for fashion and beauty verticals, turbocharging digital transformation and franchise-led growth for international labels eyeing Asian markets.

    At Nike, she served as senior director for e-commerce across Southeast Asia and India, playing a crucial role in building Nike.com, the Nike App, SNKRS, and its marketplace muscle. Her previous stints at Lazada and Victoria’s Secret saw her drive brand development, strategic partnerships, and regional profitability in high-growth segments.

    Opptra’s co-founder called her appointment “a shot of adrenaline” for its global ambitions. With deep expertise across brick-and-mortar, e-commerce and digital ecosystems, Banu’s mandate is clear — bring the world’s best brands to Asia, faster and smarter.

    Commenting on her appointment at Opptra CEO – fashion and Beauty, Afshan Banu said, “I am excited to join Opptra at a time when the omnichannel experience is becoming more important. As global commerce continues to grow, Opptra’s digital-first technology and strong product solutions are well-positioned to provide the best experiences, both online and offline for consumers. We aim to help brands overcome infrastructure, regulatory, and cultural challenges by creating the world’s most innovative international expansion franchise model for brands.”

    As beauty and fashion brands battle for scale in a fragmented retail landscape, Opptra’s AI-led omnichannel playbook, now helmed by a leader with proven mettle — could be the edge they need.

  • Hit List to make its world TV debut on Zee Action

    Hit List to make its world TV debut on Zee Action

    MUMBAI: What happens when an ordinary man is pushed to the edge? Zee Action is set to unravel that question with the World Television Premiere of Hit List, a gritty emotional thriller packed with revenge, redemption, and raw suspense, airing Tuesday, 15 July at 7:30 PM.

    Directed by Sooryakathir and K. Karthikeyan, Hit List blends heart-stopping action with gut-punch emotion. R. Sarathkumar delivers his signature gravitas as a righteous cop, while Vijay Kanishka’s debut marks the arrival of a fiery new talent and possibly a future fan favourite. What unfolds is a labyrinth of lies where justice begins to blur into revenge.

    This is no cookie-cutter cop flick. Hit List asks the hard-hitting question: When the innocent turn violent, can the line between hero and villain survive the fallout? Whether you’re in it for the thrills, chills, or emotional spills, Hit List promises a gripping watch from start to finish.

    Don’t miss the action-packed premiere of Hit List, 15th July, 7:30 PM, only on Zee Action.

     

  • iCubesWire ropes in Shashank B. V. to lead influencer content sales in the South

    iCubesWire ropes in Shashank B. V. to lead influencer content sales in the South

    MUMBAI: iCubesWire has brought back a familiar face to fuel its southern ambitions. Shashank B. V. has been appointed business director – sales (South) to lead content sales for influencer marketing, with a laser focus on hyperlocal, creator-first storytelling that delivers both scale and substance.

    Shashank, a digital veteran with over 20 years of experience, is no stranger to iCubesWire. His previous stint as group head, South, saw him lay the groundwork for the company’s growth in the region. Now, with influencer marketing entering a high-stakes era of ROI and relevance, Shashank’s brief is clear — connect brands with communities, not just clicks.

    From past leadership roles at Hungama Digital Services, Times Internet, and Tyroo Media, he brings a sharp understanding of branded content and digital sales, with a network that straddles both blue-chip advertisers and fast-rising D2C disruptors.

    Reporting to Nishant Sharma, co-founder and chief business officer at iCubesWire, Shashank will drive native integrations, performance-led influencer strategy, and multilingual content monetisation, all part of the agency’s aggressive push into the southern market.

    As brands double down on creator commerce and culturally-rooted campaigns, iCubesWire is positioning itself as the go-to MarTech ally for brands looking to translate influence into impact and Shashank is back at the helm to make sure the story sticks.

  • Samsung Ads and Kantar reveal sharp uptick in purchase intent from big-screen ads

    Samsung Ads and Kantar reveal sharp uptick in purchase intent from big-screen ads

    MUMBAI: Samsung Ads, in partnership with Kantar, has unveiled a revealing new white paper titled ‘Beyond Awareness’, which lays bare the rising clout of Connected TV (CTV) as a performance-driven advertising channel.

    The study, based on over 100 brand lift studies across Samsung Smart TVs, shows that Gen Z viewers, often written off as ad-averse, are in fact proving to be highly engaged and responsive on the big screen. In fact, brand favorability jumped by 9.1 per cent, while purchase intent surged by 8.5 per cent among 18–24-year-olds exposed to ads on CTV.

    The findings challenge long-held assumptions about upper-funnel fluff, revealing that CTV is driving real business impact across the funnel from awareness to action.

    Sharing her insights, Samsung Ads India head, insights and client solutions, Bhavna Saincher said, “The ‘Beyond Awareness’ study emphasises the growing importance of Connected TVs as a pivotal touch point for driving awareness and consideration, all while amplifying visibility and generating positive outcomes for brands engaging with their audience on the big screen. I am confident that the high engagement of the Gen Z signals a major opportunity for brands seeking impact with a digitally-native, decision-ready audience.”

    Among the standout stats:

    . 7.9 per cent average uplift in consideration across verticals from auto to apparel, tech to home solutions.

    . Twice the impact when audiences are reached four or more times, making a strong case for strategic frequency.

    . Strong performance across age groups from Gen Z to the 35+ bracket – confirming CTV’s broad appeal.

    With CTV ad engagement soaring and ROI metrics now in full view, Samsung and Kantar’s report doesn’t just hint at the future of TV advertising, it spells it out: performance lives on the big screen.

     

  • Bipasha, Sania and Ravi Kishan front Protinex’s new campaign

    Bipasha, Sania and Ravi Kishan front Protinex’s new campaign

    MUMBAI: In a fresh digital blitz, Danone India’s nutrition heavyweight Protinex has enlisted a trio of household names — Bipasha Basu, Sania Mirza, and Ravi Kishan, to spotlight one of India’s quietest health crises: the daily protein gap.

    With over 70 per cent of Indian adults failing to meet their protein needs and 90 per cent unaware of it, Protinex’s latest campaign cuts through the noise with slice-of-life moments that hit close to home. From Bipasha balancing shoots and wellness, to Sania navigating motherhood with self-care, and Ravi Kishan sounding the alarm on counterfeit nutrition, each narrative champions authentic, informed choices in a world buzzing with quick fixes.

    Wrapped in relatable storytelling and by the brand’s 65-year-old legacy, the campaign nudges Indians to stop sleepwalking through their diets and start reading the fine print, especially when it comes to protein.

    More than just a star-powered health plug, the campaign aligns with Danone’s global mission to democratise health through food. With a sharp focus on authenticity, accessibility, and awareness, Protinex is doubling down on its promise to make protein-packed living an everyday, no-fuss habit across Indian households.

    Because when it comes to health, shortcuts don’t cut it and protein isn’t optional, it’s essential.

  • Aisle unlocks free premium features for women

    Aisle unlocks free premium features for women

    MUMBAI: Swiping just got a little more serious (and a lot more empowering) for women on Aisle, India’s dating app built for meaningful relationships. The platform has rolled out free access to its premium features for all verified women users this July, a bold move to encourage safer, more intentional matchmaking in a space too often dominated by casual swipes.

    As part of the ‘Free Premium for Women’ initiative, women across India and the NRI diaspora will enjoy key paid features such as ‘See Who Likes You’, unlimited likes, daily comment privileges, and advanced lifestyle filters for free, post verification.

    This isn’t your average dating freebie. The goal is to give women more control in a world where online dating still has its share of red flags. By offering premium access and putting safety and intent first, the platform aims to foster deeper, more compatible connections and let women make the first move with confidence.

    “With this offering, we’re making it easier for members to access meaningful connections without the usual barriers,” said Aisle head, Chandni Gaglani. “Our members deserve digital spaces that are safe, respectful, and aligned with their intentions. This initiative not only empowers women in India to explore meaningful connections with confidence in a secure environment but also benefits our male members by offering access to highly verified profiles, enhancing the overall experience for those seeking serious relationships.”

    Designed as an antidote to hookup culture, Aisle continues to carve out a distinct space for itself where intent meets impact, and love doesn’t come with a subscription fee (at least for now).

     

  • VIP gets a Multiples makeover as Piramal family packs up stake

    VIP gets a Multiples makeover as Piramal family packs up stake

    MUMBAI: After decades at the top of the luggage chain, VIP Industries is zipping into a new era. In a strategic shake-up that marks the end of an era and the start of a fresh chapter, the Piramal family has signed a definitive agreement to offload up to 32 per cent of its stake in VIP Industries to a consortium led by Multiples Private Equity. The deal will see control of Asia’s largest luggage maker shift to the new investors, triggering a mandatory open offer worth a whopping Rs 1,437.78 crore for an additional 26 per cent stake at Rs 388 per share.

    While the sale hands over the reins, it’s not a full goodbye, the Piramal family will remain shareholders, with Dilip Piramal stepping into the role of chairman emeritus. “This is a pivotal moment for VIP. With Multiples stepping in, we’re setting the wheels in motion to reclaim our leadership in the Indian luggage market,” said Piramal.

    Multiples, known for backing big-name disruptors like Delhivery, Licious, and Dream Sports, now adds another heavyweight to its portfolio. “We see enormous potential in VIP’s legacy and brand value,” said Multiples founder and CEO Renuka Ramnath. “This is not just a transaction, it’s a transformation play.”

    As per the open offer filing, Multiples and co-investors including Samvibhag Securities, Mithun and Siddhartha Sacheti, will collectively acquire up to 4.54 crore shares, translating to a 31.89 per cent stake. If fully subscribed, the open offer alone could cost them over Rs 1,437 crore in cash.

    The deal values VIP Industries at more than Rs 5,500 crore and includes a shareholder agreement that allows Multiples to take over management control. It is subject to approval from the Competition Commission of India and will be executed in line with SEBI’s takeover code. Legal advisors on the deal include AZB & Partners for the Piramal family, and Khaitan & Co for Multiples.

    Founded in 1971, VIP Industries has sold over 100 million pieces of luggage and commands a presence in 45 countries. Its brands VIP, Skybags, Carlton, Aristocrat, and Caprese are household names. But the past few years haven’t been baggage-free, with stiff competition and changing travel habits weighing down growth.

    This strategic sale could help VIP travel light again. With Multiples now in the driving seat and a fresh burst of private equity fuel, the legacy brand is gearing up for its next long-haul flight.