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  • Cushman taps retail ace Sona Aggarwal to lead APAC’s shopfront strategy

    Cushman taps retail ace Sona Aggarwal to lead APAC’s shopfront strategy

    MUMBAI: She’s opened stores, managed cross-border teams, and built brands now she’s opening new doors for Cushman & Wakefield. Cushman & Wakefield has appointed retail veteran Sona Aggarwal as managing director, head of retail sales and strategy, Asia Pacific, in a move that signals the real estate giant’s intensified focus on the region’s fast-evolving consumer landscape. Based in Singapore, Sona steps into a newly created role aimed at boosting retail growth across markets and connecting global clients with on-ground insights and solutions.

    Sona brings over 25 years of experience in brand management and retail operations, having launched and scaled 200 plus stores across APAC and led cross-functional teams of 1,300 plus people. Her portfolio spans everything from beauty and apparel to healthcare, home furnishings, and watches, with deep expertise in tailoring go-to-market strategies for diverse local markets.

    “This is a significant appointment for our retail business in Asia Pacific,” said Tenant Representation chief executive for India and SEA & APAC Anshul Jain. “Sona brings a client-side view sharpened by years at iconic global retail brands giving us the edge we need to evolve with the times.”

    In her new role, Sona will spearhead Cushman & Wakefield’s APAC retail strategy, working closely with local teams to expand client partnerships and integrate the firm’s global retail insights with local execution. The focus: to unlock growth in both mature and emerging markets, and build a sustainable, future-ready retail platform.

    “Retail has never been more dynamic,” Sona said. “Demographically and psychographically, the APAC region is undergoing a seismic shift. With a rising middle class, young digital natives, and a booming appetite for global and homegrown brands, this market is ripe with opportunity.”

    She also pointed to outbound momentum: “The Western world is discovering Asia in new ways whether it’s in health and beauty, wellness, hospitality or F&B. At the same time, we’re seeing a tech-driven surge in categories like Auto and EV, and a growing need for differentiated luxury and financial experiences to match the rise of high-net-worth consumers.”

    Sona’s mission? To stitch together Cushman & Wakefield’s operational scale, talent and data insights with local understanding to deliver retail strategies that are not just globally informed but culturally attuned.

    As the lines between physical and digital retail blur, and consumption patterns evolve at warp speed, Cushman & Wakefield is betting on leaders who understand both the shop floor and the boardroom. And in Sona Aggarwal, they’ve found someone who’s fluent in both.

  • Symphonies Life ditches plain sleep pitch, rebrands bedtime as a lifestyle with Volume

    Symphonies Life ditches plain sleep pitch, rebrands bedtime as a lifestyle with Volume

    MUMBAI: Sleep is no longer just something you fall into. It’s now something you buy into. Symphonies Life has unveiled a fresh brand identity that signals a shift from product to philosophy—from mattress to mindful ritual. And leading the rebranding charge is creative agency Volume.

    Announced on 23 June 2025, the overhaul is built on the narrative of ‘engineering better sleep for a more conscious lifestyle’. From wave-like visual metaphors to motion-inspired branding that breathes rhythm and calm, the identity leans into the science and soul of sleep.

    Volume created a modern, minimalistic visual language that reflects stillness and serenity, anchoring the brand in experiences rather than just specifications. Across POS displays, social content, packaging, influencer kits, and experience zones, Symphonies Life now speaks in a consistent tone of calm.

    “We wanted to go beyond just being another mattress in the market. With Volume, we were able to build a brand that speaks to a more conscious, wellness-focused consumer”, said Symphonies Life CEO Shivans Agarwaal. “Sleep is personal, emotional, and essential, and our new identity finally does justice to that philosophy”.

    “Symphonies Life is no longer just a product you buy, it’s a ritual you invest in. Our role was to balance commercial intent with emotional resonance. Every element, from brand voice to visual rhythm, was crafted to elevate sleep into the lifestyle space”, added Volume brand director Rishabh Srivastava.

    The D2C strategy ties together intuitive packaging with immersive storytelling, reinforcing the brand’s push to carve out space in the wellness economy. With a design-led, emotionally charged refresh, Symphonies Life is positioning itself as a serious player in the premium sleep market.

  • Startupbootcamp India charges up climate tech with new pre-accelerator for energy startups

    Startupbootcamp India charges up climate tech with new pre-accelerator for energy startups

    MUMBAI: Climate tech is having a startup moment, and Startupbootcamp India (SBC India) is making sure the power surge is real. The new joint venture between Startupbootcamp Australia and BRK Ventures launched its first pre-accelerator programme for clean energy startups on 23 June 2025, with a full charge of ambition and international firepower.

    The three-month programme kicks off in August and targets early-stage founders working across six high-impact domains: AI-driven energy systems, smart grids, renewable integration, next-gen storage, green hydrogen, decarbonisation, and blockchain-enabled decentralised markets.

    Only 12 startups will be selected from over 300 expected applications. Startups at the idea, MVP, or pre-revenue stage can apply until 31 July.

    “We’re excited to partner with BRK Ventures to launch Startupbootcamp India and support the next wave of climate tech innovation. India has the talent, urgency, and scale to drive impactful climate solutions that resonate both locally and globally. By backing early-stage founders in energy transition sectors, we aim to foster commercially viable ventures that accelerate decarbonisation and create meaningful international collaboration opportunities”, said Startupbootcamp Australia CEO Trevor Townsend.

    “India’s energy transition needs a 360 degrees approach to battle several problems like increasing pollution in large cities, flooding, climate change affecting agricultural produce and much more. We are keen to be a partner in finding solutions that can help India emerge as a powerful $35 trillion economy by 2047. Our belief is to support climate tech focused startups in their very early days with strategic partnerships like SBC Australia to position Indian startups solving India and global climate change problems”, added BRK Ventures managing partner Kamal Bansal.

    SBC India will culminate the programme with a showcase day in November 2025, inviting marquee VCs and investors to evaluate the cohort for early-stage capital and collaboration. The programme is designed to support founders with access to industry experts, market linkages, and global mentorship networks tailored to climate-tech startups.

    With backing from partners like Shell, Microsoft, AWS, Mitsubishi, and Bosch, Startupbootcamp Australia brings global experience to India’s growing clean-tech landscape. BRK Ventures, meanwhile, adds local knowledge and pre-revenue capital muscle to plug early-stage funding gaps.

    With tools, traction, and talent on tap, SBC India’s first run promises to energise India’s net-zero mission and fuel the country’s push toward climate resilience and inclusive growth.

  • Animeta helps Bassi scrub up a Bronze Lion for Garnier with viral facewash showdown

    Animeta helps Bassi scrub up a Bronze Lion for Garnier with viral facewash showdown

    MUMBAI: A facewash, a punchline, and 400 million views later, influencer marketing got its Cannes moment. Animeta Brandstar, the influencer engine behind some of India’s most viral campaigns, struck gold—or rather, Bronze—with its collaboration on the ‘Bassi vs Garnier Men Facewash’ campaign. The effort earned a Bronze Lion at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

    The spark? Comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi casually dropped a satirical clip online poking fun at men’s skincare. What followed was a masterclass in agile brand storytelling. Garnier, alongside its agency Publicis Groupe, saw an opening and ran with it. Animeta swooped in to power the influencer machine—fast.

    Animeta’s key move was getting Bassi on board with remarkable speed to ride the viral wave. The campaign went further when fellow comedian and Bassi’s close friend Harsh Gujral entered the frame, adding layers of relatability and momentum.

    The campaign crescendoed with Bassi trying a men’s facewash on camera for the first time—a moment of comic catharsis for his fans. Animeta handled the nuts and bolts: from coordinating the DVC shoot and syncing influencer content, to managing creator interactions with Garnier brand ambassador John Abraham.

    The result? More than 400 million views tracked across Bassi’s Instagram and Youtube channels, all measured via Animeta Brandstar’s analytics platform. It was moment marketing done right—spontaneous, sharp, and scalable.

    “We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this groundbreaking campaign that resonated so deeply with audiences and garnered international recognition at Cannes”, said Branded Content and Creator Strategy SVP Vishu Ray. “This win underscores the power of authentic influencer collaboration and agile moment marketing in creating truly memorable and effective advertising”.

    For Animeta, the campaign wasn’t just a win for Garnier—it cemented the company’s place in the global conversation on what modern advertising should look like: quick on the uptake, creator-led, and built for scroll-stopping impact.

  • Moms rolls out Mother Dairy’s expansive OOH campaign in Lucknow & Varanasi

    Moms rolls out Mother Dairy’s expansive OOH campaign in Lucknow & Varanasi

    MUMBAI: Moms, the outdoor specialised unit of Madison World, has successfully rolled out a high-impact outdoor campaign for Mother Dairy, covering the key cities of Lucknow and Varanasi.

    The campaign spans a diverse mix of media formats, including billboards, unipoles, metro station branding, train wraps, LEDs and FOB facades — all strategically placed across high-footfall zones. The objective was to reinforce Mother Dairy’s strong presence in the region and engage consumers through a visually striking and expansive outdoor network.

    Speaking on the campaign, Moms VP – North & East, Prashant Mishra said, “Our strategy was to drive high-frequency and high-impact visibility through a blend of static and dynamic formats. Lucknow and Varanasi are key markets for Mother Dairy and this campaign ensures the brand connects with consumers through smart placements and extensive reach.”

    Mother Dairy spokesperson added, “This outdoor campaign, rooted in our Maa Jaisi brand narrative, is a step forward in reinforcing our presence in key markets of Uttar Pradesh. Through a vibrant and wide- reaching OOH network, we aim to strengthen brand visibility and deepen our connect with consumers in Lucknow and Varanasi.”

  • TRAI rings in Q1 with Rs 92,637 crore telecom revenue and rising usage

    TRAI rings in Q1 with Rs 92,637 crore telecom revenue and rising usage

    MUMBAI: India’s telecom sector is ringing loud and clear with growth in both reach and revenue. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its Q1 2025 Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report, offering a snapshot of India’s ever-evolving communications landscape. Covering the period from January to March 2025, the report reflects an expanding user base, robust revenue growth, and a surge in average mobile usage despite a slight dip in internet subscriptions.

    India’s total telephone subscriber base crossed 1.2 billion (1,200.80 million), with a 0.91 per cent increase over the previous quarter. Wireless subscribers (including 5G FWA) now stand at 1,163.76 million, while wireline numbers declined to 37.04 million, a drop attributed to the reclassification of some 5G Fixed Wireless Access users.

    Here’s what’s trending in the sector:

    ●    Mobile ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) rose to Rs 182.95 in Q1 2025 up 0.64 per cent from the previous quarter and a whopping 19.16% year-on-year.

    ●    Minutes of Usage (MOU) per subscriber also ticked up to 1,026/month.

    ●    Total wireless data usage during the quarter hit 59,447 PB, with average consumption at 22.19 GB per user.

    ●    Tele-density improved to 85.04 per cent, with rural areas seeing a jump to 59.06 per cent.

    ●    Internet subscribers marginally dipped by 0.11 per cent to 969.10 million, largely driven by a slight broadband fall.

    ●    Pay DTH subscribers dropped to 56.92 million, down from 58.22 million in Q4 2024.

    ●    FM radio still has its groove, with 388 private stations across 113 cities generating Rs 466.63 crore in ad revenue.

    On the broadcasting front, India now has 918 permitted private satellite channels and 531 operational community radio stations.

    While rural wireline teledensity remains low at 0.39 per cent, wireless penetration continues to be India’s telecom backbone, with private players commanding a 91.47 per cent market share.

    As India prepares for deeper digital adoption, TRAI’s indicators reveal that the sector is not just surviving, it’s thriving. Whether it’s screen time, call time or data time, Indians are clearly making the most of their mobile moment.

  • Canon India brings two power lenses into focus with new Cinema EOS Ambassadors onboard

    Canon India brings two power lenses into focus with new Cinema EOS Ambassadors onboard

    MUMBAI: In a move that blends art with optics, Canon India has rolled out the red carpet for two of the country’s most accomplished visual storytellers. The brand announced on 23 June 2025 the onboarding of Kiran Deohans and Sudhir Koushik as its newest Canon Cinema EOS Ambassadors, adding weight to its commitment to championing cinematic brilliance across India.

    With careers that span decades and formats, both Deohans and Koushik bring unmatched industry experience to Canon’s expanding creator community. Known for his iconic work in mainstream cinema, Deohan’s lens has shaped classics such as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jodhaa Akbar, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. His portfolio also boasts over 1,500 commercials and a membership in the Indian Society of Cinematographers. Koushik, meanwhile, has been the man behind the camera for India’s biggest unscripted entertainment hits, from Kaun Banega Crorepati to The Great Indian Kapil Show and MTV Hustle.

    “At Canon, we see cinematography not just as a technical pursuit, but as a cultural force. The stories being told today whether through a feature film, a reality show, or a digital series are shaping how we view the world. Our aim is to support and empower storytellers who are redefining these narratives. Kiran Deohans and Sudhir Koushik bring immense experience and creative integrity to the table, and we are thrilled to have them as ambassadors of Canon’s larger vision for visual storytelling in India”, said Canon India Imaging Communication Business Centre assistant director Vishesh Magoo.

    “Cinema is not just about capturing visuals; it’s about shaping culture, evoking emotion, and preserving memory. Canon has always understood that storytelling is as much a craft as it is a responsibility. I’m excited to be part of a brand that empowers creators not just with cutting-edge tools, but with a deep commitment to shaping the future of Indian cinema”, said Deohans.

    “What sets Canon apart is not just its products, but its purpose. The brand truly believes in elevating the art of cinematography not just through innovation, but by creating a platform for collaboration and creativity. As someone who has seen this industry evolve from analog to digital, it’s heartening to partner with a brand that evolves with us, not just for us”, added Koushik.

    Through its Cinema EOS Ambassador Program, Canon has created a talent-powered platform that brings together filmmakers, cinematographers, and content creators under a shared mission of visual mastery. Ambassadors serve as product consultants, mentors, and evangelists, offering insights and support across genres, languages, and screens big and small.

    With Deohans and Koushik stepping into ambassadorial roles, Canon is banking on creative synergy to not only advance its cinema product line but also help foster a more collaborative, craft-driven industry narrative.

  • Nick and Sonic join PM Modi in Vizag to promote yoga for children

    Nick and Sonic join PM Modi in Vizag to promote yoga for children

    MUMBAI: What do Chikoo, Bunty, Bittu, and over 3 lakh people have in common? On 21 June in Vizag, they all bent it like Bhujangasana at one of the country’s largest Yoga Day celebrations. India’s favourite kids’ entertainment channels, Nick and Sonic, traded cartoons for calming breaths as they joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of AYUSH, and a sea of yoga enthusiasts at R.K. Beach, Vizag. With toons like Nick’s Chikoo and Bunty and Sonic’s Bittu performing yoga on-ground, the channels brought their flagship wellness campaign Yogasehihoga to life proving that health and humour can share the same mat.

    The event, also graced by union ministers, CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM K. Pawan Kalyan, and civil aviation minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, saw PM Modi call yoga “the pause button humanity needs to breathe, balance, and become whole again.”

    The Nick and Sonic mascots more often found caught in madcap adventures guided children through basic asanas, encouraging them to make wellness a fun habit. Their mission: making yoga as cool as cartoons.

    This isn’t their first yogic rodeo. In 2019, Motlu and Patlu performed yoga with the PM in Ranchi. In Mumbai, the duo co-hosted Yoga by the Bay, and during the pandemic, the network rolled out digital yoga sessions for kids across the country.

    From reaching millions online to receiving thousands of contest entries, Nick and Sonic’s campaigns continue to make yoga accessible, exciting, and age-appropriate ensuring every child learns to stretch, breathe, and maybe even touch their toes without losing their smile.

    After all, wellness isn’t just for grown-ups with calendars, it’s also for kids with cartoons.

  • Prime Video adds a reel treat with NFDC’s ‘Cinemas of India’ for just Rs 199 a year

    Prime Video adds a reel treat with NFDC’s ‘Cinemas of India’ for just Rs 199 a year

    MUMBAI: Prime Video India has rolled out the red carpet for film buffs, announcing the launch of ‘NFDC – Cinemas of India’ as an add-on subscription, priced at just Rs 199 per year. The collection is a goldmine of Indian cinema, featuring landmark films by the likes of Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Mira Nair, Kalpana Lajmi, and more.

    The newly added bouquet includes cinematic heavyweights like Gandhi, Mirch Masala, Rudaali, Salaam Bombay!, Agantuk, and Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda — all carefully curated by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), known for nurturing India’s parallel cinema movement.

    Part of Amazon’s growing video entertainment marketplace, the service provides frictionless access to over a hundred critically acclaimed films across 12 Indian languages — from Bioscope (Malayalam) to Parinamam (Malayalam), Percy (Gujarati) to Qissa (Punjabi).

    Many of the titles boast honours from Cannes, Venice, Toronto and the National Awards, making the NFDC channel a veritable masterclass in Indian storytelling.

    “NFDC has been the cornerstone of India’s finest cinema, nurturing path-breaking films for decades. We’re excited to announce NFDC – Cinemas of India as our newest add-on subscription, featuring an exclusively curated collection of cinematic masterpieces,” said Prime Video head of marketplace (add-on subscriptions and movie rentals), Gaurav Bhasin. “The collection showcases the rich heritage of Indian cinema across our linguistically diverse entertainment industry. Whether you’re a cinephile or just beginning to explore Indian cinema, NFDC’s catalogue offers an unparalleled window into our country’s most acclaimed and culturally significant films. Through add-on subscriptions like these, we continue our commitment at Prime Video to super-serve customers with more of what they love, all in one place.”

    “We are thrilled to collaborate with Prime Video to make NFDC’s rich collection of movies accessible to a wider audience. For decades, NFDC has supported pioneering filmmakers and impactful narratives that showcase India’s cultural diversity. With Prime Video’s massive reach across the country, we are confident that these timeless, thought-provoking, stories will reach and be enjoyed by new audiences, and enable us to take Indian cinema far and wide,” said NFDC Ltd MD, Prakash Magdum.

    For the price of popcorn, viewers can now stream decades of cinematic genius — all in one click. Lights, camera, nostalgia.

  • Ikea rolls out the rainbow rug with ‘Welcome everyone with Pride’ campaign

    Ikea rolls out the rainbow rug with ‘Welcome everyone with Pride’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Ikea India is kicking off Pride Month with a splash of colour and a bold message—everyone is welcome, starting right at the front door. Its new campaign, ‘Welcome Everyone with Pride’, reimagines the humble doormat as a symbol of allyship with the launch of ‘PILLEMARK’ — a rainbow-coloured mat that’s part décor, part declaration.

    Created by Leo India, the accompanying film puts the mat at the centre of the story — showing how a simple object can quiet the questions many LGBTQIA+ individuals face when entering new spaces: Will I be accepted? Am I safe here? The answer, in this case, is literally underfoot.

    Commenting on the video, country integrated media manager, Jayendra Gupta said, “At IKEA, we believe that a true sense of home goes beyond four walls; it’s about feeling accepted, respected, and free to be yourself. With PILLEMARK, we are encouraging people to take a small but powerful step to show that their homes are safe spaces for all. This film is an invitation to every ally, every neighbour, every family to open their hearts, their homes and welcome everyone with pride.”

    “The idea was to enable people to feel welcome even before the door opens. And with PILLEMARK, we got that opportunity. Our attempt was to turn the everyday welcome mat into an everyday movement for inclusion so India could turn their quiet belief into a visible sign of allyship,” said Leo India national creative director Pravin Sutar.

    The campaign is picking up steam on social media, with creators and community voices joining the chorus and showing off their rainbow welcome. Because at Ikea this Pride, it’s not just about opening doors — it’s about opening minds.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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