Category: News Headline

  • Flipkart turns Big Billion Days into cultural festival

    Flipkart turns Big Billion Days into cultural festival

    MUMBAI: Flipkart has flipped the script on The Big Billion Days 2025, transforming India’s biggest shopping festival into a nationwide celebration of culture, fashion, and everyday joy. Moving beyond transactions, the event became a tapestry of storytelling, entertainment, and shared experiences.

    With WPP Media’s integration-first strategy, Flipkart became part of India’s most-loved shows, turning screen time into brand milestones. On Bigg Boss 19, the in-house fashion icon contest had contestants taking on bold style challenges, with audiences voting in real time, a dramatic runway powered by Salman Khan’s signature flair.

    In Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Flipkart threaded itself seamlessly into Gokuldham society over a three-day storyline. From Jethalal experimenting with denim to the Mahila Mandali debating offers, Flipkart became part of everyday life, blending humour, tradition, and relatability for millions of households.

    The South region saw emotions soar on Indian Idol Telugu, where the theme “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai” came alive over two episodes. Contestants surprised audiences with wishlists and magical product reveals, transforming The Big Billion Days into a heartfelt celebration that fused music, storytelling, and aspiration.

    Flipkart vice president growth and marketing Pratik Shetty said, “The Big Billion Days is more than a sale, it’s a tradition. With WPP Media, we brought that emotion to life across platforms and languages. From Bigg Boss to Taarak Mehta to Indian Idol Telugu, Flipkart became part of the cultural conversation, turning TBBD into a shared celebration of dreams, community, and everyday India.”

    WPP Media South Asia president-client solutions Navin Khemka added, “Cultural relevance is the new currency of commerce. By weaving the brand into narratives audiences already adore, we elevated a commercial event into a meaningful cultural moment, making every purchase journey an act of participation in India’s cultural fabric.”

    TBBD 2025 proves that Flipkart isn’t just about deals, it’s about delight, drama, and a dash of everyday magic.

     

  • Revenant XSpark levels up esports as Kaashvi Hiranandani joins creator squad

    Revenant XSpark levels up esports as Kaashvi Hiranandani joins creator squad

    MUMBAI: Level up! India’s esports universe just got a fresh spark as Kaashvi Hiranandani joins Revenant XSpark’s creator roster, bringing her signature energy, authenticity, and creativity to the gaming arena. Known for seamlessly blending competitive gaming, lifestyle content, and relatable vlogging, Kaashvi has become a defining voice in India’s fast-growing digital entertainment landscape.

    Kaashvi, already a celebrated figure in the esports community, will be sharing the spotlight with popular creators like Scout, Sensei, and Vanshaj, amplifying Revenant XSpark’s mission to strengthen India’s creator-driven gaming ecosystem. With her dynamic presence and authentic storytelling, she is expected to engage millions of aspiring gamers while reshaping perceptions of women in competitive esports.

    Revenant Esports founder Rohit N Jagasi said, “We are thrilled to have Kaashvi on board. Her influence, authenticity, and professionalism make her the perfect addition to our team. Her presence is a milestone in our commitment to diversity and will help define the future of esports in India.”

    Kaashvi echoed the excitement, adding, “Joining Revenant XSpark is a dream. They’ve consistently pushed boundaries in the Indian esports ecosystem, and I’m thrilled to represent the women shaping the next era of gaming in the country.”

    Her accolades speak volumes: Kaashvi recently won Gaming Personality of the Year (Female) at the India Gaming Awards – Season 4 and has been named fan favourite Lifestyle Gaming Personality at the GEM Awards 2025. She also claimed Streamer of the Year (Female) at the India Gaming Awards, solidifying her role as a cultural force in the country’s creator economy.

    Kaashvi’s content resonates with a diverse audience spanning Gen Z and millennials, connecting them through entertainment, inspiration, and engagement. From livestreams packed with competitiveness and creativity to lifestyle and vlogging content, she has cultivated a trusted and admired presence across major social platforms, becoming a key driver of conversations around gaming and youth culture in India.

    Revenant XSpark’s latest move not only strengthens its creator ecosystem but also highlights the growing influence of women in esports. With Kaashvi Hiranandani on board, the brand is poised to deliver new levels of excitement, engagement, and innovation, keeping India’s esports community firmly in the spotlight.

    This collaboration underlines a larger trend: as esports and digital content continue to converge, creators like Kaashvi are not just participants, they are shaping the future of India’s gaming culture, inspiring new talent, and driving the industry toward uncharted heights.

     

  • ITC Mangaldeep lights up Ayodhya with AR magic

    ITC Mangaldeep lights up Ayodhya with AR magic

    MUMBAI: ITC Mangaldeep is taking Diwali devotion to the digital domain as it launches Digital Deepotsav, an Augmented Reality (AR) experience that lets devotees across India virtually light a diya and be part of Ayodhya’s iconic Deepotsav.

    Through the immersive microsite at ayodhyamangaldeepotsav.com, participants can offer prayers to Lord Ram, contribute their virtual diya, and watch as their light joins a collective glow illuminating the holy city on 19 October. Each virtual diya corresponds to a real diya lit in Ayodhya, making the celebration truly participatory.

    The brand aims to light a spectacular 1 lakh diyas arranged in a special design to convey faith, positivity, and unity. Visitors will also experience the mangaldeep khushboo path, with 25 five-foot agarbatti sticks and 25 maha havan cups filling the air with a divine fragrance, adding a sensory layer to the spiritual spectacle.

    ITC divisional CEO of matches and agarbatti Rohit Dogra said, “Devotion is timeless, but the way we experience it can evolve. Digital Deepotsav blends the sacredness of tradition with the possibilities of technology. Through AR, millions of devotees can light their diyas virtually and feel connected to Ayodhya’s spiritual energy.”

    With this initiative, ITC Mangaldeep reinforces its pioneering role in making devotion immersive, inclusive, and experiential, showing that faith and technology can shine together to create memorable celebrations.

     

  • Gujarati greats shine at star-studded awards

    Gujarati greats shine at star-studded awards

    MUMBAI: It was lights, camera, and plenty of Gujarati action as Mumbai played host to the glittering Gujarati Entertainment & Gujarati–Marwari Excellence Awards 2025, a night that sparkled with talent, tradition, and triumph.

    Held at The Westin, Mumbai, the inaugural edition of the awards, curated by Bright Outdoor Media Limited, brought together the who’s who of entertainment and enterprise to celebrate creativity, culture, and business brilliance across 60 categories.

    The evening opened with a lively panel discussion on “Future of Gujarati cinema – building visibility & growth beyond boundaries”, featuring film and television stalwarts like Manoj Joshi, Hiten Kumar, JD Majithia, Ojas Rawal, Bhakti Rathod, and Abhilash Ghoda, moderated by TV9 Gujarati’s Chirag Shah. The discussion explored how the industry can take Gujarati storytelling to global audiences.

    The red carpet glittered with stars including Anang Desai, Rashmi Desai, Manasi Parekh, Manav Gohil, Urvashi Upadhyay, Hemant Kher, Komal Thakkar, and Sana Sultan, turning the evening into a true celebration of Gujarati pride.

    The evening’s top honours celebrated a mix of cinematic excellence and inspiring personalities. Manoj Joshi was bestowed the lifetime achievement to Indian cinema Award, while Hiten Kumar was recognised as iconic actor in Gujarati cinema (Male). JD Majethia earned the outstanding contribution to Indian cinema award, and Manav Gohil won excellent performance of the year for his role in Jalebi rocks. Rashmi Desai bagged most popular actor for Mom tane nai samjay, and Komal Thakkar was named Inspiring personality of the year. Other notable winners included Urvashi Upadhyay, Sana Sultan, Ojas Rawal, and Bhakti Rathod, who each took home major accolades for their outstanding contributions.

    The event also saluted visionary business leaders from the Gujarati and Marwari communities, recognising their contributions to innovation, trade, and entrepreneurship.

    Powered by Sejal Realty, with Zamin Pvt. Ltd. as Land Deal Partner and Malabar Gold as exclusive jewellery partner, the evening shimmered with style, spirit, and substance.

    “Gujarati entertainment and business communities have always stood for excellence and enterprise,” said Bright Outdoor Media Limited CMD Yogesh Lakhani. “This platform celebrates their contribution and marks the start of something much bigger.”

    Echoing the sentiment, CEO Mukesh Sharma added, “This is just the beginning. Our vision is to make these awards a marquee annual event celebrating culture, talent, and success across India.”

    With over 60 awards presented and spirits running high, the first-ever Gujarati Entertainment & Gujarati–Marwari Excellence Awards 2025 proved that when it comes to creativity and commerce, the community knows how to shine, brilliantly and proudly.

     

  • Behrouz Biryani stirs up festive cheer with return of the Golden Spoon

    Behrouz Biryani stirs up festive cheer with return of the Golden Spoon

    MUMBAI: This Dhanteras, Behrouz Biryani is turning tables into treasure troves with the return of its Golden Spoon of Fortune. Last year, the golden-plated spoons captured hearts across India, appearing in individual delivery orders and instantly becoming a symbol of goodwill, prosperity, and festive bonding. Families shared moments of delight, generating hundreds of social media shares and online chatter, the ultimate digital shagun.

    The Golden Spoon is not just a token; it embodies care, connection, and celebration. When inventory ran low for late-night orders last year, the Behrouz team went into full festive overdrive tracking availability across cities, sourcing from Genies, Ubers, and Borzos, and ensuring every missing spoon reached its home overnight. This commitment underlined the brand’s ethos of delivering joy as much as biryani.

    By popular demand, the Golden Spoon returns for 24 hours only on Dhanteras, October 18th. Each spoon is elegantly wrapped in a royal blue sleeve, emblazoned with the words: “A Golden Spoon, for your Khushhali and Good Fortune.” These spoons are designed to spread abundance and happiness, whether placed on festive tables or kept as a decorative reminder of prosperity. The gesture marries traditional Dhanteras customs where new utensils signify wealth with a modern twist of joy and family connection.

    Rebel Foods CMO Nishant Kedia commented, “The Golden Spoon is more than a symbol. It represents prosperity, togetherness, and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. This campaign honours age-old customs while creating new memories, reminding everyone that every meal can be a moment of celebration. We’re delighted to add a touch of festivity and meaning to the dining experience this season.”

    Rebel Foods brands comms & social media lead Divya Divakaran added, “Some campaigns start as marketing ideas but end up touching hearts. Last year, families unwrapping their biryani to discover a golden spoon created priceless moments of connection. Bringing it back this year felt less like a decision and more like an emotion we owed to our customers.”

    The campaign will light up digital platforms for one day only, covering Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi NCR. For 24 hours, customers can claim a slice of festive prosperity alongside their biryani, sharing in the magic of a tradition that blends heritage, generosity, and the joy of togetherness.

    In a season where every gesture counts, Behrouz Biryani’s Golden Spoon reminds us that it’s not just the food, but the thought behind it, that makes celebrations truly golden.

     

  • Bioderma teams up with Soha Ali Khan’s podcast to talk skincare & SPF

    Bioderma teams up with Soha Ali Khan’s podcast to talk skincare & SPF

    MUMBAI: Skincare and sunshine? Turns out, they need more than just good vibes to get along.

    Bioderma, the French skincare brand trusted by dermatologists worldwide, has joined forces with Soha Ali Khan’s popular podcast All About Her for a special episode dedicated to one of the most essential, yet often skipped, steps in skincare: sunscreen.

    In this newly released episode, Soha Ali Khan is joined by celebrated dermatologist Jyoti Aneja to unpack why sun protection is far from just a summer fling. Together, they bring a balance of personal experiences and expert-backed science to the conversation, breaking down the myths and musts of SPF in an easy, relatable way.

    Soha shares how Bioderma’s Photoderm Crème has become her go-to: a dermatologist-approved formula that not only protects but also keeps her dry and sensitive skin hydrated and comfortable through the day. “It’s about finding something that works with your skin, not against it,” she notes during the episode, highlighting the difference trusted skincare can make.

    Aneja echoes that sentiment, pointing out that Bioderma’s products are backed by years of dermatological research. With broad-spectrum protection and gentle ingredients tailored to various skin types, the Photoderm range reflects the brand’s commitment to skin health and everyday protection — not just cosmetic appeal.

    Speaking about the collaboration, NAOS director – marketing, ecommerce & modern trade Roshan Kunder said, “At Bioderma, we believe skincare begins with understanding your skin and trusting dermatological expertise. This podcast episode reflects that philosophy beautifully, merging real stories with scientific credibility to help consumers make informed skincare choices.”
     

  • ET NOW rings in Diwali with Muhurat Trading 2025

    ET NOW rings in Diwali with Muhurat Trading 2025

    MUMBAI: Diwali’s sparkle is set to dazzle dalal street as ET NOW and ET NOW Swadesh gear up to present Muhurat Trading 2025 – Samvat 2082: The Auspicious Beginning.

    On Tuesday, 21 October, India’s leading English and Hindi business news channels will go live from 1 pm to 3 pm, capturing the most symbolic hour of the year for investors, the sacred trading window that marks the start of the new Samvat year.

    Blending festive spirit with financial foresight, Muhurat Trading 2025 celebrates the confluence of faith, finance, and fortune, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi for wealth, Saraswati for wisdom, and Durga for determination, the perfect trio for a prosperous portfolio.

    ET NOW’s special programming will bring together market stalwarts including Nilesh Shah (Envision Capital), Sunil Singhania (Abakkus Asset Manager LLP) and investor extraordinaire Vijay Kedia for an exclusive roundtable packed with market mantras, trend-spotting, and investment insights.

    The grand broadcast marks the finale of ET NOW’s festive lineup Samvat 2082: Save, Invest, Prosper, which has been running all week with investor-focused shows such as Invest Gurus, Consumption Pulse, Deal or No Deal, and Funtastic Managers. Adding some sparkle to the weekend is Ultimate Snakes and Ladders on 17 October, charting the highs and lows of the market through the year.

    Meanwhile, ET NOW Swadesh continues to guide Hindi-speaking investors through its Samvat 2082: Savings Se Samriddhi series, a bouquet of shows that decode everything from SIPs to silver, featuring Rocket Shares, Corporate Connections, Diwali Special, and Personal Finance Special: Is Diwali Samriddhi ki SIP.

    As the markets light up and bells of prosperity ring, ET NOW and ET NOW Swadesh invite viewers to celebrate Diwali with wisdom, wealth, and the promise of a brighter financial year ahead. Because this Samvat, it’s not just about making money, it’s about making it meaningful.

     

  • Women’s World Cup hits record viewership highs

    Women’s World Cup hits record viewership highs

    MUMBAI: Cricket fever has turned into a full-blown phenomenon as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 smashes viewership records faster than a boundary off a power hitter’s bat.

    Over 60 million viewers have already tuned in to the first 13 matches across Jiohotstar and Star Sports Network, a staggering five times more than the previous edition. Watch-time has also soared 12-fold to a jaw-dropping 7 billion minutes, proving that women’s cricket isn’t just winning hearts, it’s ruling screens.

    The India vs Pakistan showdown on 5 October bowled the world over, becoming the most-watched women’s international cricket match in history with a reach of 28.4 million and 1.87 billion minutes watched. The India vs Australia clash wasn’t far behind, hitting a record 4.8 million peak concurrent viewers on Jiohotstar, the highest ever for women’s cricket.

    Television audiences have been equally captivated. The India–Pakistan league game has become the highest-rated in Women’s ODI World Cup history, while the first 11 matches together reached 72 million viewers, marking a 166 per cent leap from the last tournament. Viewing minutes jumped 327 per cent to 6.3 billion, underscoring the growing passion for the women’s game.

    “The incredible viewership for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 is a true testament to the growing interest in women’s sports in India,” said Jiostar head of viewership and monetisation initiatives – sports Siddharth Sharma. “Fans are embracing women’s sports like never before, and at Jiostar, we’re proud to be the platform powering this movement.”

    Much of the success stems from a unified marketing push by the ICC and Jiostar, supported by the BCCI. The ICC’s global ‘Will to Win’ campaign and Jiostar’s emotionally charged ‘Jersey wahi toh jazbaa wahi’ have together sparked a national conversation and brought fans closer to the women in blue.

    The matches are being broadcast in five languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, across Jiohotstar and Star Sports channels, with an Indian sign language feed introduced for the first time to make the game more inclusive.

     

  • Lacoste serves up festive flair with its new court of light collection

    Lacoste serves up festive flair with its new court of light collection

    MUMBAI: This festive season, Lacoste is acing the fashion game quite literally. With its new campaign Court of Light, the French fashion-sport icon transforms the tennis court into a stage of celebration, where elegance meets energy and the festive spirit rallies in full swing.

    The campaign arrives alongside the launch of the Lacoste Sleeveless Jacket, created exclusively for the Indian market. Designed for effortless styling, the jacket pairs perfectly with Lacoste’s knitted kurtas, signature polos, crisp shirts, or laid-back tees making it a versatile addition to every festive wardrobe. It’s sport-chic with a cultural twist, a serve that’s both stylish and seasonal.

    Rooted in Lacoste’s tennis heritage, Court of Light reimagines a festive soirée set on a tennis court friends and family gather under fairy lights, dining, laughing, and rallying through friendly matches. The visual storytelling captures the motion and joy of Indian festivity, blending it seamlessly with Lacoste’s understated sophistication.

    From iconic polos, shirts, dresses, and skirts to footwear and premium accessories, the campaign showcases Lacoste’s full festive line-up. The knitted kurta, already a hit among Indian fans returns this year, now joined by the newly launched sleeveless jacket, adding a modern edge to timeless celebration wear.

    “Festive moments in India are rich with tradition, emotion, and expression and Lacoste is proud to be part of that cultural rhythm,” said Lacoste India managing director and CEO Rajesh Jain. “With the Court of Light campaign and the new exclusive sleeveless jacket, we bring together the brand’s timeless French elegance and India’s vibrant festive spirit. It’s about celebrating refinement and joy with effortless sophistication.”

    Available across Lacoste boutiques in India and online at www.lacoste.in, the collection embodies the best of both worlds French polish and Indian passion.

    Because this season, fashion isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how brightly you play your part on the Court of Light.

     

  • Nutrica lights up Diwali with a dash of joy, love, and everyday magic

    Nutrica lights up Diwali with a dash of joy, love, and everyday magic

    MUMBAI: Diwali may be about lights, but Nutrica’s new festive film proves it’s the laughter that truly sparkles. With a blend of nostalgia, warmth, and playful mischief, Nutrica by BN Group has rolled out a campaign that celebrates the festival not through grandeur, but through those perfectly imperfect, joy-filled moments that define an Indian home during the holidays.

    The video captures the heartbeat of modern Indian celebrations, kids running barefoot with sparklers, parents sharing a laugh while tackling festive chores, and grandparents passing down treasured traditions. It’s the kind of film that smells faintly of home-cooked sweets and echoes with the laughter of generations coming together.

    What makes the campaign stand out is its gentle reminder that Diwali doesn’t have to be a balancing act between duty and delight. From prepping the kitchen to setting the table, Nutrica turns everyday moments into emotional fireworks showing how the smallest gestures of care can light up the biggest celebrations.

    “Diwali is about preserving traditions for future generations while allowing for enjoyable and carefree times,” said Nutrica by BN group director and business head for FMCG Sparsh Sachar. “Our goal with Nutrica is to honour both tradition and contemporary family life while making these festivities simpler and joyful.”

    In essence, the film celebrates the choreography of a modern Indian Diwali where everyone has a role to play, and the magic lies in the mess, the multitasking, and the shared laughter. Whether it’s the father teaching his child to light a diya or a mother sneaking a bite of mithai before guests arrive, Nutrica’s lens finds beauty in the everyday.

    The campaign now live across Nutrica’s social media handles, including Instagram and LinkedIn encourages viewers to relive the festival’s golden moments and share their own stories of joy and togetherness.

    Because in Nutrica’s world, Diwali isn’t just about shining bright, it’s about glowing together.