Category: Press Release

BC Web Wise appoints Chagas Ferdinando as the Senior Creative Director

MUMBAI: A leading independent digital marketing agency BC Web Wise appoints Chagas Ferdinando as senior creative director. Chagas will be responsible for planning and overseeing the creative brand campaigns for BC Web Wise.

He has been part of the digital advertising industry since 2003. Chagas began his career at BC Web Wise before moving to Law & Kenneth, Techshastra and then to Saatchi & Saatchi part of the Publicis Group. He has worked with brands across FMCG, telecom, insurance, fashion, reality, and entertainment verticals – BigBazaar, Idea Cellular, IDBI Federal Life Insurance, Steve Madden, Tata Value Homes, NEWish, to name a few.

Talking about the new appointment BC Web Wise founder and MD Chaya Bhardawaj said, “Chagas Ferdinando has to lead our creative team as creative director before he ventured off on his own a few years back and then did a few stints in network agencies. He has always been a part of our family, no matter where he was, we share a very closely-knit family connection with members like him, right from what he did for the brands we serviced, to fathering his twins. He has always been a designer who thinks out of the box, with a keen eye on branding and consumer connects, coupled with what’s trending on digital. He has always had really cool ideas that break the clutter in the market. He won a lot of metals for us in his earlier stint with us and we are all excitedly looking forward to more of such delightful work from him.”

Commenting on the new appointment, BC Web Wise chief creative officer Dinesh Swamy said, “The creative act is a responsibility, where the end-user gets to not only witness but experience ideas. It has become challenging to combine emotions and Call To Actions for a better impact. Appointing Chagas as the senior creative director will add a new dimension to our creative process and solve our challenges with his new-age design knowledge of storytelling. I have worked with him earlier and am excited for him to be part of the team and create magical work”

Speaking about his new appointment BC Web Wise senior creative director Chagas Ferdinando said, “I am super excited to be back in this fishpond after a decade to work with Chaaya and team. 2020 is a momentous year and brands will need to work harder than ever to provide value across platforms to become a part of their target audience consideration and stay there."

January 27, 2020
Coffee Culture Celebrates Republic Day with “Cup to a Cop”

MUMBAI: There's nothing like a hot and steamy cup of coffee on a cold winter day! To celebrate the culture of coffee with the spirit of the nation on the 71 Republic Day of India i.e. 26 January 2020, Coffee Culture has launched honoring the real heroes of the nation through the ‘cup to a cop’ campaign. Serving cappuccinos to the police officers on the road, the campaign pays tribute to the police officers who work day in and day out to protect our nation selflessly.

In India, every cop serves more than 800 citizens. Their constant efforts, bravery, and undying spirits largely go unacknowledged. This Republic Day, Coffee Culture is thanking the police officers of India across 20 cities and treating them with cups of joy as a gesture of gratitude.

Commemorating India’s Constitutional republicanism, Coffee Culture is celebrating Republic Day serving encouraging the customers to be a part of the drive and contribute to serving a cup of creamy goodness to all the officers present on the road on the 26 January 2020. The customers can contribute to Coffee Culture’s nearest CC outlets or be a part of the ‘cup to a cop’ drive and celebrate their day with the community of coffee lovers.

Creating elements of the local culture at every outlet, Coffee Culture is known for great coffee, delicious food and creating spaces for connecting with the local culture. With coffee as an integral part of our lives since forever, it’s one of the essential elements for meet-ups, get-togethers, business meetings and more. Striking conversations through their remarkable presence and representing true Indian coffee culture across major cities in India, Coffee Culture has earned a cult space in the heart of coffee lovers.

Nurturing the brand since its very emergence, Coffee Culture founder and CEO Gaurav Narang said, “A cup of coffee is a gesture of happiness, connection, and care. Our ‘cup to a cop’ initiative expresses gratitude and thanks to the heroes of our country for their service. Connecting to everyone with an endearing love for coffee, the campaign aims to gift the cup of joy to the people who serve the country.”

Contribute to the ‘cup to a cop’ drive with Coffee Culture by visiting the CC Outlets and celebrate your Republic Day serving the heroes who serve the nation.

Ever since its emergence, the cafes of Coffee Culture have been a hub for conversations, discussions, and expression of love for coffee. Crafting experience to brilliant brews and exquisite delicacies the brand has opened 22 outlets across 18 cities and is growing a strong network of coffee outlets.

January 27, 2020
Melorra’s Valentine’s campaign urges men to go beyond the traditional gift ideas

MUMBAI: Melorra, India’s fastest growing fine jewellery brand that’s making gold trendy for everyday wear has unveiled its latest Valentine’s Day campaign. Trending as #UpYourGiftingGame across all social media platforms, the campaign urges men to go beyond the traditional roses, teddy bears, and chocolates as gifts. Rather it asks them to celebrate the multifaceted persona of the women they love by gifting them something that will last more than a day!

The film featuring Swasti Kapur, Tamanna Sharma, Noyrika and Shaina shows how women are destroying the same old boring gifts that they get on Valentine’s Day every year. They demand #change and ask men to #UpTheirGame with the gifts they choose. With partner-in-crime Melorra, men can match the unique personality of their loved one by gifting them trendy and lightweight gold jewellery that lasts a lifetime just like their love.

Commenting on the same, Melorra founder and CEO Saroja Yeramilli said, “Love is an emotion that must be celebrated every day. And what better way to say, that you care, than to gift her Melorra’s lightweight and trendy gold jewellery that complements her personality and can be worn daily? Through our Valentine’s Day campaign, that is carefully crafted to connect with the millennial audience, we ask men to think beyond the regular gifts, and as a token of their love, gift her something she can wear every day. Our new collection that features trendy interpretations of heart motifs is inspired by the latest fashion trends and is made for the modern-day women. So replace the #cliched, and #untradition with jewellery that will become her go-to accessories, no matter what she wears.”

Talking about the campaign, Dentsu India Slingshot VP head of business Kunal Dubey and VP digital and marketing solutions Lucky Saini said, ” With this campaign, we wanted to break the communication codes of the category and yet deliver the brand message in a content/entertainment format. A musical treatment along with very dynamic and engaging cinematography helped us deliver a communication piece that’s not just fresh and engaging but also on point when it comes to translating brand strategy of everyday jewellery into creative execution. Initial response in terms of View through Rates is very encouraging and we hope that this campaign will lift both brand and business metrics “.

January 27, 2020
Godrej releases digital film ‘The Little Things We Do’ to Commemorate Republic Day

MUMBAI: Godrej Group has unveiled a fascinating digital film named #thelittlethingswedo, to commemorate India’s 71 Republic Day. When the 122-year company looks back at its journey, it is immensely grateful for the opportunities that have come its way for being able to play its part in 'Making India'.

Godrej wanted to share this story through the eyes of children as certain qualities like the purity of intent and a sense of unbridled imagination and enthusiasm in everything Godrej does, are things that it hopes to capture through #Thelittlethingswedo film.

Commenting on the film, Godrej executive director and chief brand officer Tanya Dubash said, "We are humbled and honored to be playing a critical part in our nation's 'Making India' story. The film, #thelittlethingswedo, crafted through the eyes of little kids is our tribute to India's seven glorious decades of being a republic and Godrej's partnership in the growth journey. The film not only showcases our innovations over the years but also highlights our contribution to building the nation."

"It's amazing the width and depth of things that Godrej does and makes, and the role they have played in nation-building over the last 122 years. The film endeavours to capture all of that in a tone and manner we've all come to expect from Godrej – with utter humility and childlike enthusiasm." said Creativeland Asia chief creative officer Anu Joseph.

January 27, 2020
Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Lizzo and many more global music icons vie for the coveted golden gramophone at the 62ndGRAMMY Awards, airing exclusively on Vh1 India

MUMBAI: “Music can change the world because it can change people.” – Bono (U2), 22-time GRAMMY-winner. Honoring music and musicians that broke records, made their mark and revolutionized the industry in 2019, on the biggest awards, the 62nd GRAMMY Awards airs on Monday, January 27, 2020 at 7:30am, exclusively on Vh1 India. Signifying the epitome in music, Recording Academy’s award ceremony will be held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, hosted by 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys.

“For the last 15 years, Vh1 India has continued to showcase and endorse music & artists that defy conventions, records and boundaries. Every musician aspires to win a GRAMMY, which is considered as thegreatesthonor and distinction in the world of music; and each year the awardsonly getbigger, grander and more competitive. In one of those rare instances where three artists are nominated in ‘Best New Artist’ as well as ‘Best Album’ category, this is definitely the year for young and diverse pop stars. Yet again this year, women are powering the Grammy nominations.” said, Hashim Dsouza – Head of Programming, English Entertainment, Viacom18.

Hashim further added, “While Ariana Grande, Post Malone and Lizzo have been incredible this year, newcomer Billie Eilish defines the new era of pop music with the right balance of edge and credibility which perfectly fits the criteria for winning the awards of ‘Record of the year’ and ‘Best New Artist’.Complementing the magical ceremony will be performances by a line-up of chart-topping artists includingCamila Cabello, Jonas Brothers, Aerosmith, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and many more.”

Seemingly impossible to pick favorites and predict winners in the most anticipated categories – ‘Record of the Year’ will seeHey, Ma (Bon Iver), Bad Guy (Billie Eilish), 7 Rings (Ariana Grande), Hard Place (H.E.R.), Talk (Khalid), Old Town Road (Lil Nas X ft Billy Ray Cyrus), Truth Hurts (Lizzo) and Sunflower (Post Malone & Swae Lee) contend for the top prize.

While, ‘Song of the Year’ will witnessa stiff competition as Always Remember Us This Way (Lady Gaga), Bad Guy (Billie Eilish), Bring My Flowers Now (Tanya Tucker), Hard Place (H.E.R.), Lover (Taylor Swift), Norman F***ing Rockwell (Lana Del Rey), Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi) and Truth Hurts (Lizzo) go head-to-head.

Interesting facts fromthe 62nd GRAMMY Awards:

Beyoncélooks to win her 24th GRAMMY Award, with nominations in 4 different categories

GRAMMY winner Ariana Grande is nominated for Record Of The Year (7 Rings), Album Of The Year (Thank U, Next), Best Pop Solo Performance (7 Rings), Best Pop/Duo Group Performance (Boyfriend) and Best Pop Vocal Album (Thank U, Next)

Making her GRAMMY performance debut, first-time GRAMMY nominee Billie Eilish is nominated for Record Of The Year (Bad Guy), Album Of The Year (When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?), Song Of The Year (Bad Guy), Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance (Bad Guy), and Best Pop Vocal Album (When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?), becoming the youngest singer in the history to be nominated in 4 categories

Also taking the stage for the first time, Lizzo received her first GRAMMY nominations this year for Record Of The Year (Truth Hurts), Album Of The Year (Cuz I Love You [Deluxe]), Song Of The Year (Truth Hurts), Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance (Truth Hurts), Best R&B Performance (Exactly How I Feel), Best Traditional R&B Performance (Jerome), and Best Urban Contemporary Album (Cuz I Love You [Deluxe])

Two-time GRAMMY winner H.E.R. is nominated for Record Of The Year (Hard Place), Album Of The Year (I Used To Know Her), Song Of The Year (Hard Place), Best R&B Performance (Could've Been) and Best R&B Song (Could've Been).

The album ‘In The End’,released by The Cranberries as a tribute to their late singer Dolores O’Riordan, who passed in 2018, has been nominated for ‘Best Rock Album’

Being recognized for their considerable philanthropic efforts over five decades and undeniable impact on American music history, four-time GRAMMY-winning band Aerosmith will be bestowed with the ‘MusiCares Person of the Year’ award

January 27, 2020
Prayanj Special School children enthral everyone with their spectacular performance this Republic Day!

Mumbai : According to the industry reports, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1 in 60 children in India today. Hence Growel’s 1O1 Mall in Kandivali in partnership with Prayanj Special School celebrated India’s 71st Republic Day in a truly unique way by spreading public awareness on Autism. Present at the event was popular TV Actor Gautam Rode, to encourage the special kids and support the cause.

The Republic Day celebrations commenced with a spectacular musical show which was organised by the differently-abled kids from Prayanj Special School. Along with the National Anthem, the kids sang Bollywood and patriotic songs. The kids also showcased their artistic talent by exhibiting handmade embroidered handkerchiefs and macramé art. The celebrations ended with the Republic Day Parade inside the mall.

Speaking for the cause, Gautam Rode, TV Actor said, “The kids were absolutely a delight to watch as they presented the Republic Day musical show. I am just amazed at the sheer talent they possess. These children with ASD need our care and attention along with daily encouragement. I am extremely happy to be here and spread awareness on Autism.”

Mrs. Namrata Chedda, Founder, Prayanj Special School said, “Priyanj Special School is extremely grateful to Growel’s 1O1 Mall for providing an excellent platform to our students to showcase their talents and put a spotlight on their abilities, thus supporting our cause. Our students are thrilled to be here and be a part of the Republic Day celebrations. We would like to exhort people to spread awareness about differently-abled individuals and help them find their niche in society. We urge everyone to accept them as they are and offer them opportunities as per their talents and sensitivities to make them contributing members of society.”

Sachin Dhanawade, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Retail & Real Estate, Growel’s 101 said, “Individuals on the autism spectrum need our constant encouragement and support. As a society we need to be more inclusive and help children with autism in becoming a functional member of the society. The Autism awareness campaign is our small step in this direction on this Republic Day. We thank Gautam for supporting this cause and a big thanks to Prayanj Special School Children for making this Republic Day extra special for us.”

Growel’s 1O1 Mall is committed to playing an active role towards the betterment of the society and surroundings they operate in. Over the years, Growel’s 1O1 Mall has taken many social initiatives like donating anti-pollution masks to Mumbai Traffic Police, engaging customers to support Solar Lamp donation to the tribal residents of the SGNP, workshops on the welfare of stray dogs, and also beautification of the flyover wall overlooking the mall entrance gates.

January 25, 2020
Gaana’s Republic Day Campaign Celebrates India’s Diverse Musical Roots

New Delhi: On the occasion of India’s 71st Republic Day, the country’s favorite music streaming app, Gaana offers every Indian the opportunity to rediscover and celebrate his roots with its campaign- ‘Discover India on Gaana’. The app has reimagined the Indian National song ‘Vande Mataram’ and will host curated playlists that commemorate India’s diversity and the vibrant mix of musical ethnicities that the country offers.

The 50+ curated playlists curated by destinations would enable music-lovers to enjoy popular native melodies from a region along with rich media cards featuring trivia about the origin of these tunes, popular genres & artists and much more. That way, users can discover and celebrate the classical essence of India by snacking on its indigenous tunes with a simple tap – exclusively on Gaana.

As a part of the campaign, Gaana also looks to uphold India’s cultural diversity by giving a native earthen twist to the one song that epitomizes India’s true glory- The Indian National Song. Gaana’s original reimagination of the National Song involves nine emerging singers- Amrita Nayak, Diya Ghosh, Subhechha Mohanty, Simran Sehgal, Aswin Ram, Jishan Ali Thobani, Ashish Patil, Sandesh Motwani, Antareep Hazarika and Illiyana Gogoi, who come from the length and breadth of the country to bring the flavor of their own roots into the talismanic song.

Prashan Agarwal, CEO – Gaana said, “In a world more divided than ever, as the largest music app, we felt it is upon us to revive our collective sense of camaraderie. Music is one of the few strains of humanity that has the sublime power to cut across cultures, faiths, and borders to evoke our shared sense of culture, folklore, and music. To that effect, we have curated playlists that bring out the flavor of our music and our people as we tip our hats to one of the greatest songs that celebrates our spirit of unity. This Republic Day, we invite every Indian to discover and celebrate the music of our nation – only on Gaana.”

With the campaign, Gaana plans to celebrate India’s heterogeneity while invoking the sense of fraternity that binds the nation and its different cultures with the same thread.

Experience the diverse aura of India’s music exclusively on Gaana.

January 25, 2020
Amazon Prime Video creates a Guinness World Record with an iconic LIVE performance of The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye, music album

MUMBAI: Marking the launch of much-awaited Amazon Original Series The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye, Prime Video successfully created a Guinness World Record for The Largest Indian Cinematic Music Band with an iconic live performance of the show’s album. The evening saw 1000 musicians from across the country coming together to perform songs from the series’ album, composed by Pritam. The operatic musical recital served as a prelude, as the country gears up to celebrate its 70th Republic Day.

Gaurav Gandhi, Director and Country General Manager, Amazon Prime Video India, said, “The Amazon Original Series The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye, its music album and this live musical evening is our humble tribute to the Azad Hind Fauj. The show endeavors to bring back to public memory, the long forgotten sacrifice of the brave Indian National Army (INA) soldiers. The LIVE 1000 band features musicians from across the country and brings to live the ethos of The Forgotten Army – a collective for all, bound by their common goal. We are delighted that the album and this musical event have made its mark in history by creating a coveted Guinness World Record for The Largest Indian Cinematic Music Band. We are hopeful that our Freedom Anthem – Azaadi, will strike a chord across the country, and serve as tribute to our soldiers – those remembered and cherished and those forgotten.”

Commenting on the grand musical event, Pritam said, “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to witness and be part this unique live performance with this collective of talented musicians, in memory of the valiant soldiers of the Azad Hind Fauj. This Republic Day, let's all take a moment to understand the forgotten history and the sacrifice of the Indian National Army. ”

Creator and Director, Kabir Khan said, “My first film-making project was a documentary by the same name – The Forgotten Army. More than two decades back I travelled with INA veterans, retracing their journey from the 1940s, only to realize that so few Indians knew of their struggles or their fight for freedom. Despite their valor, they became a foot-note in India’s Independence history. I vowed to tell their story to India and to the world. On the occasion of India’s 70th Republic day, the release of The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye, is my attempt to take their story to the world. The album from the show, today’s musical serenade by the LIVE 1000 band, all capture the very spirit of the Azad Hind Fauj.”

“It was a spectacular performance with the highest level of proficiency. It’s my great pleasure to be present here to be able to see and listen to the Largest Indian Cinematic Music band. A great way to mark the launch of Amazon Original Series – The Forgotten Army, and a tribute to the heroes of the past in the grand way of 1000 participants in the band. I would like to congratulate Amazon Prime Video on becoming Officially Amazing!” said Swapnil Dangarikar, Official Adjudicator, Guinness World Records.

The LIVE 1000 brings together talented musicians from around the world on a journey that they will undertake together. Musicians performing at the concert, hail from cities across the country – Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Goa, Assam, Sikkim to name a few . Some artists have even joined in from other countries such as Kenya, Malaysia and UAE. In the band are also members who are visually impaired and differently abled, united by their passion for music. The performance features an interesting mix of varied influences with artists who are well-versed in multiple genres of music from POP, Jazz, Indian Classical, Rock to Metal and Folk. The band comprises of over six hundred and fifty vocalists, two hundred and fifty acoustic guitarists, eighty drummers and percussionists, fifteen performers on varied string instruments, five brass players, one electric guitarist, one bass guitarist, one keyboardist and two sitar players.

The title track of Amazon Original The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye, has been composed by Pritam, featuring the soulful voices of Arijit Singh and Tushar Joshi with lyrics written by Shloke Lal and Kausar Munir.

Created and Directed by Kabir Khan, The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye features Sunny Kaushal and Sharvari as leads and release on Amazon Prime Video on the 24th of January 2020.

Amazon Prime Video has the largest selection of latest & exclusive movies and TV shows, Stand-Up Comedy, biggest Indian and Hollywood films, US TV series, most popular Indian & international kids’ shows, and award-winning Amazon Originals, all available, ad-free, with a world class customer experience. The service includes titles available in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi and Bengali.

To watch The Forgotten Army and the newest releases in Hollywood & Bollywood, the latest US TV shows, kids’ favorite toons and other Amazon Originals, please visit www.PrimeVideo.com or download the Amazon Prime Video app today and sign-up for a Prime membership only at INR 999 annually or INR 129 monthly.

January 25, 2020
News18 Uttar Pradesh – Uttarakhand’s Rising Uttar Pradesh Summit in Lucknow today; channel to also revamp

MUMBAI: News18 Uttar Pradesh – Uttarakhand has announced second edition of Rising Uttar Pradesh – state’s biggest platform for insightful discussions ranging from politics to popular culture. Scheduled for 25th January in Lucknow, the flagship event will showcase the work and initiatives undertaken by the Yogi Government in this august gathering of the biggest newsmakers from across politics, corporate, entertainment and sports.

Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh will be the Chief Guest at this grand event. The Hon’ble CM will speak on a host of issues – he will also unveil the refreshed look of News18 Uttar Pradesh – Uttarakhand, the state’s leading news channel. With cutting edge design, modern graphics and a compelling look and feel overall, the channel will aim to provide its viewers with a highly engaging and truly best in class experience.

The event will also be graced by the Deputy Chief Ministers of the State – Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma along with Mahendra Nath Pandey, the Union Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. Satish Mahana, Minister of Infrastructure & Industrial Development, UP and Sidharth Nath Singh, Minister of MSME, Investment & Export, Textile, Khadi & Gram Udyog, UP will discuss the need of bolstering development and employment in the state while Mohsin Raza, Minister for Minority Welfare, UP; Waris Pathan, Spokesperson, AIMIM and Acharya Pramod Krishnam, Congress will debate on the issues of the Muslim community in the state.

Apart from prominent politicians, stalwarts from corporate, sports and entertainment such as former cricketer R.P. Singh, leading actor Aparshakti Khurrana, Bhojpuri superstar and BJP MP Ravi Kishan, renowned actor Annu Kapoor, folk singer Malini Awasthi amongst others, will speak at the event.

With eminent personalities and insightful discussions focusing on relevant themes, Rising Uttar Pradesh is set to be the biggest platform that will discuss key issues pertaining to the overall development of the state.

January 25, 2020
ZEE5 launches ‘Republic of Entertainment’ campaign to democratise content viewing

MUMBAI: As India begins to celebrate Republic Day, ZEE5 takes a pledge to entertain the nation and every Indian with the best of content from across the length and breadth of the vast Indian subcontinent. Commemorating the day when the constitution of India officially came into force and the country transitioned to become an independent republic, Republic Day holds a special significance for every Indian. ZEE5 imbibes the essence of this momentous occasion to transform into a ‘Republic of Entertainment’ and entertain every Indian with content in 12 languages and multiple genres encompassing blockbuster movies, path-breaking original web-series, India’s most popular TV shows, live TV channels, latest super-hit music videos, lip-smacking recipes and fun content for kids.

The pledge, “This Republic Day, we pledge to entertain you, with no bias to language or genre, the best of entertainment – with the most variety and diversity, We are the republic of entertainment!”, will be taken by Bollywood, TV, digital and music celebrities. The pledge reinforces ZEE5 as the premier entertainment hub for viewers, without any bias to language or genre.

ZEE5 programming head Aparna Acharekar said, “Indian culture, often labeled as an amalgamation of several cultures, spans across the Indian subcontinent and has been influenced by a history that is dated several years ago. Many elements of India's diverse cultures, such as Indian philosophy, cuisine, languages, dance, music, and movies have a profound impact across the country and the world. At ZEE5 we believe that it is our duty to entertain all equally with content that has no bias towards any particular language or genre, content that celebrates the variety and diversity of India and its people! We have therefore decided to take a pledge of entertainment on this day and create a republic of entertain at ZEE5!”

With 125,000 hours of content / entertainment across 12 languages, 800+ top-rated TV shows, 4100+ movies, 90+ path-breaking originals, super-hit music videos, 90+ live channels, 30+ news channels, 3000+ hours of kids content, lip-smacking food videos, and more, ZEE5’s depth of offerings across content types, genres and languages is hard to beat and appeals to the viewer looking for a complete entertainment package destination.

January 25, 2020