Category: Awards

Raj Kamble takes the chair as ANDYs’ first Indian Asia head

MUMBAI: When it comes to big ideas, Raj Kamble now has the best seat in the house. The founder & CCO of Famous Innovations has been named the Asia Chair for the 2026 ANDYs Regionals, a first for India in the award show’s history.

Joining Kamble on the global roster of Regional Chairs are Yaa Boateng (Africa), Youri Guerassimov (Europe), Josefina Casellas (LATAM), Emma Robbins (Pacific) and Federico Fanti (SWANA), forming a jury line-up that spans every creative corner of the globe.

Far from a run-of-the-mill awards programme, the ANDYs Regionals flip the script: entry is free, with fees kicking in only if the work is shortlisted for the global show. And the track record is enviable 90 per cent of ANDYs-winning ideas later go on to win at Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, Clios and other heavyweight festivals.

“I’m thrilled to be chairing the Asia Jury at this year’s ANDY Awards Regionals. The ANDYs have always stood for fearless creativity and bold ideas. With 90 per cent of this jury having served as Jury Presidents at shows like Cannes Lions, D&AD and The One Show, we have the chance to not only recognise but also advocate for groundbreaking work from Asia. Let’s push creative boundaries together and make waves on the global stage,” said Famous Innovations founder & CCO Raj Kamble.

By design, the ANDYs are more than a gong show, they’re an advocacy platform for creativity, ensuring winning work doesn’t just get applauded regionally but also gains momentum globally. With Kamble at the helm for Asia, expect some bold ideas from the region to earn their rightful place on advertising’s world stage.

October 3, 2025
Television’s Biggest Night: Inside the Dazzling Indian Telly Awards 2025

MUMBAI: The stage was set for a glittering event, one of India’s most prestigious entertainment award functions in television. Organized by the parent company, Indian Television Dot Com and Tellychakkar, the event honoured the finest talent in Indian television, celebrating exceptional performances, groundbreaking creativity, and artistic excellence.

Hosted by Sandiip Sikcand, Jay Soni and Sugandha Mishra, this year’s ceremony was as dazzling as it was memorable.

Event Details:
• Date: 23rd july 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
• Venue: JW Marriott Juhu
• Tickets: By invite only

THE GRACEFUL SPONSORS WITHOUT WHICH THE EVENING WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE ARE :

Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers has been a trusted name since 1909.

Rooted in Maharashtra’s rich heritage and driven by a progressive vision, we are proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Indian Telly Awards this year.

This association celebrates the brilliance of Indian television, just as we celebrate craftsmanship and timeless elegance in jewellery.

We look forward to a long and meaningful partnership with this iconic platform,” said Ashish Pethe, Partner, Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers. “Partnering with the Indian Telly Awards is a proud moment for RENÉE. It’s a celebration of confidence, creativity, and the power of self-expression. Together, we honor the faces and stories that continue to inspire millions.”

Aashka Goradia, Co – Founder & CMO, RENÉE Cosmetics “At OTerRi, we get that life moves fast, and laundry usually gets left behind. That’s where we step in.

Partnering with the Indian Telly Awards means more than visibility for us.

It means reminding people that even in the middle of all the lights, cameras, and chaos, clean clothes shouldn’t be a worry.

We’re here to make everyday life feel a little lighter, one load at a time!

Behind every spotless outfit, there is a silent hero – We are OterRi” – Abhishek Sharma CTO & Manoj Wanvari COO OterRi

“The Indian Telly awards are not just about celebrating talent but about acknowledging the stories that inspire and resonate with millions. This year, they aim to make the event bigger and more unforgettable than ever with getting the best from the Industry under one roof and making sure they are acknowledged for entertaining millions,” said Anil Wanvari, Founder of the awards and parent companies.

Event Highlights:

• Red carpet arrivals featuring India’s top TV and music stars.

• Award categories, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Show and Viewers and Editors Choice Awards.

• Jeetendra and Shobha Kapoor together got felicitated and a sweet moment was shared between them

• Rupali Ganguly, Bharti Singh, Krushna Abhishek, Ankita Lokhande, Deepika Singh and many more biggies under one roof

• Vivian Dsena and Karanveer Mehra bonding on the red-carpet after the show.

• The Laughter Chefs star contestants sharing a winning moment with their awards at the red carpet.

• Shivangi Joshi recevieng her award and speaking on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.

• Karan Kundrra doing his boyfriend duty by collecting the award for ladylove Tejasswi Prakash and for himself.

• Akanksha Puri stunning the paps with her jaw-dropping look

• Arti Singh and Krushna Abhishek sharing the most beautiful sibling bond while the latter won and was handed over his winning moment by his sister

• Bharti Singh’s winning speech had everyone smiling.

• Deepika Singh ever grateful to win her second Indian Telly Award.

• The entire cast of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai having a lovely moment on stage.

• Team DKP along with the cast of Anupamaa and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai enjoying a family moment on stage.

• Veteran actor Jeetendra presenting the award to wife Shobha Kapoor, creating a timeless moment.

• Krushal Ahuja and Hiba Nawab dazzle together on the red carpet at the Indian Telly Awards 2025.

• Exclusive, star-studded after-party for VIP guests

• Asit Modi beams with pride after winning for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah at the Indian Telly Awards 2025.

• Dilip Joshi wins hearts and honours once again for his iconic role as Jethalal at the Indian Telly Awards 2025. • JD Majethia bags top honours, celebrating his contribution to Indian television comedy at the 2025 Telly Awards.
Other Celebrities hobnobbing with each other from the likes of Romit Raj, Eijaz Khan, Gauri Tonk, Hunar Hali, Sudhandhu Pandey, Shiv Thakre, Sarita Joshi, Dilip Joshi, and Shubhangi Atre to Tanuj Virwani, Nivedita Basu, Avinash Mishra, Khanzadi, Priyamvada Kant and many more.

July 26, 2025
Gail blows away competition with ‘Hawa Badlo’, wins big at afaqs! Marketers Excellence Awards

MUMBAI: When the air gets murky, Gail (India) Ltd knows how to clear the smog – not just from the skies but also in the marketing world. The public sector gas major bagged the ‘Best Content Marketing Campaign – Content’ award at the afaqs! Marketers Excellence Awards 2025 for its evocative and socially charged ‘Hawa Badlo’ campaign.

The award ceremony, held on 14 June at The Westin, Goregaon in Mumbai, spotlighted the country’s most impactful marketing initiatives. Gail’s victory comes hot on the heels of another recognition: its ‘Hawa Badlo: Reconnect To Roots’ campaign was recently honoured at vIDEA 2025 – The Video Media Awards & Summit in Gurgaon.

The ‘Hawa Badlo’ campaign, a long-running initiative from Gail, goes beyond a puff of publicity. It urges citizens to swap passive concern for active participation in tackling air pollution. Its latest chapter, ‘Reconnect To Roots’, spins a nostalgic yarn that reintroduces age-old Indian sustainability practices as contemporary environmental solutions.

Whether it’s yoga, upcycling, or the art of composting, the campaign nudges Indians to rediscover their eco-conscious DNA. The campaign invites people to explore organic living, waste minimisation, and support for local economies — not through fear or guilt, but cultural pride and grounded wisdom.

“Hawa Badlo: Reconnect To Roots is an impactful reminder of India’s rich culture and ecological heritage…” the campaign proclaims, with an emphasis on reviving practices that have been buried under urban chaos and modern habits.

One of its central themes is yoga — not the Instagrammed version with headstands and hashtags, but its original form as a union of self and nature. “Rooted in the Sanskrit word meaning ‘to unite’,” the campaign notes, yoga symbolises a philosophy of balance, harmony, and environmental oneness.

With back-to-back wins, Gail seems to be leading a breath of fresh air in both the environmental and advertising space. The ‘Hawa Badlo’ campaign has not only inspired conversations but continues to build momentum by weaving purpose into content, and culture into calls for change.

June 14, 2025
Muscle & Strength India flexes its franchise muscle with health and fitness award win

MUMBAI: Supplements met success as Muscle & Strength India walked off with the ‘Upcoming Franchisor of the Year – Health & Fitness’ award at the Franchise Awards 2025. Held at Delhi’s Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, the awards marked their 20 year of recognising excellence in Indian franchising.

With more than 1,000 fitness supplements across 42+ brands, the company has steadily grown its footprint through a robust franchisee network. From protein powders to wellness stacks, the brand caters to a growing health-conscious demographic seeking authenticity and value.

Founder Praveen Chirania said, “We wish to dedicate this award with our incredible staff & franchisees, who share our vision and are driven by the same pursuit of excellence… We are also elated that our commitment in the industry has been recognised”.

Currently operating in multiple cities, the brand is aiming for aggressive franchise-led expansion, leveraging its existing reputation for genuine, affordable products and customer-focused innovation.

CMO Akhil Mahajan added, “This recognition is not just an honour, but a reflection of the positive impact we’re making in the industry”.

The Franchise Awards are among India’s most prominent platforms for recognising scalable business models. With a record turnout of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry veterans this year, the event placed a spotlight on brands driving meaningful growth in niche sectors.

Muscle & Strength India now plans to diversify its portfolio with product variants aimed at specific wellness categories, tapping into the ever-expanding Indian nutraceutical market.

May 26, 2025
Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

MUMBAI: It wasn’t just the stars who shone this time, the fans had the final curtain call. The 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, presented by Maruti Suzuki, turned Mumbai’s NSCI Dome into a pulsating celebration of Indian cinema, where fandom met flair and the purple carpet shimmered with both glamour and gratitude.

This wasn’t your usual awards night. It was fantertainment, as Zee dubbed it, a grand ode not only to the cinematic hits of the past year but to the people who made them resonate: the audience. With a stage set for celebration, the night transformed into a carnival of charisma, dance, drama and dazzling recognition.

The purple carpet looked straight out of a Bollywood dream. Kartik Aaryan oozed old-school charm in an all-grey ensemble, while Ananya Panday stunned in a crisp white saree. Rashmika Mandanna and Tamannaah Bhatia set the black-dress bar high, joined by head-turners like Sharvari, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vaani Kapoor, and Shanaya Kapoor. From Tiger Shroff’s street-smart swag to Bobby Deol’s white-suited flair, the fashion parade was nothing short of fabulous.

And when the lights dimmed, the drama dialled up. Kartik kicked off the performances with Bhool Bhulaiyaa energy, while Ananya, Tamannaah, and Tiger kept the heat alive with high-octane dance numbers. Sharvari, Rasha Thadani, Jacqueline, and Vaani followed suit, bringing a fresh mix of grace and groove. The lively trio of Vikrant Massey, Aparshakti Khurana, and Ravi Kishan took hosting duties to entertaining new highs with sharp humour and seamless banter.

But the night wasn’t just about razzle-dazzle. It was about recognition with heart, honouring not just the big names but also the behind-the-scenes powerhouses: directors, technicians, debutantes, and everyone who made magic on screen in 2024. And for the first time, the event truly acknowledged the power of the public those who clap, stream, binge, rewatch, and believe in cinema.

The 23rd edition also delivered poignant moments: fan tributes, heartfelt speeches, and curtain calls that brought cinema’s emotional pulse to the forefront. In a world obsessed with box office numbers, this night was a reminder that cinema is, at its core, about connection.

So if you missed the magic, don’t worry Zee Cinema, Zee Tv and Zee5 are where the show goes on. Because when cinema’s brightest gather and fans take the spotlight, it’s not just an awards show, it’s a love letter to the stories that bring us together.

May 19, 2025
Business Today to host jury meet for India’s most sustainable companies on 16 May

MUMBAI: With the world watching corporate India’s green game, Business Today has announced the jury for the inaugural edition of BT India’s Most Sustainable Companies – Summit & Awards. The jury meet will be held on 16 May to evaluate the country’s ESG front-runners ahead of the grand ceremony in June.

Chaired by State Bank of India former Chairman Rajnish Kumar, the jury features a high-calibre mix of financial, regulatory, and sustainability expertise. Among them:

1 Reserve Bank of India former ED Deepali Pant

2 CareEdge Group MD & group CEO Mehul Pandya

3 HDFC Trustee Company Ltd chairman of the Board Vimal Bhandari

4 Deutsche Bank Group MD & head of ESG – Asia Pacific Kamran Khan

5 Corporate advisor Srinath Sridharan

6 IIFM director K Ravichandran

The awards, which will be handed out on 6 June in New Delhi, will celebrate Indian companies that have hardwired environmental, social and governance values into their business models. Companies will be recognised not just for adopting ESG checklists, but for delivering measurable impact through sustainability-led growth.

Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, Bhupender Yadav, will attend the summit as Chief Guest, adding policy weight to a platform that aims to bridge business ambition with climate action.

From carbon cuts and circular economy experiments to social equity frameworks and governance overhauls, the awards will spotlight companies leading by example. Business Today’s initiative signals an urgent and necessary shift: that the age of box-ticking sustainability is over, and real accountability is now the benchmark.

May 15, 2025
Goafest 2025 levels up with ‘Advertising Plays’ to spark camaraderie through sport and wellness

MUMBAI: Goafest 2025 is serving up more than awards and panels. The festival’s latest initiative, ‘Advertising Plays’, will bring delegates out of boardrooms and onto courts, beaches and walking trails for inter-agency competitions and wellness experiences designed to build industry bonds through play.

Conceptualised as a people-first property and curated by Havas Play, ‘Advertising Plays’ will debut this year as part of the revamped Goafest Village format. The programme features gender-neutral games including Chess, Carrom, Darts, Arm Wrestling and Net Cricket, alongside high-energy matchups in Pickleball and Table Tennis. Wellness activities like Yoga by the Bay and the Beach Walkathon will help delegates start their day with clarity and calm.

“The connections that move our industry forward aren’t always made in boardrooms or at award ceremonies. Advertising Plays offers a space for professionals to engage beyond the usual format. It’s a people first initiative which will enable our industry to build more connections and collaborate in the longer run”, said Goafest 2025 Organising Committee co-chair and Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi.

Havas Play India COO R. Venkatasubramanian added, “Goafest has long been a premier platform that unites the brightest minds in the world of advertising. In 2025, it takes a bold new leap by introducing Advertising Plays—a dynamic initiative designed to elevate the spirit of friendly competition among industry professionals”.

Inter-agency contests will run throughout the festival, culminating in awards for performance and team spirit. Winners will take home trophies and year-long bragging rights. The initiative aims to encourage participation across all fitness levels, offering spontaneous play zones and community-led wellness formats.

The 18 edition of Goafest will take place from 21-23 May 2025 at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon. The festival is co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC).

May 13, 2025
Abby Awards ropes in Francesco Poletti to judge young creative mavericks

MUMBAI: The Ad Club has brought Italian flair to Goafest 2025, appointing Le Pub Publicis Italy CCO Francesco Poletti as international jury chair for the Abby Awards powered by One Show. Poletti will oversee judging in the Young Maverick Abby category, promising an exciting touch of creativity seasoned with his signature boldness.

Currently Le Pub Publicis Italy’s CCO, Poletti previously showcased his creative prowess at VMLY&R and Jung von Matt. His quick rise at VMLY&R to the CCO role within two years marked him as a standout creative force.

Known for notable campaigns for global brands like Barilla, Heineken, and Netflix, Poletti’s award cabinet boasts multiple Cannes Lions, including Grand Prix wins, along with several coveted Pencils from D&AD and One Show. His iconic ‘Rocking Mamas’ campaign for Rolling Stone continues to resonate globally.

The Abby Awards, a cornerstone of Goafest, India’s premier advertising festival, will run from 21-23 May 2025, at the plush Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon. This annual event is a joint effort by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club.

With Poletti leading the creative charge, Abby Awards 2025 promises to spotlight groundbreaking ideas from India’s freshest advertising talents.

April 22, 2025
Ad Club names Deshpande, Chakravarty, Kamble and Khazanchi as jury chairs for Abby Awards 2025

MUMBAI: The adland gods are assembling—and they’ve got a brief to judge. The Advertising Club has unveiled a glittering lineup of jury chairs for the Abby Awards 2025 powered by One Show, naming four creative titans to lead key categories ahead of India’s most anticipated industry celebration at Goafest this May.

The new jury cohort includes Ashwini Deshpande, Ashish Chakravarty, Raj Kamble, and Ashish Khazanchi—each a bonafide heavyweight with enough trophies to sink a conference table.

Elephant co-founder & director Deshpande takes charge of the design category. A pioneering force in India’s design scene, Deshpande has spent 35 years building one of the country’s most respected independent design consultancies. With a résumé thicker than a Pantone swatch book, she’s judged Cannes Lions, The One Show, Spikes Asia, and LIA, among others. She currently serves on the jury for Singapore Good Design Awards 2025 and mentors start-ups via TiE.

McCann Worldgroup executive director & India head of creative Chakravarty will lead the Audio jury. The man’s got over 500 awards under his belt—One Show, Cannes, Clio, D&AD, you name it—and has chaired or served on nearly every awards jury worth attending. Known for blending big ideas with brand precision, Chakravarty brings sonic sensibilities and sharp storytelling instincts to the panel.

Out of home and ambient? That’s Kamble’s turf. Famous Innovations founder & CCO has made a career out of smashing boundaries—from Lowe London to BBDO New York to founding one of India’s most disruptive independent agencies. His awards shelf holds over 150 trophies including Cannes and One Show golds, and his agency has bagged South Asia Independent Agency of the Year nine times in a row. Now that’s a media buy with ROI.

Enormous Brands managing partner & CCO Khazanchi takes charge of the Direct category. He’s the brain behind iconic brand launches like Tata Sky’s Jingalala and Lenskart’s first major campaigns, with over 300 national and 50 international awards to his name. Known for his sharp eye on consumer insight and startup flair, Khazanchi is no stranger to turning simple ideas into scaleable results.

The Abby Awards 2025 powered by One Show will take place on 21–23 May at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon, as part of Goafest 2025—jointly hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club.

April 17, 2025
Abby Awards 2025 names Björn Ståhl and Youri Guerassimov as global jury chairs for creative clash

MUMBAI: Some festivals bring sun and sand. Goafest brings Grand Prix-winning creatives with awards baggage heavier than beach coolers.

This year’s Abby Awards 2025 powered by One Show just pulled off a creative coup—roping in two of the ad world’s finest to chair its international jury.

Grab your pens (or Apple Pencils): Björn Ståhl and Youri Guerassimov are headed to Goa, and the briefs better be brilliant.

Announced on 15 April 2025, the 56 edition of the Abby Awards will see Uncommon Creative Studio, Stockholm CCO Ståhl chairing the Still Print category, while Marcel Paris CCO & CEO Guerassimov will preside over the Integrated category. With a combined award count that would make Don Draper blush, these two titans bring enough creative firepower to light up an entire awards season.

Ståhl has racked up over 250 awards, including a Titanium and Grand Prix at Cannes and not one but two Black Pencils. Having spent 31 years in the business—19 of them at INGO where he turned the agency into one of Fast Company’s most innovative companies—Ståhl is now leading the creative charge at Uncommon Stockholm since January 2024. And yes, he’s judged Cannes and D&AD thrice each, because once clearly wasn’t enough.

On the other side of Europe’s brilliance map sits Guerassimov—arguably one of France’s most decorated creatives of this generation. With 2 Cannes Lions Grand Prix, 3 D&AD Black Pencils, a One Show Green Pencil, and over 40 Cannes Lions under his belt, Youri’s trophy shelf is basically a hazard zone. His career began at CLM/BBDO in 2004, and alongside his long-time partner Gaetan du Peloux, he has created campaign gold for local and global brands alike.

Entries for the Abbys are now open, featuring 24 Media categories and 23 Creative ones. Among the new additions this year are ‘Small Budget Big Impact’, ‘Sports Marketing’, and ‘Micro Marketing’ under the media section. It’s the kind of lineup that gives underdogs, outliers and niche geniuses a shot at gold—and maybe a selfie with the jury chairs.

For details on how to submit, obsessively check www.Abbyawards.com.

The awards will take place on 21–23 May 2025, at the plush Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon during Goafest—South Asia’s largest celebration of advertising, creativity, and beachside bragging rights. The festival is jointly hosted by The Advertising Club and the Advertising Agencies Association of India. If you haven’t booked your flight yet, now’s your cue.

With this level of global creative clout on board, Abby Awards 2025 isn’t just levelling up—it’s playing in the big leagues with Cannes-calibre judges and south Asian swagger.

Let the best ideas win (and the weak ones sweat).

April 15, 2025