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  • Himalaya hits the streets: bringing cool comfort to Chennai’s sweltering summer

    Himalaya hits the streets: bringing cool comfort to Chennai’s sweltering summer

    MUMBAI: Chennai’s Marina Beach saw an unusual sight this July: not just sunbathers or cricket matches, but a Himalaya-branded truck booth parked amid the crowd, drawing traffic police, sanitation workers, and commuters seeking relief from the unrelenting Tamil sun.

    In a campaign more about care than commerce, Himalaya Wellness took its Aloe Vera Gel Face Wash directly to the streets with mobile Aloe Vera Truck Carts stationed at hotspots across Tamil Nadu. The setup was refreshingly simple—free face washes, a shaded spot, and a brief pause from the city’s heat. For many, it felt like more than a brand activation; it was a moment of genuine respite.

    The response was immediate. Traffic constables stopped in for a cool wash, sanitation staff cleansed away the city’s grit, and passersby lingered not just for a product demo but for a rare moment of connection—with themselves, and with a brand showing up when it counted.

    “For us, wellness is about how we show up in people’s real lives,” said Ragini Hariharan, Marketing Director – Beauty & Personal Care, Himalaya Wellness. “In Tamil Nadu’s peak summer, our booths became safe, soothing spaces. Whether a constable cooled off or a vendor washed away fatigue, these small moments made a big impact. That’s real connection.”

    For Pratheep Kumar, Media Manager at Himalaya and a Chennai native, the idea was born out of empathy. “Anyone who’s lived here knows how relentless the heat is. Marina Beach is where the city comes alive—so it was the perfect place to offer a moment of relief.”

    A short film capturing the activation showcases candid reactions—smiles, sighs, and thanks—from those who experienced the booth. The footage doesn’t just spotlight the face wash; it tells a story of care, comfort, and a brand living its purpose one face at a time.

    For Himalaya, the Aloe Vera Truck Cart is more than a marketing pop-up. It’s a real-world gesture rooted in the brand’s nature-first legacy—a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful brand moments come in simple, human acts: a cool wash on a hot afternoon, offered with empathy.

    To see the spirit in action, watch the campaign video here: 

    And if you’re braving Chennai’s summer, keep an eye out—you never know when a Himalaya truck might roll by, offering a much-needed pause in the heat.  

  • Glow and Lovely sparks a PIN-code power surge with The Glow Up Academy

    Glow and Lovely sparks a PIN-code power surge with The Glow Up Academy

    MUMBAI: Who says you need a ring light to shine? Glow & Lovely is flipping the spotlight with a movement that’s as local as your PIN code and as bold as your voice. Glow & Lovely, one of India’s most iconic skincare brands, has dropped a bold new campaign titled ‘Apni Roshni Baahar La’ (Bring Out Your Inner Light) and it’s more than just a slogan. It’s a full-blown movement to nurture 19,101 women creators, one from every PIN code in India.

    At the heart of this ambitious rollout is The Glow Up Academy, a creator-skilling initiative that aims to turn scroll-happy Gen Zs and millennials into full-fledged digital influencers. The programme combines structured learning modules, mentorship, and real-world content strategy to help women own their narratives, one reel at a time.

    Forget influencers peddling #ads for likes. This campaign is built on a deeper truth: authenticity is the new algorithm. Whether it’s Shehnaaz Gill, Jannat Zubair, or Chum Darang, the campaign film stars a powerhouse of self-made women rewriting the rules of influence from the streets of Shillong to the stories of Surat.

    “This isn’t just a rebrand, it’s a cultural shift,” said Hindustan Unilever executive director for beauty & wellbeing Harman Dhillon. “We’re not asking women to conform; we’re inviting them to stand out, to lead with light rooted in courage and individuality.”

    The campaign, conceptualised by Ogilvy Mumbai, leans heavily into a social-first strategy. Expect to see it on Instagram, Youtube, and just about every platform where real influence bubbles up. It will also hit the ground through regional content rollouts and local Glow Up Academy activations, making sure even the smallest towns aren’t left in the digital dark.

    Ogilvy India (West) chief creative officer Anurag Agnihotri puts it simply: “Every woman carries a light the world needs to see. It’s time she leads with it.”

    In a digital universe crowded with filters and follow-bait, ‘Apni Roshni Baahar La’ offers something radical: realness. And with 19,101 creators-in-the-making, this might just be the biggest glow-up India’s creator economy has ever seen.

  • AWL brings tech-powered tradition to Rath Yatra with Fortune and Alife

    AWL brings tech-powered tradition to Rath Yatra with Fortune and Alife

    MUMBAI: What do you get when a 12th-century chariot festival meets mixed reality and Kakara Pitha? A Fortune-branded pilgrimage into the future. In a dazzling collision of devotion and digital innovation, AWL Agri Business Ltd. (formerly Adani Wilmar Ltd.) is pulling out all the stops at Rath Yatra 2025, unveiling a seven-element campaign that transforms Puri’s spiritual carnival into an immersive brandscape. From 40-foot installations and live kitchens to VR bhog offerings and anamorphic beach content, this isn’t just festive marketing, it’s a full-blown sensory yatra.

    At the heart of it all lies the Fortune Zone, a monumental hub on Grand Road featuring three standout experiences. Devotees can cook virtual mahaprasad using Fortune ingredients in mixed reality, offer it inside a simulated Jagannath Temple, and walk away with a real sample of the same dish. Then there’s a live cooking contest where pilgrims pit their culinary skills against each other in crafting Kakara Pitha, Odisha’s traditional sweet treat.

    “We’ve evolved from offering just a VR tour to delivering a full multi-sensory experience that blends faith and food,” said AWL Agri Business Ltd joint president of sales & marketing Mukesh Mishra. “Our hyperlocal lens helps us engage meaningfully, and Rath Yatra is a perfect convergence of our brand’s cultural and culinary ethos.”

    Also in the mix is Alife, AWL’s personal care brand, offering a beachside Changing Station for post-dip refreshment and a fleet of Fortune-branded e-rickshaws to ferry devotees around Puri because comfort is the new seva. On Puri beach, a giant LED screen beams anamorphic content, giving digital dazzle to the devotional ambience.

    With brands like Fortune and Alife leading the charge, AWL’s campaign exemplifies the next frontier in festival marketing where participation trumps promotion and storytelling lives at the intersection of ritual and tech.

    This isn’t just a company showing up at a festival. It’s a brand redesigning the pilgrimage experience, one VR ladle, LED lens, and Kakara Pitha at a time.

  • Maaza celebrates everyday wins with new AI-powered digital platform

    Maaza celebrates everyday wins with new AI-powered digital platform

    MUMBAI: In a world obsessed with big wins, Maaza just hit refresh by bottling up life’s tiniest triumphs with a mango twist. Maaza, Coca-Cola India’s beloved homegrown mango drink, is sweetening everyday life with its new digital platform, “Meri Chhoti Waali Jeet”, an AI-powered celebration of the little wins that often slip under the radar. Whether it’s nailing that elusive recipe, finishing a book you started last year, or finally fixing that leaky tap, Maaza thinks it deserves a round of applause and a sip of mango joy.

    Developed by Ogilvy India, the campaign invites users to upload a photo and describe their proud “chhoti jeet” moment. In return, the platform creates a custom Maaza-style animated video, turning mundane Mondays into mango-minted memories ripe for sharing online.

    The campaign is a juicy follow-up to Maaza’s repositioning earlier this year as a reward for small, impromptu wins, tapping into a generation that seeks joy in the now. And who better to embody that vibe than real-life couple Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh, who lead the campaign with tales of parenting highs, creative pursuits, and everyday magic.

    “For me, teaching my kids a new dance step or finally finishing a painting is the real win,” said Genelia, calling the campaign “a sweet way to celebrate victories that mean everything, even if they look like nothing.”

    Riteish agreed: “Learning a football trick or nailing a dish at home feels like a gold medal moment. Maaza gets that. It’s about lifting spirits, not just glasses.”

    Backed by OpenX from WPP, the platform reflects what Ogilvy India CCO Sukesh Nayak calls “a digital ode to the ordinary.” It’s storytelling with soul and a splash of Alphonso mango. Users have until 31 July to join the celebration and get their tiny triumphs animated into Maaza memories.

    Coca-Cola director of marketing & nutrition category, India & Southwest Asia, Ajay Konale summed it up best: “As our consumers’ digital lives evolve, Maaza evolves with them celebrating not just the big chapters, but the small footnotes that bring happiness.”

    From mini milestones to animated mementos, Maaza’s platform proves that life’s sweetest stories are often just one sip and one small win away.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Mira Kapoor and Asian Paints turn travel memories into textured walls

    Mira Kapoor and Asian Paints turn travel memories into textured walls

    MUMBAI: When is a wall more than just a wall? When it moonlights as your travel journal textured, tinted, and touched by Rome. In a seamless blend of personal nostalgia and tactile luxury, Asian Paints has teamed up with lifestyle maven Mira Kapoor for its Royale Play collection bringing travel-inspired storytelling right into the living room. The collaboration is a masterclass in how walls can do more than hold paint; they can hold memories.

    Drawing from her travels, especially the eternal city of Rome Mira reimagines a corner of her home through Royale Play’s textured finishes, evoking colonnades, aged stonework, and sunlit patinas in an aesthetic that feels both ancient and intimate. “Every place I’ve travelled to has left a mark on me… and now, on my home,” she muses in the campaign film, as camera pans reveal elegant walls whispering stories of cobblestones and classical charm.

    The creative showcase comes at a time when décor is evolving from cookie-cutter colour palettes to expressive, textured statements. Royale Play, already known for its luxurious finishes, now takes on the role of memory-keeper, encouraging homeowners to turn walls into mood boards for their lives.

    For Asian Paints, this isn’t just a celebrity tie-in. It’s a design philosophy. “Décor is deeply personal,” says Asian Paints MD & CEO Amit Syngle. “It reflects memories, passions, and experiences. Mira exemplifies this how even a fleeting moment in Rome can be translated into something lasting at home.”

    Royale Play’s range of finishes allows homeowners to explore beyond trends offering textures that mimic everything from sandstone and brushed linen to metallic sheens and artisanal plasters. It’s a collection that invites touch as much as it commands attention.

    What Mira brings to the table is more than influence, it’s intent. The collab isn’t about recreating Rome, but recapturing a feeling, a fleeting sunset, or the hush of an old piazza. And with a touch of Royale Play, that essence now lives on her walls.

    With this campaign, Asian Paints paints a bigger picture, one where your story becomes your style, and walls are no longer blank canvases, but chapters waiting to be read.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Delhi High Court Orders Patanjali to Pause Negative Ads Targeting Dabur

    Delhi High Court Orders Patanjali to Pause Negative Ads Targeting Dabur

    MUMBAI: The rivalry between India’s leading Ayurvedic brands entered the legal arena this week, as the Delhi High Court ordered Patanjali Ayurved to halt all advertisements disparaging Dabur’s chyawanprash. The directive reflects the judiciary’s increasing scrutiny of advertising claims in the high-stakes wellness sector.

    The dispute began after Dabur, one of India’s oldest and most established names in Ayurvedic health, alleged that Patanjali’s recent campaigns not only targeted its flagship product, but also implied
    that competitors use inferior or artificial ingredients—claims Dabur described as misleading and potentially damaging to consumer trust.

    In its preliminary order, the court noted that while comparative advertising is allowed, it cannot cross into unfair or baseless disparagement. The judges observed that advertising should inform, not
    mislead, and must avoid statements that unjustly tarnish the reputation of rival products.

    The interim order requires Patanjali to suspend all negative advertisements against Dabur chyawanprash until further notice. The case will proceed for detailed examination of the ad content and
    industry standards.

    The legal intervention underscores the fierce marketing competition in India’s booming Ayurvedic and natural health market, where trust and authenticity are prized by both brands and consumers. Industry experts say the ruling sends a clear signal to marketers: fair play remains essential in the fight for health-conscious buyers.

    The matter is scheduled for further hearing in the coming weeks, when the court will assess the factual basis of Patanjali’s claims and address the broader issue of responsible advertising in the wellness
    sector. For now, both companies—and the wider industry—are watching closely, aware that the outcome could set the tone for brand battles in India’s fast-growing consumer market.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)
     

  • MIPJUNIOR 2025 Reinvents Itself with Global Premiere of ‘Ki&Hi’

    MIPJUNIOR 2025 Reinvents Itself with Global Premiere of ‘Ki&Hi’

    MUMBAI: The world of children’s entertainment is gearing up for a major reset this October as MIPJUNIOR returns with a sweeping new format and a showstopper world premiere to headline its reimagined edition. Timed just ahead of MIPCOM, the 2025 event promises a sharper, more creator-driven experience that blends deal-making with cultural momentum—turning the Palais des Festivals into a hub for the future of kids’ content.

    At the center of this transformation is the global debut of Ki&Hi in the Panda Kingdom, a 52-episode anime comedy adapted from French YouTube creator Kevin Tran’s bestselling manga. Produced by Mediawan Kids & Family’s Method Animation (Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir), Drawsome Studios, and Belvision, the series follows two endlessly squabbling brothers in a whimsical fantasy setting tailored to 6–10-year-olds. Its Canal+ launch later this year will mark one of the first times a true anime-style series has been developed natively for a young European audience.

    Tran, who boasts a following of 5.6 million online, has already generated strong buzz for the project, blending digital creator energy with broadcast-scale ambition. For MIPJUNIOR, the premiere is more
    than a debut—it’s a statement of intent.

    “This is a makeover with a mission,” said Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM CANNES and MIPJUNIOR. “Kids’ content is driving wider media trends. We’re giving creators, platforms, and partners a space to unlock new models and spark fresh collaborations.”

    The 2025 edition will debut the Gare Maritime as a networking and pitch arena, allowing creators and producers to connect directly with buyers, gaming companies, publishers, and brand studios from 60+ countries. With more than 900 delegates expected, MIPJUNIOR is positioning itself not just as a preview event, but as a launchpad for globally relevant IP.

    For Julien Borde, President of Mediawan Kids & Family, Ki&Hi underscores the shift: “We’re filling a gap with something truly original. It’s an anime with a caring, authentic voice that reflects real sibling dynamics—funny, emotional, and age-appropriate.”

    Programming across the two-day event will center on storytelling that travels—across borders, formats, and platforms. Sessions will spotlight the creator economy, hybrid production models, and the
    growing influence of digital-native stars. The shift comes as broadcasters, streamers, and IP owners look for new ways to cut through in an attention-fragmented market.

    But the heart of the event remains storytelling—refreshed, diverse, and platform-fluid. By turning Ki&Hi into a symbol of its new direction, MIPJUNIOR signals it’s no longer just about what kids watch, but how and where they engage. For those converging on Cannes, the message is clear: kids’ content isn’t just evolving. It’s accelerating.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)
     

  • Meesho files confidential IPO

    Meesho files confidential IPO

    MUMBAI: Meesho, one of India’s fastest-growing e-commerce platforms, has filed a confidential draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)—marking its first major step toward a public listing. The move allows the company to fine-tune its offer documents privately with regulators before going public, a route increasingly popular among Indian tech firms preparing to list.

    Founded in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, Meesho built its model around affordability, simplicity, and deep regional access—serving value-conscious shoppers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The platform, which offers zero-commission selling for merchants and operates in multiple regional languages, has attracted over 150 million annual transacting users. Its focus on low-ticket, everyday essentials has helped it compete with giants like Amazon and Flipkart, particularly in unbranded fashion and general merchandise.

    Meesho has shown significant financial momentum ahead of the IPO. In FY24, it recorded revenues of Rs7,615 crore, a 33 per cent jump year-on-year. More notably, it reduced its net loss to Rs305 crore—down sharply from Rs1,675 crore in FY23—thanks to logistics optimisation and better ad-spend efficiency. In a key pre-IPO restructuring, the company also completed a reverse-flip, moving its parent entity from the US to India to simplify governance and improve eligibility for local listing.

    The public offering is expected between September and October 2025, with lead managers including Citi, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and Axis Capital. Market participants suggest Meesho could seek a valuation between $6.5–7.5 billion, positioning it among the most anticipated Indian tech IPOs of the year.

    Meesho’s filing comes amid a broader wave of confidential listings in India. So far in 2025, Indian firms have raised nearly $6 billion through IPOs, with more than 140 companies in the regulatory pipeline. Investor appetite for digital-first, scalable platforms remains strong—particularly those showing a clear path to profitability.

    Key drivers for Meesho include its continued expansion into smaller towns, enabled by UPI penetration, affordable mobile data, and a rising appetite for value-led online shopping. The company’s private-label brands in fashion, home, and beauty now account for nearly 20 per cent of sales, and its Meesho Express logistics arm is targeting 24-hour delivery in the top 200 districts to boost stickiness and margins.

    Despite these headwinds, the company’s ability to cut losses while scaling revenues has buoyed investor confidence. The confidential filing gives Meesho up to 18 months to finalise its listing—offering time to strengthen financials further, and potentially turn a profit before debuting.

  • Good Flippin’ Burgers plays the K-card with Squid Game-inspired menu

    Good Flippin’ Burgers plays the K-card with Squid Game-inspired menu

    MUMBAI: Good Flippin’ Burgers has entered the arena with a high-stakes culinary twist, launching ‘The Korean Krossover’, a limited-edition menu in partnership with Netflix India to celebrate the much-awaited finale of Squid Game Season 3.

    The brand’s cheeky, flavour-first ethos finds new expression in this K-food drop, riding the Hallyu wave that’s sweeping India. From BTS beats to bingeable K-dramas, Korean culture is everywhere — and this tie-up flips that fandom into flavour.

    Rolling out seven all-new menu items with names like Bean Korean, The Cheesy Oppa, and Chikkin Burger 456, the collection pays homage to Squid Game’s adrenaline-soaked universe, with a spicy wink. Think signature sauces, curated wraps, and sides like Korean Tender Bender and Kimchi Spiced Churros that bring the Seoul heat to the streets of India.

    In a slick online-first strategy, the drop debuted exclusively on Swiggy for seven days. Each Krossover order came with Squid Game-style collectibles (think Ddakji, Marbles and Stackers), making the experience more than just a bite — it was a full-blown fandom fest. The collectibles are now making their way to dine-in outlets too.

    Speaking on the launch, Good Flippin’ Burgers, co-founder Viren D’Silva said, “We’re seeing a massive spike in consumer demand for Korean-inspired flavours, both on menus and across cultures. From food delivery data to social chatter, it’s clear that people are actively seeking out these experiences. At Good Flippin’, we are responding to this wave with creativity and purpose. Our collaboration with Squid Game Season 3 gave us the perfect canvas to bring together food, fandom, and flavour in a way that feels fresh and relevant. The Korean Krossover is a cultural celebration, a true fan experience and above all, a love letter to the people who keep showing up for us.”

    Available across all Good Flippin’ Burgers stores and major delivery platforms, The Korean Krossover is not just another menu, it’s a flavour-fuelled celebration of pop culture, served with a generous side of drama.

    Since its Bandra beginnings in 2019, Good Flippin’ has scaled up to 60 stores across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. But with its latest pop-culture x palate crossover, the brand proves it’s more than a QSR — it’s a mood, a movement, and a masterclass in turning fandom into food.

  • WPP OpenDoor brews a digital storm with Panchayat’s Butkun ki Dukaan on Instamart

    WPP OpenDoor brews a digital storm with Panchayat’s Butkun ki Dukaan on Instamart

    MUMBAI: What do you get when you mix a cult web series, a fictional tea shop, and 35 million snack-loving shoppers? A digital innovation that hits right in the feels—and taste buds.

    Prime Video’s Panchayat is back with Season 4, and WPP OpenDoor has pulled off a stunt that’s as grounded as Phulera and as disruptive as Kranti Devi’s election agenda. In a first-of-its-kind move, Butkun ki Dukaan—the iconic pitstop for chai, samosas, and village gossip—has been brought to life as a shoppable digital experience on Swiggy Instamart.

    From 26 June to 3 July, between 4 PM and 7 PM, Instamart users across India have been greeted with a curated snack corner inspired by the show’s desi flavour. Think local favourites, cheeky flyers teasing the Manju vs Kranti election drama, and an app interface that transports you straight into the dusty lanes of Phulera.

    With Panchayat holding strong in IMDb’s Global Top 250 and India’s Top 50 Most Popular Web Series, WPP OpenDoor’s campaign cleverly extends the IP beyond the screen—into homes, phones, and tiffin boxes.