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  • MediBuddy builds a tiny world to salute dad’s giant heart with #JustDadThings

    MediBuddy builds a tiny world to salute dad’s giant heart with #JustDadThings

    MUMBAI : MediBuddy has gone small to make a big point. The digital health giant has rolled out a tender Father’s Day campaign-#JustDadThings-that builds an intricately designed miniature world to highlight the often invisible, under-celebrated sacrifices dads make daily. While fathers never miss a beat for their families, they often skip a visit to the doctor.

    Crafted in-house and brought to life with a touch of AI wizardry, the 36-second spot captures poignant vignettes of a father’s quiet devotion—never missing the school run, always fixing the jammed door, yet consistently putting off that health check. The tiny, lifelike sets pack emotional punch, showing that when it comes to love, dads go big—even if no one’s looking.

    But beneath the emotional storytelling lies a hard truth: men, especially fathers, are less likely to seek preventive care. They downplay symptoms, delay tests, and carry on—until it’s too late.

    Speaking on the campaign, MediBuddy head of brand marketing, Manu Sankar Das said, “Culturally, fathers have long been cast in the role of silent providers—always present, yet rarely prioritising their own well-being. This insight, rooted in both data and daily observation, formed the foundation of our campaign. With #JustDadThings, we’ve used the power of AI and miniature storytelling to spotlight this quiet selflessness and reframe appreciation as action. True gratitude, we believe, lies not just in words, but in ensuring the health and longevity of those who’ve quietly safeguarded ours.”

    It’s part nostalgia, part nudge. And as the film spreads across social platforms, MediBuddy hopes it sparks a new tradition: giving back by giving dad the health care he’s too modest to ask for.

  • Clove Oral Care bites into the toothpaste game with dentist-designed launch

    Clove Oral Care bites into the toothpaste game with dentist-designed launch

    MUMBAI — India’s largest dental chain has something fresh to smile about. Clove Oral Care has officially taken the plunge into the fast-moving consumer goods aisle with its new line of clinically developed toothpastes and toothbrushes—crafted by dentists, backed by Dabur, and now live on Amazon, Flipkart, and cloveoralcare.com.

    This isn’t just another shiny smile promise. Armed with insights from over a decade of chair-side experience and a sharp focus on Indian oral health issues, Clove’s new range tackles real problems—think enamel erosion, dry mouth, sensitivity, and even the brushing battles of fussy kids.

    The star-studded lineup of pastes includes:

    .   Hydrate, India’s first dry-mouth toothpaste powered by Optaflow technology

     Revive, a remineralising formula that gets tooth enamel back on track

     Sensitive, with Potassium Nitrate for that “ouch!” moment

     Kidz, a fun, colour-changing fluoride blend that’s all play and protection

    Ultimate, the everyday all-rounder for healthy gums and stronger teeth

    German fragrance and sensory tech company Symrise adds flair to function with patented OptaFresh and taste-boosting innovation, turning brushing into a sensory ritual.

    On the brush front, Clove’s dentist-designed models come fitted with ultrasoft DuPont Tynex bristles, promising precision, plaque-fighting power, and long life—no wobbly heads or marketing fluff here.

    Clove Oral Car founder & CEO Amarinder Singh said, “We’ve been very deliberate in how we’ve priced this range. Oral care that is scientifically backed and professionally developed shouldn’t be restricted to niche markets or luxury price tags. By positioning our products in the mid-premium segment, we’re ensuring that high-quality, dentist-approved solutions are within reach for a much wider audience. It’s about delivering real value products that meet clinical standards yet remain practical for everyday use across Indian households.”

    The brand’s hybrid ‘product + service’ model ups the game further. Each purchase comes with a complimentary dental consultation, redeemable at any of Clove’s 600-plus clinics across 26 cities—making it the only oral care brand offering clinical backup with your brushing routine.

    Backed by Dabur’s innovation team and German materials, Clove’s bold new move may just rattle the toothpaste tube in a category long dominated by cosmetic claims. Call it the dental seal of approval—packaged.

  • Asian Paints rolls out ‘Royale Glitz – Tribute to Odisha’ with a splash of soul and shimmer

    Asian Paints rolls out ‘Royale Glitz – Tribute to Odisha’ with a splash of soul and shimmer

    MUMBAI: Asian Paints is adding a coat of culture to its colour charts. The company’s latest limited-edition launch, Royale Glitz – Tribute to Odisha, isn’t just a new look for its luxe emulsion range—it’s a curated homage to the rich tapestry of Odisha’s traditions.

    Wrapped in the elegance of Pattachitra art and infused with motifs from the state’s iconic heritage—think Odissi dancers, the mighty Hirakud Dam, and the timeworn glory of the Konark Wheel—the pack is less packaging, more cultural artefact.

    “At Asian Paints, we believe that every state is not just a market, but a living story. Our Royale Glitz ‘Tribute to Odisha’ edition is more than packaging—it’s a celebration of Odisha’s enduring artistry, spiritual energy, and cultural depth. As a market, Odisha is discerning and design- aware, and this initiative reflects our intent to not only lead in innovation and aesthetics but also lead in cultural sensitivity. This is how we continue to elevate décor from just product to purposeful expression,” said Asian Paints MD & CEO Amit Syngle.

    Known for its crème-finish glow and anti-crack performance, Royale Glitz now arrives with a dose of regional pride. The move is part of Asian Paints’ ongoing push to regionalise its offerings—fusing décor and storytelling to create deeper consumer connections.

    Backing the pack is a localised campaign featuring an original Odia track composed by Geet Vani and sung by Barnali Hota. The music video wraps Odia pride in melody, adding a lyrical layer to the product’s visual punch.

    Available across select markets in Odisha, the Tribute to Odisha pack paints a picture of how luxury décor can echo local identity—one brushstroke at a time.

  • Reppro gets top marks as WACE’s India communications partner

    Reppro gets top marks as WACE’s India communications partner

    MUMBAI: It’s a match made in academia and advertising. The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) has picked The Reppro as its official communications partner in India, a strategic alliance that blends international curriculum with local storytelling flair. The Reppro, an emerging force in strategic communications and public relations, will now handle public relations, social media, and performance marketing for WACE, the globally respected senior secondary qualification developed by the Government of Western Australia’s School Curriculum and Standards Authority.

    The move comes as WACE expands its footprint into India, becoming the first international government curriculum to offer a full K–12 academic framework to Indian students. With recognition in over 16 countries including Japan, Singapore, China, and Malaysia and Grade XII equivalence granted by India’s Association of Indian Universities (AIU) WACE is now targeting Indian schools and learners seeking global-standard education with local relevance.

    The Reppro founder Amit Gupta said, “We’re proud to partner with WACE at this pivotal moment in India’s education evolution. WACE’s globally respected curriculum, combined with its structured academic rigor and WASSA learning record, offers Indian students a credible and future-ready pathway.”

    WACE echoed the sentiment, noting that this partnership marks a new chapter in its India journey. “With The Reppro’s deep understanding of the education space and its integrated approach to communication, we’re confident of deepening our engagement with students, schools, and education leaders across the country,” a WACE spokesperson said.

    As Indian parents and students increasingly seek internationally recognised pathways, the WACE–Reppro partnership is expected to spark fresh interest in academic alternatives. With a communications playbook packed with PR, performance marketing, and social storytelling, The Reppro will build awareness, drive adoption, and help WACE speak the language of India’s education aspirations.

    In an education market where curriculum choices often feel like a final exam, WACE just got the right coaching partner.

  • AbhiBus joins Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 as official bus booking partner

    AbhiBus joins Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 as official bus booking partner

    MUMBAI: AbhiBus (ixigo’s bus business), has announced its association with the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) as the official bus booking partner for the 2025 season.

    The partnership features extensive AbhiBus branding across stadiums, deep integration on the league’s digital platforms, and a host of fan-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing the cricket experience. As the official travel partner, AbhiBus is not only supporting regional cricket but also revolutionising how fans travel, offering seamless, affordable, and convenient options so they can follow their favourite teams across Tamil Nadu and beyond with ease.

    Commenting on this, AbhiBus COO Rohit Sharma said, “We’re thrilled to partner with TNPL 2025 and be at the heart of Tamil Nadu’s cricketing celebrations. Presenting the Orange Cap to the tournament’s top run-scorer is not just a proud moment – it’s a reflection of our belief in rewarding excellence, both on and off the field. With AbhiBus, fans get more than just a ride, they get a hassle-free travel experience that keeps them close to the action, the teams they support, and the game they love.”

    TNPL spokesperson R. I Palani added, “We are excited to welcome AbhiBus into the TNPL family. This partnership adds value to the league by offering greater convenience to our fans. With AbhiBus on board, planning travel around matches becomes smoother, and their presence – from stadium LED displays to digital engagement – will further enrich the TNPL experience.”

  • Value 360 goes public with a plot twist

    Value 360 goes public with a plot twist

    MUMBAI: Just before it hits the stock market, Value 360 Communications has dropped a blockbuster announcement. The 18-year-old PR and brand-building firm is joining forces with filmmaker and AI trailblazer Vivek Anchalia to launch a generative AI-powered creative studio — a bold move meant to future-proof its business as it eyes an IPO on the SME Exchange.

    The upcoming studio blends the art of storytelling with the speed of generative tech, promising personalised, high-volume content for brands across platforms — and with a lot less fuss. It’s Value 360’s way of telling the market (and its future shareholders) that it’s not just keeping up with change, it’s helping write the next chapter.

    Vivek Anchalia, the man behind India’s first AI-generated feature film Naisha and co-writer of Netflix’s Rajma Chawal, will lead the creative direction of the studio. Anchalia, who also helms the AI-first content company Amazing Indian Stories, called AI “a force multiplier for creativity” that can help brands scale content without killing the soul of storytelling.

    “This new AI-powered creative studio reflects Value 360’s larger vision to not just participate, but actively lead the evolution of communications, marketing, and storytelling,” said Value 360 Communications Ltd group CEO & co-founder Kunal Kishore. “As we enter the public markets, we want to demonstrate to our investors, clients, and partners that our growth strategy is rooted in innovation, agility, and anticipating what modern brands will demand over the next decade.”

    The studio will sit within Value 360’s growing ecosystem, complementing its PR, influencer, media, and digital services with on-demand, AI-generated creative muscle — perfect for brands racing against the content clock.

    “AI is not a threat to creativity, it’s a force multiplier,” said Anchalia. “Together, we are building a model that enables brands to scale quality content like never before, while preserving creative integrity. This is the future of storytelling, and I’m excited to build this vision alongside Value 360.”

    The announcement lands just weeks before Value 360 is expected to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus, kicking off the countdown to its IPO. The company, now transitioning from a scrappy startup to a listed firm, is banking on innovation-led growth — and it’s betting big on AI to lead the charge.

    Because if content is still king, AI might just be the new crown.

  • Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    MUMBAI: Voice-activated shopping? Viral trends driving sales? Welcome to aisle 2030. Blue Dart Express Limited, part of DHL eCommerce, has just dropped the E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, and it’s clear: Indian online shoppers are not just clicking, they’re expecting. From AI-powered assistants to sustainability-first delivery, today’s buyers want tech with trust and purchases that feel purposeful.

    Drawing from consumer insights across generations and shopper types, the report explores what’s really pushing the buy button for Indians online. And it’s not just deals or discounts, it’s delivery reliability, eco-credibility, and the seamlessness of a Tiktok-to-checkout experience.

    Almost 89 per cent of Indian shoppers want AI-powered features think virtual try-ons, voice-based product search, and digital shopping assistants. And this isn’t wishful thinking 64 per cent are already shopping hands-free. AI isn’t a futuristic add-on anymore; it’s becoming the new filter on the retail lens.

    Forget browsers. 84 per cent of Indian consumers have already made a purchase via social media, and a whopping 90 per cent say Instagram, Facebook and Youtube could be their primary shopping destinations by 2030. Influencers are doing more than trending dances 93 per cent of Indian buyers say social buzz shapes what lands in their carts.

    Cart abandonment isn’t about indecision, it’s about expectation. 80 per cent of shoppers say they’ll cancel a purchase if their preferred delivery option isn’t available. And if the returns process doesn’t match expectations? Another 81 per cent walk away. Even trust in the courier matters: over half (54 per cent) won’t buy from retailers with unreliable logistics partners. In e-commerce, convenience is king and logistics is the throne.

    Sustainability is no longer a bonus, it’s a baseline. 82 per cent of shoppers now weigh eco-friendliness before clicking “buy.” Whether it’s over packaging waste or carbon-heavy delivery, 59 per cent have ditched carts due to sustainability concerns. Plus, 52 per cent say they’re opting for pre-owned goods, and 81 per cent are open to recycling or buy-back schemes.

    “Convenience, choice and control are non-negotiable,” said Blue Dart managing director Balfour Manuel. “Despite digital leaps, delivery and returns remain the heartbeat of consumer experience. Brands must evolve beyond tech towards transparency, purpose and seamless execution.”

    As AI reshapes interfaces, social media morphs into shopping malls, and sustainability steers decisions, this report offers a sneak peek into the shopper of tomorrow. Retailers that listen closely and deliver boldly may just turn browsing into belonging.

    Because in 2025, a smooth checkout isn’t enough. Shoppers want a story, a stance and same-day delivery.

  • Panchayat fans elect early release, season 4 now drops on 24 June

    Panchayat fans elect early release, season 4 now drops on 24 June

    MUMBAI: Panchayat fans have spoken, and Prime Video has listened. The wildly popular rural dramedy is returning sooner than expected — with season 4 now set to stream from 24 June, pulling ahead from its earlier 2 July release date.

    What caused the shift? A quirky, tongue-in-cheek referendum-style campaign where cast members made mock “election promises” to release the show early — but only if fans cast their votes (read: likes, shares, hashtags).

    The social media blitz went viral, with the hashtag #PanchayatNow trending and a brigade of brands jumping into the fray with punny pleas and snackable slogans.

    From AJIO and Pepperfry to McCain, Taco Bell, Ixigo, and True Elements, everyone threw their hat into the digital ring. The campaign — crafted by The Zoya Co. — merged humour, nostalgia, and cultural relevance, turning brand posts into fan love letters.

    Speaking on this campaign, McCain India retail – digital lead, Sumati Kapur said, “Panchayat is more than just a show, it’s a reflection of the everyday Indian family dynamic, rooted in culture, community, and shared experiences. At McCain, we saw a natural synergy in collaborating with a show that every household relates to. Our hot and crispy snacks are a staple in family conversations, chai breaks, and everything in between just like the moments Panchayat so effortlessly captures. This partnership allowed us to create meaningful noise by placing McCain at the heart of relatable, real storytelling that resonates across generations.”

    The fan-first push is not just a win for early binge-watchers — it reflects Panchayat’s cult status. The series has struck a chord with audiences for its grounded humour and affectionate portrayal of small-town India.

    With season 4 promising a fiery face-off between Pradhanji and Bhushanji, and the usual dose of satire, soul, and sideways glances, the early drop is just the trailer to a bigger, better panchayat.

    Bring on the ballots — and the binge.

    Burger King: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Manju Devi ka manifesto menu mein chhap denge” IG

     

     

    Taco Bell: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Phulera ke har matdata ke liye Naked Taco Bilkul Muft Muft Muft!

     

     

    AJIO: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh hum naye kapdo ki gram sabha bula lenge  

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by AJIO.com (@ajiolife)

     

    Rapido: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Rapido parcel mein sirf lauki bhejenge

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Rapido (@rapidoapp)

     

    PepperFry: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Sachiv ji ko bed linen ke sath Bed free.

     

     

    Abhibus India: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh har Phulera wasi ko milegi abhibus par ek free seat”

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by AbhiBus (@abhibusindia)

     

    TBH: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Lauki ke chips banayega TBH Honest style mein!

     

     

    Mc Cain: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Sachiv ji ke table par ab lauki nahi Mc Cain Aloo Tikki hoga

     

     

    Go Ibibo: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Binod ko Phulera ke bahar ki dunia hum dikhayenge

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Goibibo (@goibibo)

     

     

  • Influence, inbox, impulse buy: Meta’s new-age retail mantra

    Influence, inbox, impulse buy: Meta’s new-age retail mantra

    MUMBAI: The good old kirana might still stand, but what’s driving shoppers to the shelf is now happening on screen. A new Meta-commissioned study by GWI has revealed just how deeply influencers, reels, and dms are reshaping retail habits across India.

    According to the survey — conducted among 2,548 Indian internet users aged 16–64 — nearly eight in ten shoppers discover new products via social media, with a staggering 96 per cent of that discovery happening on Meta’s platforms, namely Facebook and Instagram.

    “Indian shoppers today are social-first, mobile-first, and video-first irrespective of whether the purchase happens offline or online” said Meta India director, e-commerce & retail, Meghna Apparao, “With consumers increasingly relying on Reels, messaging, and influencer content to discover and evaluate products, offline retailers have an opportunity to reach their customers across multiple touch points simultaneously and harness the power of our platforms to build unique online and phygital experiences that also move metrics across the funnel.”

    Even shoppers physically browsing aisles are scrolling first — using social media to discover, research, and decide, often before they even set foot in a store. Retail displays may still exist, but the real pitch now happens on feeds.

    Short-form video is turning scrolls into sales. Around a third of users reported purchasing products they saw in 2–3 minute brand videos or reels, especially in premium and luxury categories, where visual storytelling has a strong influence.

    Influencer clout continues to soar. Six in ten shoppers follow national influencers, whose opinions now weigh heavily on both what to buy and where to buy it from — online or offline. Their reach is no longer just virtual; it’s walking customers right into stores.

    Meanwhile, WhatsApp is becoming the new storefront. Nearly 60 per cent of users said they are likely to purchase a product after seeing an offer on the messaging app — making it a silent but powerful sales channel.

    In step with these shifts, Meta has launched new omnichannel advertising tools designed to bridge the digital-physical divide. These enable brands to not just chase clicks but track real-world impact — from boosted footfall to ringing tills.

    Tanishq CMO Pelki Tshering said, “We’ve always believed in meeting our customers where they are — both online and offline. Meta’s solutions like Click to WhatsApp (CTWA) have helped us in that journey. By combining conversational commerce with tailored messaging, we’ve seen over 14x offline ROAS. What’s even more exciting is the potential of Meta’s omnichannel ads — allowing us to drive both online and in-store sales through a single, unified campaign. As one of the first to test the solution with offline CAPI, we’re seeing a 40% jump in ROAS for online purchases and an improvement in offline purchases. Meta’s retail solutions are helping us not just drive omni sales — but truly connect with our customers, wherever they are in their buying journey.”

    Taneira head of marketing  Aishwarya Omprakash, “In our pilot campaign utilising Meta’s omnichannel ads, we observed a significant boost in performance, achieving 3.5x higher purchase conversions and 4.3x higher Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) compared to campaigns optimized solely for purchases. This encouraging outcome reinforces the value of a multi-touchpoint strategy, and we’re excited to take this experiment further in the coming year.”

    For Indian retailers, the message is clear: to win offline, think online first — especially if you’re not in the reel game yet.

  • Kryptonic sound: JBL and Superman turn up the volume on fandom

    Kryptonic sound: JBL and Superman turn up the volume on fandom

    MUMBAI: Who needs a cape when you’ve got Dolby Atmos? JBL is making super soundwaves this July, teaming up with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products India for a blockbuster collaboration celebrating the big-screen return of Superman James Gunn’s much-anticipated take on the Man of Steel, flying into theatres on July 11. The partnership launches a thumping 360-degree campaign, The Sound of Greatness, featuring JBL’s premium Live Series Headphones, True Wireless earbuds, and Soundbars all tuned to deliver audio worthy of Krypton.

    Fans can step into Superman-themed Experience Zones across 2,000 retail outlets in India, where JBL’s soundbars powered by Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam tech elevate the trailer into a front-row seat for a cinematic sonic boom. These immersive setups are more than product demos, they’re audio adventures.

    But the retail show isn’t just ear candy, it’s interactive. A customer engagement programme allows fans to earn points and win both premium JBL products and exclusive Superman merchandise. Meanwhile, a unified visual identity across offline and online channels ensures co-branded point-of-sale displays, merchandise, and campaign creatives reinforce the “Superman-meets-sound” buzz at every touchpoint.

    The sonic superheroics spill onto social media with #TheSoundOfGreatness, inviting users to share why their favourite JBL product packs a punch. Whether it’s the bass, design, or overall vibe, select fans will win movie tickets to catch Superman in theatres surround sound included.

    “JBL is synonymous with powerful audio that inspires through sound,” said Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products Group vice president for APAC Vikram Sharma. “We’re thrilled for fans to experience this high-octane crossover of two legendary brands.”

    Harman India vice president of lifestyle Vikram Kher added, “Both JBL and Superman have decades-long legacies in creating joy, emotion, and cultural impact. This isn’t just marketing, it’s a movement in entertainment.”

    The collaboration doesn’t just boost product visibility, it fuses pop culture, tech, and retail into one seamless super-experience. As DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures bring Superman back into orbit, JBL is proving that in the battle for greatness, sound is a superpower all its own.

    So this July, whether you’re watching Clark Kent take flight or just vibing to your playlist JBL’s got your back (and your ears).