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  • Just Watches opens luxury timepiece store in Whitefield’s buzzing Nexus Mall

    Just Watches opens luxury timepiece store in Whitefield’s buzzing Nexus Mall

    MUMBAI: If time is money, Whitefield just got a little richer. Just Watches, the luxury multi-brand retail chain from Timex Group India Ltd, has launched its second Bengaluru store at Nexus Neighbourhood Mall, bringing a curated selection of world-class timepieces to one of the city’s most upscale neighbourhoods.

    Covering 529 square feet, the store houses a sleek blend of fashion and horology, displaying iconic labels such as Timex, Daniel Wellington, Versace, Philipp Plein, Plein Sport, Guess, and GC. The layout promises an immersive retail experience tailored to the tastes of Bengaluru’s discerning watch lovers.

    “India’s premium watch market is on an exciting upward trajectory, shaped by a new generation of consumers who view watches as an extension of personal style and identity”, said Timex India MD Deepak Chhabra. “Our second Just Watches store in the city caters to those who seek a blend of global design, premium craftsmanship, and everyday versatility in their timepieces”.

    With this expansion, Timex Group is continuing its march towards premiumisation, tapping into India’s growing appetite for luxury with new retail outlets in high-footfall zones. The move aligns with the brand’s national rollout strategy to offer a diverse selection of international watch brands in a one-stop destination.

    As the premiumisation trend continues to tick upward, Just Watches is positioning itself as the go-to address for timepiece connoisseurs. The Whitefield launch isn’t just about selling watches — it’s about selling time well spent.

     

  • Chetan Chauhan takes charge as CEO of Thinkinkpicturez to script regional content revolution

    Chetan Chauhan takes charge as CEO of Thinkinkpicturez to script regional content revolution

    MUMBAI: In a bold move fitting the silver screen, Thinkinkpicturez Ltd has cast veteran media executive Chetan Chauhan as its new chief executive officer. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Chauhan takes the helm as the Mumbai-based entertainment company lines up a Rs 500 crore expansion into regional cinema and children’s content.

    The announcement signals a clear pivot. Thinkinkpicturez is betting on the rising tide of regional storytelling, developing content in Gujarati, Marathi, and other Indian languages. The company has also set its sights on an often-overlooked segment: children’s cinema.

    Chauhan, an influential figure in the Gujarati film ecosystem and a former publicist for over 70 regional films, is known for his association with Pan Nalin’s Last Film Show, India’s Oscar entry. His résumé includes top roles at The Times of India Group (BCCL), Mid-Day, Reliance, and Pantaloons, along with academic tenures in Gujarat’s media institutions.

    “The entertainment industry in India is growing at an unprecedented pace… We are committed to nurturing fresh talent and promoting regional narratives, with a special emphasis on children’s cinema”, said Chauhan.

    Thinkinkpicturez is also exploring collaborations with the Gujarat Government to drive employment through media investments in the state. The company continues to assess the feasibility of six pending Hindi feature films previously announced.

    According to company sources, the goal is not just expansion, but representation. By spotlighting regional stories and backing grassroots talent, Thinkinkpicturez aims to redefine India’s entertainment map.

    With Chauhan at the wheel, the company plans to align with broader trends such as the rise of AI in storytelling and the push for inclusivity in content. His appointment marks a new chapter—less about red carpets, more about redrawing the boundaries of Indian cinema.

  • Adani Group signs on as title sponsor for Madhya Pradesh League’s 2025 cricket season

    Adani Group signs on as title sponsor for Madhya Pradesh League’s 2025 cricket season

    MUMBAI: If cricket had a homecoming king, Gwalior would be donning the crown for the second year running. The Madhya Pradesh League (MPL), gearing up for its second season, has announced the Adani Group as its title sponsor for 2025. The season kicks off 12 June at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Shankarpur, Gwalior.

    Organised by the Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA) under the MP Cricket Association, the MPL is widening its playing field. The men’s tournament will now feature seven teams, up from five last year, with new entrants from Bundelkhand and Chambal. For the first time, the league also launches a women’s competition, introducing three teams to the turf—including one from Bhopal.

    MPL Chairman Mahanaaryaman Scindia said, “We are happy to have Adani Group as our title sponsor… We look forward to an exciting season”.

    A spokesperson from Adani Group added, “We are thrilled to be associated with the Madhya Pradesh League… We look forward to a season full of inspiring performances”.

    The jersey unveiling on 27 May offered fans a first look at the kits of all 10 franchises—seven men’s and three women’s—turning the spotlight on fresh branding and team identities. Players, team officials, and state dignitaries attended the ceremony, which amped up anticipation ahead of the opening match.

    Gwalior, host of the MPL’s inaugural edition in 2024, will once again stage the entire season. With Adani’s backing and the expansion of both men’s and women’s leagues, the MPL aims to entrench itself as a premier state-level cricket property.

    Men’s teams: Gwalior Cheetahs, Bhopal Leopards, Jabalpur Royal Lions, Rewa Jaguars, Indore Pink Panthers, Chambal Ghariyals, Bundelkhand Bulls

    Women’s teams: Chambal Ghariyals, Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls

  • Uber and Lego roll out brick-themed rides to mark flagship launch in India

    Uber and Lego roll out brick-themed rides to mark flagship launch in India

    MUMBAI: Not all heroes wear capes; some ride in cabs with giant plastic bricks on the roof.

    In a colourful twist to the daily commute, Uber partnered with Lego® to roll out special edition rides across Gurgaon to celebrate the opening of Lego’s first flagship store in India at Ambience Mall. The collaboration has turned ordinary Uber rides into roving reminders of childhood whimsy, featuring cars wrapped in signature Lego colours and topped with oversized bricks.

    Designed to turn heads and trigger nostalgia, the fleet was deployed just in time for the store’s launch, offering riders a literal trip down memory lane. Whether passengers were headed to the store or simply on their way to work, the joy kicked in well before the destination.

    “This partnership is all about bringing imagination to the streets. Uber connects people to places—and now, to moments of creativity and nostalgia too”, the companies said jointly.

    The stunt wasn’t just visual. Uber and Lego amplified the activation through a content-led influencer campaign, spotlighting creators, families, and young fans sharing their ‘Lego-fied’ travel experiences. From social reels to selfie stops, the campaign racked up organic traction, pulling audiences into the world of play and paving the way for experiential branding.

    For Uber, it marked another chapter in its efforts to position itself as more than a mobility solution. The company continues to reimagine urban travel by infusing pop culture, partnerships, and play into its rider experiences.

    The campaign continues through the week in Gurgaon and has already drawn keen interest from riders, onlookers, and influencers alike. With Lego’s flagship store up and running, the collaboration hints at future possibilities where brands meet on roads, quite literally.

  • Primebook ropes in Bhavesh Gupta and Tathagata Ray to scale strategy and storytelling

    Primebook ropes in Bhavesh Gupta and Tathagata Ray to scale strategy and storytelling

    MUMBAI: There’s a new script being written at Primebook—and this time, it comes with financial savvy and a flair for storytelling. The Android-based computing company has made a two-pronged leadership move, bringing on board fintech heavyweight Bhavesh Gupta as an advisory board member, and appointing creative leader Tathagata Ray as head of content.

    The announcement signals Primebook India’s push to merge business strategy with brand building. The former Paytm president & COO, Gupta, brings over 25 years of experience across banking, digital lending and fintech. His new role at Primebook is set to strengthen the firm’s go-to-market strategy and expand digital access for India’s youth.

    “What compelled me to join Primebook’s advisory board is its futuristic approach to building deeptech solutions…” said Gupta. CEO & co-founder Chitranshu Mahant welcomed the appointment as a validation of Primebook’s long-term vision and scaling ambitions.

    Simultaneously, Ray steps into the role of head of content. With over 15 years in advertising and branding, Ray’s past includes stints at Air India Limited, Meta, The Glitch, and Grapes Digital. At Primebook, he is tasked with leading creative strategy and shaping a new-age brand identity.

    Ray remarked, “I’m thrilled to join the Primebook team at such an exciting time in the company’s journey…”. CMO & co-founder Aman Verma echoed that sentiment, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome Tathagata Ray, whose creative leadership will elevate our brand narrative…”

    With these senior appointments, Primebook is tightening the screws on both execution and storytelling. The company aims to push ahead on its mission to deliver high price-to-performance computing and broaden access to digital tools across India.

     

  • Mallus of merit Maitri’s creative storm puts Kerala on the winners’ map

    Mallus of merit Maitri’s creative storm puts Kerala on the winners’ map

    MUMBAI: They came, they played, they cleaned house armed with satire, nostalgia, and a killer instinct for viral storytelling. In a blockbuster awards season, Kerala’s very own Maitri is rewriting the rules of regional creativity, bagging a shower of accolades at the Kyoorius Creative Awards and the Abbys 2025. The independent agency, headquartered far from the metros that usually dominate India’s creative scene, is now firmly in the national spotlight.

    “We’ve always believed that there’s plenty of creativity in Kerala,” said Maitri managing director Raju Menon. “These wins affirm that you don’t have to leave home for the world to see your work.”

    And see it, they did. Maitri’s headline-grabbing campaign for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), a tongue-in-cheek scam ad that exposed scam ads snagged three Kyoorius metals in Topical Film, Social Media Engagement, and Film Craft (Produced Under Rs 10 Lakh). The same campaign added two Silver Abbys to its trophy shelf in Digital – online only video (30s to 60s) and Digital Craft – creative use of video.

    The kicker? It competed against high-budget campaigns from national giants and still stood out with originality and wit.

    Also racking up wins was Sandhesham, a Malayalee-nostalgia-laced BGMI film that struck gold in Kerala and went viral worldwide despite being in a language spoken by just 0.4 per cent of the global population. The result: two Blue Elephants at Kyoorius in Regional Film and Regional Digital and Social Media.

    On the Valentine’s Day front, Maitri flipped the script with Villantine’s Day, a villain-themed campaign for Asianet that blended nostalgia with pop-culture quirk. It earned a Blue Elephant and a lot of love from Malayalam-speaking social media.

    “Whether it was the satire in Thokkummoottil, the nostalgia of Sandhesham, or the humorous twist of Villantine’s Day, we tried to make each idea feel like it was born here but built to travel,” said Maitri Group creative director Francis Thomas.

    “The question we always ask ourselves is this something I’d send my friends?” added Maitri Group creative director Vincent Vadakkan.

    With a Baby Elephant and multiple shortlists, including under Young Maverick, Maitri’s momentum isn’t just a flash in the creative pan, it’s a marker of what’s to come.

    As Maitri director of digital & overseas business Sumit Raj summed up, “The best work comes from a place of mutual trust and respect, and we’re lucky we have that with our clients.”

    Maitri’s rise is not just a win for one agency, it’s a moment for the South, signalling that India’s creative future may well have a coconut tree in the frame and a cheeky, sharp script behind the camera.

    Kerala’s no longer just watching from the sidelines. It’s centre stage script in hand, mic turned up, and trophies in tow.

  • Top global brands rally behind Sony Liv for Roland Garros 2025 streaming blitz

    Top global brands rally behind Sony Liv for Roland Garros 2025 streaming blitz

    MUMBAI: Sony Liv has fired the opening serve on the clay courts of Roland Garros 2025 with a blockbuster line-up of brand partnerships. Streaming the Grand Slam Live from 25 May to 8 June, the platform has drawn an ace set of sponsors across automotive, aviation, tech, and lifestyle.

    Hyundai Motor India, Lufthansa, and Oneplus have come aboard as co-presenting sponsors, lending global muscle to the tournament’s Indian presence. Dezerv joined as a co-powered by sponsor, while Sansaar (a D’Decor brand), Disney Adventure (Disney Cruise Line), and GHA Discovery entered the mix as partner sponsors.

    Sony Liv continues to court India’s premium digital audience with a tournament that has earned cult status among sports fans. The 2025 edition sees the return of star athletes including defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, current World number one Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and India’s Rohan Bopanna pairing with Adam Pavlasek in doubles.

    “Round-the-year premium sports content and prestigious tournaments have been at the core of Sony Liv’s sports strategy since inception. It plays a critical role in engaging the affluent, premium-mass audience for our SVOD as well as AVOD audience”, said Sony Liv head of ad revenue Ranjana Mangla. “Roland Garros attracts one of the most affluent audiences at scale, an essential segment of the addressable market for major advertising categories”.

    Hyundai Motors India AVP & vertical head marketing, Virat Khullar added, “Our association with Sony Liv for Roland-Garros reflects our commitment to bringing premium sports experiences to discerning viewers. This collaboration goes beyond sponsorship; it’s a testament to our dedication to sportsmanship and elevating the audience experience”.

    Echoing the sentiment, Lufthansa Group head of marketing, south Asia, southeast Asia, Pacific, Sng Ju Stephanie stated, “This partnership with Sony Liv not only strengthens our connection with sports enthusiasts in India but also reinforces our commitment to offering premium, meaningful experiences to travellers across the globe”.

    Roland Garros 2025, now Live on Sony Liv, promises to serve up high-octane drama and a grand slam of brand integrations as advertisers target tennis fans in a premium, high-engagement environment.

  • Sambit Mohanty to head McCann Bangalore as EVP in expanded creative-business role

    Sambit Mohanty to head McCann Bangalore as EVP in expanded creative-business role

    MUMBAI: McCann Worldgroup India has handed Sambit Mohanty the reins of its Bangalore operations in a dual capacity as EVP & creative head, effective June. The appointment reflects the agency’s continued focus on nurturing internal talent and doubling down on integrated leadership in high-growth regional hubs.

    Mohanty, a seasoned adman with over 20 years of experience, will now oversee both creative output and business operations for the southern office. He succeeds Vishal Ahluwalia, who is set to exit McCann India by the end of June.

    This elevation also signals McCann’s intent to rewire its talent pipeline and break conventional silos, as confirmed by the group’s national creative chief Prasoon Joshi. “I am excited to see talent grow from within, and in ways that break the conventional mould. We continue to leverage the expertise and creativity of our people at MWG India to deliver exceptional value to our clients”, Joshi stated.

    Based out of Bangalore, Mohanty will report to McCann India’s national leadership team. His remit includes growing business impact, strengthening client partnerships, and building a sharper creative proposition across sectors.

    “It’s tremendously exciting to be stepping into this expanded leadership role”, Mohanty said. “I look forward to pairing my creative lens with a sharper business focus and driving impactful ideas, fostering innovation and creating meaningful value for both our clients and our people”.

    Mohanty is widely respected across the Indian advertising industry for his narrative sensibility and brand-building craft. His promotion also marks a strategic moment for McCann Bangalore as the agency looks to amplify its south India presence and service agility.

    McCann India has extended its best wishes to outgoing executive Vishal Ahluwalia, acknowledging his contribution to the firm’s southern growth journey.

  • Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    MUMBAI: It’s no longer just about technique and turf, it’s about taming old ghosts with new fire. Sony Sports Network is set to bring viewers the cricketing showdown of the year, the India tour of England 2025, a five-Test epic that kicks off June 20. Played on iconic English grounds like Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford, the series carries weight not just on the scoreboard, but in the psyche of Indian cricket.

    What makes this tour doubly dramatic? It’s the first major Test series in a post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era. With a fresh captain and a young, fearless squad at the helm, Team India is ready to challenge a century-long struggle India has only clinched 3 out of 19 Test series in England. This time, they arrive armed with swagger, skill, and a new spirit: ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’.

    “The India tour of England will be a ‘test’ in the truest sense of the word… With ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’, we are celebrating the courage and determination of this new generation… Sony Sports Network aims to rally the nation behind Team India as they embark on this crucial Test series,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer for distribution & international business and head for sports business Rajesh Kaul.

    Adding his voice to the call is Cheteshwar Pujara, who noted, “With a young and dynamic squad, this tour represents a significant turning point for Indian cricket… I look forward to witnessing how this group rises to the occasion.”

    For Irfan Pathan, the series isn’t just about stats, it’s about seizing the stage: “Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari perfectly captures the fearless attitude… I am confident this team has the talent and determination to take on the toughest challenges.”

    To amplify the buzz, Sony Sports Network has launched ‘Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari’, a fiery, animated campaign packed with emotion and edge. One standout film features iconic captains Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid reflecting on their rare Test triumphs on English soil reminding fans just how elusive victory here has been.

    Another short, ‘Fury in Harmony – Bumrah’, taps into Jasprit Bumrah’s explosive spell from the 2020-21 series, reinforcing the visceral thrill of red-ball cricket. And in a not-yet-aired third film titled ‘Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki’, set to the iconic 1984 Bollywood song, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan join forces with English stars like Mark Wood and Harry Brook to dramatise the rivalry and resistance India faces in England.

    With more than just points on the line, this tour is a statement of intent from a resurgent Indian side determined to rewrite Test history on England’s toughest pitches.

    Catch every ball, every twist, and every cheer Live starting 20 June 2025, only on Sony Sports Network. Because this time, the turf might be theirs but the win? That’s ours to take.

  • Schaeffler India shifts gears with fifth manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu

    Schaeffler India shifts gears with fifth manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu

    MUMBAI: Schaeffler India has added another cog to its Indian manufacturing playbook with the inauguration of its fifth production facility, this time in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. Spread across 108,000 square metres, the first phase covers 16,500 sqm and is projected to reach full production by Q4 of calendar year 2025. The new facility will manufacture powertrain and chassis components for both conventional and hybrid vehicles, with a strong nod to emerging e-mobility demand.

    The ribbon-cutting was led by top brass from Germany and India, including Georg F. W Schaeffler, Matthias Zink, Eranti Sumithasri, and Harsha Kadam. The move underscores the company’s bullishness on India’s auto sector and aligns with its long-term localisation and growth strategy.

    Powertrain CEO & Schaeffler AG chassis, Matthias Zink called the Indian market “a key growth engine”, adding, “The new facility is a significant step in our efforts to expand our global manufacturing footprint and further localisation in the region”.

    The Shoolagiri unit will roll out key systems like planetary gears and hybrid transmission components. According to Schaeffler India MD & CEO Harsha Kadam, “This expansion enables us to cater not just to today’s local markets but also to future needs as we transition towards E-mobility”. He noted that the plant will play a critical role in the company’s ‘Make in India’ commitment and sustainable operations model.

    Over the past three years (2022–2024), Schaeffler India has invested Rs 1,700 crore—exceeding its original commitment of Rs 1,500 crore—to scale local operations. This includes manufacturing capabilities for e-mobility and large bearings for industrial use. The new facility joins four existing plants and three R&D centres in India.

    Schaeffler has also made inroads into the digital aftermarket. In 2023, it acquired KRSV Innovative Auto Solutions Pvt Ltd (Koovers), a B2B e-commerce platform, strengthening its digital footprint in automotive parts.

    Sustainability has been baked into the factory’s design. The Shoolagiri plant features rainwater harvesting, zero liquid discharge, natural lighting, battery-powered equipment, and LED lighting. It also integrates ergonomic workspaces and aims to foster a diverse workforce under a broader green manufacturing vision.

    Kadam added, “We remain committed to strengthening capabilities in India with our ever-evolving motion technology portfolio to seize emerging opportunities and retain our competitive edge”.