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  • Manushi Chhillar becomes face of Wella Professionals, marking a bold leap in brand expression

    Manushi Chhillar becomes face of Wella Professionals, marking a bold leap in brand expression

    MUMBAI: Wella Professionals has appointed Manushi Chhillar as its new brand ambassador for India, signaling a dynamic new chapter for the heritage brand. The announcement was made during the grand finale of TrendVision 2024-25, a creative summit that brings together the best of hair artistry and fashion.

    The collaboration marks Wella’s return to celebrity endorsements after years, aligning with a shift towards bolder, transformational branding. Chhillar, known for her elegance and fierce individuality, now embodies the brand’s core values of fearless self-expression, transformative beauty, and artistic excellence.

    “This marks the beginning of something legendary. Manushi represents a new wave of beauty, modern, bold, and unapologetically expressive. With her as the new ambassador of Wella Professionals, we bring our vision to life: to inspire stylists to create and consumers to embrace what’s new. Everyone dreams of change, but very few dare to make it happen. Together, we will encourage people to take that leap”, said Wella India and south Asia GM Pravesh Saha.

    The partnership underscores Wella’s ongoing mission to empower stylists while pushing boundaries in the hair industry. With over 140 years of legacy and innovation, Wella Professionals continues to shape trends through vibrant colour solutions and high-performance care. The brand now aims to strengthen its footprint in India through storytelling that resonates with the modern Indian consumer’s aspiration for change.

    The announcement comes on the back of Wella’s top ranking in the 2023 Salon Hair Care Study published by Kline, which placed the brand at number one globally in the hair colouring products category.

    Chillar’s association with Wella is expected to catalyse a fresh wave of engagement, both with stylists and consumers. Her rise from Miss World 2017 to a fashion-forward public figure has embodied resilience, evolution and grace—values that align with the ethos of Wella Professionals.

  • Bissell signs Kareena Kapoor Khan to clean up with style in its latest India campaign

    Bissell signs Kareena Kapoor Khan to clean up with style in its latest India campaign

    MUMBAI: From red carpets to clean carpets—Kareena Kapoor Khan has a new role. Bissell has appointed the Hindi cinema icon as its brand ambassador for India, aiming to bring its 145-year-old homecare legacy closer to Indian households.

    Known for her effortless charm and no-nonsense attitude, Khan now lends her presence to a brand that’s redefining Indian cleaning habits. With Bissell®’s cutting-edge appliances and Khan’s relatable elegance, the partnership is poised to reframe cleanliness as a lifestyle, not a labour.

    “Kareena embodies the modern Indian consumer—discerning, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to creating a warm, healthy home environment”, said Bissell® Homecare Inc president global markets Max Bissell. “We’re incredibly proud to welcome her to the Bissell family”.

    The brand’s new campaign features Khan in a sleek, empowered avatar—echoing the innovation and functionality at the core of Bissell’s product line. The campaign highlights how Bissell helps households clean smarter, faster, and in style.

    “I am a little obsessive about my space. Clean, clear and calm, that’s my thing. So when I found a cleaning partner that actually works as hard as I do, it was a yes… Ab mera ghar bhi, Bissell Clean”, said Khan.

    Bissell’s India partner, Cavitak marketing director Sagar Mehta added, “This collaboration marks a powerful new chapter for Bissell in India… We’re excited to bring a whole new energy to Indian homes—where technology, tradition, and elegance coexist effortlessly”.

    The full product range is now available on Amazon India. To watch the campaign reel, visit:

     

     

  • Muscle & Strength India flexes its franchise muscle with health and fitness award win

    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.

  • Bhumi Pednekar stars in Nykd by Nykaa’s latest flight-themed campaign for comfiest bras

    Bhumi Pednekar stars in Nykd by Nykaa’s latest flight-themed campaign for comfiest bras

    MUMBAI: It isn’t every day a bra campaign takes flight — quite literally. Nykd by Nykaa has launched a new campaign titled ‘Comfiest Bras Ever’, featuring Bhumi Pednekar in a witty, cinematic spin on a bumpy flight that tests comfort at 30,000 feet.

    The film unfolds aboard a blush-hued aircraft, where Pednekar doubles as a charming flight attendant and a passenger navigating turbulence with elegance and ease.

    The punchline?

    If Nykd’s bras can keep you comfortable during mid-air chaos, they can support you through anything.

    Since its debut in 2020, Nykd by Nykaa has sought to strip away the myths around lingerie and redefine it for the everyday woman. The campaign embodies the brand’s ethos — comfort-first engineering designed for real bodies, routines, and lives.

    “At Nykd by Nykaa, innovation in intimate wear begins with listening”, said Nykaa Fashion ED & CEO Adwaita Nayar. “This campaign is about reengineering comfort for real women. With Bhumi as our voice, we’re showing that support means more than just the physical”.

    Pednekar, a long-standing brand ambassador for Nykd, added, “Comfort, to me, is feeling supported without even thinking about it — and that’s what these bras deliver. They move with you, never against you”.

    The film adds humour and relatability to a segment often bogged down by overpromise. It delivers its message loud and clear: bras should feel like second skin, not an obligation.

    Nykd by Nykaa’s latest range features seamless designs, inclusive sizing, and thoughtful styling. The campaign is currently live across TV, digital platforms, and theatres in Maharashtra and Gujarat, with a call to action for women to rethink their comfort zone.

    Check out the latest collection here: https://www.nykaafashion.com/designers/nykd-by-nykaa/c/7059

  • Elephants on parade: Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025 honour 166 Blue, 514 Baby, three Purple winners

    Elephants on parade: Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025 honour 166 Blue, 514 Baby, three Purple winners

    MUMBAI: The only thing louder than the applause was the creativity. The 2025 Kyoorius Creative Awards, presented by Zee, lit up the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai with an evening that celebrated the sheer power of ideas. Over 1,500 professionals from India’s marketing and communications industry witnessed a no-politics, all-passion showcase of creative firepower.

    While the elusive Black Elephant remained just that—elusive—seven campaigns earned the revered Baby Black Elephant. The shortlist, dubbed the ‘Black Elephant Nominees’, featured standout work from Grey Bangladesh, DDB Mudra Group, Mccann Worldgroup, Studio Eeksaurus, Talented, Famous Innovations and Loudmouth Film.

    The top individual honour of the night went to none other than Piyush Pandey, who received the Master of Creativity award. The legendary adman was recognised for reshaping India’s advertising ethos with his distinct ability to blend culture, humour, and simplicity.

    Kyoorius received a record 4,000+ entries from over 500 organisations this year, its highest ever. From that pool, 1,124 entries made it to the First List. A total of 514 campaigns were awarded Baby Elephants, representing 60 unique agencies, 177 campaigns, and 116 brands.

    Of the 514 Baby Elephants, 166 were upgraded to Blue Elephants—marking top-tier excellence. Brands like Amazon, Samsung, Britannia, Coca-Cola, Swiggy, Dream11, Zivame, Kit Kat, Mcdonald’s, and Ceat were among those honoured. Full winners list is available at kca.kyoorius.com.

    Three campaigns received the Purple Elephant as part of the Zee Equality Award, acknowledging work that pushed boundaries for representation and inclusion.

    “Massive congratulations to all the winners!… That’s the soul of the Elephants”, said Kyoorius founder & CEO Rajesh Kejriwal.

    In trademark fashion, the awards ditched the traditional metal hierarchy—no golds, silvers, or bronzes.

    Just Elephants.

    Supported by Glenmorangie, The Hindu, Tribes Group, and Indian Creative Women, the night underscored that pure creativity—unranked, unfiltered—still has a stage, and a spotlight.

  • Swiss grooming brand Tailor’s trims its way into India with a sharp luxury lineup

    Swiss grooming brand Tailor’s trims its way into India with a sharp luxury lineup

    MUMBAI: In a country where grooming aisles have long favoured the no-frills, all-purpose approach, Swiss brand Tailor’s has landed with a sharper edge. The premium men’s grooming label officially debuted in India this week, bringing with it a slick blend of Swiss science and old-school barbering heritage.

    Available exclusively at Looks Salon outlets nationwide, the launch includes a curated range of high-performance essentials for modern men. The collection features the Tea Tree Wash—a scalp-purifying hair cleanser powered by organic tea tree oil and peppermint; Tailor’s Clay—an easy-texture styling clay with bamboo extract; Beard Balm for taming beards and frizz; and Post Shave—a soothing aftershave balm that tackles redness and itching.

    Each product boasts purpose-built ingredients like beeswax, bamboo extract, and tea tree oil, aiming to balance function with self-care. “Men’s grooming has quietly evolved in recent years, both globally and in India”, said a spokesperson for Tailor’s Grooming. “Today’s man seeks more than just functional care—he wants products that reflect his lifestyle, his values, and his individuality”.

    Tailor’s, founded in Switzerland, has gained global traction by blending premium formulations with minimalist packaging and a sustainability-first ethos. Its India entry comes at a time when the male grooming market is seeing a sharp uptrend—fuelled by rising disposable incomes, social media influence, and a new wave of self-aware consumers.

    Committed to conscious beauty, the brand uses ethically sourced ingredients and recyclable packaging throughout its range. With grooming now considered an extension of identity, Tailor’s is betting on Indian men to upgrade their bathroom shelf with products that marry style and substance.

    The brand’s entire collection is also available online at www.tailorsgrooming.in.

  • Toon in drop out mall crawl brings summer mayhem for kids

    Toon in drop out mall crawl brings summer mayhem for kids

    MUMBAI: What do you get when Chhota Bheem, Tom & Jerry, Ben 10, and Mr. Bean walk into a mall? No, it’s not a joke setup, it’s Warner Bros. Discovery’s summer tour turning shopping centres into cartoon chaos with the mother of all toon takeovers.

    With Pogo, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Kids uniting for a high-energy, 10-city mall activation, Indian kids are in for a summer that’s equal parts action, laughter, dance-offs, selfies, and superhero hugs. The blockbuster bonanza kicked off this May and continues through June, transforming malls in metros like Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru and even non-metro hubs like Aurangabad, Kottayam and Ahmednagar into playgrounds of pure animated madness.

    Themed zones will see POGO’s India Ke Superheroes (featuring Little Singham, Chhota Bheem and Chhutki) rubbing shoulders with Cartoon Network’s Jhatpat Action Khatpat Comedy icons (Ben 10, Teen Titans Go, Tom & Jerry, and Powerpuff Girls) while Discovery Kids’ Katti Batti Dosti Pakki springs to life with Titoo and Mr. Bean’s wacky camaraderie.

    But it’s not just for the ‘Gram although there are selfie spots aplenty. Think interactive games, creative art corners, dance battles, and themed installations that pull kids right into the worlds they usually only binge-watch. The energy isn’t just reserved for the malls either. Online extensions include digital challenges, UGC contests, and highlights from the on-ground madness keeping the FOMO real.

    Warner Bros. Discovery marketing head of South Asia Janhavi Vyas said, “At Warner Bros. Discovery, we’re passionate about crafting joyful, immersive experiences that unite families and ignite young imaginations. Through these summer activations, we’re transforming malls into vibrant hubs of creativity and entertainment, bringing fans close to their beloved characters,while delivering blockbuster fun that complements our exciting summer slate and creating lasting memories for our audiences.”

    And just in case parents were wondering how to get their kids off screens post-visit, WBD’s summer programming plans ensure they don’t have to. The slate boasts nearly 200 half-hours of fresh content across the three channels, including 22 new Chhota Bheem episodes, the premiere of Chhota Bheem in Samay Chakra, superhero specials like Leo! Rise of Super Singham, and Singhamverse Kaalverse 2.

    Chhota Bheem also turns 17 this May, and WBD isn’t letting that go unnoticed cue crossover events, Maha Blockbuster films, and weekly stunts. Add in strong brand partnerships and multiple language options, and you’ve got a summer lineup designed to keep India’s kids happily glued whether on-ground or online.

    In short, if your child disappears this May and June, don’t panic. Just follow the sound of cartoon catchphrases, dance floor beats and raucous laughter. Chances are, they’re at the mall, tooning out in the best way possible.

  • MiQ ropes in Vikas Khanchandani as strategic advisor to fuel India growth and scale up advanced TV strategy

    MiQ ropes in Vikas Khanchandani as strategic advisor to fuel India growth and scale up advanced TV strategy

    MUMBAI: In a market where programmatic media is rewriting the advertising playbook, MiQ has pulled in one of the industry’s seasoned players. Vikas Khanchandani has been appointed strategic advisor for MiQ India Commercial, the company announced today.

    With over 25 years of experience across media, advertising, and digital transformation, Vikas is expected to guide MiQ’s growth strategy, sharpen its media operations, and ramp up its advanced TV capabilities. The appointment signals MiQ’s deeper push into India’s high-potential adtech landscape.

    “We are delighted to welcome Vikas to the MiQ India leadership journey”, said MiQ India CCO Varun Mohan. “His experience, wisdom, and industry influence align perfectly with our mission to deliver market-leading innovation and value to our clients”.

    Khanchandani, who has worked across legacy media houses and new-age platforms, will focus on bolstering MiQ’s partnerships and helping it unlock new revenue avenues. His mandate includes navigating the increasingly complex media-tech stack and enhancing data-driven ad solutions.

    “I’m thrilled to be part of MiQ at such an exciting inflection point”, said Khanchandani. “MiQ’s commitment to innovation, client-centricity, and future-ready media solutions truly stands out. I look forward to contributing to its momentum—helping build stronger partnerships, unlocking new growth avenues, and shaping the evolution of data-driven advertising in India”.

    MiQ, a global programmatic media partner, has been steadily expanding its Indian footprint. Khanchandani’ appointment underscores its intent to stay ahead of the curve with both talent and technology.

  • Olympic icon Neeraj Chopra joins Audi India as brand partner in performance-first drive

    Olympic icon Neeraj Chopra joins Audi India as brand partner in performance-first drive

    MUMBAI: In a move as sharp as his throws, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has joined hands with Audi India, aligning world-class athleticism with German engineering finesse. The partnership, announced on 26 May 2025 by JSW Sports, brings together the double Olympic medalist and the iconic luxury carmaker in a collaboration driven by shared values of performance, precision, and progress.

    The tie-up follows Chopra’s remarkable journey from a history-making gold at the Tokyo Olympics to a silver medal finish at the Paris 2024 Games, alongside podium wins at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. Audi, known for its relentless innovation and engineering craft, sees Chopra as the embodiment of its brand ethos.

    “At Audi, we stand for those who push boundaries… Neeraj Chopra is the embodiment of that spirit”, said Audi India head Balbir Singh Dhillon. “Determined and iconic, his journey from ambition to achievement mirrors Audi’s progressive DNA”.

    The collaboration reflects not just a brand endorsement but a philosophical alignment. Chopra’s laser focus on precision and relentless pursuit of betterment mirrors Audi’s design discipline and technological edge. The athlete’s admiration for the brand adds another layer of authenticity to the partnership.

    “I’ve always admired Audi – not just for the cars, but for what the brand stands for. The pursuit of excellence never stops. I’m excited to join the Audi family”, said Chopra, speaking on the association.

    JSW Sports, which manages Chopra’s commercial interests, facilitated the tie-up. JSW Sports CCO Karan Yadav described the partnership as a landmark for Indian sport and brand synergy. “Audi is a car manufacturer Neeraj really admires, and one whose vision aligns with his as an athlete. The potential of this partnership is limitless”.

    This collaboration signals Audi’s deeper engagement with Indian sport and its commitment to aligning with icons who personify evolution, resilience, and excellence.

  • Bebetta levels up leadership with Saatvik Goel and Manoj Bojja to double its user base

    Bebetta levels up leadership with Saatvik Goel and Manoj Bojja to double its user base

    MUMBAI: For a platform that thrives on gameplay, Bebetta isn’t playing when it comes to growth. The gamified engagement startup has strengthened its leadership board with two big-name hires: Saatvik Goel joins as chief marketing officer, and Manoj Bojja takes over as chief technology officer.

    The appointments signal a serious play by the company to scale from its current 15 million users to 30 million by year-end. Founder Meet Shah believes this leadership upgrade is less about titles and more about turbocharging the company’s mission—merging gaming with real-world rewards.

    “India is on the cusp of revolution in gaming”, said Shah. “With Saatvik and Manoj joining the team, we bring in deep expertise across marketing and scalable tech systems—core pillars for our gamified engagement model & future plans”.

    Goel steps in with a record of aggressive growth strategy. At Eloelo, he led a 500x spike in the DAU base and scaled marketing operations across digital platforms. He also left a mark at Doubtnut and Bluestack by boosting ROAS and user engagement with digital-first thinking.

    “It’s an exciting chapter”, said Goel. “I am committed to steering our marketing vision towards building an authentic community of gaming enthusiasts… and establish Bebetta as India’s largest gamified entertainment platform”.

    On the tech side, Bojja brings over a decade of engineering firepower from Gameberry Labs, Moonfrog Labs, and Gameskraft. With a vision of handling millions of concurrent users, his focus will be on building robust, AI-backed, scalable infrastructure.

    “It’s exhilarating to join Bebetta at such a pivotal moment”, Bojja said. “We’ll build a secure, flexible architecture that supports growth while embedding AI to enhance user journeys”.

    Founded in 2023, Bebetta has quickly evolved from 10,000 new users a day to over 35,000 daily signups.

    The app’s hook?

    Turning every tap into a reward.