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  • Flipkart and Marriott cart loyalty to new highs

    Flipkart and Marriott cart loyalty to new highs

    MUMBAI: From Bali earrings to Bali getaways, Flipkart is now making your cart a passport. In a first-of-its-kind move, Flipkart and Marriott Bonvoy have launched India’s first dual loyalty tie-up, blending everyday shopping with aspirational travel. The playful campaign, Your cart takes you places, by 22 Feet Tribal Worldwide, builds on a quirky insight, many popular Flipkart search terms, like ‘Korean skincare’ or ‘Bali,’ double up as travel destinations.

    For two weeks, the Flipkart app turned this coincidence into serendipity, showing Marriott Bonvoy stay options alongside product searches. Users were nudged to link accounts, turning Super coins into travel rewards and routine shopping into unforgettable journeys.

    Humorous ad films carried the message, showing how casual browsing could lead shoppers closer to their dream destinations. The campaign also trended on X and across social platforms through influencer pushes and witty conversations about these “happy accidents.”

    Flipkart says the tie-up strengthens its vision of a unified rewards ecosystem, while Marriott Bonvoy calls it a way of making travel more local, accessible and relevant to Indian audiences.

    Looks like retail therapy just found its ultimate upgrade, straight from your basket to a beach resort.

  • Bangla Zee5 makes Pujo sparkle with new campaign

    Bangla Zee5 makes Pujo sparkle with new campaign

    MUMBAI: Pujo on screen, Pujo on streets. Bangla Zee5 is making sure the festival is everywhere you are. The streaming giant has rolled out its festive campaign Amar bhasha amar golpo, a 360 degree celebration that brings together films, TV favourites, festive offers and even live pandal experiences. The initiative is designed to make Durga Pujo entertainment inclusive, accessible and rooted in Bengal’s cultural heartbeat.

    zee5

    At the centre is a brand film weaving together stories of Pujo: a girl sketching the goddess’ eyes, a female priest breaking barriers, an electrician juggling fatherhood and work, and even a festive meet-cute. Subscribers can also grab the special PUJO59 deal, slashing the monthly Bangla plan from RS 99 to Rs 59.

    Between 22 September and 2 October, a line-up of popular shows such as Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, Jowar Bhata and Kone Dekha Aalo will stream free, alongside live rituals from top pandals and 35–40 festive specials. Bangla Zee5 is also stepping outdoors with cab wraps, banners and quirky Pujo creatives across the city, while partnering with residential complexes to bring screenings and celebrations directly into communities.

    “Durga Pujo is the heartbeat of Bengal, a celebration that unites generations. With this campaign, we wanted to carry that spirit into every home,” said Bangla Zee5 business head Rusa Banerjee.

    From blockbuster premieres like Mrigaya – the hunt to nostalgia-laced specials, the platform promises a festive feast for every mood. This Pujo, whether you’re pandal-hopping or couch-surfing, Bangla Zee5 is serving stories, spirit and plenty of sparkle.

  • Inka rewrites the rulebook with witty insurance pitch

    Inka rewrites the rulebook with witty insurance pitch

    MUMBAI: Inbox meets Inka, and suddenly, insurance looks a lot less dull. Inka, the new-age insurance platform, has launched a cheeky campaign that turns a routine internal email into a public message with purpose. Designed as an email screenshot, the campaign pokes fun at the industry’s stiff image while boldly promising clarity, transparency and customer-first service.

    The playful ad reminds audiences that while “insurance is a serious business,” it doesn’t need to be confusing. With a free personalised insurance report and instant access via QR code, Inka makes the fine print feel more friendly than frightening.

    “At Inka, we believe insurance shouldn’t be intimidating. It should be clear, helpful and accessible,” said Inka Insurance founder Vaibhav Kathju “This campaign reflects our commitment to transparency and lifelong support for our customers.”

    By mixing wit with value, Inka is showing how financial services can be approachable without losing credibility. The brand’s digital-first approach and focus on long-term relationships are part of its bigger goal, to humanise insurance for a generation that expects both honesty and ease.

    In a world of jargon-heavy paperwork, Inka is betting on humour and heart, making insurance not just a safety net, but a conversation starter.

  • Shin chan and Yakult team up for gut health drive

    Shin chan and Yakult team up for gut health drive

    MUMBAI: Belly laughs meet belly health. Shin chan is now on a mission to care for kids’ tummies.Yakult Danone India has roped in the mischievous Japanese cartoon character for a nationwide campaign to promote children’s gut health, timed perfectly with the India release of Shin chan: the spicy kasukabe dancers on 26 September.

    The drive blends fun with facts, highlighting how poor digestion affects nearly 30 per cent of Indian children, often lowering immunity, energy and nutrient absorption. Using Shin chan’s cheeky charm, the campaign explains why a healthy gut can help youngsters stay energetic, strong and happy.

    “Our association with Shin chan gives us an incredible opportunity to highlight Yakult’s core message on gut health in a fun, relatable way,” said Yakult Danone India  managing director Eiji Amano. “By starting these conversations early, we can inspire healthy habits that last.”

    The campaign is live across television and digital platforms including Youtube, Jio Cinema, MX Player, Zee5 and Airtel Xstream, alongside outdoor branding, hoardings and on-ground activations in cities from Delhi NCR and Mumbai to Hyderabad, Indore and Guwahati.

    Yakult Danone director – sales, pr & marketing Taku Otsuka added, “Gut health is vital for lifelong wellness. With Shin chan’s storytelling and Yakult’s science-backed probiotic, we’re making digestive health simple and fun.”

    By combining science, entertainment and a dose of Shin chan’s humour, Yakult hopes to make gut health a household conversation, proving that strong tummies really can lead to stronger kids.

  • Spykar unveils ‘Daur Apna Hai’ campaign with rap anthem celebrating India’s youth spirit

    Spykar unveils ‘Daur Apna Hai’ campaign with rap anthem celebrating India’s youth spirit

    MUMBAI: Spykar Lifestyle, one of India’s most loved and trusted homegrown denim brands, has announced the launch of its latest campaign, Daur Apna Hai. The campaign reflects the belief that this is India’s moment, a celebration of the country’s youthful, vibrant spirit at heart, mind and soul.

    Daur Apna Hai champions the confidence, self-expression and pride of today’s generation, echoing Spykar’s own journey as India’s finest denim brand, renowned for authenticity and the perfect fit for Indian bodies. The campaign kicks off with a high-energy rap anthem created in collaboration with Wicked Sunny, Dharmik and the Vixens Crew. With its addictive rhythm and hard-hitting lyrics, the track celebrates the grit, ambition and talent of India’s youth, underscoring Spykar’s conviction that it is India’s time to shine on the global stage.

    Commenting on the campaign, Spykar Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd, co-founder and CEO, Sanjay Vakharia said, “Spykar has always stood for the young and restless Indian spirit : self-made, unapologetic and ambitious. ‘Daur Apna Hai’ stems from the same philosophy. The rap anthem is just the first step of this larger campaign, which marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As India’s youth push boundaries and redefine success, we are ready to walk alongside them, empowering them with style and confidence that is proudly Indian. We will soon unveil more initiatives, collaborations and stories that celebrate Indian creativity.”

    From pioneering denim in India to emerging as a full-fledged lifestyle brand with apparel and accessories, Spykar has consistently delivered products that combine global design sensibilities with Indian authenticity. Known for high-quality fabrics, cutting-edge styles and fits crafted for Indian bodies, Spykar enjoys a strong presence across stores, e-commerce platforms and a loyal customer base nationwide.

    With Daur Apna Hai, Spykar reinforces its position as India’s leading denim brand and a champion of originality, individuality and youth-led creativity. The campaign goes beyond fashion to spark conversations around confidence, self-expression and the celebration of Indian talent.

  • Oppo sparks festive glow with Reno14 Diwali Edition and Prime Video show

    Oppo sparks festive glow with Reno14 Diwali Edition and Prime Video show

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, your screen time may just outshine the diyas. Oppo India has teamed up with Prime Video to light up the festive season with a double treat, a sparkling new Reno14 5G Diwali edition smartphone and the much-anticipated unscripted talk show Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, streaming exclusively on Prime Video from today.

    The show kicks off with a reunion fans never thought they’d see Aamir Khan and Salman Khan sharing the couch, swapping stories, laughs, and surprises. The line-up that follows reads like a Bollywood blockbuster: Akshay Kumar, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Vicky Kaushal, Govinda, Chunky Panday, and Janhvi Kapoor are all set to appear, promising spontaneous conversations and plenty of star-studded chaos.

    While Kajol and Twinkle keep the cameras rolling, Oppo brings the sparkle with its limited Reno14 5G Diwali Edition, a device that is as much art as it is tech. Priced at Rs 39,999 (special festive price Rs 36,999), the smartphone draws from Indian tradition, with a mandala base symbolising harmony, a peacock representing prosperity, and flame motifs echoing the light of countless diyas.

    The black-and-gold palette captures Diwali’s essence black as the new moon, symbolising obstacles, and gold as the glow of lamps, signifying triumph and prosperity.

    In a first for India, the device features heat-sensitive Glowshift technology, transforming from deep black to radiant gold at body temperature. The shift, achieved through nine layers of lamination and six intricate processes, can be triggered over 10,000 cycles meaning the magic won’t fade with the season.

    The Reno14 Diwali Edition packs a 50MP Hypertone triple camera with a 3.5x telephoto lens, 4K HDR video at 60fps across all lenses, and even an Underwater Photography Mode. On the inside, it’s powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8350, paired with a 6000mAh battery backed by 80w Supervooc fast charging. At just 7.42mm thin and 187g, it’s built with an aerospace-grade aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass 7i, and IP66/68/69 protection.

    Running ColorOS 15 with GenAI integration, it also doubles as your AI assistant, offering tools like Translate, Mind Space, AI Summary, Circle to Search, and AI Toolbox 2.0.

    For Oppo, the festive edition isn’t just a smartphone, it’s a storytelling device. As Oppo India, head of PR and communications Goldee Patnaik put it: “This special edition smartphone is a festive keepsake inspired by India’s rich cultural heritage… Our collaboration with Prime Video for Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle echoes the same sentiment celebrating real, unscripted connections and the joy of being in the moment.”

    With a smartphone that changes colour with your touch and a talk show that promises raw, unscripted conversations, Oppo has blended tech and tradition into a festive narrative. This Diwali, your upgrade might just come with both a new device and a binge-worthy watchlist.

  • Lakshya brings bold attitude to Tyaani Jewellery in ‘forces of Tyaani’

    Lakshya brings bold attitude to Tyaani Jewellery in ‘forces of Tyaani’

    MUMBAI: Tyaani Jewellery by Karan Johar, one of India’s leading fine jewellery brands, has unveiled a powerful new campaign look from its ongoing ‘forces of Tyaani’ series, featuring Ba***ds of Bollywood fame Lakshya Lalwani. Known for his meteoric rise in Hindi cinema, Lakshya represents a new wave of unapologetic self-expression and bold individuality.

    Lakshya has been an integral face of ‘Forces of Tyaani,’ a campaign that redefines fine jewellery as natural, aspirational, and commanding for both women and men. This latest chapter captures him in a youthful yet striking avatar, blending the raw edge of his Bads of Bollywood persona with the sophistication of fine jewellery. The styling channels both rebellion and regality, showing that jewellery is not just an accessory but an attitude.

    The growing conversation around men’s jewellery reflects more than just a fashion movement, it signals a cultural shift towards confidence, individuality, and authenticity. From understated essentials to unapologetic statements, jewellery is emerging as a language of self-expression, with Tyaani leading the narrative.

    In the campaign visuals, Lakshya is styled in layered necklaces, cocktail rings, and bangles from Tyaani’s men’s collection. Each piece is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, set with natural uncut diamonds, cut diamonds, and striking gemstones, brought to life through a modern setting technique that bridges tradition with contemporary design.

    Tyaani Jewellery, founder, Karan Johar said, “Lakshya is not just a face in our campaign, he is a force. His presence, charisma, and journey align perfectly with what we celebrate at Tyaani: individuality and fearlessness. This new look in ‘Forces of Tyaani’ pushes the boundaries of men’s style and celebrates fine jewellery as a bold, personal expression of self.”

    Reflecting the campaign’s philosophy, Lakshya added, “For me, presence is power. When you hold your ground, the world learns to wait. You remember the face? Good. Now remember the voice. This is what power sounds like, in Tyaani.”

    Tyaani Jewellery by Karan Johar is currently present in eight cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad and is also available online at tyaani.com.

  • Nielsen tunes in as Podscribe maps podcast ads with DMA precision

    Nielsen tunes in as Podscribe maps podcast ads with DMA precision

    MUMBAI: When it comes to podcasts, location isn’t just about where you hit play, it’s about where the ads land. In a move set to fine-tune the fast-growing digital audio space, Nielsen has struck a deal with Podscribe, an independent measurement and verification platform for podcast and audio advertising, to integrate its proprietary Designated Market Area (DMA) data into Podscribe’s reporting suite.

    The partnership gives Podscribe access to Nielsen’s standardised DMA® information spanning 210 media markets across the US, arming advertisers and publishers with sharper geographical audience insights. For buyers, it means laser-focused geo-targeted ads; for sellers, it translates into proving the true reach and value of their inventory with trusted, industry-wide benchmarks.

    Long considered the gold standard for audience geography, Nielsen’s DMA data is already widely embedded in media planning and buying. Its application in podcasting promises to bring the same consistency and comparability enjoyed in television and radio to the digital audio frontier.

    With the integration, Podscribe users will be able to:

    ●    Access localized ad targeting and reporting at the media market level.

    ●    Segment data internally or with third-party partners by geographic market.

    ●    Standardize audience mapping across campaigns for more transparency.

    Calling it “a significant step forward,” Podscribe CEO/founder Pete Birsinger said the move would strengthen trust and accuracy: “This partnership ensures that our buyers and sellers have access to standardized and trusted geographic market definitions, enabling more effective localized ad targeting and streamlined reporting across the board.”

    Nielsen managing audio director Rich Tunkel stressed the importance of a common language for measurement: “Podscribe’s collaboration with Nielsen emphasizes the importance of industry-wide standardization across all digital audio impressions. Using the most up-to-date Nielsen local market data will allow for consistent evaluation and comparability across all media platforms, with effective and efficient results.”

    Podcast advertising is booming but without consistent definitions of who’s listening and where, the industry has risked fragmentation. By baking in Nielsen’s DMA insights, Podscribe positions itself at the intersection of innovation and standardisation, offering buyers confidence in reach and sellers a stronger pitch for their ad slots.

    In other words, in the battle for ears and ad dollars, geography just found its groove.

  • CTV clicks with consumers as screen time turns into shopping time

    CTV clicks with consumers as screen time turns into shopping time

    MUMBAI – From binge-watching to binge-buying, connected TV is rewriting India’s festive shopping playbook. At the 3rd India Brand Summit 2025, Nikhil Kumar, chief growth officer at mediasmart, joined Indiantelevision.com group founder, chairman & editor in chief Anil NM Wanvari to chart how connected TV (CTV) has evolved from a niche experiment during COVID to a Rs 2,500 crore ad magnet today.

    “When we first spoke about it five years ago, we said CTV would change the way the world perceives television,” Kumar recalled. “Back then it was new, almost niche. Today there are dedicated CTV conferences, panels, and players from OEMs and ad tech firms to SSPs and publishers. Everyone knows the power of CTV.”

    The growth numbers back him up. India’s CTV ad spends are projected to touch Rs 2,500 crore in 2025, reflecting 40 per cent growth, as per industry reports. “That’s one of the fastest-growing slices of media we’ve ever seen,” Kumar noted.

    What’s driving this growth? For Kumar, the answer lies in how festive season advertising has shifted. Consumers now hop seamlessly across screens mobiles in the morning, laptops at work, and smart TVs in the evening. “We’ve moved from asking where the ad is shown to who the ad is shown to,” he said.

    Acquired by Affle group, mediasmart has positioned itself not just as a CTV player but as an omnichannel partner. “No consumer lives on a single screen. People are constantly engaging with multiple touchpoints mobile, CTV, even OOH. Our job is to help advertisers minimise frequency fatigue and maximise relevance across devices,” he explained.

    Kumar stressed that AI is now the backbone of ad delivery tracking attention, optimising frequency, and ensuring seamless user journeys from TV to mobile to purchase. From QR codes on screen to shoppable ads and interactive formats, engagement has become more dynamic and measurable.

    “Ads are evolving. A campaign today might prompt a viewer to scan a code, explore an offer on mobile, or engage with gamified elements on their TV. This interactivity is making advertising far more actionable,” Kumar said, pointing to case studies where TV-to-mobile commerce spiked festive sales.

    Brands too have gotten sharper. From weather-optimised ads in Mumbai’s monsoons to contextual integrations in daily soaps, marketers are weaving themselves seamlessly into storytelling. “Consumers don’t want repetition. They want relevance,” he quipped.

    Looking ahead, Kumar sees three big shifts:

    ●    AI-powered personalisation that adapts by region, language, and timing.

    ●    Shoppable and interactive ads that nudge viewers from watching to buying.

    ●    Better measurement, as agencies and OEMs collaborate to unify fragmented ecosystems.

    Kumar signed off with a reminder: “Brands should think beyond ads and impressions. Integrated journeys connecting CTV with offline sync, store visits, and mobile engagement will deliver real festive impact.”

    As the festive season nears, one thing is clear, CTV is no longer just screen time, it’s shopping time.

  • Sarc Global teams up with Nodwin Gaming

    Sarc Global teams up with Nodwin Gaming

    MUMBAI: Level up and play big! India’s esports industry just got a power boost. Sarc Global, a strategic advisory and consulting firm, has joined forces with Nodwin Gaming, south Asia’s leading esports company, to turbocharge the country’s competitive gaming scene. The alliance is designed to push esports into the mainstream, with plans ranging from promoting tournaments and unlocking sponsorships to driving esports-friendly policies with government support.

    The move dovetails with prime minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat vision, giving esports a policy tailwind as states like Maharashtra, Bihar and Rajasthan draft pro-gaming frameworks. “This partnership is an important step towards unlocking the true potential of esports in India,” said Nodwin Gaming CEO Gautam Singh Virk. “We’re bridging the world of competitive gaming with the business and policy frameworks that will allow it to thrive.”

    Sarc Global will bring its expertise in investment facilitation and cross-border partnerships, while Nodwin leverages its deep roots in esports, youth culture and intellectual properties. Together, the duo aims to create a future-ready ecosystem that blends entertainment, regulation and opportunity.

    The timing couldn’t be sharper. The Online gaming act, 2025, now offers regulatory clarity, incentives for infrastructure and clear safeguards for young audiences. A recent FICCI-EY report notes that brand participation in esports will rise from 68 in 2024 to 75 in 2025, fuelled by bigger tournaments and growing youth engagement.

    As sponsorships, prize pools and large-scale youth campaigns gather momentum, the Sarc Global–Nodwin partnership is set to redefine India’s role in global esports. From boardrooms to battle arenas, the game has only just begun.