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  • Aashirvaad honours mothers with soulful Durga Puja tribute

    Aashirvaad honours mothers with soulful Durga Puja tribute

    MUMBAI: When it comes to Durga Puja, Aashirvaad is kneading more than just flour, it’s stirring emotions too. India’s leading packaged atta brand has launched ‘Matri shakti bondona,’  a tribute to mother’s many forms and energy, a special video song sung by National Award-winning vocalist Iman Chakraborty. The moving track celebrates the strength of mothers while drawing parallels with the divine energy of Maa Durga.

    The film flows seamlessly from everyday scenes of care and resilience to the vibrant sounds of dhaak and shankha, blending festive spirit with heartfelt storytelling. It’s an ode not just to goddesses in temples but to every ‘Maa’ at home.

    Adding a digital spin, Aashirvaad has also unveiled a one-of-a-kind experience where users can craft personalised musical tributes. By entering their mother’s name, photos and cherished qualities, families can generate a customised video and song, voiced by Chakraborty herself, a keepsake as timeless as the bond it celebrates.

    “Durga Puja is the heartbeat of Bengal, and Aashirvaad has always been part of the traditions that bring families together. This campaign honours every mother as Maa Durga herself, using music and technology to make celebrations even more personal,” said ITC Ltd, bu chief executive- staples, Anuj Rustagi.

    The tribute will also echo across West Bengal with celebrations in 13 pandals spanning Kolkata, Howrah, Durgapur, Asansol and beyond. For those wishing to strike the perfect note for their own Maa, the creation journey awaits at aashirvaaddurgapujo.com. 
     

  • WPP Media places Mindshare veteran to steer Fulcrum’s south Asian operations

    WPP Media places Mindshare veteran to steer Fulcrum’s south Asian operations

    MUMBAI: WPP Media has nabbed Vinish Mathews, former chief strategy officer at Mindshare India, to head its team Fulcrum operations across south Asia. The appointment marks a homecoming of sorts for Mathews, who previously orchestrated strategic planning for Hindustan Unilever’s sprawling personal care empire during his decade-long stint at Mindshare.

    Mathews arrives with 22 years of battle-tested experience spanning India, China and Southeast Asia. His CV reads like a tour through advertising’s most cutthroat markets—from steering Nestlé and PepsiCo campaigns in China’s digital-first landscape to managing Unilever’s 30-brand portfolio including Dove, Lux and Fair & Lovely in India.

    The 45-year-old executive cut his teeth at The New Indian Express before climbing the ranks at The Media Edge and Mindshare. His most recent role saw him as managing director of Mindshare China, where he juggled marquee accounts including Royal Caribbean and Tourism New Zealand whilst leading Alibaba’s outbound business across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.

    At Essence, Mathews served as vice-president and client partner for Google across India and Southeast Asia, cementing his reputation as a digital media heavyweight. His expertise spans the full spectrum from FMCG giants to fintech upstarts, with forays into automotive, tourism and consumer durables.

    WPP Media’s decision to bring Mathews aboard signals its intent to capitalise on south Asia’s booming advertising market. The region has become a crucial battleground for global agencies as brands chase the spending power of India’s burgeoning middle class and the digital transformation sweeping across emerging markets.

    Mathews will now task himself with driving growth and transformation for team Fulcrum’s client roster, leveraging his cross-cultural expertise and proven track record in building “immersive consumer connections.” For WPP, it represents a strategic coup in the ongoing war for talent between the world’s largest advertising groups.

  • Hrithik flexes with Own Your Body in star powered wellness push

    Hrithik flexes with Own Your Body in star powered wellness push

    MUMBAI: When it comes to health, Hrithik Roshan has always been the poster boy for balance, discipline, and a chiselled dose of motivation. Now, the superstar is lending that aura of fitness to Own Your Body (OYB), a progressive nutraceutical brand founded by Rama Krishna Reddy, Ravi Krishna Reddy, and Srinivas Reddy.

    In a move that fuses Bollywood muscle with modern nutrition, OYB has appointed Roshan as its official brand ambassador, hoping his pull among millennials, professionals, and fitness-conscious Indians will make wellness not just aspirational but accessible.

    “Consumers today are more conscious than ever, but often face nutraceutical products that lack transparency or consistency,” said OYB co-founder & CEO Rama Krishna Reddy. “At OYB, we’re filling this gap with safe, natural, and science-backed solutions. Hrithik was the natural choice, his discipline, balanced lifestyle, and mass appeal resonate strongly with our mission.”

    Roshan, never one to shy away from a fitness philosophy, added his own spin: “Health, for me, has always been about balance, discipline, and making small, right choices every day. That’s why I connected with Own Your Body. Together, we want to inspire people to focus on what they put into their body as the first step towards real fitness.”

    OYB’s portfolio already covers the essentials of modern wellness: stress relievers, energy boosters, and daily health supplements made with 100 per cent natural, vegan, and organic ingredients. With no added sugar, gluten, or artificial fillers, the formulations are developed by leading AYUSH scientists and tested in NABL-accredited laboratories, ensuring safety and consistency in an often-crowded market.

    The brand’s offerings are available nationwide through leading e-commerce platforms, quick commerce services, and its own direct-to-consumer website. But the real flex begins now: OYB plans to roll out digital-first campaigns with Roshan and expand into new wellness categories, hoping to become the go-to label for mindful nutrition in India.

    For a brand that urges consumers to Own Your Body, adding Bollywood’s most disciplined body to its corner may just be the winning formula. After all, if Hrithik says wellness starts with what you consume, India is bound to listen.

  • SBI Life & BCCI drive breast cancer awareness with ‘Thanks-a-dot’

    SBI Life & BCCI drive breast cancer awareness with ‘Thanks-a-dot’

    MUMBAI: SBI Life Insurance, in partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), took breast cancer awareness to the international stage with the ‘Thanks-a-dot’ initiative. As part of the campaign, the Indian Women’s cricket team donned distinctive pink jerseys featuring the ‘Thanks-a-dot’ logo during their ODI against Australia, using the unifying power of cricket to amplify the life-saving message of early detection and self-examination.

    Ahead of the match, SBI Life leaders along with actress and breast cancer survivor Mahima Chaudhry presented the specially designed jerseys to team India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates, symbolising solidarity and commitment to women’s health.

    SBI Life, president & CDO, M. Anand said, “Thanks-a-dot is our heartfelt effort to empower women with awareness that can save lives. Partnering with BCCI and team India allows us to reach millions and inspire timely action on breast health.”

    The initiative was integrated across multiple match touchpoints, from a reimagined dot ball counter tied to breast health kits for underprivileged women, to the pitch mat emblazoned with the TAD logo. Fans were engaged through symbolic gestures that reinforced the need for awareness and proactive self-checks.

    Launched in 2019, ‘Thanks-a-dot’ has continually innovated to spread its message, including the “hug of life” hot water bag with 3D training lumps to encourage regular breast self-examinations.

    By combining cricket’s reach with education, SBI Life’s ‘Thanks-a-dot’ continues to normalize conversations around breast cancer, reminding women that early detection can make all the difference. Staying true to its philosophy “Apne liye, apno ke liye,” the brand reaffirms its commitment to protection, awareness, and hope for families across India.

  • Beyond Type 1 expands to India to support children and youth with Type 1 diabetes

    Beyond Type 1 expands to India to support children and youth with Type 1 diabetes

    MUMBAI: In response to the urgent need for greater awareness and support for people living with type 1 diabetes, Beyond Type 1 has announced its expansion to India. The global nonprofit, co-founded by Nick Jonas, works to change what it means to live with diabetes by raising awareness, building supportive communities, providing life-saving resources, and amplifying voices too often unheard.

    India ranks second globally in type 1 diabetes cases (after the US) and has the highest number of children and teenagers living with T1D in the world. Yet awareness remains alarmingly low, too many diagnoses come late, stigma persists, and studies show youth with type 1 diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression or anxiety compared to their peers.

    Beyond Type 1, CEO, Deborah Dugan shared, “Beyond Type 1 was founded to challenge outdated narratives about diabetes and to show what it truly means to live beyond a diagnosis, but access to education, strong support systems, and good care are essential for both physical and mental health. As a part of our expansion to India, we are joining forces with local organizations who are building those systems every day, standing alongside a community that is already reshaping what it means to live with diabetes.”

    Local partners include Hriday, which will implement programs on the ground, and the NCD Alliance, providing global support. The partnership will prioritise awareness campaigns, early detection, school- and community-based education, and peer support: initiatives designed to meet people where they are and center the lived experiences of those most impacted.

    “We know real change happens when communities are at the heart of the solution,” said Hriday, executive director, Monika Arora.

    This expansion aligns with the recent UN political declaration on NCDs, which spotlighted the urgent need for collective action on both physical and mental health.

    NCD Alliance, CEO, Katie Dain added, “NCDs like type 1 diabetes have effects that reach further than physical health alone, and much more needs to be done to support the mental health of people living with NCDs. Beyond Type 1’s expansion into India brings much-needed attention and energy to this issue, and we welcome their commitment to working alongside local partners and communities in driving change.”

    As Beyond Type 1 marks its 10th anniversary, the organisation is proud to expand its work with partners in India to help break stigma, amplify voices, and drive progress toward a future where people don’t just manage diabetes, they thrive beyond their diagnosis, beyond barriers, and beyond expectations.

  • Piping up for good Seagram’s Travel Gear backs real change makers

    Piping up for good Seagram’s Travel Gear backs real change makers

    MUMBAI: Goodness, it seems, never goes out of style and now it comes with luggage tags. Seagram’s 100 Pipers Travel Gear, best known for championing causes bigger than commerce, has unveiled its latest campaign spotlighting real-life champions of change who live the brand’s philosophy of Be Remembered for Good.

    The new film features an eclectic cast of changemakers: actor and Climate Warrior Bhumi Pednekar, actor and philanthropist Kunal Kapoor, lake conservationist Anand Malligavad, and eco-conscious entrepreneur Taran Chhabra, co-founder of Neeman’s. Together, they lend star power and substance to a campaign that urges society to put purpose before vanity.

    The film captures their journeys from film sets and boardrooms to lakesides and sustainable workshops proving that small acts, when scaled, ripple into movements.

    Pednekar, a vocal advocate for climate awareness, has channelled her celebrity into supporting NGOs, funding climate-related podcasts and documentaries, and hosting sustainability events. “I believe in doing things not just for a good life but for the greater good of our world,” she said, describing her partnership with 100 Pipers as a natural extension of her Climate Warrior role.

    Ketto.com co-founder Kunal Kapoor who founded India’s largest crowdfunding platform framed his story through responsibility: “With great power comes great responsibility. I’ve championed a platform that ignites compassion, transforming small deeds into profound impacts.”

    Malligavad, once a techie and now India’s most recognised lake revivalist, has restored Bengaluru’s water bodies since 2017, inspiring similar efforts nationwide. “My commitment to lake revival is equalled by my passion to inspire others to join this vital cause,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Chhabra has reimagined footwear with Neeman’s, creating sustainable shoes that turn plastic into purposeful steps. “In my efforts to blend success with a cause, I have transformed plastic into steps towards a better world,” he remarked, echoing the brand’s ethos.

    Launched under the Be Remembered for Good banner, the campaign is more than a glossy commercial. It is a clarion call to action, urging consumers to celebrate those who create ripples of change and to pick up the baton themselves.

    By putting real changemakers centre stage, Seagram’s 100 Pipers Travel Gear has chosen to showcase that heroism doesn’t just belong to fictional characters, it thrives in citizens who fight for clean water, climate justice, sustainable fashion, and compassion at scale.

    Because when it comes to leaving a legacy, this brand is reminding everyone: travel light, but carry goodness.

  • Flipkart dares gamers to name it and claim it with BGMI challenge

    Flipkart dares gamers to name it and claim it with BGMI challenge

    MUMBAI: What’s in a name? If you’re a gamer this Big Billion Days, potentially your entire wishlist. Flipkart has pulled off one of its quirkiest surprises yet, teaming up with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) for a campaign that proves true to its tagline Yahan Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.

    Every festive season, gamers flock to Flipkart to upgrade their rigs whether it’s snagging a new gaming chair, upgrading to a beast of a device, or grabbing peripherals to boost their play. But in 2025, Flipkart is cranking the stakes up several notches. The prize? The ultimate gamer’s wishlist, free. The challenge? Name2claim, a dare so outlandish it could only be born in BGMI land.

    Conceptualised by DDB Mudra, Name2claim taps into the colourful culture of gamer tags the quirky, witty, often bizarre usernames that have become the identity badge of millions of BGMI players. To win, players must go all in and make their gamer tag their real, official name.

    To make it legit, Flipkart has built a dedicated platform www.name2claim.in where gamers can “file” for a name change by drafting a classified ad announcing their new moniker. Flipkart will even publish the ad on their behalf, officially stamping the transformation. In other words: prove your passion, and the loot is yours.

    Flipkart vice president for marketing & growth Pratik Shetty explained the madness: “Gaming is one of the fastest-growing passions in India, and BGMI has built a community that thrives on creativity and fun. With Name2claim, we wanted to celebrate that culture in a way only Flipkart can by turning something as quirky as a gamer tag into a real identity. It’s a light-hearted challenge that shows how far gamers will go for what they love, and a reminder that during Big Billion Days, yahan sach-much kuch bhi ho sakta hai.”

    Backing the idea, DDB Mudra group group creative directors Gagandeep Bindra and Rahul Arcot added, “BGMI fans are one of the most fun-loving and creative communities out there. It shows in their gamer names and the way they engage. And one thing they love more than playing? A challenge. With Name2claim, we gave them the most unexpected dare change your real name to your gamer tag and win the ultimate wishlist. Crazy? Absolutely. Possible? Only for a true BGMI fan.”

    The campaign has been brought to life with a quirky film stitched entirely from in-game footage, showcasing the randomness, fun, and chaos of the BGMI universe. Fans can watch it on Youtube or catch the buzz spreading fast on Instagram, where reels and reactions are already trending.

    With over 100 million BGMI users in India and Flipkart’s Big Billion Days sale attracting millions more, the crossover feels like a cultural flashpoint where e-commerce meets esports. And as Flipkart proves once again sometimes, all it takes to unlock the deal of your dreams is a name.

  • Plates with purpose: ITC Aashirvaad turns Navratri feasts into care acts

    Plates with purpose: ITC Aashirvaad turns Navratri feasts into care acts

    MUMBAI: Food for thought, with a side of care. This Navratri, ITC Aashirvaad Soul Creations has launched ‘Nav creations,’ a festive initiative that transforms everyday vrat meals into acts of kindness.

    At a time when families gather over wholesome vrat thalis and young kanyas are celebrated as symbols of purity, many girls remain outside the festive circle. ‘Nav creations’ steps in to bridge that gap, ensuring each order adds a touch of warmth to lives that might otherwise go unnoticed.

    Here’s how it works, every order from the ‘Nav creations’ menu on Swiggy or Zomato comes with a festive card and a QR code. By uploading proof of purchase, customers earn 100 coins. Once 500 coins are collected, Aashirvaad Soul Creations serves a wholesome Navratri meal to a young kanya. To spread the joy further, contributors also receive a personalised ‘Nav creations’ digital frame to share online.

    The vrat-special menu itself stays true to tradition, prepared without onion or garlic and using only sendha namak. From kuttu paneer pakodas with kali mirch dip, velvety vrat paneer curry, and fluffy sabudana khichdi thalis to soft sabudana parathas and rajgira pooris paired with comforting aloo subzi, each dish brings the festive kitchen to the table.

    Available across Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune until 2 October, the menu is more than convenient festive dining. With ‘Nav creations,’ every plate becomes a prayer, and every order an offering of care.

  • Cocoon Hospital tackles menopause’s hidden danger

    Cocoon Hospital tackles menopause’s hidden danger

    MUMBAI: Pulse check, please. Cocoon Hospital has turned up the volume on a condition too often left in whispers, launching its ‘Silent shift’ campaign to spotlight the link between menopause and women’s heart health.

    Timed ahead of World heart day, the nationwide initiative calls on women over 40 to recognise that menopause is more than a reproductive milestone. It is also, as doctors warn, a cardiovascular transition that can quietly raise the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart disease.

    “Menopause is not just about hot flushes and hormonal shifts, it is about the heart too,” said Jaipur, unit head at Cocoon Hospital, Dilshad Khan. “With ‘Silent shift’ our mission is to break this silence, empower women with knowledge and encourage proactive steps for long-term health.”

    The campaign mixes scientific expertise with everyday advice, encouraging screenings, lifestyle changes and preventive care rather than waiting for emergencies. Cocoon Hospital hopes the movement will spark conversations not just in clinics but in living rooms, creating ripple effects through families and communities.

    RJ Corp Healthcare, gm– brand strategy & communication, Shikha Girgla added “Our goal is to move critical health conversations into the mainstream and put women at the heart of preventive care.”

    With cardiovascular disease still one of the top threats to women, ‘Silent shift’ makes one thing clear: silence is not golden when it comes to the heart.

  • Eye on safety: V-Guard’s Puja film urges vigilance for women’s protection

    Eye on safety: V-Guard’s Puja film urges vigilance for women’s protection

    MUMBAI: Specs appeal with a sting. V-Guard has marked Durga Puja with a stirring campaign that flips fiction into a wake-up call on women’s safety. The electricals major’s new ad film, ‘The third eye,’ opens with a striking concept: futuristic eyewear that scans faces, flags harassers, and alerts the police. As the young protagonist walks the streets, troublemakers are swiftly identified, creating a sense of safety and power.

    But then comes the gut punch. The glasses aren’t real, only the menace is. V-Guard’s message is simple: society must not wait for miracle gadgets to shield women. Instead, each of us must awaken our own “third eye” of awareness to reflect, respect and protect.

    Launched during Durga Puja, the campaign draws a sharp parallel with the goddess herself, worshipped as a symbol of strength and courage, reminds viewers to honour that spirit in every woman, every day.

    “Durga Puja is a timeless reminder that good conquers evil. The real tribute lies in how we protect and respect women around us,” said V-Guard, vp – brand & communication, Nandagopal Nair.

    Directed by Ralph&Das’s, Anil Ralph Thomas, the AI-powered yet human-scripted film was designed to be an eye opener, not a tech fantasy. To widen the message, V-Guard has partnered with Instagram influencers to spark conversations online.

    This festive season, the brand invites everyone to awaken their inner third eye, not through gadgets, but through conscience.