Tag: 15 August

  • India at 75: Brands pay an ode to the nation

    India at 75: Brands pay an ode to the nation

    Mumbai: As the country gears up to celebrate its 76th Independence Day, marking 75 years of the country’s independence from British rule, brands go all out, wearing their patriotic hearts on their logo-emblazoned sleeves in a bid to connect with their consumers. From campaigns that celebrate our nation’s diversity, to videos that convey heart-warming narratives and an awareness of financial independence, to shedding light on social issues, this year’s Independence Day communications are filled with messages of hope and empathy, along with pride.

    Here are a bunch of campaigns and initiatives that stood out to us:

    JSW Paints added colour to India’s Independence Day celebrations with a film that drives home the brand’s promise – “Thoughtful is Beautiful.” Conceptualised by TBWAIndia, the film captures India’s struggle and India’s originality in the same breath. Taking on a challenge that most Indian neighbourhoods face – a problem that no amount of fines, warnings, or well-intended public advisory has been able to solve. Until JSW Paints decided to change the canvas of solutions and presented a bright new answer in blazing tricolour.

    Ahead of the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day, Godrej Group released #SoundsOfMakingIndia, the sequel to its Independence Day campaign from 2019, that captured all the industrial sounds that signify progress in the manufacturing ecosystem. The film narrates the story of the Godrej Group’s journey of being an integral part of our nation’s progress while integrating the different businesses of the national brand.

    HDFC Mutual Fund has extended its #BarniSeAzadi campaign (first launched in 2021) to promote financial independence for women. Through this campaign, the company urges women to free their money from traditional savings methods and invest in mutual funds (MFs), so as to give their hard-earned money a chance to grow. The campaign is based on the insight that Indians have always saved money in traditional instruments like “Barnis”, pickle jars, lockers, FDs, etc.

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    Furthermore, HDFC Mutual Fund is organising a unique outdoor activity wherein a gigantic barni will be installed near Mumbai’s Carter Road from 13 to 15 August, where the company will take a pledge from women to not put their money in barnis anymore and use the suitable instrument to grow their money.

    Robin Hood Army (RHA), a zero-funds volunteer organisation that works towards getting surplus food from restaurants and communities to the plates of those less fortunate, has teamed up with media conglomerate ABP Network for Mission75 on India’s 76th Independence Day, where they are serving 75 lakh meals across India. To start conversations about the initiative and the sad reality millions of Indians face, the NGO has partnered with a creative agency, The Minimalist.

    Based on the topic that never goes out of trend, weight loss, The Minimalist conceptualised a clever, provocative film-#KhaaliThaali. The film utilises ‘Khaali Thaali’, a simple tool to depict the brutal reality of many Indians, and delivers a hard-hitting message.

    The static posts were disguised to look like ads for people who have experienced transformative weight loss, only to reveal the grim reality of how they did not have a choice in the matter.

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    LAFZ is a culturally conscious, Halal certified brand headquartered in Singapore and a part of global FMCG conglomerate Believe PTE. To mark the occasion, the brand has released a video that’s a tribute to India’s 76th Independence. The idea was inspired by a famous Islamic saying, “Hubbul Watan Minal Iman,” which means “Loving one’s own homeland is a part of faith.” The video was conceptualised internally by the team. The film reaffirms that love for one’s homeland is unconditional and unbiased, irrespective of religion, colour, caste, and societal status.

    Watch the video here –

    Looking back to the unprecedented time when covid-19 outbreak brought the world to a standstill, and our  defence and police forces stayed on duty, regardless of the deadly pandemic, Hamdard Laboratories launched a national campaign ‘SEHAT HAI TOH WATAN HAI’, paying homage to their valiance. As the eight-month-long campaign launched on 26 January approaches its culmination on India’s 76th Independence, Hamdard celebrated the health of India with multiple activities across its wellness centres from 10 – 14 August 2022. The brand has conducted 75 health camps and touched more than 15,000 lives of brave heroes.

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    Watching patriotic movies and catching the parade on TV never gets old on Independence Day, but why not try out something new this time—like OTT listening? On the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Pocket FM brings to you a special audiobook collection to celebrate 75 years of independence and feel your pride and honour for the nation.

    Here’s a list of the top five audiobooks to share with your kin on the occasion: Amar Krantiweer Chandra Shekhar Azad – get to know the courageous tale of the freedom fighter during the Indian Independence movement, My Experiments With Truth-In this audiobook, Mahatma Gandhi has given reminiscences of his childhood, relations with his wife and parents, experiences at school, his study tour to London, his journey to South Africa, experiences of colour prejudice, and his quest for dharma, Jhansi Ki Rani- The audiobook speaks about how the Queen had to repeatedly face gruelling challenges but still drew strength from her adversity. Annihilation of Caste – Listen to this audiobook to hear B.R Ambedkar’s searing takedown of the caste system, Why Am I An Atheist –  an essay written by Indian revolutionary Bhagat Singh in 1930 in Lahore Central Jail. Tune into this book and understand why the freedom fighter was an atheist.

    Finally, is it ever a celebration without having an equivalent one in the metaverse? As we are all set to commemorate India’s 76th Independence Day, digital solutions provider Kiya.ai will be celebrating the occasion in the metaverse. In what the brand claims to be a ‘first-of-its-kind’ initiative, Kiya.ai will celebrate Azadi Kaa Amrit Mahotsav with Har Ghar Tiranga on Bharatmeta, a dedicated zone of Kiyaverse, “India’s first metaverse” on www.bharatmeta.in.

    A virtual experience in Bharatmeta allows visitors to observe the Tricolour hoisted on a virtual monument and explore the zone while listening to patriotic songs.

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  • This Independence Day, brands pay tribute to India’s fighting spirit

    This Independence Day, brands pay tribute to India’s fighting spirit

    Mumbai: It has been a year riddled with challenges and loss. The second wave of the pandemic devastated families and took a heavy toll on the country as a whole. Amid all these challenges, India has entered into its 75th year of independence. As the country gears up to mark this momentous occasion, brands too aren’t behind in becoming a part of the grand moment. From campaigns that convey a sense of hope and elation to music videos that commemorate the people’s resilient spirits, these heart-warming narratives are bound to strike an emotional chord with viewers.

    Uber

    The ride-hailing app launched a music video as a tribute to India’s fighting spirit. The video features a five-year-old singer from Mizoram, Esther Hnamte performing an earnest rendition of AR Rahman’s “Maa Tujhe Salaam”. The video also highlights Uber’s efforts to support communities around the country during COVID-19. Uber has found meaningful ways to cater to evolving needs by creating livelihood opportunities for drivers on the platform. The company shifted focus to move what mattered most: serving frontline healthcare workers, facilitating essential trips for citizens, supporting vulnerable communities, and keeping vital supply chains moving, which is depicted through the three-minute video.

    BookMyShow

    In rural Jharkhand, young girls are forced to drop out of school and become child brides and work to support their families. BookASmile, the entertainment platform’s charity initiative, in collaboration with Jharkhand-based NGO – YUWA has been working at the grassroots to uplift the lives of these girls by breaking the shackles of such social evils and providing them an equal opportunity to discover their true potential through sports. 

    The association has conceptualised a new campaign to highlight the role of freedom through sports titled ‘Independence Through Sports’. Launched in the format of a digital video film on the eve of the Independence Day it furthers their work in encouraging and empowering young girls to explore the realm of sports through this campaign. Since 2015, BookASmile has supported YUWA, to build a grassroots program ‘Football for Empowerment’ working together to train young women from tribal and low economic backgrounds as coaches and leaders.

    Policybazaar

    The online insurance marketplace has released its new digital film on the occasion of Independence Day, drawing attention towards core human values of lending a helping hand at the time of need.

    Conceptualised by Scarecrow M&C Saatchi, and directed by Pinaki Bose, the digital film is based on a heart-warming story of a street violinist in Kolkata who once used to play in popular cafes. However, due to no takers for his craft, he is forced to earn money while playing on the streets. The brand wanted to give a positive larger-than-life message while staying salient to the category. The film depicts how the goodness of strangers is all that one has in times of need. Much like insurance, which is there to support you when you need it the most!

    Tata Tea Premium

    As an earnest gesture to lend support to the Indian artisan community, TATA Tea Premium celebrates this Independence Day by bringing out a unique #DeshKaKulhad collection in partnership with Rare Planet – a startup that promotes the work of local Indian artisans. The proceeds of the sale of these exquisite hand-painted kulhads will help to lend support to the artisan community that has been severely impacted by the current times.

    As part of the initiative, the brand has released a video anthem celebrating the artisans of India. Sung by the singer, composer and popular Pop Sufi rock artist, Rituraj Mohanty the song celebrates the rich cultural diversity of India. As the wheel spins and the clay moulds and gets sculpted, we can witness the pride of India’s heritage and art taking its shape. These special kulhads have been handcrafted with region-specific artforms like Madhubani folk art from Bihar, Warli artform from Maharashtra, Phulkari patterns from Punjab, Patachitra from Odisha, Sanjhi art from UP, etc.

    Godrej Group

    The Godrej Group released a digital film to celebrate the spirit of independence as seen from the eyes of the country’s youth with the campaign – #FreedomIs. The theme #FreedomIs expresses the expectations of the youth and presents their belief of what freedom means to them, and how their kind of India will be different. The campaign highlights various aspects that they can relate to and urges every citizen to take a pledge to spread this idea of an optimistic India.

    Conceptualised by the corporate brand and communications team of Godrej and Creativeland Asia, the narrative of the digital film aims to inspire the youth of India to cherish their freedom, serving as a reminder and a call to action.

    CashKaro

    The cashback & coupons site recently announced its Independence Day campaign #HumIndianHain in collaboration with celebrities like Ali Fazal, Sunil Grover, and Nidhi Agerwal. This campaign highlights how every Indian loves finding value for money. It celebrates the quirky elements that make us truly Indian, while also urging us to embrace them all and cherish our Indianness. 

    PETA

    Through its new Independence Day PETA India (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) Billboard Campaign, the American animal rights organisation encourages adoption of street animals. To reinforce this social message just in time for Independence Day, PETA India has placed a billboard in all major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, encouraging people to get patriotic by adopting a lovable Indian dog from the streets or an animal shelter, rather than adding to the homeless-animal crisis by patronising breeders and pet shops that sell foreign pedigrees.

    Meanwhile, there are goodies to be won for wearing one’s patriotic heart on our sleeves too! Adding flavour to the current feelings of joyousness, Taco Bell will reward all consumers, who are striving every day to get closer to the ‘finish line’, with a free crunchy taco on 15 August. Through their campaign, the brand aims to recognise and acknowledge each Indian who is a go-getter in his or her respective fields.

    Candere by Kalyan Jewellers has also come out with an exclusive offer on its diamond jewellery collection to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee, the 75th year of our Independence. The brand is offering a discount on diamond prices that will be open from 9 August and will continue till 16 August.

  • What can viewers expect from Indian Idol’s 12-hour grand finale?

    What can viewers expect from Indian Idol’s 12-hour grand finale?

    Mumbai: Sony Entertainment Television is all set to host the grand finale of Indian Idol season 12 on this Independence Day. The gala event is expected to showcase over 40 acts spanning 12 hours, from noon till midnight.

    There are six contestants – Pawandeep Rajan, Arunita Kanjilal, Sayli Kamble, Shanmukhpriya, Nihal Tauro, and Mohd Danish who have come this far to lift the coveted Indian Idol trophy.

    Popular musical maestros from the Indian music industry will come together to encourage the finalists. “There will be scintillating performances not just by the top six contestants of this season, but also some of India’s top-rated singers. Aditya Narayan will be joined by Jay Bhanushali as co-anchor for the finale,” the channel said in a statement.  

    The event will commemorate the occasion of the country’s Independence Day with a tribute to the armed forces. Himesh Reshammiya and Sonu Kakkar will be seen performing on stage. As the evening progresses, a special host will make the contestants play a trivia game, according to the channel.

    “At Sony Entertainment Television, we are delighted with how this season of Indian Idol has kept the audience engaged and entertained during trying times. Celebrating the legacy of the show with a power-packed grand finale seemed like a perfect fit,” said Sony Entertainment Television and digital business, head – content, Ashish Golwalkar. “We are delighted to flag the celebrations of the 75th year of our country’s Independence with this musical extravaganza. First, we will be showcasing a 12-hour star-studded finale with highly entertaining and engaging performances and we are looking forward to maximising viewer engagement. The top six finalists have had an incredible journey through the season and we want this last mile to be a memorable one – not just for the contestants but for the audience alike.”

    “The 12-hour ‘greatest grand finale’ of Indian Idol season 12 is a testament to celebrating music in the most entertaining manner,” said Himesh Reshammiya. “It’s a tough choice between the top six finalists and I can’t wait to see who finally lifts the trophy this season.”

    “I have been a contestant myself on a reality show in my early days and I can relate to the struggle and the anticipation that comes with it,” said Sonu Kakkar. “Watching some of the contestants standing strong through their tough life yet aiming to fulfill their singing dreams from such close quarters, has been most heart-warming for me.”

  • Zee Cinema’s ‘Kesari’ is highest-rated premiere on Independence Day

    Zee Cinema’s ‘Kesari’ is highest-rated premiere on Independence Day

    MUMBAI: The World Television Premiere of Kesari on 15 August on Zee Cinema has set a new benchmark across the Hindi movies cluster making it No.1 in the category. The historic war drama garnered 15.6 Mn impressions as per BARC data for Week 33 for 2+ audiences in HSM Urban + Rural markets and is one of the Top 3 rated movies of the year. Zee Cinema has been ranking No.1 in the past five weeks with 489 Mn impressions.

    Over the years, the channel has premiered some of the biggest titles on Independence Day and managed to garner the desired outcome. Grabbing the highest number of eyeballs, Zee Cinema has year on year rated No.1 with their Independence Day premieres of Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, Dangal, Baaghi and Holiday in the past.  

    With its yearly trend of ranking the highest during Independence Day, by airing blockbuster movies, Zee Cinema promises to cater to the ever-evolving viewer’s demands by making each year bigger and better than the previous.