Tag: Ajay Mehta

  • WPP Media and Indriya turn cinema ceilings into starry runways with ‘Aasmaniyat’

    WPP Media and Indriya turn cinema ceilings into starry runways with ‘Aasmaniyat’

    MUMBAI: Who said the sky’s the limit? WPP Media has gone above and beyond, quite literally, with a category-busting cinema ceiling activation to launch Indriya’s new diamond collection, Aasmaniyat, for Aditya Birla Jewellery.

    In a dazzling first, theatre-goers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad were treated to an overhead spectacle as cinema ceilings shimmered with celestial visuals synced to Indriya’s brand film. The campaign, timed during high-traffic screenings of Sitare Zameen Pe, was conceptualised and executed by WPP Media’s OOH Solutions and Mindshare teams, transforming auditoriums into immersive jewel boxes.

    By cleverly aligning the star-studded theme of the film with its own constellation-inspired collection, Indriya delivered an unforgettable “look up and wow” moment, a bold departure from standard screen-only storytelling.

    Part of a 360-degree media blitz that spans cinema, OOH, TV, and print, the campaign is set to run until early August, aiming to drive top-of-mind recall and emotional resonance for the brand.

    WPP Media South Asia, client solutions, Amin Lakhani said, “This campaign shows how media can evolve when creativity, insight, and technology unite. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in brand storytelling, not just reaching audiences but moving them. The ‘Aasmaniyat’ activation for Indriya reflects our focus on innovation that is bold, memorable, and drives results. It’s about creating moments that matter, where media becomes a stage for emotion and impact.”

    “As media consumption patterns evolve, the role of OOH has expanded from visibility to immersive storytelling. This campaign is a defining example of how we can reimagine traditional spaces like cinema halls into high-impact brand experiences. Our focus is on innovation that captures attention, creates emotional resonance, and drives measurable value. The cinema activation is not just a media first, it’s a category-defining moment that showcases what’s possible when creativity meets contextual intelligence.” said WPP Media head of media solutions, Ajay Mehta.

    Indriya CMO Shantiswarup Panda added, “For the first time in the industry, a brand has leveraged the immersive power of cinema to connect with a broader audience in a truly innovative way. Inspired by the vast, mysterious beauty of the cosmos, Aasmaniyat captures celestial elegance through exquisitely crafted diamond pieces that sparkle like constellations in the night sky. And what better stage for this brilliance than a darkened cinema hall, where Indriya’s diamonds shimmer and illuminate the ceiling with every frame.”

    With Aasmaniyat, Indriya isn’t just launching jewellery, it’s elevating the very stage on which it sparkles. And thanks to WPP Media’s innovation, the sky is not the limit, it’s the canvas.

  • Rural India tightens purse strings, but swipes right on digital

    Rural India tightens purse strings, but swipes right on digital

    MUMBAI: Rural India, it seems, is having a bit of a digital dance while keeping a tight grip on its wallet. GroupM and Kantar’s Rural Barometer Report 2025 reveals a nation grappling with the ‘pinch-penny’ reality of rising expenses, yet diving headfirst into the digital deep end.

    Forget the quaint image of the village square; rural India is now scrolling, streaming, and swiping with gusto. Seven in ten rural consumers are now online, a whopping 28 per cent jump since 2022. Social media, video content, and instant messaging? They’re the new village gossip, especially among the young and the loaded. But hold your horses, television and newspapers still hold sway with the older crowd, proving that old habits die hard.

    Financial anxieties are playing a havoc with household budgets. Three out of four rural Indians are fretting about their finances. Younger, flashier spenders are cutting back on the big toys—durables and vehicles—while the older, thriftier lot are keeping things steady. Personal loans are on the up, suggesting a ‘bit of a pickle’ as folks juggle their cash. But, there’s a glimmer of sunshine; job security optimism is bouncing back..

    The government’s PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, especially the free rations, is a ‘real life-saver’, proving that a bit of state-sponsored generosity goes a long way.

    GroupM India managing director -OOH solutions Ajay Mehta said: “The Rural Barometer Report is a strategic compass for brands navigating this dynamic landscape. As media habits evolve and digital adoption deepens even in the heartlands, it’s clear that a dual-channel strategy blending the scale of traditional with the precision of digital is essential. At GroupM, we see this as an opportunity for marketers to go beyond surface-level reach and build meaningful, hyper-local engagement. This report not only helps decode rural mindsets but also empowers businesses to craft smarter, more inclusive growth strategies for Bharat’s next chapter.”

    Kantar director- specialist businesses, insights division Puneet Avasthi  added, “As rural India  becomes more connected and conscious, brands must rethink how they engage with this  audience. The new rural consumer demands relevance, value, and authenticity. Marketers must  move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to adopt hyper-local, digitally powered strategies,  while still leveraging the trust and familiarity of traditional media.”

    Brands must ditch the ‘one-size-fits-all’ claptrap. Rural India wants it real, relevant, and authentic. Go hyper-local, go digital, but don’t forget the old favourites.”

    In essence, rural India is a ‘right proper’ mix of caution and connectivity, a ‘digital dynamo’ with a keen eye on the price tag. Brands, take note: it’s time to get your digital act together, whilst still paying homage to the traditional.

  • Hybrid media & digital surge redefine rural India: Rural Barometer report 2024

    Hybrid media & digital surge redefine rural India: Rural Barometer report 2024

    Mumbai: WPP’s media investment group, GroupM, and Kantar, a global marketing data and analytics company, have released the fifth edition of the Rural Barometer report. This report provides insights into rural India’s current sentiments, consumption patterns, and economic behaviors, along with the growing adoption of digital technologies and their impact on various sectors, offering a detailed view of the rural landscape.

    The 2024 Rural Barometer highlights a 60 per cent increase in the average FMCG basket size among rural consumers, rising from 5.8 in 2022 to 9.3 in 2024, driven by a preference for convenience products. This growth reflects lifestyle changes and rising purchasing power in rural areas. States like Jammu & Kashmir (39 per cent), Maharashtra (41 per cent), and Odisha (26 per cent) show moderate FMCG basket growth despite fewer financial concerns. This trend is supported by rising rural incomes and diversified income sources, including salaried income.

    The report also reveals a divide: 19 per cent of rural individuals rely solely on agricultural income, with 82 per cent of them facing financial concerns, while the remaining 81 per cent with diverse income sources report less stress and larger basket sizes.

    In media consumption, rural India increasingly adopts a hybrid approach of traditional and digital media, with 47 per cent following this trend, especially in areas with better digital infrastructure. States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, however, remain less digitally connected, requiring targeted media strategies.

    GroupM OOH solutions in India MD Ajay Mehta added, “The rural landscape is no longer just a geographical space; it’s a digital frontier ripe with opportunities. As rural consumers embrace online platforms, brands must adapt their strategies to meet them where they are. By investing in digital initiatives that resonate with rural India’s aspirations, brands can  contribute to the nation’s development and tap into a burgeoning market that promises substantial  growth.”

    “2024 Rural Barometer report shows that rural consumers are experiencing rising purchasing power and evolving lifestyles, as seen in increased basket sizes and a preference for convenience products, despite ongoing financial concerns. Regional differences in financial resilience are linked to diverse employment opportunities. We are also seeing rural media consumption shifting toward a hybrid of traditional and digital formats, though digital access remains uneven across states,” said Kantar director – specialist businesses, insights division – Puneet Avasthi.

    As rural India evolves, digital platforms are becoming crucial for engaging consumers. From payments and e-commerce to gaming and lifestyle content, the digital landscape is expanding. While traditional media remains important, a hybrid approach combining online and offline channels is key to reaching rural audiences. By understanding rural consumers’ needs and preferences, brands can tap into this growing market.

    Rural consumers are increasingly interested in lifestyle content, such as fashion, health, and travel, reflecting their desire for topics that align with their daily lives and aspirations.

    The report also highlights a shift towards digital payments, now used by 42 per cent of active internet users, and e-commerce, used by 23 per cent. This indicates growing financial and digital inclusion in rural India.

    Highlights:

    1. Rural India has seen a marked increase in the average basket size from 5.88 in 2022 to 9.3 in 2024, driven by higher consumption in convenience categories like RTE, beverages, etc.

    2. States where rural consumers have less concerns on the current financial situation, largely have shown higher growth in basket size.

    3. Rural consumers with diversified income streams display the least financial concerns and have larger monthly category basket size.

    4. Rural India’s media consumption is increasingly hybrid, with nearly one in two of rural consumers exposed to both online and offline media.

    5. Telecom and digital can be effective in providing incremental reach in Hindi-speaking markets.

    6. Digital platforms for payments, e-commerce, and gaming platforms are gaining traction, while genres like fashion, travel and fitness are popular among rural online users reflecting a growing interest in lifestyle-oriented topics.

  • GroupM OOH Solutions conceptualises an outdoor innovation for Skipper Pipes

    GroupM OOH Solutions conceptualises an outdoor innovation for Skipper Pipes

    Mumbai: GroupM conceptualised a visual spectacle in the outdoor landscape of Kolkata for Skipper Pipes. The outdoor campaign raises awareness that the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja protects families from water contamination on the same lines as how Ma Durga protects and cares for all of us and provides safety.

    Skipper’s “India’s Safest Pipes—Festival of Safety” campaign draws inspiration from Durga Puja. The campaign features Goddess Durga’s idol installed on a footbridge, with her Trident symbolically slaying Mahishasura. This powerful imagery parallels how Skipper Pipes protect people from water impurities, just as Ma Durga shields us from evil forces.

    This campaign links traditions with modern infrastructure by replacing Goddess Durga’s Trident with Skipper Pipes to symbolize the removal of water impurities. The lead-free pipes take center stage as the key weapon against contamination, highlighted by illuminated, motorized movements alongside the Durga idol. This unique installation cuts through the clutter and makes a striking visual impact.

    Skipper Pipes, marketing head, Anirban Pal Chowdhury said, “At Skipper Pipes, we believe that safety is divine. The Out of Home Innovation has wonderfully captured the passersby’s attention of the Skipper Pipes’ priority on safety, ensuring a traditional appeal and long-lasting impression during the auspicious festive season of Durga Puja. The installation turned out to be a veritable eyesore, showcasing its superior power and safety.”

    GroupM OOH Solutions managing director Ajay Mehta said, “By blending modern infrastructure with traditional elements, the campaign creates a standout visual impact, highlighting our technological expertise and dedication to innovative, long-term solutions through the effort put together from planning to execution. There is a need for drawing inspiration from the festivities, and we saw an opportunity from Durga Puja on how crucial it is to protect our families from water contamination, just as Ma Durga shields us from evil forces.”

  • Aiwa India launches its QLED TVs range on Amazon

    Aiwa India launches its QLED TVs range on Amazon

    Mumbai: Aiwa India, a global consumer electronics brand, announced the launch of its latest range of QLED televisions on Amazon, marking a significant expansion into the Indian e-commerce space. The launch coincides with Amazon’s highly anticipated ‘Great India Sale’, offering consumers an opportunity to purchase Aiwa’s state-of-the-art QLED TVs at exceptional prices.

    Aiwa’s QLED TV lineup is now available on Amazon, offering sizes from 32 inches to 75 inches. With Japanese R&D and Aiwa Signature Sound Technology, these QLED TVs provide vibrant picture quality and clear sound. The QLED technology is featured across all sizes, ensuring premium viewing experiences for every customer.

    Aiwa’s QLED TVs include advanced QLED display technology, delivering superior brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. This range caters to various needs, from compact spaces to full home theatre setups. Aiwa’s Sound Technology enhances audio quality, elevating entertainment experiences.

    To celebrate the launch, AIWA is offering deals during Amazon’s Great India Sale, including instant bank discounts, No Cost EMI (NCEMI) options, and price cuts on the QLED range.

    This launch marks Aiwa India’s deeper penetration into the e-commerce market. By partnering with Amazon, Aiwa aims to provide Indian consumers with high-quality, technologically advanced products at competitive prices. The company sees e-commerce as a vital channel for growth and expects it to become the second-largest sales avenue after its expanding retail network.

    Speaking on the launch, Aiwa India MD Ajay Mehta said, “Our new QLED TV range showcases Aiwa’s commitment to delivering premium technology with world-class Japanese R&D. Partnering with Amazon allows us to reach more customers while providing exceptional value through exclusive offers. This launch is a significant step in our goal to expand Aiwa’s footprint in the Indian market.”

  • AIWA India’s #MomFriendly campaign celebrates Mother’s Day with Luxury Acoustics

    AIWA India’s #MomFriendly campaign celebrates Mother’s Day with Luxury Acoustics

    Mumbai: As Mother’s Day approaches, AIWA India, the renowned audio technology brand, is excited to announce its latest digital campaign, #MomFriendly, celebrating the multifaceted roles of mothers and the versatility of AIWA India’s Luxury Acoustics.

    The objective of the campaign is to spotlight the parallel between the adaptability of moms in their various roles and the portability of Luxury Acoustics by AIWA India. Through this initiative, AIWA India aims to enhance brand awareness, foster engagement, and underscore the user-friendliness of its products.

    “With our #MomFriendly campaign, we seek to honour the incredible moms who effortlessly juggle different responsibilities while showcasing how AIWA India’s Luxury Acoustics complement their dynamic lifestyles,” said AIWA India MD Ajay Mehta. “We’re excited to curate visually stunning content that not only extends warm Mother’s Day wishes but also highlights Luxury Acoustics as the perfect gifting solution,” he added.

    The campaign will feature five captivating creatives across Instagram, Meta (formerly Facebook), and YouTube. These visuals will spotlight Luxury Acoustics, emphasising their user-friendly retro design and portability. Each creative will be accompanied by joyful copies and vibrant visuals depicting the special bond between mothers and children. The campaign hashtag, #MomFriendly, will be integrated into the captions to amplify its reach and engagement.

    At the heart of the campaign lies AIWA India’s Luxury Acoustics, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, superior audio quality, and elegant design. Through the campaign visuals and messaging, AIWA India will showcase how these products seamlessly integrate into mothers’ lives, catering to their diverse roles and accompanying them wherever they go.

  • GroupM conceptualises largest outdoor innovation in Kolkata for  Eveready batteries

    GroupM conceptualises largest outdoor innovation in Kolkata for Eveready batteries

    Mumbai: GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, partnered with Eveready Industries India Ltd. to create an innovative visual spectacle in the outdoor landscape of  Kolkata. A larger-than-life innovation for Eveready Ultima alkaline batteries has been  strategically introduced on Kolkata’s most popular flyover, Maa Flyover.

    The busiest flyover in Kolkata where a billboard-sized 80 x 30 got a makeover by putting up  a gigantic 44ft x 25ft battery featuring the Ultima range of batteries showcasing its superior  power over regular batteries in an intriguing manner turning out to be a veritable eye sore.

    The installation amplified the brand’s impact and awareness, resulting in the most talked  about OOH billboard & ignited conversation on social media, which helped the brand  blossom and give Kolkata some “Red”.

    GroupM OOH Solutions managing director Ajay Mehta said, “We are delighted to have  executed such a remarkable campaign for Eveready and to be their partner in this campaign.  The innovative installations draw inspiration from the energy in Ultima’s battery portfolio.  The creative installations are influenced by the energy found in Ultima’s array of batteries.  The campaign demonstrates both technological proficiency and a commitment to long term and innovative solutions thanks to the hard work that went into the planning and  execution.”

    SBU Head (Batteries & Flashlights) VP Anirban Banerjee said, “The Out of  Home Innovation has wonderfully captured the passersby attention of the revamped Ultima  battery series from the house of Eveready with smarter appeal and long-lasting power with  larger-than-life innovation. The new and improved Ultima batteries, push our boundaries,  with 400% and 800% longer-lasting performance, highly suitable for the high drain devices.  The larger-than-life batteries installation turned out to be a veritable eyesore showcasing  its superior power.” 

  • Mindshare along with Modi Illva unveil ‘The Rockford Circle’

    Mindshare along with Modi Illva unveil ‘The Rockford Circle’

    Mumbai: Mindshare, a GroupM company, and Modi Illva present ‘The  Rockford Circle’ – a new chat show produced in collaboration with GroupM ESP and Motion  Entertainment. The show aims to fuel ambitious spirited minds towards pursuing their goals.  The Rockford Circle inspires and stimulates ambitious likeminded individuals to dream big  and break new ground.

    Wealth generation and financial independence are on the rise in the country. The inspiring  lineup of guests on this show will be seen talking about the importance of these along with  conversations on each of their journeys and their aspirations. The candid conversations led  by Chitrangada Singh, and the founders of the companies, delves into the journeys of  insightful individuals and their audacious goals.

    The prominent guests of the show are:

    Yashish Dahiya: Founder of Policy Bazaar

    Rohit Bansal- Founder of Snapdeal/ Titan Capital

    Rahul Jain- Founder of Epigamia

    Amit and Gaurav Khatri: Founder of NOISE

    Shantanu Deshpande- Founder of Bombay Shaving Co

    Dhruv Shringi: Founder of Yatra

    Mindshare South Asia CEO Amin Lakhani said, “The Rockford Circle engages audience  through genuine narratives of individuals starting from scratch and building empires. This  show aspires to do just that, shedding light on the human behind the stories of today’s  successful entrepreneurs. Partnering with Modi Illva on this inspiring chat show, we are  confident that it will motivate people to take that transformative step, becoming an  inspiration to many.”

    Mindshare chief content officer Ajay Mehta said, “The Rockford circle is designed to  inspire viewers and reveal what goes behind the human side of some of the greatest  entrepreneurs India has ever produced. The series is a candid chat that throws light on  some of the awe-inspiring moments, challenges they faced & their wins as successful  entrepreneurs. We hope the audience finds it equally captivating and inspiring.”

    Modi Illva India Pvt Ltd managing director Abhishek Modi said,“Over the past few years,  the Indian Start-up Ecosystem has witnessed a remarkable growth with significant  developments on multiple fronts. The Rockford Circle is an initiative to fuel, inspire and  ignite the spirit of collaboration and networking amongst ambitious individuals. It creates candid conversations normalising unique goals, set-backs and triumphs wrapped together, as a source of encouragement. The Rockford Circle has been created as an  online platform to deliver inspiration in a light, entertaining, & engaging format through  entrancing interactions.”

    The show will feature on YouTube and the six episodes will be 25 minutes each.

    The Rockford Circle

    The Rockford Circle

  • AIWA India unveils new sound bar range

    AIWA India unveils new sound bar range

    Mumbai: The newest sound bar range from audio technology pioneer AIWA India is here to improve the quality of your home theater experience. The new soundbars offer unparalleled audio performance and versatility to satisfy a broad range of customer needs. They are available in three different SKUs: KANDO, KABUKI, SATORI.

    Let’s dive into the features of each model:

    KANDO (AW-SSB120): This soundbar brings listeners to a world of immersive music that incites powerful emotions. It is named after the Japanese word meaning deep emotional connection and appreciation.

    The 120W output power and 2.1 channel design of the KANDO soundbar allow it to be used with a wide range of devices, including TVs, DVD players, PCs, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.

    Users may effortlessly connect their preferred audio sources for a flawless listening experience with USB, Bluetooth, AUX, and HDMI interfaces.

    KABUKI (AW-SSB180): The immersive audio experience of the AW-SSB180 KABUKI sound bar transports listeners to a different universe, reminiscent of the fascinating setting of Kabuki performances.

    This soundbar is compatible with many devices, such as TVs, DVD players, PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and MP3 players. It has a 2.1 channel setup with a strong 180W output.

    With its USB, SD, Bluetooth, AUX, OPTICAL, and HDMI(ARC) connections, the KABUKI guarantees flexible music playback and smooth connectivity.

    SATORI (AW-SSB240):  Named after the Japanese word representing a state of pure awareness, the AW-SSB240 SATORI sound bar eliminates sonic distractions to deliver exceptional audio fidelity that immerses listeners in every detail of their favorite music, movies, and games.

    Boasting a powerful output of 240W and a 2.1 channel configuration, the SATORI sound bar offers compatibility with TV, DVD, PC, laptop, tablet, mobile, and MP3 players.

    With USB, SD, bluetooth, aux, optical, and HDMI(ARC) inputs, users can enjoy versatile connectivity options for an enhanced audio experience.

    “At AIWA, we are constantly working to create and redefine entertainment solutions for our valued customers. With the launch of our latest AIWA Sound Bars, we are expanding our product line to provide exceptional audio experiences. These sound bars show our unwavering commitment to perfection by combining exceptional sound quality, intelligent features, and seamless connectivity.  We’re excited to bring this new dimension of entertainment to our customers.” AIWA India MD Ajay Mehta.

  • AIWA India’s launches “Let the #SoundOfStrength rise above the doubt” campaign

    AIWA India’s launches “Let the #SoundOfStrength rise above the doubt” campaign

    Mumbai: AIWA India is excited to introduce its current social media campaign for Women’s Day, with the inspiring slogan, “Let the #SoundOfStrength rise above the doubt.” With a powerful ode to the strength and empowerment of women, this campaign harnesses the transformative power of sound to uplift and inspire.

    The core concept behind the campaign is the understanding of how music empowers and inspires women in all areas of life, the #SoundOfStrength speaks to the unwavering spirit, passion and resilience of women worldwide.

    AIWA India MD Ajay Mehta said, ‘We believe in the profound impact of sound to empower and uplift women in every aspect of their lives. Through our #SoundOfStrength campaign, we aim to celebrate the resilience and determination of women, amplifying their voices and stories of triumph.”

    AIWA India encourages everyone to participate in the campaign on social media by using the hashtag #SoundOfStrength for the giveaway in order to join the movement and disseminate the message of empowerment.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Aiwa India (@aiwa.india)