Mumbai: Hansa Research’s Brand Endorser Report has ranked Amitabh Bachchan as the most recognised celebrity in the country with a very high all-India rank. He is ahead of favourites who are younger and probably more active in their fields, such as MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan.
The celebrities are tracked on various metrics like likability, social media influence, perception, marketing potential, recognition, etc., which make up their final BE Score. With the highest score in the all India rank BE score, Bacchchan was ranked third in the West and North Zones, ninth in the South Zone and eleventh in the East Zone.
The Brand Endorser is a comprehensive report of intensive research conducted across 36 Indian cities. According to the research, Bachchan has the highest-ever recognition score of 92 per cent, making him the most well-known personality in the nation. He is seen as a global personality who is self-made, relatable, influential, energetic, fit, as well as sophisticated and reliable. He is a fascinating brand ambassador for a variety of products because of these features.
Commenting on the significance of the report, Hansa Research chief executive officer Praveen Nijhara said, “Our study Brand Endorser is a holistic and comprehensive assessment of the value that an endorser brings to a brand. The study aids marketers to take informed decisions and improve the overall return of investment (ROI) in celebrity engagement.”
As the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, he has a strong presence and mark in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
At the age of 79, Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most ubiquitous personalities, endorsing various brands, providing voiceovers with his trademark baritone, acting in diverse Indian & Hollywood films, and hosting one of the longest-running game shows on Indian television.
Mumbai: Healthy snacks brand Omara Dates has onboarded Amitabh Bachchan as a brand ambassador. With this association, Omara Dates, which recently hit stores in India with its range of the finest gourmet Saudi dates, aims to enhance the adoption of this healthy food for daily snacking and gifting.
Their campaign, themed “pyaar bhi, khayaal bhi,” urges people to include care along with their gestures of love.
Speaking of his appointment, Bachchan commented, “Dates have been part of my daily routine and keep me energised throughout the day. Delighted to partner with Omara Dates.”
“Dates have been imported into India for many years and we have become the largest importer in the world with almost 350 thousand metric tonnes landing here from more than 30 countries. However, consumer demand has shifted from the value-priced “dry variety” to the higher-priced “fresh variety.” Consumers are demanding the best quality available. However, there is a vacuum in the market and not many brands can promise to fulfil that. This is where Omara steps in. Our aim is to ensure that every household gets access to this superfood and can enjoy the associated health benefits. With Amitabh Bachchan’s association with Omara, we are confident of creating more awareness for quality dates in the Indian market through him,” said Omara Dates co-founder & director of finance Supreeth MJ (Sandy).
Stressing on the philosophy behind launching the brand, Omara Dates founder & MD Anil Nair mentioned, “We believe that the best things in life are the ones produced by nature and everyone deserves them. With our robust pan-India distribution network through 70 plus distributors, all major retail outlets, airport stores, and all foremost e-commerce platforms including our website, we would be able to make Omara Dates available to everyone who would choose a healthy alternative to their sweet cravings.”
Mumbai: The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) this year will celebrate Amitabh Bachchan’s 80th birthday over the next 10 days. The IIFA celebration will consist of polls, quizzes, and trivia highlighting his work and achievements.
Fans can catch all of this and more on IIFA’s social media handle (@iifa).
IIFA said that it has never left any opportunity for movie fans to get closer to their favourite stars. Over the past 22 years, IIFA has travelled the world to showcase and highlight the very best in Indian cinema. During this time, through the journey of IIFA, the brand has taken Indian cinema to the world and has been working to bring the world together through cinema and entertainment.
IIFA added that Bachchan is known as the Shahenshah of Indian Cinema. Bachchan has also donned the hats of a film producer, television host, and occasional playback singer.
Amitabh Bachchan, who has won multiple awards at IIFA, was also awarded the first ever Bollywood wax figure at Madame Tussauds, which was facilitated, ironically, at the first IIFA in London in 2000. There are so many wonderful memories and moments that IIFA has witnessed with the superstar himself in many editions of the IIFA Weekend. He is currently one of the actors with the most IIFA best actor awards.
Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery, the leading global media and entertainment company, is in celebratory mode with India’s “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” on its 75th year of Independence and is all set to unveil its new series, The Journey of India, on October 10. Narrated by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who is also the face of Incredible India, the series is ready to memorialise the country’s rich tapestry of heritage, innovation and contemporary marvels that have paved the way for the country’s cutting-edge advancement.
The six-part special series premieres globally on the streaming platform, discovery+, in India, the US, the UK, and the Philippines. It will be broadcast in more than 140 countries, including India, Japan, Singapore, France, Switzerland, UAE, Egypt, Brazil, Iran, and Kenya, among others, on the Discovery network of channels.
The series weaves a tale of India’s legacy with contributions from a range of esteemed personalities and leaders. Spanning a wide range of subjects, this one-of-a-kind series provides an in-depth look at the nation’s progress, influences and accomplishments during the past 75 years; from advancements in science and technology and our ambitious and successful space missions to the world of cinema that not only entertains but also inspires.
From fascinating stories of faith found across the length and breadth of the country to a diverse food culture that is adored around the world, India in the last 75 years has slowly but steadily made its presence felt on the global stage. Featuring an extensive collection of historical footage, it also hears from a stellar line-up of respected personalities and subject matter experts.
Warner Bros. Discovery general manager South Asia Arjun Nohwar said, “As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, this commemorative new series reflects Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to bringing to life unique stories that inspire. We are proud to work with the iconic Amitabh Bachchan to take the audience on a vibrant journey through India, capturing the ethos of the nation, its diverse culture, and the spirit of its people.”
The Journey of India will premiere in India on Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and DTamil. More details on the series will be announced in the coming weeks.
Mumbai: Dabur India announced that it has roped in Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan as the new brand ambassador of its flagship oral care brand, Dabur Red Paste. This new campaign is expected to further strengthen the brand’s position.
Created by Ogilvy, in this campaign, Bachchan plays a double role, that of a science man and an ayurveda expert, where he talks about Dabur Red Paste as the perfect blend of modern science and ayurveda. The execution is both humorous and informative as it delivers the core message in a clear and interesting manner.
Dabur India CEO Mohit Malhotra said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan on board as the new face of Dabur Red Paste. Dabur Red Paste combines the best of traditional ayurveda and modern-day science to offer our consumers complete oral hygiene. Amitabh Bachchan, with his high level of trust, popularity, and credibility, and his unique ability to connect with both younger and older generations, perfectly embodies the brand values of Dabur Red Paste. We welcome him to the Dabur family and are confident that this association will further strengthen the brand and help us build a better connection with our consumers.”
Speaking on the occasion, Bachchan commented, “I am happy to endorse Dabur Red Paste, a trusted brand from the house of Dabur. We all know the importance of oral hygiene in our health and wellbeing. Dabur Red paste, being an ayurvedic toothpaste, with its inherent benefits, is the answer to this need.”
Ogilvy India chairman of global creative & executive chairman added, “Working with Amitabh Bachchan has always been an absolute privilege. I’m delighted that we have got an opportunity to collaborate with him for our partners at Dabur. Dabur Red Paste is a much loved Indian brand and has been going from strength to strength. With Bachchan’s association, it is sure to soar to new heights.”
“The brief was to communicate how Dabur Red Paste uses the power of science to extract the best of ayurveda. And when India’s #1 ayurvedic toothpaste decides to spotlight its efficacy, it is only fair that it is done by someone of stature, someone who the consumers look up to. Thus, Bachchan came on board. The challenge then was to have a script that does justice to both,” said Ogilvy India (north) president & head of office Prakash Nair.
Ogilvy India (north) CCO Ritu Sharda added, “Dabur Red Paste is the best of science and Ayurveda. Since the benefits were two-fold, we got the opportunity to create two different characters for Mr. Bachchan, one as an ayurvedic expert – gyaan – and one as a man of science – vigyan. Bachchan’s genius has taken the banter between the two characters to the next level. And we’ve had the opportunity to show Bachchan in two never-seen-before avatars. Enjoy the banter as you learn about the amazing benefits of this iconic brand in the most delightful way.”
Mumbai: The government launched the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ campaign to commemorate 75 years of independence. ‘Bharat ki Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is a celebration of progressive India, its rich history, diverse population, magnificent culture, and great achievements.
In a recent campaign development, the ministry of culture posted a video and wrote, “Har Ghar Tiranga…Ghar Ghar Tiranga…celebrate our Tiranga with this melodious salute to our Tricolour, the symbol of our collective Pride & Unity as our Nation completes 75 years of independence. #HarGharTiranga #AmritMahotsav.” The video showcases the spirit, strength and diversity of India from sports, missile launches, army, to the mesmerising beauty of your country.
The video anthem “Har Ghar Tiranga,” sung by Sonu Nigam, Asha Bhosle, and Amitabh Bachchan, features celebrities such as Kapil Dev, Virat Kohli, Anupam Kher, Anushka Sharma, Prabas, Mirabai Chanu, Mithali Raj, Neeraj Chopra, MC Mary Kom, and others. At the end of the video, Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced it with his charismatic personality.
The campaign encourages people to bring the ‘Tiranga’ home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s independence.
PM Modi called on all citizens on Sunday to turn the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign into a mass movement by hoisting or displaying the national flag in their homes and using the ‘Tiranga’ as a display picture on their social media accounts between 2 -15 August to commemorate India’s 75th anniversary of independence.
Recently, while speaking at the 91st edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Modi stated that India is set to witness a glorious and historic moment as it completes 75 years of Independence. He said, “Under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, from the 13 to 15 August, a special movement – ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ is being organised. Let us further this movement by hoisting the National Flag at our homes,”
”2 August is the birth anniversary of Pingli Venkhaiya who designed the national flag. I urge all to use ‘tiranga’ as a profile picture in social media accounts between 2 August and 15 August,” he further added.
He continued, “My dear countrymen, today we started our discussion on 75 years of Independence, with a visit across the country. The next time we meet, the journey of our next 25 years would have already begun. We all have to join for our beloved tricolour to be hoisted at our homes and those of our loved ones. Do share with me how you celebrated Independence Day, and if you did anything special, this time. Next time, we will talk again about the different colours of our Amrit Parv. Till then, I will take leave of you. Thank you very much.”
The official journey of this initiative began on 12 March 2021 and will end a year later on 15 August 2023, after a 75-week countdown to our 75th anniversary of independence.
Mumbai: The longest-running knowledge-based game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is returning to TV screens on 7 August for its fourteenth season. Throughout many seasons, KBC has emerged as the ‘go-to’ property for advertisers when it comes to maximizing brand presence & customer engagement.
“The property is known for its undisputed honesty and credibility aids in achieving the desired objective for an advertiser through the customized solutions we create by understanding their needs,” Sony Pictures Networks India ad sales – network channels Sandeep Mehrotra told Indiantelevision.com. “This benefit certainly attracts clients who keep coming back with every season of KBC.”
Channel to increase ad rates
Mehrotra reveals that the Sony Entertainment Television channel is planning to increase the ad rates on the show by 15-20 per cent for the new season. It sees the return of marquee brands including Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Asian Paints, UltraTech Cement, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and Hyundai. Reputed brands like Asian Paints, UltraTech Cement and Hyundai have been associated with KBC for the past five, four and two years, respectively.
The reason brands associate with KBC year after year is because of the show’s legacy and credibility which has helped it build a strong foundation and deliver value when it comes to brand solutions. Throughout the years, clients have seen its business objectives find the right brand solutions through KBC beyond just free commercial time (FCT).
KBC is a much more digitally integrated show as compared to when it first started. The audience can engage with the game show on their smartphones via the Sonyliv app. The ‘KBC Play Along’ feature that combines the right mix of technology and gamification has added a personal engagement factor for the audience, getting them more involved in the game.
“We are looking at creating value propositions for brands who are motivated to expand their reach on both linear and digital mediums, as it would benefit them in achieving their desired business objectives that have been set out,” said Mehrotra.
He further said, “The show enjoys diverse participation from brand partners, season after season. KBC continues to attract positive responses from not only existing sponsors but new ones as well. Owing to the value proposition the show offers, the visibility adds weight to the sponsoring business.”
Focusing on innovation and creativity
This year’s season of KBC has innovated on two fronts, its marketing and programming. It is running a TV campaign that captures the transition of society from an information-scarce environment to an information overload which has created a need for a filter on solicited and unsolicited information that can translate to relevant knowledge.
This messaging has been captured by the dialogue ‘Gyaan jahaan se bhi mile bator lijiye, lekin pehele zara tatol lijiye’ spoken by the show’s host Amitabh Bachchan in their commercials running on TV. The campaign cashes in on the show’s credibility and strengthens KBCs positioning as the leading game show on TV.
The 14th season of KBC also coincides with India’s 75th year of independence and the channel has introduced a special episode that will air on 7 August at 9:00 p.m with special guests to bring alive the theme of India’s independence. Promos of the show aired on TV indicate that Padma Bhushan recipient actor Aamir Khan, Padma Bhushan boxing champion Mary Kom and Padma Shri Sunil Chhetri will be guests on the show. Kargil war veteran major DP Singh and Sena medal gallantry recipient Mitali Madhumita will appear as special guests.
In terms of format changes, this year KBC contestants will win a prize pool of Rs 75 lakh or higher, which is expected to go up to Rs 7.5 crore. Additionally, after the success of the children’s special in the previous season, the current season will witness little geniuses taking the hot seat once again.
“KBC 14 will be an integration of everything that has worked towards KBC’s success in the past and current innovations to the reality game-show format,” concluded Mehrotra.
Mumbai: Hansa Research’s Brand Endorser Report has ranked Amitabh Bachchan as the most recognised celebrity in the country with a very high all India rank. Bachchan leads among the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and other favourites who are younger than him and who are also perhaps more active in their respective fields.
The Brand Endorser is a report of research conducted across 36 Indian cities. As per the syndicated study, Amitabh Bachchan is the most recognised celebrity in the country with the highest-ever recognition score of 92 per cent. He is perceived to be a global personality: self-made, relatable, influential, fit, energetic, sophisticated, and trustworthy. These factors make him a compelling brand ambassador for a range of products.
Hansa Research CEO Praveen Nijhara said, “Our study Brand Endorser is a holistic and comprehensive assessment of the value that an endorser brings to a brand. The study aids marketers to take informed decisions and improve the overall return of investment (ROI) in celebrity engagement.”
The celebrities are ranked as per the Brand Endorser (BE) Score results. They are tracked on various metrics like likability, social media influence, perception, marketing potential, recognition, etc., which make up their final BE score. While Bachchan has scored really high in the all India rank BE score, he ranks third in the west and north zone, ninth in the south zone, and eleventh in the east zone. The ‘Shahenshah of Bollywood,’ as he is fondly called, has a strong presence and mark in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
At the age of 79, Bachchan is one of the most ubiquitous personalities, endorsing various brands, providing voiceovers with his trademark baritone, acting in Indian films and Hollywood, and hosting one of the longest running game shows on Indian television, Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Hansa Research’s Brand Endorser Report covered more than 550 celebrities across domains in the country. For this study, the research was conducted amongst 5,100 respondents across 36 cities in the country. To measure the results, structured interviews were conducted across India through online and offline methodologies to understand the standings and performances of shortlisted celebrities.
Did you know that scooters and mopeds are the most affordable form of transportation for most families in India? For the majority of Indian families, normal cars are just too expensive, which leads many of them to ride only mopeds when they need to go somewhere.
In an effort to portray some realism and connect with the everyday person, many Bollywood stars have got a 50cc moped and ditched their expensive cars. So, which members of Bollywood’s star-studded cast have taken to riding cheaper vehicles? Keep reading now to find out more.
• Amitabh Bachchan
First up, we have Amitabh Bachchan. Even though he’s very famous Bollywood star, he was spotted riding a moped in normal street clothes, something an everyday man might wear.
It was later learned that he was portraying a man of meager means looking for a job in an upcoming film. However, it seems that Amitabh has taken a liking to riding 50cc mopeds and continues to do so even in his time off from filming.
• Shah Rukh Khan
Another one of Bollywood’s most famous stars, Shah was also recently seen riding his own 50cc moped. In his most recent film, he was shown riding a 50cc moped down the street. He portrayed an average man, with his wife riding along behind him.
Shah also rode a moped in another film he starred in, titled Chak De! India. The film was very popular, allowing its audience to feel more connected with Shah as a main character while watching him do some of the things that many of them do daily.
• Dhanush
Yet another Bollywood star has been shown riding a 50cc moped on the film sets of Raanjhanaa. He was riding a gray Bajaj Chetak, attempting to keep out of a rainstorm that had blown into the set.
For the same film, Dhanush is shown riding a bright yellow moped with costar Sonam Kapoor, smiling wide for the audience. There were a lot of scenes in this particular film of the Bollywood star riding a moped.
• Anushka Sharma
And finally, Anushka is another star that has been seen riding a 50cc moped recently. Anushka initially had a terrible time learning to ride a moped, ending up on the news for how bad she was while filming Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl.
However, since then, Anushka has taken a liking to riding on two wheels. She has her own moped and has starred in other films where she was shown riding 50cc mopeds in various scenes.
It’s clear to see that the 50cc moped isn’t just for the average person but can also be enjoyed by even the wealthiest people across India and the world. Truly, these little scooters are great vehicles for those who are on a tight budget. Their reliability also makes them great for anyone with greater means, too. They are very safe and always remember you need moped insurance always to be legal on the road.
Mumbai: Ed-tech major upGrad’s latest digital film features actor Amitabh Bachchan in his 70’s popular persona of the ‘Angry Young Man.’ Conceptualised by upGrad’s creative agency The Womb, the ad spot announces the launch of its new vertical upGrad Abroad.
Directed by Amit Sharma of Chrome Pictures, the ad film shows Big B on an uncharacteristic rampage annoyed by the fact that upGrad Abroad offerings did not exist during his college days. The film aims to reassure parents and young aspirants that learning opportunities from globally recognised institutions need not be limited by societal or financial constraints anymore. The film is now live across upGrad’s digital platforms.
According to the ed-tech, aspirants who seek to attain academic qualifications from global institutes or universities can now pursue their dream through upGrad Abroad’s diversified portfolio of 20+ programs that comes with the flexibility to complete the first 12 months online, followed by the on-campus learning in the subsequent months.
“Over decades, the world has seen Bachchan on 70mm, KBC on TV and in numerous ads,” The Womb creative head Suyash Khabya. “So, how do we show him differently now? And that’s where the idea of bringing back ‘Angry Bachchan’ struck us. At the shoot, he was as fit as a fiddle even at 80…kicking, punching, and breaking stuff. We felt as if we were reliving the Zanjeer or Deewar era again. We’re confident that just like he breaks upGrad’s office in the commercial, the ad will break clutter.”
“Times have really changed. We live in a world where opportunities are booming across all walks of life,” remarked Amitabh Bachchan. “I enjoyed doing this ad film because I want to remind today’s youngsters and their parents that in life appreciating and seizing opportunities is what will lead them ahead. Experiencing learning in newer ways as offered by upGrad Abroad, puts forth such an opportunity where you can access global education at affordable prices.”
“While our recently launched upGrad Abroad vertical is a breakthrough, we realised that the bigger challenge is to first reach out to the relevant target audience and create maximum visibility for them to be able to make an informed decision,” commented upGrad India CEO Arjun Mohan. “In this regard, it was extremely critical for us to understand the market sentiment and then make a strong marketing move. And that’s when the decision of joining hands with Amit ji to further our upGrad Abroad mission, came to life; whose on-screen persona and charm will undoubtedly make heads turn and will leave a lasting impact on the audience, thus hitting the bull’s eye.”
