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Tag: Contract Advertising

  • Interio by Godrej gets brand-new coral glow-up for modern India

    Interio by Godrej gets brand-new coral glow-up for modern India

    MUMBAI: Designing a new chapter! Interio by Godrej has rolled out a vibrant new identity, giving the brand a fresh new makeover.

    The refreshed look puts design at the centre of modern Indian living, complete with a striking coral logo that symbolises aspiration, creativity and warmth. Far from just another shade card pick, coral is meant to carve out distinctiveness in a crowded market and signal Interio’s evolution into a design-led, aspirational brand while still leaning on the trust of its parent, Godrej.

    Interio by Godrej, executive vice president and business head, Swapneel Nagarkar said, “Our new identity is a powerful expression of modern India. The ‘Moments That Matter’ campaign shifts the lens from furniture as mere utility to pieces that help forge genuine connections.”

    Created with Contract advertising, the campaign captures slice-of-life humour through a relatable family story, highlighting how furniture quietly shapes memories. Abhinav Kaushik of VML India called it “a delicate balance of modernity and warmth that few brands achieve.”

    Backed by a Rs 50 crore integrated media plan, the campaign will run across TV, print, digital, outdoor and in-store touchpoints, with a prominent presence at the Asia cup 2025 as associate sponsor. 
     

  • Fast & Up hires Anish Rao as brand manager

    Fast & Up hires Anish Rao as brand manager

    MUMBAI: He’s been at one of Indiantelevision.com’s sister firms AnimationXpress at the start of his career for almost two years as a clients services executive. A couple of months ago, Anish Rao was appointed as brand manager at D2C company  Fast & Up, which provides nutrition supplements to athletes and those who live an active life.  

    From AnimationXpress, Anish moved on Contract Advertising as a senior  account executive and then account manager in a matter of four years. He then shifted to FCB Ulka as senior brand services manager from where he was recruited by Fast & Up.

    Anish holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. 

  • Weekend Unwind with: BBH ECD Priya Gurnani

    Weekend Unwind with: BBH ECD Priya Gurnani

    Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind — a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of corporate executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.

    In this week’s session, BBH India’s recently elevated executive creative director Priya Gurnani poured out her thoughts.

    With over 15 years of experience, Gurnani specialises in building creative communication that is at the intersection of brands, culture, and consumer behavior. In the past, she has worked with Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, McCann Worldwide, and Contract Advertising.

    In her advertising career, Gurnani has created culture-defining work for brands like Stayfree, Yatra.com, Heineken, Kingfisher Ultra, Amstel, and Zee5. Most recently, she conceptualised and wrote the lyrics to a rap song for Zing’s “Apni Vibe Apni Tribe” campaign. In 2009, she was amongst the winners of the Cannes Young Lions.

    So, without further ado, here it goes…

    ·         Your mantra for life

    To have fun while pursuing my dreams. Because if you aren’t enjoying what you are doing, you are just wasting your precious time.

    ·         A book you are currently reading / plan to read

    I love to read new perspectives on humankind and human psychology. Currently reading “Homo Deus” by Yuval Noah Harari.

    ·         Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic

    Strong believer of “Yoga se hi hoga.” Post-covid I had a really tough time coming to a complete recovery. Yoga is what healed me and kept me going through the difficult health issues.

    ·         Your comfort food

    Anything that my mum cooks.

    ·         When the chips are down a quote/philosophy that keeps you going

    In an actors’ round table, Tom Hanks mentioned how he always reminds himself, “This too shall pass.” This phrase, he said, is particularly important when you are at the peak of success, as it helps keep you grounded. I keep these words close by in good times and bad.

    ·         Your guilty pleasure

    Watching mindless reality TV, especially “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”

    ·         When was the last time you tried something new?

    Last week. I love experimenting with food. Bought these Chinese glass noodles to try.

    ·         A life lesson you learnt the hard way

    I am not that important in the bigger scheme of things, and the world doesn’t revolve around me.

    ·         What gets you excited about life?

    Travelling to different countries and experiencing new cultures and cuisines really fills my happiness cup.

    ·         What’s on top of your bucket list?

    Travel to New York and watch Broadway.

    ·         If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

    Why so serious? Live a little.

    ·         One thing you would most like to change about the world

    I propose “Free movement for all.” I want a world without borders, or passports, to be precise. A world where there are no immigrants and refugees, just people migrating at will like birds.

     ·         An activity that keeps you motivated / charged during tough times

    Painting has seen me through my highs and lows. I am no M. F. Hussain, but expressing my artistic self without judgement and freely is very liberating.

     ·         What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?

    It changes from time to time. Sometimes it’s cooking, sometimes taking a dance class, at times listening to Badshah’s songs, and sometimes just chit-chatting with a friend about a show we both watch.

    ·         Your go-to stress buster

    I can always bank on a good workout to bust that stress.

  • Contract Advertising wins the mandate for Haldiram’s

    Contract Advertising wins the mandate for Haldiram’s

    Mumbai: In a strategic partnership with Wunderman Thompson, Contract Advertising has won the mandate for Haldiram’s, an Indian multinational sweets and savouries company headquartered in Delhi.

    The mandate was awarded to Contract Advertising India after a multi-agency pitch in which about 16 agencies participated. Contract Mumbai will handle the account.

    Haldiram’s has manufacturing plants in several states of India, including UP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, J&K, and Guwahati. A plant is also located in the UK.

    The mandate includes brand strategy and creatives for the domestic market, the export market, and retail/QSRs.

    Welcoming Contract Advertising, Haldiram’s managing director Pankaj Agarwal said, “Haldiram’s has always been trusted for their quality offerings. As a key player in the snack, sweets, and restaurant sectors, we are known to generate excitement amongst the consumers. We, as a brand, are constantly innovating and trying to raise our high-quality standards. To make consumers aware of our wide brand portfolio, we needed an advertising agency that understood our constant rise and the consumer’s changing mindsets. And that is why we are excited to partner with Contract Advertising to build effective marketing communications and reach new heights.”

    Adding to this, Divya Batra marketing head Haldiram’s commented, “Over the years, Haldiram’s has expanded its range from traditional namkeens to western snacks, frozen snacks, ready to eat, ready to cook, chocolates, and many more food categories. To communicate the same to our consumers, we needed an agency passionate about reaching and engaging with consumers impactfully. After an extensive process and multiple pitch rounds, we are exhilarated to partner with Contract. Together with the data & consumer insights approach, we target to build effective marketing communication and increase brand footprint.”

    Started in 1937 in Bikaner, today, Haldiram’s is a household name across multiple states in India. It also supplies 400 plus SKUs internationally, with its trademark being registered in 80 countries, spanning six continents. The company is famous across the globe and is available at various international stores such as Walmart, Tesco, Spinney’s, Carrefour, Metcash, Costco, Woolworth, etc.

    “Haldiram’s is an iconic brand, and it is a household name in India. We are proud of being the agency that has been given the responsibility to craft the narrative for this brand in India and abroad,” added Contract Mumbai EVP and general manager Ayan Chakraborty.

    Contract Mumbai SVP and executive creative director Rahul Ghosh commented, “At Contract, we have a bit of history with Made in India powerhouses. Haldiram’s is one such global success story. Getting to work on the narrative of this iconic brand is the kind of challenge that is a part of our DNA.”

  • Yardley London launches new campaign #Naturalfloralspa

    Yardley London launches new campaign #Naturalfloralspa

    Mumbai: On Wednesday, Yardley announced the launch of a new commercial for its all-new range of floral essence shower gels. Aimed at young women, this new range provides a luxurious bathing experience synonymous with a floral spa.

    The commercial has been conceptualised by Contract Advertising, a Wunderman Thompson Group company and a member of the WPP Network.

    Yardley, with 250 years of legacy in fine fragrances, has continually evolved to remain true and relevant across generations. It believes in inspiring women to showcase their true potential and step up to be the best version of themselves.

    Wipro Yardley CEO Manish Vyas said, “While Yardley has always been known for its fine floral fragrances, through this new range of shower gels under the floral essence sub brand, we intend to bring forth the goodness of floral ingredients apart from the fragrance.”

    Sharing the inspiration behind the commercial, Contract Mumbai general manager Ayan Chakraborty said, “When you hear of a spa-like experience, something that is invigorating and indulgent immediately comes to mind. This is the thought that we used to launch Yardley’s range of floral essence shower gels. The fragrance uplifts you instantly, and the floral oils work on the skin. It is like being in a spa everyday.”

    Adding to this, Contract Mumbai executive creative director Rahul Ghosh explains the approach and the creative thinking behind the ad, “Yardley is a passkey to a world of fragrance and freshness. And in this film, we showcase how its shower gel can transform a daily ritual into a magical moment.”

    The floral essence shower gels will be available at the nearest stores and on e-commerce platforms for Rs 225 for 250 ml.

  • Ayesha Ghosh joins Wieden+Kennedy as managing director for India; Gautham Narayan moves on

    Ayesha Ghosh joins Wieden+Kennedy as managing director for India; Gautham Narayan moves on

    Mumbai: Wieden+Kennedy has announced that Ayesha Ghosh has been appointed as managing director for India. Ghosh, who will be based in Mumbai, officially starts at W+K on 15 July and will partner with India CCO Santosh Padhi.

    Present WK Delhi managing director Gau Narayanan, who is leaving India and the agency to return home to the UK, will help with the transition through August.

    Ghosh joins the agency after six years at Taproot Dentsu where she held the role of CEO, based in Mumbai. She joined Taproot in December 2015 as general manager, and was promoted to CEO in 2021.

    Prior to Taproot, Ghosh was part of the leadership team for Contract Advertising for over a decade, helping build and grow the agency’s presence. Here she worked closely with the consulting and design practices, to help expand sources of growth. Previous to Contract Advertising, she held permanent positions in a number of industry shops including Grey Worldwide, Trikaya Grey and PSL McCann Erickson.

    On her new role, Ghosh commented, “It’s astonishing how W+K consistently produces off-the-charts work, across the world. I hope to absorb some of that genius and with the help of a talented team in India and an ace like Paddy, create some genius of our own. With scattered attention and infinite distractions, only work that is honest and primal, will win for brands. And that’s what we mean to do.”

    Padhi said, “I’m glad Ayesha is joining us to be part of this wonderful journey. She is absolutely blunt and honest when it comes to work, which is extremely important these days for our business. Clients too prefer to have conversations that cut to the chase. Ayesha and I have worked closely together for a good number of years at Taproot, we understand and complement each other.

    “An organisation is known by the kind of people that work for it and both of us will be focusing on putting together a crazy, talented bunch of people, across departments. And we believe that magic will follow,” he further said.

    Wieden+Kennedy Global CEO Neal Arthur added, “Ayesha’s first day is a great day for W+K. W+K India has big things ahead. Their collective creative ambition, optimism and connection to both local and global culture will no doubt usher in the next wave of transformation for the brands they work with. We are excited and grateful to have Ayesha with us.”

  • Hrithik Roshan challenges himself to do better in Lupin’s Be One campaign

    Hrithik Roshan challenges himself to do better in Lupin’s Be One campaign

    Mumbai: Contract Advertising, a part of the Wunderman Thompson Group and member of the WPP network, has created the #BanoKhudSeBehetar campaign, featuring Hrithik Roshan, for Lupin’s Be One 100 per cent Ayurvedic Energy supplements.

    In the recently launched brand campaign, the Bollywood star challenges his other self to not give up and be better in every task. “We used elements of Hrithik the celebrity to tell the story of Hrithik the everyman. It was a challenge at the beginning. But Hrithik being the amazing performer that he is, the process was fun and exciting as we got deeper into it,” shared Contract Mumbai SVP & ECD Rahul Ghosh.

    “In today’s highly demanding times, a product like Be One is only increasing in relevance. The consumer today is looking to constantly better themselves and this is where Be One comes in as a motivator to ensure they have the energy and health needed in this journey,” said Lupin’s head of OTC business Anil Kaushal.

    A film poster was unveiled on social media to announce that something exciting is coming soon ahead of the campaign launch.

    EMBED: https://www.facebook.com/beone.lupin/photos/a.105780064885147/325905626205922/

    Soon after this, a motion poster was launched, triggering some more excitement.

    Social media started buzzing with comments and guesses on what kind of movie it would be and #BanoKhudSeBehetar became the trending hashtag on Twitter on 30 December 2021, said the brand.

    The film was launched on 21 January across social media channels and TV channels. “It was an opportunity to be different in a category which talks only about non-stop energy or vitality,” commented Contract Mumbai EVP and general manager Ayan Chakraborty. “Being better than yourself or ‘Bano Khud Se Behetar’ is something refreshing and new and we made sure that we leveraged the celebrity even in terms of executing the launch like a movie launch.”

    EMBED: https://youtu.be/Cklpc2PsXk4

    “The creative challenge was to tell a story of someone trying to better himself, especially when that someone happened to be Hrithik Roshan. So, we tried to magnify the conflicts that reside within us every day. That was the creative jump-off,” said Contract Advertising CCO Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar on the creative process of the campaign.

    “This campaign was born out of the consumer desire of constant improvement by competing with one’s own self as opposed to others,” commented Lupin’s head of marketing (consumer healthcare) Supratik Sengupta. “The film acts as a nudge to the audience to challenge themselves and go beyond their comfort zone, while the product plays the role of the dependable partner.”

  • Yardley ropes in Kriti Sanon as brand ambassador

    Yardley ropes in Kriti Sanon as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Yardley has roped in Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon as its brand ambassador. 

    The brand has also launched a new campaign conceptualised by Contract Advertising, a part of the Wunderman Thompson Group and member of the WPP network.

    Yardley India business head Manish Vyas revealed the strategic approach behind this new campaign as he said, “The brand takes pride in using the finest natural ingredients and exotic flowers from gardens of England across its portfolio. Keeping this in mind, we came up with the campaign thought of ‘nature like freshness,’ highlighting what goes into Yardley fragrances that make them distinct and desirable.”

    In the short film directed by Sohini Dasgupta, the actor is featured as a confident and independent young woman, stepping up to take on the world. The TVC has been launched across multiple channels across regions, including digital.

    An extensive print campaign has been planned along with a prominent presence across general trade, modern trade, and e-commerce sites generating 360-degree visibility for the new campaign, said the statement.

    “There is something magical about fresh flowers and their smell. They have a transformative effect on both mood & confidence. This is what we played up in the narrative since Yardley deodorants have natural floral fragrance that makes you feel fresh and confident,” commented Contract Mumbai general manager Ayan Chakraborty.

    “Yardley is a legacy brand and its legacy is fragrance and flowers, and the positioning of Yardley in India is about creating step-up moments for its target audience. The story beautifully brings together how the fragrance of Yardley transforms and creates the world of flowers and creates a step-up moment for our protagonist,” remarked Contract Mumbai executive creative director Rahul Ghosh.

    “Nature has its own way to light you up. Imagine if this feeling lingers all day long! That’s how soothing and refreshing Yardley is. I am really excited to jump into the floral world of Yardley London,” said Sanon.

  • Yardley’s new TVC campaign encourages to celebrate a safe yet joyous Onam

    Yardley’s new TVC campaign encourages to celebrate a safe yet joyous Onam

    NEW DELHI – The year 2020 has witnessed its fair share of upheavals. As India continues to battle with the impact of a pandemic, a sense of fear continues to prevail. While most states continue to struggle with the effects of the pandemic, Kerala has managed to come out fairly well, however, the fear of resurgence persists. This year, as Onam begins, Yardley has released its TV campaign that encourages consumers to celebrate this harvest festival with family and friends while taking all safety precautions.

    The latest TVC by the brand revolves around a Malayali family of three, who are skeptical about celebrating Onam because of the on-going pandemic, however, the mother assures the child and talks about the precautions to take before celebrating the festival. The film showcases the latest additions of hygiene essentials to the Yardley portfolio of Handwash and Sanitizer, the goodness of Lavender oil, and its credibility being a 250-year-old brand that is now offering anti-germ properties in its products keeping in mind the current times. The campaign has been released across television and digital media platforms.

    Commenting on the new campaign Yardley India VP and business head Manish Vyas said, “As the impact of Covid2019 continues to leave our lives in a state of unrest, consumers do still hold a sense of fear when stepping out to get together with friends or even to celebrate festivals. Onam being the biggest festival in Kerala, our objective with this campaign was to encourage our consumers to bring on the celebrations, with the apt precautions. And as they prepare to celebrate in full fervor, Yardley’s Essentials range – infused with anti-germ properties and lavender oil – is here to protect them every step of the way. We at Yardley have always kept in line with the evolving times and keeping our consumers’ sentiments in mind we continue to offer them the best products to address their every need. Our latest TV campaign is a clear depiction of this promise to our consumers.”

    “The antidote to uncertainty is the reassurance that all we hold dear in our hearts…our relationships, our festivals, our celebrations…will continue to be protected. Yardley tells a story of this reassurance and resilience through a product offering that is the perfect coming together of those age-old Yardley values and the need of the hour: protection. It’s a cute little story of the little things we need to do to protect the big things. Onam is an important cultural moment in one of our key markets and this communication is a timely squeeze of reassurance that says that there’s still hope.” said Contract Advertising executive creative director & creative head Mumbai Rahul Ghosh.

  • Contract Advertising appoints Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar as CCO

    Contract Advertising appoints Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar as CCO

    MUMBAI: Contract Advertising has announced the appointment of Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar as its chief creative officer. With over three decades of experience across leading advertising agencies in India and abroad, Mahabaleshwarkar is a highly feted creative professional with multiple domestic and international awards under his belt. In his long and successful career, he has left his mark on brands like Samsung, Adidas, Grants, Apollo Munich and Jet Airways.

    Contract Advertising CEO Raji Ramaswamy said, “I am delighted to welcome Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar as the chief creative officer responsible for guiding the creative output of Contract in the digital age. He is a seasoned new age creative leader who has the finest art and design sensibilities. He has worked on some of the biggest brands in the country across both traditional and new media platforms and excelled in every one of them. He has a deep understanding of digital and technology with a strong belief that the future lies in the meeting of the two. He has built strong integrated teams in his earlier roles and we are confident that he will take the agency to the next level as an integrated agency of the future with big ambitions”.  

    On his appointment, Mahabaleshwarkar said, “The vision of Contract and the direction that JWT group is taking globally, is to make brands agile and to make brands purposeful. That’s a dynamic shift which is challenging and forward looking. Having worked on a winning note in a highly competitive, tech-first consumer business for the last three years, I am confident the shift is in the right direction.”

    J Walter Thompson chairman and group CEO Tarun Rai said, “We have been in discussions with Sagar for the last few months. And I am very happy that we have him on board, finally. Sagar is an industry stalwart who has built his reputation over the years across many agencies in India and abroad. He is the ideal creative leader to take Contract to the next level and make it a creative powerhouse.”  

    "I would like to thank Ashish Chakravarty for providing Contract with the creative leadership and support and in getting us to where we are today. I would also like to wish him the very best for the future,” Ramaswamy added.

    Contract's erstwhile CCO, Ashish Chakravarty, is moving to McCann Worldgroup.