MUMBAI: From hush-hush to heart-to-heart, Stayfree is making sure period talk is no longer swept under the carpet. This Daughters Day, the brand rolled out its latest digital activation, turning parental rejections into real conversations.
Last year, 70 per cent of parents refused to let their sons be part of Stayfree’s bold campaign ‘Beta Stayfree le aana’, citing embarrassment, social pressure and fear of teasing. But instead of backing down, the brand saw those “noes” as proof that the stigma is alive and in need of dismantling.
The new film, created with DDB Mudra, follows content creator Linda Fernandes and a group of parents who had earlier rejected the campaign. What begins as awkwardness slowly unfolds into an honest chat on why involving boys in period ads matters. The film ends with a simple truth, “When we make our sons comfortable with periods, we make our daughters comfortable too.”
Over the past five years, Stayfree’s ‘It’s just a period’ initiative has been nudging families to normalise menstrual conversations: first with fathers, then with sons. The latest chapter tackles stigma head-on, showing that every candid conversation chips away at age-old shame.
“This campaign isn’t just advertising, it’s change in action,” said Stayfree’s parent company Kenvue’s marketing head Manoj Gadgil. “The rejections only strengthened our resolve.”
Streaming on Youtube and Meta, the campaign leaves viewers with one question: if sons can appear in ads for shoes or chocolates, why not sanitary
MUMBAI: Flipkart is taking ‘Big Billion Days 2025’ to a new level with its campaign “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai”, offering surprising deals and unexpected partnerships. One highlight is shubh muhurat deals, a culturally rooted initiative that taps into India’s belief in auspicious timing for major purchases.
Conceptualised by DDB Mudra, the campaign recognises that families often wait for the right muhurat for weddings, house moves, or big-ticket purchases. Flipkart and Astrotalk, India’s leading astrology platform, created a calendar of auspicious moments from 23rd September to 2nd October, during which exclusive appliance deals will drop. Astrotalk astrologers will guide shoppers via live feeds and social media, turning shopping into a tradition-backed ritual.
Flipkart, vice president, large appliances, Rakesh Krishnan said, “Shubh Muhurat Deals brings together tradition and technology. Buying a big appliance is a meaningful moment for families, and we’re making it even more special by aligning it with auspicious times.”
Astrotalk, founder & CEO, Puneet Gupta added, “We’re helping customers choose not just products, but the right muhurat, so every purchase carries good energy, positivity, and happiness.”
The Shubh Muhurat deals calendar runs from 23rd September to 2nd October, giving customers daily auspicious shopping windows to unlock special offers on appliances. With this innovative cultural crossover, Flipkart proves that during ‘Big Billion Days’, even shopping can be written in the stars.
MUMBAI: What’s in a name? If you’re a gamer this Big Billion Days, potentially your entire wishlist. Flipkart has pulled off one of its quirkiest surprises yet, teaming up with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) for a campaign that proves true to its tagline Yahan Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.
Every festive season, gamers flock to Flipkart to upgrade their rigs whether it’s snagging a new gaming chair, upgrading to a beast of a device, or grabbing peripherals to boost their play. But in 2025, Flipkart is cranking the stakes up several notches. The prize? The ultimate gamer’s wishlist, free. The challenge? Name2claim, a dare so outlandish it could only be born in BGMI land.
Conceptualised by DDB Mudra, Name2claim taps into the colourful culture of gamer tags the quirky, witty, often bizarre usernames that have become the identity badge of millions of BGMI players. To win, players must go all in and make their gamer tag their real, official name.
To make it legit, Flipkart has built a dedicated platform www.name2claim.in where gamers can “file” for a name change by drafting a classified ad announcing their new moniker. Flipkart will even publish the ad on their behalf, officially stamping the transformation. In other words: prove your passion, and the loot is yours.
Flipkart vice president for marketing & growth Pratik Shetty explained the madness: “Gaming is one of the fastest-growing passions in India, and BGMI has built a community that thrives on creativity and fun. With Name2claim, we wanted to celebrate that culture in a way only Flipkart can by turning something as quirky as a gamer tag into a real identity. It’s a light-hearted challenge that shows how far gamers will go for what they love, and a reminder that during Big Billion Days, yahan sach-much kuch bhi ho sakta hai.”
Backing the idea, DDB Mudra group group creative directors Gagandeep Bindra and Rahul Arcot added, “BGMI fans are one of the most fun-loving and creative communities out there. It shows in their gamer names and the way they engage. And one thing they love more than playing? A challenge. With Name2claim, we gave them the most unexpected dare change your real name to your gamer tag and win the ultimate wishlist. Crazy? Absolutely. Possible? Only for a true BGMI fan.”
The campaign has been brought to life with a quirky film stitched entirely from in-game footage, showcasing the randomness, fun, and chaos of the BGMI universe. Fans can watch it on Youtube or catch the buzz spreading fast on Instagram, where reels and reactions are already trending.
With over 100 million BGMI users in India and Flipkart’s Big Billion Days sale attracting millions more, the crossover feels like a cultural flashpoint where e-commerce meets esports. And as Flipkart proves once again sometimes, all it takes to unlock the deal of your dreams is a name.
MUMBAI: Two sharp minds, one bold mission Dentsu Creative Isobar has doubled down on its creative firepower with the appointment of Dhruv Tiwari and Zubin Jauhari as group executive creative directors. The move, announced this week, signals the agency’s intent to marry creativity with culture and commerce, shaping campaigns that don’t just win awards but win hearts across India. Both will report to Dentsu Creative Isobar chief creative officer Abhijat Bharadwaj and will lead a 150 plus strong creative team charged with pushing boundaries for some of the country’s most ambitious brands.
Dhruv Tiwari arrives from DDB Mudra, where he transformed the North office into a creative powerhouse with work for McDonald’s, Royal Enfield, Kent RO and DLF Mall of India. His campaigns blended cultural spark with business impact and earned recognition at Adfest, The Abbys and Kyoorius. As he quipped: “I’m here to stir things up to craft work where creativity, tech and culture collide. Work that earns attention, sparks conversation, and maybe even rewrites the rulebook. If the shiny metals follow, well… we won’t complain.”
Zubin Jauhari, meanwhile, is making a homecoming to dentsu. Over the past decade, he has worked on everything from Swiggy and Flipkart to Google, Facebook and Ola Electric, turning brands into cultural icons. His trophy cabinet features Cannes Lions, a Spikes Asia Grand Prix and a Kyoorius Black Elephant. On returning, he said: “It feels incredible to return to a place that shaped some of my fondest professional memories. I’m here to create work that resonates far beyond the industry, help define the future of creativity, and build a team that everyone can’t stop talking about, all while having a ton of fun doing it.”
For Bharadwaj, the appointments cap a year-and-a-half-long talent build: “Now that the bottom and middle levels of our structure are solidly in place, it’s time to crown the top of this creative pyramid. I can’t think of anyone better than Dhruv and Zubin. Zubin is an award-winning creative who is an expert at new-age creativity and Dhruv is an excellent leader with a vast portfolio of successful campaigns. We’re in the fight and gunning for greatness.”
Dentsu Creative Isobar CEO Sahil Shah echoed the sentiment: “The future of creativity lies in fusing culture, technology, and influence to deliver impact at scale. Dhruv and Zubin embody this new-age thinking and inspire those around them. Backed by a hugely talented team of 150 plus creatives, they will craft transformative work for brands and society while nurturing a culture that empowers our people to dream bigger and create bolder.”
Together, Dhruv and Zubin are expected to deliver campaigns that channel India’s diversity and dynamism, harnessing technology to amplify culture and content to drive influence. The duo’s remit aligns with Dentsu Creative’s global mission: building work that’s emotionally resonant, culturally rooted and commercially meaningful.
As the agency puts it, this is not just about crafting ads, it’s about “celebrating Bharat while speaking to modern India”. With this creative power pairing, Dentsu Creative Isobar seems ready to script its next blockbuster chapter.
MUMBAI: Aspiring adlanders, polish those portfolios, your big night is here. ‘The One Club for Creativity’ has opened registrations for ‘Portfolio Night 2025’, with Google on board as exclusive global sponsor. In India, the event will be hosted by BBDO India, DDB Mudra Group and TBWA India. Budding creatives can log in online on 6 October or meet in person on 7 October, with entries closing on 3 October.
Billed as the world’s premier speed-dating event for talent and top creative leaders, Portfolio Night gives young hopefuls the chance to showcase work, receive one-to-one feedback, and even spark their advertising careers.
This year, Google is setting the live brief for the Portfolio Night All-Stars competition. Winners will earn a coveted trip to New York in 2026 to present their campaign during The One Club’s creative week.
On the jury are some of the most celebrated names in Indian advertising, including Josy Paul (BBDO India), Kainaz Karmakar (Ogilvy India), Abhijit Awasthi (Sideways Consulting), Russell Barrett (TBWAIndia), Swati Bhattacharya (Lightbox), Rahul Mathew (DDB Mudra), and Ashish Khazanchi (Enormous), alongside a long list of national creative heavyweights.
With humour, hustle and a shot at global glory, Portfolio Night 2025 promises not just feedback, but a foot firmly in the door of advertising’s big league.
MUMBAI: TBWA India has hired Rohit Mukherjee as executive creative director at its Gurgaon office, tasking him with sharpening the agency’s disruption philosophy and raising the creative bar for clients.
Mukherjee, who brings close to 20 years in advertising, joins from Dentsu Creative Isobar where he rose to group executive creative director, leading integrated, digital-first campaigns for major Indian brands. He began his career with an internship at Rediffusion Y&R and went on to stints at Publicis, Mccann, DDB Mudra and Bates, shaping campaigns for Airtel, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, Dabur, Diageo and Kia Motors. Among his best-known works is Colgate’s “Kya aapke toothpaste mein namak hai?” platform.
TBWA India, chief creative experience officer, Russell Barrett called Mukherjee “an accomplished creative individual with a great pedigree of ideas and executions,” adding that he was “just the right kind of pirate to lead and inspire the office forward.”
For his part, Mukherjee said he relished the agency’s disruption credo. “To create in any field, you need to disrupt. The very fact that for tbwa, disruption is its raison d’être is provocation enough for any creative,” he noted.
Mukherjee’s work has earned recognition at Cannes Lions, Spikes, Kyoorius, Abbys, Effies, New York Festival, Adfest and the Clios. Off duty, he is a collector of stories, whether through photography, trivia or conversations with strangers.
MUMBAI: When it comes to plumbing promises, Birlanu isn’t letting a single drop or secret slip. The CKA Birla Group company has rolled out a cheeky new brand campaign built around the pledge of “Infinite peace of mind with Birlanu Leakproof Pipes”, tackling one of homeowners’ biggest frustrations: leakage.
The star of the show is Birlanu’s Trufit Technology, an engineering precision process that ensures perfect alignment between pipes and fittings, delivering truly leakproof joints. The company’s pipes span more than 20 product categories, from CPVC, uPVC and SWR to silent, underground drainage, HDPE, MDPE, gas lines, water tanks and more.
The film, conceptualised by DDB Mudra with media handled by Madison, takes a refreshingly light approach: two mischievous kids share secrets through a pipe, with not a whisper or a drop escaping. The metaphor is clear: what happens inside a Birlanu pipe, stays inside a Birlanu pipe.
Birlanu chief marketing officer Peeyush Bachlaus said the campaign reflects “the trust our customers place in the Birla name every day” and presents the leakproof solution “in a loving manner”. Birlanu chief business officer for Pipes, Arun Kumar Magoo, added that Birlanu is also the first in the industry to adopt Organic Based Stabilizers (OBS) for uPVC pipes and fittings, offering a 100 per cent heavy metal-free formulation, a move that reinforces its nature-positive, safety-first credentials.
Backed by advanced mould design, precision extrusion, and a future-focused product portfolio, BirlaNu aims to blend engineering excellence with sustainable practice. The integrated campaign is hitting TV, OTT, digital, OOH and BTL channels, targeting both urban and rural markets for maximum reach.
With its pipes promising to hold water literally and figuratively Birlanu is making sure leakage is nothing more than a childhood game.
MUMBAI – Celebrating the magic of togetherness and spontaneous moments that have defined the McDonald’s experience for generations, McDonald’s India (West & South) has launched its latest brand campaign – ‘It’s a McD Thing’. This new campaign conceptualised by DDB Mudra is all about the strategic narrative that elevates McDonald’s restaurants into a cultural canvas where life’s unscripted moments create lasting connections and memories.
The campaign launches with two distinctive films that capture unique ‘McD moments’ in different contexts. The first film beautifully leverages behavioural insights about Gen Z’s relationship with physical spaces in an increasingly digital world. The narrative centers on a quintessential ‘McD moment’ where a group of concert-bound friends are enjoying their time at McDonald’s before heading out to the event. Instead of getting disheartened the group spontaneously orchestrated a jam session using McDonald’s food, packaging, beverages, and table-tapping beats, transforming disappointment into a moment of joy and connection.
The second film highlights McDonald’s as a destination for professionals working late at night. Set in a quiet office during late hours, it follows a programmer who is startled by mysterious growling sounds. The tension builds until he discovers it’s simply his colleague’s hungry stomach. The scene transitions to both of them enjoying a meal at McDonald’s, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to being there whenever hunger strikes. The tagline ‘Your night shift, our night shift’ emphasizes McDonald’s presence during unconventional hours and showcases the brand’s regional connection.
McDonald’s India (W&S) CMO Arvind R.P. said, “McDonald’s has been that special place where friends gather, celebrations happen, and everyday moments become memories. With ‘It’s a McD Thing,’ we are celebrating those authentic connections and spontaneous moments that can only happen at McDonald’s where our food becomes the backdrop for life’s meaningful experiences.”
DDB Mudra executive creative directors, Harshada Menon & Siddhesh Khatavkar said, “McDonald’s has its own unwritten rules when it comes to the way fans order, eat, share and hang out. With ‘It’s a McD Thing’, we wanted to spotlight those quirks and rituals that are so familiar, iconic, and happen only at McDonald’s. In other words, it’s not just a place to eat; it’s where stories begin. A cultural space where everyday moments turn into lasting memories. That’s what makes McDonald’s unique.”
The campaign taps into the memories of those who grew up with McDonald’s as their go-to meetup spot, from first dates and post-exam celebrations to late-night study sessions and weekend hangouts. It acknowledges the restaurant’s unique position in India’s cultural fabric as an ‘adda’ or communal gathering space that crosses generations.
The films are also created with a distinctly local flavour and the tagline ‘Our food, your mood’. This campaign has been rolled out across television, digital platforms, and in-restaurant promotions designed to encourage user-generated content.
The brand films were created to resonate with both Gen Z customers who are creating new memories at McDonald’s and older customers who carry fond recollections of their own McDonald’s moments from years past.
Every Indian has a McDonald’s story, whether it’s celebrating a birthday, catching up with old friends, or just grabbing a quick bite during college breaks. This campaign is an invitation to remember those special McDonald’s moments and create new ones. That’s what makes it ‘a McD thing’. Those shared experiences happen naturally when good food and good company come together.
MUMBAI : Forget your average umbrella, TTK Prestige, India’s trusted kitchen whiz, has truly spilled the beans on innovation. They’ve erected a colossal replica of their Prestige Svachh Pressure Cooker’s Deep Lid on Mumbai’s bustling Carter Road. And it’s not just for show; this monumental lid is doubling as a rain shelter, keeping pedestrians as clean and dry as your kitchen counter after a Svachh-cooked curry.
Conceptualised by the clever clogs at DDB Mudra, this installation isn’t just turning heads; it’s a stroke of genius in brand storytelling. It lets the public literally walk through and stand under the very feature that promises no more messy boil-overs. The installation perfectly encapsulates the Svachh range’s philosophy: making daily life cleaner, simpler, and more conscious – a real boon for the Indian homemaker. It’s a bold statement that tidiness isn’t just a chore, but a thoughtful practice that elevates everyday living.
The site also played host to a collective pledge, inviting passers-by to commit to safer and more hygienic cooking habits. Visitors were encouraged to snap selfies and share their vows on social media using #SvachhNoSpillShelter, spreading the “Clean Kitchen Promise” far and wide. Participants even bagged vouchers, a neat little reinforcement of the brand’s belief in empowering Indian kitchens.
TTK Prestige senior general manager & head – marketing, Akila Chandrasekar shared the journey behind the Svachh deep lid innovation, “At TTK Prestige, we believe that innovation should serve a purpose beyond the product. The SVACHH Deep Lid was developed to solve a real issue in Indian kitchens — the mess and inconvenience caused by spillage during pressure cooking. This installation takes that simple idea — one that has quietly improved daily cooking for millions — and magnifies its impact in a public space. It’s a way for us to show how much thought goes into even the smallest design detail and how those details make everyday lives easier. At a time when attention is hard-won, this initiative allows us to engage people meaningfully, without needing to sell to them. It’s visibility with value, a reflection of the brand we aspire to be: intelligent, purposeful, and deeply rooted in consumer insight.”
The installation will remain open for public viewing at Carter Road for the week, serving as both a talking point and a visual reminder that even the most functional products can have cultural flair.
DDB Mudra Creative Head – South, Priya Shivakumar said, “At the heart of this idea is a simple yet strong belief, that thoughtful innovation can solve everyday problems. The Prestige spillage-control lid is one such product born of this belief, and we wanted to dramatize its function in a way that felt both meaningful and memorable. So, we took it out of the kitchen and into the streets — right in the middle of India’s monsoon. With ‘Prestige Svachh No Spill Shelter’, we transformed the lid into a life-size shelter that not only protects people from the rain but also collects and recycles the rainwater it captures. It’s a real-world metaphor for what the product does in homes every day. The idea is functional, sustainable, and a bit unexpected, staying true to the spirit of the brand.”
To top it all off, the launch featured a live performance by indie band Symphony Rush, whose lively set ensured the event was anything but flat, drawing in families, joggers, and the simply curious. Looks like TTK Prestige has cooked up a storm – in the best possible way!
MUMBAI: McDonald’s India (West & South) has announced the return of culinary icon Sanjeev Kapoor for a new brand film highlighting its newly launched innovative and first-of-its kind ‘Protein Plus Slice’. This marks the continuation of the successful partnership that began with the Multi-Millet Bun launch last year.
This entertaining brand film, conceptualised by DDB Mudra captures a memorable encounter at McDonald’s where Kapoor, stationed behind the counter, meets a young fitness enthusiast and his spirited little brother. When the older brother orders his usual favourites, Chef Kapoor introduces them to the revolutionary Protein Plus slice with his characteristic charm. What unfolds is a humorous competition between the brothers, when the elder one requests two slices, his younger brother immediately ups the ante by asking for three slices. The film perfectly illustrates how customers of all ages can personalize their protein intake while enjoying McDonald’s favourites.
The film emphasizes on the 100% vegetarian plant-based ‘Protein Plus Slice’ co-developed by CSIR – Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI). Chef Kapoor talks about this slice, which offers 5g of protein per slice, allowing customers to add 5g, 10g, or more protein to their burgers without compromising on taste.
Westlife Foodworld CEO Akshay Jatia said, “At McDonald’s India, we have always believed in giving our customers more choice, and this time, we are giving them the power to personalize their protein intake. The Protein Plus Range allows them to enjoy their favourite McDonald’s burgers without compromising on their protein needs or the taste. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to our ‘Real Food, Real Good’ philosophy, bringing together flavour, nutrition, and food science. Together, we remain committed to crafting menu items that are both wholesome and delicious, combining locally available ingredients in a way where great taste and nutrition go hand in hand.”
Kapoor said, “It feels great to continue my association with a brand like McDonald’s that constantly innovates its menu, suiting the tastes and preferences of varied customers. Their entry into the protein enhancement initiative is commendable, and I like the fact that their Protein Plus range perfectly balances taste with nutrition. I believe this range is a true innovation in personalized nutrition.”
DDB Mudra Group chief creative officer & executive director Rahul Mathew said, “McDonald’s is for everyone. It’s a belief that the brand is built on. And it’s this belief that we’ve extended to extra-protein seekers with the new Protein Plus Slices. So, whether you’re just making up for your nutritional needs or following a workout regimen, McDonald’s is for you as well.”
The Protein Plus Range launch marks McDonald’s India’s second strategic collaboration with the CFTRI, following the successful introduction of Multi-Millet Buns. The campaign on the Multi-Millet Bun had also featured Chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
The film closes with Kapoor saying, ‘That’s My McDonald’s’, underscoring the brand’s commitment to blending great-tasting burgers with more nutritional goodness. Customers can now savour their favourite burgers in a nutritional avatar with extra protein at their nearest McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India, on-the-go via Drive-Thru and also can order through the McDelivery App and Swiggy.
