MUMBAI: The champagne is flowing again. Siddharth Suri has been appointed managing director of Moët Hennessy India, marking a homecoming to the LVMH-owned spirits house where he previously spent over five years. Most recently business head for away-from-home, restaurant and travel retail at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Suri brings extensive leadership credentials from across the luxury and fast-moving consumer goods sectors.
His career spans more than 20 years in sales, marketing and business development. At Diageo India, where he worked for four years until early 2024, he served as national head of strategic key accounts and country lead for Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific emerging markets, driving international sales from Dubai.
Suri’s earlier tenure at Moët Hennessy included roles as sales director for India travel retail and domestic markets, overseeing operations across India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. He also held senior positions at Pernod Ricard India, including head of region operations and head of sales operations in New Delhi, and at PepsiCo India, where he rose to general manager for market development in Mumbai and zonal sales head for Maharashtra and Goa.
A graduate of the International Management Institute with a postgraduate diploma in sales, distribution and marketing operations, Suri has built a reputation for transforming and scaling businesses across India and emerging markets.
MUMBAI: Diageo India has named Aanandita Datta as its new vice president, marketing and category head. She moves from Pizza Hut, where she was chief marketing officer for India and the subcontinent, and before that spent nearly a decade at Unilever.
A marketing veteran with 19 years of experience, Datta has worked across categories from oral care and foods to beverages. She launched and scaled brands such as Sensodyne and Lipton, built new categories like green tea and sensitive oral care, and led Horlicks’ major relaunch in 2010. At Pizza Hut, she drove campaigns to court young consumers and make the brand part of “young India’s daily life”.
Datta described herself as a “storyteller with a curious mind”, saying her purpose lay in “exploring the unknown and inspiring others to do the same”. She has previously managed portfolios worth over €1.3bn, partnered with the UN and Indian government on sustainability projects, and steered both disruptive innovation and mature-brand growth.
At Diageo, she takes charge of marketing strategy and category development in one of India’s most competitive consumer markets.
MUMBAI: For over 25 years, Keep Walking has been a rallying cry for bold progress and purposeful action. In its latest expression of this enduring philosophy, Johnnie Walker Luxe Blended Water presents The Walkers List — an avant garde cultural platform bringing together changemakers, creators and innovators all toward creating a movement that embraces the spirit of progress.
The Walkers List brings together a collective of celebrated individuals who challenge norms, reimagine possibilities, and leave a lasting imprint on their communities and the culture at large. At its heart, The Walkers List seeks to inspire purposeful action through collaboration, providing a stage for those who represent the virtue of never standing still.
The platform, in its inaugural edition, is supporting a collective of creative disruptors and collaborators that redefine boundaries and progress in the fields of art, dance, music, and fashion. So, get ready to experience:
. The Walkers Jersey by Virat Kohli x Saina Nehwal – A transformative collaboration that transcends sports to champion equality and progress. Co-created by two of India’s most celebrated sporting icons, this exclusive jersey embodies a powerful commitment to elevating women’s sports and creating equal opportunities. Designed not just for athletes but for every advocate who believes in gender equality in sports, The Walkers Jersey invites supporters to wear their values and walk alongside the change they wish to see.
. Paizār-e-Pashm by Babar Afzal × Aprajita Toor– A bold reimagining of artisanal heritage, where traditional cashmere pashmina craftsmanship meets culturally inspired yet modern footwear designs, to create a timeless impact. Proceeds from the sale of the footwear will go towards the upliftment of the sustainable cashmere pashmina shepherding and artisanal community by Pashmina Goat Project and an NGO supporting handicraft artists in keeping alive traditional arts of India.
. Dhwani by Shilo Shiv Suleman × Colleena Shakti – An immersive art installation that brings together handcrafted metalwork and responsive movement to create a living expression of “keep walking”. This installation was successfully showcased on 27th July, 2025, at Snowball Studios, Worli. This collaboration celebrates community and craft, featuring master Lohar artisans from Jaipur and local Odissi dancers who worked closely to blend traditional Indian metalworking and dance techniques with contemporary vision. The 250-kilogram golden spiral installation transcends static art through movement, light, and human connection, while creating sustainable opportunities for craftsmen and preserving cultural heritage.
. The Planet Song by Ricky Kej × Rashmeet Kaur – A powerful sonic exploration advocating for sustainability and social change through genre-defying track by a Grammy award winning artist and an innovator on traditional folk music forms from India.
With these bold new creations, The Walkers List ignites a powerful cultural shift — inviting audiences to discover how purpose-driven collaborations and fearless creativity are shaping the future, one boundary-breaking idea at a time.
“Johnnie Walker Blended Luxe Water believes progress is never a solo journey. The Walkers List was created to champion individuals who are challenging conventions and shaping the future through creativity and community impact,” said Diageo India CMO Ruchira Jaitly (USL). “With this initiative, we bring the Keep Walking narrative to life — not just through words, but through impactful, positive action.”
MUMBAI: Smirnoff Is raising the bar (and a few eyebrows) with the launch of three punchy new flavours — Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango, and Zesty Lime — tailor-made for the bold, experimental tastes of India’s new-age drinkers.
Now hitting shelves across Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra, this flavour-forward line-up is part of Smirnoff’s India-first playbook, as it courts the Gen Z and millennial crowd that prefers party nights on rooftops over banquets, and DIY cocktails over bar menus.
“We’re seeing a clear shift in how young Indians approach their favourite spirits — they want global brands to build a stronger local connect that is fresh and premium and yet playful. With Minty Jamun, Mirchi Mango,and Zesty Lime we’re not just offering new flavours, we’re creating moments of discovery that are vibrant, social, and rooted in today’s cultural codes,” said Diageo India (USL) CMO Ruchira Jaitly.
Each variant packs its own punch:
. Minty Jamun: A throwback to schoolyard summers, now with a stylish twist
. Mirchi Mango: A sweet-spicy bombshell, echoing India’s chilli-laced fruit obsession
. Zesty Lime: Bright, breezy and built for easy pours at pre-games and house parties
The launch is wrapped in Smirnoff’s new campaign “Flavour is a Vibe” — a cheeky nudge to embrace taste with spontaneity, style, and a generous splash of self-expression.
With India’s cocktail culture bubbling over and at-home mixology becoming the new norm, Smirnoff’s latest desi detour is likely to find itself clinking glasses at celebrations of every size. Because in 2025, it’s not just about what you’re drinking, it’s how you vibe with it.
MUMBAI: In a move that blends digital grit with civic sense, Diageo India has extended its ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ (WSOTR) initiative across all seven Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Goa. The latest Tab Lab, launched at the Panaji RTO, was inaugurated by the Goa CM Pramod Sawant, making it a full sweep for the initiative across the state.
The initiative, driven in partnership with Bharatcares and the Directorate of Transport, brings interactive, tech-enabled driver education to life. Targeting drink driving behaviour, the programme uses real-life simulations to highlight the harsh consequences of unsafe driving. Each Tab Lab delivers a mandatory 45-minute immersive experience to all new driving licence applicants. These modules include behavioural assessments and interactive films designed to simulate the dangers of driving under the influence.
“We congratulate and thank Bharatcares and Diageo India for implementing this CSR project”, said Sawant at the inauguration. “This small step will have a long-term impact in reducing accidents. No licence will be issued or renewed without watching this film”.
The Panaji launch brings the number of WSOTR Tab Labs in India to over 70, bolstering Diageo’s goal of sensitising one million people to responsible driving by 2030. The initiative falls under the company’s broader ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG framework.
“Changing attitudes is key to addressing the root causes of drink driving”, said Diageo India head of corporate relations Devashish Dasgupta. “With our partners at BharatCares and support from the Goa government, we are scaling WSOTR to equip drivers with the awareness they need to make responsible choices”.
Bharatcares AVP – social impact programs Abhishek Tyagi echoed the sentiment, “Through initiatives like the Tab Lab, we are fostering a collective effort to build safer, more responsible communities”.
The WSOTR campaign isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes. It’s a behavioural nudge wrapped in immersive tech—a civic reset disguised as a touchscreen.
MUMBAI: Devashish Dasgupta began his career at Arthur Andersen in the business a& tax advisory services in 1994. In 2024, he is corporate relations director & member of the executive committee at spirits major Diageo India, a position he took up in early December 2024.It his second innings with the firm. He has been on the Ficci national executive committee for the past four years or so.
Along the way, he has been mainly involved in corporate, government affairs and relations over the past 34 years. He even founded a management and entry strategy consulting firm Corporate Catalyst which he ran for 10 years from 1995 to 2005.
Dasgupta then moved on to APCO as managing director of the public affairs & government consulting firm for three years. What followed was a two-year stint with Diageo india as executive director corporate relations. The next placement was at Google India as country head public policy and advocacy for eight months.
A little over two-year assignments each with MNCs like Yum Restaurants, SAB Miller, GSK Consumer Healthcare, came next in a corporate relations and government affairs role.
Just prior to re-joining Diageo, Devashish was at Hindustan Unilever as corporate and government affairs head for a good five years.
Mumbai: “The earth has music for those who listen.”-William Shakespeare.
A life connected to nature can be deeply rewarding. Signature Packaged Drinking Water encourages natural living and has partnered with the Ziro Festival, a major festival in India set in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. The festival, running from 26 to 29 September 2024, offers a range of experiences for nature and music lovers.
The Ziro Festival promotes eco-friendly practices with activities like masterclasses, farm-to-table cuisine, and plogging. It features bamboo and Apatani craftsmanship, biodegradable Tamul plates, and reclaimed wood signages. Free water is provided to encourage the use of reusable bottles.
This year’s festival includes a diverse lineup of musicians: Tamikrest with their Tuareg beats, Kailash Kher’s soulful performance, genre-blending Hanumankind, Kerala’s hip hop star Dabzee, Singapore’s post-rock band Amateur, Arunachal’s Dobom Doji Carolina Norbu, Nepali chart-topper Sushant KC, Swedish psych-rock group Hollow Ship, and Veena maestro Dr. Jayanti Ramesh.
Diageo India VP and portfolio head, marketing, Varun Koorichh said, “As we continue our relationship with Ziro Music Festival as the presenting partner, we recognize that new age consumers are proactive, informed, and intentional in their choices, seeking meaningful experiences. There is a clear shift towards mindful living among today’s diverse audiences. Last year’s success reinforced the synergy between Signature Packaged Drinking Water’s ‘Live Good, Do Good’ philosophy and the Ziro Music Festival’s reputation as one of the most eco-friendly music festivals in India. This year, our focus is to build on that success and take it to newer heights. Set in stunning Arunachal Pradesh, the festival offers a stellar lineup, immersive experiences, farm-to-table cuisine, and eco-conscious initiatives. Our partnership aims to bring together nature enthusiasts, positioning Signature Packaged Drinking Water at the forefront of a space where music and eco-conscious living blend to create an immersive and impactful experience to enable meaningful connections with nature.”
Ziro Festival co-founder and creative producer Anup Kutty said, “Ziro Festival has always been about discovering new sounds and creating a space where artists can connect with a diverse, global audience against the backdrop of the spectacular Ziro valley. Each year, we’re amazed at how music from all parts of the world resonates with our attendees. This is what makes Ziro Festival so special, and we’re thrilled to have partners like Signature supporting this mission of discovery.”
Ziro Festival co-founder and festival director Bobby Hano said, “Sustainability has been at the heart of Ziro Festival since its inception. Our partnership with Signature Packaged Drinking Water is an important step in continuing our commitment to preserving the environment while celebrating music and culture. Together, we aim to showcase how events like ours can balance eco-conscious practices with impactful, memorable experiences.”
Signature Packaged Drinking Water invites green seekers to reconnect and revel in nature’s authentic experiences at Ziro whilst embracing the art of mindful living for a more vibrant and harmonious future.
Mumbai: Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.) in partnership with BharatCares, a social impact organisation, launched Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects in Seng Khasi Upper Primary School (Mawlai Khasi Hills) and Soso Tham Memorial School (Lawsohtun) in Meghalaya. The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of members from Diageo India and BharatCares. The projects will benefit over 120 students and staff members by supporting a healthier, safer, and more conducive learning environment.
Through this initiative, Diageo India and BharatCares will set up a dedicated RO plant, and renovate a drinking water station with a modern filtration system along with the school boundary wall and toilets at the Seng Khasi Upper Primary School. In addition, a new classroom with a dyna roof, separate toilets for boys and girls along with a handwashing station, an RO plant and a drinking water station will be constructed at the Soso Tham Memorial School.
Diageo India head of CSR & sustainability Navdeep Singh Mehram said, “At Diageo India, preserving water for life is a key priority under our Society 2030 ESG action plan. We have been championing water stewardship within our communities by investing in improving access to WASH. Together with our NGO partner BharatCares, these initiatives will help enhance the overall well-being by creating a healthier, hygienic and beneficial environment for the students and the staff members.”
CSRBOX Foundation vice president & government practice Manoviraj Singh said, “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Diageo India on this community engagement initiative. These projects will help improve the overall infrastructure of the schools by installing water purification systems, upgrading sanitation facilities, and enhancing structural elements. Through these initiatives, we aim to provide students with a better learning environment and access to essential facilities.”
Diageo India has launched multiple WASH projects impacting communities across eight states in India.
Mumbai: The House of McDowell’s Soda has announced the return of The House of McDowell’s Soda Yaari Jam, a musical event scheduled for 4 August 2024, at NSCI Dome, Mumbai. This event aims to make Friendship Day special with a night of music and entertainment.
Featuring a stellar lineup of Gen Z favorites Ritviz, Sanam, Lisa, Lothika & Zaeden, Yaari Jam promises to have everyone grooving and singing along to the latest chart-topping hits. The House of McDowell’s Soda has long been associated with the heartwarming tales of Yaari serving as a catalyst for friendships and solidarity through its compelling storytelling. Yaaron Waali Baat highlights the limitless possibilities that arise from meaningful connections and how small gestures can leave a lasting impact on friends.
Diageo India VP and portfolio head of marketing, Varun Koorichh said, “We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this Friendship Day with Yaari Jam, to make it the most unforgettable experience for all the yaars! At The House of McDowell’s Soda, we passionately believe in the transformative power of friendships to uplift and empower individuals. This year, Yaari Jam is set to exceed all expectations with an electrifying lineup of artists, guaranteeing an unparalleled celebration of friendship. Join us as we unite yaars across the nation, celebrating the true spirit of friendship and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s make this Friendship Day the most joyous and empowering event ever!”
Speaking on the occasion, Sanam said, “We are excited to be part of Yaari Jam as it’s more than just a music concert. We can’t wait to perform alongside the other artists to contribute to an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie that will resonate with everyone attending. It’s about celebrating the essence of ‘Yaaron Waali Baat’ that House of McDowell’s Soda embraces so beautifully.”
Speaking on the association, Lisa Mishra said, “The stage is where we transform music into a living, breathing experience. We’re coming together to create something special at Yaari Jam, an evening filled with energy, connection, and unforgettable moments. Let’s make this concert a celebration of our shared love for music and friendships.”
Zaeden said “Being part of Yaari Jam means being part of something bigger, celebrating friendship through music. I’ll be singing all the new songs from my album “Zaeden 02” and really excited about the new set. I can’t wait to share the stage with some of my favorite artists and make you all have the best time ever!”
The event is produced by Tribevibe, supported by SPONCO, & ticketing partner – BookMyShow.
Mumbai: In life, choosing the road less traveled often makes the biggest impact. The recent Choosebold 2.0 campaign by Royal Challenge packaged drinking water celebrates this spirit with stars like Virat Kohli, Smriti Mandhana, and Vidyut Jammwal. Through their stories of bold choices, the campaign aims to inspire others to break free from convention and live boldly.
Indiantelevision.com caught up with Diageo India VP and portfolio head, marketing, Varun Koorichh to gain deeper insights about the campaign, its long-term goals, and more…
Edited Excerpts:
On Choose Bold 2.0 differing from last year’s campaign
The initial phase of the Choose Bold campaign from last year (Naya Sher anthem) established Naya Shers as bold and fearless individuals who choose an unconventional path, they embrace a bold journey, unafraid of the challenges or consequences. This year, we’re making a significant shift in perspective to further elevate and deepen this core philosophy in the minds of our consumers. Choosing Bold isn’t just about being brave, it’s about embracing challenges and winning against all odds with the belief that life chooses you when you choose bold. We aim to reinforce the brand’s core ethos and deepen its resonance, positioning Choose Bold 2.0 as not just a continuation but a significant advancement in our journey to inspire and empower.
On Royal Challenge packaged drinking water’s philosophy in this year’s 360-degree marketing campaign
The Choose Bold philosophy is integrated throughout our 360-degree marketing campaign via key strategies, reflecting our commitment to fostering boldness in every facet of life.
1 This year, we’ve enhanced the ChooseBold narrative using a linear storytelling approach, featuring influential figures like Virat, Smriti, and Vidyut. It creates a coherent journey that our audience can connect with on a personal level, making the message about bold choices more impactful and relatable.
2 Our campaign is designed to be omnipresent, seamlessly engaging our audience across various channels. We’ve integrated our message across digital platforms, social media, traditional media and on-ground activations. This unified approach creates an immersive brand experience and reinforces our message consistently.
3 We are dedicated to driving meaning and distinction through our campaigns. The ChooseBold 2.0 campaign goes beyond promoting bold choices; it highlights the importance of these choices in shaping one’s identity and future. By encouraging our audience to make bold choices and play their own game every day, we strive to make a lasting impact that sets our brand apart in the marketplace.
On the selection process of ambassadors like Virat Kohli, Smriti Mandhana, and Vidyut Jamwal for Choose Bold 2.0 and the unique qualities or values they bring to the campaign
Selecting Virat Kohli, Smriti Mandhana, and Vidyut Jamwal for Choose Bold 2.0 strategically aligns our campaign with individuals embodying fearlessness and determination. Virat Kohli, a global cricket icon, the epitome of bold choices embodies the spirit of rising against all odds. For over a decade, he has been a prominent part of Royal Challenge Packaged Drinking Water, perfectly reflecting the brand’s message. Smriti Mandhana, a trailblazer in women’s cricket, showed bold leadership by guiding her team to victory in the Women’s T20 tournament, demonstrating remarkable resilience. She embraced boldness and took risks when others played it safe, proving herself as a formidable force to be reckoned with. And, the nation’s best action hero, Vidyut Jammwal embraced boldness by returning to his martial arts roots after overcoming a significant injury. These stories of perseverance perfectly reflect the bold choices we aim to celebrate with Choose Bold 2.0. Together, these Naya Shers authentically connect with diverse audiences, inspiring them to embrace bold choices and champion their own paths with confidence.
On Choose Bold 2.0 campaign’s market reach expansion and your plan to adapt the messaging or strategy for these markets
At present, our focus is on expanding our presence in regional markets. We recognise the importance of connecting with diverse audiences across different regions, each with its unique preferences and cultural nuances. This approach allows us to tailor our campaigns and messages effectively, ensuring relevance and resonance locally.
On the role that digital marketing plays in Choose Bold 2.0 compared to traditional channels
As a digital-first organisation, we leverage the vast reach and capabilities of digital media to create a comprehensive and effective marketing approach. This allows us to reach a global audience with tailored messages, expanding our brand’s visibility and engagement beyond the limits of traditional channels. Our campaigns are seamlessly integrated across multiple platforms, maintaining consistent messaging and a unified brand experience. This omnichannel approach helps us identify the consumer journey and target effectively, resulting in a more cohesive and impactful marketing strategy.
On the long-term brand goals that the Choose Bold campaign aims to achieve
The Choosebold 2.0 campaign is designed to achieve long-term brand goals that will drive the overall equity of the brand and solidify its position as a true challenger brand in the market. The campaign will position our brand as a distinctive and innovative leader and help us achieve sustained growth and success. Our aim is to challenge the status quo by redefining consumer expectations and establishing new standards in the industry.
