Tag: Famous Innovations

  • Swiss beauty says “We Got You, Girl!” with Taapsee

    Swiss beauty says “We Got You, Girl!” with Taapsee

    MUMBAI: India’s wedding season hits full sparkle, Swiss Beauty has rolled out its latest campaign, “We Got You, Girl!”, a bold, feel-good ode to the many moods of today’s woman. The homegrown beauty brand, among India’s fastest-growing, teams up with Hindi cinema star and brand ambassador Taapsee Pannu to deliver a message of confidence, colour and care.

    In the campaign film, Taapsee embodies the spirit of the modern Indian woman, playful at brunch, powerful at work, emotional with family and dazzling on the dance floor. Whether she’s the bridesmaid, the best friend, or the showstopper of the shaadi season, Swiss Beauty’s promise stays the same, “We got you, girl!”

    “‘We Got You, Girl!’ isn’t just a line, it’s our brand promise,” said Swiss Beauty chief marketing officer Vidushi Goyal. “We’re celebrating women who express themselves fearlessly, with beauty that feels effortless, expressive, and empowering.”

    Created by Famous Innovations, the campaign stands out for its authentic tone, one that refuses to dictate what beauty should look like. “Swiss Beauty doesn’t tell you how to look,” said Famous Innovations founding partner and creative head Sumit Chaurasia. “It simply says, ‘We got you, exactly as you are.’ That’s rare, and that’s real.”

    From glossy lips and soft-focus bases to longwear statement eyes, the campaign captures this season’s biggest beauty trends, designed for the whirlwind of haldi mornings, sangeet nights, and never-ending dance floors.

    Backed by digital buzz, influencer collaborations, and snackable social content starring Taapsee, Swiss Beauty’s “We Got You, Girl!” campaign sparkles with the kind of everyday confidence that’s made for every woman, and every moment she owns.

     
     
  • Samir Sagar joins TBWAIndia as senior VP

    Samir Sagar joins TBWAIndia as senior VP

    MUMBAI: Advertising veteran Samir Sagar has stepped into a new role as senior vice president at TBWAIndia, charting the next chapter of a career brewed in strategy, storytelling and brand wizardry.

    Before joining TBWA, Sagar helmed the business at Famous Innovations as Business Head, where he led integrated marketing and brand communication mandates for marquee clients. His longest stint, however, was at MullenLowe Lintas Group, where he spent seven years rising through the ranks from associate vice president to senior vice president, shaping campaigns across Mumbai and Bengaluru.

    Sagar’s early journey took him through McCann Erickson as brand leader and The Thinking Machine in Jakarta, where he worked as brand partner, experiences that helped sharpen his strategic lens and creative instincts.

    With this move, Sagar brings his trademark blend of insight, innovation and leadership to TBWA, an agency known for its “Disruption” philosophy. It’s a fitting match, one creative disruptor joining another.
     

  • Raj Kamble takes the chair as ANDYs’ first Indian Asia head

    Raj Kamble takes the chair as ANDYs’ first Indian Asia head

    MUMBAI: When it comes to big ideas, Raj Kamble now has the best seat in the house. The founder & CCO of Famous Innovations has been named the Asia Chair for the 2026 ANDYs Regionals, a first for India in the award show’s history.

    Joining Kamble on the global roster of Regional Chairs are Yaa Boateng (Africa), Youri Guerassimov (Europe), Josefina Casellas (LATAM), Emma Robbins (Pacific) and Federico Fanti (SWANA), forming a jury line-up that spans every creative corner of the globe.

    Far from a run-of-the-mill awards programme, the ANDYs Regionals flip the script: entry is free, with fees kicking in only if the work is shortlisted for the global show. And the track record is enviable 90 per cent of ANDYs-winning ideas later go on to win at Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, Clios and other heavyweight festivals.

    “I’m thrilled to be chairing the Asia Jury at this year’s ANDY Awards Regionals. The ANDYs have always stood for fearless creativity and bold ideas. With 90 per cent of this jury having served as Jury Presidents at shows like Cannes Lions, D&AD and The One Show, we have the chance to not only recognise but also advocate for groundbreaking work from Asia. Let’s push creative boundaries together and make waves on the global stage,” said Famous Innovations founder & CCO Raj Kamble.

    By design, the ANDYs are more than a gong show, they’re an advocacy platform for creativity, ensuring winning work doesn’t just get applauded regionally but also gains momentum globally. With Kamble at the helm for Asia, expect some bold ideas from the region to earn their rightful place on advertising’s world stage.

  • Azorte makes mid moments the new cool with Gen Z fashion campaign

    Azorte makes mid moments the new cool with Gen Z fashion campaign

    MUMBAI: In a world obsessed with extremes, Azorte is flipping the script on what it means to be “mid”. The fashion and lifestyle destination, one of India’s fastest-growing, has launched its Autumn Winter 2025 campaign, “You’re Not Mid, You’re Just in the Middle of Your Story,” starring hindi movie’s fresh faces Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina. The campaign’s mantra is clear: mid isn’t mediocre, it’s momentum, the stumble before the stride.

    The narrative strikes a chord with Gen Z, a generation constantly haunted by the pressure to stand out, chase virality, and curate perfection. Azorte reframes these so-called “average” moments as essential steps in the messy journey of self-discovery, confidence, and authentic style. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.

    Through a visually arresting brand film crafted by Famous Innovations and directed by Anish Dedhia, the campaign captures the chaos and charm of real life. From dance reels that don’t always land to late nights spent dreaming of what’s next, Khushi and Vedang embody the raw, in-between moments that shape identity. Each frame celebrates bold styling, experimentation, and unapologetic self-expression, reinforcing the brand’s message that “authentic beats perfect every time.”

    Azorte head of marketing for Dhaval Doshi explained, “Gen Zs are tired of the pressure to be perfect. They want brands that understand their raw, in-progress selves. This campaign says you don’t need to have it all figured out. With expressive capsules and a narrative that celebrates imperfection, Azorte creates a safe space for young Indians to explore, evolve, and express themselves unapologetically.”

    The campaign also taps into what Azorte calls “Self-Assured Relevance.” Today’s youth value being in sync with the world yet remain confident even if recognition doesn’t immediately follow. Being “in the middle” of their journey isn’t failure, it’s the process of becoming. This philosophy underpins the brand’s design, storytelling, and store experiences, transforming each touchpoint into a celebration of the journey, not just the destination.

    Rollout spans digital platforms, social media, OTT, OOH, and in-store experiences, with Azorte stores themselves becoming immersive hubs where customers can explore their style narratives in real-time. Fans can also experience the full world of Azorte on the go at azorte.ajio.com.

    With this campaign, Azorte positions itself not just as a fashion destination, but as a cultural companion for Gen Z, one that encourages embracing the “mid” moments, celebrating the messy, the bold, and the authentic, and finding confidence in the journey itself. After all, in the middle is where the magic happens.
     

  • Jury duty or ad brief? Raj Kamble lays down the real test of creative craft at Goafest

    Jury duty or ad brief? Raj Kamble lays down the real test of creative craft at Goafest

    MUMBAI: It was less red carpet, more war room as Famous Innovations founder & CCO Raj Kamble took centre stage on Day three of Goafest 2025. Speaking at the session titled ‘What Ignited the Jury Room?’, Kamble broke down the behind-the-scenes chaos, chemistry, and cold truths of judging at one of the industry’s most-watched award marathons.

    With over 500 entries to sift through in just three days, Kamble said the pressure was nothing short of a creative crucible. “You have 15 restless judges, limited sleep, and 30-second coffees. It’s not glamorous. It’s gladiatorial”, he quipped, setting the tone for an unfiltered dive into how work truly gets weighed.

    At the heart of his message was a blunt reminder: industry cliques still exist. “Networks can feel like cartels. But craft can still break through if it punches above its weight”, Kamble remarked. He urged creators to think of their case study videos not as routine documentation but as persuasive pitches. “It’s your best ad – and the jury is your target audience”.

    In a time-crunched jury room, the first few seconds can make or break a campaign. Kamble emphasised, “Hook them in the first seven seconds. Don’t save your best for last – they may not get there”.

    He challenged the cookie-cutter rulebook too. “There’s no law that says your case study has to be two minutes long. If your story needs three, take it. If it needs one, be sharper”.

    Most importantly, he differentiated between ideas and execution. “A strong idea can fail because of poor storytelling. Show the change, not just the communication”.

    Closing his talk, Kamble urged agencies to honour both their ambition and their audience. “Don’t just chase a Lion. Chase impact. That’s what gets the jury talking”.

  • Y&H designs a path to victory at Goafest in design specialist category

    Y&H designs a path to victory at Goafest in design specialist category

    GOA: Day two of Goafest 2025 witnessed Y&H putting pen to paper and coming up with a masterpiece performance in the design specialist category, proving that sometimes good design really is worth a thousand words—or in this case, 52 points.

    The agency crafted its way to the ‘design specialist agency of the year’ title with three silvers, eight bronzes and a merit, a portfolio so impressive it left rivals wondering if they’d been using crayons whilst Y&H wielded proper brushes.

    Famous Innovations managed to sketch out second place with 44 points courtesy of four silvers and five bronzes—a performance that was undeniably famous, though perhaps not quite innovative enough to topple the leader. Open  Strategy & Design rounded out the podium with 30 points from two silvers, four bronzes and a merit, proving that being open about your strategy sometimes pays dividends.

    McCann Worldgroup India managed a respectable 18 points with one silver, two bronzes and two merits, whilst Tribes Communication grabbed 16 points through four bronzes—the sort of consistent bronze-winning that suggests they’ve mastered the art of being consistently third-best.

    The middle tier was awash with agencies earning their design stripes. Tree Design, EbbXFlo, and Havas Worldwide India each managed eight points. Tree Design and EbbXFlo both secured two bronzes apiece, whilst Havas opted for one silver and one merit—different strokes for different folks, as they say in the design world.

    Leo India managed six points with three merits. Meanwhile, tgthr., Grey Group, Enormous, CCL Products (India) and Brave all clustered at four points each.

    Innocean Worldwide Communication  brought up the rear with two points from a single merit.

    The Abby Creative Awards 2025, powered by The One Show, continued their methodical categorisation of creative excellence, with broadcaster, PR, mobile specialist, technology specialist, and direct specialist awards ensuring every possible advertising discipline gets its moment to shine.

  • Leo India goes direct to the top as Goafest cuts out the middleman

    Leo India goes direct to the top as Goafest cuts out the middleman

    GOA: Day two of Goafest 2025 saw Leo India take the direct route to victory in the direct specialist category, proving that sometimes the shortest distance between two points is a pile of shiny awards.

    The agency steamrolled to the ‘direct specialist agency of the year’ title with 40 points, built on three silvers, five bronzes and a merit—a performance so direct it made other agencies wonder if they’d been taking scenic routes all along.

    Famous Innovations lived up to its name by famously securing second place with 30 points courtesy of five silver medals, though one suspects they might have preferred trading some of that silver for a bit more gold. FCB India rounded out the podium with 26 points, but not before bagging the coveted Grand Prix for its Lucky Yatra campaign for Central Railways—proving that sometimes the best way to reach your destination is by train.
    FCB India’s Grand Prix triumph, accompanied by one gold and one silver, demonstrated that railway campaigns can indeed have locomotives rather than just motives.FCB India

    Enormous managed a solid fourth place with 24 points through one silver, three bronzes and three merits—a performance that was moderately enormous rather than properly massive. Meanwhile, Havas Worldwide India  and McCann Worldgroup India found themselves tied at 16 points each, both managing two golds apiece.

    The middle order proved that mediocrity comes in many flavours. Grey Group grabbed 12 points with three bronzes, whilst Schbang settled for eight points courtesy of two bronzes. The participation trophy brigade included Mudra Max with four points from two merits, and tgthr. with four points from one bronze.

    Those trailing weren’t entirely forgotten. ^a t o m network, BBH Communications India, Digitas, and VML India all managed two points each with a merit apiece.

    The Abby Creative Awards 2025, powered by The One Show, continued their systematic conquest of advertising categories, with broadcaster, PR, digital specialist, and design specialist awards ensuring every conceivable niche gets its moment of glory.
     

  • Ad Club names Deshpande, Chakravarty, Kamble and Khazanchi as jury chairs for Abby Awards 2025

    Ad Club names Deshpande, Chakravarty, Kamble and Khazanchi as jury chairs for Abby Awards 2025

    MUMBAI: The adland gods are assembling—and they’ve got a brief to judge. The Advertising Club has unveiled a glittering lineup of jury chairs for the Abby Awards 2025 powered by One Show, naming four creative titans to lead key categories ahead of India’s most anticipated industry celebration at Goafest this May.

    The new jury cohort includes Ashwini Deshpande, Ashish Chakravarty, Raj Kamble, and Ashish Khazanchi—each a bonafide heavyweight with enough trophies to sink a conference table.

    Elephant co-founder & director Deshpande takes charge of the design category. A pioneering force in India’s design scene, Deshpande has spent 35 years building one of the country’s most respected independent design consultancies. With a résumé thicker than a Pantone swatch book, she’s judged Cannes Lions, The One Show, Spikes Asia, and LIA, among others. She currently serves on the jury for Singapore Good Design Awards 2025 and mentors start-ups via TiE.

    McCann Worldgroup executive director & India head of creative Chakravarty will lead the Audio jury. The man’s got over 500 awards under his belt—One Show, Cannes, Clio, D&AD, you name it—and has chaired or served on nearly every awards jury worth attending. Known for blending big ideas with brand precision, Chakravarty brings sonic sensibilities and sharp storytelling instincts to the panel.

    Out of home and ambient? That’s Kamble’s turf. Famous Innovations founder & CCO has made a career out of smashing boundaries—from Lowe London to BBDO New York to founding one of India’s most disruptive independent agencies. His awards shelf holds over 150 trophies including Cannes and One Show golds, and his agency has bagged South Asia Independent Agency of the Year nine times in a row. Now that’s a media buy with ROI.

    Enormous Brands managing partner & CCO Khazanchi takes charge of the Direct category. He’s the brain behind iconic brand launches like Tata Sky’s Jingalala and Lenskart’s first major campaigns, with over 300 national and 50 international awards to his name. Known for his sharp eye on consumer insight and startup flair, Khazanchi is no stranger to turning simple ideas into scaleable results.

    The Abby Awards 2025 powered by One Show will take place on 21–23 May at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon, as part of Goafest 2025—jointly hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club.

  • Former Ogilvy client servicing leader Harish Shetty  buzzes into Buzzlab

    Former Ogilvy client servicing leader Harish Shetty buzzes into Buzzlab

    MUMBAI: In a delicious corporate pirouette, Harish Shetty—the ad world’s strategic virtuoso—has landed at Buzzlab, Asia’s content-led growth consulting firm, as client services director.

    Shedding his Ogilvy stripes after a 12-year advertising odyssey, Shetty arrives with a portfolio that reads like a who’s who of marketing mavens. His corporate catwalk includes strutting through L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Famous Innovations, and MullenLowe Lintas Group.

    “I didn’t choose advertising—advertising chose me,” Shetty quipped, channeling equal parts swagger and self-deprecation. “Somewhere along the way, I found my passion for data-driven marketing, and that’s been the driving force behind everything I do. The real thrill comes from seeing how ideas translate into measurable impact. What’s even more exciting is how today’s young agencies are redefining the space—bringing bold, creative thinking backed by real numbers. Brands, too, are evolving; they’re no longer just advertisers, they’re speaking the language of creators—engaging, storytelling, and building communities rather than just selling. And that’s exactly what excites me about Buzzlab. It’s a place where creativity meets strategy, where big ideas don’t just stay ideas—they turn into measurable outcomes. I feel genuinely energised by this shift in the creative and media landscape, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place than Buzzlab to be part of this shift.”

    Buzzlab’s founder &  CEO  Sindhu Biswal  sees Shetty as a disruptive force. “He wants to unlearn everything, challenge playbooks,” he  said — music to the ears of an agency positioning itself as the rebel child of traditional advertising.

    Co-founder Sushant Sadamate hints at Shetty’s real value: not just strategising, but getting his hands dirty. “He’ll inspire clients while delivering standout campaigns,”  Sadamate promised—a bold declaration in an industry often more sizzle than steak.

    For Buzzlab, Shetty represents more than a hire. He’s a statement: creativity must now speak the language of data, community, and measurable impact.

  • Prashant Vyas joins Socheers as head of people growth & culture

    Prashant Vyas joins Socheers as head of people growth & culture

    Mumbai: Socheers has appointed Prashant Vyas as its new head of people growth & culture, bringing extensive expertise in human resources, talent management, and employee engagement. With over a decade of experience, he has been instrumental in shaping workplace cultures and implementing people-centric policies across many organisations.

    Before joining Socheers, Vyas led HR functions at The Minimalist, Famous Innovations, Wunderman Thompson South Asia, and Hungama Digital Services, driving talent acquisition, workforce planning, and employee engagement.

    Holding a master’s degree in human resources research & development from K J Somaiya Institute of Management, he combines academic insight with industry experience to foster a thriving work environment. At Socheers, he will focus on aligning HR strategies with business objectives, enhancing employee well-being, and promoting a culture of innovation and inclusivity.