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Tag: FCB Ulka

  • Sunfeast melts hearts with a squeeze of chocolate

    Sunfeast melts hearts with a squeeze of chocolate

    MUMBAI: When life gives you bread, drizzle chocolate on it. ITC’s Sunfeast Fantastik! is making that sweet fantasy a delicious reality with its latest innovation, Choco Meltz, a rich, smooth molten choco that’s playful, portable and priced at just Rs 5.

    Reimagining how India indulges, Choco Meltz isn’t just another chocolate fix. It’s a squeeze of joy that can be sipped, drizzled or spread, over toast, paratha, fruit bowls or even straight into your mouth. With its no-fuss packaging and silky texture, this one’s designed to turn every “yum” moment into a “yummy” one.

    The new campaign, crafted by FCB Ulka, captures that feeling perfectly through a series of fun, relatable stories, from siblings sneaking a molten choco moment to friends sharing secret squeezes under desks. Each film showcases how Choco Meltz makes even everyday snacks feel indulgent.

    Speaking on the launch, ITC Foods VP & head of marketing (confectionery, chocolates and coffee) Anuj Bansal said that Choco Meltz was all about “democratising indulgence,” making rich chocolate accessible, affordable and irresistibly fun. Meanwhile, FCB Ulka national creative director Suchitra Gahlot noted that the campaign blends “indulgence and emotion” to show how a squeeze of chocolate can melt hearts as easily as it melts on toast.

    Currently available across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, Sunfeast Fantastik! Choco Meltz is already sweetening shelves and smiles at just Rs 5, proof that a little chocolate can go a long way. 
     

  • DDB Tribal north strengthens team with Ashna Nandrajog and Mohini Varma

    DDB Tribal north strengthens team with Ashna Nandrajog and Mohini Varma

    MUMBAI: DDB Mudra Group has announced a boost at DDB Tribal north, appointing Ashna Nandrajog as senior vice president – business and Mohini Varma as executive vice president – planning. This strategic move aims to fuel growth, creativity, and innovation.

    Nandrajog, a 20-year industry veteran, has worked with global brands like Bata, Ford, and Maruti Suzuki at top agencies including Contract, FCB Ulka, Ogilvy, and Publicis Capital. Her passion for travel and family fuels her dynamic approach to brand-building.

    Varma, an award-winning strategist and former NDTV correspondent, has shaped brand narratives for Netflix, Google, and Pepsico while working at Toaster, FCB, and JWT. She holds a Gold APAC Effie for impactful campaigns that drive real-world change.

    DDB Tribal president Ashutosh Sawhney said, “We’re scaling new heights, pushing boundaries, and hungrier than ever. The industry thrives on exceptional talent, and in Nandrajog and Varma, we’ve found the perfect blend of fire and maturity to capitalize on the immense opportunities before us, delivering outstanding work for our clients and building formidable teams.”

    Nandrajog said, “In an era of rapid digital transformation, DDB Mudra Group stands out for its integrated approach. I’m thrilled to join a company that champions brand building through impactful creativity and delivers holistic solutions across its diverse businesses. I’m eager to contribute to DDB’s continued growth and success.”

    Mohini Varma added, “At DDB, we believe in emotionally resonant creativity, rooted in deep human insights, that transform brands, markets, and culture. In a world where attention is a premium, genuine insights are paramount. I’m excited to co-author the next chapter of growth for our dynamic brands.”

    With two powerhouse leaders on board, DDB Tribal north is poised for an exciting phase of creative excellence and strategic expansion.
     

  • Navbharat Times pushes for gender-inclusive Hindi with new campaign

    Navbharat Times pushes for gender-inclusive Hindi with new campaign

    MUMBAI: On International Women’s Day, Navbharat Times, in collaboration with FCB Ulka, unveiled a pioneering initiative, ‘Barabari Ki Bhasha’,aimed at making the Hindi language more inclusive and gender-equal.

    For centuries, Hindi has been a gendered language, often lacking female-specific terms for professions and achievements, particularly in male-dominated fields such as STEM, politics, sports, and entrepreneurship. This campaign seeks to address this gap by introducing new, gender-neutral or female-centric words, ensuring language no longer limits aspirations.

    Research indicates that language shapes society by influencing participation in various fields. The absence of feminine equivalents for certain professions often discourages female involvement, reinforcing gender disparities. By introducing these new words, the initiative hopes to empower young girls, providing them with the language to dream, aspire, and succeed.

    The Times of India Group president & chief brand officer Partha Sinha stated, “The first step in understanding a culture is through its language. With a gendered language, some inclusiveness is always left out. ‘Barabari Ki Bhasha’ aims to reflect the true desires and aspirations of society, marking a significant cultural shift.”

    FCB Ulka chief creative officer Hemant Shringy added, “‘Barabari Ki Bhasha’ is more than a campaign; it’s a movement. Language shapes how we think, and by introducing these new words, we take a meaningful step toward true equality. Every girl deserves to see herself represented in the words we use daily.”

    Initially launched in print, the campaign will expand to digital platforms and other media to maximise its impact.
     

  • 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. 

  • FCB Ulka appoints Ajay Ravindran as national planning director

    FCB Ulka appoints Ajay Ravindran as national planning director

    Mumbai: – FCB Ulka, part of FCB Group India, has announced the appointment of Ajay Ravindran as national planning director.

    Ajay comes to FCB Ulka with remarkable breadth and depth of experience. He has a 360-degree view of brand strategy, having worked on the entire gamut from advertising to social media, content, media planning, and market research. He specializes in new-age planning, bringing together storytelling, social media culture, and technology.

    In his previous role as head of brand marketing for Razorpay, Ajay oversaw numerous campaigns that seamlessly integrated technology, creativity, and storytelling, demonstrating his ability to deliver successful and innovative strategies. Over his career, Ajay has worked on brands like Unilever, Britannia, Colgate, Vodafone-Idea, Dell, Titan, TVS, 3M and many others. He is a multi-time EFFIE award winner. He has led planning teams in agencies like Ogilvy, VML, MullenLowe Lintas Group & Grey with distinction.

    On the appointment, FCB Ulka CEO Kulvinder Ahluwalia said, “We are thrilled to have Ajay join us as our National Planning Director. His exceptional blend of creativity and strategic insight will play a pivotal role in enhancing our capabilities and driving impactful brand solutions for our clients. We believe his leadership will strengthen our strategic initiatives and inspire our teams to push the boundaries of creativity.”

    “I believe the true power of Brand Marketing lies not just in creating ‘buzz’ or some fuzzy ‘brand love’ but unlocking hidden growth opportunities for businesses. And the new-age we live in provides us with an array of avenues to do this – technology, digital, data, content, CX. FCB Ulka provides the finest playground to practice this craft. An enviable client roster, entrenched relationships, and a burning desire to do the very best for the businesses we work on. Just a few minutes into the conversation with Dheeraj, Nitin, Kulvinder and Hemant, I just had one question: “When can I start?” Ajay expressed on his appointment.

  • Shah Rukh Khan ‘Ke Tiffin Mein Kya Hai’ is finally out of the bag

    Shah Rukh Khan ‘Ke Tiffin Mein Kya Hai’ is finally out of the bag

    Mumbai: The internet was abuzz with the question “What’s in Shah Rukh’s tiffin?” over the past few days. It is widely known to his fans that the King of Bollywood carries his own tiffin to the sets. However, no one really knows what he brings in the tiffin!

    From film pages to fan pages and celebrities like Farah Khan Kunder, Taaruk Raina, star Chef Sanjyot Kheer, popular choreographer Shehzaan Khan and influencer Aryan Kataria took to social media and shared their deep desire to know “What’s in Shah Rukh’s tiffin”.

    The conversation grabbed eyeballs with nine million views across social media. Fans enthusiastically shared the content, contributing to its viral success and setting the stage for the campaign reveal.

    While the internet kept wildly guessing from salads to biryani, SRK finally revealed that like many Indians, he too loves to end his tiffin on a sweet note and carries his favorite Sunfeast Dark Fantasy cookie in his tiffin. Filled with decadent molten choco crème, Sunfeast Dark Fantasy is the ideal post-meal dessert.

    Recognizing the universal craving for a sweet treat after a meal, Sunfeast Dark Fantasy has spotted a unique opportunity to enhance the tiffin experience. The brand tapped into the insight that people often end their meals with sweets/desserts at home or in restaurants.  This practice is however overlooked in lunchboxes or tiffins. With this unique insight, the brand has unveiled its latest campaign “Har Tiffin Ki Sweet Ending” starring Shah Rukh Khan. In this campaign, Sunfeast Dark Fantasy presents a convenient and indulgent solution that fits perfectly into any tiffin.

    Each Dark Fantasy cookie offers a molten choco experience at the center and is individually packed for easy inclusion in lunchboxes, making every tiffin’s end sweet and hassle-free.

    ITC chief operating officer, biscuits & cakes cluster, foods division Ali Harris Shere shared his excitement, “We are thrilled to unveil our latest campaign, ‘Har Tiffin Ki Sweet Ending’ with Shah Rukh Khan. With this campaign, we aim to redefine the way people look at their tiffin. We hope to enhance their consumption habit by offering a dessert experience in a convenient format which elevates their tiffin moments.

    FCB Ulka, Bangalore president & head of office Damodaran. M added that “As Indians, our behaviour has always been to satisfy our craving for something sweet after every meal. However, when it came to our tiffins, this behaviour was missing. And, that was an opportunity for us to position Dark Fantasy as the ideal fit for your tiffin’s sweet ending. Our product, in both form and taste, will complete every tiffin box that is being packed or opened across India”.

    The ‘Har Tiffin Ki Sweet Ending’ campaign will be rolled out across various digital media platforms across the country. The brand is confident that the campaign will resonate with consumers and inspire them to add Dark Fantasy Cookies in their tiffin, lunch and snack boxes as a dessert.

  • Bhima Jewels welcomes Sobhita Dhulipala as brand ambassador

    Bhima Jewels welcomes Sobhita Dhulipala as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Bhima Jewels, a prominent name in the gold and diamond jewellery retail sector, proudly showcases a legacy that has flourished for nearly a century. In a recent milestone, Bhima Jewels collaborates with esteemed actor and celebrity Sobhita Dhulipala, who now stands as the distinguished brand ambassador for the brand. This exciting partnership marks a significant evolution for Bhima Jewels as it continues to make a mark in the world of exquisite jewellery. The campaign has been crafted by FCB Ulka.

    Speaking on this occasion, Bhima Jewels MD Abhishek Bindumadhav, stated, “In a bold move that challenges conventional norms and firmly positions Bhima Jewels as a continued industry trailblazer with a legacy spanning almost a century, the brand’s commitment to redefining perceptions and offering a fresh perspective on Diamond Jewellery significantly contributes to its competitive edge, setting the stage for further market expansions. Recognizing the evolving dynamics of the market, this strategic decision aligns seamlessly with our dedication to meeting the dynamic needs of a diverse consumer base, showcasing adaptability as a core strength. Catalyzing innovation and market evolution, Bhima Jewels’ foresight in recognizing the potential of Diamond jewellery plays a pivotal role in cementing its position as a trendsetter in the industry, resonating for years to come.”

    FCB Ulka, Bengaluru president and head of office Damodaran N shared insights about the campaign, “The primary goal of this campaign was to highlight Bhima’s prominence in the domain of diamond jewellery, emphasizing its extensive range of products. Our insight was rooted in the notion that diamonds symbolize the celebration of life’s achievements. For today’s modern women, self-sufficiency is paramount, and they no longer rely on others to commemorate these milestones. Rather, she is fully capable of doing so herself.”

     

  • Shashi Sinha receives AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

    Shashi Sinha receives AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

    Mumbai: IPG Mediabrands CEO Shashi Sinha, the media holding company within Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), has been honoured with the prestigious AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2023. This recognition underscores his exceptional leadership and profound impact on the advertising industry.

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) bestowed the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award upon Shashi Sinha in acknowledgment of his visionary contributions, unwavering dedication, and tireless efforts in advancing the advertising landscape in India.

    In his illustrious career spanning close to four decades, Sinha has played a pivotal role in shaping the media and advertising domain. From his early leadership position at FCB Ulka to assuming the role of CEO of all media units under IPG Mediabrands (India) in 2013, Shashi has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the industry.

    Commenting on the award, Sinha remarked, “Heartfelt thanks to AAAI for this esteemed recognition. I extend my gratitude to IPG Mediabrands, my family, the advertising industry, and everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. While humbled by the Lifetime Achievement Award, it’s not the end. I believe there’s much more to explore and contribute on this journey.”

  • Shashi Sinha to be conferred with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

    Shashi Sinha to be conferred with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

    Mumbai: The Advertising Agencies Association of India has announced that the AAAI Lifetime Achievement  Award for 2023 will be conferred on advertising veteran Shashi Sinha. This is the highest honour to be  given to an individual in India for his/ her outstanding contribution to the Advertising Industry.

    With nearly four decades in the advertising industry, Sinha is seasoned professional and has  dedicated the majority of his career to a single agency group. In a leadership span of 25 years, he  progressed from being the head of Media at FCB Ulka to the CEO of all media units under IPG Media  Brands in 2013. As CEO, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, transforming a little known media  group into the most respectable entity among all IPG business units in India. This success elevated the  global standing of IPG Media Brands. Simultaneously, his enduring stewardship of Amul for over 37  years attests to the high regard in which he is held. Beyond corporate achievements, he played a  pivotal role in the sevenfold growth of Interactive Avenues, a digital agency acquired during his tenure.  His emphasis on human resources ensured the retention of original founders within the leadership  team at MB agencies. Notably, MB agencies, apart from Group M, are the only media agencies to have  received Agency of the Year Awards at prestigious local shows like Emvies and Goafest Abbies.  

    Renowned for his active presence and guidance in various industry bodies, including roles as the  current Chairman of BARC, former President of the Ad Club and former Chairman of ABC and MRUC. His involvement in ASCI, and contributions to IRS editions and AAAI further exemplify his commitment  to influencing the advertising landscape. He has also been Chairman of the Awards Governing Council  at Goafest. Beyond his professional life, he contributes to social causes through advisory roles in  organizations like Akhand Jyoti Charitable Trust and TRRAIN Foundation, focusing on healthcare for  curable blindness and supporting the training and placement of people with disabilities in the retail  sector.

    Making the announcement, AAAI president Prasanth Kumar said, “Shashi Sinha’s journey in advertising is an inspiring narrative of leadership, innovation, and resilience. As the AAAI Lifetime  Achievement Awardee for 2023, he exemplifies decades of transformative impact, steering media  entities to unparalleled success. His tenure as CEO at IPG Media Brands marked a turnaround that  elevated industry standards, making it the most profitable entity under IPG in India. Beyond corporate  milestones, Shashi’s commitment to industry bodies and social causes is laudable. His achievements  reflect not just professional excellence but a deep-seated passion for shaping the advertising landscape  and contributing meaningfully to societal progress. Shashi Sinha is truly deserving of this honour.”

    AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award Selection Committee,  chairperson Anupriya Acharya remarked, “No one deserves this prestigious honor more than Shashi. While his success in advertising  is remarkable, his contributions to the industry at large are nothing short of exemplary. It is no surprise  therefore, that the entire committee unanimously agreed to bestow this award upon Shashi,  recognizing his outstanding achievements and significant impact on the advertising landscape.”

    The AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who has been a  practitioner of advertising for twenty-five years and had been in the top management position; has  been or continues to be an active participant in industry bodies and or made significant contributions  in shaping the industry priorities which enabled the advertising industry to grow, prosper and become  more professionalized; individual known for his integrity, ethical practice and leadership  qualities; contributed to his Company/Companies growth by innovative thinking and taking them in  newer directions; involved in projects of social consequence which is seen as a role model for the  industry at large and had been an industry veteran.

    Some of the past winners of this award include Subhas Ghosal, Alyque Padamsee, Mike Khanna, R K  Swamy, Piyush Pandey, Sam Balsara, Prem Mehta, Roda Mehta, Ram Sehgal, Madhukar Kamath,  Arvind Sharma, Colvyn Harris and others.  

  • Ganesh Chaturthi inspires Mumbai Traffic Police’s initiative for safer streets

    Ganesh Chaturthi inspires Mumbai Traffic Police’s initiative for safer streets

    Mumbai: In a unique and innovative effort to address the issue of reckless behaviour on the road and promote traffic safety, Mumbai Traffic Police joined forces with Marolcha Maurya, one of Mumbai’s beloved Ganesh Chaturthi pandals. The collaborative initiative sought to harness the power of one of India’s most cherished festivals to inspire a change in how Indians approach road safety.

    During this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Marolcha Maurya, with the creative support of FCB Ulka, introduced a captivating and thought-provoking concept to draw attention to traffic safety. The centrepiece of the pandal was Lord Ganesh himself, who was depicted wearing a seat belt, setting an example for all to follow. Additionally, his faithful vaahan, the mice, were adorned with bike helmets, emphasising the importance of protective gear.

    FCB Ulka played a pivotal role in creating an engaging activation that complemented the theme of the pandal. They rewrote the popular prayer “Sukh karta, dukh harta” to incorporate the message of traffic safety. Devotees were given booklets containing the revised prayer, encouraging them to sing it during the festivities. This transformed the religious mantra into a powerful reminder of the significance of following traffic rules. The underlying message was clear: If Lord Ganesh adheres to traffic rules, so should you.

    Traffic Police Mumbai joint commissioner Shri Pravin Padwal praised the initiative, saying, “Citizens should follow traffic rules. It is for their own safety. What I like about this Road Safety Aarti is that through a traditional tune, you get to know about the traffic rules. I hope people get inspired and start following all traffic rules all the time.”

    FCB Ulka executive creative director Shailesh Khandeparkar, shared his insights about the innovative campaign, stating, “Most humans will do things out of fear of God. We just added our little twist to it, asking people to follow traffic rules for the love of God. And as it is based on a popular prayer, it is easily hummable, making it easy for everyone to follow the rules.”

    The collaboration between Marolcha Maurya and the Mumbai Traffic Police is an inspiring example of how tradition, culture, and creativity can be harnessed to address pressing social issues. It demonstrates that change is possible when we all unite for a common cause. As Indian citizens continue to enjoy the festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi, they are reminded that even during celebrations, safety on the road should not be forgotten.