ITV

Tag: Lulu Raghavan

  • AI, angst and applause: Goafest day three blends bold ideas with brave tech in storytelling

    AI, angst and applause: Goafest day three blends bold ideas with brave tech in storytelling

    MUMBAI: Day three at Goafest 2025 opened not with a whisper but a roar. Under the theme Ignite Hungama, Indian playback singer Javed Ali lit up the morning with a rousing set, presented by Mahindra Auto and Mahindra Electric Origin SUV in association with Bingo! What followed was a cocktail of courage, code, and craft.

    Marcel France CCO & CEO Youri Guerassimov delivered a punchy keynote on ‘Creativity That Dares to Disrupt’ – presented by Youtube under the theme Ignite Bravery. He challenged the room to get comfortable with discomfort. “Fear is temporary. Regret lasts far longer”, he said, quoting campaigns like Nike’s Colin Kaepernick ad and Marcel’s own ‘Inglorious Fruits and Vegetables’. Guerassimov pointed out that 86 per cent of consumers expect brands to take a stand, and 66 per cent are willing to jump ship if they don’t.

    Next, the session ‘How AI is Rewriting the Language of Visual Storytelling’ took centre stage. Amazing Indian Stories founder & CEO Vivek Anchalia demonstrated how AI was bulldozing old production paradigms. From replacing animatics to cutting the need for bloated crews and locations, AI was making storytelling faster, cheaper, and sharper. His upcoming AI-powered film Naisha will feature machine-generated drone shots of Uttarakhand. In the fireside chat that followed, Landor president-APAC Lulu Raghavan summed it up: “AI is underhyped. Master it early, lead the next wave”.

    Anchalia added nuance: while AI could mimic drone pans and 3D shots, it couldn’t replace emotional tonality in sound or a filmmaker’s rhythm. He also advised self-learning over formal AI education, hailing online creative communities as the real labs of experimentation.

    Meanwhile, the Bioscope – The Cinema ran a series of sessions under the theme ‘What Ignited the Jury Room?’. Havas Creative India CCO & JMD Anupama Ramaswamy insisted the jury prioritised the power of creative ideas over just causes. Famous Innovations founder & CCO Raj Kamble brought his signature candour, likening case studies to ads that must hook judges in seven seconds. VML India CCO Senthil Kumar reminded the room: “If a film makes you want to watch it again, it’s doing its job”. Youri Guerassimov rounded off the jury talks, reiterating that creativity must remain consistent across platforms.

    Adding a personal note, The Advertising Club COO Bipin Pandit launched his book presented by Amazon MX Player and powered by Mediakart. From a viral Linkedin post to a deadline set by AdClub president Rana Barua, the book’s origin story was as compelling as its content. It featured a foreword by Piyush Pandey and an article by Prasoon Joshi. A microsite, www.bipinpandit.com, was launched, along with a Walk of Work display at Cascade.

    Day three also served up a buffet of masterclasses. Gowthaman Ragothaman led a session on data, privacy and intelligence, followed by Vijay Singh’s take on game commerce. Nick Eagleton of D&AD unpacked creative liberation with ‘Ideas Unlocked’. Sana Shaikh from Flipkart Ads outlined their latest innovations. Amogh Dusad from Amazon MX Player guided attendees on seamless brand integration. Meanwhile, Krishnendu Dutta and Vara Prasad of MRSI demystified AI’s impact on consumer insights.

    Lunch was hosted by Vijayavani, wrapping up a first half that balanced firebrand ideas with futuristic tech.

     

  • GoaFest 2025: Amazing Indian Stories’ Vivek Anchalia unveils how AI is turning ‘what if’ into ‘what now.

    GoaFest 2025: Amazing Indian Stories’ Vivek Anchalia unveils how AI is turning ‘what if’ into ‘what now.

    MUMBAI: “AI isn’t coming for your job, it’s coming for your excuses,” quipped filmmaker and founder of Amazing Indian Stories, Vivek Anchalia, during his provocative keynote at Goa Fest 2025. Hosted at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon and moderated by Landor  president APAC Lulu Raghavan, the session titled ‘How AI is Rewriting the Language of Visual Storytelling’ pulled no punches as it spotlighted how artificial intelligence is shaking up the storyboarding, scripting, and shooting process across the advertising and film industries.

    Anchalia shared that AI has slashed production prep time from six hours to mere minutes, thanks to new tools like integrated  production modules (IPM). Today, a single AI-generated slide can capture an actor’s look, lighting, costume, and setting—compressing what used to take a 100-slide deck into one.

    One of the biggest breakthroughs? AI-generated spec ads that outshine traditional animatics in both narrative cohesion and visual clarity. It’s not about replacing the director—it’s about amplifying their vision. “AI lets you shoot in Paris without stepping out of Mumbai,” Anchalia joked, referring to the ability to simulate exotic drone shots for a fraction of the cost. His upcoming film, Naisha, is the ultimate proof-of-concept—everything from visuals to drone footage created with AI, with only the music left to human hands.

    But even Anchalia isn’t all-in. He firmly stated that AI isn’t ready to replace human storytelling or emotional scoring, citing that while tools can handle generic effects like phone rings or car screeches, they falter in crafting soul-stirring background scores. For Naisha, human composers were non-negotiable. “AI can’t replicate a filmmaker’s rhythm Tarantino and Hirani don’t come out of code,” he said.

    Cost savings may be dramatic (up to 90 per cent in some cases), but not absolute. Skilled AI artists now command premium rates, even if subscriptions to Midjourney, Runway, and Eleven Labs are dirt-cheap. Still, AI is making multi-campaign content creation viable for brands once boxed in by budget.

    While creatives remain wary some even hostile business leaders are racing ahead. “James Cameron is already on the board of an AI company,” Anchalia pointed out, urging the industry to “stop being ostriches” and start exploring. His advice to learners? Ditch the fancy degrees. “YouTube is the new Harvard,” he declared. His own journey went from one successful AI image in 50 attempts to a solid 1 in 4 just through grit, Google, and global communities.

    AI may reduce headcount, but agencies won’t be obsolete. Anchalia insists that strategic thinking, brand DNA, and cultural insight remain human territory. What AI does offer is better client persuasion data-backed visuals, real-time mock-ups, and faster pitch approval cycles.

    As Lulu Raghavan aptly closed, “AI isn’t overhyped, it’s underhyped. Those who harness it now will define the future of storytelling.”

    With the appetite for content exploding and the barriers to entry crumbling, the next blockbuster might just come from a bedroom laptop instead of a Bollywood backlot. The script is changing and AI is co-writing it.

  • CCOs are shepherds, not showmen, say ad veterans in spirited Goafest debate

    CCOs are shepherds, not showmen, say ad veterans in spirited Goafest debate

    MUMBAI: At Goafest 2025’s high-energy panel “WTF is Creative Leadership Now?”—powered by Sun NEO and Amar Ujala—the crowd wasn’t just fed insight, it was served a full-course debate. The motion on the table: “The chief creative officer (CCO) is no longer the heart of the creative agency”. What followed was part philosophy, part punchlines, and all-out passion.

    Moderated by Ohriginal founder Rohit Ohri, the session featured industry legends and present-day captains: Bobby Pawar, Sonal Dabral, Senthil Kumar (VML India), and Lulu Raghavan (Landor APAC). The format was unconventional—a structured debate—and emotions ran high as both sides made their case.

    Pawar, speaking for the motion, fired the opening salvo: “The CCO has become a generalist, not a specialist”. He lamented the erosion of focus, saying creatives today juggle too many hats—part spreadsheet warrior, part HR liaison, part plumber of broken processes. “The CCO is supposed to make people better, not just the work”.

    Dabral echoed the sentiment. “The role’s been marginalised”, he said. “Once upon a time, creative work brought in the revenue. Now, we’ve surrendered that ground to consultants and growth officers”.

    On the other side, Raghavan mounted a spirited defence. “The CCO is the custodian of the brand’s unified creative vision”, she said. “They’re culture magnets and client counsellors. Yes, the role has evolved, but that doesn’t mean it has weakened—it has amplified”.

    Kumar brought the flair, calling today’s CCO a “playing captain”, not a bench-bound boss. “They’re curators of talent and makers of movement. They must know when to step up and when to step back.”

    The debate heated up as rebuttals flew. Pawar quipped, “If the client only wants to speak to one person, why do they need the rest of us?” Raghavan countered, “Then make that person the one who inspires, not just manages”.

    What united both camps, despite the sparring, was a shared reverence for creativity’s core purpose. All agreed that CCOs must move beyond ego, protect originality, and build cultures that nurture bold thinking. In Ohri’s closing words, “It’s not about idea ownership anymore—it’s about creating open spaces where ideas can roam freely and return home safe”.

    The rapid-fire round that followed was peak Goafest theatre. The panelists defined today’s CCO in their own punchy terms: “instigator”, “playing captain”, “creative curator”, “versatile”. When asked to choose between a Cannes Lion or a lifetime client, most cheekily opted for both.

    As the session wrapped, the takeaway was clear: the CCO isn’t dead. They’re just shape-shifting—and perhaps learning to lead not from the podium, but from the pasture.

  • Landor appoints Geet Nazir as managing director India

    Landor appoints Geet Nazir as managing director India

    MUMBAI, March 2025 – Landor  Ahas appointed seasoned brand strategist Geet Nazir as its new managing director India based in Mumbai, strengthening the firm’s leadership team across the Asia-Pacific region.

    Nazir joins Landor with over 15 years of experience in brand transformation and strategic design, having most recently served as managing director at Conran Design Mumbai. Her appointment comes as Landor seeks to expand its presence in key growth markets throughout the region.

    Landor president APAC Lulu Raghavan expressed confidence in the appointment: “Geet’s expertise in creating new brands and nurturing client relationships will be invaluable as we strengthen our position across strategic markets.”

    Prior to her four-plus years at Conran Design, Nazir held leadership positions at Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces as assistant vice president of brand marketing, and served in senior roles at Contract India and Publicis Capital.

    With a master’s degree in advertising from Boston University and a background in electrical and electronics engineering, Nazir brings a blend of creative vision and analytical thinking to her new role.

  • Landor announces promotion of Lulu Raghavan to President, APAC

    Landor announces promotion of Lulu Raghavan to President, APAC

    Mumbai– Landor has announced the promotion of Lulu Raghavan to the role of President, APAC.

    Lulu has been with Landor for 23 years and brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the branding industry. Throughout her tenure, she has held various roles across several geographies (San Francisco, New York, London and Mumbai). She will remain based in Mumbai and report to Christian Schroeder, Global President of Landor.

    Raghavan said, “I am honoured to take on the role of President for the APAC region. This is an exciting time for Landor, and I am eager to build on our strong foundation and continue to drive innovation and growth. I look forward to working closely with our talented teams across APAC to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

    Christian Schroeder said, “We are very excited to see Lulu step into the APAC President role. Her extensive experience, dedication, and innovative approach make her the perfect fit to lead the region. I am personally delighted for Lulu, and confident that she will continue to drive growth and excellence across our APAC offices.”

  • Lulu Raghavan, Managing Director, Landor Mumbai Honored as 2020 AACSB Influential Leader

    Lulu Raghavan, Managing Director, Landor Mumbai Honored as 2020 AACSB Influential Leader

    MUMBAI:  Landor Mumbai announces that Lulu Raghavan is one of 25 business school graduates honored by AACSB International (AACSB)—the world’s largest business education alliance—as the 2020 Class of Influential Leaders. The annual challenge recognizes notable alumni from AACSB-accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.

    Lulu Raghavan, nominated by SP Jain Institute of Management and Research currently serves as Managing Director, Landor Mumbai. Lulu is a leading authority on branding and design in India. Raghavan who has worked for Landor, a global branding and design consultancy for more than 19 years helped set up the Landor India office in 2008, which has consistently ranked at the top in Brand Equity’s Agency Reckoner. Raghavan is most proud of the culture and team she has nurtured. With industrywide leadership recognition, Raghavan was invited to judge the Cannes Lions Design Awards 2018 and serve on the Young Lions Jury 2018. In 2018, Raghavan received the John W. Kuykendall Award from her alma mater Davidson College in North Carolina, USA. She is passionate about equality and has been an active champion of women at work. In 2019, she was named one of the most influential women in India in media, advertising and marketing by IMPACT Magazine.

    For Raghavan, mental and physical well-being and their direct connection of productivity, creativity, and a balanced lifestyle are of paramount importance. Raghavan has also been a faculty member of WPP Maestro – a training and leadership program for high-potential individuals across WPP.

    Commenting on the accolade Lulu Raghavan, MD-Landor Mumbai said, “I am truly delighted and honoured to have been selected for this prestigious award. The combination of my undergraduate education at Davidson College in the US (a top ranking liberal arts school) and my post graduate business education at SPJIMR (one of the most prestigious business schools in India) was excellent preparation for a working life dedicated to management and leadership. My two years at SPJIMR were particularly influential in not only shaping my competencies but also strongly developing my character. SPJIMR’s emphasis on social sensitivity has had a lasting impact on me. I look forward to continuing to create business and social impact through my work at Landor by using the power of brand and design. I am proud to be a Global Indian.”

    Dr. Ranjan Banerjee, Dean- SPJIMR said, “It is always good to see our alumni getting recognised on a global stage. Lulu Raghavan led the team at Landor that worked on the new brand architecture for SPJIMR.

    Fittingly, she herself is an epitome of courage and heart, and combines a professional  flair for branding and client understanding, with a deep personal passion and engagement in social issues. She is a strong ambassador for the institute, and I am certain that she will win many more accolades in the years to come.” He added.

    “AACSB is honored to recognize Lulu Raghavan and applauds her achievements at Landor Mumbai as a leading example of business education as a force for good in the world,” said Tom Robinson, AACSB president and CEO. “The diversity of backgrounds, industries, and career paths of the 2020 Class of Influential Leaders demonstrates that AACSB-accredited schools are preparing graduates to succeed wherever their passions may take them.”

    Now in its fifth year, the Influential Leaders challenge has recognized more than 200 business school graduates for creating lasting impact in business and society. All honorees have earned an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree from one of the more than 850 AACSB-accredited business schools worldwide. For more information on the Influential Leaders challenge, and to view a full list of honorees, visit aacsb.edu/influential-leaders.

  • Alia Bhatt’s YouTube channel to boost her brand value

    Alia Bhatt’s YouTube channel to boost her brand value

    MUMBAI: In the past few years, YouTubers across the world have managed to grab a celebrity status for themselves. Names like Bhuvan Bam, Prajakta Koli, Ashish Chanchlani have become immensely popular and have got the chance to perform with several Bollywood celebrities. Creators like Shibani Bedi and Harsh Beniwal also made their Bollywood debuts this year.

    While these micro-and mini-influencers are on their way to embrace the silver screen, a star from there has shifted to the digital pedestal in a big way. Alia Bhatt, who within a career spanning over just 7 years has become a critically acclaimed star and has been getting abundant love from the fans as well, has launched her own YouTube channel on which, in her own words, she is planning to showcase her ‘unadulterated’ self.

    Bhatt is already a huge star and has a massive following on Instagram and Twitter. Then why did she decide to go the YouTube way?

    As per communications consultant on digital/social media marketing and PR Karthik Srinivasan the move is understandable as YouTube helps in long-form content far better than Facebook or IGTV given the SEO benefits.

    Indiatimes and Lifestyle Brands at Times Internet COO Angad Bhatia says that Bhatt already has strong cultural relevance and with YouTube she can become an influential content creator in her own way.

    It is not the first time that a celebrity is trying to dabble in the social media space away from conventional platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Jacqueline Fernandez has a strong Snapchat presence, and she also debuted on TikTok recently along with Shahid Kapoor, and Tiger Shroff. Sonam Kapoor has her own app where she connects with her fans sharing beauty tips and offering a sneak peek into her lifestyle. In fact, a few celebs like Ajay Devgn, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, and Priyanka Chopra have their own YouTube channels as well, but they often upload just professional stuff.

    Alia, who is one of the most loved stars in the country right now, could have easily leveraged these other media as well, especially her own app. Brand-nomics’ Viren Razdan notes that apps have their own limitations and challenges and that has led to international celebs like Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift shutting down their individual apps.  

    Srinivasan says, “An app demands that people install it in the first place. And unless they happen to be really big fans, they may not install the app since it has limited appeal on an everyday basis. Plus, app content cannot be discovered by casual fans and fans of specific topics they address from time to time, while a YouTube page, with well-curated titles and tags would be.”

    Landor managing director Lulu Raghavan adds that an app needs very strong market machinery to promote and it is quite doubtful that people would want to add more app to their phones. Meanwhile, users are already there on YouTube and watching many forms of content and it makes it easier for discovery.

    Brand guru and founder Harish Bijoor Consultants Harish Bijoor quips, “YouTube is the place to be. A magnet star with a magnet brand-name can do just so much in promoting her own app. YouTube, on the other hand, provides it all and more within a nano-second. For Alia Bhatt, it must be like saying, ‘why dig a well when you can outsource the sea?’”

    Rightfully so, within just three days of the launch and just one introductory video online, Bhatt’s channel has more than 310K subscribers. Meanwhile, Sonam Kapoor’s app on Google Play Store reflects only 100K+ downloads in three years.

    Experts also believe that being on YouTube will add several points to Alia Bhatt’s already sky-high brand value.

    Raghavan feels that the platform might give her an edge amongst her peers and it is possible that she emerges as the next global star from India after Priyanka Chopra.

    “Of course, her primary brand value will be based on her roles and how well her movies perform. But if shares genuinely interesting and useful content besides, she could considerably enhance her brand value,” says Srinivasan.

    “An active medium definitely helps build your influencing power and has the potential to strengthen conversations. If curated well, it could build her value immensely,” adds Razdan.

    Bhatia adds, “This new generation of celebrities is very social media friendly. They know how to convert excessive social scrutiny to their benefit. More visibility is important for a top of the mind recall and higher brand value. Different media and social platforms ensure just that.”

    Also, brands can come forward to leverage in this new side of Bhatt’s social media presence. The actress is already associated with prominent brand names like Caprese, Frooti, Garnier, and Nokia and her venture into this new domain might open up other big opportunities.

    Srinivasan mentions that this will especially help brands that cannot afford expensive TV media. Her YouTube channel could be their first big media push if the target audience is appropriate.

    However, Raghavan points out that this is the one area in which Bhatt will have to tread carefully. “If she has authenticity then she should only promote those brands that she truly believes in. It shouldn’t become another value for sales pitches as that can easily backfire. But if she can track it (the products) beautifully in the narrative of her life, the word of mouth of a celebrity is extremely fast.”