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Tag: RuPay

  • RuPay enters strategic year-long partnership with BookMyShow

    RuPay enters strategic year-long partnership with BookMyShow

    MUMBAI: BookMyShow, one of India’s leading entertainment destinations and its parent company Bigtree Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. have entered into a strategic, year-long partnership with RuPay, a global card payment network from National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The collaboration spans both digital and on-ground channels, bringing a unified entertainment and payment experience to millions of consumers across India. As the live entertainment ecosystem continues to flourish, this partnership aims to strengthen the intersection of entertainment, access and seamless payment experiences for scores of young, digitally savvy consumers seeking leisure offerings made affordable and seamless.

    Through this alliance, RuPay card holders will enjoy special access to some of the most anticipated properties from the house of BookMyShow – Sunburn 2025, Lollapalooza India 2026, Bandland 2026 as well as a curated calendar of live event concerts featuring top Indian and international artists. These benefits include early pre-sale access, exclusive ticketing zones, curated food and beverage offerings, merchandise perks, fast-lane entry for top-ups and access to dedicated lounge areas at select venues. RuPay will also activate experiential spaces on-ground designed to elevate brand-consumer engagement in memorable, high-impact ways.

    Digitally, BookMyShow will integrate RuPay across key touchpoints including its homepage and post-transaction journey, directing users to discover exclusive RuPay-led benefits and access. This partnership not only unlocks tangible perks for users but also showcases how modern financial services can embed themselves within high-interest cultural moments through immersive offerings, deepening relevance among next-gen consumers looking for not only enriching experiences but also an ease in accessing and paying for them.

    NPCI spokesperson said, “Entertainment and cultural experiences are a growing area of interest, especially for younger, digital-first users. We are building deeper engagement with our users by connecting with what resonates to them. Through this partnership, we aim to offer meaningful value combining access, ease, and exclusive benefits to position RuPay not just as a payment option, but as an enabler to rewarding and relevant experiences.”

    A BookMyShow spokesperson commented on the partnership stating, “Live entertainment in India is undergoing a remarkable transformation as audiences increasingly seek experiences that are not only entertaining but also personalised, immersive and value-driven. At BookMyShow, we remain committed to innovating at the intersection of technology, culture and consumer expectations to meet this evolving demand for our partner brands. Our partnership with RuPay marks a significant step in re-imagining access and engagement for today’s culture-forward consumer ensuring that the joy of entertainment goes beyond mere attendance to becoming something truly experiential, memorable and valued.”

  • Jupiter banks on experience with Akhilesh Jha in the driver’s seat

    Jupiter banks on experience with Akhilesh Jha in the driver’s seat

    MUMBAI: If money talks, Jupiter Money just made a power move by bringing banking veteran Akhilesh Jha into the conversation. In a strategic hire that signals its next phase of growth, Jupiter Money has appointed Akhilesh Jha as senior vice president for banking and partnerships. With over 20 years of experience in retail banking and digital strategy most recently as head of retail banking portfolio at DBS Bank Jha steps in to amplify Jupiter’s push toward becoming India’s go-to money platform.

    At a time when fintechs are rewriting the rules of personal finance, Jupiter’s move shows it’s doubling down on what it does best: combining digital ease with meaningful banking experiences. In his new role, Jha will lead the charge on deepening collaborations with banks and financial institutions, helping Jupiter scale its offerings across savings, credit, and payments.

    “We are building a platform that simplifies money for millions of Indians,” said Jupiter Money president, Rohit Kumar Pandey. “Akhilesh brings the perfect mix of legacy banking and fintech edge. As we grow, his insight will be vital in shaping impactful partnerships.”

    Jha echoed the sentiment, noting the “mutually beneficial ecosystem” that fintech-bank alliances can create. “Customers get intuitive, digital-first products; banks unlock new channels and revenues; and Jupiter becomes the bridge that makes it happen,” he said.

    The announcement comes at a time when Jupiter Money is riding strong tailwinds. In the last quarter alone, it secured key regulatory clearances, expanded its credit footprint, and maintained steady user growth. With an eye on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the company is working to unlock financial access for underserved digital users.

    Jupiter’s product suite already includes an all-in-one savings account (powered by Federal Bank), a Rupay credit card with CSB Bank that integrates with UPI and offers cashback, and an upcoming prepaid wallet after receiving RBI nod. Jha’s appointment adds muscle to Jupiter’s ambition of turning its platform into a full-stack, digital-first banking experience, one that’s as easy as it is empowering.

    As Indian consumers grow savvier and seek smarter ways to manage their money, Jupiter Money’s latest leadership bet might just prove that experience is, in fact, the best investment.

  • National Payments Corp launches campaign for its Rupay mobility card

    National Payments Corp launches campaign for its Rupay mobility card

    MUMBAI: It’s bringing out all its aces in a bid to create awareness and boost adoption of its card. Retail payment and settlement body National Payments Corp of India (NPCI) has launched a campaign, “RuPay On-The-Go,” which is promoting its pre-paid RuPay National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). This campaign showcases the RuPay NCMC as the ultimate payment solution for seamless transit, offering unmatched speed, convenience, and user-friendliness.

    The RuPay NCMC is a payment solution that addresses the challenges of India’s transit ticketing systems. With its unified, open-loop, and interoperable design, the card consolidates payments for metro, bus, tolls, parking, and retail into a single, seamless solution. With the stored value function, travelers enjoy swift, offline transactions, ensuring a quick and uninterrupted journey, even without internet connectivity. The card can be used for travel  on metros in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kanpur, as well as bus services in cities like Mumbai, Guwahati, Haryana, Jammu, Srinagar, Himachal and Aurangabad.

     

    Rupay on the go pre-paid card

    The RuPay On-The-Go new ad uses a clever tactic asking users to flip the ad which has two cards featured upside alongside each other to clearly communicate that it’s easy to use across different modes of transport. It highlights RuPay NCMC’s role as the ideal companion for dynamic individuals who value time and efficiency through its  multimodal utility across metros and buses. The contactless symbol on RuPay cards reinforces its association with public transit, while the card’s versatility as both a transit and payment solution, cements its position as a go-to choice for modern, on-the-move lifestyles.

    NPCI chief of products Kunal Kalawatia highlights that the card offers a quick and convenient transit payment solution.He adds: “It’s not just a payment method, it’s a lifestyle enabler. Designed for those who push boundaries and demand more from every moment, this campaign positions RuPay as the perfect partner for efficient and seamless transit. By expanding this contactless payment option across metros and buses, we are committed to making the daily commute smoother for millions across the country.”

    NPCI is the leading authority for retail payments and settlement systems in the country, having revolutionised the way payments are made with its robust infrastructure and innovative products like RuPay, IMPS, UPI, BHIM, AePS, NETC, and Bharat Connect.

    For further information on obtaining a RuPay NCMC, users can visit participating banks, metro stations, or designated transport offices to get started on their seamless transit journey. 

  • BOBCARD Ltd unveils #AurKyaChahiye campaign

    BOBCARD Ltd unveils #AurKyaChahiye campaign

    Mumbai: BOBCARD Ltd (formerly known as BOB Financial Solutions Limited), a leading subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, unveils #AurKyaChahiye campaign, showcasing the smooth integration of RuPay BOBCARD with UPI, enhancing customer experience and providing unparalleled convenience for everyday digital transactions and instant access to credit.

    The campaign aims to raise awareness among consumers about the game-changing capabilities of RuPay BOBCARD on the UPI platform, enabling users to access their credit cards with unprecedented ease. Through a humorous yet relatable narrative featuring an auto-rickshaw driver and a passenger, the campaign illustrates the benefits of linking credit cards to UPI, emphasizing convenience and innovation in digital payments.

    In a bustling railway station setting, the campaign’s protagonist, an auto-rickshaw driver, witnesses the frustration caused by traditional payment methods. However, the mood shifts when he introduces the simplicity of UPI-linked credit cards to the passenger. The subsequent scenes showcase the passenger seamlessly using the service with a tagline “Galat time mein out of balance mat ho jaye, Aaj hi UPI pe RuPay BOBCARD apnaye #AurKyaChahiye”, ultimately empowering her with the ability to transact without worrying about running out of cash or balance even for small ticket size payments.

    BOBCARD Ltd deputy managing director Ravindra Rai M, commented on the launch, stating, “In recent years, UPI payments have experienced significant growth, yet credit card users have been deprived of the advantages of UPI transactions. The recent integration of RuPay credit cards onto the UPI platform by RBI and NPCI has effectively filled this void. BOBCARD stands out as an early adopter of this regulatory initiative, ensuring our customers never worry about running out of funds, even for small day-to-day transactions, with unparalleled ease and speed.”

    He continued, “From corner Kirana shops to large supermarkets, UPI payments have become a favorite among all. They’re fast, effortless, and eliminate the need for cash – making them the ideal choice for your busy lifestyle. With the introduction of RuPay Credit Cards on the UPI platform, consumers now enjoy enhanced convenience and instant credit availability that led to greater customer satisfaction. Our #AurKyaChahiye campaign strives to educate users about the perks of UPI-linked credit cards through real-life scenarios portrayed in a series of digital films. This initiative seeks to accelerate the adoption of digital payments, supporting our vision of a cashless economy.”

    The campaign targets the Indian smartphone users to guide them on the ease of using credit card on UPI through various use cases where credit card can be used instead of cash or any other payment mode for quick and hassle-free transactions.

    “In our journey of transformation, we wanted every experience with BOBCARD to be reimagined like never before. The ability to scan and pay through UPI with your RuPay BOBCARD is one such step to forge meaningful connections with our audience and stay ahead of the curve. So, it was a strategic move to communicate about this revolutionary feature in the modern Indian banking system, in the language that most Indians emotionally associate with – Bollywood. We reimagined and recreated some iconic scenes from the B-Town to drive ‘Top of the mind’ recall and reaffirm our commitment to stay relevant”, said Liqvd Asia creative services head Sunil Gangras.

  • My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay & CEAT join forces as official partners for TATA IPL

    My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay & CEAT join forces as official partners for TATA IPL

    Mumbai: In a development that adds significant value to the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL), BCCI announces the association of My11Circle, Angel One, RuPay & CEAT as official partners for the league.

    The collaboration with these esteemed brands marks a strategic move to enhance the overall experience for IPL fans and further elevate the premier cricketing extravaganza to new heights. Each partner brings a unique set of offerings and synergies that promise to contribute to the success and excitement of the tournament.

    My11Circle, a leading fantasy sports platform, is set to bring the thrill of fantasy cricket to fans. The brand will be associated with the league for the next five years. With innovative gameplay and exciting contests, My11Circle aims to engage cricket fans and offer them a unique and immersive fantasy gaming experience.

    Angel One, a prominent name in the financial services sector, joins hands with the TATA IPL to bring the worlds of sports and finance closer. A partnership that is set to last for the next five years, Angel One will provide valuable insights and engage cricket fans with interactive initiatives that combine the excitement of trading with the passion for cricket.

    RuPay, the indigenous card network of India, which has been an integral part of the TATA IPL in the previous seasons renews its partnership for the next three years. As an associate partner, RuPay will enhance the payment and transaction experience for fans attending the matches, offering exclusive benefits and promotions for RuPay cardholders.

    CEAT, that has been a pivotal partner over the years as the league’s Strategic Time-out partner has renewed its contract for five years. The collaboration between CEAT and TATA IPL is a testament to the shared values of performance, reliability, and resilience that both entities uphold.

    The partnerships promises a season filled with innovation, engagement, and unforgettable moments for cricket enthusiasts who are set to experience an IPL season like never before.

  • Lollapalooza India 2024 redefines the festival experience

    Lollapalooza India 2024 redefines the festival experience

    Mumbai: Following the resounding success of the Asia-first edition last year, the iconic, global multi-genre music festival Lollapalooza India 2024 is now gearing up for an even more exciting second edition with a steadfast community-first approach, curating a world of non-stop entertainment that is immersive, interactive, holistic and transcendental. Carrying forward its legacy, the iconic music festival has collaborated with leading global and Indian brands across various industries spanning auto, CPG, retail, beauty, fintech, and food & beverages industries to elevate the on-ground consumer engagement and festival experience surrounding the music.

    Scheduled on 27 – 28 January, Lollapalooza India 2024 will once again transform the iconic Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai into a captivating haven for all music enthusiasts, showcasing an eclectic line-up of 40 plus renowned artists from around the globe across a two-day extravaganza. BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination will spearhead Lollapalooza India as the promoter and co-producer for the festival’s Indian edition along with global producers, Perry Farrell and C3 Presents.

    Some of the biggest brands from the world and India including Budweiser Beats Energy Drink, Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer Non-Alcoholic, NEXA, RuPay, Levi’s®, Maybelline New York, CRED and Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water along with Maharashtra Tourism have come together to collaborate with Lollapalooza India 2024 curating integrated immersive experiences & unforgettable moments that resonate with the audience.

    Brand partners are investing heavily in festival experiences such as Lollapalooza India 2024 and other BookMyShow Live Intellectual Properties (IPs) towards marketing, curating on-ground live experiences that act as real-time consumer touchpoints where young, digitally savvy, spending audiences are present. Live events have become an integral part of the marketing mix across the board, even as brands in B2B or B2B2C industries are eyeing this space as a lucrative opportunity along with B2C brands, and this trend will remain unaffected as long there is a promise of quality and relevance. This has created an opportunity for like-minded brands across sectors to invest strategically in building salience and brand love through entertainment, which is a core part of the consumer’s ecosystem.

    Budweiser Beats Energy Drink as Co-Presenting Sponsor continues to honour Lollapalooza’s legacy with the main stage, the Budweiser BudX stage. This main stage at the festival will feature highly anticipated headliners Jonas Brothers and Sting, along with iconic artists who are absolute crowd favourites. Going beyond conventional partnerships, Budweiser is actively co-creating experiences at the music festival, as it joins the Lollapalooza India bandwagon once again. At Lollapalooza India 2024, Budweiser will launch ‘BudX Uncovered’, an initiative to spotlight breakout artists, with two surprise acts on its stage. Through the ‘Bud and Burgers’ initiative, top chefs compete to create burgers that pair perfectly with Budweiser beer, that festival attendees can vote for to crown the ‘King of Burgers’! The ‘Brew District’ will enhance the festival experience with immersive attractions like Bud’s iconic Ferris Wheel, a viewing deck for some Lolla-favs, tattoo and hairstyling stations, arcade arenas and more. Lolla attendees can also get featured on the Budweiser BudX Stage through the ‘Bud Cam’ and win attractive prizes.

    Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer Non-Alcoholic, also the Co-Presenting Sponsors for Lollapalooza India 2024 and a big advocate for progress, hailed the inaugural edition as exceptional. The Walkers & Co. stage this year, will feature headliners Halsey and OneRepublic while the vibrant Walkers & Co lounge will stand out as a space encouraging bold creativity, self-expression and a testament to the festival’s commitment to collective progress and innovation. Building on its ethos of empowering a community of walkers to always keep walking, this year, Walkers & Co. lounge is focussing on an interplay of interactivity and visually stunning displays created in collaboration with Aashna Malik, a multidisciplinary artist who uses a combination of traditional and digital media to investigate ideas of perception, distortion, immersion and experience. The Walkers & Co Lounge will give the festival goers a chance to dive into Cymatics Installation to feel the beats, see the ripples and let motion be their playful guide. Also part of the lounge is a Kinetic Wall that will give people a chance to dance to their heartbeats. The Tech Drum Circle will allow people to become part of a lively symphony through joyful sounds and movement, bringing the iconic Striding Man to life through rhythmic beats. Additionally, festival-goers will get a chance to personalise their merchandise through screen printing, giving them an unforgettable keepsake.

    NEXA, Maruti Suzuki’s premium retail channel and Co-Presenting Sponsors of Lollapalooza India 2024 are set to deliver an unparalleled festival experience with the premium ‘NEXA Lounge’. The elevated deck lounge will include reserved tables, a complimentary curated premium culinary and beverage experience, limited front stage access with an open bar, valet and exclusive festival shuttles to the entry point, between the performance stages and more. Music has always been an important pillar for NEXA and the brand will celebrate it through the specialised ‘NEXA Stage’ at Lollapalooza India 2024, featuring coveted international and home-grown artists such as Caribou and Eric Nam that Indian audiences are waiting for, with bated breath. NEXA cars customised in Lollapalooza themes carrying the vibe, culture and colours of the festival as they have taken over the streets of India across Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Pune amongst others in the run-up to the festival featuring a troupe of hip-hop dancers that electrified five iconic locations in each city, drawing massive crowds! NEXA also collaborated with renowned artist Anime who added an urban touch by creating a graffiti art canvas that perfectly blends NEXA’s brand ethos with Lollapalooza India. The lively journey continues with NEXA’s entertaining multi-episode YouTube series, ‘NEXA Car-a-oke.’ Hosted by Nikhil Kini, the series features engaging conversations with influential figures in the music industry, including Tsumyoki, Dhruv Viswanath, Gaia Meera, Frizzell D’Souza, Anoushka Maskey, Shaan Kambli.

    Iconic denim brand Levi’s returns to Lollapalooza India 2024 following the phenomenal response to their consumer engagement installations and activities at the festival’s inaugural edition. The one-of-a-kind ‘Levi’s Tailorshop’ is all set to be a crowd-favourite, community hotspot once again, unveiling 15 designs inspired by music, moments and memories in collaboration with renowned artists Aaquib Wani, Mira F. Malhotra and Anirudh Mehta a.k.a Big Fat Minimalist. Festival-goers have the opportunity to personalize their Levi’s festival product with these limited-edition designs through tailored panelling, heat press stickers and screen prints, expressing their individual style through Levi’s iconic denim only at Lollapalooza India 2024. Levi’s aims to elevate the experience at Lollapalooza India 2024, leveraging the festival as a strategic touchpoint to connect with a targeted audience deeply embedded in pop culture.

    Adding to the dynamic brand partnership roster at Lollapalooza India 2024 is Maybelline New York, the world’s leading makeup brand. Orchestrating a comprehensive campaign designed to captivate festival-goers, the brand’s focal point will be the ‘Makeup Playground’ — a never-before-seen immersive experience at the festival. This feature will showcase ‘Lolla Looks’ inspired by artists performing at the festival including Komorebi, Aarifah, Kavya and Mali, offering consumers an opportunity to explore the vibrant world of Maybelline makeup in the style of the festival. Maybelline New York will unveil a new makeup range, providing festival-goers with first access to the Tattoo Liner PLAY collection, featuring six bold, colourful and shimmery liners. Additionally, the brand will showcase the limited edition ‘Music Collection’, featuring favourites like the SuperStay Matte Ink and the viral sensation Superstay Vinyl Ink from its 2023 launch slate. This partnership reflects a shared vision of empowering young GenZ audiences through the freedom of self-expression, whether through music or make-up. Recognizing the pivotal role of music in self-identity and expression for its audiences, Maybelline New York aims to create an exciting playground to experience the world of New York trends and makeup, crafted for all.

    In keeping with Lollapalooza India’s promise of making sure that everyone stays amply hydrated at the festival, Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water has stepped in to not only provide hydration for all festival attendees but do it by creating luxe touchpoints for them. As a premium water brand, every on-ground brand interaction will be curated for a premium experience, featuring sophisticated water carts and a distinctive activation incorporating helium balloons synchronized with the tagline #FullOfAltitude. This innovative approach not only seamlessly integrates the brand but also introduces a vibrant blue hue to the artistic festival landscape.

    Another new addition to Lollapalooza India 2024’s exciting brand roster is CRED that will bring with it ‘The Claw’, a fun arcade game machine. The gameplay is straightforward where members can utilize CRED coins earned through bill payments to unlock an access token. Placing the access token into The Claw machine, can help commence play and discover the surprises destiny has in store for the player! CRED’s ‘The Claw’ promises enticing rewards including top-ups, vouchers, watches, accessories and intriguing cross-brand collaborations with other partners featured at Lollapalooza India 2024.

    Along with these brands, a Global Card payment network RuPay who helmed the early pre-sale window of tickets for Lollapalooza India 2024 will also engage with digitally-savvy audiences at the festival. RuPay Credit cardholders will get special access through exclusive aisles, special parking, additional discounts and unique experiences at the festival, in a bid to enhance the overall experience of the festival-goers.

    Spearheading Lollapalooza India as the co-producer and promoter for the festival’s Indian edition, BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, has been a driving force, presenting diverse live entertainment acts across various formats and scales, enhancing the live entertainment ecosystem. The entertainment platform itself has created an interactive installation space at Lollapalooza India 2024 which is a creative spin on Whack A Mole called ‘All The Right Moves’ that will feature the thrilling pit-stops one must have on their entertainment calendar in 2024 across music, comedy, activities and more! This engaging space will act as the ticket to entertainment with exciting offers on Lollapalooza India 2024 merchandise and the Lolla Food Park. The platform actively cultivates a digitally-savvy consumer base of young discerning audiences, seeking world-class experiences in music, comedy, performances, theatricals and more. This has opened avenues for brands to strategically invest in the heart of the entertainment ecosystem, fostering a community of relevant audiences.

    With the crème de la crème of global and Indian brands coming together to create the Lollapalooza India 2024 experience for consumers and fans alike, the world’s most diverse music festival is certainly one that is not to be missed. Featuring over 40 artists, four stages and over 20 hours of unforgettable live music, art and culture, Lollapalooza India will be a treat for Indians and Asians all across, offering not just music, but also a cultural experience of a lifetime with innovative culinary selections, art, gaming, fashion and much more to be witnessed in India.

  • RuPay Prime Volleyball League onboards Hrithik Roshan as brand ambassador for season three

    RuPay Prime Volleyball League onboards Hrithik Roshan as brand ambassador for season three

    Mumbai: The thrilling sport of Volleyball is set to sprinkle the flavour of Hindi cinema with superstar Hrithik Roshan joining the third season of RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 as the brand ambassador. The multi-award-winning actor has garnered a reputation for his dedicated fitness and diet regimes over the past couple of decades. Hrithik, an avid sports fan himself, enjoys the physical nature of volleyball and described the partnership as a natural fit for him. To spike things up, Hrithik engaged in a discussion about the upcoming season of RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 with some of the top volleyball stars who will be competing in the third edition.

    RuPay Prime Volleyball League Season 3 powered by A23 is all set to begin from 15 February 2024 and will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network.

    Baseline Ventures Pvt Ltd MD & co-founder Tuhin Mishra was elated to welcome the Bollywood superstar to RuPay Prime Volleyball League, “We are delighted to have Hrithik Roshan join us as our brand ambassador for the next edition. The actor has redefined the meaning of athleticism and fitness over the years and has been a true source of inspiration for many of our athletes. He has been quite vocal about the need to maintain physical and mental fitness, and hence we wanted a star personality such as him to be associated with our product. His presence will not only add glamour to RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, but it will also make the overall product even more exciting and adventurous. We cannot wait for the third season to kick off.”

    Indian actor and HRX founder Hrithik Roshan shared his excitement on joining the RuPay Prime Volleyball League as the Brand Ambassador, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the third edition of RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23. My congratulations to the visionary team of Baseline Ventures, Sony Pictures Network & Sony Liv for putting up two remarkable Seasons of premium Volleyball that have gripped India. I’m amazed with the growing viewership and I’m positive that together we shall deliver yet another season of aspirational sporting opportunities to the youth of our country. The future of Volleyball seems bright in India and I look forward to discover newer talents through the course of the league.”

    The RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, co-owned and exclusively marketed by India’s leading sports marketing firm, Baseline Ventures, will enter its third edition this year featuring nine franchises – Hyderabad Black Hawks, Ahmedabad Defenders, Kolkata Thunderbolts, Calicut Heroes, Kochi Blue Spikers, Chennai Blitz, Bengaluru Torpedoes, Mumbai Meteors, and the latest addition, Delhi Toofans. The second season of the league garnered a total cumulative viewership of 206 million, as compared to 133 million from Season 1, with simultaneous broadcast in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam on Sony Sports Network. With the second season of the league witnessing over 371 million impressions, 113.9 million views, 92 million reach, five million fan engagements across various digital platforms, the sport gained formidable traction through social media.

    The match schedule and season dates for season three of RuPay Prime Volleyball League will be announced shortly.

  • Wunderman Thompson South Asia CEO, Shamsuddin Jasani, steps down

    Wunderman Thompson South Asia CEO, Shamsuddin Jasani, steps down

    Mumbai: Shamsuddin Jasani has announced he will be stepping down from the role of CEO at Wunderman Thompson South Asia.  

    Over the past two years, Jasani has accelerated the transformation of the agency to a modern day growth partner – delivering impactful solutions for clients across the entire customer journey. Under his leadership the agency won large competitive pitches including Skoda, Vivo,  Indigo, Hafele, NPCI, Rupay, Manyavar and Cult Sports, across Creative, MarTech and Commerce.

    Jasani reflected on the past two years stating: “It has been an amazing and rewarding two years at Wunderman Thompson and I’m proud of what we have achieved. During my time, we  have transformed the company into a partner that provides smart and impactful solutions to  crucial business problems – all powered by creative, tech and commerce.”

    “As the business continues its evolution, I believe my job is done. I am looking forward to a  new and exciting chapter in my life with an amazing opportunity. I thank everyone at  Wunderman Thompson – the clients, our partners and specially our team.” Jasani continued.

    Audrey Kuah, now Joint-CEO of VML APAC commented on Jasani’s commitment to the agency  over the past years: “With such a large and diverse market like India, I have seen Shams work  diligently to bring the offices and capabilities together. I would like to thank Shams for his  dedication to our business and wish him every success in his new endeavors.”  

    Jasani will move on to pursue a new opportunity with more to be announced in due course. 

  • RuPay kicks-off IPL innings with new campaign featuring Ishant Sharma

    RuPay kicks-off IPL innings with new campaign featuring Ishant Sharma

    Mumbai: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has floated its first Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign ‘RuPay. Be On-The-Go.’ Featuring Indian fast-bowler Ishant Sharma, the campaign highlights the many benefits of RuPay On-The-Go on cards and other convenient form factors such as smartwatches, keychains, mobile stickers, and wristbands.

    As part of the high decibel campaign, five advertisement films are released on television, OTT, digital, and social media platforms. The brand has also roped in popular cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle and former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag to endorse the campaign on Twitter.

    The film revolves around the banter between three characters- an umpire struggling with payments, a batsman who knows how incredible RuPay is, and who takes it upon himself to educate our umpire on it, and fierce pacer Ishant Sharma. The umpire gets so distracted by the amazing and innovative RuPay offerings that the batsman is sharing with him, he doesn’t even notice that Ishant Sharma has bowled, rapped the opener on the pads, and is now screaming ‘Howzzaaaatt!,’ waiting for an ‘Out’ from him. What follows is a ‘match freeze’ where the entire match pauses, as we see Ishant now doing his best to catch the Umpire’s attention by shouting ‘Howzzatt’ in hilarious ways. With RuPay on Umpire’s mind and his conversation with the non-striker still on, he registers Ishant’s appeal and starts to raise his finger finally shouting ‘Out-standing’ for RuPay.

    Conceptualised by DDB Mudra, the new campaign has beautifully and humorously captured Ishant’s dynamic action of ‘Howzat’ to weave together the films. The campaign also features four short films which reinforce the concept in various situations involving payments for international use, for the convenience of paying using RuPay On-The-Go enabled watch(at a grocery store) and keychain (at a drive-thru), and for bus/metro travel. The films not only create awareness about RuPay On-The-Go but also show how payments can be quick, safe, easy, and hassle-free for customers.

    The films underscore the availability and accessibility of the RuPay cards. The advertisements highlight that every bank in India is issuing RuPay Debit cards and a large number of banks and prepaid/credit card players are also issuing RuPay prepaid and credit cards.

    Furthermore, the films also create awareness amongst customers to ensure activating their cards for contactless, e-commerce, and international transactions per the regulatory requirements in India.

     

  • The idea behind PVL 2022 is to democratise Volleyball in India: Baseline Ventures’ Tuhin Mishra

    The idea behind PVL 2022 is to democratise Volleyball in India: Baseline Ventures’ Tuhin Mishra

    Mumbai: Bringing back the popular sport of Volleyball for its fans across the country after a two-year break, Rupay Prime Volleyball League (PVL) returns in its new avatar on 5 February.

    The tournament features seven franchises from seven different cities ― Calicut Heroes, Kochi Blue Spikers, Ahmedabad Defenders, Hyderabad Black Hawks, Chennai Blitz, Bengaluru Torpedoes, and Kolkata Thunderbolts, and will kick off from the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad sans any LIVE audiences. 

    With a few days to go before the maiden match, IndianTelevision caught up with sports marketing firm Baseline Ventures’ managing director and co-founder Tuhin Mishra to understand the scope for the game on TV in India, and how the brand plans to tap into the league’s viewership. “This is the very first time that the Rupay Prime Volleyball league is happening and also the first time such a professionally organised league for Volleyball is going to take place in India, so yes the excitement levels are high,” said Mishra

    Sony Pictures Network India is the official broadcaster. In another first, the telecast will be available not only in Hindi and English feeds, but also Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam across the Sony Sports network of Ten1, Ten2, Ten3, and Ten4 channels and the OTT platform, Sony Liv.

    Elaborating on the 2022 season, Mishra said, the league has been modelled along the lines of the international NBA or middle eastern Soccer, where all the seven teams are also the owners of the league. “So it’s a very interesting model that’s not been tried in India before, and which actually gives a skin in the game for all the team owners. So the team owners along with Baselines- we all decide how things need to be done and need to operate,” he added.

    Democratising the sport

    All the players in the league have played the game professionally at the highest level, and the league promises to offer high-quality volleyball action to TV audiences, which is otherwise available only during Olympics or Asian Games. “We saw this as an opportunity for a sport which has such a huge global and Indian relevance. It’s also a very economical sport. You just need a small wire and a net and you can start playing. It doesn’t need a big surface, like say, football. Additionally, it’s a non-contact sport which also looks great on Television,” added Mishra.

    Volleyball is believed to be the second biggest played team sport in the world after football and is played by 213 countries across the globe. “Volleyball has huge credence all over the country at the grassroots level- if you go to villages, towns, cities and in schools and colleges- people everywhere play the sport,” said Mishra. “During the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics, in spite of India not being in contention for the sport, the Volleyball matches which were broadcast on Sony got the highest viewership numbers, indicating that when a good quality game of Volleyball is shown, people really enjoy it.”

    Even as the sports marketing firm considers 18+ males to be the league’s target audience and its primary TG, it is also slowly beginning to draw family viewers to the game. “We saw this during the previous league three seasons back- when the finals were on, we had sold out the stadium,” he added. This time around because of Covid, the tournament will not LIVE audiences.

    SPONSORSHIPS

    The league has signed up eight sponsors so far, with Card payment network RuPay coming on board as the Title Sponsor and Fantasy games leaders A23 having signed on as “Powered By” Sponsors in a multi-year deal. Healthy food platform EatFit, Amul and Nippon Paint have come on board as associate sponsors, while Cosco has associated itself with the League as its Official Partner.

    Some of India’s noted sportspersons including PV Sindhu, Smriti Mandanna, Pankaj Advani have also come forward to support the League. The league has also tied up with Sharechat & Moj as official content partners to reach out to regional audiences.

    Talking about the viewership pattern from the 2019 season, Mishra said, the sport is garnering viewers from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, as well as North East. “What we’ve been doing is trying to make stars out of these players. That is the basic objective. To promote and make at least four or five of them household names, which will serve as an incentive for more players,” shared Mishra. “We have also made this a very owner-driven league, where the team owners are also a part of its success or failure.”

    The players are auctioned off in a transparent process, so that anyone who wants to register can do so. Thus, the PVL now has over 450 registrations- almost four times compared to 2019 when only 105 registrations were allowed. “We need to democratise the sport,” added Mishra.

    The PVL has been shifted from Kochi to Hyderabad amid rising Covid cases in Kerala and the league is operating out of a very strict bubble, which the players have entered into 26 January onwards. The company is following international practices and SOPs with respect to bio-bubble in order to prevent any further disruptions in the game.

    “We are not looking at just one year, we need consistency for the teams and the team owners,” said Mishra. “It’s a great opportunity for Indian sports because if what we’re trying to do succeeds – that is monetise it to the best possible level wherein the teams also make money, then it could become a model for other leagues or other sports to replicate. And we would be happy to do that and share our knowledge.”

    The Rupay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 is exclusively marketed by Baseline Ventures. The teams will compete in a single round-robin format league that will feature a total of 24 matches, with the top four teams qualifying for the Semi-Finals. The grand finale is slated to be held on 27 February, culminating in three weeks of high voltage action.