Tag: Sujoy Roy

  • Asian Paints Sharad Shamman turns 40

    Asian Paints Sharad Shamman turns 40

    MUMBAI: Kolkata’s iconic taxi has just been given the ride of its life, thanks to ‘Asian Paints Sharad Shamman,’ which this year celebrates 40 colourful years of Pujo pride. Marking the milestone, Asian Paints has unveiled ‘Choltey Choltey Chollish,’ a cinematic campaign and travelling installation that transforms the city’s beloved yellow cab into a rolling time machine. The film zips through four decades of Durga Pujo, blending nostalgia and newness in equal measure.

    The journey begins in the 1980s, with bamboo pandals and radio melodies, cruises into the ’90s with the rise of themes, steers into the 2000s spotlight of global attention and social messaging, and finally parks in today’s world of AR, VR and digital-first celebrations. Each era is splashed across the taxi’s changing surface: hand-painted motifs and designs shining in royale glitz, capturing the essence of Kolkata’s creativity.

    Music, too, gets a seatbelt moment. From retro tunes to modern beats, every decade’s soundtrack weaves into the storytelling, making the cab not just a carrier of memories but a jukebox of Pujo.

    “Festivals mirror their times, showing how societies evolve,” said Asian Paints, md & ceo, Amit Syngle. “With ‘Choltey Choltey Chollish,’ we wanted to honour 40 years of artistry while resonating with today’s generation. The yellow taxi embodies that timeless journey.”

    Ogilvy North, chief creative officer, Sujoy Roy added, “This is more than a tribute. It’s a love letter to Kolkata: its traditions, its imagination and the enduring spirit of Pujo.”

    With its stylised visuals, vibrant music and a fresh, youthful tone, the campaign doesn’t just celebrate ‘Sharad Shamman,’ it reaffirms Asian Paints’ place as Pujo’s unofficial custodian, turning art, culture and community into a living, moving canvas.

    Because in Kolkata, even a cab ride can feel like a festival.

  • Ogilvy elevates Sujoy Roy & Nitin Srivastava as Gurugram CCOs

    Ogilvy elevates Sujoy Roy & Nitin Srivastava as Gurugram CCOs

    MUMBAI: Ogilvy has turned up the creative heat in Gurugram with the appointment of Sujoy Roy and Nitin Srivastava as its new chief creative officers. The duo—both longtime Ogilvy stalwarts—has a track record of crafting bold, award-winning campaigns that not only rake in metal but also leave an imprint on culture.

    Kainaz Karmakar, Harshad Rajadhyaksha, and Sukesh Nayak, chief creative officers of Ogilvy India, cheered on the promotion, “Sujoy and Nitin are Ogilvy stalwarts. Over the years both have created a stellar body of brave work that has helped grow business and reputation for their partners. Their benchmark-setting work across mediums has created impact and earned numerous recognitions locally and globally. But more importantly, it has also earned the love and admiration of our consumers and clients. We are thrilled to see our people step up and take on senior leadership roles. We believe the two of them, along with their partners, will push the boundaries of work. Their individual love for design and ideas will come together to write a new chapter for Ogilvy Gurugram.”

    Roy is as Ogilvy as it gets. Fresh out of college two decades ago, he walked into the agency wide-eyed and hungry—and never left. Over the years, he has hopped between Ogilvy’s Mumbai, Kolkata, and Colombo offices, leaving a creative footprint wherever he went.

    Despite his official title as ‘copywriter,’ Roy has never been boxed in. With a diploma in fine arts, he moves seamlessly between the worlds of art and copy, proving that great ideas don’t care about job descriptions. Seven years ago, he launched Ogilvy Design Cell, which he now leads across Ogilvy India, reinforcing his knack for blending design and storytelling.

    Roy’s work has left audiences and juries dazzled at Cannes, Clio, One Show, the London International Festival, Adfest Asia Pacific, and Young Guns. But he isn’t just here for the trophies—he’s here to make ads that stick. His roster of brands reads like a who’s who of business titans: Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Unilever, Marico, ITC, Asian Paints, Zandu, M P Birla, Pantaloons, and Eveready.

    Beyond national campaigns, Roy has been instrumental in shaping Ogilvy East, bringing Bengali-language advertising to new creative heights. His deep cultural insight has made his campaigns not just memorable but also wildly effective.

    Srivastava’s journey to the top is as colourful as his art. A painter-turned-designer-turned-art-director, Nitin has spent over 25 years proving that creativity has no boundaries. An alumnus of Delhi College of Art, with additional training at Central Saint Martins, London, he currently spearheads Ogilvy north’s luxury and beauty vertical.

    From Coca-Cola to Absolut, Chivas to MINI, and Incredible India to WWF, Srivastava has shaped some of the most iconic brand narratives. His work in the alcobev space for Pernod Ricard is legendary, helping shape brand identities that have stood the test of time.

    With over 100 awards—Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio, London International, Adfest—Srivastava’s creative arsenal is stacked. His work has been featured in Communication Arts multiple times, and he has even made it to the publication’s list of the world’s most prominent art directors.

    When he’s not conjuring up bold brand campaigns, Srivastava balances his high-energy career with a laid-back personal life in Delhi, where he spends time with his dog, February—because of course, even his pet’s name has an artistic flair.

    With Roy and Srivastava at the creative helm, expect a whirlwind of bold ideas, groundbreaking design, and campaigns that push the envelope. Whether it’s a sharp one-liner, an immersive brand experience, or an out-of-the-box visual, Ogilvy Gurugram’s creative future looks bolder than ever.

  • Ogilvy & Sunlight launch campaign for Durga Pujo

    Ogilvy & Sunlight launch campaign for Durga Pujo

    Mumbai: Durga Pujo is a wardrobe refresh for all Bengalis. For five days, the city of joy witnesses a dizzying panorama of colourful apparel. As such, the days leading up to the festival are spent on diligent shopping. Oceans of crowds flood the malls and retail stores, big and small, looking for the perfect length, the ideal cut, and all the irresistible bright colours. For all intents and purposes, these shopping meccas are a rich pool of potential consumers. They lead to an untapped audience that can be persuaded, inspired and informed. That’s just what Sunlight did with its Pujo-shopping hack.

    All Sunlight had to do, without fuss or fret, was to hack unbranded shopping bags, umbrellas and gift boxes with the accompanying message: Notun jama kinun praan bhore, Sunlight rong rakhbe dhore (Shop for new clothes to your heart’s content, Sunlight will keep its colours as good as new). It is an assurance to shoppers who would otherwise think twice before investing in colourful choices. The aim was to encourage worry-free shopping, with the knowledge that Sunlight will retain the colours of these new clothes long after Pujo is over.

    To drive home the message, spaces outside shopping malls and retail stores with the most footfalls were hacked as well. Even local hawker chants were hacked to drive home the brand’s message effectively. Even outdoor spaces were hacked. Sunlight’s outdoor communications were placed right next to outdoors advertising new Pujo clothes. All the hacks came together to reinforce the brand’s message in unison.  

    Ogilvy senior executive creative director Sujoy Roy said: “It was an idea that was right there in front of our eyes. Durga Pujo is the annual Bengali wardrobe refresh. New clothes are bought, gifted and hoarded. As a fabric care brand we just had to assure people that we are there to take care of their new clothes and keep them as good as new after several washes. That’s it. All we had to do was hack all relevant media spaces with a single line. Sunlight took up the responsibility of protecting the new clothes that people would buy for Pujo and wherever we found a piece of communication asking people to buy new clothes we put up our communication.”

    Unilever head, fabric cleaning, Aditya Kasyap says: “Sunlight is Unilever’s oldest and West Bengal’s largest Fabric Care brand, with a legacy of over 130 years! Sunlight’s promise of superior colour care for fabrics is brought alive in an innovative way with a shopping hack this Pujo, reaffirming the brand’s identify in Bengals cultural fabric.”

     

     

  • Asian Paints Sharad Shamman honors Pujo’s hidden heroes in heartwarming ad

    Asian Paints Sharad Shamman honors Pujo’s hidden heroes in heartwarming ad

    Mumbai: Over the years, while styles, trends, and attitudes have changed in West Bengal, one thing has remained constant—the spirit of celebration. Through these decades, Asian Paints Sharad Shamman has been an integral part of Durga Pujo celebrations and proudly maintains its status of being Kolkata’s most esteemed Pujo Awards since 1985. It has not only led the transformation of pandals from simple setups to vibrant centers of art, culture, and creativity but has also gone behind the scenes to recognize and celebrate the individuals who contribute to making Durga Puja memorable for all. As a tribute to the dedicated people and pandals that have been part of Sharad Shamman for nearly four decades, Asian Paints has released a heartfelt TVC.

    Beyond the extravagant pandals and the radiant lights, there exists an unseen army of individuals who labour tirelessly, often unnoticed but never unfelt. They are the unsung heroes of the festivities, the backbone of Pujo. This year, Asian Paints Sharad Shamman pays homage to these unsung heroes who meticulously attend to every detail, from crafting pandal decorations to rearranging furniture, ensuring that every aspect of the festival is perfect. Their ad film is a musical tribute to the resourceful neighbourhood individuals who breathe life into the Sharodiya by simply being a part of it.

    Created by Ogilvy, the TVC takes viewers through the lesser-explored alleys of festive Kolkata. It sheds light on the labours of love that ultimately culminate in the grandeur and captivating experiences of Durga Pujo. Unlike the well-known pageantry of Pujo, the TVC focuses on the preparations that build up to it which is where the true essence of the festival resides – in the anticipation and fervour of Agomoni. The ad film offers glimpses of small, heartfelt moments – neighbourhood uncles guiding pandal builders to their designated spots, young girls lending a hand with decorations, and a differently-abled woman using her feet to paint alpona on the ground. It also showcases a group of artistic boys and girls painting a mural of Durga on a wall. Each frame is filled with warmth and camaraderie, highlighting themes of inclusion and acceptance.

    Speaking about the film, Asian Paints Ltd MD & CEO Amit Syngle shared, “Asian Paints Sharad Shamman stands tall almost four decades on due to efforts of countless artists, sculptors, devoted committee members & communities or paras at large who work diligently to make their ‘para-pujos’ special and grand. We at Asian Paints are happy to have infused thematic excellence into Kolkata Pujos & championed the cause over years. The love that we have got from the people of Kolkata is special as they fondly refer to Asian Paints Sharad Shamman as the ‘Oscars of Pujo’. Last year, this festival received global recognition when UNESCO honoured it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a milestone made possible by these heroes & paras collectively, who have worked relentlessly over decades to make their Pujos . They truly embody the heart and soul of Pujo festivities. In our 39th year of Sharad Shamman, we celebrate and pay tribute to these exceptional individuals through our heart-warming film.”

    “Durga Pujo is the only time of the year when the art of love and the love of art become one and the same. The days leading up to the big festival transforms into a celebratory workshop of laughter, inclusivity and creativity. Boundaries dissolve and differences get resolved when Pujo comes knocking on the door. That’s what we have tried to show and celebrate through this film. It is an homage to the festivity of creativity.”, said Ogilvy executive creative director Sujoy Roy.

  • Greenply ropes in Boman Irani to convey importance of safe air in our homes

    Greenply ropes in Boman Irani to convey importance of safe air in our homes

    NEW DELHI: People have been confined to their homes for over a year, guarding themselves against the spread of the novel Coronavirus, which is mostly spread through air.  But have they ever considered the dangers that dwell unnoticed within our homes? This is the question raised by Greenply Industries in its latest brand campaign.

    The TVC campaign created by Ogilvy India highlights the risk of formaldehyde emission from plywood and showcases the ‘Zero Emission (E-0)’ product range of the company, with the tag line; 'E-0 chuno, Khulke saans lo'. The campaign features actor Boman Irani in the lead, and through the course of a lyrical banter, asks the unavoidable question: never mind the dangers outside, who will save you from the dangers inside?

    Greenply Industries joint managing director Sanidhya Mittal said, “There has been a significant change in the consumer buying pattern. People today are extremely concerned not only about their external environment but also about the indoor air quality where they live. There is more awareness about the impact of air pollution on human health. The rising concern pushed us to come up with this innovation.”

    According to the company, the aim was to weave a narrative that finds its way to the core message through a relatable analogy wrapped in humour.  After all, home is supposed to be a safe space, a mask-free zone. The only thing that stands between you and deep, cleansing breaths is formaldehyde emission. E-0 grade emission compliance made sure that the plywood emits negligible formaldehyde and that its manufacturing facility has an on-site testing mechanism to monitor quality.

    Ogilvy executive creative director Sujoy Roy said “Musical banter is one of the oldest forms of creative expressions. It makes the intended message more memorable simply by being engaging, lyrical and humorous. We thought that a comic dialogue leading to a conversation on formaldehyde emissions might just be the way to reach out to homeowners, across social, cultural and class identities. We couldn’t think of anyone better than Boman Irani for the role.”

    Link to the film: 

  • Senco Gold & Diamonds showcases Karigari with Vidya Balan

    Senco Gold & Diamonds showcases Karigari with Vidya Balan

    MUMBAI: In its new campaign, Senco Gold & Diamonds, the jewellery brand from Bengal, puts a different lens on craftsmanship.

    Karigari finds its significance and relevance through the stories of four different women from four different parts of the country – women who find a reflection of their identity in the jewellery they choose to wear. Real, everyday women. With real stories. It is set to play up the fact that women, the karigars of life, are as unique as the pieces of adornment they choose for themselves.

    The multi-faceted and multi-talented Balan has masterfully essayed these diverse characters. Suresh Triveni – the director of Tumhari Sullu, teams up with Vidya and the crew that created Sullu, to tell these stories and bring them alive in his characteristic style.

    Each of the four films narrates the way a woman finds herself, her life and her identity intertwined with the piece of jewellery that she wears. It traces the story of a Bengali woman who discovers that the time taking art of filigree is similar to the time and patience that she needs to invest in making a relationship blossom. How she enjoys perfecting the relationship just like a karigar enjoys perfecting filigree work for a set of bangles.

    The second story is told in the modest voice of a housewife in Delhi. She acknowledges the importance of little indulgences and discovers her dazzle in the karigari of diamonds.

    The third story finds its protagonist in a South Indian woman. Someone who discovers that karigari can combine traditional values and modern outlook just the way she has never lost touch of her roots.

    And the last film helps a modern working woman, who believes in simplicity, find her match in the minimalistic and intricate karigari of lightweight jewellery.

    Ogilvy Kolkata managing partner creative Sujoy Roy says, “The task was to take Senco’s strength of craftsmanship to every corner of India as the brand extends its footprint across the nation. With this campaign we will help women, the karigars of life, discover another karigar in Senco. The story of karigari finds its role in the lives of these four women. And depicts how different forms of karigari helps reflect the true identity of every woman. Only an actor as versatile as Vidya Balan could do justice to these roles. Unlike other jewellery campaigns, this campaign doesn’t over-promise or create an eclectic space for jewellery. It is set in the real space. And it finds its voice through the stories of four relatable characters across the country.

    Senco Gold & Diamonds executive director Suvankar Sen adds, “Each time a client praises our intricate designs, it is a credit to our craftsmen. We are fortunate to have them with us for years. In fact, some of the karigars have been with us for generations so they know everything when it comes to jewellery, modern or old; traditional or futuristic. This campaign is a tribute to the karigars who work untiringly to craft jewellery by their hands”

  • MP Birla Cement celebrated Independence Day with a flag without colours

    MP Birla Cement celebrated Independence Day with a flag without colours

    MUMBAI: Every year, at the stroke of the midnight preceding 15 August,  India wakes up to pay a tribute to freedom. The nation celebrates Independence Day. The tricolour narrates a story of change and centuries of struggle. Together, the bands of saffron, white and green sing an ode to self sacrifice, truth and the nation's covenant with the earth.

    But even on such an August day, there are those who are sentenced to celebrate freedom in the bondage of darkness – the visually impaired citizens. They don't get to see the colours fluttering against a clear blue sky. What they miss out on is the pride that the sight of the tricolour invites.

    To complete their celebration and make a difference, MP Birla Cement, in association with the Lighthouse for the Blind, Kolkata, designed a unique national flag. One whose colours would not be hidden from those devoid of sight. Those who had never seen the tricolour with their eyes could feel it with their fingers. The three colours, along with the Ashoka Chakra, were translated in Braille, and cast on a flag made of cement concrete. 

    The significance of the colours and the symbol was embossed next to them. Once made, the flag went to the students of The Lighthouse for the Blind. This Independence Day, the children of the school got a chance to run their fingers across the colours that stand for freedom. The cement flag made their experience of India a shade richer in pride and honour. 

    MP Birla Cement executive president Sandip Ranjan Ghose says, “This was a humble effort on our part to celebrate ‘inclusion’ on our nation’s Independence Day by also bringing in differently abled children into its fold. The initiative resonates with our organisation's core values of – Heart and Strength."

    Ogilvy Kolkata managing partner creative Sujoy Roy adds, “The glory of our waving flag is a heritage that belongs to every Indian. We simply wanted to share it with those who are deprived of its vividness. After all, freedom is everyone's birthright.”

  • MP Birla Chetak Cement’s new TVC is truly Rajasthani

    MP Birla Chetak Cement’s new TVC is truly Rajasthani

    MUMBAI: MP Birla Chetak Cement has rolled out a new TVC conceptualised by Ogilvy Kolkata and produced by Conversation Films. 

    The film opens with a close shot of a horse, running through a terrain beset with travails and natural hindrances.  The narrative, enriched with poetic inflexions, reveals the real soul of Rajasthan.  It is a land of extremities, a conjunction of communities with shared history of survival.  The sons and daughters of Rajasthan are born with the gift of endurance, and a Chetak is no exception.  Every grain of MP Birla Chetak Cement is Rajasthan incarnate. 

    Birla Corporation Limited Kolkata executive president of sales, marketing and logistics Sandip Ranjan Ghose says,  “Like Chetak the horse is a legend, MP Birla Chetak Cement is also a legend, having completed half a century of existence in Rajasthan – from the inception of the MP Birla Cement Plant in Chanderia 50 years ago.  It is a highly respected and trusted brand across Rajasthan, and markets of the North and Western India.  The commercial celebrates the heritage of MP Birla Chetak in its golden jubilee year.”

    Ogilvy Kolkata managing partner of creative Sujoy Roy, adds, “MP Birla Chetak Cement promises to guard homes against every kind of weather.  It is as zealous to guard and protect homes as a warrior is keen to defend his motherland.  That’s why instead of directly talking about the product’s salient features, we have developed a film that portrays Chetak as a metaphor for protection.  It evokes the image of the legendary stallion that had once served in gruelling battlefields.  The most challenging part of the film was its execution.”
     

  • Greenply questions your plywood choice

    Greenply questions your plywood choice

    MUMBAI: Greenply has launched its new campaign to make consumers aware that there are consequences of compromising on the quality of plywood used in their furniture.

    When it comes to investing in attractive furniture, an average Indian consumer holds nothing back. They gladly spend money on imported veneer and polish. They tighten their purse strings only when it comes to purchasing plywood, though it accounts for a small fraction of the total investment. According to the newly launched Greenply TVCs, such an attitude leads to wasteful expense. Customers are encouraged to ask Greenply before making any furniture-related decision.

    The campaigns conceptualised by Ogilvy narrate the plight of people who use substandard plywood to make luxurious furniture. The stories open with the protagonists bragging about their imported veneer and polish. One untoward action through the course of the elaborate praises leads to a complete breakdown of the piece of furniture, resulting in embarrassment.

    The films, in keeping with Greenply’s tradition of quirky storytelling, make consumers aware of the hazards of using cheap ply. They tell us that such accidents can happen when we compromise on the quality of plywood.

    Ogilvy Kolkata managing partner creative Sujoy Roy adds, “The aim of this campaign is to make our consumers aware of the perils of compromising on the quality of plywood. We want to arrest the customer’s attention with the help of facts and humour.”

    Greenply industries associate vice president and head of marketing Kamal K Mishra adds, “Greenply strives to make consumers aware of plywood’s importance, so that they can identify their needs and prioritise their investments.”

  • Bandhan Bank inspires consumers to dream big

    Bandhan Bank inspires consumers to dream big

    MUMBAI: Bandhan Bank has launched two campaigns to strengthen its home and business loan segments. The TV ads succinctly intend to encourage consumers to follow their dreams and take a step towards improving their lives.

    The film on business loans conveys the idea that Bandhan Bank doesn’t just provide a loan, it also invests in the customer’s dream and helps it come to life. It charts the story of a woman looking for a saree in a boutique. It turns out that the woman is a Bandhan Bank employee who had sanctioned the loan for the owner to set up the boutique.

    The TVC on home loans takes us through the daily trials of people living in rented apartments. It brings to life the compromises they make to comply with the rules laid down by their landlords. The film encourages people to live life on their own terms.

    Bandhan bank MD and CEO Chandra Shekhar Ghosh said, “There are many people who have their own inhibitions when it comes to approaching a bank for a loan. They feel that their financial background makes them ineligible. At Bandhan, we believe in people’s potential, we see what they can achieve tomorrow.”

    Ogilvy Kolkata managing director of creative Sujoy Roy adds, “We set out to tell real stories – narratives that resonate with the people we wanted to talk to, things that they feel and experience. It was important for the viewers to relate to the characters and their performance. We wanted to assuage the fears that prospective borrowers may have, and push them closer to their dreams.”