ITV

Tag: The Advertising Club

  • Pandit hits the write note with memoir on adland, music and more

    Pandit hits the write note with memoir on adland, music and more

     MUMBAI: From the buzz of boardrooms to the rhythm of raag, Bipin R. Pandit’s journey finally finds its hardcover harmony. At Goafest 2025, amidst Abby cheers and industry nostalgia, The Advertising Club’s beloved COO Bipin R. Pandit launched his long-anticipated biography titled Impassioned. The launch wasn’t just ceremonial, it marked the culmination of 28 years spent scripting not just award shows, but a legacy in Indian advertising’s cultural corridors.

    Released by Ad Club President and Havas India group CEO for SEA & North Asia, Rana Barua, the book dropped during the 58th edition of the Abby Awards, a fitting venue, given Pandit has helmed 28 editions himself.

    But Impassioned is no dry professional recollection. Co-authored by Gokul Krishnamoorthy and supported by Gour Gupta’s Tribes, the book oscillates between Pandit’s rise from Castrol’s data division to becoming the backbone of India’s most prominent advertising secretariat and his other passions: cricket, Kishore Kumar and Khumaar, the live music IP he founded.

    It also swings into his personal innings, including a rooftop romance in Dadar that turned into a lifelong partnership. Reflections from industry stalwarts Piyush Pandey, Prasoon Joshi, Ramesh Narayan and Barua himself add emotional resonance to a story that’s both deeply personal and distinctly adland.

    The book also traces the birth of now-iconic properties like the Effies and Emvies, first conceptualised under Pandit’s watch in 2001 as part of a three-day Mumbai festival alongside the Abbys. Today, these awards stand as pillars of the Indian advertising industry.

    “Writing started with a LinkedIn blog post post-Abbys,” Pandit shared. “Rana called me and said ‘You need to make this a book’. The rest, as they say, got written.”

    Barua added, “Bipin’s been the pulse of the Club steady, smiling and always switched on. This book lets us meet the man behind the magic.”

    Adding heart to history, Pandit has pledged 10 per cent of all proceeds from Impassioned to the Light of Life Foundation, which supports underprivileged communities.

    From overseeing award ceremonies to belting out old classics, from managing committees to cricket trivia debates Bipin R. Pandit hasn’t just worked in adland, he’s lived it. And now, finally, it’s all on record with rhythm, recall and a whole lot of raag.

  • EMVIE Awards turn 25 with a grand celebration of advertising brilliance

    EMVIE Awards turn 25 with a grand celebration of advertising brilliance

    MUMBAI- Mumbai’s advertising elite gathered under one roof as The Advertising Club marked a spectacular 25 years of the EMVIE Awards, widely regarded as the Oscars of the media world. The milestone edition, held at the Jio World Convention Centre on 28 March 2025, celebrated the finest in media strategy, innovation, and brand storytelling, honouring industry leaders who have redefined the advertising landscape.

    With an unprecedented 1,779 entries from 33 agencies, a record-breaking feat, the competition was fierce, culminating in 443 shortlisted campaigns. The night saw a grand total of 191 winners, including 1 Grand EMVIE, 46 gold, 71 silver, and 73 bronze trophies.

    Best Media Agency of the Year 2025 - Wavemaker India

    Wavemaker India dominated the night, clinching the title of Best Media Agency of the Year with 665 points, while Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd. took home Best Media Client of the Year with 380 points.

    The coveted Grand EMVIE was awarded to Initiative Media (India) Private Limited for their innovative use of AI-driven interactive storytelling for Amazon Prime Video’s Mirzapur, bagging the trophy in the Best Media Innovation: Best Use of AI for a Media Solution category.

    Other big winners included Mindshare India, finishing second with 570 points, and Essencemediacom, securing third place with 275 points.

    The EMVIE for Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DE&I) was awarded to Interactive Avenues for their impactful campaign ‘Ek Macchhli Paani Mein Gayi’ for Chhanv Foundation, shedding light on the resilience of acid attack survivors.

    The Young EMVIE of the Year went to Navneet Kabra from Wavemaker India, who crafted a winning hand for Cadbury 5 Star & Cadbury Celebrations with ‘The Joker Who Got Cadbury the Winning Hand’.

    Havas India, group CEO for South East, and North Asia & and The Advertising Club, president Rana Barua, said, “As we celebrate 25 years of the EMVIES, it’s a moment to acknowledge how these awards have become a true reflection of our industry’s relentless pursuit of innovation, creativity, and excellence. The EMVIES have consistently evolved to capture the spirit of transformative storytelling and the power of effective media strategies. This milestone is a tribute to the passion and dedication of media professionals who continue to raise the bar with their groundbreaking work. Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 EMVIE Awards — your achievements are an inspiration, driving our industry forward. Here’s to the next 25 years of pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks.”

    EMVIES Committee chairperson Punitha Arumugam said, “The EMVIES have played a crucial role in shaping India’s media landscape by setting new benchmarks in effectiveness and innovation. As we mark 25 years of this incredible journey, we recognize the immense talent, creativity, and strategic brilliance that elevate industry standards. This year’s winners exemplify the best of what media can achieve when insights, strategy, and technology come together.”

    With support from The Times of India & UltraTech Cement Limited, the EMVIE Awards 2025 once again proved why they remain the gold standard of advertising recognition. As the industry looks ahead, the only thing certain is that the future of media will be bold, boundary-breaking, and built on brilliance.

  • AdClub’s M.Ad Quiz is scheduled for Saturday 14 Dec 2024 at 6:30 pm

    AdClub’s M.Ad Quiz is scheduled for Saturday 14 Dec 2024 at 6:30 pm

    MUMBAI: It may be called M.Ad. But the focus  at  the Ad Club’s M.Ad Quiz is not on the insanity of advertising, rather it is on the celebration of human ingenuity.  Scheduled for Saturday 14 December 2024 at 6.30 pm at The Great Room, Four Seasons Hotel, Worli, Mumbai, this event invites participants to unleash their creativity and passion for knowledge in a fun-filled evening led by the legendary Derek O’Brien, a master quiz host.

    This quiz involves  participants from the media, advertising, and marketing industries, as well as curious professionals from various sectors, including business school students.  The  program promises exciting prizes from leading brands, ensuring enjoyment for both participants and the audience. Winners can look forward to prizes such as an Ampere Electric Scooter, IFB washing machines, microwaves, and products from renowned brands like Britannia, Godrej Consumer Products, and Nestle.

    Co-powered by Radio City and Zing, with Mainland China as the associate sponsor, the M.Ad Quiz reaffirms The Ad Club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting creativity.

    The Ad Club president Rana Barua stated, “The M.Ad Quiz is a testament to The Ad Club’s unwavering commitment to nurturing young professionals and creating platforms that inspire creativity and curiosity. With the legendary Derek O’Brien at the helm, this coveted quiz celebrates the brilliance of young minds and fosters connections that transcend industries.”

    Teams will consist of two members, and each team can bring five cheerleaders at no additional cost. The final six teams selected will compete on stage during the final session. Organisations can enter multiple teams.

    Entry Fee for Participation:

    1   Team Entry: Rs. 2000- plus 18% GST (total Rs. 2360/- for two team members and five cheerleaders)

    Donor Passes:

    1   Gold Member: Rs. 650

    2   Silver Member: Rs. 850

    3   Ad Club Senior Citizen Member: Rs. 500

    The event will conclude with cocktails and dinner.

  • Rana Barua re-elected president of The Advertising Club for second term

    Rana Barua re-elected president of The Advertising Club for second term

    Mumbai: The Advertising, marketing and media industry’s apex body – The Advertising Club has announced the managing committee for the current fiscal, i.e., F.Y. 2024-2025, at its 70th annual general meeting. Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, South East & North Asia (Japan & South Korea) Havas Group – India has been re-elected to lead the body.

    Speaking about the appointment, The Advertising Club president Rana Barua said, “I am truly honoured to lead the prestigious Advertising Club for a second term. This past year has been an enriching journey, marked by significant milestones in a dynamic, ever-evolving industry. Together with my esteemed committee, we have made remarkable strides, and I look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead with a fresh team and ambitious goals.”

    The below members were elected unopposed. The Office Bearers of The Advertising Club for 2024-2025 are –

    . Rana Barua – president

    . Dheeraj Sinha – vice president

    . Dr. Bhaskar Das – secretary

    . Punitha Arumugam – Jt. secretary

    .  Mitrajit Bhattacharya – treasurer

    Managing Committee Members include the below industry leaders who will play a decisive role in driving synergies and ensuring the success of all The Advertising Club initiatives:

    .  Avinash Kaul

    .  Malcolm Raphael

    .  Prasanth Kumar

    .  Mansha Tandon

    .  Ajay Kakar

    .  Sonia Huria

    .  Subramanyeswar S.

    In addition, given below is the list of co-opted industry professionals:

    .   Mayur Hola

    .  Pradeep Dwivedi

    .  Sagnik Ghosh

    The below list of leaders are special invitees and bring immense value to The Advertising Club through their expertise and deep understanding of the respective industry segments:

    . Ajay Chandwani

    . Alok Lall

    .  Amitesh Rao

    .  Lulu Raghavan

    .  Ashit Kukian

    .  Raj Nayak

    .  Satyanarayan Raghavan

    .  Vikas Khanchandani

    .  Vaishali Verma

    Partha Sinha will continue as a member of the managing committee as the Immediate Past President for the ensuing year.
     

  • Nishant Patil and Bodhisattwa Banerjee clinch winning prizes at Advertising Rocks

    Nishant Patil and Bodhisattwa Banerjee clinch winning prizes at Advertising Rocks

    Mumbai: The second edition of Advertising Rocks, an initiative designed to encourage India’s Advertising, Media, and Marketing professionals to display their musical skills and abilities, kicked off on Day 2 of Goafest 2024. Through Advertising Rocks, individual singers have been encouraged to submit their entries and obtain the chance to entertain audiences at Goafest 2024, South Asia’s largest advertising festival.

    The participants gave stellar performances, enthralling the audiences. The winners were chosen on the basis of jury decision and live audience voting. The winners are as follow:

    Advertising Rocks – Winner – Solo Indian – Nishant Patil from Logicserve Digital Pvt. Ltd.

    Advertising Rocks – Winner – Solo International – Bodhisattwa Banerjee from VML India

    “Our heartiest congratulations to the winners and all the participants. This has been a wonderful platform to showcase the musical talent in our industry. I hope we can make it even bigger next year!” said former BBH CEO and curator of Advertising Rocks Subhash Kamath.

    Havas Media Network India CEO and Goafest 2024 Co-chair Mohit Joshi said, “Advertising Rocks was a big hit this year at Goafest, and the talent demonstrated by all participants has truly impressed us. My sincere congratulations to all winners, and I hope to see more talented performers next year.”

    At Advertising Rocks, four shortlisted performers from each of the two solo categories – Indian and International – showcased their musical talent in front of the esteemed judges: Harshdeep Kaur, Bollywood playback singer; Rajeev Raja, Founder & Soundsmith at Brandmusiq; and Merlin D’Souza, Founding Partner & Principal Composer at Brandmusiq and Music Director. The winners of both categories received cash prizes of Rs 50,000, while the runners-up were awarded with a cash prize of Rs 25,000. All entries were reviewed by Rajeev Raja, Merlin D’Souza, and Subhash Kamath.

  • Lessons of adaptability: Embracing failure to touch success

    Lessons of adaptability: Embracing failure to touch success

    Mumbai: This year, Goafest has adapted to new horizons, bringing the 17th edition of the festival to the vibrant city of Mumbai.

    As they celebrated numerous ground-breaking ideas, they rose a toast to adaptability – the key to success in their ever-changing world. From diverse view-points to cutting-edge strategies, set amidst the serene backdrop of Powai Lake, this year’s Goafest ignited the creative spark and empowered people to navigate the exciting unknown.

    Disney+ Hotstar presented a session, titled Lessons of Adaptability: Embracing Failure to Touch Success, featuring Indian actress Medha Shankr, and actor Vikrant Massey, moderated by the multifaceted Actor, Producer & Entrepreneur, Neha Dhupia. Medha and Vikrant, the cast of the acclaimed film 12th Fail, illuminated the audience with their insights on embracing failure as a stepping stone towards triumph.

    Reflecting on his 21 years in the industry, Vikrant delved into the essence of adaptability, citing his varied experiences from television to movies and the invaluable lesson that success cannot exist without acknowledging failure. He said, “Success cannot be defined as a standard without failure. Out of  365 days in a year, in 300 you’re off the mark, and only 65 are successes.” He shared anecdotes from his latest project, ‘12th Fail,’ finding resonance in the film’s themes of familial responsibility and the values instilled by Manoj Kumar’s vision. Meanwhile, Medha, having relocated to Mumbai several years ago, echoed Vikrant’s sentiment on embracing failure as a catalyst for growth.

    Despite uncertainties about the film’s reception, both actors were committed to authenticity, prioritising storytelling over commercial success. They expressed openness to future collaborations, guided by a shared dedication to staying true to the director’s vision and exploring diverse storytelling opportunities.

    Through engaging anecdotes and candid reflections, they demonstrated how resilience and adaptability are vital ingredients on the path to success.
     

  • From setbacks to comebacks: The power of persistence

    From setbacks to comebacks: The power of persistence

    Mumbai: This year, Goafest has adapted to new horizons, bringing the 17th edition of the festival to the vibrant city of Mumbai.

    As they celebrated numerous ground-breaking ideas, they rose a toast to adaptability – the key to success in their ever-changing world. From diverse view-points to cutting-edge strategies, set amidst the serene backdrop of Powai Lake, this year’s Goafest ignited the creative spark and empowered people to navigate the exciting unknown.

    In a powerful session titled, From Setbacks to Comebacks: The Power of Persistence presented by Adani, acclaimed writer and film director Tahira Kashyap captivated the audience with her inspiring journey, moderated with celebrity host & actor Atika Farooqui. Tahira shared personal anecdotes and professional experiences, illustrating how resilience and determination have been instrumental in her success. “Women go through hardware upgrades a lot; every day is so different for women, every hour is so different than the previous one,” she mentioned, also candidly referring to the books she has written on womanhood and motherhood.

    When asked about the various facets of her identity, she smiled, “My identity is no longer defined by my title, but by the relationships I cherish. I take immense pride in being known as a wife, mother, daughter, and Mrs Kashyap. It’s the people in my life who give my existence meaning, and I’m humbled to be seen as a person, not just a professional label.” Throughout the discussion, she underscored that setbacks are not the end but opportunities for growth and reinvention. She reflected on the numerous hardships that life can bring, yet felt profound gratitude to the universe for her journey thus far. Her faith had been a constant source of strength, empowering her to overcome obstacles. Recognizing that each person’s life is unique, she acknowledged that everyone faces challenges, but it is their faith that enables them to persevere. With a steadfast determination to create meaningful stories, she vowed that her female protagonists would never be relegated to marginal roles, instead, they would be dynamic characters who drive the narrative forward. With a personal commitment to growth and self-improvement, she embraced the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that her perspective and journey would shape her path.

    Her story resonated deeply, offering a compelling reminder that persistence is key to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success. This session underscored the transformative power of perseverance in turning obstacles into stepping stones.
     

  • Goafest 2024: Adapt to thrive not just survive

    Goafest 2024: Adapt to thrive not just survive

    Mumbai: This year, Goafest has adapted to new horizons, bringing the 17th edition of the festival to the vibrant city of Mumbai.

    As they celebrated numerous ground-breaking ideas, they rose a toast to adaptability – the key to success in their ever-changing world. From diverse view-points to cutting-edge strategies, set amidst the serene backdrop of Powai Lake, this year’s Goafest ignited the creative spark and empowered people to navigate the exciting unknown.

    In the first session presented by News 18 Network, titled Adapt To Thrive Not Just Survive, Tata Play managing director & CEO Harit Nagpal emphasised the importance of adaptability as a key to thriving rather than merely surviving. In a captivating speech that left the audience both thinking and inspired, laden with anecdotes, the keynote speaker emphasised the inevitability of disruption in our lives and the critical importance of resilience in the face of it. “Disruption can be caused by anything or anyone, but it becomes our responsibility to survive and thrive,” he asserted! He then discussed Business Continuity Planning, a strategy used in the 2000s, designed to address both expected and unexpected scenarios, and its relevance to COVID-19.

    He then moved on to highlight the surge in digital interactions, including video calls and remote work, which have become the norm. The pandemic, he noted, disrupted traditional office setups but ultimately led to more flexible and efficient work arrangements.

    He also revealed that a significant and growing proportion of Tata Play’s customer base is now opting for digital recharge options, marking a notable shift in consumer behaviour. This trend is reflected in the company’s increasing market share, as more and more customers embrace the convenience of virtual recharges. In a nod to the rapid pace of innovation, he declared, “Disruption is the new norm.” From the worldwide web to AI, each breakthrough is shrinking the gap between disruptions, and we’re just getting started.

    His parting words, “Either you disrupt, or someone else is going to do it for you, and the best time to do it is when you feel the most comfortable!” left an indelible mark!
     

  • Navigating the age of adaptability: Leading with vision, flexibility, and purpose

    Navigating the age of adaptability: Leading with vision, flexibility, and purpose

    Mumbai: This year, Goafest has adapted to new horizons, bringing the 17th edition of the festival to the vibrant city of Mumbai.

    As they celebrated numerous ground-breaking ideas, they rose a toast to adaptability – the key to success in their ever-changing world. From diverse view-points to cutting-edge strategies, set amidst the serene backdrop of Powai Lake, this year’s Goafest ignited the creative spark and empowered people to navigate the exciting unknown.

    The second session of Sun Neo presented an enlightening session titled, Navigating The Age Of Adaptability: Leading with Vision, Flexibility, and Purpose, led by L Catterton India executive chairman Sanjiv Mehta. In this compelling talk, Mehta delved into the critical elements of leading with vision, flexibility, innovation, agility, and dynamic purpose in today’s ever-changing market landscape. He articulated how visionary leadership combined with the agility to pivot and a strong sense of purpose can drive business success and resilience. “Agility demands spare capacity and the ability to redirect talent towards value creation”, he mentioned.

    Mehta also highlighted the importance of innovation through several examples, noting that no business follows a linear trajectory. Instead, resilience and adaptability are essential for organisations to bounce back and thrive in a dynamic environment. He stated, “Learning happens when you have the humility to say, ‘I don’t know?’” – by admitting so’, organisations and corporations open themselves to new knowledge and understanding, fostering a growth mindset that enables them to learn and grow from others’ expertise and experiences, not just myopically thinking of profit generation.

    He highlighted myriad leadership attributes, including sensemaking, a term coined by Karl Weick, which involves piecing together disparate information to foresee and navigate complexity. He also spoke about care and compassion being a core value for leaders. Moreover, focussing on the value of team over individuals, he accentuated, “The concept of a great leader is a myth; it is always the work of a great team.” Overall, this session offered invaluable insights, highlighting the need for businesses to remain adaptable and forward-thinking to navigate and thrive in the age of constant change.
     

  • “Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show saw a rise in participation from media and creative companies”: Ajay Kakar

    “Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show saw a rise in participation from media and creative companies”: Ajay Kakar

    Mumbai: The 55th edition of the Abby Awards powered by One Show marks a milestone in the recognition of excellence in advertising, bringing together the industry’s brightest minds and creative talents. This year’s awards showcase an increase in participation and entries, reflecting the growing competitiveness in the advertising community.

    Indiantelevison.com caught up with Ajay Kakar – Chairperson of Awards Governing Council Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show and Managing Committee Member, The Advertising Club, where he shared a deeper understanding on the relevance of the event, judging process and much more!

    Edited excerpts

    On the relevance of conducting Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show

    We have remained contemporary and attuned to the changing times. We are the only awards that I know of which are for the industry, by the industry, and of the industry. While there are award shows that operate primarily as commercial platforms, our focus is on inspiring and recognizing our own industry.

    On the surge in participation and entries

    This year, the Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show saw a rise in participation from media and creative companies. The number of media agencies involved jumped to 73, up from 63 last year, while creative companies saw an increase from 181 to 198. The entries from media agencies surged to 1,258 from last year’s 1,019, indicating an engagement in the competition. Although the entries from creative companies slightly decreased to 2,248 from 2,282, the total number of entries reached an impressive 3,506 surpassing last year’s 3,301.

    On the introduction of new categories

    The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show introduced three new age categories – Digital, Mobile, and Technology, which garnered 626 entries from 75 companies. This addition reflects the evolving landscape of advertising, emphasizing the importance of innovation and technological integration in the industry.

    On the diverse and inclusive jury

    A panel of 23 jury chairs and 204 jurors across 23 categories ensured a rigorous and fair judging process. This year’s jury included 68 female judges, contributing to a 33:67 gender ratio, and out of the 23 jury chairs, nine were women, reflecting a commendable 40:60 ratio. The inclusion of 53 new, young, award-winning judges, constituting 26 per cent of the jury, underscores the bright and shining future for India.

    On the return of leading agencies

    Prominent agencies such as Lowe Lintas, McCann Worldgroup India, DDB Mudra, and Famous Innovations returned to compete, highlighting their influence in the advertising sector.

    On the rigorous judging process

    The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show employed a meticulous judging process, combining the renowned One Show system of shortlist and award rating with independent verification by KPMG. This rigorous approach ensures the highest standards of integrity and credibility in the selection of winners.

    On this year’s new and exciting categories

    This year’s awards introduced several new and exciting categories to acknowledge the latest trends and innovations in advertising:

    1.Best Use of AI: Added as a sub-category in both digital and technology verticals.

    2.Copywriting for Web and Digital Craft: Added in digital and digital verticals.

    3.Health Vertical: This new category includes sub-categories such as OTC Oral Medicines, OTC Products, and Nutraceuticals. Additionally, a new specialist agency award, Health Specialist of the Year, recognises the best performance by a company in this vertical.