MxMIndia

Category: Top Stories

  • Highlights hardy sensors to super-responsive electronic valves

    Crescent launches film for Jaquar hybrid touch shower

    Jaquar, the bathroom and lighting company introduces, Jaquar Qloud, the hybrid touch shower. The ad film is conceived and executed by Crescent Communication.

    Said Sandeep Shukla, CMO of the Jaquar Group: “Behind the elegant interface of Jaquar Cloud lies a robust system engineered to withstand tough Indian operating conditions and provide dependable performance. From hardy sensors to super-responsive electronic valves, every aspect of Sloud is designed to enhance your showering pleasure.”

    Added Rajesh Laikh, Executive Vice President, Crescent: “Touch is not just a sensation; it’s a gateway to our world. It connects us, empowers us, and makes the virtual tangible. With Jaquar Qloud, this power is harnessed to redefine your showering experience. Imagine stepping into your shower and effortlessly controlling your showering environment with just a gentle touch.”

  • Customers can get popular OTT apps along with their TV subscription pack

    Dish TV Smart+ Services launched

    Dish TV has launched ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services offering TV and OTT on any screen, anywhere.

    Commenting on the new proposition, Manoj Dobhal, CEO of Dish TV India Limited, said: “Since its inception, Dish TV has transformed the entertainment consumption landscape, pioneering new ways for people to enjoy their favourite content. With this new proposition, we are poised to make an even greater difference, setting a new standard for immersive and accessible entertainment experiences. The launch of ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services represents more than just a proposition; it embodies the vision to redefine entertainment consumption in India, which is getting smarter and bigger. In a market flooded with options, customers often find themselves overwhelmed. We aim to simplify their choices by offering a holistic and complete entertainment solution. We firmly believe that both traditional television and OTT platforms are indispensable in today’s age, and with our proposition, we aim to reaffirm their equal importance.”

    Added Sukhpreet Singh, Corporate Head of Marketing, Dish TV & Watcho: “With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we’re not just introducing a new proposition; we’re leading a paradigm shift in entertainment consumption. Through our multi-channel marketing approach, we are committed to directly engaging with consumers, ensuring broad awareness and adoption. As a brand, we prioritize staying ahead of trends and adapting to evolving audience preferences. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our strategy, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences that cater to their diverse preferences and lifestyles.”

  • Early bird rates available until May 15

    Goafest 2024 opens delegate registrations

    Goafest 2024 has announced the opening of delegate registrations for the three-day event scheduled to take place from May 29  to May 31  at the Westin Powai in Mumbai. Early bird rates are valid until May 15, 2024.

    Sam Balsara
    Sam Balsara

    Said Sam Balsara, Chairman of the Delegates Committee – Goafest 2024: “Goafest is a unique platform that brings together industry leaders, creative minds, and aspiring talents to celebrate creativity, exchange ideas, and shape the future of advertising in India. We are excited to welcome delegates from across the country to join us for three days of inspiration, learning, and networking. This year with the event moving to Mumbai, we are sure there will be a substantial increase in delegates from Mumbai.”

  • … and made a few anodyne comments, Ranjona Banerji writes on the News18 interview of the Prime Minister

    Ranjona Banerji: He spoke, they listened…

    Ranjona BanerjiThe Prime Minister of India is “interviewed” by three people who work for News18, one of India’s top TV channels which occasionally succumb to showing a bit of news. To call it an interview is a bit of a stretch. All right, I am unfair. Questions were asked, sort of, and long monologues were received in response. But an interview by journalists? Now that’s another sort of an animal. Compare an encounter between a caged tiger in a zoo and a tiger in the wild. The News18 interview was between a cage and a Master of Manipulation and Deflection. No contest. Or context for that matter, which was what I typed as the last word in the last sentence and then corrected.

     

    I heard one worthy ask Narendra Modi the secret of his strength. I didn’t bother to listen to the answer but he did say that he was placed here by God so some such soon after the question. This was early on in the interview. Aah, you might of thought to yourself, the interviewer was soft-soaping the victim, trying to lull him into being comfortable before pouncing.

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    Sorry, I had to stop and laugh at my own stupidity for a bit. Forgot my own cage metaphor there.

     

    Anyway, Modi made his usual claims of his own greatness (God-given, duh) and of the various nefarious ways in which the Congress and the opposition was going to destroy India if they ever came to power. He reiterated his oft-repeated lie about how the Congress was going to steal the gold and jewellery of women. Not one of the other three people questioned him on this claim or asked him where this appeared in the Congress manifesto.

     

    Much as manifestoes have become a bit of joke in the last few elections in India, the Congress manifesto for Lok Sabha 2024 has been much discussed. By contrast almost no one has had much comment on the BJP manifesto. I suspect that’s because the manifesto is Modi himself. But still, not one of three questioned Modi about his lies. He was essentially therefore not interviewed. He spoke, they listened and made a few anodyne comments.

     

    Meanwhile, a horrific story has emerged about serial sexual abuse and assault of hundreds of women by a Janata Dal (Secular) Lok Sabha candidate, Prajwal Revanna. The JD (S) has tied up with the BJP in Karnataka – this is former PM Deve Gowda’s party and Revanna is his grandson. Revanna has apparently run from India and is now in Germany. Investigations by The News Minute has shown how gag orders were used stop reporting of the many complaints by women against Prajwal Revanna. There is a pen drive doing the rounds of these very disturbing videos of serial rape and assault. A letter by a member of the BJP advising against giving a ticket to Revanna for this very reason has also emerged.

     

    Would this not be something to question the BJP about, if not the Prime Minister himself? But apparently not. Some obscure remark by Rahul Gandhi (or any of his ancestors), some past transgression by Arvind Kejriwal, some law and order issue in Bengal under Mamata Banerjee, these are all far more important than anything the BJP does and does not do, lies about, covers up…

     

    If Modi and the BJP can brazen through, it is thanks to the media.

     

    O, I forgot to mention Manipur. It’s still there. Remember that place? Because the mainstream media’s pretty much forgotten about it.

     

    Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia on Tuesdays and Fridays. Her views here are personal.

  • To celebrate the IPL Season with ‘dumdaar’ flavours

    Biryani By Kilo partners with Shivam Dube

    Biryani By Kilo, the biryani and kabab chain, has collaborated with cricketer Shivam Dube. This partnership aims to celebrate the spirit of the Indian Premier League with the flavours of the brand’s culinary delights and elevate the matchday experience.

    Said Vishal Jindal, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Biryani By Kilo: “Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, and each year, the IPL unites everyone in a celebration of passion and skill. We are thrilled to partner with Shivam Dube, a true icon of Indian cricket, who perfectly complements the thrill of the IPL season. Just as Shivam brings ‘dumdaar’ power to the field, our biryanis are infused with ‘dumdaar’ flavours and authentic ingredients. Through this, our aim is to offer cricket enthusiasts delectable match day moments that combine the excitement of the game with the unmatched flavours of our signature dishes.”

  • Triumphs with multiple awards in various categories

    Mindshare emerges as Agency of the Year at FOMA 2024

    has been awarded Agency of the Year 2024 at the Festival Of Media Asia-Pacfic awards for 2024. Mindshare won several metals and titles for campaigns with 2 Grand Prix, 7 Gold, 6 Silver and 4 Bronze awards across various categories like Campaign of the Year, Best Branded Content, Best Response Campaign, Best Cause Campaign, Best Viral Campaign, Best Use of Audio, Video, Creative Use of Media, Best Use of eSports or Gaming, etc. In addition to this Mindshare India grabbed the Agency of the Year title.

    Said Amin Lakhani, CEO of Mindshare South Asia: “We are absolutely thrilled and grateful to be recognized as the Agency of the Year at FOMA 2024. This achievement is even more special as it comes from multiple award-winning campaigns across various categories. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and I’m proud to see them being recognized for their efforts. This is a great moment for us, and we look forward to continuing to deliver innovative solutions and drive good growth for our clients in the future.”

    From India, Wavemaker and EssenceMediacom, have also brought seven metals each.

  • Allows customers stress free operations through systematic maintenance of vehicles

    Tata Motors rolls out digital campaign for its AMC

    Tata Motors has rolled out a new digital campaign titled ‘Karo Business Tension Free’. The campaign aims to create awareness on the benefits of an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) service that allows customers stress free operations through systematic maintenance of vehicles.

    Commenting on the campaign, Shubhranshu Singh, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said: “Our campaign highlights Tata Motors’ commitment towards not only delivering superior vehicles but also solutions that promise customers total peace of mind. The ‘Karo Business Tension Free’ campaign seamlessly blends emotive storytelling with relatable scenarios, with each film distinctively highlighting how AMC guarantees hassle free business operations—an often overlooked aspect in after-sales service. We aim for our campaign to instill confidence in customers, encouraging them to opt for AMC as an ideal solution for their long term business needs.”

  • Sets new standards for brand engagement

    Laqshya Media unveils OOH campaign for Finolex Cables

    Laqshya Media Group has unveiled an Out-of-Home (OOH) campaign for Finolex Wiggle ES BLDC Fans and wiring solutions across key cities.

    Said Amit Mathur, President-Sales & Marketing, Finolex Cables Ltd: “In today’s fast-paced digital world, capturing consumer attention requires innovation and creativity. Our ‘No Stress. Finolex’ campaign exemplifies this ethos, with standout hoardings showcasing our dedication to innovation and reliability. These hoardings are not just advertisements; they’re symbols of our brand’s commitment to standing out and making a meaningful connection with our audience. Coupled with our comprehensive 360-degree approach across various channels and marketing activities, we’re confident that Finolex Cables will continue to resonate with consumers, driving brand awareness and engagement.”

    Added  M Amarjeet Singh Hudda, COO of Laqshya Media Limited: “This campaign goes beyond mere visuals; it’s about crafting experiences that leave a lasting impression. By seamlessly integrating motion into our OOH strategy, we grab attention and foster meaningful engagement with our audience. The fusion of technology and creativity has enabled us to create a campaign that resonates with the audience across multiple touchpoints.”

  • Names: Pallavi Chakravarti, Raj Kamble and Mayuri Nikumbh

    More jury chairs named for Abby 2024

    Pallavi Chakravarti
    Pallavi Chakravarti
    Raj Kamble
    Raj Kamble
    Mayuri Nikumbh
    Mayuri Nikumbh

    Pallavi Chakravarti, Founder and CCO of Fundamental, Raj Kamble, Founder & CCO of Famous Innovations and Mayuri Nikumbh, Head of Design at Conran Design, will join as Jury Chairs for the Abby Awards 2024.

    Chakravarti has been appointed Jury Chair in the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion category, Kamble will be Jury Chair for the Out of Home and Ambient category. Nikumbh will Jury Chair in the Design Category.

  • Initiative undertaken in collaboration with Quantum Solutions

    MullenLowe Lintas Group commissions study to deconstruct Indian cultures

    MullenLowe Lintas Group has commissioned study titled ‘State of States’ to deconstruct the different Indian cultures. The initiative is undertaken in collaboration with Quantum Consumer Solutions, to partner their clients in helping create deeper meanings for brands at a local/ethnic/cultural/sub-cultural level and win in the marketplace.

    Commenting on the study, S Subramanyeswar, Group CEO – India & Chief Strategy Officer – APAC of MullenLowe Group said: “There is a rise in ethnic nationalism or localism or even ultra localism in India (and in fact, it’s a global phenomenon too), in which identity is defined by perceived genetic, religious, or linguistic heritage beyond the democratic ideals or principles and our timing of this “State of States” study, a marvel of insight and practicality, couldn’t have been better given the ‘Winning in many Indias’ agenda of many organizations in the country. While politicians use this to whip up fundamentalism outlining their terms of engagement, brands can certainly stoke pride, becoming the firms of endearment.”

    Sharing her enthusiasm on the partnership, Anju Joseph, Partner, Quantum Consumer Solutions added:  “Quantum is privileged to partner with a premier advertising agency like Lowe Lintas on this pioneering journey which dares to go beyond cultural stereotypes and seeks to truly and meaningfully understand what makes a culture tick. The findings have been revelatory and insightful. They provide a verdant landscape for crafting powerful brand strategies and creative expressions that resonate deeply with the audience. In retrospect, it is a wonder that no one has embarked on this audacious journey before this. But as Subbu says, everyone is not Lowe Lintas.”

  • At the time of writing, there has been no communication from Ketchum Sampark, Ketchum or Omnicom. So we don’t really know how the developments are going to be projected and/or dressed up

    Curtains for Ketchum Sampark?

    On April 30, we received a communique from an executive at Ketchum Sampark for a financial services major. The signature in the email said that agency was the winner of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work survey in 2022. For, since then it appears to be a downward slide for the agency that Bela Rajan founded in 1994 and husband N S Rajan joined her to take it to dizzying heights.

    Earlier this week, the teams were told that the agency will shut shop, a majority of the team would need to leave, and a few key folks will service clients as they merge with the network’s PR agency FleishmanHillard (FH). FH doesn’t really have much of a footprint in India, and when last heard some of the staff and clients of Ketchum Sampark were looking elsewhere.

    In its heydays, Sampark was counted among the Top 5 communication consultancies in the country, and in the Top 2/3 in financial and crisis communications. Some of the biggest names in the financial sector were clients of the Rajans. Even corporates like Bajaj Auto swore by Sampark and the Rajans.

    Little wonder that when Omnicom’s Ketchum was looking for a partner in India, the obvious choice was Sampark. In an interview with MxMIndia in December 2011, a few months after acquisition, Rajan told MxMIndia: “We have been working with Ketchum for more than three years now so this tie-up is actually a formalisation of our relationship. We have been very comfortable with the cultural match. I think philosophically, Ketchum and Sampark have always had the same focus in terms of client deliveries, choice of clients, etc so there were a lot of similarities between us.”

    The Rajans quit the agency in 2021, after 27 years of spearheading it. In August, a month-odd before their final goodbye, NS Rajan addressed his teams in a mail: ““Bela and I will surely watch from far and cheer the success of Ketchum Sampark and each one of you.” On Tuesday, when many of his team members were shocked to learn of the inevitable, Bela and NS were on a holiday in distant Scotland. We are sure the evening would’ve ended in a stiff drink to rue the state of their loved one.

    At the time of publication, there has been no communication from Ketchum Sampark, Ketchum or Omnicom. So we don’t really know how the developments are going to be projected and/or dressed up.

    Staff, we hear, have been asked to report to work, and that it will be business as usual for another two months.

  • To enhance growth trajectory

    Ex-WPP Nidhee Kekre joins Whisper Media’s Advisory Board

    Nidhee Kekre
    Nidhee Kekre

    Whisper Media, the tech-driven media company, has appointed Nidhee Kekre to its advisory board. Kekre joins Whisper Media following a successful tenure as the WPP Client Lead for Unilever, South Asia.  Before her tenure at WPP, Kekre worked with Kantar, JetAir, Essar Aegis and Godrej.

    LS Krishnan
    LS Krishnan

    Said LS Krishnan, CEO & Director, Whisper Media: “We are delighted to have Nidhee on our advisory board. Her proven track record in driving business strategies and nurturing client relationships aligns perfectly with our vision of being a valuable client partner. We look forward to leveraging her insights to drive transformative initiatives and enhance our offerings in the FMCG sector. Nidhee’s extensive experience in business strategy, coupled with a deep understanding of consumer dynamics, makes her a valuable addition to Whisper Media’s advisory board,”