Nazara Technologies Limited, the gaming, esports and sports media company, has through the company’s wholly owned subsidiary Nazara Dubai FZ, announced an acquisition of 15.86% stake in GetStan Technologies Pte. Ltd (Stan), an esports community platform.
Stan is said to be a key player in the Indian esports and fan engagement space, founded by Parth Chadha, Nauman Mulla and Rahul Singh.
Said Nitish Mittersain, Founder and CEO of Nazara Technologies: “Nazara’s investment in Stan strengthens our position in the rapidly growing gaming and esports landscape. Stan’s mobile-first approach and focus on community engagement align perfectly with our vision to become a leading player in the global esports ecosystem. This acquisition allows us to expand our reach while empowering content creators and fostering a stronger gaming community.”
Added Parth Chadha, CEO of Stan: “Nazara’s investment will be a major boost for Stan, fast-tracking our journey to redefine gaming and esports, communities and help us achieve our vision.”
LS Digital, a leader in digital business transformation, has announced the launch of DigiVerse 2.0.
Commenting on this launch, Vinay Tamboli, CEO – Data & Insights, LS Digital said: “By providing greater control, visibility, and collaboration, DigiVerse 2.0 empowers brands to transform their digital marketing operations and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. DigiVerse is designed to unlock significant productivity gains, enhance decision-making ability, and prepare organizations for an AI-driven future.”
ETML, the growth advertising and analytics company, has announced a partnership with House of Chikankari for elevating the company’s online presence and drive them toward significant growth.
Said ETML Founder and CEO Raghav Kansal: “We’re thrilled to join forces with House of Chikankari, a brand that embodies the beauty and tradition of Chikankari. Our proven track record in fashion e-commerce and data-driven marketing positions us perfectly to craft a digital strategy that would ignite their online presence. Our secret weapon lies in our robust data analytics capabilities and real-time dashboards. These tools provide us with unparalleled insights into customer behaviour, allowing us to constantly optimize and refine our strategy. We’ll leverage these to weave a captivating brand narrative and drive sustainable growth for them.”
Added House of Chikankari’s Founder, Aakriti Rawal: “We’re confident that ETML’s expertise will be instrumental in propelling House of Chikankari to new heights. Their proven expertise in e-commerce, particularly within the fashion sector, is exactly what we need to take our brand to the next level. We’re eager to leverage their knowledge and data-driven approach to reach the right audiences. Together, we aim to redefine the online experience for Chikankari enthusiasts, showcasing the artistry and heritage behind each meticulously crafted piece.
Sensodyne, the oral care brand from Haleon (formerly GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare), has launched a four-film #DoctorsOfJoy campaign for World Dentist Day, observed on October 3.
Said Kishlay Seth, Category Lead – Oral Healthcare at Haleon: “On this World Dentist Day, Sensodyne celebrates dentists for their dedication and expertise in caring for our oral health. We recognize the important role they play in shaping the future of dental care and enhancing our quality of life. At Sensodyne, we acknowledge the difference they make in everyday moments—from sharing meals with loved ones to enjoying a simple cup of coffee, worry-free. Today and every day, we thank them for their unwavering commitment and passion to improve oral health.”
BlackCab, a marketing agency, is partnering with Indri Single Malt Whisky, for a visual content campaign.
Said a spokesperson from BlackCab: “Our goal was to create a campaign that not only highlights the craftsmanship of Indri’s exclusive collectible expressions but also taps into the cultural zeitgeist around the most watched series. By merging the worlds of whisky and fantasy, we’ve crafted a story that resonates deeply with connoisseurs and collectors.”
RBL Bank, in partnership with IndianOil and powered by Mastercard, has launched the IndianOil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Card, accompanied by a #FurtherAndBeyond campaign.
Notes a communique: “What sets this launch apart within the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector is its approach to blending financial services with experiential marketing. The campaign’s theme, “Further & Beyond,” embodies the spirit of exploration and pushing boundaries. To promote the card, social media influencers known for their passion for travel, embarked on a thrilling 750 km road trip from Chandigarh to Leh-Ladakh, documenting their journey and showcasing the card’s real-time benefits at various petrol stations and pit stops. The journey was extensively documented and shared on social media, showcasing the card’s real-time benefits and its role in enhancing the travel experience. So far, over 150 plus content pieces have been created, reaching an audience of 20 million as part of this campaign.”
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Vi-John Healthcare India, manufacturer of personal care, healthcare products and cosmetics, has awarded the integrated media mandate of the shaving category to Dentsu X.
Said Jose Leon, CEO, Dentsu X India: “We at Dentsu X are thrilled to add Vi-John – a reputed CPG brand, to our clientele. By combining creativity, technology, and strategy, this partnership is set to deliver impactful and transformative brand experiences for Vi-John. We are dedicated to innovating and redefining these experiences, pushing boundaries to drive remarkable growth and influence.”
Added Anita Kotwani, CEO Media, South Asia: “We are excited to embark on this strategic partnership with Vi-John, a brand that holds a deep-rooted legacy in the Indian market. At Dentsu X, we pride ourselves on creating transformative experiences. This collaboration presents opportunities for us to craft innovative strategies that align closely with their distinctive vision. By combining our expertise with their dynamic spirit, we are confident in creating something truly exceptional.”
Said Ashutosh Chaudharie, General Manager Marketing, VI John: “We are happy to partner with Dentsu X on our Shaving Category. The company is at an important juncture in its six decades of market leadership and we wanted strategic partnerships with a media partner that has both – experience in handling large-scale FMCG brands along with the expertise of giving customized media solutions that are market-specific. Denstu X was a clear choice and we are excited to work with them to meet our business objectives.”
Bata has rolled out a new campaign to launch new Pujo Glam Collection featuring actors Neel Bhattacharya and Trina Saha.
Speaking on the launch, Deepika Deepti, Head of Marketing, Bata India, said: “Bata’s journey in India began right here in the East and we have been a part of the region’s celebrations for generations. Our long-standing presence has given us unique insights into our customers’ desires for fashion-forward, high quality designs at affordable prices. We’re proud of our legacy and are excited to continue to democratize fashion with the latest Pujo Glam Collection. We believe that everyone deserves to feel like a celebrity and should have access to stylish offerings.”
Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, the ‘purveyor’ of Vespa and Aprilia, has unveiled the first instalment of a cinematic digital ad campaign featuring actor and brand ambassador John Abraham.
The campaign comprises four-film series directed by Nigel Simpkiss. The campaign is conceptualised and executed by Centrick, a boutique creative agency.
Sharing his views, Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd said: “Aprilia has always been about pushing boundaries. This campaign is a bold statement of our intent to redefine the motorcycle ownership experience. This campaign, brought to life by John Abraham’s charisma, perfectly captures the spirit of Aprilia. We are confident that it will resonate with our target audience and strengthen our position in the market.”
Added Apoorva Saigal, AVP – Corporate Communication and 2W Marketing, Piaggio Vehicles: “We discovered a void in the market – While specs and performance are undeniably crucial, they alone do not ignite the passion that drives riders. This campaign is a testament to our deep understanding of the modern rider. This campaign is about creating a movement, a community of riders who feel understood and celebrated. John Abraham, a passionate biker himself, brings an unparalleled authenticity to the campaign. His raw energy and connection with the Aprilia RS457 are palpable in every frame. We believe that Aprilia has the power to ignite a passion that goes beyond the ride itself. It’s about igniting emotions, not just showcasing features.”
Havas Play India, the activation arm of Havas Media Network, hosted the Tata.ev Pickleball Weekend Fiesta (September 22). Nearly 200 picklers from across Delhi and NCR participated in this open team-format tournament.
Commenting on their association with the Tata.ev Pickleball Weekend Fiesta 2024, Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said: “For Tata.ev, the Pickleball Weekend Fiesta perfectly embodies the blend of community, sustainability, and technology—values that lie at the heart of our mission. As one of the fastest-growing sports globally, Pickleball is gaining remarkable traction in India, with over 10,000 active players and an impressive annual growth rate of more than 30%, both in participation and court development. The sport’s unique blend of accessibility, low environmental footprint, and emphasis on inclusivity deeply resonates with our commitment to a greener, more inclusive future. By supporting events like this, we not only foster healthy, active communities but also promote collaboration that drives meaningful progress for both society and the planet.”
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has come out on top most valuable brand for the third straight year, as per the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Indian Brands Report. With a brand value of $49.7 billion, TCS has seen a 16% rise versus last year, driven by investments in innovation, particularly in AI and digital transformation.
India’s top 75 most valuable brands now have a combined value of $450.5 billion, marking a 19% increase from last year. Brands across diverse business sectors fuelled this growth, with 54 brands boosting their brand value over the past year. This igrowth outpaces most other BrandZ rankings globally and closely mirrors the 20% increase seen in the Global Top 100, notes a communique.
Kantar BrandZ Top 10 Most Valuable Indian Brands 2024
Rank 2023
Rank 2024
Brand
Category
Brand Value 2024 (US$ M)
1
1
Tata Consultancy Services
Business Technology and Services Platforms
49,657
N/A
2
HDFC Bank
Financial Services
38,286
4
3
Airtel
Telecom Providers
29,856
3
4
Infosys
Business Technology and Services Platforms
25,221
5
5
State Bank of India
Financial Services
17,979
6
6
ICICI Bank
Financial Services
15,604
8
7
Jio
Telecom Providers
13,744
7
8
Asian Paints
Paints
13,555
10
9
HCL Tech
Business Technology and Services Platforms
11,815
11
10
LIC
Financial Services
11,499
TCS tops a strong group of seven Business Technology and Services Platforms, collectively worth almost $100 billion, and equalling 22% of the total value of India’s Top 75 ranking.
Financial Services brands also dominate, with 17 brands, contributing 28% of the ranking’s overall brand value. HFDC Bank (No.2; $38.3bn) retains its position as India’s second most valuable brand. State Bank of India (No.5; $18.0bn), ICICI Bank (No.6; $15.6bn) and
Zomato is this year’s Fastest Riser with 100% growth in brand value year-on-year due to relentless innovation and expansion into quick commerce. It has also boosted efficiency and elevated its customer experience over the last year.
Deepender Rana
Said Deepender Rana, Executive Managing Director, Insights, South Asia at Kantar: “Strong brands consistently outperform the market. Over the past year, the companies behind India’s Top 75 brands have achieved an impressive 52% stock market growth, outpacing the 37.6% growth for the Sensex. Brands that thrive are those that create a Meaningful Difference by meeting evolving consumer needs, challenging industry norms, and forging strong emotional connections. The top performers in this brand ranking have excelled by embracing disruption and innovation, leading to significantly higher growth.”
Soumya Mohanty
Added Soumya Mohanty, Managing Director & Chief Client Officer, Insights, South Asia at Kantar: “It’s not enough to make consumers want to buy, brands must build their saliency and relevancy across all touchpoints, from advertising to in-store experiences. Successful brands create a consistent presence that resonates with consumers, driving both awareness and loyalty. Those that thrive have combined strategic reach with compelling, creative messaging to capture consumer attention and drive significant brand growth.”
Shalimar Agarbatti Co, has roped in Bangla actor Abir Chatterjee as the face for its brand Avida in its new ad campaign.
Said Alkesh Shah, Director, Shalimar Agarbatti Company Pvt.Ltd: “Avida has been a household name in West Bengal for over a decade now, and the discerning Bengali trusts the quality and the mesmerisingly long-lasting fragrance of Avida. In the recent years, due to low-involvement and a weak retailer push, substandard agarbattis have started infiltrating the market.”
The campaign strategy, concept and script has been created by Bengaluru-based Vipul Thakkar of Very Multimedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
