McDonald’s Drops the Ranveer Singh Meal and Takes Over the Streets with 400 Branded Cabs in Bold OOH Activation
If you spotted Ranveer Singh casually devouring a burger on top of a cab, you probably wouldn’t blink twice. Because it is something unexpected that he always does. This time it’s not him but his poster. McDonald’s just tapped into Singh’s vibe with out-of-home (OOH) marketing. McDonald’s India (North & East) took the streets by storm by launching the Cab Branding Campaign to drop their fan-favorite: The Ranveer Singh Meal.
The brand went mobile by putting Ranveer on a poster. Over 400 branded cabs hit the roads across Delhi, NCR, Lucknow, and Kolkata. The goal was clear to cut through clutter and own the street. And they did it, strategically. These moving billboards cruised through hotspots like India Gate, MG Road Gurugram, Noida Sector 18, Mani Square, and Gomti Nagar. The eye-catching red color and on the top of it the star holding a burger. Always a winning strategy to grab attention.
Just two weeks after announcing Ranveer Singh as a brand ambassador it was about activating his mass appeal in the real world. By turning cabs into rolling storytellers, McDonald’s blurred the line between OOH and experience, between celebrity and street culture.
Available for a limited time only, The Ranveer Singh Meal brings:
The Machine Has a Media Plan: Inside Sigma, MiQ’s AI Command Center for Advertising Optimization
People say that AI can’t replace marketers because too much creativity is involved. That’s been the claim for years but things are changing now. On June 25, MiQ, a global programmatic media powerhouse, unveiled MiQ Sigma. It’s an AI-integrated advertising platform that might just redraw the entire map. It’s an AI-driven, full-stack command center for media planning, activation, and optimization.
Sigma taps into 300+ data sources. It crunches through over 700 trillion behavioral signals—like TV viewership, web browsing, and in-store purchases. Built from the inside out for programmatic, it’s engineered to give brands and agencies a brutal edge. It helps with faster planning, sharper targeting, and smarter spending in less time. Gurman Hundal, Global CEO and Co-Founder of MiQ, said it’s “the pinnacle” of 15 years of MiQ’s innovation. It’s the result of obsession, not iteration. He’s right, it’s not a product, it’s a system, built on open collaboration, raw data intelligence, and relentless focus on performance.
But is it Better Advertising or Just Faster Advertising?
On paper, MiQ Sigma is clean, efficient, and undeniably powerful. It runs on what MiQ calls a trinity architecture: data, tech, and placement. And from a performance marketing lens, it’s gold, but that’s just one side of the coin. If smooth advertising is reduced to cheaper clicks, smoother funnels, and predictive reach, then yes, Sigma is the future. But if “smooth” still includes creative unpredictability, cultural nuance, and gut-level emotional insight, then the future is looking shaky. Because AIs still don’t get timing, tone, and human weirdness. It can replicate and predict with precision. But it can’t do imagination, especially not when brand voice is at stake.
Another question: can Sigma optimize campaigns, work as a media planner, or be a trading desk operator? Now the human role is shifting from doing to prompting, from executing to overseeing. You don’t plan the media anymore, you instruct the machine. Yes, that frees up time, but it also alters control. The expertise gets absorbed by the system, and even the agency talent pool starts to look very different.
Well, there’s no denying that Sigma will simplify advertising. It will merge fragmented data into one clean intelligence layer, automate tedious workflows, and give marketers precision, scale, and speed. But it also risks a creative flattening, overdependence on historical data, and the exit of agency talent. Most importantly, a gradual erosion of human insight from consumer strategy. In short, Sigma is the future, but only if we drive it well. Otherwise, we’re just fast-forwarding into something empty.
The Ad That Trolls 70-Hour Work-Weeks—Moonshot’s Shark Tank Campaign Is India’s Funniest Work Culture Commentary Yet
Moonshot has once again hit a big shot in the ad industry and this time, they did it for Shark Tank India Season 5. Shark Tank India is back and this time, it’s not just about funding dreams, it’s mocking the myths that hold them back. The registration campaign just dropped, and it’s witty, irreverent, and bitingly self-aware. The ad doesn’t peddle ambition, it pokes at burnout.
With a satirical punch, the ad opens on a mockumentary-style confession booth. A bunch of fictional CEOs are seen lamenting their tragic but funny losses. One had to carry his golf clubs. Another was forced to show up at the office. All because employees left to chase their dreams.
“What’s your pain?” That’s the question they ask. Not to the dreamers, but to the ones left chasing. It is a humorous advertisement that is painfully correct. It is a bitter swipe at the hustle conspiracy. Yes, that 70-hour workweek statement. The campaign flips that narrative on its head, suggesting cleverly that great businesses aren’t built on blood and burnout, they’re built on bold ideas. For the dreamers Shark Tank India is back, evolving and with the changed tone. Season 5 will stream on Sony LIV and air on Sony Entertainment Television. Since 2021, the tank has seen 741 pitches, over ₹293 Cr in funding, and 351 deals. It’s become India’s business theatre. However, this marketing effort demonstrates that next-gen entrepreneurs are not falling in love with sacrifice, they are mocking it.
The creative force behind this campaign is Moonshot, the agency founded by Tanmay Bhatt and Devaiah Bopanna in 2023. If the names sound familiar, you probably remember them from their AIB days. Now they are turning India’s ad world on its head. Moonshot is no stranger to witty, layered campaigns. Remember Swiggy Instamart’s ‘Juhi Chawla’ and ‘Groom’ ad or CRED’s “Great for the Good” featuring Rahul Dravid, SS Rajamouli, and David Warner. They use a pattern in these campaigns which has memes, sarcasm, and a punch of social commentary. Whether it’s toxic work culture, overpriced eyewear, or celebrity overexposure, Moonshot knows how to blend humor with a cause. See that 70-hour reference. It’s an indirect taunt.
Marketers don’t see this ad as a registration nudge, they see it as a masterclass in creative marketing. A reminder that ads don’t have to screame, but just to hit the right nerve.
K-Beauty’s Indian Takeover: How Nykaa Is Turning Skin Insecurities Into Billion-Dollar Brand Loyalty
In a world constantly glued to Korean cultural exports whether it is K-food, K-dramas, or K-pop, the “K-wave” is a trend. In India, people are looking obsessed. From Seoul to Surat, this fascination has taken over. But one area where Korea hasn’t just made a splash, but practically flooded the market is beauty, skincare especially.
Why the craze? Pretty obvious. Everyone’s chasing that impossible, poreless, glass-perfect look. Whether you’re a dermatologist with degrees or just someone stuck in a late-night skincare spiral, you want the secret. You need the glow. Not just because of the trend, but because we’re kinda insecure about our skin, aren’t we?
Now Nykaa brings the buzz with Anua, a Korean beauty brand. The brand has finally hit Indian shores via Nykaa, and K-fans are already jumping in. Anua promises results that feel borderline magical. Backed by buzzwords like “synergy,” “non-irritating,” and “eco-safe,” the brand speaks to the modern consumer in exactly the language they want to hear. With this move, Nykaa just doubled down on their status as the go-to for K-beauty in India.
Whether you’re someone always trying the next serum or someone who only owns one face wash, Anua knows how to get your attention. Their message is simple but strong: innovate, avoid harsh stuff, go clean, stay green.
They’ve launched in India with:
ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
ANUA Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
ANUA Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad
Korean skincare brands are watching India very closely. And they should. Why? Because the K-beauty market here is on track to cross $1.3 billion in India by 2032. Glass skin, snail slime, rice water, sleeping masks, we’re trying it all. Whether we need it or not, looking flawless has somehow become a necessity. We’re not just buying products, we’re buying a promise. The hope that maybe, just maybe, this next layer is the one that brings magic.
Google’s Doppl Shows What Happens When Fashion Meets Frictionless Tech
It seems wherever human discomfort lingers, a company’s ready with a solution. In the past, these solutions were offered in packaged products, services, and tools. But now you just say your problem out loud, AI listens and the software responds. The fix is ready before you finish your sentence. Take shopping, everyone loves it until they try on a room. Squeezing into bad lighting, weird mirrors, and wrong sizes. It’s not fun, but people have to tolerate it. Now, Google has stepped forward with a clever answer: its new app, Doppl.
On June 26th, Google announced the launch of Doppl, a new AI-powered app designed to take the “trying” out of trying on clothes. The app lets users virtually dress themselves without ever setting foot in a store. Currently, it’s available for iOS and Android users in the United States only. No word yet on the global rollout. It’s in testing waters for now.
Doppl is like a simulator. You upload your photo, then add an image or screenshot of any outfit. You can take clothes from stores, from Instagram, or from your roommate’s closet, it doesn’t matter. The app then generates a visual of you wearing that outfit. But Doppl doesn’t stop at still images. It takes the static fit-check and turns it into a short video. Your avatar moves, walks, and brings your imagination into reality.
It’s not runway-level, yet, but it’s close enough to feel personal. You can save your favorite looks, scroll back through past outfits, and even share them with others. According to Google, Doppl is an evolution of its earlier virtual try-on feature in Google Shopping. But instead of burying it inside another app, they gave it its spotlight. This is not just about convenience, but turning personal styling into an experience.
But… is this what we needed solved first? Let’s pause for a second and think. Sure Doppl is a clever problem-solving app. But the question nags: Is this the kind of convenience humanity needs right now? While some tech giants are building AI to help us shop smarter, others argue we’re sidestepping the real work. What about ecosystem restoration, mass reskilling for automation, or waste management? All much harder problems. Doppl, like many new AI tools, fits into a growing pattern of reducing human friction, one micro-discomfort at a time. It’s not wrong, but it’s not neutral either. The coming months will reveal Doppl’s actual value. Will it truly change how we shop and style? Or just add another clever layer to the endless scroll of consumer tech? Either way, Google’s made its move.
Prada’s Kolhapuri-Inspired Designs Spark Outrage Over Credit, Culture, and Craft in Global Branding
One mistake and another attempt to cover up. Stories like this are not rare in business. The latest headline-stealer is the Italian luxury brand Prada. Their Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 show in Milan has stirred up quite the storm in India. Sandals that looked suspiciously like Kolhapuri chappals, India’s iconic handmade leather slippers, were shown with zero acknowledgment of their origin.
Naturally, the backlash wasn’t slow. Indians called it out loudly on social media, accusing Prada of oversight or intentional erasure of original designers. Faced with growing anger, the brand has now broken its silence. Prada eventually reacted by accepting the fact that the 2026 menswear line did feature sandals inspired by Indian traditional footwear. Lorenzo Bertelli, the Corporate Social Responsibility head of Prada Group, admitted that the sandals were inspired by Kolhapuris, which have ancient Indian craft traditions that are centuries old.
Here’s the full story. Those sandals, which come from Maharashtra’s Kolhapur region, are handcrafted heritage. Generational artistry. Yet on one of fashion’s most elite runways, they showed up stripped of context. No origin was mentioned. No credit was given. Just another “bold look.” The Milan show, organized at Fondazione Prada in the direction of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, was dedicated to contradiction and attitude. The Indian audience was swift in identifying what appeared to be Kolhapuris amongst the 56 looks. Except this time, worn by runway models with no cultural nod in sight. That struck a chord. Both Indian designers, stylists, and social media critics were quick to attack Prada, accusing the company of cultural appropriation.
This is not about sandals. It is about how India has such a rich tradition of artisanal work, and when it reaches international runways, so much of it just disappears. Lalit Gandhi, the president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, had sent a letter to Prada. His point was that you are stealing this heritage, and putting it in the market, but you are not giving credit or sharing profits with artisan communities who keep it alive.
To this, Bertelli replied. He clarified that the collection is still in an early development stage, and that “none of the pieces are confirmed for production or commercialization.” He added that Prada is committed to “responsible design practices,” and wants to foster cultural exchange, even suggesting possible engagement with local Indian artisans, like they’ve supposedly done in past collections.
Still, the damage is visible. This single controversy shows just how fast things can unravel. It could hit Prada’s image in India, especially with a younger generation that’s both fashion-obsessed and socially alert. It might even cause people to question the authenticity of Prada’s design process in footwear. Will competitors gain from this? Hard to say. But one thing’s clear, they’re all getting a masterclass on why cultural attribution matters.
How Gritzo’s Honest Nutrition Pitch and Genelia’s Real-Life Mom Persona Deliver Powerful Brand Authenticity
Most parents are afraid of whether their children are getting the right nutrition or not. Parents usually struggle at the kitchen shelf, wondering which ingredient would tick all the boxes. That’s exactly the problem HealthKart CEO Sameer Maheshwari and his wife decided to solve. That’s how Gritzo was born. A children’s nutrition brand built around the idea that a drink can be much more than just a flavored supplement. It is inspired by the word GRIT which means determination, resilience, and that indomitable spirit. Now, Gritzo’s stepping up its game again. This time, with an actor and a parent, Genelia Deshmukh.
This is not a usual celebrity endorsement. This is something deeper. A campaign that reflects the brand’s values. The collaboration works because Genelia didn’t just endorse the message; she was already living it. The whole campaign rests on one sharp insight: “Different kids, different needs.” The brand didn’t pitch her a script; it’s a question every parent asks. Gritzo’s entire pitch is built on something they call “clean nutrition that passes the mom test.” Meaning: no gimmicks, no junk, and absolutely nothing to hide. Just labels that parents like Genelia actually read and trust. In a space filled with half-truths, transparency becomes the strongest message.
The campaign pushes a refreshing angle. One that moves beyond just relevance. It’s about timing, intuition, and marketing that listens. Gritzo’s approach avoids overproduction and feels more like a natural conversation. That’s a big deal in a space where most brands still shout to be heard. In the end, when your ambassador doesn’t just promote but actually reflects your values, the story sells itself. For powerful marketing, don’t be loud—try to live it. Collaborate with the ambassador already doing what you’re preaching, so that message doesn’t just reach people, it lands.
Paris Couture Street Style Just Broke the Internet—Surreal Silhouettes, Celestial Celebs & Couture Chaos
Day one of Paris Haute Couture Week (July 7–10, 2025) kicked off with a kaleidoscope of surrealistic tailoring and opulent embellishments—broadcasted not just on runways, but via front-row celebs and street-style icons alike.
At the epicenter? Schiaparelli’s avant-garde statement pieces, dripping in surreal sculptural forms—think gravity-defying collars and porcelain-like detailing. Meanwhile, Chanel’s final collection under Virginie Viard delivered classic interpretations: neutral-toned tweeds, cropped layers, and tassel touches—wearable art that kept the heart of couture intact.
Outside the tents, the streets buzzed with couture energy. Celebs like Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Chiara Ferragni, and Naomi Campbell weren’t just spectators; they were trend accelerators. Their Instagram-ready looks—dripping in outsized accessories, bold silhouettes, and signature accents—filtered directly into global fashion consciousness.
What does that mean for you? Couture Week isn’t confined to rich-textile backrooms—it’s bleeding into editorial spreads, TikTok trend cycles, and streetwear influencers. Expect editorial-driven silhouettes, sculptural accents, and statement accessories trending from Autumn/Winter into 2026.Final Take: Paris Couture Week isn’t just for select few—it’s a global fashion moodboard. When sculptural artistry hits celebrity feeds, its ripples reach shops and smartphone closets worldwide. Couture is now a mainstream narrative strand. So if creativity is your currency—this is your moment.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu Just Reimagined the Saree as 2025’s Power Outfit
At Detroit’s Telugu Association of North America (TANA) gala, Samantha Ruth Prabhu stunned in a bold, modern reinterpretation of the saree—burnt red chiffon tiers, cascading pallu, and a corset-style sweetheart blouse embroidered with black and silver beads.
This look was a fusion gem: a traditional six-yard drape met with structured tailoring, clean pleats, and a fierce front-button corset speak volume about modern Indian femininity. Her styling—a glinting gold tennis bracelet, statement earrings, soft waves, and kohl-enhanced eyes—turned the saree elegant, edgy, and red-carpet-ready .
More than style, this is statement dressing. Samantha’s bridesmaid-as-saree moment signals boldness in cultural adaptation—showcasing that traditional wear can be retooled for empowerment and global influence. With fashion paps and social media alike responding with awe, this look is already fueling festive-wear trends across Indian designer lines.
Final Take: Samantha’s TANA saree isn’t fashion—it’s purpose. It rewrites the clothing script for modern celebratory occasions. Expect wedding calendars around the world to echo with corset-and-pleat saree languages, and Indian designers to dial up structure in traditional weaves.
India’s Milk Market Over Amul, Sanchi & Mother Dairy: The Regional Brands Fueling the Nation
When it comes to quality milk in India, brands like Amul, Mother Dairy, and Sanchi come to mind effortlessly. But look closer, you’ll see that’s just the surface. India’s dairy landscape isn’t shaped by a few giants. It’s powered by a hyperlocal network of regional brands that hold fierce loyalty within their states. Quietly, they rule over volumes, faith, and kitchens.
Why One Brand Can’t Dominate
Milk doesn’t travel well. It’s perishable. Which leads to local logistics, local taste, and local trust. That’s why the cooperative model has flourished. It’s efficient. It’s farmer-first. And above all, it knows the people.
That is where state brands are shining. Nandini in Karnataka. Aavin in Tamil Nadu. Verka in Punjab. Saras in Rajasthan. Sudha in Bihar. These aren’t just brand names. These are household habits of localities.
Regional Brands That Run the Show
Across India, local players are the real backbone of daily milk supply.
South India is on the front in brand legacy brands such as Nandini, Aavin, Heritage (Telangana/AP), and Milma (Kerala). They provide consistency and value to millions with the support of good cooperatives.
North & Central markets have faith in Verka, Sanchi, Saras, and Sudha. They have strong rural purchasing platforms: farmers are paid, and the consumer receives good quality. Their loyalty is deep-rooted.
West & East India does not make an exception. Gokul, Warana, and Mahanand exist in the state of Maharashtra. In the east, Benmilk (West Bengal) and Parag (UP) are key performers. They have developed infrastructure at the grassroots level and this is evident.
It’s a Voice for the Locals
Sure, Amul and Mother Dairy enjoy pan-India visibility. Their reach is huge. Their ads are everywhere. But when it comes to that daily glass of milk, most Indians pick local. Out of habit. Out of trust. Out of tradition.
India’s milk story is one of regional resilience. It’s decentralized, owned cooperatively, and community-based. And that’s what keeps the country with diversity going.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
