Irrfan and I had made plans of flying kites together: Piyush Pandey

The veteran adman talks to exchange4media about life during the lockdown, working with the government in the war against COVID-19 and more

e4m by Srabana Lahiri
Published: Apr 30, 2020 9:12 AM  | 7 min read
Piyush Pandey

Piyush Pandey, Ogilvy’s Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman, India, is at his home in Goa, not only managing his team across continents and conversations with clients, but prolifically working on campaigns himself in the lockdown period.

 Pandey, known for iconic public service campaigns such as the successful Polio Eradication drive, has now partnered with the Government of India in the war against COVID-19. The first campaign made by Ogilvy for the government, titled ‘Mask Force’, involves celebrated cricketers who urge people to make their own masks at home and wear them while stepping out. According to Pandey, he named the series ‘Mask Force’ as it “would be a likeable term that could be used to galvanise the whole country”.

 He has followed it up with two more films in the COVID-19 campaign – one titled 'Setu Mera Bodyguard' with Ajay Devgn talking about the Arogya Setu app and the second with cricketer Harbhajan Singh and his wife Geeta Basra, an extension of the Mask Force series, teaching the public to make masks.

 Pandey has also lent his voice to the latest ad in the ‘Har Ghar Chup Chaap Se Kehta Hai’ #StayHomeStaySafe series for Asian Paints made by Ogilvy. “Asian Paints had actually wanted Mr Bachchan to do it, but he asked them to stick to this and since then, it has stuck to me. Voice-over is not my scene; I do it for my clients as and when required. I don’t have a trained voice,” says Pandey, with characteristic humility.

 On Wednesday, it’s a sad Pandey who talks to us, shocked by the news of the sudden demise of his friend and fellow Jaipur-born, the actor Irrfan Khan. “Since morning, I’ve only been looking at news of Irrfan’s demise; he was a very dear friend of mine. He is from Jaipur and we used to meet and make plans of flying kites together… we made many plans at my place, which never materialised. We worked together on many occasions… a lot on Vodafone, but our friendship went beyond work,” says Pandey.

 Here are excerpts from our conversation with the veteran adman:

 Tell us about your work with the Government of India in the war against COVID-19. What next after the campaigns that are already out?

 Now we are working on issues like stigma and looking after your elders and many more, addressing them in every way we can. The messaging is in line with all the efforts being made to help people, help ourselves, help humanity. And I’m sitting here and doing that with the Government of India. Our first campaign was the cricketers urging people to wear masks, make their own masks. Then they say ‘Setu Mera Bodyguard’ And now we are taking up stigma and looking after elders.

 How has been your experience of work from home now in times of lockdown?

My right arm is hurting a lot because I’m on the phone with somebody or the other most of the time. Otherwise, it’s the reality and you got to find ways around it. If you ask me, my first desire would be to meet people, but given the scenario, let’s not… instead, you meet people on your computer or phone screens, but you have to meet them. That way, I’m in touch with everybody. I used to work from my home in Mumbai quite a lot too, but there I met people. They would come home… It’s different now, but contact is contact. Sometimes it cannot be in a physical form, but contact has to be maintained, things have to be discussed. So, yes, it’s a different way and the only possible way, and we have to make the most of it.

 Do you think human contact can be replaced by virtual contact?

No, I don’t think so. I think human contact is most necessary, we are making the most of what is possible. But, meeting someone in person is definitely a preferred option, but not an option right now.

 What have you observed about the work from home culture in your company, in India and in other countries? What struck you as interesting?

It’s an adaptation. People have adapted very well. See, in an agency culture you would meet together, you chat together, have a drink together, you share ideas together. So, you don’t reach out to each other through technology as much. But because you don’t have that option, people are talking a lot more to each other, as that’s the only way.

 Is there a particular person or entity that has become your inspiration these days?

My inspiration is the people of India who are fighting like crazy to overcome this problem. I ignore the bad stories because there are so many good stories of people reaching out to help each other, being nice to each other. There is a lot of humanity that we are experiencing and seeing, and lot of it has been covered. I don’t think humanity did not exist earlier… but in times like these, you get to see it, you get to read about it and hear about it more. For example, you see the cops looking out for a person staying alone… You see medical professionals inspiring people… there is so much every day.

 Have you seen any shift in the overall client-agency relationship in the past few days?

I think it stands as strong as ever. We bank on each other, and reach out to each other a little more often because things change every day. So, some relationships will always get stronger; not-so-strong relationships can get better and a few relationships are tested.

 Agencies are now churning out campaigns in weeks and days as compared to months earlier. Will this set a new benchmark of agency efficiency and expectations from advertisers?

No, this is the best way of handling the situation in this scenario, but when we have the luxury of time, things will be seen differently. It’s like in an emergency or in a tough situation you can eat anything, will it become a way of life? No, I don’t think so. But, it will prepare you for tough days. I think it’s a learning time for seeing the rough side also, particularly for young people who have not seen this side of it. In a long game, there are ups and downs, and we all should get used to handling the downs, but of course there will be ups. But, this prepares you.

 How long does your day stretch?

My day has got extended now, because we interact with international clients too and their timings are not our timings. So they have been considerate. Sometimes they wake up early in the morning and sometimes I do. My day gets longer because international interaction has increased a lot.

 In the past few weeks, has there been anything new that you learnt – something you didn’t do earlier and are doing now?

For the technology of managing things, I harass my wife Neeta... I’m still not good at it. I manage a few Zoom calls on my own, but otherwise I need help. I am also finding time to do some workouts, which I was lazy about. Apart from that, the domestic help of a lot of people have been locked out. In my case, they have been locked in so there’s not very much for me to do. I think about them, that they can’t go home, but on the other hand, unlike many people who are learning to cook and do a lot of things, I haven’t had the need. I wish there was one person short; maybe I would have learnt something!

 If you were to sum up the current situation in one line, what would that be?

Learn to face a rainy day.

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Hamdard launches campaigns for Cinkara and Naunehal Gripe Syrup

Hamdard has revived its popular campaign, ‘Zindagi ka josh har dum’

By exchange4media Staff | Mar 21, 2023 6:53 PM   |   2 min read

hamdard

Hamdard Laboratories (Medicine Division) has announced a special summer campaign for its products- Cinkara and Naunehal Gripe Syrup. The campaign highlights how Cinkara and Naunehal Gripe Syrup help in coping with the health issues, arising out of nutritional gaps in case of Cinkara and teething issues in case of Naunehal Syrup.

“Hamdard has revived its popular campaign, ‘Zindagi ka josh har dum’. Cinkara, the most recalled brand of Hamdard is a complete health tonic that restores lost energy, increases appetite, and improves conditions of fatigue. The tonic contains six essential Vitamins along with four minerals and nine effective herbs to keep the body strong, healthy, and agile. While India is the playground for Cinkara, it has a larger footprint in UP, Bihar , West Bengal and Delhi /NCR,” the company said.

Abdul Majeed, Chairman & Managing Trustee, Hamdard Laboratories India ( Medicine Division) said “My late grandfather had a vision for the brand and its role. The Cinkara packaging is inspired by our tricolor, hoping that one day it would become the tonic of the nation. For more than 40 years now, Cinkara has been one of the most popular and affordable health tonics in the country. At Hamdard, it’s our constant endeavor to provide products that are targeted at holistic wellness and keep us energetic to fight life challenges- “Jindagi ka Josh Har Dum” justifies the brand truth”.

“It is always a wonderful feeling to know that Hamdard products touch so many lives, in so many ways. People from different states, and different strata of society swear by our products. Our medicines are affordable and effective. In most cases, Hamdard products have been in families for generations. Through this campaign, we hope to further expand our reach and help people lead healthy and happy lives, free from the burden of illness and health issues” said, Suman Varma, CMO, Hamdard Laboratories. 

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In new campaign, Rajkummar Rao highlights perils of not having Lay’s at home

The campaign is created by Leo Burnett

By exchange4media Staff | Mar 21, 2023 4:29 PM   |   3 min read

Lay's

Lay’s has launched a new campaign with actor Rajkummar Rao to remind consumers to have ‘Ghar Par Lay’s Always’!

“At-home experiences and occasions are best enjoyed with friends and family, and a pack of Lay’s makes these moments even better. But running out of Lay’s can interrupt the good times and may even induce last-minute panic to restock. In the campaign, Lay’s has hilariously drawn attention to the outcomes of last-minute restocking trips,” the brand said.

The introduction of the latest TVC under the ‘Ghar Par Lay’s Always’ campaign speaks to the consumers on the perils of not stocking-up Lay’s at home.

Directed by Vinil Mathew, the TVC film opens with Rajkummar throwing a costume party at home with himself dressed as a burglar. When his girlfriend (played by Dolly Singh) informs him that they've run out of Lay's, Rajkummar nervously heads out to the grocery store, starting a series of comedic mishaps. From being mistaken as a real burglar by the public to getting arrested by the police, his hilarious roller-coaster of misadventures concludes upon his release from jail, when he tells a jail warden curious about his imprisonment that “Mai toh sirf Lay’s lene gaya tha”. The TVC ends on an entertaining note as Rajkummar explains his Lay's misadventures to Dolly and proudly shows off his fully stocked pantry with Lay's, remarking, “Isliye…Ghar pe Lay’s Always!”.

Speaking about being part of the TVC film, Rajkummar Rao, expressed, “For years, Lay’s, with its iconic and irresistible flavours has been my favourite snack. When the brand reached out for their 'At Home' film, I was instantly drawn towards the comical and playful script because I have always related to the frenzy of keeping my home stocked with Lay’s. I had a lot of fun filming the TVC and I am definitely going to have ‘Ghar Par Lay’s Always’. I hope the audience enjoys the film and ensures Lay’s is a part of all their joyful moments at home.”

Expressing her excitement at the TVC, Shailja Joshi, Director-Marketing, Potato Chips Category, PepsiCo India said, “At Lay’s, we are committed to infuse a sense of joy into our consumers’ lives and uplift their consumption experiences with our distinct offerings and relatable storytelling. Our newest TVC film for ‘Ghar Par Lay's Always’ perfectly captures the central role that Lay's plays during at-home occasions. We're thrilled to have associated with Rajkummar Rao for this campaign and he has fantastically brought this messaging to life in the film. We hope that it will prompt Lay's fans to always keep their favourite Lay’s well-stocked at home and experience fun uninterrupted."

The campaign is created by Leo Burnett.

Speaking about the campaign Rajdeepak Das, CEO & Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett - South Asia, said, “Lay’s has always been the perfect snack partner and with this film we wanted to reiterate to the audiences to stock up their favourite Lay's at home. With this hilariously exaggerated cautionary tale starring Rajkumar Rao, our film gives people a glimpse into the perils of not having 'Ghar Par Lay's Always'! If you don't have Lays, anything can happen.”

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Airtel launches new brand campaign to show ‘limitless possibilities’

The TVC campaign has been conceptualised by DDB Mudra

By exchange4media Staff | Mar 21, 2023 1:57 PM   |   2 min read

Airtel

Bharti Airtel has rolled out a new brand campaign.

The campaign highlights the clear advantage and limitless possibilities that Airtel 5G Plus offers to its customers in a very contemporary manner.

Shashwat Sharma, Director of Consumer Business, Bharti Airtel, on being asked to comment on the campaign had this to say, “I would first like to take this opportunity to thank our 10 million happy 5G users who have embraced ultrafast Airtel 5G Plus. Customer obsession is what drives us at Airtel and we have taken the lead to simplify the new technology and get our customers to experience the real difference of 5G. Airtel 5G Plus, while delivering incredible speeds and the best voice experience, will work on all 5G smartphones and be kinder to the environment. Additionally, all our customers will be able to enjoy the advantage of 5G services using their existing SIMs at no additional cost. We invite more and more customers to experience the power of limitless possibilities on Airtel 5G Plus.”

The TVC campaign has been conceptualised by DDB Mudra and produced by Equinox Films.

The Airtel 5G Plus TVC has been dubbed in 12 languages and will be localized for audiences all across the country as it is rolled out in full strength.

The 360-degree, high-decibel campaign will be extensively seen across diverse mediums like Television, digital and OOH over the next few weeks.

Commenting on the film, Ram Madhvani, Founder & Director, Equinox Films, had this to say, “The thing I’ve learnt in advertising is that it’s not just about ‘what’ is being said or ‘how’ it’s being said but also about what the audience ‘feels’ when it ‘sees’ any piece of communication. Our film is an example of this. We have tried to create a visceral experience for the audience to create a feeling of speed and future-ready technology which is what Airtel 5G Plus is actually about.”

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Goafest to be held on May 24-26

The 16th edition of the advertising fest will take place at Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, Goa

By exchange4media Staff | Mar 21, 2023 1:47 PM   |   3 min read

goafest

South Asia’s biggest advertising festival, Goafest is all set to make a grand return. Co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2023 is scheduled to take place on 24th, 25th and 26th May at Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, Goa. The prestigious fest will also witness the 54th edition of the ABBY’s, South Asia’s Gold standard, that has been recognizing creative excellence in advertising for over five decades. 

Goafest is the definitive annual festival for the advertising, marketing and media industry that attracts over 2000 industry professionals. The festival is an eclectic platter of knowledge, recognition, networking and celebration that makes each day at this 3-days event a remarkable experience. In addition to presentations and sessions by leading industry experts, Goafest 2023 will host a total of 10 knowledge-sharing masterclasses, the highest to date. The upcoming edition of the festival is also expected to have increased participation and presence from advertisers. 

Announcing Goafest 2023, Prasanth Kumar, President, the Advertising Agencies Association of India and CEO, South Asia GroupM said, “Goafest has cemented its position as the most admirable creative festival in South Asia that truly brings together the best of creative and marketing professionals. Our goal is to offer our industry colleagues three power-packed days of learning, engagement, interactivity and curiosity. We are confident that this year's edition will be the biggest and best yet, leaving each attendee with valuable learnings and benefiting the industry as a whole.” 

“Year after year, Goafest has evolved and innovated, making it the most relevant advertising festival in India. From knowledge-sharing sessions to exclusive speakers, we are certain of having guests from across the globe that will benefit the industry, especially younger professionals, this year as well. For the first time, various committees involving senior industry leaders have been formed thus making the event all-inclusive and broad-based for the entire advertising industry. We look forward to curating a festival that drives participation and empowers the fraternity thus positioning India as a sharper contender in the global advertising landscape.” added Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson Goafest 2023. 

Partha Sinha, President, the Times of India group and President of The Advertising Club, further added, “We believe it is imperative that we celebrate the industry and Goafest enables us to do exactly this. The festival empowers the industry to push creative boundaries and think beyond existing possibilities. We look forward to another year of firsts at Goafest 2023 and encourage India’s creative economy to participate actively.” 

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Asian Paints says ‘Shauq Ki No Limit’ in new campaign

The campaign has been conceptualised by Ogilvy India

By exchange4media Staff | Mar 21, 2023 1:04 PM   |   2 min read

Asian Paints

Asian Paints has launched “Budget mein fit. Shauq ki no limit.” campaign.  Conceptualized by Ogilvy India, in the campaign, the paints are shown to be an ideal solution for homeowners seeking good quality paint within their budget.

The campaign tells a humorous story of a colleague who can fulfil his wishes in his newly painted house, thanks to Tractor Sparc & Ace Sparc Emulsion.

As part of the TVC, the brand has also created a fun, snappy jingle that will stay in consumers' minds and help generate high recall. The jingle conveys Tractor Sparc and Ace Sparc Emulsion's value proposition as high-quality, cost-effective paints that will allow consumers to fulfill other desires through savings on these paints.

Speaking about the new Tractor Sparc & Ace Sparc campaign, Amit Syngle, Managing Director and CEO, of Asian Paints Ltd., commented, “In our endeavor to offer smart, value-for-money offers to the consumer and truly democratize the home décor market, we continue to innovate and launch solutions which offer customer strong propositions. This customer is willing to upgrade to branded solutions, accompanied by a strong quality and décor promise. The new campaign takes quite an entertaining route to communicate the value-for-money proposition of Tractor Sparc and Ace Sparc emulsions.”

Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India, said, “Asian Paints Tractor Sparc & Ace Sparc Emulsion are cost-effective paints that promise to offer a rich finish for interior and exterior walls at low cost. Our new campaign highlights the benefit of this feature with an enjoyable take. What the world thinks when they notice the amazing paint job, and also the things that are bought to fulfill the wishes, with the money saved from the cost-effective paint.”

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Edelweiss Mutual Funds TVC talks of visibility of returns

The ‘Kitna Milega’ campaign showcases Target Maturity Funds' unique investment approach

By exchange4media Staff | Mar 21, 2023 12:34 PM   |   1 min read

mutual fund

Edelweiss Mutual Funds has unveiled its TVC brand campaign ‘Kitna Milega’, which focuses on Mutual Fund products that are designed to provide visibility of returns.

The ad campaign showcases Target Maturity Funds' unique investment approach, which offers investors visibility of returns* on their investments provided they stay invested till the maturity of the fund. This campaign will also have presence on print media, outdoor and digital and social media.

Speaking about the campaign, Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO, Edelweiss MF said, "Inherently we have heard investors always asking ‘How much return will I make in this product’ before they choose to invest in any financial product/ Mutual Funds. Investors want simple products that provide visibility of returns.

We have picked this insight of ‘Kitna Milega’ to build on the communication for Target Maturity Funds. These funds are structured and designed in a way to give visibility of returns to investors and are simple in a structure like traditional deposits. Investors will be able to understand and invest in this category banking on the growing popularity of Debt Passives and Target Maturity Funds," she adds.

The campaign aims to convey a clear message about returns on investment that investors have while investing in mutual funds.

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Tanishq’s Ugadi film celebrates women creating own narratives

The film is a celebration of the brand’s Ugadi collection ‘Vardhini’

By exchange4media Staff | Mar 21, 2023 12:28 PM   |   2 min read

Vardhini

Tanishq has launched a heart-warming digital film for the auspicious occasion of Ugadi.

Tanishq’s first-ever digital film for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is a tribute to every woman who is not only unique in her thoughts and stance but also supports her decisions by being her voice.

The film is a celebration of brand’s beautiful Ugadi collection ‘Vardhini’, which is inspired by rich culture and crafted with precision for the women who prosper and thrive in all their might.

Conceptualised by Tanishq and Mind Your Language, the 75-second digital film showcases a powerful narrative of how a woman of today believes in carving her own path, takes a stand for herself and weaves a magic of her own new narratives. The film is an ode to the progressive women of today who want to create an identity for themselves, strongly believes in the importance of new beginnings and that life after marriage goes beyond motherhood.

Speaking on the launch of the film and the collection, Ranjani Krishnaswamy, General Manager – Marketing, Tanishq, Titan Company Limited said, “Today, women are yearning to carve an identity for themselves and are creators of their own narrative. The film is a tribute to the women who prosper and thrive in all their might and the Vardhini collection is truly a celebration of her extraordinary beauty and beliefs that make her stand apart.”

Deepan Ramachandran, Creative Director- Mind Your Language!, said “Tanishq, like the protagonist Swati in our Ugadi film, has always stood out with their progressive and new thoughts. Their brief to us was to straddle the conventional celebration of Ugadi with the new-age thinking of today’s woman. That’s when we asked ourselves - Why shouldn’t today’s woman dream differently? We found the answer in the story of Swati.”

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